Broken Hearts and Busy Hooves
by Littlecolt
Chapter One - Cheerilee
“It’s lovely! And so... big!” said Cheerilee as she gazed with bewilderment at the massive heart-shaped card before her. To call it a card didn’t seem quite right, though. It was almost like a blanket made out of paper and glitter. Three of her students had made it for her as a gift for Hearts and Hooves Day, and she was honestly touched by the amount of effort they had put into making it.
“We just wanted to let you know that we think you’re the best teacher in the whole wide world!” said Apple Bloom, one of the students standing in front of the progressively sagging decorative piece of art.
“And that we think you’re super! And that we love you so, so much!” continued Apple Bloom as her two friends, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle failed in their attempts to keep the giant heart from toppling forward on top of them. It came crashing down as Apple Bloom finished speaking.
“And we want you to have the best Hearts and Hooves Day ever!” Apple Bloom finished, despite being covered in a glittery pile of paper and frills.
“Ever!” her two friends said in unison with her as Cheerilee lifted the edge of the heart back up off of them.
Goodness gracious! Cheerilee thought to herself. These girls really go all out when they decide to do something! It reminds me of that performance they did at the school talent show. Quite the flashy display.
“Thank you so much, girls!” Cheerilee said with sincerity. “I love it! I really do.”
Sweetie Belle stood up and leaned in towards Cheerilee. “Oh, I bet it’s nothing compared to the gifts you gotten from your very special somepony!” she said, nudging Cheerilee with her elbow.
Cheerilee felt a twinge in her chest. Of course, I knew this was going to come up somehow. she thought. Just brush it off, maybe they won’t ask any questions.
“Oh, I don’t have a very special somepony at the moment,” Cheerilee said nonchalantly as she turned away from the three fillies and walked towards some of her other students.
“Really?” asked Applebloom, her voice laced with surprise.
“How could a pony as amazing as you not have a very special somepony on Hearts and Hooves Day?” asked Sweetie Belle. Cheerilee dropped the decoration she was holding and rolled her eyes.
You should have known better, Cheerilee. she thought to herself. Its those three, so of course there would be follow-up questions. I really don’t need this, and of all days, it had to be today, of course.
Cheerilee turned back to the three fillies, regaining her composure. “It’s all right, Sweetie Belle. I have lots of good friends and wonderful students who care about me very much,” she said, as she accepted a Hearts and Hooves Day card from another student. “I’m going to have an absolutely terrific Hearts and Hooves Day!”
Yeah, terrific, she thought. Sitting at home alone drinking cheap wine and trying to forget how lonely I am. Despite this, she kept a smile on her face for her students. She refused to let them see her upset.
“Alright, everypony!” she announced, turning towards the rest of the class. “Who’s ready to play pin the heart on the pony?” Her students enthusiastically responded, and soon things were back to normal, and away from any uncomfortable subjects. The rest of the school party went by without so much as a peep from Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, or Scootaloo regarding Cheerilee’s relationship status, much to her relief.
Finally, the students had all left, and Cheerilee was alone in the classroom. She sat down in front of her desk and pulled a stack of papers from a drawer, assignments that needed grading. She would normally take this sort of work home with her, but she really didn’t want to go home any time soon. Not on Hearts and Hooves Day.
She glanced around, making sure no one was left inside, and then pulled a small glass bottle from the back of her bottom desk drawer. She pulled the lid off of it with a pop and took a swig of the amber-colored liquid inside. She set the bottle down on her desk and gave the flavor and aroma a moment to permeate into her sinuses before swallowing.
“Ahhh...” she exhaled, a smile crossing her lips. “Okay. No more dwelling on the past. My little ponies are counting on me, so let’s get these graded.”
She genuinely loved all of her students. Sometimes, like any children, they lacked tact, but she loved them all the same. Hearts and Hooves Day was just a particularly touchy day for her, that was all. She couldn’t help but think about what they had said, though.
“How could a pony as amazing as me not have a very special somepony on Hearts and Hooves Day?” she asked herself, pulling the bottle back up for another sip. The mouth of the bottle made another pop as it left her lips. “See, I shouldn’t be thinking about how I don’t have anyone today!” She took another pull and then slammed the bottle down onto the desk.
“It’s the other part! The amazing part!” she said, her voice increasing in volume. “That’s right! I am amazing, or at least my students think so! That’s good enough for me! I should go out there and live a little tonight! I should really make this Hearts and Hooves Day terrific!”
She lifted the bottle up again, and began to take a big chug from it when she heard the door to the classroom opening. She quickly tossed the bottle into a drawer and slammed it shut. She looked up and swallowed the spirits that were left in her mouth down as hard as she could. Her eyes were slightly glazed over from the sudden intake of alcohol, but she recognized Sweetie Belle approaching her desk.
Cheerilee cleared her throat. “Hello there,” she said with a smile. “What can I do for you, Sweetie? Do you have a question about something?”
I sure hope that’s all this is about, Cheerilee thought. And here’s hoping she didn’t hear me just now.
“Actually, Miss Cheerilee, the girls and I need some help identifying a tree we found over by the gazebo,” said Sweetie Belle with an innocent smile on her face.
Thank Celestia, thought Cheerilee.
“I’d be glad to help you with that, Sweetie Belle,” said Cheerilee, “But I have to finish grading these papers first. Can you go wait for me for a few minutes?”
“Sure thing!” said Sweetie Belle. “We’ll be over by the gazebo waiting!” She then rushed out the door, giggling as she went.
Cheerilee raised an eyebrow. I wonder what’s so amusing about that tree that’s got her so giddy. she thought. I better give this buzz a few minutes to cool down before I head out there, in any case.
After a few minutes, Cheerilee stood up and hobbled towards the door. She caught herself against the door frame, took a deep breath, and then walked out the door. It took all of her concentration just to walk in a straight line, but once she was outside the classroom, you would have to be very observant to even tell she was under the influence.
As she walked down the road towards the park where the gazebo was at, she began to see couples everywhere. Holding hooves, sitting on benches together, there was even a couple hiding behind a bush making out in broad daylight.
Cheerilee rolled her eyes. Get a room, for crying out loud! she thought, but then sighed and looked at the ground as she trotted along slowly. But it’s not like I haven’t done that before, myself. Of course, it’s been years, now. You know, it was even on Hearts and Hooves Day, too.
It was at least four years ago, back when she was still a new teacher in Ponyville...
Cheerilee read the note in front of her again, still suspicious of its contents.
Cheery, she read to herself. Cheery was her nickname at the time, though she didn’t usually like anyone calling her that. Still, for her good friends, she would allow it, despite the fact that they had invented the nickname all on their own, supposedly based upon her cheery personality.
I am totally going to hook you up with a nice, attractive guy for Hearts and Hooves Day. Seriously, I just about flipped out when I heard you didn’t have a special somepony! I just don’t get how someone as sweet as you wouldn’t! she continued reading, and rolled her eyes a bit.
Just come to the park, by the fountain, at noon, and leave the rest to me. I’ll have a total hottie lined up for you waiting by the fountain! she finished reading.
“Well, if anything, it’ll be amusing to see just who Junebug thinks I should be dating,” she said to herself with a laugh. “Might as well get this over with.”
She stepped out of her house and headed towards the park. She arrived just before noon and scoped the fountain out before approaching it. There were several ponies around it, some of them were couples spending time together on Hearts and Hooves Day.
She walked up to the fountain and glanced around nervously. She could count three stallions that were there without mares. None of them seemed to pay her any mind as she took inventory. The first was a lanky fellow with a hat and a bow tie leaning back against a tree. Not her type, really, so she hoped it wasn’t him. Of course, it would be like Junebug to play a joke like that on her, so she looked away from him quickly to be certain to not make eye contact.
The second was a rather large, stocky red stallion who was leaned over a bench trying to fix a plank that had been knocked out of place somehow. He was obviously there to fix the bench, not to look for a date. Cheerilee noticed his cutie mark was a big apple with a slice taken out of it, and thought to herself.
Now that’s strange. Now that I think about it, isn’t that one Applejack’s family? she thought. What’s he doing out here fixing a bench? I figured he’d be working over on the farm.
She shook her head with confusion and looked at the last stallion who was alone. He was not too bad, to be honest. He was clean cut with a dark brown mane, and handsome in the face. She didn’t have much time to admire him, though, because he turned his head and spotted a gray pegasus mare across the park and ran towards her.
Well, there goes that idea, she thought. Looks like he’s got a little flier girl. Lucky him.
She looked back at the lanky pony under the tree and groaned, getting the feeling that it was definitely him, and this was definitely Junebug’s idea of a joke. The stallion lifted the brim of his hat and glanced over towards her with a smile.
Geh! she thought, turning her head back to the red stallion, who had now finished fitting the plank back into place on the bench. She walked over to him and sat down on the bench.
“Nice job fixing the bench,” she said with a smile, glancing over at the stallion under the tree, who had thankfully put the hat back over his eyes and leaned back again. “Do you do this sort of work a lot?”
“Yep,” said the stallion, very plainly with a slight southern drawl.
“So, you work out here in the park and on the farm?” Cheerilee asked.
“Nope.” said the stallion, just as plainly as before.
“Wait, so you don’t work on the farm?” Cheerilee asked, now genuinely confused.
“Nope.” said the stallion.
Cheerilee blinked, not even sure how to interpret that. “Nope you do work on the farm, or nope you don’t?” she asked, now determined to get more than a one word out of him at a time.
“I do,” he replied.
“Well, that’s two words. We’re making progress, now!” she said aloud, laughing. The stallion laughed with her.
“Sorry,” the stallion said, and cleared his throat. “I guess I’m just not much of a talker.”
“A man of action, huh?” said Cheerilee, now studying him a bit more closely. He had a big, curved jaw, a golden-colored mane, bright green eyes, and freckles on his face.
He’s actually kind of cute, in a way. Cheerilee thought to herself. Gah! What am I thinking? Though I did come here for a blind date...
“So... if you’re not here to work, why were you fixing the bench?” Cheerilee asked.
“Just somethin’ to do while I was waiting,” the stallion said, glancing towards the ground.
“Ahhh...” said Cheerilee as if she’d figured something out. “You must be waiting for your girlfriend, eh?”
The stallion shrugged his shoulders and continued to look towards the ground. Cheerilee could make out the slightest discoloration on his cheeks.
Wow, he’s blushing! she thought, and felt a bit disappointed. Guess I hit the nail on the head. Too bad for me.
“Well, I should probably be going,” said Cheerilee. “I don’t want to give her the wrong idea. It was nice to meet you, though, um...” she said as she extended her hoof towards him.
The stallion raised his head and lifted a hoof to touch hers. “Big Macintosh,” he said.
“Big Macintosh!” she repeated. “It was very nice to meet you. My name is--”
“Cheerilee,” Big Macintosh finished for her. “You’re the Ponyville school teacher.”
Cheerilee smiled. “Ah yes, I suppose you would know who I am from Applejack. You one of her uncles?”
“Nope,” said Big Macintosh. “Older brother.”
“Ah, right, well that’s nice,” said Cheerilee. “Well, anyway, like I said, I better go. Don’t want your girlfriend getting mad at you!” She turned and began to walk away from him.
“Wait,” she heard him say from behind her. She turned around and looked back at him. He was standing there with his hoof still stretched out towards her, seemingly at a loss for words.
“I was waitin’ for you...” he finally said, quietly, as he turned his face back towards the ground. Cheerilee could see his face turning a brighter shade of red than before, and could feel a bit of warmth in her cheeks as well.
This is the guy Junebug set me up with? she thought to herself, and began to feel nervous with the realization of that fact. She started to back away from him slowly, her legs acting on their own will.
“Oh,” she said nervously. “So you’re the one I was supposed to meet here?” She was still backing away as she spoke, and Big Macintosh had begun to walk towards her.
Big Macintosh nodded his head slowly as he approached her. She kept backing away, all the same.
Stop, stupid legs! Quit shaking! she thought, while her eyes stayed locked onto Big Macintosh.
“Hold on, you’re gonna--” Big Macintosh started to say, but it was too late.
Cheerilee felt one of her back hooves hit an incline and she lost her footing. With a slip and a trip, she fell backwards down a short hill and over a hedge. The world was spinning for a moment. She shook her head to try and regain her senses as Big macintosh’s big red freckled face hovered into her field of view.
He bent over and leaned his face towards hers. “You okay?” he asked, his eyes full of concern.
Maybe it was the adrenaline from falling down the hill. Maybe it was her nervous energy from realizing she’d been talking to the guy she was supposed to be meeting with for a few minutes before realizing it. Maybe it was the bump to her head when she hit the ground. Whatever it was, though, just took control of Cheerilee at that moment.
She lifted her head up, closed her eyes, and pressed her lips against his. Big Macintosh’s eyes shot wide open and his jaw began to shake. Cheerilee raised her hooves and wrapped them around his head, hoping to keep him there for just another second before he would inevitably pull away.
Well, this is over, now, Cheerilee, she thought to herself. You’ve forever creeped him out and made him think you’re some sort of hussie.
To her surprise, though, he didn’t pull away, but instead reciprocated, kissing her back and ceasing any resistance he’d attempted in the first couple seconds. The two of them would lie there kissing for minutes, partially hidden by a bush, as the sound of the leaves in the trees and the water in the nearby pond filled their ears.
Cheerilee shook her head and continued to hobble towards the park. Just old memories, now, she thought to herself. Those days sure were great, but had to come to an end.
As she walked up the hill towards the gazebo, she could see Sweetie Belle waiting for her, along with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo.
“Hi, girls!” she called out to them in a cheerful tone. By this time the alcohol had partially worn off, so it was taking much less effort to act normally.
“Hiya Miss Cheerilee!” the three fillies said in unison.
“You three said you need help identifying a tree you found here near the gazebo?” she said, looking down at them. They nodded their heads and quickly pointed towards a large apple tree in the distance.
Cheerilee tried her best to stay calm as she stated the obvious. “That’s an apple tree.”
“Is it?” said Apple Bloom, which caused the three fillies to burst into a giggling fit.
She shook her head towards them in confusion, but was startled by the sound of something metallic being placed beside her. She looked up and had to hold her breath to keep calm.
It was Big Macintosh, who had just set a tool box down on the ground.
What is he doing here? Cheerilee thought to herself. Like I need to be seeing him today, especially after remembering our first kiss! Not to mention I’m kind of buzzed. Ugh...
The red stallion didn’t seem to take much notice of her as he flipped open the lid to his tool box and pulled out a hammer. He turned his head toward the Gazebo, a puzzled look forming on his face.
“Oh, sorry big brother!” came Apple Blooms voice from behind him. “We went and fixed up the Gazebo all on our own. See?” As she finished that sentence, she butted her head into Big Macintosh, pushing him forcefully towards Cheerilee.
Cheerilee just stared up at the Gazebo, the situation sinking in, and the real reason why they called her out there finally starting to dawn on her. She kept her eyes locked upward, hoping that somehow this would all be some sort of alcohol-induced dream. That thought was shattered as Scootaloo’s head pushed into her from behind, nudging her towards Big Mac.
“As long as you’re here, why not have a bite to eat from this romantic looking picnic?” the orange filly suggested not too subtly. The spread included miniature apple pies, complete with heart decorations, and chocolate covered cream horns. Not to mention the bowl of heart candies sitting beside a vase of flowers. A small table sat next to the checkered blanket with a wind-up record player sitting on it. It certainly would be romantic, except Cheerilee wasn’t in any state of mind to appreciate it. Not to mention the fact that he was there...
“Oh, gosh!” Scootaloo added, “Seems like there’s only room for two!”
What a shocker... Cheerilee thought, trying to not look at Big Mac directly.
“I, uh, guess we’ll just be goin’ then!” said Apple Bloom with a chuckle, and then the three fillies darted away, only to be punctuated by Sweetie Belle rushing back to place the needle on the record. Sappy instrumental music began to pour out of the player’s tiny speaker. Cheerilee stared at the device blankly, still unable to believe this was happening.
She glanced over her shoulder towards a bush, noticing immediately that her three students were hiding behind it, watching them intently. She could feel their eyes burning into her skin.
Well, I’m not sure this could get any more awkward, she thought to herself, turning back towards Big Mac, a look of disgust across her face. As he swung into her field of view, she noticed that he was staring right at her. Her eyes widened a bit as she made eye contact.
Oh Celestia, not good! I’m in no state of mind to have him looking at me like that, with those big shiny eyes of his... she thought, the alcohol’s effects having been amplified by the sudden turn of her head. She caught herself, though, and stopped her train of thought. Okay, well, I have to at least say something to him. Make some small talk, then leave. Yes. I can do this.
She averted her eyes again, turning her head away. “Beautiful day we’re having,” she said.
“Yep,” she heard him say in response after a moment.
That single word somehow caused her to turn back towards him, blurting out the first thing that came to her mind.
“Any... big plans for tonight?” she asked, then cringed internally.
You idiot! she thought. Don’t ask him that!
“Nope,” he replied, shaking his head.
What sort of mess could I possibly be getting myself into? she thought to herself as the record player continued to play its tune. I’ve all but asked him out at this point. Should I follow through? Would he even consider it after what we’ve been through before?
She looked right at him and raised her head towards him. The buzz from the alcohol hadn’t worn off nearly as much as she’d thought, and now her head was getting even lighter thanks to the sudden rush of adrenaline as she slowly gave in.
“Big Mac...” she said softly, her eyelids drooping down lazily. She stared into his eyes, getting lost in their flowing green hues.
“Yep?” Big macintosh responded, gazing back into her eyes, his usual serious expression plastered on his face.
This is it. Just ask him! This can’t get any worse, anyway! Cheerilee thought to herself. She raised her tongue in her mouth, began to part her lips, and then realized what she was about to do.
No! I just... can’t!
“You have something stuck in your teeth,” she said, pointing with her hoof and then dropping her gaze towards the ground.
Augh! Corny! she thought to herself. His mouth wasn’t even open! At least come up with something believable!
“Oh come on!” came Sweetie Belle’s voice from behind her, followed by the rustling of a bush. Cheerile instinctually glanced back towards the sound.
Looks like they bought it, anyway, she thought, then turning back to Big Mac, who was now picking his teeth with a piece of straw. Gee, I guess he did, too!
“Well, this has been... strange,” she said nervously.
“Eeeyup!” said Big Macintosh, a look of bafflement on his face.
“I need to get going,” Cheerilee said, “but it’s always great to run into a good friend.”
“Yup,” replied Big Macintosh, as the two of them turned and began to walk away.
Cheerilee smiled as she walked past the bush her three students were hiding behind, still refusing to let them see just how frazzled she felt.
It’s best this way, she thought to herself as she trotted back towards Ponyville. It’s just not meant to be with he and I. Maybe I’ll tell the girls about it someday when they’re older, and they’ll laugh as they remember the situation they just put the two of us in.
Yes, Cheerilee loved her students dearly, even after what she’d just gone through. However, she could never guess what was going to happen later that day. Those three weren't quite done with their schemes yet, and their next plan would tear at the very fabric of Cheerilee’s heart.
Broken Hearts and Busy Hooves
by Littlecolt
Chapter Two - Big Macintosh
Big Macintosh was a simple pony. He awoke every morning and had a simple breakfast - a four egg omelette with a side of apple slices, toast with apple butter, and a glass of water - nothing fancy, nothing too heavy, just simple and filling. Being the only stallion on the farm meant that he got the brunt of the heavy jobs, and he had no time to waste fussing over what he was eating. He liked it better that way, anyway, and had for years.
After breakfast, he’d have a quick shower, then head out to the fields. Again, nothing fancy - no scented soaps or oils - they made no sense to him since he was just going to go out and work up a sweat anyway. Everything he did made perfect sense to him, and he made sure it was done quick.
Oh sure, sometimes he’d think about how plain his life was, but he was usually quite pleased with it. To him, the family business was top priority. Not only was his family dependent on the money they made from their farm, but they were also dependent on the food it produced. His sister, Applejack, did her fair share of work for certain, but it would never all get done without his help.
This particular morning, though, Big Macintosh awoke with an aching back. It was nothing he hadn’t experienced before, but he could tell it was going to slow him down for the first part of the day. As he went through his brief morning routine, his slower movements were noticed by Applejack.
“You feelin’ okay, big brother?” Applejack asked with concern. “You ain’t movin’ around so good this mornin’.”
“Yup,” he simply replied as he cleared his dishes from the table. He reached over to the sink, and as he extended his front hooves, he felt a spike of pain shoot up his back and into his shoulders. His forelegs shook and the dishes fell to the ground, breaking into pieces. He slumped to the ground, instinctively pressing a hoof against his shoulder and rubbing lightly.
Applejack stood over him, a cross look on her face.
“Why would you do that?” she asked.
“Don’t worry about the dishes, sis, I got ‘em,” he said, brushing the pieces into a pile.
“Not that, dag nabbit!” she said with frustration. “I mean why would you tell me you were fine when you weren’t?” She sounded as if she were scolding a child that had fibbed.
Gettin’ lectured by my little sister, Big Mac thought to himself. Now that’s embarrassing.
“So?” she asked, seemingly expecting an answer.
“I guess I just pushed it a little too hard yesterday, that’s all,” he replied in a tone that suggested it was no big deal. “I’ll be fine after I have a hot shower, then I’ll be off to tend the farm.”
Applejack sighed. She knew her brother was thick-headed. Heck, it ran in the family, so she was all too familiar with it.
“Look, you need a break, Big Macintosh,” said Applejack sternly. “When was the last time you took a day off?”
He took a moment to think. It had been a long time, for sure, but it didn’t bother him. He enjoyed his work, and it was all worth it to him.
“Sometime last month, I guess,” he replied, knowing she wasn’t going to let him off the hook until he told her. “I don’t need a day off, sis.” He stood up and turned towards the kitchen pantry where the broom and dustpan were kept.
“Since yer not gonna take the hint, I’ll just say it, then,” said Applejack, stepping in front of him. “Take the day off, brother. If anypony deserves a break, it’s you. I can handle things for one day.”
Big Macintosh sighed. “I won’t know what to do with myself, AJ,” he protested.
Applejack smiled. “It’s Hearts and Hooves Day, why not head into town and find yerself a date?” she said, halfway teasing. She knew her brother wasn’t the type to go out looking for tail. Despite that, she had to admit that she’d never seen him with a mare before.
Big Macintosh gulped nervously. It’s Hearts and Hooves Day? he thought. Now I really don’t want to head into town.
“Yeah, maybe havin’ a little lady would help you relax a bit,” Applejack said, now seriously thinking about her brother’s love life, or lack thereof, for as long as she’d known him, which was her whole life. She couldn’t help but wonder why.
A big, strong stallion like him could have his pick of any mare in town, she thought to herself, pondering the issue. Wonder what’s stoppin’ him?
“Just the opposite,” said Big Macintosh, turning towards the front of the house so he could go have his morning shower. “It’s nothin’ but a distraction.” He trotted up the stairs and left Applejack alone in the kitchen.
How’s he know that if he’s never tried? she wondered as she swept up the broken dishes. As she dropped the shards into the trash, a light bulb lit up above her head. Wait... is he speakin’ from experience?
Applejack ran to the stairs. “How would you know?” she hollered up at her brother, who had just shut the bathroom door.
“None’a yer business!” he shouted back just before the sound of running water filled the hallway.
“What a stubborn mule!” Applejack said to herself. She shrugged, pulled her hat off a peg on the wall and headed out the door.
Up in the bathroom, Big Macintosh was standing in the shower with hot water running down his back. He could feel his sore muscles relaxing finally, which was a relief since the little argument with his sister had only made them tense up even worse. Steam began to fill the room, making everything hazy. Big Mac shut his eyes and shook his head.
Hearts and Hooves Day, he thought. Ain’t no good for my heart, anyway.
His thoughts drifted back to Hearts and Hooves day four years prior, the day he’d met Cheerilee after a friend of his sister’s had set him up on a semi-blind date. Back then he’d been a lot more open to the idea of finding a girlfriend. Heck, he even wanted to. When June Bug told him she wanted to set him up with Cheerilee, the school teacher who’d just taken over after the old teacher had retired, he was a bit nervous to even try.
He’d seen her in town before, and had always admired they way she carried herself. She was always smiling, and that bright smile really warmed his heart. Her two-tone mane, styled simply, was lovely to him as well. He’d always lacked the confidence to talk to her, though, or any other mare for that matter, unless it was related to the family business. Still, he noticed himself looking at her more than other mares, and that fact only became more obvious to him as he shyly agreed to meet her for a date.
He’d stood awkwardly at that fountain in the park for the longest time, having arrived earlier than he should have. He was full of excitement at first, but it had quickly died down, and he was now feeling more nervous than anything. A broken bench had drawn his attention, and he couldn’t help himself but to try and fix it. Fixing things was in his nature. He’d gotten so distracted by the bench, though, that he hadn’t even noticed Cheerilee when she arrived. She’d apparently not been told who she was meeting, and he almost let her walk away after a brief conversation, if you could call it that.
Everything was a blur after he finally admitted to her that he was the one she was supposed to be meeting. She tripped and fell down an embankment towards the pond, and he chased after her. He gazed down at her as she lay unconscious on the ground. Pressing his face closer to hers, he could feel her breath against his snout.
“You okay?” he asked, relieved to see she at least seemed uninjured. Then the unthinkable happened. She pushed her lips right up to his and kissed him. This wasn’t just some normal kiss, either. Big Mac had never been kissed before, and the experience washed over his mind as shivers shot down his spine. He kissed her back, as if he even knew what he was doing, just trying to mimic what she was doing.
Once the shock had passed, he found that he really liked it. As reality came crashing down around him, he finally realized that he was sitting at the edge of a pond in the park making out with one of the best looking mares in town. The scene was about as unreal as he could imagine, and he couldn’t have felt better. The outside world slowly closed off from his senses, and all he could see, feel, smell, hear, and taste was Cheerilee. She gently filled his entire being, and he realized at that very moment that he was in love.
Big Mac blinked and shook his head, the hot water of the shower still pouring over him as he recalled the moment of his first kiss. His first love. He found his hoof pressed to his lips, which he immediately stiffened, lowering his foreleg back down.
“Old dreams that shoulda never came true,” he said to himself, and shut the water off.
After drying himself off and walking back downstairs, Big Mac found himself feeling much less sore. He peeked out the window and saw Applejack in the distance bucking trees. Glancing over at the barn, he could see she’dd already bailed up some big blocks of hay and loaded them onto a cart to be pulled into town.
Big Macintosh nodded his head and stepped out the front door, heading straight to the cart. He hitched it up to himself as fast as he could, tossing the yoke he usually wore over his head and onto his shoulders. As he began to pull the cart away, he could hear Applejack yelling at him from the distance.
“Put the cart back!” she yelled, running towards him.
He turned his head and shouted back at her. “I want to do some work, and you want me to go into town, so this is a compromise!”
Applejack stopped in her tracks and sighed.
There’s just no talkin’ sense into that thick head a’ his! she thought to herself as she watched him haul the cart off into the distance towards the town.
“You throw yer back out, I ain’t liftin’ a hoof ta’ help ya!” she yelled at him, now pouting. He just continued to pull the cart, not even responding. Applejack stomped a front hoof against the ground, then turned and headed back to the orchard.
Big Mac breathed a sigh of relief, glad she didn’t chase after him. He’d work through his pain, and the work would help him keep his mind off any thoughts like the kind he’d had earlier in the shower.
Arriving in town, Big Mac hauled the cart over to the spot in town where the hay was needed. The mayor had budgeted some money and bought the hay from the Apple Family to be used as a play area for the foals this coming spring. It was still technically winter, even though the weather was pretty nice. The pegasi usually promoted nicer weather during holidays, especially one like Hearts and Hooves day when folks would want to be out and about.
Before he knew it, the hay was stacked up and he was bundling together some looser bales to be brought back to the farm. A voice called out to him from the top of the stack of bales, and he glanced up. He was greeted by the face of one of his other little sister’s friends, Scootaloo.
“Doing anything special for Hearts and Hooves Day?” she asked out of the blue.
“Nope,” Big Mac replied, wondering why she’d even asked. He knew where Scootaloo was, though, Apple Bloom was sure to be as well. He felt a sudden sinking feeling in his gut. As if the argument with Applejack earlier hadn’t been bad enough, now evidence was pointing towards Apple Bloom and her friends poking their noses where they didn’t need to be, as well.
Guess I can’t escape from this day no matter how hard I try, he thought to himself. Still, this job’s almost done. I’ll head back to the farm and apologize to Applejack. I guess I was a little rude.
After loading up the excess hay, Big Mac began to pull the cart back towards the Apple Family Farm. About halfway there, he saw his little sister, Apple Bloom, running towards him.
Here it comes, he thought. Just be nice, she don’t know any better.
“Big brother!” said Apple Bloom with excitement as she arrived, panting for breath. “The gazebo at the park just collapsed. I don’t suppose you could lend a hoof and help fix it back up, could ya?” She smiled up at him, a bit too big of a smile for his liking.
“Yup,” he said, and shrugged his shoulders.
“Thanks!” Apple Bloom yelled, and then bolted off towards town. “We’ll meet you at the gazebo!”
We? Big Mac thought as he watched her run off into the distance. What are those three fillies up to?
He shrugged again, though, and pulled the cart the rest of the way back to the farm. Once there, he grabbed his tool box and headed back out towards the park where the hilltop gazebo sat.
“At least it’s something else to do,” he said to himself as he walked. “I still need to go apologize to Applejack, though. I guess that can wait ‘til after this.”
Big Macintosh was was no fool.
He knew his little sister and her friends were up to something, but he couldn’t say what it was exactly. He lugged his toolbox with him and he made his way up to the gazebo. That place had a bit of history with him, and today of all days, he didn’t really want to think about it.
But I bet they did somethin’ to it during one of their crazy schemes to try and earn their cutie marks, he thought to himself as the gazebo slid into view. Hopefully it ain’t too broke down, or I might need more’n this tool kit.
As he approached, he eyed the delicate boards that held the structure up, not spotting anything immediately broken about it. It was less of a gazebo and more of a small tree grove, to be honest. He dropped his toolbox on the ground and grabbed a hammer out of it, thinking I may as well sturdy up the joints while I’m here, though, remembering the time when he himself actually built this little spot.
Of all the things to be thinkin’ about, and on today of all days, he thought as he looked up at the first joint he would be aiming his hammer at, Seein’ as I first built this thing because of her…
His thoughts were interrupted by his sister, who had snuck up behind him.
“Oh, sorry big brother!” Apple Bloom said with a bit of giddy excitement in her voice. “We went and fixed up the Gazebo all on our own. See?” As she finished that sentence, she butted her head into Big Macintosh, pushing him forcefully towards Cheerilee.
This was the first time he even noticed Cheerilee was there. She avoided eye contact with him, staring up at the gazebo. Big Mac stared at her for a second, a bit dumbfounded. Where in tarnation did she come from?
He turned his head back to look at his sister, his lips curving down into a frown.
“As long as you’re here, why not have a bite to eat from this romantic looking picnic?” Scootaloo suggested in an overtly obvious manner. The food they had set out does look appetizing, Big Mac thought as he turned his head to look. Tiny apple pies, chocolate cream horns, and some… heart candies? With flowers?
Big Mac shuddered internally as he realized what was going on.
“Oh, gosh!” Scootaloo added, “Seems like there’s only room for two!”
What a coincidence, Big Mac thought, the back of his brain now aching.
“I, uh, guess we’ll just be goin’ then!” said Apple Bloom with a chuckle, and then the three fillies darted away, only to be punctuated by Sweetie Belle rushing back to place the needle on the record. Sappy instrumental music began to pour out of the player’s tiny speaker. Big Mac would have slapped a hoof to his face if he had the energy to do so at this point.
Consarn it, why do they have to put me in this awkward situation? Big Mac vocalized internally. Now now, hold it, there. They’re just fillies, they don’t know no better. He turned and looked at Cheerilee, staring at her, still unable to believe that they were alone up on this hill again, after so long. He suddenly felt his heart begin to beat faster and he couldn’t look away from her eyes, which had now locked onto his.
After a moment, though, she turned away. “Beautiful day we’re having,” she said.
“Yep,” he responded almost automatically. Not as beautiful as you, though, he thought to himself, not daring to actually say it. Can’t say that kinda stuff now, not after what happened between us. I lost my chance.
Yet, she turned back towards him, looking back into his eyes which hadn’t moved.
“Any... big plans for tonight?” she asked. Big Mac’s heart rate increased further.
Is she gonna… Naw, she’s just makin’ conversation, don’t be a fool, he thought, simply saying “Nope,” with a shake of his head.
His heart continued to go faster and faster as Cheerilee, much to Big Mac’s surprise, started to inch her face closer and closer to his.
What is she doing? he thought, panicking, but keeping a calm expression plastered on his face by sheer willpower.
“Big Mac...” she said softly, her eyelids drooping down lazily. She stared right into his eyes.
“Yep?” Big macintosh responded, gazing back into her eyes, doing everything in his power to maintain his poker face.
This is it, he thought to himself, finally resigning himself to fate. His head became light and woozy, his heart was beating out of his chest. He stared down at her lips, which had begun to open up, her bright pink tongue peeking out from behind them. She’s actually gonna do it. I can’t… I can’t resist it. Dog gone, it!
“You have something stuck in your teeth,” she said, pointing with her hoof and then dropping her gaze towards the ground.
It was at that point that Big mac realized he’d let his guard down, and his own mouth had subconsciously begun to pout, preparing for what he expected to be his first kiss after years.
“Oh come on!” came Sweetie Belle’s voice from behind her, followed by the rustling of a bush.
Big mac sighed, quickly grabbed a piece of straw, and started picking his teeth with it. His heart was still beating like crazy, and his stomach was full of butterflies. Well there’s a feeling I ain’t had in awhile, he thought. Not used to it… never was.
“Well, this has been... strange,” she said nervously.
“Eeeyup!” said Big Macintosh, a look of bafflement on his face.
“I need to get going,” Cheerilee said, “but it’s always great to run into a good friend.”
“Yup,” replied Big Macintosh, as the two of them turned and began to walk away.
Big Macintosh rubbed a hoof behind his head as he walked off back towards the apple farm.
Dang kids, yer gonna send me to an early grave pullin’ stuff like that! he thought, shaking his head as he went. At least now I can get back to work on somethin’ more productive.
Big Macintosh was a simple pony, but his life was about to get really complicated.
Author's Note
Updated 9/4/2013 because this chapter was never supposed to be so short. I admit it, I half-assed it back when I wrote it, and tonight I was really thinking about this story a lot, so I had to finish this chapter.
Chapter 3 soon, I promise. Now that I've finished both their character setups, I can get to the really JUICY parts. <3
