Love, Me

Chapters

Here You Come Again
Up On A Hill
Wait On The Corner
Out Of The Blue Clear Sky
Cold Hard Truth
There's A Stranger In My House
Love, Me?
Epilogue: Church on Apple Grove Road

Here You Come Again

We all love a tale of forbidden love right? I know I sure do. It has an allure to it that few can resist. We've seen these kind of stories since story telling began, which is a long time. Now they all have their difference and similarities and we all have a favorite. Now let Brushy Bill tell you one he knows about.

We begin our story in our favorite place, Ponyville. It is late Winter just before Spring. Winter wrap up is in full swing and the town is a bustle with busy ponies. None more busy than the Apple family. It was getting close to the planting season and everypony was there to help. Applejack had delegated a job for each of her friends. Rainbow Dash was clearing the snow so Big Mac could begin the plowing, tilling and disking. Rarity, Fluttershy, and Applebloom were ahead of Big Mac making sure there were no critter burrows along the plow lines. Pinkie Pie was helping Granny Smith gather the Spring tools in the barn. Applejack and Twilight were doing rounds to each group making everything was on schedule.

"I appreciate y'all's help," Applejack smiled at Twilight as they approached the barn.

"No problem Applejack! It is our pleasure," Twilight looked over and saw across the way, a pony pulling out a for sale sign. "Hm looks like you have new neighbors." She gestured towards the pony. Applejack turned and saw the pony walking away with the sign.

"Well shoot, bout time. That place has been for sale for ever." She returned her attention to the barn and entered.

"Hey Granny, we got new neighbors. We should bake them a pie once they're settled."

"Eh?" The old mare looked out the barn door. "Well bust my bushel, someone finally bought it. Why I remember, eh uh I remember, something..." Granny Smith paused for a second. "Ah heck wasn't important anyway," she shook her head and went back into the barn. "No time anyway, get yer caboose in gear little missy we got our own moving to do." Applejack nodded and the two made their way to field where the rest were.

"Hey Big sis! You see the for sale sign is gone?" Applebloom hollered.

"Yeah, I wonder who bought it?" She questioned. Big Mac stopped pulling his plow and looked over towards the old farm. Off in the distance he could see two ponies milling about but couldn't make out much. For a second he thought he caught a glimpse of a red mane, but wasn't sure. His focus was interrupted by Rainbow Dash.

"Come on you slow poke! I'm already 3 rows ahead of you!" The red stallion huffed and returned to rows.

After a weeks worth of effort from everyone, Sweet Apple Acres was fully prepped for the arrival of Spring. To thank everypony, the Apples had a dinner using the rest of their canned apples from the winter. Applebloom was helping Granny in the kitchen and she brought out the last jar.

"Hold on there missy. Put that one over there. I'm saving those for a pie for the new neighbors." Applejack walked into the kitchen, Big Mac right behind.

"Innit a bit odd that they've been there a week and we haven't seen hide nor tail of em?"

"Yup," Big Mac nodded.

"I thought you said you had seen them Big Mac." Applebloom pointed out. Her brother thought for a second.

"From a distance I saw two ponies working round the house. One of them may have had a red mane." He shrugged his shoulders.

"We'll meet them once I bring my pie to them." Granny pulled two pies from the oven for the dinner. The smell left the oven and could've lifted the largest stallion off their hooves in a cartoonish fashion.

"Smells wonderful as always Granny," he smiled and left out the kitchen door.

"Where's he off too?" Applebloom questioned looking out the window.

"Oh you know our brother, not the best round other ponies. He's probably off to mentally prepare himself for tonight. Best let him be." Applejack walked towards the counter. "Lets finish up dinner."

Big Mac slowly made his way through the orchard, trudging through the mud produced by the freshly melted snow. He eventually reached a tall hill towards the back of the property. It had no snow or mud on it. Just brown dead grass with a few green blades popping here and there signifying Spring was taking hold. He climbed the hill where at the top sat a grand cotton wood tree. Around the base of the tree, where its roots stretched out, was the perfect sittin spot. For those who don't know, sittin spots are something that every farmer chooses. It's a place for contemplation, reflection, decompression, and the occasional nap.

Big Mac sat in his spot and looked out over the farm. He sighed deeply. The oncoming dinner had got his mind wired; his biggest issue would be putting up with the social aspect, but also the noise.

"They're just so loud when they get all together." He sighed again. Looking over the farm he was also able to see the old farm. Again he saw to ponies working around the house. He squinted to try and get a better look. Big Mac could barley make out either but the two almost looked identical. A light colored coat with red mains and tails. Something was familiar about them but Big Mac couldn't quite put it together. The feeling of figuring it out was close but before he could reach the answer, the dinner bell rang out. It snapped Big Mac out of his thoughts and looked down towards the barn. Everyone was gather around the table. "Here we go."

As expected the dinner was loud but at least the food was good. After all plates were cleared and dishes done, Big Mac excused himself and went to his room. It was dark except for the moon beams shinning through his window. Slowly he walked towards the window and looked out. His window faced the old farm and he could see one room had light coming out of it. Big Mac opened the window and stuck his head out. Upon looking harder he could see the silhouette of a pony looking out the window. Though it was dark, he could feel that the pony had also noticed him. After staring for a second he raised his hoof and waved to the pony. The silhouette raised its hoof to waive but then slowly dropped it and ducked back in. Big Mac sat confused for a second and shrugged it off. "Maybe they're shy too." He walked offer to his bed a plopped down. It didn't take long for him to fall asleep. Little did Big Mac know how much his life would change in the coming days.

The rooster crowed in the early dawn waking up the entire Apple family. Big Mac slowly opened his eyes. There was a blue light peaking through his window with the sun just about to crest the mountains. He rolled over and looked up at the ceiling. There was a smell filling the house, a smell that was familiar. The stallion sat up fast and took another sniff. It was the smell of an apple pie. Not just any apple pie a completely home made one, crust and all. Big Mac opened his door at the same time as his sisters. All three peaked out into the hall way.

"That's the best smelling pie I think I've ever smelled." Applebloom bolted from her room to the kitchen, followed by her siblings. The three got to the kitchen just as Granny Smith was placing the pie on the table.

"Gosh Granny isn't it a might bit early for a pie?" Applejack questioned.

"What fool thing to say! Pie time is all the time. But never you mind, it ain't for us." Granny walked towards the window.

"For the neighbors?" Big Mac asked walking beside her.

"Yes sir-ree, gotta make a good impression," Granny Smith smiled, "Just gotta wait for the pie too cool and we'll head over."

The pie had cooled by later in the morning and the family became the little trek across the way. Applebloom was carrying the pie on her.

"I wonder what they're gonna be like. Are they city slickers trying to be trendy with a farm, are they an old couple who wanted to downsize, or is it a major farmer just buying more property or-" The pie almost fell off her head.

"Calm you horses young'en or you'll lose the welcome pie." Granny scolded. "We'll learn soon enough." As they approached they could see two ponies working in the old barn. Big Mac saw one of their tails, red with white highlights. It was familiar but again he couldn't quite place it. They family stopped right at the entrance of the barn.

"Hellooo in there," Granny Smith called, "Next door neighbors here to welcome you with a pie." They was a silent pause with no response. They could barley make out some whispering and then it stopped. Two ponies slowly crept out of the barn. Appleblooms jaw dropped along with the pie from her head. Standing before the Apples were the Flim Flam Brothers. They gave a sheepish smile.

"He-" Flam cleared his throat "Hello Apple family." He smiled nervously.

"What are you doing here!?" Applejack shouted alarmed that her new neighbors were here families long time rival.

"Uh well, we bought this farm." Flim smiled nervously.

"Uh huh and what scheme have you two cooked up this time?" Applebloom questioned. Flim and Flam waved their hooves frantically back and forth.

"No scheme friend Applebloom." Flam spoke fast.

"Yes, we're to simply farm and start a new life." Flim finished.

"Hmm I don't know how much I believe that." Granny Smith squinted her eyes at the two brothers.

"Yeah just when we just starting to forget you, here you come again and waltzing in all innocent hoping we drop our suspicions so you can what?" Applejack questioned.

"Honest truth Apples, we have no schemes." Flam was still frantic. During the whole exchange Big Mac had remained silent and observed the two brothers. They weren't wearing their showmanship clothes with hats, they looked pretty plain, like they actually just want to farm. He looked inside the barn and saw materials and tools to fix it up. He then looked over to the house and fields. the house was newly painted and the field had wagons full of seeds ready to be planted. It seemed like they were totally dedicated. The most convincing part was the fact that Flim and Flam were always trying to make an easy quick bit, but this looked far from easy and quick.

Big Mac returned his attention to the tense conversation. He had been so deep in thought he hadn't noticed Applejack talking to him.

"Right Big Mac?" his sister questioned him. He didn't here the first part and he looked back and forth between Applejack and the brothers.

"Uh," was all he could get out before she started again.

"See even Big Mac agrees. Come on family lets get out of here." Granny Smith and Applebloom turned to follow her. Granny Smith grabbed her pie tin from the ground.

"I can't believe I used my good tin for this." The three walked away, leaving Big Mac confused with Flim and Flam. He looked at the pie on the ground, then to the brothers, to his family and back to the brothers. He smiled shyly and they smiled weakly at him. Big Mac could only say,

"Sorry," before following his family.

Back at the Apple Family home

"Can you believe them? They actually want us to believe they are just farming?" Applekjack was pacing back and forth in the family room. The rest of the family was seated listening to her rant. "After all they have done they expect us to just welcome them?"

"I don't know Applejack, they seemed pretty honest." Big Mac spoke up. He hadn't spoken since going to seem Flim and Flam causing the whole family to turn quickly to him.

"You want to talk to ME about honesty?" Applejack questioned.

"Well, its just, while y'all were arguing, I was looking around and it seemed like they were putting some pretty significant effort into fixing the place up. They barns interior looked good and the house was painted and-" Applejack cut him off.

"Big Mac, its the Flim Flam brothers. It's just another scheme." Big Mac looked down.

"No use fussing Applejack, can't do anything till they do." Granny Smith got up from her chair. "Now come on y'all don't let this distract from our daily chores. Off to it." Granny shooed them all outside.

Big Mac went about his daily chores but couldn't get his mind off the brothers. There was a different feeling to them and his family treated them terribly. Sure Flim and Flam had tried to take their farm on more than one occasion, but something was definitely different this time. The day passed and Big Mac found himself staring out his bedroom window once again. He saw the silhouette of Flim and Flam moving around the house. He still felt terrible about that morning. Big Mac looked over to his shelf where a jar of preserved apples was sitting. It was his special jar. It was the last one from the winter and he usually saved it until the firs apples of the year appeared on the tree. An idea popped into his head and he grabbed the jar and crept down the stairs.

There was no rooster at the Flim Flam Brother's farm, yet Flim was awake at dawn to begin working on the farm. They had made a lot of progress but there was still a lot of work ahead of him. He walked out the front door and was surprised to see a large red stallion making his way up the road. Flim froze, worried about what was going to happen. Big Mac slowly approached and stopped in front of him.

"Mornin." He said in his deep voice.

"M-morning friend. " Flim smiled nervously and cleared his throat "What can I do for you neighbor?" Big Mac shook his head and reached into his saddle bag. Flim was freaking out mentally. 'Oh sweet Celestia, please don't let him pull out a pitch fork or something.' To his surprise Big Mac pulled out a pie and presented it to him. Flim slowly took the pie.

"I want to apologize for my family's behavior yesterday morning." He gestured to the pie, "It probably ain't as good as Granny's but it's something. " Flim was stunned, he couldn't believe the kindness Big Mac was showing him.

"Well, thank you Macintosh, I appreciate it." Flim genuinely smiled.

"You can call be Big Mac, that's what my friends call me." Big Mac genuinely smiled back. There was something there between the two stallions. Something that only time could tell, would change the two families lives.

Up On A Hill

The players are set and our story has begun. Where will it lead. Well I know where it begins, up on a hill.

The sun was getting low in the sky and there was warm Spring breeze blowing threw the orchard. Big Mac was wandering out of the trees after finishing the last of his chores. He stared out across the way at the old, now new farm where the Flim Flam brother were hard at work. Flim looked up for a second, sensing eyes upon him and saw the red stallion walking out of the trees. He gave a little wave and saw Big Mac wave back. This made Flim smile.

"At least he likes us." He laughed and went back to work. Big Mac smiled and looked towards the hill where his sittin spot was. He took a step towards it when he heard the dinner bell being rung.

"Come and get you houligans!" Granny shouted from the kitchen window. Big Mac gave a huff and began wandering towards the farm house. On the table was a dish they call dragon hearts, beans, corn and potatoes that had been fried in a skillet all together. Big Mac was first to sit with Granny Smith at the table. "How was the farm today young'en?"

"Fine." He simply responded taking a scoop of the food.

"Who were you waving at?" Big Mac stopped dead for a second and tried to recover.

"Oh um the-" He was about to say the mail pony but then saw the mail sitting on the kitchen counter. "Ahem, just Applebloom, she was over with the pigs." He said giving the most innocent guilty smile he could muster. Granny side eyed him suspiciously and was about to say something when his sisters walked in.

"Hey y'all whats for supper?" Applejack took off her hat and set it down.

"Whew that ditch sure was a doozie to clear." Applebloom sighed as she sat down.

"Wait I thought you was-"

"Dragon hearts!" Big Mac quickly interjected before Granny Smith could finish her line of questioning. They all stared. making him realize he may have said it a little too loud.

"Wow Big Mac, I didn't know you like dragon hearts so much." Applebloom giggled. He gave a smile and looked down at his plate. Granny looked between the three siblings and decided to let it go.

"Well eat up y'all there's plenty." They began eating, but not long into the meal Applejack spoke up.

"Anyone else see the Flim Flam Brothers today?" This made Big Mac freeze yet again. Granny Smith and Applebloom nodded.

"Yeah they're put an awful lot of work into the front of that old farm. Makes me wonder what the back looks like."

"Probably like sod," Applejack rolled her eyes, "For those two, it's all presentation and no actual work." Big Mac's ear flicked as a sign of irritation though no one noticed.

"I could sneak back there and look," Applebloom looked back and forth between them all, "They'd probably never notice me."

"No way. I don't want you anywhere near those two." Applejack ate her food grumpily. Big Mac sat through dinner silently eating and listening to his family hack on the two brothers. It couldn't be over soon enough. When it did end he helped clean up and immediately left for his sittin spot.

The walk there helped calm his mind. There had been a lot of negativity on the farm the past few days and it was really wearing him down. Big Mac never said much partly because he was shy, but also he didn't want to contribute anything negative to the world. The air was cold as it usually is spring, but it had a pleasant feel to it. He reached the foot of the hill where his sittin spot was. The stallion took a deep breath already feeling better and began the climb. Focusing on each step relaxed him, feeling the grass, listening to wind and birds eased every bit of tension he carried up the hill.

Eventually he made it to his spot. He slowly lowered him self down, settled in and let out a big sigh. "What am I gonna do about them? I mean-" Big Mac was cut off by somepony gasping and the sounds of them scrambling and falling. The red stallion jumped up and peaked around the other side of the tree. There face down in the ground was Flim. Big Mac looked around unsure and then back to the pale yellow stallion. "Uh you ok Flim?" Flim quickly collected himself.

"Oh yes, uh thank you for your concern Big Mac." Flim gave Big Mac an embarrassed smile. Big Mac simply nodded and walked to the other side of the tree where Flim was. He took a seat and gestured for Flim to also sit. Slowly Flim came and sat beside him. They both faced down the hill towards the farms. The hill and tree were right in the middle of the two. "I was up here trying to figure out the border of our farm," He looked over to the Apple Family farm and his farm, "Guess this hill is the divider." He looked up at Big Mac.

"Yup." Flim chuckled and nodded. There was a period silence before Flim spoke up again.

"Oh thanks again for the pie. My brother and I really enjoyed it." Big Mac simply gave a smile to Flim and returned his attention forward. Flim did as well. Still staring out Big Mac asked.

"What brought y'all here?" He gestured to the brother's farm. Flim let a spiteful laugh leave his mouth.

"What indeed my friend." Flim paused for a second. He questioned why and if he would tell Big Mac. They had been rivals for so long yet, he wanted to tell him. "It's been hard Big Mac...my brother and I have tried and failed at so many ventures, most of them dishonest. I think it finally caught up to us. No pony wanted us in there town and we couldn't sell what little we had. We were just outside of Ponyville one day and we saw that farm for sale. It obviuosly needed a lot of work but that made it cheap. With what we had left, we bought the farm and promised to change our ways. We want to become good honest ponies. Like your family." A tear fell from Flim's face. He hadn't noticed but Big Mac was staring at him in shock. Big Mac couldn't believe that Flim just told him all of that, he didn't know what to say. After a few moments of silence Big Mac spoke up.

"You have a long way to go, but I think you've had a good start." He smiled at Flim. Flim looked back at Big Mac, dumbfounded by the words that he had spoken.

"You really think so?"

"Yup." They both smiled and looked out to the farms. They sat there for sometime before Big Mac stood up. "I've got work to do in the morning, but uh," Big Mac looked around him, "I'll be back up here tomorrow evening after supper, If'in you want to talk some more." Flim stood up.

"Uh yeah, Yeah! I think I will be here too." The two stallions smiled at each other. In the back of both of their minds was the urge to go home and get to bed to be well rested for the day coming. However, there was something else there, neither of them really wanted to leave. After the smile became a bit awkward Big Mac said "Goodnight." And turned to walk down the hill.

"Yes goodnight friend Big Mac," Flim waived and left.

Big Mac walked into the house where his sisters still were sitting in the living room.

"You're back later than usual." Applejack pointed out. Big Mac shrugged his shoulders and made his way up the stairs, saying his goodnights along the way. Over at the other farm Flim walked. His brother flam was reading a book on an old wooden chair.

"Well, that certainly to a while.' he said looking up from his book.

"It did indeed brother. Might take me a few more nights to map it all out but I'll get it done. Goodnight" Flim smiled and went off to his room.

That night something odd happened to the two stallions. They felt restless and giddy, excited for the day after, but why? Was it all the work that was ahead, or seeing each other up on the hill?

Author's Note

Hello y'all here is chapter 2. I may pick this one up a bit as it needs to be submitted soon. I hope you all are enjoying it! Thanks to all who read.
-Brushy Bill

Wait On The Corner

Several weeks had passed since the Flim Flam brothers had moved to the old farm, now slowly becoming new. Every night for the last two weeks Big Mac and Flim had been meeting at Big Mac's sittin' spot. They never really had a reason other than to just sit and talk. Flim was telling his new friend about what him and Flam were doing to renovate and get the farm ready for planting.

"And after we finished the porch we can finally start planting." Flim said with such excitement it made Big Mac smile. However after thinking, his smile dropped.

"Uh Flim, the planting season is almost over. If you wait till the porch is done I don't think you'll have time to plant." Flim's face also fell.

"Oh yeah, I guess you're right. We don't have a plow yet to make the rows, and we haven't even decided what we're growing yet. I mean apple trees take four years alone to start producing so we need something until then." He looked up at Big Mac with a weak smile. "Guess we didn't plan to well." Big Mac nodded and looked out to the brothers' farm.

"Maybe I could help you?" he asked.

"Oh no Big Mac! You have already exceeded my expectations with the pie and talking to me up here. I couldn't ask you to help start a whole new farm when you have you own to take care of." Flim pointed to the Apple's farm. Again Big Mac nodded and looked towards the farm. He thought of ways he could help and do it without his family noticing. His family did not know about the nightly talks and Flam didn't know either. The sun started to go behind the hill and it began to grow dim. "I guess that's our time," Flim stood up, "See you tomorrow Big Mac." He turned to leave.

"Wait Flim...Come into town with me tomorrow." Flim turned to Big Mac, stunned for a second, then laughed.

"My friend, ha, are you asking me to join you for a day in town." Flim teased, alluding that it was somehow romantic. Big Mac blushed and shook his head violently.

"What I mean is I have an idea of how you can start your farm even if you can't start a field yet."

"Oh?" Big Mac turned to nodding.

"Meet me at the lumber yard at 10. Wait on the corner and then follow me in."

"Wait on the corner? What am I your secret lover?" Flim teased again. Big Mac laughed and little.

"No no, just don't want word to get back to my family that we were seen together." Flim nodded.

"Ok, I'll see you tomorrow at 10." Flim walked away. Big Mac watched until he was out of sight and then turned to go home. The bottom floor of the Apple family home was empty.

"Guess they all went to their rooms." He made his way to the book shelf in the corner of the living room and found an old green book. "That'll do."

The next morning Flim was waiting on the corner across the road from the lumber yard. He kept scanning the crowd back and forth, looking for Big Mac. While doing so he noticed that no pony was paying attention to him.

"Good, looks like no pony remembers me." he assured himself. He then noticed the large red stallion walking down the road with a wagon in tow. Flim watched him as he came to the lumber yard and looked back at him. Big Mac nodded and went inside. Flim crossed the road and also entered.

Big Mac was inspecting a stack of old rail road ties when Flim walked up next to him. Quietly he whispered to Big Mac, "So we're building a railroad?" Big Mac shook his head and from his saddle bag handed Flim a list. He took it and followed the red stallion as they wandered around the yard. Big Mac stopped again by some small wooden steaks and began loading them into the wagon. Flim looked down at the list. It read '30 wooden stakes, 60 railroad ties, ferterlizer, drip hose. seeds.' Flim was about to ask Big Mac what this was all for, but when he looked up Big Mac was heading towards the yard owner. He caught up to him as the owner was walking away. "What's all this for?"

"Didn't you read the list?" he responded in a hushed tone. Flim nodded. "The back too?" Flim looked back at the note and flipped it over. On the back was a diagram of 5 raised garden beds.

"So we're gardening?" Flim asked even more confused. Big Mac nodded.

"They'll deliver the rail road ties this afternoon. Next is the drip hose and nails we'll need to put the beds together. Meet me at the hardware store next." Big Mac left the yard and down a side towards the next stop. Flim watched him as he went away.

"Now why did he go that way? The main road is faster," he looked down the road and saw all the ponies milling about and realized, "Ah he's letting me take the main road so we're not seen together." While walking to the hardware store something began to nag at him. He couldn't tell why but he felt disappointed, and lonely. Sure him and his only friend had to sneak around town just to run errands but that shouldn't bother him that much...right? Little did Flim know that down some side roads, Big Mac was feeling the same way. He was happy he could help his new friend, but he felt ashamed of how he was treating him. Sending him off on his own to meet him again somewhere else just didn't feel right. The wrath of his sister sat in the back of his mind, but would it continue to influence him?

Despite their efforts to arrive separately, the two stallions wound up at the entrance at the same time. Flim stood awkwardly as Big Mac unhitched himself from the wagon. He couldn't help but stare at the stallion as his feeling of disappointment and loneliness went away. Replacing them was a feeling of happiness, intrigue, and something he couldn't describe. Big Mac stepped out of his halter and caught Flim staring at him. He turned to looked him and cocked his head in confusion. Flim snapped out of it and quickly entered the store. Big Mac shrugged his shoulders and slowly made his way to the door as to not directly follow Flim.

When he got in Flim was standing in the middle and looking around trying to figure which way to go. Big Mac walked up next to him and looked around and then went right. Flim scrabbled quickly to follow. They went to the very end and went up the first aisle. Big Mac stopped as soon they were both in.

"The drip hoses are all they way down that way. Grab at least 60 feet of it. I am going to get the nails. Meet by the wagon when you're done." Before Flim could say anything Big Mac left the aisle. Flim continued down the aisle keeping his focus on the hoses. He wasn't paying attention and ran into and knocked down a pony crossing aisles.

"Oh I'm terribly sorry friend. I wasn't paying attention." He offered his hoof to help them up and didn't realize until she was up, that he had ran into Applejack.

"No problem par-" she stopped when she saw it was him. "Oh it's you. Now it makes sense." She rolled her eyes.

"Honest mistake Applejack." he smiled and quickly walked away towards the hoses.

"Now hang on a minute." Flim stopped and turned back towards her. "What'er you even doing here?" She asked looking around.

"Oh well um, getting drip hoses." He pointed to the hoses.

"What for?"

"Well gosh Applejack, I do own a farm now. I need some drip hose." Flim chuckled nervously.

"Uh huh, what for?" Applejack raised an eyebrow in suspicion.

"For uh," Flim dug out the list from his saddle bag. "For uh my flower beds." He showed her the diagram on the back. She looked at it and back at Flim who was smiling nervously.

"You're really sticking with this new ploy aren't you?" Just as Flim was defending himself Big Mac was walking down a side aisle and spotted Flim. He was about to ask what was taking so long but then he noticed his sister. Panic set in and he stopped immediately in his tracks. Flim noticed Big Mac and told him with his eyes to get out. Applejack noticed his eyes and turned around fast. Big Mac had ducked away just in time. "Your brother here too?"

"No!" Flim said a little to loudly "Uh no, no, he takes care of the house work and I am in charge of starting to grow things." Applejack looked back and forth and rolled her eyes.

"Just stay on your farm." She walked away. Flim sighed in relief. After recovering he got the hose and left the store. Out side the wagon was gone and Big Mac was no where to be seen. Flim sighed in disappointment.

"It's understandable, I would've panicked too." From the alley way came a-

"Psst." Flim looked over and saw Big Mac peaking out. "Is she gone?" Flim looked around.

"Yeah she left a little bit ago." Big Mac walked out.

"Alright we have one more stop. Daisy's plant stand." Big Mac started down a side road. Flim thought for a second looking up the main road, then ran after Big Mac.

"I think it will be safer if we good together. If we go down side roads hardly anyone will notice." Flim smiled hoping Big Mac would agree. The red stallion smiled.

"I guess it will be fine." Together they walked down the side roads and to the flower stand, but stopped dead upon seeing Applebloom there. They ducked behind one of the bouquet displays and watched carefully. Applebloom just wandered around and looked at all the flowers.

"Oh yeah great idea Flim!" Big Mac whisper yelled. " 'Lets walk together no one will notice' " he imitated Flim's speedy delivery.

"Well excuse me Mr. Perfect, it's not like I know what your family does every day. Just tell me what we need and I'll go get it."

"It's on the list!" Big Mac said in frustration.

"You just put seeds! What am I supposed to do with that?" Big Mac opened his mouth to rebuttal but realized Flim was right.

"Right. Um vegetables, enough to fill 4 of the flower beds and then get an assorted flower seeds for the 5th and a bag of fertilizer." Flim nodded and slowly went over to the seed stall. He grabbed cucumber, pumpkin, green beans, carrot, potato seeds along with an assorted flower pack and a bag of fertilizer. Quickly he made his purchase and left thinking he had passed by the young apple with out being noticed. Flim put the rest of the supplies in the wagon and jumped in himself

"Lets go." He ducked down and Big Mac slowly went down the closet side road. After a little, Flim jumped out of the wagon and walked alongside Big Mac. "We heading back to the farm?"

"Yup"

"Ok, I'll see you there." Flim split off to go down a side road.

"Flim wait." he turned around to look at Big Mac.

"We can...we can walk home together." Flim stared at him shocked.

"You sure? After all the problems we ran into today?" Flim asked.

"Yeah, it will be nice. Besides, I don't think we'll be having a sitting talk tonight. We'll be working late." Big Mac began down the road. Flim smiled and followed alongside. Both had immense happiness while walking down the road. Flim was starting to figure out why, yet Big Mac remained blissfully ignorant to the realization within him.

Author's Note

Hello y'all,
Sorry this one has taken a minute to get through. Submission is due this Saturday so I'll be pumping out these chapters. As always thanks to all who read. If you have a ship you like and want me to turn into one of my stories, let me know and I'll see what I can come up with.
-Brushy Bill

Out Of The Blue Clear Sky

Ain't love a funny thing? It happens in the most unlikely places and yet it is almost predictable. It starts small and begins grow overtime and that is what we are baring witness to here. However one can see it and one cannot. As predictable as love can be, it is also easy to predict heartbreak.

"So what is Big Mac's BIG plan with these flowerbeds?" Flim asked elbowing his friend.

"Well last night when I got home I opened up one of my family history books. Like you said Apples take at least 4 years to produce a viable crop, so I wondered how my family did it when they first got to Ponyville. Turns out they sold vegetable for the first few years." Flim nodded and looked back all the supplies.

"Ok it's starting to make some sense."

"After we get these vegetable going we can start think about getting you some saplings to plant." Flim stared at Big Mac as he continued on about all the plans he had made to get his and brother's farm going. He admired how hard of a worker he was and never seemed to tire. Even when working on his own farm he had the energy and drive to help him out. Along with his personality, Flim found himself admiring Big Mac's physical attributes. He was one of the largest stallions he had ever seen; yet despite his imposing size, his face was gentle and his eyes kind. It appeared he never touched his main and that simplicity made him all the more intriguing. The feeling of immense happiness grew inside the more he studied his friend and in the back if his mind Flim knew he was falling for the Big Mac.

"Flim?" Big Mac calling his name shook him out of his studying .

"Sorry, I was uh thinking about the lay out of the farm with all the ideas you you've come up with." Flim scratched his head and looked out towards the farm. They were now on the road that divided the two. The trees on the brother's side were old and in some serious need of pruning. Flim started thinking about how that was going to be a next winter project, and while Flim was thinking about farm improvements, Big Mac observed the light colored stallion. He was tall but not very big but his main was quite impressive. He had no idea how he got the colors to perfectly blend and why it worked so well. Big Mac could see a tired sadness in Flim's eyes, maybe that is why he wanted to help him. But also in his eyes was a hope. As Big Mac understood it, it was a hope to become a better pony. This is true, but there was something else in there that Big Mac did not see or chose not see. In the back of Big Mac's mind was the thought that he may of like Flim, but it remained unnoticed.

Eventually the two made it back the brother's farm and there waiting for them was the rail road ties. Standing in front the ties was Flam. He was staring at the massive pieces of wood and scratching his head trying to figure out who sent them and why. Upon seeing Flam, Big Mac stopped then looked over to Flim, who looked over to his brother and then back to Big Mac, smiled and nodded. Flim grabbed Big Mac's hoof and dragged him over to his brother.

"Hello brother! I see you got our delivery." Flim called out.

"Yes indeed brother, but what-" Flam turned around and saw Big Mac standing there awkwardly with a wagon full of supplies. "Ahem, what is all this for." Flim walked over and put his arm around Flam.

"You see Flam, Big Mac and I have been planning this for a while. I realized that with all the house work we've been doing we'll never be able to plant in time. I relayed this apophony to my friend here and he came up with a brilliant plan to get us started. Isn't that right Big Mac?"

"Uh, yup." Big Mac slowly nodded. Flam looked between the two a few times and let out a chuckle.

"Well this is splendid. Thank you very much friend." Flim ran and jumped on top of one of the piles of ties.

"Well what are we waiting for? Let us get this beds built!"

"Yup!" Big Mac smiled and unhitched him self from the wagon. He walked up to Flam and handed him a list. Flam took it and saw it was a list of tools.

"Flim says you've been working on the house so I am assuming you know where all the tools we need are?" Flam smiled.

"You can count on me to find all you need." Flam saluted and went of to find the tools. Big Mac then turned to Flim standing on the ties. He was beaming with excitement. It made Big Mac chuckle.

"Let's get building."

Throughout the afternoon and late into the evening the 3 built all 5 beds and got the hoses hooked up. Flim and Flam put the stakes where Big Mac directed them to. When it was all done everything was ready to plant.

"Wait to plant till tomorrow morning. That is the best time. Then you can turn on the water and you should be good to go." Big Mac explained walking towards the wagon.

"We cannot thank you enough Big Mac." Flam said staring at the new beds.

"We truly cannot. Why don't you stay for dinner?" Flim offered hopeful.

"No, thank you, I should be getting back to my family. I'm sure they're wondering where I've been all day," he chuckled. Flim nodded is a disappointed understanding.

"But hey, I'll see you tomorrow at our sittin spot." Big Mac said getting hitched up. Flim's smiled returned.

"Yes, yes for sure."

"Have a good night y'all" Big Mac waived and walked back home. The two brother waived back. Flim continued to waive and Flam stared at him. He saw his happiness and the little hope in his eyes.

"That's one special pony huh brother?" Flam noted hoping to catch something from his brother.

"He really is." Flim said in a swoon. Flam chuckled.

"What?"

"My dear Flim, it is not hard to see. You like him." Flam chuckled and walked towards the house. Flim glared at his brother until he was inside. He then looked back towards the Apple farm and could still see Big Mac making his way through the orchards. Flim let out a sigh.

"I really do."

Big Mac made it back to the house just as everyone was sitting down for supper.

"There you are! Where were you all day?" Applejack asked.

"Out," he simply answered as he sat at the table.

"What were you doing?" Applebloom asked.

"Work."

"Wha-" Applejack was interrupted by Granny Smith.

"Oh hush up you. You know better than to ask your brother about his free time. Now lets eat." Applejack eyed Big Mac suspiciously but let it go for the night.

The next day passed without incident and after another oddly quiet family dinner, Big Mac made for his sittin spot. There was a small excitement in him that he still was unaware of but he knew he wanted to see Flim, who was already there waiting for him. As Big Mac approached Flim smiled and waved excitedly. Big Mac laughed and waived back. The two sat and looked out over the two farms.

"How'd the planting go?" Big Mac asked.

"Good, I think. Hopefully by Fall we'll have vegetables to sell." Flim point to a spot on his farm. "Flam and I talked about clearing a spot there for a field." He let a happy sigh. "It's all finally coming together."

"Good to hear." Big Mac smiled.

"None of it would've been possible without your help Big Mac." Flim looked towards Big Mac. "I don't how to thank you." Flim started moving towards Big Mac who hadn't noticed.

"Oh it's no problem at all Flim. It was the right thing to do. I didn't want-" Big Mac was cut off by Flim kissing his cheek. He stiffened up, unable to move or think. Flim leaned away and stared at Big Mac in anticipation of his reaction. When Big Mac could move again he touched his cheek and emotions ran rampant in his head. What just happened, did he like it, did he dislike it, why would Flim do that? He looked over to him. Flim could see the shock on his face and decided to explain.

"I don't know. I felt like it was a way to show you how much you mean to me and this seemed like a good time." He took a breath, "I like you Big Mac, like really like you. Your kind, helpful strong, and simple. What I see is what I get, nothing less, and I like what you have shown me. I'd like to see more." Flim smiled, hopeful and terrified of what was to come next. Big Mac stared at Flim. Big Mac was trying to find the right words, but it wasn't coming. "Life is a funny thing, one day we give up on a dream, then the next...I find a new one. It came out of the clear blue sky."

Big Mac sat there still trying to figure out what to say next. He began to panic. Flim had just sprung this on him and he never thought of Flim in that way but now he was wondering if he secretly had been. His heart pounded and sweat started forming on his head.

"Uh I uh, me eh you." His nerves got best and he shot to his feet. "I gotta go." And with that Big Mac took off down the hill, leaving Flim all alone at the top.

Author's Note

Hello y'all,
Here is the newest chapter. Hope you enjoy!
-Brushy Bill

Cold Hard Truth

Love can be hard and for some it can be harder. I am here to set the record straight and shine the light on this story. Let me introduce myself. I am the cold hard truth.

Big Mac ran clear out of the country and right into Ponyville. He didn't know what he was doing or where he was going, he couldn't even think. Every time he tried, the feeling of Flim kissing his cheek dominated all other thoughts. Feelings of confusion, sadness and guilt swirled in his chest. After running hard for a long while, Big Mac came to a stop. His head hung low as he huffed and puffed, trying to recover from his panic attack. Tears were trying to force their way of his eyes but he wouldn't let them.

It was evening and almost every pony was in their homes relaxing. The streets were dead, all except one part. From Big Mac's left he heard the distinct sound of twin fiddles and a steel guitar. He raised his head and saw he had stopped right in front of the Wild Horse Saloon.

"Yes, a drink to calm my nerves." Big Mac huffed to himself and slowly made his way to the door. When he opened it he noticed hardly any pony in there. The music was coming from a record, and the only ponies in there was the bar tender and a purple stallion in a vest and hat placed on the bar. Big Mac collected himself and walked in. The bartender was bright yellow with a red main and a lemon for cutie mark. She noticed Big Mac and grabbed a glass to make a drink.

"Well hi there stranger. Long time no see." she smiled.

"Howdy Lemon Drop," Big Mac said trying not to sound down and rattled. Lemon Drop however being a bar tender and all noticed instantly. She decided not to ask but opened the drink cabinet.

"What will it be tonight?"

"A butter bronco, make it a double." Big Mac took a seat two away from the other pony.

"Coming right up." Lemon drop began making the drink. The pony sitting down from Big Mac watched closely and then said.

"That looks good," he downed the rest of his drink, "I'll take one too, and put both on my tab."

"You got it." Lemon drop got another glass and started. Big Mac looked over to the purple pony. He had scruff on his chin and a short brown mane a tail. His cutie mark was that of a blue book that read history along the spine.

"Thank ya uh?" Big Mac asked trying to get the strangers name.

"Brushy Bill," he went to tip his hat but realized it was on the bar and let a small chuckle out. "But you can just call me Brushy." He smiled.

"Thank ya Brushy." Big Mac nodded to him. Lemon Drop placed the two drinks on the bar.

"You're racking up quite a tab Brushy." Lemon laughed. Brushy Bill waived his hoof, picked up his drink and moved one stool closer to Big Mac leaving one in between the two.

"What brings ya to Ponyville Brushy?" Big Mac asked. "Not much history here." he gestured to his cutie mark.

"Ah that is where you are wrong my friend. There is history every where," he took a sip from his drink, "Ooo that's pretty good." He then looked over at Big Mac, "I am actually here for you." Big Mac just stared at the stallion next to him.

"How much have you had to drink tonight?" He questioned. Brushy let out a hearty laugh.

"Not nearly enough. Now you don't know about me, but I know all about you Big Macintosh." He took another drink. Big Mac was confused. Who was this pony and what did he know about him? While thinking, he realized the he never gave Brushy Bill his name and Lemon Drop had never said it either.

"And uh, what do you want with me?"

"Well I've come to talk to you tonight about the things I've seen you do."

"Farming?" Big Mac asked. Brushy thought for a second.

"More like cultivation." Brushy finished his drink and pushed it back. "Another please, put some pumpkin in it too." He then turned back to Big Mac. "There's a stallion that we both know. I think you know the one I mean." he nodded to Big Mac. Big Mac stared and thought for second and then it hit him. His heart started pounding and sweat formed on his head.

"F-F-F-Flim?" Big Mac stuttered the name out. Brushy smiled and nodded. Lemon Drop slid the new drink towards him.

"Yeah, yeah him, Flim."

"W...What about Flim?" Big Mac asked growing increasingly nervous. Brushy picked up his drink and observed it.

"Well, it appears to me that he likes you. I saw him not too long ago and he seemed different. Seemed like he'd be willin' to give you his heart and soul," he took a sip, "But all you gave him tonight was some broken dreams." He side eyed Big Mac as he placed the drink back down.

"W-W-W-Well, it's not my fault. He just sprung it on me. Out of no where he just kissed my cheek and confessed he likes me? It's his fault! I am not responsible for whatever he feels." Big Mac caught himself after saying that. Why was he talking to this pony about this problem, how did he even know, and why did he care.

"You say you're not to blame for the love he feels for you; and for the heartache he feels now?" Brushy shook his head. "I say you're nothing but a liar. You're lyin' to yourself about your responsibility to his feelings, lyin' about what he is feeling, and you're lyin to yourself about what your feelings are. You're nothing but a fool. The way you run away from love and pretend it won't affect you."

"And who are you to call me a liar and a fool?" Big Mac questioned angrily. Brushy slowly turned his head towards him.

"I am the cold hard truth." Big Mac was taken aback by Brushy's response. Sensing Big Mac was reeling from what he had said Brushy continued. "Think about it Big Mac, when Flim and Flam first moved here, you could've just let it be. Let them figure it all out. But you didn't. You made them a pie. When you found Flim at your sittin spot you could've kicked him off, told him to never come back there, but you didn't. You sat and spoke with him every night for two weeks. Finally when you realized they wouldn't be able to grown a field this year, you could've left it. Think 'they will figure it out,' but you didn't. You went out of your way to help them, and built them flower beds. You really think you did all of that just because it was right?" Big Mac opened his mouth to respond but Brushy continued. "You did it for him. Not for him and his brother. For him." Brushy took a big gulp from his drink and sighed. "All your life that's how it's been Big Mac, always looking out for others and not your self. Giving more than you take, and ignoring your feelings when all is done. It's good to do right, but this time, look at your actions and feelings together. Why did you do it?"

Big Mac sat and thought. Why did he do it all? Would he have done it for any pony else or was Flim special? The feeling that had been sitting in the back of his mind all this time started to grow in the front. He thought about how happy Flim was whenever they were together, and how happy he was when he was with Flim. He thought about Flim's excitement when he asked him to go to town, and when they built the beds. Finally the feeling was fully formed and he realized.

"I did it because I like Flim...because I love how he gets excited, because." Brushy Bill cut him off by raising his hoof.

"Don't tell me," he motioned to the door, "Go tell him." Big Mac nodded. Brushy smiled "Believe me Big Mac, with him you'll have it all. A partner in life and love to last. Any pony with any sense at all would want that." Brushy finished his drink, reached over grabbed Big Mac's and finished it too. "Get out there friend. Time is running out. Remember me and what we discussed." Big Mac nodded, got up and ran out the door. Lemon Drop looked over at Brushy confused.

"Who the hoof are you?" she asked. Brushy placed several bit on the counter and walked to the door.

"Me? I'm just an author."

Author's Note

Hello y'all
Another chapter done. Hope to finish it all tomorrow
-Brushy Bill

There's A Stranger In My House

When love blooms, not all know, and not all will be happy. But for this moment let's stay in the happy place.

Big Mac although winded from his first run was invigored by his realization and raced back into the country. His mind was swirling with all the words he wanted to say to Flim, and trying to find the right order to say them. He made it back to the brothers farm just as Flim was walking to the porch. He was by himself so Big Mac called out.

"Flim!" Flim recognized the voice and spun around fast. Standing in front of him was Big Mac, trying to catch his breath.

"Oh hey, Big Mac, listen no need to-"

"I'm going to stop you right there Flim." Big Mac huffed out. "I...I've got something to say to you." Flim walked towards the worn out stallion and sat down in front of him.

"Ok?" He said warily. Big Mac took a deep breath.

"Ok," Big Mac leaned forward and kissed Flim's cheek. When he pulled away Flim lifted his hoof to touch his cheek and then look at Big Mac. He was looking down to the side and blushing a little. "I like ya to Flim...I like you a lot. I didn't realize it until you kissed me, and that scared me. I'm awful sorry for running. I hope you can forgive me Flim...and maybe we can try this?" He smiled and looked at Flim sheepishly. Flim stood up and hugged Big Mac tight.

"I think we can try." Tears started falling from both their eyes as Big Mac hugged Flim back. They broke the hug and stood awkwardly together.

"Sooo now what?" Big Mac asked.

"I guess we're colt friend and uh colt friend? Does that sound right?" Flim tapped his chin. Big Mac shrugged his shoulders.

"Maybe colt friends? That sounds better."

"How right you are," Flim got close to Big Mac, "Colt friend," and kissed his cheek. Unlike last time Big Mac was able to enjoy it, and rather then panic his heart fluttered. He took Flims hoof and smiled.

"While I would love to stay here with you my colt friend. I do have chores early tomorrow. But I will meet you at our spot." Flim smiled and hugged Big Mac.

"See you tomorrow." Flim walked away and into his house. When he entered Flam was sitting in a chair by the window with a book in hoof. "You better be actually reading and not snooping." Flim point to the window.

"Hm?" Flam closed his book and calmly took off his reading glasses. "Sorry dear brother, I was to invested in this story."

"Good." Flim turned to walk away.

"It's about these two farmers who slowly falls in love and one confesses to the other on his front porch." Flam smiled. Flim spun around.

"You were snooping!" He accused. Flam stood up and walked to his bedroom with his book.

"You are far too paranoid Flim." He chuckled. "Goodnight brother." He closed his door. Flim sighed and went to his room with a big smile on his face.

Back out side Big Mac watched as Flim entered his house and as soon as the door closed he heard a high pitched voice from a bush.

"Oh my gosh." Big Mac snapped his head around to the sound. From out of the bush came Applebloom. "Big Mac-"

"Applebloom what'er you, why are you, its not-"

"That was soooo cute!" She squealed in a high pitched voice.

"Huh?" Big Mac was shocked his little sister wasn't questioning everything she had seen.

"The way you ran up and called his name and and and then you kissed his cheek, ooooooooh it was so cute."

"What are you doing here Applebloom?" Big Mac asked looking around. "Is any pony else here?"

"Nope just me. I came to see what you and Flim built yesterday." She pointed to the beds.

"How do you know I helped?"

"Well duh, I saw you two are Daisy's yesterday." Applebloom rolled her eyes.

"You saw us?" Big Mac began to panic again, worried that Applejack had also seen them or his little sister told her.

"Uh yeah, you guys weren't exactly well hidden behind the flower display." Big Mac face hoofed.

"Does Applejack know?"

"Nope and you can trust me not to tell any pony." Applebloom looked towards the brothers house. "I don't want any pony, even Applejack to ruin this." She smiled at her big brother. He smiled back. The validation felt good and it was a weight off his shoulders that at least on of his family members knew.

"Thank you Applebloom, let's go home." Together they walked back home.

A few weeks later

Big Mac and Flim had been seeing each other every evening for the last several weeks, enjoying on another's company and had even gone out a few times. Not into Ponyville of course but out and about. During this time they grew closer and bolder in there time together. One evening while out at the sittin' spot, Flim, resting his head on Big Mac looked towards the Apple's farm.

"I sure would like to see your house." he sighed. Big Mac nodded.

"Maybe someday my sisters will go out and I can sneak you around Granny."

"What romantic time." Flim rolled his eyes and stood up.

"Something wrong Candy Cane?" Big Mac had taken to calling Flim, Candy Cane, not the best nickname, but Flim loved it every time he heard it.

"We've been colt friend's for a few weeks now and your family doesn't know. They don't even know you helped with the beds."

"Well Applebloom knows." Big Mac smiled sheepishly. "I'm sure Granny would come around eventually. It's Applejack that concerns me the most." He looked over his shoulder nervously expecting her to appear.

"I understand Big Mac, but maybe we can tell them soon?" Flim asked with pleading eyes. Big Mac sat and thought for a second.

"How bout this," he stood up. "Here soon my sister is having a dinner with all her friends. Why don't you come and we can introduce ourselves then." Flim stared at Big Mac.

"You want to introduce your colt friend to your sister AND her friends? Which may I remind you, have had several problems with my brother and I over the years. Running away together sounds like a better plan than that." Big Mac's ears went down.

"True." He took a deep breath "Then how about I plan a dinner with just my family. I'll tell them I'm bringing two guest. You and your brother come and once we get past he first rough part, we can tell them." Flim thought for a second and then sighed.

"Its a start." He kissed Big Mac's cheek. "Let's fleche it out a bit more tomorrow evening. But I still like the running away together idea." Big Mac laughed and stood up. The two hugged, said their good nights and left.

Big Mac entered the house and went straight to his room. Applejack watched him the whole time until she heard the door. close.

"Has any pony else noticed a difference in Big Mac?" She asked her granny and sister. Applebloom tightened her mouth and looked at Granny Smith.

"Oh you know your brother. He's always been a shy secretive one." Granny rocked in her chair.

"But that's what's different. He seems less shy and more secretive." Applejack scratched her head.

"He also seems happier." Applebloom pointed out.

"Yeah but why. There's a silence between us now, I've never heard it before. He never says anything at dinner. There's some changes going on as I understand it, but I can't tell what."

"Maybe he's found himself interested in something. He has been reading a lot about vegetable farming." Granny looked at the bookshelf. "I should know. He's messed up the whole shelf." she grumbled.

"When he's not working he's always looking out yonder, a million miles away. And every time I ask him what's up, he never has much to say. I've been suspicious for a while and I've asked him questions about his daily goings and he always has alibis. Is it just my imagination, or does it feel like there is a stranger in this house?" Applejack asked the two. Applebloom said nothing and Granny shrugged her shoulders. Applejack looked at her sister. "You're being awful quiet Applebloom."

"Oh I uh just have nothing to contribute." Applebloom smiled. Applejack got closer to her.

"You know something don't you." Applebloom began to sweat and look every where but at her sister.

Up stairs Big Mac was reading about the starting of orchards and trying to figure out if grafting was an option to help the brothers out. From his window he heard a tap. He looked over and saw Flim waiving at him. Panic and happiness set in and raced to the window, opening it quickly.

"Candy Cane!? What are you doing here?" He looked down and saw the ladder under Flim, "And where did you get that ladder?"

"I just wanted to say hi, and your family has ladders everywhere. It wasn't hard to find." Flim smiled innocently. Big Mac rolled his eyes and laughed. He looked back to make sure the door was closed and then back to Flim.

"Want to come in?" Flim blushed.

"Into your bedroom? That's a big step." He poked his head in and looked around, causing the weight on the ladder to shift making it fall backwards. Flim lost his balance but Big Mac grabbed onto him and pulled him through the window. The momentum caused the two the tumble over each other leaving Flim on top of Big Mac. They both laughed before catching each other's eyes. Staring into each other's eyes they slowing leaned towards each other meeting in the middle with their first kiss.

Back down stairs as Applejack was about to grill Applebloom about what she knew, when they all heard a large crash. Applejack scrabbled up the stairs with Applebloom close behind trying to slow her down.

"Oh that was probably just the wind AJ or maybe some lightning." But before she could do anything else Applejack opened Big Mac's door.

"Big Mac you-" She stopped upon seeing her brother kissing Flim.

Love, Me?

The moment that Big Mac heard his sister's voice, he jumped to his hoove sending Flim tumbling back towards the window. Flim shot up and opened the window, but immediately remembered the ladder had fallen. He put on the most innocent smile he could muster and turned back to the Apple family. Slowly he walked back next to Big Mac.

"Uh hello Applejack...g-g ahem, good to see you again." Applejack just stared with her mouth wide open. Applebloom had her face in her hooves prepared to hide from her sister's wrath.

"Wait, wait hold on, I'ma getting there." Granny called slowly coming up the stairs. When she made it to the top she saw the the scene. Granny squinted at Flim and then it dawned on her.

"HA! I told you he had found himself interested in something...or was it someone?" She elbowed Applejack. Granny cackled for a second and then stopped. "But eh I don't know what this has to do with vegetables?" Flim and Big Mac side glanced at each other then back to the family.

"I don't suppose we could go down stairs and have a civil discussion?" Flim asked hopeful. Applebloom nodded furiously, Granny was still thinking about vegetables and Applejack still had said nothing.

"What about an uncivil discussion out in the pig pen?" Big Mac asked. Still Applebloom nodded and no one else responded.

"How about we have some pie?" Flim asked.

"Not now Candy Cane." Big Mac rested his hoof on Flim's shoulder. That shook Applejack out of her stunned silence.

"Candy Cane?!" she shrieked. Big Mac winced and looked at his sister.

"Yeah uh, that's, that's Flim's nickname." Big Mac said with worry in his voice.

"Awww that's so cute." Applebloom squealed. Applejack snapped her head around to her sister.

"You did know something." She glared at her. Applebloom smiled and took off down the stairs. Flim and Big Mac watched her all the way down and lowered their ears.

"There goes our ally." Flim sighed. Applejack opened her mouth say something but Granny Smith stopped her.

"Now hold on there missy. I like Flim's suggestion of civil conversating down stair."

"You do?!" Applejack yelled shocked even more than before.

"You do?" Flim and Big Mac asked simultaneously as their ears perked back up. Granny Smith nodded.

"While I'd prefer something less civil." She looked at the two stallions, "I think this requires a more civil touch." Applejack grumbled and stomped down the stairs. Granny started down too, "Come on you two. I'm sure this will be a hoot," She cackled down the stairs. Big Mac and Flim looked at each other, nodded to assure one another and together made their way down the stairs.

Granny rearranged the living room so everyone was facing each other as not to make Big Mac feel he was on trial. He and Flim were on the couch together, Applebloom on a stool across from them, Granny Smith in a rocking chair to their right and across from her was Applejack. For a while there was a long tense silence. Applebloom was the first to speak.

"So uh, how is the vegetable garden going?"

"Oh um, good so far. We have our first few sprouts poking out." Flim responded looking around nervously.

"Ah so that's why the bookshelf is all messed up eh Big Mac?" Granny teased Big Mac.

"Yup." he nodded slowly.

"Well it's a good start, that's how we-" Granny Smith was cut off by Applejack.

"Are you kidding me?" She stood up, "We're all just talking like this is normal?" Applejack pointed at Flim. "Him and his brother tried to ruin us multiple times." She then pointed to Granny Smith, "They tricked you into buying some fake potion to make you feel younger."

"Well I did feel younger." Granny scratched her head trying to remember. Applejack continued and pointed at Applebloom.

"And you. How long have you known about this?" Applebloom sat and thought.

"Um a few weeks maybe."

"Weeks!? And you didn't tell us?"

"Well you and Granny are always telling me not to interfere with other business and to let Big Mac be." Applebloom smiled smugly at Applejack. She just rolled her eyes and then turned to Big Mac.

"You're probably the worse here. How often does he come over here to makeout." Flim shifted avoiding Applejack's gaze.

"That, was actually our first kiss." he quietly laughed. Big Mac nodded and looked at his sister.

"This isn't how we wanted you to find out. I actually wanted to wait a while. It was Flim who wanted to tell you." He looked to Applebloom.

"You did nothing wrong little sister. Flim and I really appreciate what you've done for us the past few weeks." He then turn back to Applejack. "This is why I wanted to wait. I knew you were still mad as a hornet about them two moving here. I was hoping to wait till they proved they were sincere in there intentions. But now that we're here, I'll tell you." Big Mac took a deep breath. "Family, Flim is my colt friend. We started talking about a little over month ago, meetin' at my sittin' spot. I helped them with the vegetable garden. I was with Flim when you ran into him at the store. It was all my idea. After spending so much time together, we grew closer and well here we are." Big Mac crossed his front legs in defiance of whatever Applejack had to say. She stared at her brother. It was probably the most he had ever spoken at one time.

"Big Mac," she sighed "It's him." Big Mac nodded.

"And that's why I love him." There was a shocked silence in the room. Even Flim was shocked at Big Mac's words. He stared at his colt friend.

"Love, me?" he asked. Big Mac turned to his colt friend and nodded with a gentle but nervous smile. Flim smiled back. He felt empowered and more confident. He looked at Applejack.

"Applejack, you might not understand, and I know you don't like me none." He stopped himself, "Look at me, talking like you." He poked Big Mac and returned his attention to Applejack. "You may not like me, but I love your brother so." Applejack was taken aback by the honesty in his voice. Being the element of honesty she knew a thing or two about it. Flim continued "We made some plans on how to go about this. One crazy one was to run away together. Since I've started seeing your brother, we've grown in so many ways. I knew I liked him before he knew he liked me. I got there before he did but I didn't give up on him. I didn't know how long he'd be, but I knew he wouldn't let me down. Until now and then, I always hoped he'd say he loved me." Flim smiled at Big Mac with tears in his eyes. Big Mac let a tear fall from his face.

That was perhaps Applejacks's biggest shock of the night. Knowing Big Mac all her life she had never seen him cry, but as Flim said those words to him, his eyes filled up with tears.

"Awwwwwwwwwwww," Applebloom swooned watching it play out. Granny Smith simply rocked and smiled. Applejack didn't know what to say. She began to feel immense guilt. Blinded by past events she had failed to see how much Flim had actually changed, and how happy he made her big brother. Applejack hung her head and sat down.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. The others stared at Applejack. Flim stood up and walked towards her. He took her hoof. Applejack looked up with tears in her eyes.

"I forgive you Applejack. Prior to my brother and I moving here, we gave you no reason to trust us. I am sorry for all the past things we have done. But we can now start fresh." He smiled. Applejack nodded and smiled.

"Sure thing, friend."

"Yay! That means more cute moments for me!" Applebloom jumped up. Big Mac laughed and shook his head as Flim returned to the couch.

"Well now that that's over, how about-" Granny Smith was interrupted by a knocking at the door. They all looked at each other and Big Mac got up to open it. It was Flam looking quite panicked.

"Oh thank goodness you answered the door Big Mac." He sighed in relieve. "Have you seen Flim, he never came home and it's getting late and-" Flam stopped when he saw his brother on the couch with the rest of the Apple family. "Oh...hello everyone." They all waived. Applejack got up and walked to the door.

"Howdy Flam, want to join us for some pie?" Applejack asked sincerely, "As an apology for how I acted last time, and make up for the first one."

"Well sure, but Big Mac already made up for the first one." Flam smiled. Applejack glared at her brother.

"You made them a pie too?" Big Ma smiled innocently. Applejack just laughed and shook her head.

"Come on in Flam." Everyone walked to the kitchen. Flim sat on the couch until Big Mac came back to him.

"Love me?" He asked Flim. Flim smiled and nodded. Big Mac leaned in a kissed him. They pulled away from each other and smiled.

"Less exciting than the first." Flim said. They both laughed and walked into the kitchen together.

And here is where our story ends. A question that every pony wants answered has been for these two. Was it predictable? Maybe, but it sure was fun wasn't it? That's how love should be, fun. Now go through life and find that special some pony who will answer your question; Love me?

Author's Note

Hello y'all
Don't worry this is not the end. There's a fun little epilogue coming
-Brushy Bill

Epilogue: Church on Apple Grove Road

We now enter back into the story of Big Mac and Flim. When we last left they had just smoothed things over with the Apple family and everyone was on better terms. Two years have passed since then and I am happy to say that the day finally came where they were to get hitched, Or married as the city folk call it. Big Mac's family had thrown quite a hoot of a bachelor's party. How do I know? Well shoo, I was invited. I was the one who got these two together after all.

Big Mac was rudely awakened by a beam of sunlight shining directly in his eyes. He grumbled and slowly rose to his feet. Looking around he saw the aftermath of his party. Pie tins and cider bottles were all over the floor of the living room. Applejack was snoring with a pie tin on her face, Granny was on the stair banister with a lamp shade over her head, Applebloom was in Granny's rocking chair with wearing her glasses as well. Big Mac looked over to the kitchen and saw Brushy Bill under the table with at least 10 cider bottles around him. He shook his head to wake up and looked at the clock. His heart stopped. 11:47.

"Holy sod!" He yelled rousing everyone except Brushy.

"Eh what ah, Big Mac! I raised you better than that!" Granny hollered as she slowly got off the banister.

"Every pony up! It's 11:47, now. We got 13 minutes to get to the Church on Apple Grove road!"

"10 minutes!?" The Apple family responded. Brushy just responded with more snoring.

"Granny, get my out fit, Applejack, get the wagon, Brushy-" he paused looking back at his best stallion, "Applebloom, wake up Brushy! I gotta wash up." The Apple family scrabbled around getting every in order the best they could with the limited amount of time. Big Mac went out side and dunked his head into the large trough, Applejack bolted for the barn with Granny close behind with Big Mac's outfit.

"Come on Brushy wake up." Applebloom was pushing on his back try to get him to sit up.

"Applebloom, Brushy come on, we gotta go!" Applejack hollered.

"Brushy won't wake up." Applebloom struggled out the door dragging him along. Big Mac sighed and rushed over to help. They eventually got him the wagon. Big Mac raced around to the front to get hitched but Applejack was already there.

"I've got this brother, you get in and let Granny fix you up. I'm faster anyway." Big Mac smiled.

"Thanks AJ," he jumped in and Applejack took off down the road. Granny started fixing Big Mac's hair and putting a fancy collared shirt on. The wagon was bumpy causing every pony to jostle around in the back.

"Oh boy, the pies are coming back." Applebloom grumbled queasily. Quickly she stuck her head over the side to be sick.

"How's it going back there?" Applejack called. Big Mac looked at his family and friend, laughed and called back.

"Billy's passed out in the back but I think he's alive. Applebloom's got her head hanging over the side." He looked at his pocket watch. 11:57. " Here we are only 3 minutes away, what's the matter with ya Applejack, I thought you said you could drive." Applejack sighed and picked up her speed. Granny Smith looked at her grandson and smiled.

"You're ready." A tear of happiness fell from her face. Big Mac hugged his Granny and looked up the road.

"Just a few minutes away, there's a church sittin' back in the orchards. I promised I'd be his." He looked at his pocket watch. It now read 12. "Wouldn't be surprised if he was standing there cryin." Applebloom raised her head for a second.

"He loves you Big Mac, he won't give up so easily," she ducked her head back down to continue being sick. Big Mac smiled.

"He's sweeter than the dew on a fresh apple, warmer than a pie in summer. Most handsome stallion I have ever known. And he is waiting for me on Apple Grove road."

Finally only a few minutes later Applejack had gotten them to the church. When they pulled up Flim and Flam were waiting out side. Flim's face lit up when he saw Big Mac jump out of the wagon.

"And I thought you weren't coming." Flim hugged him tight and looked at the family getting out of the wagon "You didn't party too hard did you?" Flim raised an eye brow.

"Us? No." Applejack waived him off. From the wagon came a big yawn and Brushy slowly stood up and stretch. He looked around and saw they were at the church.

"Ha! Well what do ya know," he jumped out of the wagon, "we were rockin' all night you know, but we got ya to the church on Apple Grove road."

"We?" Applejack glared at Brushy, who nodded.

"Yup. Now let's get this done." He patted Big Mac and walked into church. The Apple family rolled their eyes and walked in with Flam in tow. Big Mac and Flim stood out side and looked at the church. Big Mac turned to his soon to be husband.

"Ready Candy Cane?"

"Yup." Flim responded with a kissed his cheek.

Together they walked into the church to begin there new journey together.

The End

Author's Note

Hello y'all
I hope you enjoyed this story. It was definitely my most ambitious story yet. Doesn't mean its the best but I am pretty happy with this one. Thanks to all who read and let me know if you have a ship you would like me to turn into one of my stories. See you all in the next story.
-Brushy Bill