A Stud about Ponyville

Chapters

Simply Marvelous
The Life of the Party
A Matter of Trust
The Royal Prerogative

Simply Marvelous

A Stud about Ponyville
Chapter 2 - Simply Marvelous

Several rays of sunlight snaked their way through the luxurious curtain-lined windows of Princess Celestia's personal bedroom, illuminating a large four-poster and its still slumbering occupants. One of the errant beams slowly crawled its way across the bed, settling on the face of a large red stallion who had, for the last three days and nights, been an intimate guest of the royal family. Big Macintosh stirred the moment he felt the warming ray settle on his face, sitting up effortlessly while rubbing the sleep from his eyes and unleashing a prodigious yawn. Years of living and working on a farm had conditioned him to be alert and attentive when the dawn arrived, but even his astute cowpony instincts couldn't shake the lingering suspicion that last night, just like the two before it, was just a dream he had yet to wake from.

Of course, Celestia's beautiful form was nowhere in sight, having most certainly slipped out of the sheets hours ago in order to fulfill her stately obligations. Luna, on the other hand, was not much of a morning pony, and Big Macintosh felt her arms tighten around his waist in unconscious protest of his movement. Despite her firm avowal that she would have nothing more to do with either him or her sister for the remainder of his visit, she had almost become his second shadow at this point. He smiled as she shifted under the covers, mewling cutely at the bright intruders before settling once again into a deep sleep, her rhythmic breathing causing the covers to rise and fall gracefully. Big Macintosh had to admit that he had grown mighty fond of the dark-haired princess, and thinking about the many intimate deeds they had engaged in over the stint of his trip still brought a sheepish grin to his face.

After some very fancy maneuvering, Big Macintosh finally managed to untangle himself from Luna's grasp without waking her, a feat that had taken two mornings worth of practice to master. Standing up slowly so as not to disturb her, he began to track down the assorted pieces of his clothing that had been hurriedly strewn around the room after last night's light supper of fruits and cream. At first Big Macintosh didn't quite remember why the strawberries in particular had riled up Celestia and Luna so much, but then he recalled how his white sovereign had insisted on him diligently lapping up any trace of juice or cream that remained on their delicate fingers as they fed him.

Definitely another one a Celestia's lessons, thought Big Macintosh with an easygoing smirk. I might have ta use that little bit a wisdom soon.

True to her word, Celestia had been using their time together not only for satisfaction, but also to instruct him on the finer points of wooing and pleasuring mares, making especially sure that he had a plethora of tips and tactics to use during his special assignment. He still had a heap of reservations about being singled out for something so important, but she had assured him numerous times that he was the perfect stallion for the job.

I reckon thar is only one special group of mares in Ponyville though, thought Big Macintosh tentatively, before shaking his head to banish such a ludicrous idea. Surely it ain't those gals...Applejack would tan my hide...

After finding his shirt draped atop a bust of Starswirl the Bearded, Big Macintosh buttoned it swiftly and headed towards the foyer, now awash in the alluring smells of the hot breakfast that awaited him. He arrived to find Celestia, clothed in a modest gown of billowing gold cotton, instructing a group of maids on where to place several large platters loaded with spiced hay, warm bread, and, his personal favorite, fresh apples. The uniformed mares broke into small fits of bubbly laughter and shot fertive glances, just as they had for the last two days, at him as he strode towards the table. This caused him to blush copiously, and Celestia to roll her eyes mirthfully. Big Macintosh knew they probably gossiped for quite a spell after they excused themselves, and he would be lying if he said that didn't make him anxious. Both Luna and Celestia had no qualms about being...very vocal, when the hay-rolling started, and if word got around to the rest of the castle staff, it might slip out into the streets of Canterlot, and then find its way back to Ponyville...

The sobering image of Applejack waiting for him at the train station with a pile of rope and a skinning knife caused his ears to flatten and face to visibly pale, enough so that it prompted Celestia to move behind him and envelope his muscular frame in a comforting embrace.

"Bit for your thoughts," said Celestia, squeezing her newest protégé a little tighter, "my little stallion."

The maids redoubled their giggling efforts when they heard Celestia refer to him using the nickname of her own invention, and she glanced at them with a chiding smile before speaking.

"Come now ladies," exclaimed Celestia, laying her head over Big Macintosh's right shoulder, "surely you have other duties to attend to?"

"Indeed, your majesty," replied one of the maids, a very beautiful pink unicorn with a lime green mane, "come now girls, her highness must have some important matters to...discuss, with her handsome guest."

The tittering laughter reached a new level of volume with that remark, and Big Macintosh watched as the group of black and white clothed mares whispered to one another frantically in the hallway before the chamber doors completely sealed with a low thump.

"You look as pale as a ghost," observed Celestia, using her left hand to turn Big Macintosh's face towards her, "and the maids never upset you this much before...what is troubling you?"

"I, um, was thinkin' about," started Big Macintosh, swallowing a nervous gulp of air, "what other ponies might say about all this. I dun want to cause ya'll or any other pony trouble..."

"Macintosh," stated Celestia flatly, staring straight into his emerald green eyes, "are you ashamed of the time you've spent with my sister and I?"

"No ma'am!" answered Big Macintosh loudly, making sure to lower his tone before continued, "no ma'am not one bit. This...I still ain't certain that I'm not back in Ponyville asleep on my own bed, dreamin' up all the mighty fine things we've done together. I sure as hay don't wanna wake up if I am..."

A pleased smile graced Celestia's lips before she pressed them against his own, initiating a breathtaking kiss that left her weak in the knees and him gasping for air when it ended.

"You've become quite the kisser, my little stallion," whispered Celestia huskily, "and I think you're ready to learn your final lesson."

Big Macintosh couldn't imagine what passionate act or position they hadn't tried over the course of his stay, but he was completely taken back when Celestia simply motioned for him to take the seat across from her at the food-laden table. He sat down smoothly, and she signaled it was okay for him to start eating while she spoke.

"The last, and undeniably most important, thing you have to learn is to rid yourself of the doubt you just exhibited," explained Celestia, her eyes shining with mesmerizing intensity, "my sister and I are quite old enough to make our own decisions when it comes to matters of the heart and body, as are the mares you'll be attending to in Ponyville during the comet's visit. Making love is one of the most innate acts two living beings can engage in with one another, and wallowing in self-pity at the mere thought of what others might think or say about such a consensual coupling dispels its magic greatly."

Big Macintosh affirmed her declaration with a single, stoic nod before he resumed chewing the delicious bite of apple he'd taken, silently vowing to never doubt himself, no matter what happened, over the course of the next week. Her words did indeed make perfect sense when he really stopped to think about all the wonderful sensations he'd experienced with the two gorgeous princesses. The rush that overwhelmed him when their bare bodies touched for the very first time. The exhilaration he felt when he fused with them in the most intimate of ways. The bliss that shook him to his core when they reached climax together.

It felt natural.

It felt good.

It felt right.

However, his chewing came to an abrupt halt when he felt something gliding up his left leg, and a quick look at the mischievous expression spreading across Celestia's face gave him a good idea what that something was. Her hoof was lightly working its way past his knee and up his thigh, and the unexpected sensation had caught him completely off-guard.

"You seem to have found your resolve," noted Celestia with a wink, her hoof now gently resting against his stiffening length, "still...I wonder if you've truly been paying attention during your physical exams..."

Big Macintosh only hesitated for a split second before he returned her challenging gaze with one of his own, standing up from the table abruptly while clearing the plates and platters cluttering its surface with a sweeping flourish of his arm. Celestia stood up as well, quickly undoing the few simple ties that held her dress in place. After letting it unceremoniously drop to the floor, exposing the ravishing naked form that it had concealed, she climbed atop the table to meet the now unclothed Big Macintosh in a heated embrace.

Luna awoke groggily as a cacophony of falling china and silverware, not to mention loud, throaty moans, assailed her ears. Nevertheless, she was unable to overcome her baser nature as the princess of the night, and thus decided her best recourse was to obdurately bury her head under a pillow and resume the naughty dream she was having about a certain crimson gentlecolt.

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The Canterlot train station was a nexus of activity during the early hours of the morning, filled to the brim with stallions, mares, and foals either just arriving or preparing for departure to locales near and far. Some ponies had set up small carts or shops along the inside of its glass-lined walls, peddling their wares and foodstuffs to anypony and everypony who passed by. Big Macintosh and Celestia, accompanied by a small honor guard of soldiers, caused quite a commotion as they made their way towards the boarding platform, but the large red stallion took it all in stride when he remembered his guru's pep talk. He was walking with one of the most, if not the most, beautiful mares in all of Equestria, and all the gawkers and elbow-nudgers in the world couldn't diminish the strong sense of pride that filled his chest because of that. As waves of onlookers parted around them like water yielding to a majestic ship, Big Macintosh managed to catch Celestia's eye and flash her a small smile, one which she immediately reciprocated before taking hold of his hand, and giving it a firm, yet affectionate, squeeze.

Two of the guards moved forward in synch to open a set of glass doors that lead to the station's boarding platform, so that the most unlikely of couples could walk through them to bask in the brightness and warmth of a perfect spring morning. Big Macintosh turned to look at the large, ornate clock situated directly above him, noticing how its hands crept closer and closer to the scheduled moment of his exodus from paradise. The possibility that this had all been a wonderful, yet very intense, dream still haunted the recesses of his mind, and the image of himself sitting up promptly in his bed, covered in a cold sweat, when the clock hands arrived at their final positions brought a wry smile to his face.

"Honestly Macintosh," said Celestia chidingly, leaning in closer after noticing how lost in thought he was, "you spend too much time brooding in that head of yours. What's a mare to think when the handsome stallion next to her has other things on his mind besides her?"

"I-I, um, sorry, yar majesty," replied Big Macintosh apologetically, before clasping both his hands over her own, "I'm tryin' to think about how happy ya'll have made me, but I can't rightly find tha words to explain it."

"Hmm, there is only one way you could possibly express your gratitude that I would accept at this point," stated Celestia matter-of-factly, capturing his eyes with a commanding stare.

"Anythin' ya want ma'am," answered Big Macintosh determinedly, "I dun even care if all these ponies guffaw about it, I...I'll give 'em something ta guffaw about!"

"Oh my, how brazen," exclaimed Celestia, feigning a look of utter alarm, "have I created a lustful monster with no sense of deceny?"

"No!" refuted Big Macintosh, his tone completely taken aback, "I didn't...I mean I'd never..."

"Shush, my little stallion," said Celestia playfully, placing her free hand against his cheek, "it is much too easy to tease you...but I do enjoy it so. Now, if you want to truly thank me for everything...call me by my name."

Those last few words threw Big Macintosh for the biggest loop of his life. Despite all the promiscuous things they'd done to one another, he had never found the gumption to say his sovereign's given name. It had always been your majesty, or your highness, or with the honorific princess...just the thought of saying it on its own made his mouth feel like it was full of cotton.

"Well," implored Celestia, pressing her chest against his body, "let me hear it..."

"Thank ya kindly, Cele...Celestia," stuttered Big Macintosh, trying desperately to restore even an iota of moisture to his throat, "I ain't never gonna forget any of this, and I sure as hay ain't ever gonna forget how much ya shiver when I kiss yar collarbone."

That last remark had taken the usually prepared-for-everything Celestia completely by surprise, and for the first time in quite a long while she felt a giddy blush grace her cheeks.

"Say it again," requested Celestia, her voice containing a hint of meek expectancy.

"Celestia," repeated Big Macintosh sweetly, before donning a jesting smirk, "or did ya mean tha part about me kissin' yar collarbone..."

"Oh ho," retorted Celestia, using one of her wings to give him a lighthearted shove, "you've become quite the charmer...maybe I should keep you here after all. I know Luna would be beside herself with glee."

"I, uh, about that," said Big Macintosh, tightening his grip on her hand, "I...can't leave my kin and my farm, and sure as rain I know I can't quit ya two gals either. Not after all this. I ain't ever been so conflicted...I'm afraid I'd say yes on the spot if ya asked me ta stay."

"You certainly know how to make a girl feel special," asserted Celestia, brushing a stray blonde lock away from his face, "but don't think for a second that we'll never meet again. Luna and I have become quite smitten with you..."

And with that final affirmation Celestia pressed her lips against his, drawing the low whistles and astonished stares of every pony within eyesight of, by the standards of the last few days, their innocent-looking kiss. One mother in particular had her hands full trying to contain her three fillies from excitedly bouncing off the walls after seeing such a romantic spectacle, but Big Macintosh was more thankful they hadn't noticed the very rough squeeze Celestia had stealthily given his flank. The call of the conductor and a gust of pressurized steam from the train's engine signaled it was time to go though, and the solar princess reluctantly ended their embrace so he could board.

"Tell Luna not to fret none," yelled Big Macintosh over the steadily rising noise of the train yard, "I tried to wake 'er a dozen times before we left, but she wouldn't budge an inch…I don't want 'er to be cross with me."

"I will," replied Celestia, waving farewell and shooting him a small wink, "do be mindful of your dreams though. You might see her sooner than you think."

Big Macintosh paused to wonder what Celestia meant about Luna and his dreams, but the conductor's shrill cry of "all aboard" brought him back to his senses at the very moment the train started moving. He leapt onto the caboose's vestibule with a flourish, and after watching Celestia blow him a kiss, much to the delight of the three now ecstatic fillies, he settled into an empty chair for the long ride back to Ponyville.

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Big Macintosh's journey home went by in a blur of barely-touched dining car food and yearning daydreams about the lovely mares he was leaving in Canterlot. In fact, he barely noticed when Ponyville appeared on the horizon, and the conductor had to shake him a few times after the train came to a halt to rouse him from his stupor. His clarity of thought now restored, Big Macintosh stood up and made for the car's exit, completely unprepared for what, or more precisely, who, was waiting for him on the platform.

Applejack was standing a few feet in front of him, her arms akimbo and her Stetson hat tilted downward, blocking the upper half of her face from sight. Sitting in a neat pile between the two of them was a long, thick rope and a pair of shiny, sharp shears, as well as other carpentry tools and two sacks of who knows what. Any enduring fantasies about the time he spent in the country's capital were swept away when he saw the sunlight reflect off the razor-thin edge of the clippers, and the nightmarish vision of his sister hog-tying and gelding him immediately came to the forefront of his brain. She knew. Somehow she had found out what he had been up to, and now she'd come to met out a harsh punishment for his licentious transgressions.

"Ya got a lot of nerve showing yar hide around here after just up and disappearin' like that," said Applejack, not raising her head even an inch to look at him while walking forward, "just up an' tell Apple Bloom ya got some fancy business to attend to in Canterlot before skipping out tha door. Well...I only got one thing ta say ta ya big brother."

"Wait AJ, just wait!," stammered Big Macintosh, raising his arms and spreading his palms in a halting gesture, "I-I can explain. It ain't all that bad. No reason ta do anythin' drastic..."

Applejack was less than a foot away from him at this point, the rim of her hat pressing against his chin. Big Macintosh steeled himself for the imminent tongue-lashing that was to proceed his pitiful rope-and-shear filled future, but was at a loss for words we he noticed Applejack grinning from ear to ear at him.

"I ain't ever been more proud of ya big brother," stated Applejack happily, giving Big Macintosh a begrudging punch to his shoulder, "I never knew ya had it in ya ta take that kinda initiative, but helping tha royal family out and earnin' some bits doin' it is mighty impressive."

Big Macintosh stood as still as a scarecrow while his brain hysterically tried to process what he'd just heard. Maybe it was some kind of test. Maybe Applejack was seeing if he'd come clean and fess up to his knavish antics. Still...what if she didn't know anything? Big Macintosh decided that some open-ended questions might clue him in to the extent of his sister's awareness.

"Uh, eeyup!" replied Big Macintosh, brandishing the most confident grin he could muster and praying that Applejack didn't see the rivulet of sweat making its way down the side of his forehead, "what have ya'll been hearin' out on tha farm about my, um, my work?"

"Well, Princess Celestia sent us a fancy lookin' letter apologizin' for needin' ya so suddenly," explained Applejack, removing a folded piece of parchment from her back pocket, "but sayin' that she required a stallion of yar expertise ta help Equestria. There was some parts about spreadin' the joy of companionship and new life, but I didn't quite puzzle out what she meant by that. Kinda sounded like malarky at that point...do ya know what she was going on about?"

"Oh, I...I reckon she was talkin' about, um," said Big Macintosh falteringly, his mind racing to come up with a believable tale, "she meant...tha new apple orchards! Tha new apple orchards she wants ta plant ta help ponies movin' out ta tha frontier! She was mighty interested in knowin' if we had any more trees like Bloomberg we could donate to tha cause."

"It took ya three days of talkin' to tell her whether we had some transplant-ready trees?" asked Applejack, her face scrunching into an incredulous expression, "Shoot Big Mac, I coulda had Twilight send a letter through Spike in tha blink of an eye. Don't make no sense for ya to go all the way to Canterlot by train..."

"It wasn't just for that AJ," continued Big Macintosh, knowing he'd better make his next words count if he wanted to convince her, "it was a big meetin' with a lot of young, um, smart fellas. She, uh, she wanted to talk about soils, and watering, an loads of other stuff. Heck, the two of them barely let me get any sleep...ah, cause we were talkin' about farmin' and all so much."

This was it. Applejack surely knew something was up after his little slip of the tongue. Her eyes narrowed drastically, locking onto Big Macintosh with a probing stare so potent he swore she was boring a hole clean through him. However, after letting out a sigh, her features visibly softened, and she patted a bag of bits looped around her belt that he hadn't even noticed.

"I know I ain't got no reason ta get riled up at ya," stated Applejack, jingling the coin purse with a smile, "specially not after ya got paid a good salary for yar services. I bought all these things to replace the old rusted ones we got stored up in the barn, and I still got bits left over for some paint and nails."

"Oh, right, my pay," affirmed Big Macintosh with a touch of uncertainty, wondering what exactly she was talking about, "I, uh, I'm glad ya put it ta good use already. Looks like we'll have to update tha ledger when we get home."

"Darn tootin' sugarcube," replied Applejack happily, reaching into her back pocket to pull out an unopened piece of mail, "I almost forget about this one. Ditzy came by about a day ago with it, said it was for yar eyes only. Don't worry none, I didn't peek at it."

Big Macintosh took the letter, instantly recognizing the handwriting of the address as Celestia's penmanship. He wanted to shred the envelope into tiny pieces and read what was inside, but he couldn't risk doing that in front of Applejack. Things would go downhill faster than that grease-covered sled Apple Bloom and her friends made last winter if she got curious about its content.

"I reckon we'd better get on gettin' back home," suggested Applejack, placing the loose odds and ends of her shopping spree into one of the sacks, "we can stop by tha hardware store and pick up some things ta fix those rickety shutters."

"I, uh, I gotta, um, go talk to the mayor AJ," declared Big Macintosh, wanting urgently to put some distance between him and his sister so he could read the letter, "Celestia, I mean, Princess Celestia wanted me ta talk ta tha mayor about some of tha finer details of tha plan."

Applejack looked miffed at first, but after a moment or two she tossed him a look of reluctant acquiescence.

"Suppose there is no helpin' it than," acknowledged Applejack, bending down to retrieve her supplies, "try ta get back as quick as ya can though. We need ta start tackling some of our repair troubles before plantin' time rolls around."

"Eeyup," agreed Big Macintosh, anxiously fumbling with the letter behind his back, "will do AJ."

Applejack nodded once before picking up her cargo and briskly walking down the stairs of the boarding platform. After a couple more strides, she turned and disappeared down one of Ponyville's few major thoroughfares, leaving Big Macintosh alone to examine Celestia's message. He hastily slid his thumb under the envelope's top flap, tearing it clean open along the seam. Celestia had explained to him in Canterlot that she’d keep in touch via missives, but she hadn’t said anything about sending money to him. An ugly, bitter feeling welled up in his chest when he thought about what “job” those bits might be recompense for, but he banished those ruminations instantaneously. What he’d shared with Celestia and Luna was bigger than some petty fling, and a surge of shame overtook him for briefly doubting them in the first place.

Best just ta read tha letter, thought Macintosh, his eyes now scanning from left to right, that’ll make everythin’ as clear as crystal.

Dearest Macintosh,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and home safely from your travels. I am not ashamed to say that I already miss your company, but we’ll see each other again, perhaps even sooner than you expect. Luna's mood has been dour at best, and the castle staff can't stop asking how my handsome prisoner managed to escape my clutches. Nevertheless, you need to completely focus on the next phase of your adventure because things are going to get quite lively from here on out.

Before we talk of that though, I owe you an explanation for the unexpected sum of money, which I will assume you are now aware of, that your family received. If you'll recall, during the assembly I assured everypony that funds from the royal coffers would be made available if a certain set of criteria was meet. I can't say with absolute certainty yet that this is the case, but signs are pointing towards a positive outlook...

Positive outlook? What is tha supposed ta mean? pondered Big Macintosh, pausing in his reading to try and remember what Celestia had specifically said during the late night gathering. I recall somethin' about rearing foals...oh...oh my...she can't be...or Luna...or both!

Big Macintosh had never been so dizzy, and he pressed his back against the train station’s wall for stability before sliding down it into a sitting position. A few ponies passing by asked him if he was well, and after several halfhearted nods and proclamations of assurance assuaged their concerns, they left him to his own devices. Big Macintosh took a deep, cleansing breath, and brought the letter to eye-level once more. Surely there had to be more to it than that.

...that can be addressed at a future date. Thus, please don't confound yourself over its appearance, as you often to do when troubled.

Sweet mercy...suppose I'll just have ta wait ta…ta know if I’m a… ruminated Big Macintosh, combing his fingers through his mane to steady himself before reading the very last paragraph.

As I mentioned earlier, my plan is starting to come together pleasantly. One of the mares I had in mind for you has, in fact, quite readily agreed to participate, and I've told her to expect you no later than noon on the fifth day of the lunar cycle…

Noon on the fifth day of lunar cycle…that’s today! realized Big Macintosh, jumping to his hooves before continuing.

…at the Carousel Boutique in Ponyville. You are ready for this my little stallion. Think on all that I’ve taught you, and I’m sure you’ll sweep her off her hooves.

With all my heart,

Celestia

Big Macintosh’s eyes hovered over the delicately penned letters of his destination in a state of total disbelief. He knew it. He’d known it all along when Celestia kept using the word “special” to describe them, but he’d always ended up convincing himself otherwise every time he started to speculate about his future escapades. Shielding his eyes so he could mark the position of the sun, he estimated there was a little over two hours left before the promised upon deadline. That was plenty of time to freshen up before sauntering over to the Carousel Boutique. He was sure Rarity, of all mares, would appreciate that courtesy.

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Explaining to Applejack why he needed a bath and a fresh set of clothes to talk to Mayor Mare was difficult to say the least, but after reiterating ten times about the need to look professional while on royal business, she seemed to buy it. That conversation had ended over thirty minutes ago, and Big Macintosh had since left Sweet Apple Acres, skirted the south edge of Ponyville, and arrived at the Carousel Boutique.

To say he was nervous would be an understatement, but after pacing back and forth for several minutes, he decided it was time to stallion-up and go for it. All or nothing! Big Macintosh donned his most charming smile, and after knocking three times, a sing-song voice called from within.

"Coming!" said Rarity, using her magic to pop the latch and open the door. "Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where every outfit garment is chic, uniqu...oh! Macintosh! How wonderful of you to stop by. I've been expecting you."

"Ya have?" asked Macintosh quizzically, his face faltering from the unexpected reception, "oh, right, I suppose that makes sense. Well, um, I guess ya know why I'm here than, right?"

"Oh of course darling," answered Rarity, walking into a nearby hallway with a hip swaying gait, "I was simply beside myself with grief. I didn't think you would show, but I should have known better. You Apples are nothing if not dependable."

"Sure...right," agreed Big Macintosh, still unsure about how nonchalant she was acting, "well, um, I reckon we...reckon we should get to it than."

"I couldn't agree more!" exclaimed Rarity over what sounded like shuffling boxes, "just let me find...ah, here we are! Perfect! These should be more than long enough."

"Long enough?" echoed Big Macintosh warily, his ears flattening at this unforeseen development, "long enough for what ma'am?"

"Trust me darling!" implored Rarity, her tone as cool as a cucumber, "I know I don't look like the kind of mare who'd do such things, but I've gotten my hands dirty a time or two. You should definitely take that shirt off though. It would be dreadful if it got ruined."

"Alright, I, uh, planned on taking it off anyways," said Big Macintosh unsurely, unbuttoning his shirt with practiced ease, "so...we'll just, uh, do it right here than, at tha front door?"

"That's where it's needed the most" confirmed Rarity matter-of-factly, emerging back into sight with a hammer and nails, "now let's get to it, shall we?"

Big Macintosh knew the word dirty could mean several different things, but he also knew that blunt, heavy objects and sharp, pointy things didn't mix well with soft flesh. Even trying to think about what Rarity had in mind sent shivers of revulsion down his spine.

"Ms. Rarity?" interjected Big Macintosh, deciding it was time to put his hoof down, "I know every pony has their own way of doing things, but I don't right feel comfortable using those...items."

"Nonsense Big Macintosh," chastised Rarity, using her magic to levitate and fold his shirt while placing the tools in front of him, "now be a dear and take them. You've got a lot of work to do, and not much time to do it."

"I-I couldn't," stammered Big Macintosh, looking at the floating hammer and nails in abject terror, "I ain't never done nothing like that before, and I ain't about ta start now, no matter how much ya enjoy it."

"Darling," said Rarity flatly, "what in the world are you going on about? Didn't Applejack explain to you what I needed?"

"Applejack?" repeated Big Macintosh apprehensively, a chill settling into his bones, "AJ don't know nothin' about this, and she don't need ta know nothin' either."

"What are you babbling about?" asked Rarity, using her magic to place the hammer into one of his hands and the nails into the other, "well, nevermind. You're here now, and that's all that matters. As I told Applejack yesterday, one of the columns at the front of my establishment has come loose again, and I'm afraid it's simply too much for me to handle. I asked her to lend you to me, but she said you'd gone out of town on a...business trip, or something like that. She said you'd be back today though, and voila! Here you are! So, if you would be so kind, please repair it with all due haste."

Big Macintosh was speechless. Surely she had to know why he was here. How could she have accepted Celestia's proposal and not...no, none of this made any sense.

"Well, what about my shirt than?" questioned Big Macintosh, watching as she neatly folded it before setting it down on a nearby table, "why'd you ask me ta take it off?"

"Come now darling," chided Rarity, rolling her eyes while donning a wry smirk, "I recognize my own work when I see it. Applejack procured that shirt from moi last fall to give to you as a Hearth's Warming Eve present. It would be a tragedy if you snagged it on a loose nail and ripped it. Just dreadful!"

Utterly dumbfounded. That is the only phrase that could describe Big Macintosh’s current state of mind. Rarity truly didn’t have the slightest inkling why he’d really come to the boutique…did Celestia make a mistake? No. She was far too clever to slip up this badly by accident, which meant…it wasn’t an accident. For whatever reason, she hadn’t revealed to Rarity who was coming today, and that meant…Celestia wanted him, and him alone, to woo the fashionista. Well, if that don’t beat all…

“Now I don’t mean to brag Macintosh,” said Rarity, turning to straighten her mane and check her makeup in a nearby mirror, “but I am expecting a rather important visitor from Canterlot to arrive any minute now. It would be simply smashing if you could finish within the hour. We wouldn’t want me to make a bad first impression, now would we?”

Before Big Macintosh knew it, he had been gingerly pushed out the front door, as clueless as he was shirtless about what to do next. Just as the door was about to close completely, Rarity poked her head out to give him his final instructions.

“I need to tidy up the shop,” stated Rarity, “and freshen up, of course. You’ll find a ladder near the back door, and please, do hurry darling. As I said before, time is of the essence. Ciao!”

The click the door made when it shut was barely audible, but to Big Macintosh it sounded like a cannon had been fired, signifying his total defeat. For a fraction of a second, he entertained the notion of walking back inside and explaining to Rarity that he was the “important visitor” she was so keenly expecting. However, he knew that Celestia had left the posh mare in the dark on purpose. This was a trial by fire. Sink or swim.

After retrieving the ladder and easily identifying the aberrant column, its base and capital obviously out of alignment, he set about fixing it. Big Macintosh knew the exercise would help him refocus his scattered thoughts, as well as buy him a little time to rethink his strategy. Rarity had the upper hand at the moment, but he had a few tricks up his sleeves as well. He just had to wait for the right opportunity to present itself.

__________________________________

Rarity hummed a cheery tune to herself as she spruced up her sewing room, putting loose bolts of fabric and scattered spindles of thread in their rightful places with a series of levitation spells. Stopping to take stock of the progress she'd made so far, she was pleased to note that everything was in order, except for a few smudged panes on a nearby window.

Nothing a little hot water mixed with vinegar and soap can't fix, thought Rarity, using her magic to bring an already filled pail and towel closer. I'm sure my gentlecolt caller will be thrilled to see that the boutique, like Canterlot, is a bastion of civility. He'll feel right at home.

She was absolutely beside herself with giddiness. Just the thought of a tall, dark, and handsome stallion, one cultured in all the niceties and etiquette of upper-class society, coming all the way to Ponyville for little old her…it was simply delicious! Of course, she’d initially been astounded at the bold offer in Princess Celestia’s letter…it was so scandalous, so shameless, so risqué! She almost refused it outright without a second thought, but that same night some very…unladylike sensations assailed her body, much more intensely than any prior time in her glamorous life. That had started her down the slippery slope of incrementally persuading herself, and two more nights of maddening sexual frustration found her speedily scribbling a resounding yes on the first piece of parchment she could find. Rarity’s waiting was almost at an end though. Any moment now, her Prince Charming would burst through the front door, and even though he almost an hour late, she would forgive him.

Rarity used her magic to dip the linen rag into the bucket of lukewarm suds, and then press it against the offending sections of glass, using a firm circular motion to scrub it spotless. However, when she floated the damp cloth higher to reach a spot further up, the sight she beheld through the glass sent a tremor of exhilaration throughout her entire body.

Big Macintosh was atop her ladder, driving home the last few nails he’d been given into the now righted column, his muscular frame glistening with a light sheen of sweat. And what a muscular frame it was…Rarity had never been around Applejack’s brother all that much, and certainly never when he was bare from the waist up. Seeing him in action for the first time, especially like this, caused her heart to skip a beat. The way his bicep flexed as he swung the hammer, the way his chest expanded with each powerful breath, the way his broad shoulders absorbed each impact without so much as a ripple…

Rarity felt like a hearth had been set ablaze at the base of her abdomen, an all too pleasant sensation that caused her thighs to reflexively press together. She bit her lower lip and started to wonder what it would feel like to…

That was when she realized he had noticed her. In fact, he was looking right at her! Big Macintosh had caught her red-handed ogling him while he worked, and the boyish grin that spread across his face only stoked the flames spreading throughout her body. Rarity's levitation spell faltered before fizzling out completely, letting the now forgotten rag drop unceremoniously to the floor. After a brief stint of psychosomatic paralysis, she finally mustered enough willpower to move her limbs. Spinning on her hooves in a 180 degree turn, she marched directly for the nearest hallway, and, once absolutely sure she was hidden from Big Macintosh's sight, sprinted up the staircase to her bedroom. She slammed the door shut after crossing its threshold, and pressed her back against it for stability, trying desperately to slow her racing heartbeat.

"Now, now Rarity," said the flustered fashionista, placing a hand against her chest, "there is nothing wrong with a little harmless staring...besides, Macintosh probably thought I was just...concerned, yes, of course, just concerned about how he was faring. No reason at all to get so worked up."

Somewhat convinced by her own inducement, she decided the best course of action would be to take a nice, soothing shower. It would help her relax, and besides, she needed to get ready for her now very tardy, yet-surely-having-a-good-excuse-as-to-why, gentlecolt caller. After removing the pinstriped slacks and collared blouse she was wearing, as well as her self-made frilly silk lingerie, Rarity spun the hot tap open, stepped into the tub, and drew the curtain closed. The warm water felt heavenly on her skin, melting the tension away in her muscles splendidly, and her aromatic soaps and shampoos did equally as well at easing her troubled mind. However, despite the copious amounts of water drenching her body, not all of the moisture came from the ornate brass shower head above her. A gasp, followed by a small moan of pleasure, escaped Rarity's mouth as she tentatively ran several fingers over her marehood, and she hoped, quite understandably so, that her suitor wouldn't take too much longer to arrive.

__________________________________

In his greatest hour of need, Lady Luck did not forsake Big Macintosh. To say the situation looked grim would have been an understatement, and as he had started to hammer the last nail home, he knew his preparation time to was almost up. The quandary was that he was still none the wiser about how to approach Rarity without laying all his cards on the table, something he knew Celestia would disapprove of fiercely. Then, a small miracle happened. Out of the corner of his eye Big Macintosh saw a brief flash of movement through the window, and turning out of nothing more than simple curiosity, the glimpse he caught of Rarity's antics signaled that the tide of battle had shifted in his favor.

He couldn't count the number of times he'd seen Luna fussing like that, especially when she didn't think he was looking at her. She'd wring her hands, scooch her legs together, pinch her lower lip between her teeth, roll her hips every so slightly...just thinking about it got his blood boiling. And now he'd just caught Rarity dead to rights exhibiting the same body language...Lady Luck was smiling indeed.

After he heard what sounded like a slamming door and creaking pipes coming from the second story of the boutique, Big Macintosh counted out ten minutes in his head before sauntering through the front entrance towards the staircase. By now, the sound of running water had been replaced by Rarity's leisurely humming, which steadily grew louder as he ascended towards her bedroom door. Once there, Big Macintosh took a deep breath, placed his hand on the doorknob, and boldly stepped into the room. Showtime.

"Ms. Rarity?" called Big Macintosh, making sure his head had been nonchalantly turned to the side before looking forward, "I wanted ta let ya know..."

"Eek!" screeched Rarity, dropping the tube of deep red lipstick she'd just retrieved from her makeup kit to the floor, "Ma-Macintosh, you scared me half to death! Don't you know to knock before entering a girl's private chambers? And shirtless no less!"

"I'm mighty sorry 'bout that ma'am," apologized Big Macintosh, trying to sound as sincere and innocent as possible, "didn't mean ta give ya such a fright, but I wanted to let ya know ya shouldn't have any more problems with that pesky piece of architecture."

"Th-thank you ever so much," said Rarity, making sure the belt on her pink-trimmed robe was firmly cinched, "I'll be sure to com-compensate you later for your troubles, but I really must ask you to leave now. I'm expecting a gentlecolt to arrive any second now..."

"If that don't beat all!" remarked Big Macintosh with a grin, taking a few casual strides towards the now visibly anxious mare, "AJ never told me ya had a special somepony! Do I know tha fella?"

"He-He's not my special somepony," asserted Rarity, turning to face Big Macintosh as he moved closer, "ju-just an upstanding stallion who is paying me a cordial visit."

"Oh, pardon my pryin' ma'am," replied Big Macintosh, closing the distance between them with a few more steps, "I really do seem ta have forgotten all my manners today. After seeing ya through tha window though...well, I couldn't just leave till I knew ya were alright. Ya looked awful bothered by something..."

"I-I'm fine, really," claimed Rarity, her back now against the bedroom's far wall, leaving no more room for a retreat, "it was ju-just a little heat stroke! Yes! From standing at the window too long. It-it's gotten awful warm as of late and..."

"Oh, it didn't look like no heat stroke to me," observed Big Macintosh, projecting a bit more swagger as he came to a stop right in front of her, "least none that I ever saw before...say, why ya trembling like that Ms. Rarity? Yar shaking like a leaf..."

"I-I just caught a bit of a chill from my shower," deflected Rarity once more, her hands trembling as she clenched the front of her robe even tighter together, "my mane is still a little damp, an-and...oh my..."

Her vials of perfume and jars of fragrant lotion had blocked most of Big Macintosh's scent from reaching her when he first entered the room. However, now that he was in such close proximity, his heady aroma was causing her to feel quite tipsy. It smelled of homemade soap mixed with spiced apples and fresh sweat. It was bucolic and powerful and...so raw, so...

"Ple-please," whispered Rarity weakly, turning her head to try and break the glamour he was casting over her, "Yo-you have to go...he'll be here any seco..."

"What if I said I didn't want ta go," countered Big Macintosh, gently cupping her chin in his hand while turning her to face him once more, "what if I said I wanted ta kiss ya..."

"You must...must be joking," declared Rarity, trying unsuccessfully to convince herself that he wasn't as ruggedly handsome as he appeared at that moment, "tha-that isn't happeni...mmph!"

Big Macintosh had developed a penchant for not letting antsy mares finish their sentences, and the indignant look on Rarity's face only spurred him on to double his efforts. She retaliated by rapping her fists against his chest in a last ditch effort of feeble resistance, but soon she lowered them to grip his forearms for anchorage. Striking his pectorals had felt akin to bashing a slab of marble, and the way his thick, sinewy biceps flexed rhythmically under her fingertips...oh, this was bad. Quite bad indeed. Rarity was slowly losing herself to his advances, her eyes glazing over as Big Macintosh continued his relentless assault on her body.

Wholly preoccupied with the lavish array of kisses being showered upon her lips and neck, Rarity hadn’t noticed that one of Big Macintosh’s hands had found its way to the cinched belt of her robe. A quick tug on one of its loose ends caused the garment to fall away nicely, at last revealing her breasts and marehood to his sight. Rarity’s clarity momentarily returned when she felt her bare chest press against his sweat-drenched torso, but Big Macintosh wasn’t content with just stopping there. He knelt down slightly and placed his left hand behind her knee, lifting her leg and wrapping it around his waist as he stood back up. His right hand descended to knead and tease her breasts, making sure that his now rapidly growing bulge laid flush against her most sensitive bundle of nerves. A steady tempo of motion was soon established, and he was very pleased to see that Rarity was beginning to push against him every time he thrust his hips towards her.

Unsurprisingly, she didn’t last very long. The kissing, the fondling, the grinding…her body, already aroused from her earlier fantasies and days of unquenched frustrations, simply couldn’t handle the multiple stimuli assailing her. The orgasm hit her stomach like a bolt of lightning, and then transformed itself into a great electric eel that went on a rampage inside her, latching its charged fangs onto every fiber and ligament it could find. She felt it in her legs especially, and after weathering the first two large convulsions through dogged determination alone, her right knee buckled inwards when the third came, causing her to collapse against Big Macintosh like a ragdoll. Her cries of ecstasy boomed throughout the room like rolling thunder, but slowly faded into labored breathing and afterglow-tinged mewling when the spasms finally started to subside.

As he cradled her lithe, quivering form in his arms, Big Macintosh was taken aback by how beautiful she truly was. Her breasts were almost as big as Celestia’s majestic orbs, and her slender waist gave way to a perfectly heart-shaped bottom. She possessed an almost flawless hourglass figure, and Big Macintosh felt his length grow painfully harder the longer he looked at her.

“Whoa now little lady,” said Big Macintosh soothingly, holding her body close to his own, “don’t fret none, I gotcha.”

“Yo-you brute,” fumed a breathless Rarity, “no stallion has ever handled me so…so roughly, so crassly, so…eek!”

“They were a buncha colts than if ya ask me, Ms. Rarity,” claimed Big Macintosh confidently, having just dragged his fingers against her swollen nethers, “because I’m just gettin’ started…”

He rose to his full height in an instant, lifting Rarity as if she weighed nothing more than a bag of feathers. She squealed again from the unexpected movement, kicking her legs frantically while once again pounding her fists against his chest.

“Un-unhand me you fiend!” demanded Rarity, “I-I’ll have you know that I didn’t enjoy that at al…mmph! Sto-stop doing that!”

Big Macintosh had given her another quick peck to stop her prattling, flashing her a roguish smile before laying it on thick.

“You sure know how ta hurt a fella’s feelins Ms. Rarity,” said Big Macintosh humbly, trying his best to repress a gleeful smile, “I may not be some fancy prince, but that don’t mean I can’t carry ya like a princess. And it certainly don’t mean that I can’t make ya claw a hole through them bedsheets if ya let me…”

Rarity’s pupils grew as big as saucers after his last little boast of prowess, and Big Macintosh felt the underside of his left forearm grow a little damper where her bottom was resting.

“I-I suppose I could humor you for a while longer,” acquiesced Rarity, biting her lower lip in expectation while her eyes darted between Big Macintosh and the bed they were now approaching, “bu-but on one condition! First, we have to lay out the rose petals. Then, you’ll light the candles while I get the ostrich feathe…”

“What in tarnation are you going on about?” interrupted Big Macintosh, puzzled at how any of those things would help them, “candles? Feathers?”

“Oh, but it would be so romantic darling,” chimed Rarity, perking up before launching into her rather lengthy explanation, “you see I had it all planned out before you, oh, how to say this delicately…came crashing into the picture. I just finished reading this wonderful novella where the heroine and her lover, the prince, are…”

However, something strange happened to Big Macintosh right as Rarity began her tirade on the finer plot points of Lady Lilywine’s passionate affair with Prince Bramblebottom. It was as if he was being pulled away from himself, his sight of her and her bedroom growing smaller and smaller in the distance…

__________________________________

“…Macintosh,” called Celestia, her voice nothing more than a faint whisper at first, but steadily growing louder with each passing second, “Macintosh…wake up, my little stallion.”

Big Macintosh opened his eyes and took in his surroundings, instantaneously recognizing where he was. He was back in Canterlot, in Celestia and Luna’s private quarters…but it was more than that. The sense of déjà vu he felt was stifling, and when he saw how Luna was sleeping next to him, her body still covered in a light sweat from the passionate lovemaking they’d just finished, he not only knew where he was…but when he was.

“Looks like you have some notion of what's happening. Such a clever boy,” said Celestia, the soft glow enveloping her horn now slowly fading away, “memory spells like this are always tricky, but can be so…rewarding, if executed properly.”

Big Macintosh knew exactly what Celestia was referencing. She was straddling him, just as she had been four days ago, dragging her moist marehood teasingly up and down his rigid member. This was how she’d woken him up that night after he and Luna had fallen asleep. This is when she imparted her first lesson onto him.

“It really is a shame you can’t speak,” continued Celestia, now pressing the tip of his stallionhood against her folds, parting them slightly, “but you can listen…and you definitely can feel this…”

Celestia lowered herself onto him, his flared head piercing into her tight wetness. She felt different than any mare he’d ever lain with before. It was as if she could control every atom of her body, making them expand or contract on a whim. Of course, that meant the inside of her marehood squeezed him in ways that were physically impossible for a normal mare, but when Big Macintosh opened his mouth to let out a very vocal rumble of pleasure, not a decibel of sound emerged.

“Oh, yes,” moaned Celestia, her hands now resting against his chest for balance as she made her ascent, “the sound you made that moment was…exhilarating. But you’re here to remember a lesson, so listen well my pupil.”

Celestia had reached the very top of his shaft by then, and just when Big Macintosh felt himself slipping out from inside her, she used all of her weight to drive him back into the depths of her being. Big Macintosh’s hands reflexively reached for her hips, wanting to hold her in place so he could savor the sensation more.

“Every mare or stallion has certain kinks or fetishes that excite them,” claimed Celestia, her voice only wavering slightly as she rose and fell at an increasing rate, “but if he or she becomes too focused on all the extraneous things that can make sex novel and fun, at the expense of sex itself, than they should be reminded of what a skilled partner can accomplish without toys and gimmicks.”

Big Macintosh knew he was close, and he knew Celestia did as well. Her eyes narrowed. Her pace increased. She moved faster and faster, squeezing him so tightly in so many mind-boggling ways…

Big Macintosh threw his head back and let loose a silent howl, his shaft erupting inside Celestia as she buried herself to the hilt with one final motion. Her left knee dropped to the bed as her right leg shot out in a sporadic fit of orgasmic ecstasy. She felt him filling her womb with copious amounts of his warm seed, and the heat that radiated outward from the deepest point within her sent shockwaves of pleasure rippling out to all her limbs.

“Yes!” screamed Celestia, her nails digging into hard flesh of Big Macintosh’s chest, “yes you magnificient stallion! Give it all to me! Every drop!”

The pleasure was fading though. Big Macintosh felt himself slipping away. The room grew smaller, and Celestia with it. He managed to catch Celestia’s last words before everything faded to darkness once more.

“Now go, my little stallion, and show her how skilled you truly are…”

__________________________________

“…and that is why Lady Lilywine tickled Prince Bramblebottom’s eyelids with the ostrich feather. It symbolized unyielding trust, you see? Macintosh? Macintosh! Have you been listening to a word I’ve said?” asked Rarity, her eyes narrowing in annoyance.

It took a second for Big Macintosh to reorient himself after traveling through the void of time and space, but when he did, he returned her miffed glare with one of smoldering passion.

“Not a word, ma’am,” answered Big Macintosh bluntly, placing Rarity face down on the bed before resting his hands on her succulent hips, “but let me show ya what I’m thinkin’ about…”

“Un-unhand me you scoundrel!” said Rarity fumingly, the deepest blush he’d ever seen on any pony’s face creeping across her cheeks, “a-a lady does not…not in this position…”

“I’m gonna take ya like this Rarity,” stated Big Macintosh assuredly, leaning over so he could nip her ear before continuing, “I’m gonna rut ya until ya can't think straight…until all ya know is tha two of us joined together…”

“Yo-you musn’t say such things,” whispered Rarity timidly, her hips now rocking in ever so slightly as she looked over her shoulder, “I-I’ll lose myself…if you say such indecent words…”

“Yar my mare now Rarity, and if ya want this,” claimed Big Macintosh boldly, letting his trousers drop to the floor, revealing his stallionhood in its full glory, “all ya have to do is say so…I’ll take ya right here and now.”

“Tha-that’s too big,” protested Rarity warily, her eyes growing wide as she watched Big Macintosh place his shaft between her flanks, “I’ve never…it’s so hot, why is it so…ah…hot!”

“Say it Rarity,” urged Big Macintosh passionately, sliding his shaft down to her nethers, rubbing it back and forth teasingly along her slit, “what do ya want me to do? Tell me…”

Rarity had reached the limits of her reason. Never in her life had anypony spoke to her this way. Claiming her as their own, trying to make her say such…such lewd, crass things! But why did those words make her feel so impassioned? It was more than just her heat…it was a thrill she’d never experienced before with her more tame lovers. Not the desire for moonlight trysts and games of coy flirtation…no, it was something much more tangible than that. The unequivocal yearning for the stallion behind her, the large, powerful stallion, so strong that he could fell a tree with a single kick, to take her wildly, frantically, furiously…

“Yes!” shouted Rarity, instinctually lowering her chest to the bed while raising her waist higher. “Yes, you magnificent beast! Take me! Rut me-ah…ah!”

The instant Big Macintosh pressed the tip of his stallionhood into her wet folds, Rarity’s body was racked with a mind-shattering orgasm. She’d tried for days to achieve this kind of release, but all of her efforts only fostered more frustration in the end. This time her fingers didn’t fail her though. This time was different. Her body had known all along what it needed, and that was a stallion…a virile, confident stallion, to claim her, to rut her…to breed her. Rarity’s nails dug into the bedspread as she came, rending small holes in the comforter as she grasped for a shred of stability to stop the world from spinning. Her hips shook in fits of unbridled pleasure, and her eyes rolled back into her head as she let loose several loud, husky moans.

Then Big Macintosh began to move. He smoothly glided the entire length of his shaft into Rarity’s quivering body, holding her waist firmly in place as she writhed and twisted on the bed below him. Once he had sheathed himself completely, he pulled his entire rod out to the head before driving it home once more. He could feel her constantly convulsing around him, multitudes of orgasms, large and small, besetting her body as she accepted his prodigious girth. A few more thrusts and…

“Rarity,” said Big Macintosh intensely, tightening his grip on her hips as he sped up his movements, “I’m…”

“Yes, darling!” shouted Rarity in delight, turning to look over her shoulder with pleading, hungry eyes, “yes! Let it out…it’ll feel marvelous! I-I need it!”

Big Macintosh needed no further encouragement. He felt the head of his stallionhood form a tight seal against the entrance of Rarity’s womb, and once there he unleashed a white geyser that filled her to the brim. Big Macintosh felt each spurt of his orgasm synch up with a matching tremor from Rarity’s shaking form, and he watched as she wriggled her hips from side to side against his groin, savoring every drop he pumped into her.

Big Macintosh pulled his softening member from her marehood with a wet pop, and he watched as rivulets of his seed trickled down her lower lips and inner thighs. A closer inspection of her person revealed that she was still conscious, but simply too exhausted to move at more than a snail’s pace. He smiled softly before scooping her up into his arms, turning down the sheets of her bed and then maneuvering so both of them could fall gently into its embrace. The sun was just starting to set outside, but the day’s bizarre menagerie of events had drained both ponies past the point of exhaustion.

Rarity nestled up against Big Macintosh, her eyes fluttering as she tried to fend off sleep for just a few more seconds.

“You see darling,” whispered Rarity, her eyelids closing at last as she drifted off into a peaceful slumber, “just like I said…simply marvelous…”

Marvelous, huh? thought Big Macintosh, pulling the fashionista closer towards him before kissing her forehead. I couldn’t agree more.

To be continued…

Author's Note

I want to thank all my readers for their great compliments and very constructive criticism. Also, I want to commission an artist to create a custom image for this story, so let me know if you know someone who would be interested. Now, I'm off to work on chapter three!

The Life of the Party

A Stud about Ponyville
Chapter 3: The Life of the Party

A chill draft blew across Big Macintosh’s face, causing him to shiver and sneeze softly. He wasn't sure what possessed Rarity to open her bedroom window on such an early spring night, especially considering how unbelievably toasty he felt lying next to her after their earlier lovemaking. Nevertheless, he was grateful for her rather sudden and curious behavior, for it gave him perfect pretext to pull her luscious body closer for warmth. His hands eagerly reached over to reel in Rarity's sleeping form, but after several seconds of probing the spot where she should have been, Big Macintosh was surprised to find that she had simply vanished. Not only that, but the mattress felt different as well. It had a spongy, moist texture, almost like...moss?

His sixth sense for the bizarre, something he'd keenly cultivated over the course of his royal tutelage, was screaming at him to keep his eyes shut and slip back into unconsciousness. Alas, Big Macintosh's curiosity finally got the better of him, and after taking a deep breath, he slowly opened his right eye to survey his surroundings.

Well, now I feel like a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs, thought Big Macintosh, wishing he'd listened to his gut instead of his head. Where in tarnation am I this time?

He certainly wasn't in the Carousel Boutique anymore, not unless Rarity had decided to stealthily remove the ceiling in the last few hours. The dark sky above him was filled with thousands of stars, and the moon, now a waxing crescent, glowed with a vibrant silvery light.

Besides missing its roof, his current accommodations appeared to be constructed of hewn grey stone, and he followed the curve of its walls until he arrived at a portion that must have crumbled away ages ago. There were two windows, both broken beyond repair, and one large wooden door resting slightly ajar on ornate iron hinges. Big Macintosh stood up and walked towards the missing segment of wall, hoping to see a familiar landmark nearby, but was overcome by an abrupt case of vertigo after peering through the breach. He was in a tower! And not just any tower, but a tall spire of an ancient castle, surrounded by thick, mist-filled woods on all sides. Big Macintosh instantly recognized the gnarled trees and ominous sounds of his whereabouts too…he was right in the middle of the Everfree Forest.

"How in tha world did I get here..." wondered Big Macintosh, kicking a loose stone into the air while backing away from the tower's edge cautiously, "guess I'll just have ta see if that door will budge. Ain't no other safe way outta this place for an earth pony."

Right as he turned and started striding towards the door, he saw that it was slowly opening towards him, revealing a robed figure lurking in the shadows. Big Macintosh immediately began backpedaling as the hooded specter closed in on him, but several steps later he found himself at the precipice of the ruined structure. There was nowhere to run, and nowhere to hide. Well, Big Macintosh was an Apple, and an Apple didn't go down without a fight. He set his hooves and prepared to charge, but just before he could launch himself forward, his unknown assailant raised their hand in a halting manner.

"Fear not, dear Macintosh," said the mysterious individual, their voice definitely female and very familiar, "I mean you no harm. Quite the opposite, in fact..."

"Luna?" queried Big Macintosh, lowering his fists while trying to peek into her cowl, "what in tha blazes are ya doin' here? And what am I doin' here? Last thing I remember was..."

"Is this place not to your liking?" asked Luna, finally pulling back the hood of her cloak to reveal her dark ethereal hair and gorgeous features, "I admit that it is...not in the best of conditions, but it is a place of great significance to me. I-I thought it would be quite romantic..."

"Romantic? A rundown fortress in tha middle of timber wolf country," replied Big Macintosh in irritation, before noticing the look of defeat settling onto her face, "I'm sorry Luna. I didn't mean ta make ya upset. I, um, I think it's really swell that ya wanted ta see me so badly, but I don't think kidnappin' me was tha right way ta go about it."

"Kidnap you?" repeated Luna quizzically, raising one of her eyebrows in confusion, "Regrettably, I have not laid my hands on your prodigious physique since you left Canterlot, Macintosh. Your body is still at that...that purple-maned harlot's home in Ponyville, but your mind is here with me. This is a dream. Your dream, my paramour."

“If this is a dream,” interjected Big Macintosh, kneeling down to run his hands over the cold, damp floor, “than why does everything feel so real? And why are ya here? Did Celestia send ya ta…wait, why in tha world am I naked…”

Big Macintosh’s voice trailed off when he noticed Luna unclasping her robe, and he swallowed hard after she let it drop to the ground, exposing her completely nude self to him.

“I am here for my own reasons, Macintosh,” said Luna huskily, leisurely strutting towards him with a hip-swaying gait, “My sister may rule over the day, but the night is my domain. Thus, my powers allow me to enter a pony’s dreams, as well as do things such as this…”

Luna raised her right hand theatrically, crooking her index finger at him in a beckoning gesture. Not only was Big Macintosh taken aback by the unprecedented aura of authority emanating from the dusky princess, but he was also shocked to realize that without flexing a single muscle, he was already moving towards her. He looked down to see that his hooves were at least an inch off the ground, and after several seconds of weightless floating, he came to a stop mere inches from her. She held him at eye-level, capturing his attention with a come-hither stare that could set the coldest stallion’s heart ablaze with wanton desire. Her gaze also contained a dash of the predatory gleam he’d seen all too often in Celestia’s eyes before she pounced on him.

“Um, Luna, yar highness, ma’am?” stammered Big Macintosh, his ears folding back as a bead of sweat formed on his brow, “ya seem a little different than I remember. A lot more…frisky.”

“I feel at ease in this castle,” explained Luna, turning her head to look fondly at the ruins surrounding them, “it was our ancestral home before my banishment. Furthermore, without Celestia here to endlessly tease me and dictate the course of the evening’s…entertainment, I am free to act however I see fit. And let me assure you, my burly concubine, I had ample time since your departure to plan an evening that will eclipse all our prior couplings combined!”

"Burly concubine? Wait just an apple-pickin' minut...mmph!" protested Big Macintosh initially, before Luna used his usual tactic of kiss-silencing against him.

Her hand steadily slid down Big Macintosh's chest to his now stiffening length, grasping it firmly at the base before giving it a savoring squeeze. Not wanting to hand over the reins to Luna completely, he retaliated by placing both his hands firmly on her bottom, kneading and spreading her cheeks with a strong rolling motion. She contently moaned into his mouth upon feeling his firm caresses, and after a few more seconds of vigorously wrapping her tongue around his, she broke the kiss to speak.

"I have yearned for you, dearest Macintosh," declared Luna adamantly, standing up on the tip of her hooves to nip at his ear, "and even if this is but a dream, we have all night to rekindle our passion! Oh Macintosh..."

...Macintosh...

Big Macintosh's ears perked up. He wasn't absolutely sure, but right as Luna had said his name, he thought that another voice, although much weaker and distant, had echoed it. He looked down to see a look of abject shock spreading across Luna's face, followed by a frantic bout of glancing at their surroundings with a wary eye.

"No," exclaimed Luna disbelievingly, placing both her hands on Big Macintosh's face, forcing him to make eye contact with her, "you must focus on my voice alone. If you do not, you will awaken Macintosh..."

...Macintosh...

The world around them was starting to crumble. Big Macintosh watched as slabs of stone and bits of moss flew into the air, dissolving apart into nothingness as they drifted further and further upwards. Luna stamped her left hoof in irritation several times, pouting furiously as the dream continued to collapse around them.

"Curses! It is not fair," proclaimed Luna vehemently, folding her arms across her chest, "the vain and gaudy haberdasher has bested us this time! BUT WE SHALL RETURN!"

Luna belted out her final declaration using the traditional Canterlot voice, and the last thing Big Macintosh saw before waking up was the glimmer of determination in her eyes. He had no doubt that she would be true to her word, which meant even falling asleep was going to be a whole new escapade from here on out...

__________________________________

"...Macintosh! Are you even listening to me," repeated Rarity once more, wiggling back and forth in the teasing embrace of the large red stallion, "you aren't even awake! To think you'd do such lewd things even in your sleep...ah, mmm! H-have you no self-control?"

Big Macintosh opened his eyes to see Rarity, still as beautiful and bare as he remembered from hours earlier, steadfastly encircled by his muscular arms. His fingers were sinking into the supple flesh of her heart-shaped butt, and he felt one of her long, shapely legs draped securely over his hip. He could tell that she had been pressing and rubbing her marehood against his thigh, and if the size of the damp spot he felt on his skin was any indication, she'd been enjoying herself immensely.

"Looks like I'm not tha only one who's been havin' fun," quipped Big Macintosh, drawing another deep moan from Rarity's throat by bending his leg against her, "ta be honest I was havin' a real nice dream, but seein' ya all riled up like this has got me even more excited..."

"A dream? Probably some crass fantasy, and I-I don't know what you're talking about," disputed Rarity in a ladylike tone, chewing on her lower lip to try and contain her whimpers of pleasure, "Yo-you accosted me while I slept, mumbling like a madcolt and kissing me an-and..."

"Ya ain't gotta put on airs, Rarity," said Big Macintosh soothingly, moving one of his hands from her flank so he could run his fingers through her mane, "ain't no shame in feelin' good if ya enjoy the company yar in, and I know somethin' that'll make ya feel even better..."

Big Macintosh suddenly rolled over onto his back, taking Rarity with him as he went. After releasing a small yelp of surprise, a deep blush crept across her face when she noticed their new positioning. She still remembered how Big Macintosh had taken her completely by surprise with his earlier onslaught of unbridled fervor, so she wasn't exactly sure what he had in mind for her this time. Just thinking about that visceral coupling made her start to swoon, and she found it difficult to stop her body from trembling in anticipation.

"Wha-what are you going to do to me now?" inquired Rarity, trying her best to feign a tone of indifference.

"I ain't gonna do nothin' Rarity," explained Big Macintosh with a grin, using the hand still on her bottom to give it a playful smack, "this time I figured ya'd return tha favor and do a little movin' of yar own."

"I-I...absolutely not," objected Rarity, sitting up on her knees while draping an arm across her breasts, "I couldn't possibly do something as uncouth as that...I-I, ah!"

Big Macintosh had slyly maneuvered his stallionhood between Rarity's legs, and was using it quite effectively to stimulate the most sensitive regions of her body. Rarity knew that history was repeating itself. No matter how much her surface thought rebuked his bold, indecent commands, the core of her being craved for him to touch and hold her. A very familiar fire was being rekindled in her stomach, and, just as before, she desperately wanted to feel the earth-shattering sensation of having it quenched.

"F-fine," agreed Rarity, now reflexively matching Big Macintosh's motions, "wha-what should I do?"

"For starters, turn around just like this," explained Big Macintosh, using his hands to rotate her so she was facing away from him, "now, raise yarself up a little...that's it, now nice and slow..."

"W-wait, nice and slow wha-ah!" asked Rarity hesitantly at first, before feeling Big Macintosh press the head of his rod past her folds, "I-I wasn't ready, yo-you brute! Ah!"

"Just relax and let yar hips drop darlin'," encouraged Big Macintosh, inhaling sharply as he placed his hands on her hips to steady her descent, "just like that. Sweet mercy Rarity, yar tight..."

Although she did hear his rather embarrassing compliment, Rarity couldn't form a single syllable in response. Her moans escalated in volume as she descended further down his length, and she looked below in a mix of terror and awe as it disappeared, inch after glorious inch, into her body. Just like their earlier, rougher union, Rarity felt marvelously full, but there was also several unexpected responses coming to the forefront due to their new position. She could feel Big Macintosh's shaft scraping against the back of her inner walls, and, even though she didn't think it was possible, he was somehow reaching even deeper inside her than before.

"Now, here's the important part," stated Big Macintosh with a grin, leaning back to rest his head on Rarity's large assortment of plush pillows, "how fast ya go is completely up to yar discretion, and if ya want ta stop, well, ya can do that as well."

Rarity turned to shoot a huffy look at the relaxing stallion, and slowly began to move upwards to retract his length.

Of course I'll stop...a lady...does not do such things, thought Rarity hazily, her marehood now reaching the final inch of Macintosh's staff, I'll just...stop...and...oh...maybe just once or twice...

Rarity let all the tension go from her muscles, causing her to gradually slide back down Macintosh's entire length. She let out a loud, husky moan after she took him to the hilt, and several more initially tentative trips soon gave way to a more vigorous rhythm once she grew accustomed to the motions. It wasn't long before she felt the approach of her first orgasm, and after several more small tremors raced up and down her spine, she plunged down hard on Big Macintosh's impressive member for the grand finale.

Rarity placed her hands on Big Macintosh's thighs, digging her manicured fingernails into his hard flesh, as waves of pleasure crashed over her body. She could feel her marehood twitching and convulsing around his rigid shaft, and she exerted even more downward force to ensure every possible millimeter of his girth was buried inside her. It was fabulous. It was wonderful. It was...lacking something. Rarity's arousal had transformed from a roaring fire into a raging inferno, and it was only after a few seconds of wondering about what went so terribly wrong that she realized something...Big Macintosh hadn't climaxed with her.

"Wh-why didn't you..." questioned a breathless Rarity, shimmying her hips from side to side in frustration, "did I-I do it wrong, or..."

Big Macintosh chuckled heartily before sitting up and pulling Rarity back towards him, making sure she had comfortable seat on his lap before speaking.

"I ain't no quick-draw colt Rarity," said Macintosh chidingly, sliding his hands up to cup and fondle her breasts, "I was just riled up durin' our first go around and couldn't help myself. Besides, from lookin' at tha position of tha moon in tha sky, it ain't even midnight yet. Now, I don't think either one of us is gonna turn into a pumpkin when both hands strike twelve, which means we got all night to..."

Taking a page from his own playbook, Rarity didn't let Big Macintosh finish his sentence. The kiss she placed on his lips soon evolved into a furious duel between their tongues, and eventually gave way to even more heightened acts of intimacy as their passion escalated to new levels.

From her small cushion off to the side of Rarity's bed, Opal rolled her eyes at her insufferable master, as well as the hulking compatriot she'd brought into their home. Deciding that she wouldn't get any sleep in the same room as those two tonight, she haughtily made her way towards the door and then down the staircase to the sewing room. After finding a nice bolt of expensive green silk to settle down on, all the while trying to tune out the ghastly noises coming from upstairs, Opal curled into a ball and tried her best to get some shut-eye.

__________________________________

The sun was starting to rise over Ponyville, and as the light from the stars, moon, and the strange comet began to fade, the silhouettes of two ponies could be seen loitering near the front door of the Carousel Boutique. Rarity and Big Macintosh only managed to get a few hours of sleep between the two of them, but the shower they had just finished sharing left them both feeling a little more invigorated than when they first woke up. Rarity, clothed in nothing more than her pink robe and a towel she'd wrapped around her wet mane, shivered as she laid her head against Big Macintosh's fully-clothed chest. It wasn't just the early morning chill that was affecting her though, and she sighed contently after recalling the last few moments of ardor they'd just shared in the bathroom together.

"Do you really have to go Macintosh?" asked Rarity sullenly, pouting her lips while looking up into his eyes, "I mean, yesterday afternoon, last night, and, ahem, this morning were certainly unexpected, but wildly enjoyable nonetheless. I think we should go back inside out of this dreadful cold and..."

"Believe me when I say," started Big Macintosh, placing a hand on her delicate cheek and kissing her forehead, "that I'd like nothin' more than ta haul ya back up those stairs Rarity, but I do got chores that need attendin' ta back at tha farm. Now, that don't mean we can't see each other later, but maybe we should, um, keep quiet about our relationship..."

"Keep quiet about our relationship..." repeated Rarity, narrowing her eyes in a look of mounting fury, "are you ashamed of being seen with moi? Well I never in all my years thoug...mmph! D-don't think you can kiss your way out of this one miste...ah! Mmm..."

Big Macintosh had to up the ante considerably to placate her with his kiss, but having his free hand slither itself between the folds of her robe did the trick nicely. Still, he'd have to appease her wrath so as not to jeopardize Celestia's plans for the future. Big Macintosh knew he was beginning to weave a tangled web of half-truths, but he didn't see any other way out.

If Applejack ever found out she'd...well, best not ta go down tha road, thought Big Macintosh, racking his brain for a solution until it finally dawned on him, I bet I could appeal to Rarity's sense of romantic intrigue ta get her ta play along…

"Why would a plain stallion like me be ashamed ta be seen with a beautiful mare like yarself," posed Big Macintosh, using the fingers of his concealed hand to teasingly trace the outline of her slit, "I thought ya'd like it more this way. In fact, it reminds me of tha story ya were tellin' me about before..."

"Yo-you mean The Tale of Lady Lilywine an-and Prince Bramblebottom?" inquired Rarity on tenterhooks, leaning against Big Macintosh for support when she felt her knees starting to grow weak, "tha-that is true, they, ah, did keep their love a secret. It wa-was, ah, a forbidden affair...two star-crossed ponies...ah, sto-stop, not here..."

"So what do ya say, my lady?" asked Big Macintosh imploringly, trying his best to suppress the feelings of dishonesty welling in his chest, "I think it would be real excitin' to try..."

"Fi-fine, ah, ye-yes," agreed Rarity finally, stepping away from Big Macintosh in a huff before a sly smile of appeasement spread across her face, "you are far too talented with your hands darling. I would be the one carrying you back to the bedroom if I let you continue…and I never thought you were the romantic type, but I do like your debonair flair. Alas, keep me in your thoughts till we meet again, Macintosh.”

Rarity struck a dramatic pose before blowing him a kiss, tossing him a wink, and slipping back through her front door. Big Macintosh smiled at her flair for the theatrical for a few moments before turning to begin his long walk back to Sweet Apple Acres. It was certainly shaping up to be a beautiful day, but unfortunately his thoughts were muddled with feelings of guilt about deceiving Rarity. He knew Celestia had to have her reasons for doing things this way, but that didn’t make it any easier to stomach.

After retracing the southern route he’d taken yesterday afternoon, Big Macintosh crested the final grass-lined hill before the farm became visible in the distance. The smoke coming from the chimney signaled that breakfast must be underway, and after several more minutes of walking he could smell the unmistakable scent of hot apple pancakes wafting through the air. Last night’s activities had made him ravenous, and even after placing both hands reassuringly on his stomach, he still couldn’t quiet its growling. Taking a deep breath after reaching the kitchen’s side door, he opened it boldly with a smile that instantly fell flat, along with his ears, once he saw who was waiting for him on the other side.

“Where in tha cotton-pickin’, apple-buckin’, and cider-squeezin’ heck have ya been Macintosh?” fumed Applejack, her eyes narrowing into slits of soul-piercing introspection, “I can’t believe ya would stay out all night and not say a word ta anypony about…”

“Oh hush now, Applejack,” chastised Granny Smith, sitting down at the table across from Apple Bloom, “and usin’ such language around yar little sister no less! Ya told me yar brother had important work ta do in town last night, and I’m sure that was what he was doin’ till now. Ain’t tha right, sonny?”

“Ye-yes ma’am,” assured Big Macintosh vehemently, cutting his eyes between Granny’s welcoming expression and Applejack’s skeptical visage, “sorry I didn’t let ya know last night AJ, but things ended up takin’ longer than even I expected them to. Lots of, um, little details kept croppin’ up, and they had ta be hammered down one at a time before we could call it quits.”

“And that really took ya all night?” asked Applejack in an incredulous tone, now resting her hands on her hips, “well than mister big shot, mind tellin’ me what ya specifically worked on? And better yet, where did ya bunk down after it was over?”

“I, uh, ya know, typical supply and demand, um formulas,” claimed Big Macintosh with as much confidence as he could muster, “and I feel asleep on tha bed, ah, I mean tha bed of papers on tha desk. I didn’t mean an actual bed…”
Applejack knew there was something Big Macintosh wasn’t telling her, and she also knew that it would only take a few more minutes of putting the screws to him before he’d fess up. However, like a masked vigilante, his loud, rumbling stomach came to the rescue in the nick of time.

“Simmer down Applejack,” instructed Granny Smith while shakily pouring a large amount of maple syrup over her flapjacks, “can’t ya hear how hungry tha poor boy is? Now stop yar squabbling and both of ya fix yarselves a plate! We got lots ta do today!”

Big Macintosh and Applejack stared at each other for a few more tense moments before moving towards the cabinet to retrieve their respective dishes and utensils. Apple Bloom looked up at Big Macintosh as he sat down next to her, and the splotches of syrup and bits of butter clinging to her face did nothing to subdue her ear-to-ear grin.

“I can’t believe yar such an important pony now big brother!” exclaimed Apple Bloom loudly, moving her fork to spear another mouthful of food, “the other Cutie Mark Crusaders are mighty green that ya got ta go ta Canterlot and meet Princess Celestia! Can ya take us with ya the next time ya go? Can ya? Pretty please? We might get our cutie marks for princess meetin’!”

“Ain’t nopony takin’ another trip ta Canterlot anytime soon,” stated Applejack flatly, sliding her knife mechanically through her pancakes without taking her eyes of Big Macintosh, “We finally got what we need ta fix this place up, and that is what we’re gonna do before plantin’ season rolls around.”

“But Applejack,” whined Apple Bloom, donning her most adorable and plaintive look, “what if I miss my chance ta get my croquet-playing cutie mark because I don’t get ta meet with tha princess?”

“Now don’t ya fret none about that sugar cube,” consoled Applejack, ruffling Apple Bloom’s hair, “ya might get yar brother-watchin’ cutie mark since ya two will be fixing tha shutters while I mosey into town.”

“Awww, phooey,” mumbled Apple Bloom, slouching down in her and crossing her arms, “why can’t I go into town with ya Applejack?”

“Cause I need ya to make sure our brother doesn’t wander off again,” explained Applejack, looking at Big Macintosh warily out of the corner of her eye, “I ain’t gonna be gone that long either, just gotta pick up a little surprise for later tonight.”

“A surprise!” shouted Apple Bloom excitedly, “Oh, oh, what is it? Ya gotta tell me Applejack!”

“Wouldn’t be much of a surprise if I did that sugar cube,” replied Applejack with a warm smile, “now ya make sure that big lug keeps his nose to the grindstone, and we’ll all enjoy tha surprise at supper, ya hear?”

“Yes ma’am!” answered Apple Bloom with a salute, “come on Macintosh, we got work ta do!”

“Eeyup, just give me a bit squirt,” agreed Big Macintosh cheerfully, wolfing down the last few bites of his breakfast, “um, can I have a word with ya AJ?”

Applejack considered refusing his request outright, but after several more seconds of weighted deliberation, she finally motioned for him to follow her to the hallway.

“I am awful sorry about stayin’ out all night AJ,” apologized Big Macintosh, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly, “I didn’t mean ta make ya’ll worry, and I’m gonna try my darndest to make sure it don’t happen again.”
Applejack silently appraised Big Macintosh for quite a spell, even going as far as adjusting her Stetson hat to a more daunting angle, before her critical scowl softened into a begrudging smile.

“One of these days I’m gonna figure out how ta stay mad at ya Macintosh,” sighed Applejack, still grinning as she walked towards the front door, “I’ll be back from town in two shakes of a lamb’s tail, so go on and get started on those repairs if ya really want ta make it up ta me.”

“Eeyup,” replied Big Macintosh, visibly inflating from her forgiveness, “and thank ya AJ. I feel mighty small when yar cross at me.”

“Ya know I love ya Macintosh,” consoled Applejack, giving him an affectionate punch to the shoulder, “but this whole Canterlot business just came outta nowhere and…well, I ain’t gonna fret about it no more. I best get going. Don’t want ta waste anymore daylight!”

And with that remark, Applejack walked outside, inhaled a lungful of warm, fragrant air, and began her trek towards Ponyville. She knew Sugarcube Corner was pretty busy throughout the day, so she had planned ahead accordingly, leaving special instructions for Pinkie Pie to bake a small, Devil’s food cake first thing this morning. The idea had dawned on her after meeting Big Macintosh at the train station yesterday, and was supposed to be a reward for becoming an overnight golden goose for the family. She knew Devil’s food was his favorite too, but it was usually a luxury that they didn’t waste bits on, especially since the farm ate up all their extra revenue with its constant upkeep needs.

That little restriction don’t no longer apply though, thought Applejack, her chest swelling with familial pride, and supper sure is going ta be mighty fine tonight because of it.

__________________________________

Rarity adjusted her stylish sunglasses to better hide the small, dark circles under her eyes, one of only two negative consequences that came from her intense romp with Big Macintosh. The other, of course, was the nagging soreness that plagued her every step, but that was a small price to pay for the wondrous, tingling afterglow that still enveloped her. She’d taken a short nap after he’d left the Carousel Boutique, but soon the undignified noises her stomach refused to stop making, as well as the lack of anything to eat in her kitchen, prompted a venture into the town proper for sustenance.

She wasn’t in the mood for fruits and vegetables though, so that eliminated the market from her perspective list of eateries. No, she still felt so deliciously naughty about her recent behavior that only something sugary could satisfy her taste buds. Thus, when she finally saw the cupcake sign for Sugarcube Corner, she let out a small squeal of delight before trotting forward towards its open front door.

A few ponies were milling about the store or sitting at tables, but she didn’t see a bubbly pink mare anywhere…which meant trouble, of course. Of course, that premonition came true in the blink of eye after Pinkie Pie, who somehow managed to keep her chef’s hat affixed to her head, dropped down from the ceiling in front of Rarity, causing the fashionista to jump back in fright.

“Hiya Rarity!” greeted Pinkie Pie jovially, unfazed by her friend’s heart palpitations, “I haven’t seen you in forever! That’s way too long for friends to not see each other. Oh! Oh! I know! Guess what? I just got this really super-nifty-cool-important-looking lette…”

“While that does sound lovely Pinkie,” answered Rarity coolly, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, “I really came to get one of your chocolate éclairs for a late breakfast. I’m absolutely famished darling.”

“Oh, okie dokie!” said Pinkie Pie with a smile, bouncing behind the counter with her signature hop, “what kind of éclair do you want? We’ve got chocolate with vanilla filling, vanilla with chocolate filling, oh, oh, what about my special éclair filling éclair! It’s an éclair filled with another éclair. It’s really, really, really, good!”

“A regular vanilla-filled éclair would be smashing,” responded Rarity, wondering how one comes up with the idea for an éclair-filled éclair, "so Pinkie, how are things?"

"Everything is totally awesome!" replied Pinkie Pie with a smile, reaching into the store's glass display case to fetch Rarity's pastry, "you won't believe what Ditzy brought me in the mail this morning. Even I don't believe it and I have the lette..."

"Yes, yes, darling," humored Rarity, taking a small bite of her éclair before groaning in ecstasy at its flavor, "oh that is simply heavenly. Now Pinkie, you know I'm not one for idle gossip..."

"But I thought you loved gossip Rarity!" interrupted Pinkie Pie, perplexedly scratching her chin, "didn't you get all super-duper excited when Gabby Gums printed a new gossip column until she wrote that mega-extra embarrassing article about you..."

"Yes, Pinkie, well," chimed in Rarity, nervously looking from side to side to make sure nopony overheard their conversation, "I do have a penchant for gossip, but this little bit of news is especially juicy. You must promise me you won't tell another living soul though, understand?"

"Oh, oh!" exclaimed Pinkie Pie, growing more and more animated by the second, "you mean like a Pinkie Promise? I'd never ever in a million years break a Pinkie Promise!"

"Yes, that will do," approved Rarity, leaning in closer to Pinkie Pie, "now, you'll never guess who..."

"Wait!" yelled Pinkie Pie loudly, drawing the attention of everypony in Sugarcube Corner, "I have to say the promise first silly! Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye! I Pinkie Promise not to tell your ultra-big secret to anypony!"

"Shhh, Pinkie," whispered Rarity tersely, covering the pink mare's mouth with her hand while trying desperately to fend off their curious observers with a forced grin, "honestly darling, you must learn to control your volume. Now, as I was saying, I had a rather special visitor, a stallion, come to my home yesterday and..."

"A stallion?" repeated Pinkie Pie questioningly, before a look of realization took over her features, "oh Rarity! You found a special somepony didn't you! That's super-duper fantastic news!"

"He-he's not my special somepony, well, maybe he is, but not quite," explained Rarity, confusing Pinkie Pie, as well as herself, even more, "anyways, he swept me up in a whirlwind of passion that united both our bodies and minds in joyous rapture! It was so exquisite darling!"

"Hmm, I've never seen a stallion make a whirlwind before," said Pinkie Pie, trying her best to envision what Rarity was describing, "oh, oh, was it a pegasus stallion? Cause Rainbow Dash makes all kinds of wind when she flies around! Sometimes it doesn't even come from her wings!"

"No, darling," sighed Rarity, rubbing her right temple to try and ease the headache she felt brewing, "what I meant was that we, ahem, made, you know...love."

Pinkie Pie stood absolutely frozen after Rarity finished speaking. Then, she slowly started to jump from one hoof to the other, and after several seconds she was clapping her hands rapidly before unleashing a prodigious yelp of delight.

"That is so exciting Rarity!" yelled Pinkie Pie, now grasping the white unicorn in a tight bear hug, "have you been really, really, really frustrated too? Because I usually get kinda frustrated this time of year, but its never been this bad before! I'm glad you found a sort-of-special somepony though to help out!"

"Oh, 'helping out' doesn't even begin to describe it Pinkie," replied Rarity longingly, her mind drifting off to the revisit the events of the last twenty-four hours, "and yes, I've noticed that I have been a little more...excited, than usual, but this stallion...oh Pinkie, it was simply marvelous."

"Tell me, tell me, tell me!" implored Pinkie Pie, her curiosity propelling her to new heights of excitement, "how did you meet? What does he look like? Oh, oh, what is his favorite dessert?"

"I certainly don't know the answer to the last question darling," stated Rarity, a small blush creeping across her face as she put her thoughts in order, "but it all started while I was waiting for another stallion to arrive from Canterlot, who quite rudely never appeared, when a pony who is very close to one of our dear friends appeared and offered to lend me a hand with some repairs."

"This sounds just like a story I saw Twilight reading once," claimed Pinkie Pie, breaking her hold on Rarity to reach down and secure a cookie, "except she got really red in the face and asked me how I got into her bedroom, and then I had to explain how I went through the..."

"Yes, well, let's save that tale for another time Pinkie," asserted Rarity, taking another small bite of her éclair before continuing, "well, of course I had never thought about doing anything naughty with this pony before, but after I saw him working without a shirt on in the sun...oh darling, it was quite a feast for the eyes."

"You have to tell me who it is!" pleaded Pinkie Pie, somehow inhaling her chocolate chip cookie in between breaths, "I can't think of any stallions related to one of our friends who would...wait, Rarity! You aren't fooling around with Shining Armor are you? What about Cadance! What will Twilight say! Why Rarity! Why!"

"Pinkie!" gasped Rarity, placing her free hand against her chest in shock, "you know I'd never stoop to something so low. I suppose I can't blame you for not realizing who I'm talking about, but do try and think for a moment. Which of our friends, excluding Twilight, has a big, strong, and ruggedly handsome brother?"

"Rainbow Dash!" answered Pinkie Pie without a moment's hesitation, "wait, no, Dashie doesn't have a brother. Oh, oh, Fluttershy! No, she doesn't have a brother either. Well since Shining Armor isn't a choice, and I don't have a brother, and you don't have a brother because that would be really, really weird, that means that only Applejack is left, and...oh, oh! Rarity, you mean you and Big Macintosh did the horizontal hustle!"

"I wouldn't phrase it quite that way, but yes, darling," acknowledged Rarity softly, her thighs reflexively pressing together after hearing Pinkie Pie say his name, "oh Pinkie, it all happened so fast. When I answered Princess Celestia's letter I was expecting a refined gentlecolt to sweep me off my hooves that day, but the things Big Macintosh made me say and do with his confident and commanding voice...I've never been with any stallion remotely like him before."

Pinkie Pie listened very intently as Rarity described, in vivid detail, everything that took place between her and Big Macintosh, and the longer she listened there the more aroused she became. The bubble-gum pink mare didn't think the white unicorn noticed her envious fidgeting, but as is often the case, the girls sometimes forgot she was capable of ruminating on more than just parties or jokes. However, Pinkie Pie was woefully serious when she told her posh friend that this heat was by far the most intense one she'd ever experienced, and it was only getting worse too. Finally, Rarity capped off her story with a description of this morning’s goodbye kiss.

“…and then he slipped his hand into my robe,” recalled Rarity, lowering her éclair-free hand to rest on the base of her abdomen, “in public! It was so shameless, so brazen…but I’ve never felt such excitement Pinkie. He was quite the scoundrel! In fact, Big Mac-ahaha! Applejack! Fancy meeting you here of all places darling.”

Applejack had just walked through the front door of Sugarcube Corner, and Rarity felt incredibly fortunate that she’d caught sight of her friend's distinct orange and blonde coloration before finishing her last sentence.

"Howdy ya'll," greeted Applejack, approaching her two friends with a look of inquisitiveness, "didn't mean ta eavesdrop on yar conversation, but I thought I heard ya mention my brother's name Rarity. Any particular reason ya'll are talkin' about him?"

"Oh, yo-you must have misheard me darling," replied Rarity nervously, trying her best to think of an acceptable excuse, "I was just, um, talking about my new...macramé project! Yes! My new, big macramé project! It is all the rage in the fashion world right now."

"Macramé, huh?" repeated Applejack flatly, detecting a hint of dubiousness in friend's voice, "well, that sounds mighty interesting. I didn't figure ya for the knottin' type Rarity. What do ya think about all this 'big macramé' business Pinkie Pie?"

"I think it's super awesome!" answered Pinkie Pie without flinching, her wide grin almost totally disarming Applejack's suspicions, "she told me she'd make a really cute pair of macramé pants for Gummy! He loves to wear pants, but we can never find anything in his size at the store."

"Well, I suppose that sounds like a...mighty swell gift," said Applejack supportively, trying to imagine what a pair of macramé baby alligator pants would look like, "did ya manage to finish tha cake though Pinkie? I don't mean ta rush ya, but I do need ta get back ta tha farm before too long."

"You bet it did!" affirmed Pinkie Pie happily, vanishing from sight only to appear seconds later with a small box in tow, "I worked really hard to make sure it was scrumdiddlyumptious! The vanilla cream frosting is especially good! I know Big Mac is going to love it!"

"A cake for Big Macintosh?" asked Rarity while leaning forward to examine the box, causing Applejack to raise an eyebrow, "is it his birthday Applejack? Well, I should, ahem, I mean, we should have a proper party for him if it is."

"A party!" exclaimed Pinkie Pie excitedly, jumping up and down as if possessed by some otherworldly energy, "oh Applejack let me plan it! I can combine it with the other party I'm planning for tomorrow night!"

"It ain't his birthday," replied Applejack matter-of-factly, now eyeing Rarity with a renewed sense of wariness, "he just got back from an important business trip ta Canterlot that really helped out tha family, and I wanted ta show how much we appreciated his hard work."

"Canterlot?" echoed Rarity quietly, turning her head slightly and biting one of her thumbs in thought, "that is interesting news, Applejack…very interesting indeed. What exactly, if I may be so bold, did he do there?"

"He ain't told us tha specifics," answered Applejack, her tone carrying more than a hint of frustration, "but it had somethin' ta do with meetin' Princess Celestia and settin' up a new farming venture. And what party are ya talkin' about Pinkie?"

"I've been trying to tell Rarity about it this whole time!" stated Pinkie Pie exasperatedly, leaning down to retrieve something from behind the counter, "but I got this really official-looking letter from Princess Celestia too! She wants me to host the Ponyville party for an Equestria-wide Hearts and Hooves Day mixer. Isn't that exciting!"

"That sounds like a grand idea Pinkie," chimed in Rarity, her eyes narrowing as she began to mull over this new bit of information, "and Applejack should invite Big Macintosh to come and have fun as well. We hardly ever get to see him darling, and I'm sure everypony will want to inquire about his travels."

"I suppose there ain't no harm in askin' him," agreed Applejack, not failing to notice Rarity's newfound interest in her brother's well-being, "I'll talk to him about it tonight at dinner. Thanks again for making this cake on such short notice Pinkie. I truly appreciate it sugar cube."

“Anything for a friend,” asserted Pinkie Pie with a smile, handing Applejack the pastry with the utmost care, “I really hope you guys enjoy it Applejack, and please, please, please come to the party tomorrow with Big Mac. It’s gonna be a blast!”

Applejack tipped her Stetson hat to Pinkie Pie in acknowledgement, and turned smoothly to walk out the front door. Rarity tracked her farmer friend’s form until she disappeared from sight, and then looked over at Pinkie Pie before breathing a long sigh of relief.

“Thank you Pinkie,” said Rarity appreciatively, feeling as if she’d just dodged a rampaging manticore, “I did not want to have a conversation with Applejack about her brother’s bedroom prowess. Still, I look forward to having a little discussion with him tomorrow night though. I have a few questions for him…”

“I’m looking forward to seeing him too,” said Pinkie Pie yearningly before covering her mouth in shocked realization, “I mean, seeing him have fun at the party with Applejack and everypony else!”

“Of course you did darling,” replied Rarity skeptically at first, but soon dismissing her friend’s first statement as nothing more than one of her eccentric ramblings, “well, I should get back to the boutique. I’ve got a few dress orders to finish, and hopefully Opal is in a better mood by now. I can’t fathom why she is being so testy today though.”

Pinkie Pie watched as Rarity spun elegantly on her hooves before strutting out the same doorway Applejack had just exited through moments earlier. She felt a little remorseful about the sneaky scheme that was beginning to formulate within her brain, but Rarity had said that Big Macintosh wasn’t technically her special somepony. Still, if she was going to make this work, she needed to figure out where she’d left her hand saw after her last construction project…

__________________________________

Big Macintosh fidgeted with the collar of his starched dress shirt for the seventh time, trying his best to loosen its constrictive grip on his neck while maintaining the brisk pace Applejack was setting for them. She’d been in such a good mood when she left the farm yesterday morning to go into Ponyville, but after returning with her special surprise she was testy and confrontational for the rest of the afternoon. Big Macintosh couldn’t count the number of times he’d caught her staring at him like a hawk out of the corner of his eye, and even poor Apple Bloom visibly withered from the storm of tension that coalesced between the two of them as the workday wound onward. Thankfully, all three of them mellowed out after consuming a few bowls of hearty vegetable stew and spicy cornbread muffins at dinner, and when Applejack finally revealed that the mystery box contained a Devil’s food cake for dessert, Apple Bloom nearly shot through the ceiling in excitement.

However, after the chocolate treat was sliced, distributed, and being consumed, Applejack began to speak to Big Macintosh about running into Rarity at Sugarcube Corner, emphasizing how the white unicorn seemed especially curious about how he was faring. Big Macintosh attempted to dismiss her suspicions with the gruff reply that it wasn’t strange for a pony to inquire about the well-being of a friend’s family members, but that did little to assuage his sister’s lingering misgivings.

Then, right out of the blue Applejack started explaining how Pinkie Pie had received a letter from Princess Celestia requesting her to host a Hearts and Hooves Day get-together for all the of-age stallions and mares in Ponyville. Of course, she said that Pinkie Pie had personally invited both of them to come, and Applejack left little room for doubt that they would indeed be making an appearance. This revelation caused his ears to shoot up and his eyes to widen, something he knew Applejack noted with the utmost interest. Obvious tells aside, Big Macintosh had a good inkling who Celestia had decided to pair him up with next, and the delicious morsel of cake in his mouth became inexplicably hard to swallow as he ruminated about the pink ball of living energy his sister hoofed around Equestria with.

It wasn't that Big Macintosh thought Pinkie Pie was unattractive. In fact, the few times he'd really gotten a good look at her he'd noted how the multitudes of sweets she ate only seemed to settle in one of two places on her body: her very gigantic bust, or her luscious bubble butt. He also knew he wasn't the only stallion in town who had noticed these alluring features, but the males of Ponyville, barring a few brave souls, had never summoned the courage to proposition her.

After finishing supper and telling Applejack that he'd be more than happy to accompany her to the party, Big Macintosh went upstairs, stripped down, and fell into his bed with a loud thud. Despite working hard throughout the day on dozens of exhausting repair jobs, his mind was far too abuzz with theories about Celestia’s goals to simply shut off. It took him almost an hour of fretful tossing and turning before sleep finally came to claim his worn out body, so the rapping at his bedroom window that awoke him during the wee hours of the morning understandably elicited a groan of protest from his fatigue-addled brain.

His memory was a bit fuzzy about what actually transpired after he rolled out of bed, but he distinctly recalled wrapping his comforter around his shoulders before shuffling towards the offending noise at a snail’s pace. After managing to slide the window open, he saw that it was Ditzy Doo, hovering in the air outside his bedroom with one of Celestia’s instructional letters grasped firmly between her small hands, who had roused him. Big Macintosh mumbled a word of thanks before groggily reaching out to take the letter, which unfortunately loosened his grip on the sheet just enough for it to slip down his back and off to the side, exposing himself completely to the unprepared mailpony. He didn’t know exactly how long he had stood there like a dolt, holding the letter and absolutley dumbfounded as to why Ditzy Doo looked so awe-struck, but after a chill breeze blew through the open window and across his rigid morningwood, he realized he must have been flashing her for almost half a minute before he came to his senses. He woke up mighty quick after that, immediately crouching down to the floor to try and salvage even a shred of his dignity, while apologizing profusely to Ditzy Doo for making such a fool of himself. She didn’t seem to mind it all that much though, and actually poked her head into the room to give him a quick peck on the cheek before flying away in a flash of gray feathers.

That had all taken place hours ago, and after another day of hammering down loose floor boards and brushing a new coat of paint onto the doors of the barn, Big Macintosh had cleaned up and dressed in his finest attire for Pinkie Pie’s Hearts and Hooves Day soiree. Naturally, he’d taken the time to read Celestia’s letter, but its contents were much less helpful than his previous directions:

Dearest Macintosh,

I am sure by now you have heard my decree for an Equestria-wide Hearts and Hooves Day event, as well as whom I have chosen to host it in Ponyville. Thus, I am quite confident you also know who I intend for your next companion to be.

We both know that this mare is quite…special, to say the least, and as such I am not sure any advice I offer will serve you well, if at all, as you try to woo her. Knowing Pinkie Pie’s penchant for the unexpected, and her uncanny ability to sense things, I would not be surprised if she somehow ends up doing most of the work for you. That, of course, is just a little hunch I have, but I am confident you will find a way to make things work if such an outcome does not occur. Good luck my little stallion, and always remember I am thinking of you.

With all my heart,

Celestia

P.S. I’m aware that Luna has already visited you in your dreams, but I am afraid I cannot do much to stop her. Still, from what I gathered about your rendezvous, all in all it sounded like quite the pleasant fantasy. Do know that her motivation for such behavior comes from a place of deep affection for you.

Celestia's notion that Pinkie Pie might take some proactive measures was nagging at him greatly, almost as much as the overly-starched collar of his shirt that Applejack had so graciously offered to iron for him before they left Sweet Apple Acres. A quick glance at his sister found her trying to suppress a laugh of smug satisfaction at his fidgeting, which only confirmed she had indeed placed him in this torturous state on purpose. The worst part was that he was fairly sure why she had done it as well, and despite his best efforts to dismiss the terrifying thought that Applejack was growing wise to his recent doings, he knew he'd have to be extra careful from here on out to even have a small hope of keeping her in the dark.

After passing the Golden Oaks Library and the clock tower, Sugarcube Corner appeared just ahead of them, and the large amount of ponies congregating around it signified that quite a gathering was getting underway. It looked as if Pinkie Pie had really went above and beyond the call of duty this time, constructing a huge roof of pink, red, and white streamers over an outside sitting area filled with cushions, chairs, and tables of various shapes and sizes, as well as copious amounts of party favors and food. Big Macintosh also noticed a few individuals drifting in and out of the bakery itself, and even trying to envision what form of entertainment Ponyville’s premiere party pony had set up indoors made his head spin.

Now that they were closer, Applejack, clad in a tight pair of jeans, a new pair of boots, and the nicest top she owned, sprinted forward after spotting a familiar circle of mares conversing near the refreshment table. Big Macintosh recognized his sister’s friends too, and after taking a moment to steady his racing heart, he moved forward to greet the rest of his potential mates with his sister.

Rarity was the first one to notice the approaching siblings, and after stealthily checking her appearance with a compact mirror, she batted her long eyelashes and flashed a sultry smile at Big Macintosh. She was wearing a little black dress that hugged her body like a second skin, its hem barely reaching past her mid-thigh, and a pair of expensive looking diamond studs in her ears.

To her left stood Fluttershy, dressed in a very comfortable looking green sweater that did little to conceal her ample cleavage, as well as a flowing white skirt that almost reached her ankles. She flashed the approaching duo a meek smile before returning her focus to the half-drunk glass of punch she was holding, delicately running one of her fingers around its rim as a distraction.

Rainbow Dash was hovering next to the yellow pegasus, clad in a pair of punkish black leggings dotted with small tears and holes, a sleeveless t-shirt that went well past her waist, and the brown bomber jacket she always wore, regardless of the occasion. She immediately moved towards Applejack upon seeing her, and exchanged a quick high five with the orange farmpony before both of them moved back towards the awaiting group.

Twilight Sparkle had her back turned to him at first, but he could still make out the calf-length plaid skirt she was wearing, as well as her white dress shirt and dark gray sweater vest. She looked over her shoulder and gave him a small grin and wave of acknowledgement before moving towards Applejack to exchange greetings.

Finally, there was Pinkie Pie, wearing stripped knee high socks, and a baby blue party dress that highlighted her curves in all the right places. Big Macintosh watched amazedly as she bounced back and forth between the other mares with a seemingly endless supply of energy, and was double surprised when she suddenly started to hop towards him as well.

"Hiya Big Mac," greeted Pinkie Pie with a smile, leaning forward to give him a very unexpected hug, "I'm so super-duper happy that you made it! I was scared for the tiniest, smallest, microscopic little speck of time that you wouldn't come, but now you're here! I've got so many fun things planned for tonight..."

"Come now Pinkie," chimed in Rarity, strutting towards the pink mare and red stallion, "do give Macintosh some room to breathe. After all, he's been working so hard lately for the princess, so he must be absolutely exhausted..."

"Um, eeyup," replied Big Macintosh uncertainly, not liking the knowing look in Rarity's eyes at all, "I mean, uh, I'm feelin' fine though, really. Ain't tired one bit. Ho-how did ya find out about that Rarity..."

"Oh Applejack told me about it yesterday darling," explained Rarity, her eyes narrowing into a half-lidded stare that signified she knew more than she was letting on, "a little business trip to Canterlot, wasn't it? It's such an honor to be summoned by the princess. Of course, we all want to hear what you learned on your little vacation from the farm, don’t we girls?"

“Darn right we do,” exclaimed Rainbow Dash, zipping over in a blur of color to settle down on the ground next to him, “usually we’re the ones getting called in for all the special assignments, so I can’t wait to hear what Princess Celestia wanted you for big guy.”

“I must admit,” echoed Twilight Sparkle, approaching Big Macintosh with a look of unabashed curiosity, “that I’m very interested in what you talked about with Princess Celestia as well. She didn’t mention anything to me about summoning you to Canterlot in her last letter.”

“Ya’ll won’t even believe this,” added Applejack morosely, yet capturing her brother’s attention with a stare of triumph, “but he ain’t even told me, and I’m his little sister! So how ‘bout it big brother, why don’t ya tell us all what ya were up ta in the big city. Shoot, even Fluttershy wants ta know. Ain’t that right sugar cube?”

“Um, I-I suppose so,” whispered Fluttershy, her voice barely carrying over the background noise of the party, “if that is okay with you, of course. I don’t want to impose though…”

“I, uh, I was…” floundered Big Macintosh, almost pulling his stiff collar in half from the pressure of having five mares staring at him, waiting expectantly for his explanation, “that is, I was workin’ on, um, a real important…”

“Wait!” yelled Pinkie Pie loudly, theatrically sliding in front of Big Macintosh on her knees, and raising her arms towards the heavens, “we can talk about boring work stuff any time, but right now we need to P – A – R – T – Y! Party! Hit it Vinyl Scratch!”

Big Macintosh, as well as all the other ponies gathered outside, couldn’t believe their eyes when out of nowhere, a platform rose out of the ground, covered in an impressive array of speakers, scratch tables, and synthesizers. DJ Pon-3 was at its helm, and after dragging the needle of her turntable onto the surface of a fresh record, the whole street erupted into a frenzy of bass-filled music and wild dancing. Pinkie Pie stood up and turned around, flashing Big Macintosh a toothy grin and what looked like a wink before dragging him towards the mass of moshing ponies. After the other girls recovered from their initial shock, they couldn’t help but laugh at the unexpected antics of their pink friend before rushing to join the festivities themselves. Of course, Rainbow Dash had to practically shove Fluttershy forward to join them, but she and Rarity managed to coax the shy pegasus into dancing once she felt comfortable enough.

Pinkie Pie had taken hold of Big Macintosh’s arms and was spinning and twirling around him with an impressive amount of skill. After recovering his footing, he started to dance back, matching Pinkie Pie’s movements as best he could before leaning in to talk to her.

“Thanks for doin’ that,” said Big Macintosh as loud as he could over the roar of the music, hoping that Pinkie Pie could hear him, “I, uh, I don’t like talkin’ about tha work I’m doin’ for tha princess. It’s a real hush-hush project.”

“Don’t mention it Big Mac,” replied the pink mare, standing on her tiptoes so she could reach his ears, inadvertently pressing her breasts against his chest, “actually, since you did mention it, I was hoping you could return the favor by helping me with…oh, oh! I have an idea! Come with me! I want to show something!”

Pinkie Pie took Big Macintosh by the hand and began to guide him away from the girls and the mass of swaying arms and stomping hooves surrounding them, dodging some of the more wildly flailing ponies with cat-like reflexes. Big Macintosh wasn’t as agile, but than again most of the mares and stallions made room for him to pass once they caught sight of his massive form moving towards them. After they were in the clear, Pinkie Pie pulled him towards the front door of Sugarcube Corner, and once they were inside she spread her arms wide to gesture at quite a spectacular sight.

“Ta-dah!” shouted Pinkie Pie, gesturing towards a large chocolate fountain made entirely of different types of pastries, “it took me most of the afternoon to bake and make it, but everypony seems to absolutely, positively love it! Oh, oh, come try it!”

Pinkie Pie took him by the hand once more, leading him towards the titanic tower of candies, pastries, pies, and cakes that dominated most of the sweet shop’s interior. Freeing one of her hands so she could pick up one of the many donut holes that encircled the edge of her concoction, she then proceeded to hold it under the cascading waterfall until it, as well as the tips of her thumb and pointer finger, were covered in chocolate.

“Okie-dokie-loki,” stated Pinkie Pie merrily, her tone dropping several octaves to a more sultry level before she uttered her next words, “now open wide big guy and say ah!”

“Uh, sure Pinkie,” replied Big Macintosh, closing his eyes and opening his mouth just enough to let the party pony slip the treat inside, “ah…”

However, he was completely taken aback when he felt her press her candy-coated fingers against his tongue as well, and when he opened his eyes to look at her face, he instantly recognized the flicker of wanton fire dancing across her eyes. Big Macintosh used his broad tongue to push the ball of dough to the side and focus on her digits first, circling it around them with a practiced technique that left Pinkie Pie in a state of giddiness.

“Wowie Big Mac,” murmured Pinkie Pie dreamily, finally withdrawing her fingers and placing them against her bottom lip, “you’re really, really, really super good at that. I, uh, wanted to ask you earlier if…”

“There you two are!” shouted Rarity from the doorway, marching towards them with a determined expression on her face, “I’ve been searching everywhere. Pinkie dear, I think Vinyl Scratch wanted to discuss some new set list she wanted to add to the show. I told her I’d send you her way immediately once I found you. Don’t worry though darling, Macintosh will be in good hands…”

“Oh, well, alrighty then,” replied Pinkie Pie, visibly deflating from the enraptured state she’d just been in, “I’ll be back in a flash though!”

“Of course Pinkie,” acknowledged Rarity, watching her friend bounce away towards the door in a hurry, “well now, that just leaves the two of us to…talk, doesn’t it, Macintosh? But we should go somewhere private to avoid prying eyes. I do have so many questions to ask you…”

Rarity took his hand and started to walk towards a dark hallway that separated the bakery from the rest of the Cake’s home. Having already made sure that the family had vacated the premises for the evening, Rarity tried to open each door, only to discover that they were all locked. Finally, one doorknob did respond to her machinations with a satisfying click, but once she opened it to peer inside, she was dismayed to discover it was nothing more than a broom closet.

“Well, this is certainly cozy,” observed Rarity, moving a few odds and ends around with one of her hooves to make more standing room, “and why would a closet be filled with saw dust…well, never mind. It shall have to do.”

And with that, Rarity stepped inside, grabbed Big Macintosh by the front of the shirt before pulling him in after her. He heard the familiar hum of magic being used to shut the door, and once they were both enveloped in darkness, he felt her plush lips connect with his own, initiating a passionate kiss that left them both winded once she ended it to speak.

"I wanted to do that the minute I saw you," explained Rarity huskily, lifting one of her legs to wrap around his waist, "but that would have caused quite the stir. Thankfully we're all alone now. I do have a few questions for you though, Macintosh..."

"I, uh, reckon ya do, Rarity," responded Big Macintosh, trying his best not to lose his cool due to her frisky assault, "but can we talk about it later? This don't seem like the best time or place ta be havin' such a conversation..."

"Oh no you don't," asserted Rarity firmly, wrapping herself around him in an even tighter embrace, "I rather like turning the tables on you. I feel as if I've caught a hunky stud in my silken web. Now, be a good boy and tell me all about your trip to Canterlot."

Big Macintosh could feel a few drops of perspiration forming on his forehead, and no matter how hard he racked his brain, he couldn't come up with any excuses.

"I suppose ya got me Rarity," stated Big Macintosh, grimacing at how it had only taken two days on the job before his secret was exposed, "what I was doin' in Canterlot for those three days was..."

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Both Big Macintosh and Rarity turned ghostly pale, hoping that if they remained absolutely still and quiet whoever was outside would eventually go away.

"Rarity?" called Sweetie Belle, knocking on the door once more, "are you in there? I need to talk to you."

"Sweetie Belle?" replied Rarity in disbelief, untangling herself from Big Macintosh while straightening out her dress and mane, "what in the world are you doing here at this hour? You should be in bed young lady!"

Rarity motioned for Big Macintosh to hide on the side of the closet the door was hinged to, and after making absolutely certain he was out of sight, she cracked the door open just enough to slip out into the hallway. However, she didn't see Sweetie Belle anywhere. In fact, the only pony she saw was Pinkie Pie standing at the end of the hall.

"Pinkie!" called Rarity, almost knocking her friend over in her haste to get to her, "have you seen Sweetie Belle? I have no clue why she is here, but I just heard her calling my name. When I get my hands on her she's going to get the scolding of a lifetime!"

"Nope, haven't seen her Rarity," answered Pinkie Pie in a completely innocent tone, "maybe she went to go listen to Vinyl's concert? Oh, oh, you should check outside, and I'll look through the house. How about that?"

"Thank you Pinkie, thank you," exclaimed Rarity, grasping her friend's hands in appreciation, "you truly are a wonderful friend. Sweetie Belle! You had better come to me this instant young lady!"

Pinkie Pie cringed a little as she watched Rarity walk away, but she'd mostly made up her mind yesterday morning after hearing the fashionista describe all the wonderful things Big Macintosh had done to her. His finger-licking skills had sealed the deal, and after mimicking Sweetie Belle's voice, a skill acquired after years of entertaining young foals at parties, she went over to the closet door and pressed her hand against a carefully hidden switch in its frame.

Big Macintosh had heard a set of hoofs walking away from the door and a set approaching it, but now all he could hear was what sounded like the whirling of gears spinning against one another. Suddenly, he felt the floor drop out from under him, and he, along with several brooms, mops, and buckets, as well as a cloud of sawdust, plummeted over ten feet through the air before landing on what felt like several sacks of white flour.

Pinkie Pie heard Big Macintosh's body land with a very audible thud onto the safety cushion she'd arranged in the bakery's cellar, and after several seconds of gleefully jumping up and down, she raced towards the staircase. She couldn't believe it had worked! Making sure Rarity saw them leave the dance floor, bringing Big Macintosh inside Sugarcube Corner, locking all the doors in the house except for the closet where she'd constructed a cleverly hidden pitfall...it had all worked perfectly! Pinkie Pie vowed to thank Rainbow Dash a thousand-million-bazillion times for recommending that she read Daring Do and the Mystery of Amusement Park Island. After all, where else would she have learned to build a trap door?

__________________________________

It took Big Macintosh a few moments to reorient himself after his unexpected freefall, but thankfully there was a small, already light lantern hanging on a nail not five feet from where he was laying. Seeing as how he was surrounded by baking ingredients and cooking equipment, he assumed he must have fallen into the Cake's basement, but how he'd stumbled into such a cartoonish trap, as well as who had devised it, were two concerns that weighed heavily on his mind.

The sound of a door opening somewhere above and a set of hooves clopping rapidly down a set of stairs towards him signaled that he'd soon have his answer though, and Big Macintosh focused his eyes on the corner he knew the mastermind behind this whole contraption would have to round in order to reach him. The tuft of curly pink hair and pair of baby blue eyes that emerged after several tense seconds of waiting confirmed his initial suspicions about the trapsmith's identity. Pinkie Pie was relieved to see that Big Macintosh hadn't been hurt from the fall, and bounced towards him with a reinvigorated sense of accomplishment.

"I'm so, so glad you didn't get hurt Big Mac," exclaimed Pinkie Pie, rushing over to kneel beside his recumbent form, "I mean, I never, ever intended for the trapdoor to hurt you in the first place, but I'm still happy nothing crazy happened on the way down because sometimes really kooky things happen when I try to do something..."

"Woah there Pinkie, just simmer down now," interrupted Big Macintosh, seeing that the light-hearted mare was two seconds away from unleashing an avalanche of continuous thought, "yar right, I ain't hurt at all, but I am a mite bit confused about all this. Why did ya build a trapdoor to begin with?"

"Because it was fun silly!" replied Pinkie Pie with a smile before her expression became a bit more sober, "well, it was fun, but there is another reason too. You see, Rarity made me Pinkie Promise not to tell this to anypony, but you already know, so I'm absolutely positively sure it's okay to tell you."

"Rarity?" repeated Big Macintosh unsurely, his eyes soon widening though at the potential implications of her admission, "wh-what did Rarity tell ya? Nothin' bad, I hope, cause I can explain..."

"Noting bad at all, silly!" interjected Pinkie Pie, rubbing her index fingers together in a sheepish way, "actually, she told me how you did lots of really, really fun things together, and I was possibly-sorta-maybe hoping we could have some fun together too.”

Big Macintosh was speechless. How did the princess know she’d be the one to approach him? He half expected Celestia to appear out of nowhere with a smug, “I-told-you-so” look plastered across her face, but after she failed to materialize, he returned his attention to the blushing mare who was crawling towards him.

“I know you and Rarity are kinda-sorta-maybe seeing each other,” stated Pinkie Pie, starting to unbutton her dress, “but when she started telling me about how amazing you were in bed, I felt really, really hot. Not that I haven’t felt hot before, but it’s been super bad this year. I even got Spike to send a letter to Princess Celestia this morning asking for advice, and she said that I should just be direct with you. That’s why I built the trapdoor, so I could indirectly bring you here to directly ask you about us doing, well, it!”

“Ho-hold on Pinkie,” pleaded Big Macintosh, reaching his hands out to still her fingers, “I understand where yar coming from, but is, um, doing it here, like this, really what ya want?”

“Oh, well, no, not really,” explained Pinkie Pie, her ears drooping to match her now fading smile, “I mean the Cake’s basement is really warm this time of year, but all the other stallions I’ve been with in the past acted kind of weird when I wanted to do lovey-dovey things, so we just kind of finished really quick. Not that I’ve been with a lot of stallions, but I figured you’d be the same…”

It was happening again. Pinkie’s voice was growing inexplicably fainter, and suddenly Big Macintosh saw the world as if it had been placed into a frame that was rapidly moving away from him, shrinking to nothing more than a speck in the distance before widening once more to reveal an all-too-familiar scene from his past…

__________________________________

“…that’s it Macintosh,” complimented Celestia, sliding her hooves delicately across the marble floor of her bedroom, “you’re doing quite well for a beginner. Maybe we should move on to a more advanced set of steps.”

"Thank ya kindly, ma'am," replied Big Macintosh, his cheeks reddening as he tried to lead his partner through the next set of motions, "but Granny didn't teach me anythin' beyond tha basics, so waltzin' is all I'm really good for at tha moment."

Celestia smiled at him as they made another turn, quite pleasantly surprised that Big Macintosh had actually known how to dance. They'd been sashaying back and forth for almost a quarter of an hour now on this, the second day of his stay in Canertlot, and the princess of the dawn decided it was time to change the music to something less formal. Using her magic, she replaced the current orchestral selection with a much slower, sensual song.

"I am quite fond of this song," stated Celestia, moving her body closer to Big Macintosh so she could lay her head against his shoulder, "but I am surprised you have not made a single remark about how this is all a memory. You looked completely startled last time this happened to you."

"Suppose I got used ta it the first time around," answered Big Macintosh, leaning his head against hers as they started to slowly sway from side to side, "why can I talk now though? I wasn't able ta say a word last time."

"Very clever, as always," replied Celestia, running her hands up and down his broad back, "I might have modified the spell just a tiny bit last time. Watching your facial expressions without sound was quite the surreal experience."

"That sounds like a mighty dirty trick, yar highness," quipped Big Macintosh, moving his hands past the small of her back to rest on her bottom, "but I think I know why I'm here."

"Oh really," responded Celestia, moving her lips next to his ear, "than do tell me, my little stallion, what was the lesson I imparted to you on this occasion?"

Big Macintosh took the initiative to direct them through the set of open French doors that lead onto bedroom's sunset-drenched balcony.

"I remember ya tellin' me that this whole venture wasn't just about satisfyin' the physical wants of tha mares you'd be pairin' me with," recited Big Macintosh, moving his body against hers in time with the rhythm of the music, "that I should also focus on fulfillin' their emotional wants as well."

"Excellent Macintosh," praised Celestia, giving him a small peck on the cheek for his efforts, "and what have you learned about the emotional needs of mares during your time in Ponyville thus far?"

"I think Rarity just needed a stallion to take charge and show her how ta feel like a mare," explained Big Macintosh, now looking down at the white alicorn as he spoke, "not in any sort of demeanin' manner, but just real fiery and raw. Now Pinkie Pie...well, I think she just wants a stallion ta show her a bit a tenderness for once."

"A very astute observation," said Celestia, turning so her back faced the setting sun, "Pinkie Pie is well-known as a mare who loves parties, cakes, and laughter, but very few ponies, especially stallions, look beyond that surface element of her character. However, she truly is a wonderful girl who cares deeply for those around her, and I trust you will show her that you know how to make a mare feel special."

"Yes ma'am," acknowledged Big Macintosh, moving forward to embrace Celestia as the world around him began to fade away, "I certainly do have a few things in mind. First, I thought I might kiss her like this..."

Big Macintosh gently locked his muzzle against Celestia's lips, lovingly teasing open her mouth with his tongue. She responded in kind, initiating a sweet and heartwarming kiss that left them both smiling once it ended.

"I think this was my favorite moment from that day," whispered Celestia, leaning her head against Big Macintosh's chest, "although the evening certainly had its highpoints as well..."

Big Macintosh started to say he felt the same, but the princess had already vanished from his arms. He was heading back to the present like a bolt of lightning, and he braced himself for the wave of dizziness that always accompanied his return...

__________________________________

"...way. Not that I think you're that kind of pony Big Mac," finished Pinkie Pie, now leaning over his prone form, "Applejack always talks about how kind and sweet you are, and then when Rarity said the same things too I just knew you were the absolutely, positively perfect stallion for me. So even if it's just for a little while, can we, you know, oh! Mmm..."

Big Macintosh had surprised Pinkie Pie when he bolted straight upward and grabbed her shoulders, but even more shocking was the delicate kiss he planted on her lips. She savored the sensation of his moist flesh pressing against her own, and was absolutely beside herself when she felt his tongue seeking entry into her mouth. She parted her lips to grant him access, and for the next few moments they passionately jousted with one another.

"Rarity was right," whispered Pinkie Pie tipsily, leaning back for a breath of much needed air, "you're a really, really, really good kisser Big Mac. Does this mean that we'll..."

"I ain't perfect at all Pinkie, but I can't leave a mare in a pinch neither," stated Big Macintosh comfortingly, cupping her chin in one of his massive hands, "I want ya to know that ya deserve way better than some quick rut though. It ain't right, and don't let any stallion ever tell ya differently."

"Oh...that's one of the sweetest, nicest, warmest things anypony has ever said to me," claimed Pinkie Pie, her expression softening into one of pure contentment, "oh, oh, I'm so excited I could sing!"

"Plenty of time for singin' later Pinkie," said Big Macintosh with a smile, standing up before helping her do the same, "but for now we should get back ta tha party. Will ya meet at tha east side of tha apple orchard later tonight? Right when the moon is hanging high in the sky should do the trick. I know a place where we can enjoy one another's company without all tha rushin' around."

"You bet'cha," replied Pinkie Pie, bouncing up and down merrily, "Oh, I better get back to the girls because they've probably been looking for me, and that probably means they've been looking for you too Big Mac! What are you going to tell Rarity?"

"I'll think of somethin' ta tell her," replied Big Macintosh with a forced smile, trying his best not to let it transform into a grimace, "I wanna tell ya'll so many things right now, but I can't, not yet anyways."

"Oh, okie-dokie," said Pinkie Pie, trying to puzzle out his cryptic last sentence, "well, I'll go ahead and find the others so we can have some more fun at the party before you and I have our fun later tonight! I'm so super-duper happy Big Mac! I almost can't wait!"

The pink mare, now ecstatic beyond all measure, disappeared in a flash around the basement's dividing wall once more, sprinting up the stairs towards the festive sounds emanating from above. Big Macintosh brushed off a few patches of white flour that had puffed through the sacks on account of his rough landing, and after making sure he was free of any incriminating splotches, moved towards the staircase as well. He knew he'd have to speak to Rarity for a bit, as well as Applejack, before he could make his way home, but his mind was predominantly focused on drafting a list of things he needed to retrieve to spruce up the old clubhouse for a romantic rendezvous...

__________________________________

Big Macintosh leaned back against one of the large apple trees in the east grove, watching the water of the nearby river flow past him a pretty good clip. He knew that the winter snowfall on top of Foal Mountain was melting, streaming down its rocky slopes fill of minerals that would help the Apple's trees produce mighty fine fruit come the summer. It was certainly warmer out this night than it had been in days past as well, but the unnatural brightness of the waxing moon coupled with the ever-growing comet cast long shadows all around him. Looking at the position of the lunar orb once again, he noted how it was well past time for Pinkie Pie to have made her appearance...

"Hiya Big Mac," said Pinkie Pie, appearing out of nowhere and hanging upside down from the bough of the tree he'd been resting against, "I'm really sorry I took so long to get out here, but I had to put up the food and the favors, and then Vinyl Scratch and I started talking about the next big party we were planning on...hey, why do you look so pale? You look like you've seen a ghost or something! Oh, oh, is there a ghost around here!"

"Pinkie Pie," said Big Macintosh hoarsely, his right hand clutching at his heart, "how in tarnation did ya get up there without me knowin'?"

"I just climbed up the tree silly," explained Pinkie matter-of-factly before realizing she was the source of his distress, "Oh Big Mac, I didn't mean to startle you. Well, I kind of did mean to startle you, but only in a fun way, not in a 'oh-no-my-heart-hurts-ah' kind of way."

"It's alright little lady," responded Big Macintosh, a small smile forming on his face, "why don't ya come down from there and I'll show ya somethin' special. I really think yar gonna like it."

"Oh, oh, a surprise!" exclaimed Pinkie Pie, dropping down from the tree right in front of Big Macintosh, "I love surprises! I can't wait to...hey, what are you doing with that piece of cloth? Oh, are we going to play pin the tail on the pony because that seems like a ridiculous thing to do right now, even to me..."

"Ain't no games out here Pinkie," whispered Big Macintosh suavely, stepping behind the pink mare to cover her eyes with his bandana while nipping at one of her ears, "definitely gonna be a bit of play though. Now take my hand and hold on tight."

Pinkie Pie mewled when she felt Big Macintosh softly pinch her delicate flesh between his teeth, and when his big, strong hand tenderly grasped her smaller one to lead the way to their destination, she felt as if she was floating a hundred feet in the air. Although she couldn't see the moonlight orchard around them, the sounds of owls and smells of blossoming plants filled her with a sense of wonder tinged with anticipation. Finally, her guide stopped trekking forward to reach behind her head to undue the ties of her blindfold, gesturing towards their destination.

"This is it," stated Big Macintosh, pressing his body closer against Pinkie Pie's back so he could wrap his arms around her, "I know it don't look like much on tha outside, but I think what's on the inside will catch yar fancy."

Big Macintosh had lead her to the old clubhouse he used to share with Applejack back in their youth, now repurposed by their younger sister Apple Bloom and her friends for their Cutie Mark Crusader club. Pinkie Pie noticed a soft glow radiating from the interior of the treehouse, and being unable to contain herself any further, she sprinted up its entry ramps to find out what kind of surprise was awaiting her. Astoundingly, what she saw through the open doorway rendered her absolutely speechless for the first time in her life.

Big Macintosh had placed dozens of candles of all shapes and sizes in the corners of the clubhouse, illuminating the space with a romantic radiance that shook Pinkie Pie to the core of her being. There was a small gramophone set up on a nearby table, and what looked like a large quilt and cushions piled up around it. She was so entranced by the scene in front of her she didn't even notice Big Macintosh moving past her towards the record player until soft, serenading music began to fill the room.

"I hope ya like it Pinkie," said Big Macintosh fondly, extending an open hand towards her, "maybe enough so that ya'd honor me with a dance?"

Pinkie Pie could only nod and blush as she rested her palm against his, and when he pulled her towards him, grasping her right hand while resting his left against the small of her back, she swooned rapturously. The beautiful, lilting tunes drifting through the air, the romantic candlelight casting flickering shadows against the walls, and the handsome stallion holding her ever so closely...it was what she had always wanted. It was perfect.

"Big Mac," whispered Pinkie Pie blissfully, finally finding her voice, "this really is the sweetest thing anypony has ever done for me."

"I'm happy ta hear that Pinkie," replied Big Macintosh, looking down to find tears forming in the corners of her eyes, "ain't no need ta cry darlin', unless ya think my dancin' is that bad a'course."

"They aren't those kind of tears silly," quipped Pinkie Pie, resting her head against his shoulder with a sigh of contentment, "everypony always thinks I only want to be the life of the party, which I do a lot of the time, but doing this...I wanted to do things like this so much it made my heart hurt sometimes."

"Pinkie..." said Big Macintosh lovingly, freeing his hand so he could place it against her cheek and brush away a tear with his thumb, "I ain't gonna let ya go till that hurt ain't nothin' more than a distant memory..."

The kiss was so innocent at first. Just a stallion and a mare tenderly pressing their lips together, enjoying the intimate point contact between their bodies. Things escalated quickly though when Pinkie Pie, hungrily wanting more, pressed her tongue against his lips, moaning in delight when he parted them for her. Her small pink organ spun around his much darker, larger one in a series of swirls, and soon she felt her back being pressed against the window of the treehouse, its chilly panes sending shivers down her spine.

Big Macintosh showed no signs of slowing down though. His fingers were already undoing the very last buttons on the back of her dress, and his lips were descending down her neck towards her collarbone. Pinkie Pie pulled her arms through the sleeves of her top, letting it fall to her waist and exposing her enormous bust to him, barely contained within the lacy, baby blue bra she was wearing. Big Macintosh, having practiced this skill quite frequently over the course of his tutelage, used one hand to undo the brassiere's clasp while his other one slid the rest of Pinkie Pie's dress down her legs, dropping it to the floor.

Pinkie Pie started to pant heavily as Big Macintosh cupped and lifted her breasts, and when she felt his mouth latch onto one of her sensitive nipples, biting down ever so slightly with his teeth, she let out a loud, throaty moan. His tongue and fingers were driving her crazy, pinching, tweaking, pulling...her knees started to buckle, and without placing her hands against his broad shoulders for support, she would have surely collapsed to the ground in a delirious heap. And still, he showed no signs of slowing down. His kisses descended even further downward, tickling her abs with light pecks before stopping briefly to circle her belly button with his tongue.

Somewhere, in the far corner of her mind where her consciousness now resided, Pinkie Pie felt the familiar sensation of her silk panties sliding down her thighs, but could only wonder what was coming next. The feeling of Big Macintosh's tongue tracing her slit from top to bottom wildly jarred her out of that stupor though, and when she felt his hands sinking into the plump flesh of her flanks, she felt a powerful orgasm rock her body. Her hands shot upward to hold his head in place, fingers intertwining with the flowing locks of his blonde mane. She could feel herself pulsing small jets of moisture into Big Macintosh's mouth, and the recollections of stallions past not being too pleased with her for that unexpected occurrence began to surface. However, when she finally looked down, wholly expecting to see a grimace of annoyance on Big Macintosh's face, she found him lapping at her folds greedily, gulping down every trace of liquid he could find.

Big Macintosh felt the hub of his brain begin to stir up in earnest. She tasted so divine. Her nectar was the consistency of honey, and it tasted of sugar, spice, and her heat all rolled into one. Indeed, the heady brew was serving as a powerful aphrodisiac, and Big Macintosh felt his now unsheathed shaft painfully pressing against the confines of his pants.

"Big Mac, I-I want," stammered Pinkie Pie, finding it hard to form the words she so desperately wanted to say, "mo-more. Please, pretty please..."

Big Macintosh didn't need any further encouragement than that. He had his clothes off and the quilt and cushions he'd brought down in a flash, and after scooping Pinkie Pie up in his arms and setting her down gently on the makeshift bed, he took a moment to admire how beautiful she was. She wasn't slim and lithe like Rarity, but her breasts and thighs were enticingly curvaceous. Also, even though he hadn't been able to get a good look at it yet, he knew from the way his hands had sunk into the ample flesh of her bottom that it would be quite the sight to behold.

Returning his focus to the task at hand, Big Macintosh positioned the head of his stallionhood at the entrance of her marehood, gingerly teasing her folds apart while relishing the look of absolute pleasure plastered across her face. Pinkie Pie spread her legs wider, still wearing the stripped knee high socks she'd had on at the party, and placed her hands under her knees while looking up at Big Macintosh pleadingly.

Ever so slowly, he slid himself into Pinkie Pie's shaking body, watching her eyes go wide while her jaw stretched to let out a gasp of pleasure. Purely out of reflex, she wrapped her legs and arms around his hips and chest, trying her best to keep her wits about her as he reached deeper and deeper inside her. The instant she felt the tip of his rod press against the entrance of her womb though she lost all composure, and while another powerful orgasm rocked her body, she looked up and marveled at how impressive Big Macintosh truly was. Her legs were shaking uncontrollably around his waist, but he was as steady as a rock. Her fingernails were digging so hard into his back that she was sure she would draw blood, but he didn't even so much as flinch. But despite his knee-weakening stoicism, Pinkie Pie could also see genuine kindness and concern in his eyes, and she knew that she'd made the right choice. This is exactly what she had longed for on so many levels.

"Yo-you can move Big Mac," instructed Pinkie Pie entreatingly, although unable to fathom what that sensation would feel like, "pretty please with lots-of-extra-sugar-on-top move, you big, hunky stud."

Big Macintosh's nostrils flared as he began to withdraw his member at her behest, and on his very first return trip he felt Pinkie Pie constrict and roll over him in the throes of her third mind-shattering orgasm.

"Ya gotta be the most sensitive mare..." claimed Big Macintosh between breaths, "...I ever been with Pinkie."

"I hope tha-that's, ah, a good, mmph, thing," replied Pinkie Pie, trying her best to speak between moans, "because it feels, ah, like a really, re-really good thing to me."

"I'm glad little lady..." said Big Macintosh with a grin before a hiss of pleasure caused him to realize how close he was, "but I'm afraid all that squeezin' has put me right on tha cusp of..."

"Oh, oh, yes!" exclaimed Pinkie Pie, thrilled beyond belief at the implication of his words, "po-pour it into me, every last drop!"

Big Macintosh was able to hold on for much longer than he first expected, but after several minutes of steadily intensifying thrusts, he finally felt the pressure in his body build up to its breaking point. With a loud roar of passion, he buried himself to the hilt inside the mare beneath him and let loose with everything he had.

Pinkie Pie kicked her legs out as far as they would stretch when she felt the first spurts of his white hot liquid pouring into her, arching her back at an almost impossible angle as her womb was filled beyond its capacity. She couldn't do anything but writhe in pleasure underneath him as he emptied his essence into her, and it wasn't until both of their bodies stopped shaking that she uttered the only words on her mind.

"This..." whispered Pinkie Pie sleepily, snuggling against Big Macintosh as he drew the quilt over them, "was the greatest night ever..."

To be continued...

Author's Note

First, I want to say that this was a monster of a chapter. Over 15,000 words...I really hope every bit of it is entertaining because I certainly don't want any of you to get bored halfway through (hopefully that doesn't happen though).

Secondly, please help me with corrections. I tried to proofread this before posting, but it is just so massive that I know I missed somethings...probably a lot of things actually.

Finally, I hope I captured Pinkie Pie's personality well. I wanted to make her fun and cheerful with a splash of sexy, so hopefully that comes through in my writing.

P.S. You can blame the other talented fimfiction.net writers for some of the delay with this story. I've been catching up on reading some of the works in my favorites folder, which, of course, were truly awesome time sinks.

A Matter of Trust

A Stud about Ponyville
Chapter 4: A Matter of Trust

"Catch me daddy!" called a flitting shadow, darting around Big Macintosh's legs with an impressive display of agility, "catch me! Catch me!"

"No, come sit with me papa," pleaded another shimmering mirage, lounging in the shade of a nearby apple tree, "mama said you would join me and my dollies for tea."

Even though the world around him shifted in and out of focus hectically, Big Macintosh knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that these frolicking specters were his children. The tiny acrobat appeared to be a light red earth colt with a dirty blonde mane and energetic baby blue eyes, and the prone unicorn filly resembled a debutante with her snow white coat, ringlet-filled golden blonde mane, and the most beautiful emerald green eyes he’d ever seen.

Big Macintosh also knew he was in the eastern section of the orchard near his family's ancestral farmhouse, and the rows upon rows of healthy and hardy apple trees only served to strengthen the sense of tranquility he was feeling. He smiled as the foalish wisps continued to laugh and play in his presence, and their manner of speaking sounded so familiar he was almost certain he could guess who each of their mothers were.

Big Macintosh’s chest couldn't help but swell with pride at the thought of becoming a father, and the approach of what appeared to be more mares and foals in the distance, all as subtly indistinguishable as the two who were already near him, hinted that he had managed to sire quite the herd. Still, the unnatural haze and psychedelic edge of this idyllic landscape signified that it most assuredly was a dream, and the approach of familiar hoofsteps from over his right shoulder soon confirmed this observation to be true.

"I have visited many dreams over the course of my lifetime, Macintosh," said Luna softly, walking forward to wrap her arms around his waist, "but this one is perhaps the most heartwarming I have observed in a millennia."

“Eeyup,” replied Big Macintosh contently, grasping Luna’s hands with his own, “I think it's mighty swell myself.”

“I never asked you this during your stay in Canterlot,” began Luna, nuzzling against his neck affectionately, “but why did you so readily agree to take part in my sister’s plan? Many stallions voiced their desire to abstain from her…machinations, the next morning, yet you acquiesced after only a moment’s hesitation that very same night. Why, pray tell?”

“Well, I can’t say that ya two weren’t mighty convincin’,” admitted Big Macintosh with a blush, leaning his head against hers, “but frankly I, well, somethin’ like what yar seein’ now entered my head after a spell. I kept thinkin’ about Celestia mentionin’ foals at tha assembly, and ain’t nothin’ more important than family to an Apple.”

“Family,” repeated Luna tentatively, thinking of her own sister before donning a small smile, “indeed, blood bonds are quite powerful, but I wonder if this is how you used to envision yourself building them.”

“No, not this particular way, I reckon,” claimed Big Macintosh, his features contorting into a distraught expression, “I always thought I’d settle down with a nice mare and we’d raise a mess of foals on Sweet Apple Acres together. I suppose that particular scenario ain’t in tha cards no more though.”

“Does that vex you, Macintosh?” inquired Luna tenderly, stepping in front of the large stallion so she could look into his eyes, “for it does not trouble me that you have lain with other mares, but perhaps I am not the best counsel to heed on this matter. Prior to my banishment, it was not uncommon for virile stallions such as you to attract many mates.”

“I ain’t sure about Pinkie Pie, but I don’t think Rarity is the sharin' type,” explained Big Macintosh sullenly, “and Applejack is a whole other can of worms. It’s only a matter of time till she figures out what’s been happenin’, especially since her friends will start to show before too long. I ain’t lookin’ forward to that conversation.”

“You sound so certain of your potency,” chided Luna teasingly, pressing her breasts against his chest, “and would it not thrill your sister to be surrounded by a plethora of beautiful nieces and charming nephews?”

“Are ya kiddin’? AJ would spoil those foals rotten,” stated Big Macintosh cheerfully, running a hand through his dark sovereign's ethereal mane, “and I know deep down she’d forgive and forget after tossing a black eye or two my way. As ta yar other quip, I ain’t naive enough ta think that bedding a mare in heat don't have consequences, but that don't mean I regret what I've done neither. Celestia already gave me a good talkin’ to on account of that, and I ain’t interested in finding out what she does ta a student that needs ta repeat a lesson.”

“Then why do you fret so?” asked Luna imploringly while placing a small kiss on his chin, “you have several mares who adore you, and several more who will assuredly feel the same way in the near future. Does their love and the prospect of children not serve as a great comfort to you?”

Big Macintosh broke eye contact with the princess of the night to look at the ghostlike outlines galloping to and fro in the distance. He couldn’t help but smile as the smaller shapes sprinted around in circles with one another, occasionally stopping to draw the attention of their respective mothers with an act of silliness or civility. Big Macintosh felt a strong longing to rush towards the apparitions and scoop them up in his arms, even though he knew his hands would slip through their air-like forms. It was almost too much to bear.

“I just…I want ta make sure I do right by them,” explained Big Macintosh, looking down at Luna with an expression of absolute sincerity, “and do right by their mothers too. I don’t want no pony of mine ta be wantin’ for nothin’ while I’m around. Y'all are startin’ ta mean so much ta me…I just don’t want ta let any of ya down.”

This asseveration struck Luna speechless. She knew her sister had a keen eye for spotting talented individuals, as evidenced by Big Macintosh's strength of character, handsome features, and stoic bravado…he would definitely fit the archetypal mold of the conventional stallion if not for his persistent habit of self-effacement.

However, she knew it was that very element of humbleness that she found so irresistibly charming about him. Luna suspected the other mares he'd wooed had, at least on some level, recognized the value of that quality as well, and though she didn't think it possible, her affection for the gentlecolt earth pony was renewed tenfold.

He will make an excellent patriarch, thought Luna happily, moving one of her hands to rest on her belly, of that I am sure.

“You are fortunate I came to deliver a message before this dream ran its course,” whispered Luna huskily, her face flushed from the blood coursing through her veins, “for I am finding myself hard-pressed, imaginary audience or not, to contain my longing for you at this moment.”

“And what, um, message,” repeated Big Macintosh inquisitively, not failing to notice the lustful twinkle in Luna’s eyes, “do ya need ta tell me? Is it about tha next mare? Because usually Celestia sends a letter or, well, she cast this magick…”

“I am well aware of the memory enchantment my sister cast on thee,” interrupted Luna, placing a finger on Big Macintosh’s lips to silence him, “perhaps saying I have come with a warning would better describe my purpose.”

“That don’t sound too good,” said Big Macintosh tersely, not liking this unexpected turn of events, “did somethin’ happen in Canterlot? I can be there in two shakes of a lamb’s tail if ya need me…”

“Celestia and I are safe and sound, my anxious paramour,” stated Luna soothingly, smiling at the big stallion’s penchant for worrying, “you, on the other hand, may not be so fortunate in the coming days. My sister did not want to cause you undue worry until she could confirm her suspicions, but I could not in good conscience let you precede without informing you of the potential perils you may shortly encounter.”

“Now that definitely don’t sound good at all,” said Big Macintosh, hoping Luna was embellishing the direness of his situation, “what has got ya so riled up? I know this whole plan ain’t normal by any stretch of tha imagination, but I’m managin’ ta, well, kinda make it work, I reckon.”

“Neither my sister nor I have any doubts about your competency or...prowess,” explained Luna with a smirk, stepping back to rest against the trunk of a nearby tree, “but I am afraid the comet is reaching the apex of its approach. The mares you deal with from this point onward will exhibit more...eccentric behavior. Thus, you must be on guard for the unexpected.”

"For some reason," replied Big Macintosh anxiously, furrowing his brow, "when ya say tha word eccentric, it sounds like somethin' a mite bit worse than what I usually imagine it ta mean."

"You have already seen firsthand how two mares can be radically different from one another," continued Luna intently, fixing her gaze onto Big Macintosh, "hence, it is impossible to predict how the comet will affect the other courtesans Celestia has in mind for you. And even though she says that in centuries past nopony did anything too troublesome, I feel as if the additional factors amplifying our celestial visitor's presence warranted a measure of caution."

"Well, I appreciate the thought yar highness," exclaimed Big Macintosh, grasping one of Luna's hands so he could bestow a kiss upon it, "and I promise I'll be on tha lookout for anythin' too out of the ordinary."

"This is no joking matter...please be wary Macintosh," asserted Luna once more, relishing, even though it was just a dream, the touch of his lips on her skin, "I wish for you to be of sound mind and body when next we meet."

"Eeyup," affirmed Big Macintosh, embracing the dusky princess in an effort to ease her distress, "I sure do miss ya Luna."

"And I you," admitted Luna, returning his embrace with vigor, "but soon all of this absurdity will come to an end, and when it does, I am confident our...corporeal reunion, will be all the sweeter for it."

After relishing the sensation of holding one another for a long, silent moment, the two unlikely lovers turned their heads and noticed that the dreamscape was dissolving, just as the conjured-up tower had done the night before. The leaves and branches of the apple trees drifted upwards until they suddenly vanished into thin air, and soon the surrounding earth and grass was doing the same. Even the wraith-like forms of the foals and mares were dissolving into puffs of smoke that dissipated on an unseen wind into nothingness.

"It appears that you will soon awaken, Macintosh," observed Luna, standing up on the tips of her hooves to kiss his forehead, "but heed my advice...everypony has a persona they keep hidden from others, and if this comet is as powerful as Celestia suspects then we all will..."

"...find a way ta trump it," finished Big Macintosh, giving Luna's bottom a playful pinch, "I'm sure ya two will keep Equestria from fallin' ta pieces, and I'm always just a letter away if ya need me. Or a memory. Or heck, even another dream I suppo..."

Big Macintosh disappeared before he could finish his witty retort, leaving Luna in the nebulas limbo that existed between dreams. However, as she began to travel towards the nearest exit from the metaphysical plane, her small smile curled into a wickedly mischievous grin.

Only a dream away, thought the ruler of the night deviously, licking her lips as her walk evolved into a strut, you will sleep again come this evening my brawny thrall, and I will be sure to make it...memorable.

Although Luna was aware of the sinisterly kinky emotions welling up inside her, the lack of a reflective surface prevented her from seeing the drastic effect they had on her physical appearance. For the briefest of moments, her skin turned as black as obsidian, and her mane flared out wildly, twinkling with the light of a thousand luminous stars. Any onlookers familiar with the ancient history of Equestria would be stunned to see one of the darkest figures from its past manifested once more, but in the blink of an eye her normal visage returned. Still, the deep, throaty laugh she unleashed, so potent that it echoed throughout the endless void of the dream realm, signified that perhaps darker days were indeed impending.

_______________________________________________

Midmorning sunlight streamed through the east-facing window of the Cutie Mark Crusaders' recently renovated clubhouse, falling on Big Macintosh's eyes and causing him to stir. Despite the indignant loathing he immediately felt towards his solar awakening, a rather pleasant sensation was rapidly working its way towards the forefront of his brain. After groggily wondering if Pinkie Pie was still asleep, Big Macintosh managed to lift his head just enough to look down at the quilt he'd draped over them late last night. However, the steady bobbing motion of the fabric near his waist readily answered his initial question, and after few seconds of fumbling with the hem of the sheet, he finally managed to toss it aside and behold a most invigorating sight.

Pinkie Pie was slowly moving her pursed lips up and down his morningwood, cooing and moaning softly as she swirled her tongue gently around his shaft. She looked up at him with a half-lidded stare of pleasure after she noticed her cover had been removed, and she tantalizingly retracted his length before taking a breath to speak.

"Morning Big Mac!" said Pinkie Pie cheerfully, nuzzling his shaft, "I am super sorry that I woke you up. Well, I'm actually not that sorry that I woke you up because that was what I kinda wanted to happen, but I know sometimes the bed feels so extra comfortable and snuggly that you don't want to wake up at all..."

"Ain't nothin' ta fret about Pinkie," replied Big Macintosh with a grin, enjoying the sensation of her skin against his own, "especially since I get ta see such a pretty mare."

"Aw, Macky," uttered Pinkie Pie happily as a very noticeable blush worked its way across her cheeks, "you always say the super sweetest things to me. Well, just sit back and relax big guy because I'm gonna return the favor for last night!"

Big Macintosh watched as Pinkie Pie gripped the base of his stallionhood in one hand and began to enticingly drag her tongue along its underside, stopping when she reached the top to give its tip a playful peck. After tossing him a sly wink, she parted her lips and took the first few inches of it into her mouth, moaning loudly at the erotic tang seeping into her taste buds. After establishing a steady rhythm, Pinkie Pie let her free hand wander down her stomach towards her aching marehood, using her fingers to tease the length of her slit before plunging several of them past her folds. She mewled as her digits curled and flexed inside her, and Big Macintosh relished the reverberation it sent through his rigid flesh.

Pinkie Pie never went past the midway point of his phallus, choosing instead to intensify her efforts near its head. Big Macintosh marveled at her technique, hissing in pleasure as her tongue darted forwards and backwards before rapidly circling his shaft in a wild, unpredictable manner. The airtight seal she made with her mouth was stimulating every nerve ending her lips slid past, and before long he found himself weaving his hands through her curly pink mane as his climax drew nearer.

"Pinkie..." said Big Macintosh eagerly, now thrusting his hips upward to match her descent, "I'm real close, darlin'..."

Pinkie Pie's eyes reflexively shot wide open when she heard those words leave his mouth, and she moaned encouragingly before doubling her current pace. Big Macintosh threw his head back in response, letting loose a loud grunt of satisfaction as he felt himself approaching the point of no return.

After almost another minute of frantic movement from both parties, Big Macintosh held Pinkie Pie's head in place as his shaft began spurting a torrent of hot liquid down her throat. He finally managed to raise his head enough to look down at her, and was greeted with the sensual sight of her staring directly back at him, refusing to break eye contact as she swallowed every drop. His orgasm soon subsided, but Pinkie Pie refused to release him until she felt his member completely soften in her mouth.

"That was really yummy," declared Pinkie Pie sensually, laying her head against Big Macintosh's stomach, "I don't know if you know this, but you taste just like apples. Have you ever tasted yourself Big Mac? You're delicious!"

"Uh, nnope," replied Big Macintosh wryly, laying his head down against the floor to collect himself, "where did ya learn ta do all that though Pinkie?"

"Well, I do eat a lot of lollipops, silly," explained Pinkie Pie, standing up and walking towards the nearest window, "Wowee, it is such a pretty day outside! Let's open the window for some fresh air."

Pinkie Pie easily unlocked the latch at the top of the frame, but the rest of the apparatus refused to budge when she tried to lift it. Growling in frustration, she bent over further for more leverage before once again trying to open it, her struggles drawing the attention of Big Macintosh. Tilting his head backwards, the spectacle his eyes beheld caused his jaw to slacken and pupils to dilate.

On the few rare occasions he'd found himself engaged in a conversation with the younger Ponyville stallions, their chatting usually drifted towards the subject of attractive mares before too long. Pinkie Pie was mentioned only a handful of times due to her kookiness, but there was one thing about her that all the pining males could agree upon: she had one of the plumpest, if not the plumpest, flanks in all of Equestria.

Once Big Macintosh's brain restored its ability to send impulses to his muscles, he quickly stood up and walked towards Pinkie Pie, pressing his body against hers while reaching down to grasp the rail. The pink mare yelped in surprise at his unexpected arrival, but after noticing his rock-hard girth was nestled between her luscious cheeks, she started to fuss pleadingly and shimmy her hips back and forth.

"Allow me," whispered Big Macintosh into Pinkie Pie's ear, using his monumental might to open the window effortlessly, "now place yar hands on tha sill like a good girl..."

"Oh, I-I'm a super duper g-good girl," assured Pinkie Pie vehemently, overwhelmed by Big Macintosh's commanding presence, "y-you seem really, re-really excited Big M-ah! Ah!"

Big Macintosh had slinked down Pinkie Pie's back while she spoke, kneeling on the floor behind her glorious plot before grasping it firmly with his hands. After kneading her supple flesh for a few seconds, he spread her cheeks and caught a inviting glimpse of her glistening inner thighs and marehood.

Remembering how delicious she had tasted the night before, Big Macintosh hungrily dove in, plunging his tongue past her folds as far as it would reach. Pinkie Pie's mind went blank as Big Macintosh's thick, dexterous organ wriggled wildly inside her. She felt her knees buckle and falter as he continued his relentless onslaught, and soon the upper half of her body was hanging outside the treehouse in the crisp, spring air as loud moans of pleasure escaped her lips.

True to form, Pinkie Pie's first orgasm came quickly, but unlike last time, Big Macintosh was prepared. He felt the bubble gum colored mare tensing around his tongue, and when her own flood of delectable nectar began to flow, he lapped at it covetously, gulping down mouthfuls of the stimulating brew. Now feeling fully rejuvenated, Big Macintosh rose up swiftly and positioned his erect girth against Pinkie Pie's awaiting sex, teasing it open before sliding his entire length into her hot, wet passage.

His tempo was intense to begin with, but before too long Big Macintosh found himself plunging in and out of Pinkie Pie with reckless abandon. The way her bouncy butt cushioned each one of his thrusts felt incredible, but there was something else driving him onward that he couldn't identify so readily. It was a need...a yearning rooted in the back of his mind, so small at first that it was almost imperceptible. However, the heartening whisper was morphing...growing into a tumultuous roar of unbridled zeal, and Big Macintosh felt every muscle in his body flex and contract as he turned the giddy mare underneath him into a quivering mass of moans at its beck and call.

Meanwhile, Pinkie Pie had lost count of her orgasms after the first four racked her body with mind-numbing pleasure. They rolled over Ponyville's premiere party pony like waves on a shore now...usually several smaller ones in succession followed by a tsunami that reset her to a mental blank just as she was recovering her ability for higher functioning. Nevertheless, she was cognizant enough to know that the breeze blowing across her face and breasts meant that her head and chest were on display for the whole world to see. Being embarrassed was the least of Pinkie Pie's concerns at that moment though...in fact, the thrill of getting caught spurred her to new heights of ecstasy, and soon she was belting out gasps and impassioned exclamations that were attracting the confused attention of a few local fauna.

"D-don't, ah, stop Macky!" entreated Pinkie Pie, at last managing to look over her shoulder at the domineering hulk, "a really, r-really big, ah, mmm, b-big one is coming, ah! The big-biggest, ah, one ever!"

"I ain't," stated Big Macintosh candidly, his nostrils flaring as his own climax drew close, "not till I give ya yar reward."

"Oh, ah, oh y-yes please!" begged Pinkie Pie, squeezing Big Macintosh as hard as she possibly could, "I've be-been a really, ah, good girl! Give m-me, ah, a present!"

Never one to refuse a mare's request, especially when she asked so nicely, Big Macintosh grabbed Pinkie Pie's hips and hilted himself, erupting inside her with a rumble of satisfaction. He could feel his phallus expanding inside her as each spurt worked its way up his shaft, but his reaction, while still impressive, was quite tame compared to her much more animated response.

Pinkie Pie was blissfully flailing. She had bucked her legs backwards the moment she felt the first few drops of Big Macintosh's warm seed seep into her womb, and his subsequent surges drove her to dig her fingernails deeply into the window's casing. Despite the firm grip Big Macintosh had on her waist, Pinkie Pie's orgasmic gyrations were so erratic she almost did fall fifteen feet to the turf below the clubhouse. Thankfully, the large scarlet stallion was able to reel her in safely at the last second, and after stumbling a few steps away from the open aperture, he collapsed onto the floorboards, using his body to cushion the panting mare's landing as best he could. When Pinkie Pie's breathing finally slowed to a normal rate, she turned her head towards Big Macintosh to give him a playful smooch before nuzzling against his neck.

"Wowee zowee Macky," said Pinkie Pie softly, stretching her body against his muscular form rapturously, "you were so sweet last night, but you said and did such naughty things today. You keep surprising me, but I really, really love surprises..."

"I ain't sure what came over me ta be honest," explained Big Macintosh, running a hand through his blonde mane while he organized his thoughts, "it felt like someone was eggin' me on ta go faster and faster."

"Whoever it was gave you the very best advice ever then!" stated Pinkie Pie with a grin, biting her lower lip as she felt Big Macintosh sliding out of her, "oh, mmm...I'm so glad the bakery is opening late today because of the party, it means we...hey, do you hear something? Because I hear something, and it sounds like..."

"Oh no," muttered Big Macintosh, a feeling of dread descending over him, "its the weekend, which means there ain't no school. And if there ain't no school, that means..."

Big Macintosh's ears perked up as the high-pitched voices of three young fillies could now be heard in the distance, and they were growing louder with each passing second. He turned towards Pinkie Pie in a panic, but was astounded to see she was already up and dressed, moving towards the open window with a purposeful stride.

"How did ya, nevermind, we gotta..." stammered Big Macintosh, "wait Pinkie, what are ya..."

"Don't worry Macky," responded Pinkie Pie, straightening her dress and socks while fluffing her disheveled hair, "I know you know that Apple Bloom and her friends don't need to know about what happened in their clubhouse, so I'll go down and lead them away! That should give you plenty of time to clean up all the romantic thingies and puddles! Oh, oh, I want to see you again real soon though, so come by Sugarcube Corner when you can!"

Big Macintosh watched as the pink party pony blew him a kiss before gingerly slipping outside, and by the time he got to the window she had completely vanished. Deciding it was best to not waste any more time on figuring out Pinkie Pie's seemingly supernatural abilities, he hurriedly put on his own clothes and began gathering all the materials from last night's rendezvous. He prayed that Pinkie Pie would come up with a way to draw away the Cutie Mark Crusaders, but took solace in the fact that if anypony could do it, she would be the one...

_______________________________________________

"Come on y'all" said Apple Bloom, walking down the long rows of apple trees towards the headquarters of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, "we're already runnin' way behind schedule for gettin' our croquet playin' cutie marks."

"Well we wouldn't be late if Sweetie Belle hadn't made Rarity so angry," scoffed Scootaloo, looking at the young unicorn, "what exactly did you do to make her yell at you all morning?"

"I already told you I don't know!" shouted Sweetie Belle, donning a pout and crossing her arms, "she kept telling our parents that I went to the Hearts and Hooves Day party Pinkie Pie hosted last night, but I was asleep. My mom even read me a bedtime story and tucked me in!"

"Girls, girls," interjected Apple Bloom, draping a comforting arm over each of her friends' shoulders, "there ain't no reason ta be fightin' like this, especially since we need ta act like ladies when we meet Princess Celestia in Canterlot."

"Are you sure your brother can introduce us to the princess?" asked Scootaloo, raising one of her eyebrows quizzically, "I mean Big Macintosh is cool and all, but why would Princess Celestia hang out with a farmer from Ponyville?"

"My brother ain't just a farmer from Ponyville," stated Apple Bloom, raising her chin haughtily, "he's now tha official apple growing expert for all of Equestria, and a personal friend of tha royal family."

"Yeah, yeah, you've been saying that for days now,” chided Scootaloo, giving the young Apple a playful shove before flapping her small wings in anticipation, "still, how cool it would be to get our cutie marks right when we hit the very last stake? I bet Celestia would clap and...hey, which one of you left the window open?"

"It wasn't me," claimed Sweetie Belle, raising her hands in a gesture of innocence, "I haven’t touched them since the last time we helped you practice flying maneuvers by jumping out of the clubhouse."

"But I need to practice!" asserted Scootaloo, her wings extending in agitation, "Rainbow Dash said I gotta use my wings every day to make them stronger! And anyways, I always remember to shut them after I finish, which means it must have been Apple Bloom."

"Ain't none of us been out here since two days ago, and we all double-checked ta make sure everythin' was closed up before we left," observed Apple Bloom matter-of-factly, rubbing her chin in speculation, "wait an apple-pickin' minute...ain't that the window that's been stuck since we tried ta get our glue-making cutie marks?"

"Hey, you're right," agreed Scootaloo, turning to stare at her fellow crusaders, "and if none of us could open that window, than that means..."

"...someone else did!" finished Sweetie Belle, jumping into the air excitedly, "and they might still be there! Maybe we should go get Applejack or Rarity to come out here and..."

"Hold that thought Sweetie Belle," interrupted Scootaloo, raising her right hand in a halting gesture, "let's think about this for a moment. If there is an intruder, and we manage to catch him, her, or it single-handedly using the trapdoor we just installed...we might discover we have a talent for capturing burglars."

"And if we discover we have a talent for capturing burglurs using traps," continued Apple Bloom, her eyes growing wide with giddiness, "that means we'll get our trapsmith cutie marks! Oh girls, this is the chance we've been waitin' for! And ya'll thought I was crazy for sayin' we should build one in tha first place."

"I guess that makes sense," affirmed Sweetie Belle, looking at the treehouse with a mixture of trepidation and eagerness, "but how are we going to make them step on the secret spot? And who is going to throw the release switch?"

"That's gonna be easy," stated Scootaloo, her mouth twisting into a smirk of confidence, "first, we'll need a distraction, that's where you come in Sweetie Belle, and then we'll..."

The Cutie Mark Crusaders' strategy meeting quickly died down to hushed whispers and sudden bursts of shrill snickering as their formulating began in earnest. They were initially unconcerned with being in such close proximity to potential danger, but soon a dark shadow fell across their little pow-wow, causing all three fillies to go quiet and shake in terror. Their minds began to race with images of the clubhouse prowler getting the drop on them, but nopony wanted to be the first to turn and face their assailant. After a few tense moments, a hand finally descended to settle on Apple Bloom's shoulder, causing Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo to scream deafeningly while the now captured yellow filly slipped into a catatonic state.

"Hiya girls!" shouted Pinkie Pie, poking her head right into the middle of the huddled fillies, "what are you up to...hey, why are you screaming? Can I scream too? Ahhh!"

“Pinkie Pie!” yelled Scotaloo and Sweetie Belle in unison, their looks of abject terror transforming into ones of pure confusion.

“That’s me!” replied Pinkie Pie, flashing the flabbergasted fillies a grin, “oh, oh, look at Apple Bloom! She must want to have a staring contest because she hasn’t blinked or said anything yet. Well, challenge accepted little missy!”

“I don’t think she wants to play Pinkie,” observed Sweetie Belle, moving between the bubbly mare and the unresponsive filly, “you really, really scared us. See, we were trying to capture the intruder in the clubhouse, but then you showed up and we thought you were the intruder, so when you put your hand on Apple Bloom’s shoulder…”

“I turned an Apple into a vegetable!” interjected Pinkie Pie, giggling at her own joke before scrunching her face into an expression of concern, “oh, but how do we fix her? Oh! I bet if I scream just right she’ll snap out of it! Now let’s see, should I start with a high pitch and then go low, or low then go high…”

“No! No, just…wait a second Pinkie,” pleaded Scootaloo, covering the pink mare's mouth, "I think I know how to snap her out of it. Well, here goes nothing...Apple Bloom! I think you just got your cutie mark!"

"Wha-what! I did!" shouted Apple Bloom ecstatically, lifting the hem of her sundress to look at her hip, "I can't believe it finally happened! What does it look like Scoota...wait a cotton pickin' minute...there's nothin' there! I'm gonna pluck yar feathers out ya no-good lying varmint..."

"Whoa, easy there partner," replied Scootaloo consolingly, gesturing towards the still silently staring Pinkie Pie, "it was the only way I could get you to come back to Equestria after Pinkie turned you into a mute."

“Well what in tha world are ya doin’ out here in tha first place Pinkie Pie,” asked a now frowning Apple Bloom, “we got a big situation brewin’ and we were just about ta catch tha…wait, it’s awfully suspicious that yar out here right now. Care ta explain?”

“Suspicious? Me? Never! Well, maybe sometimes, but definitely not this time,” responded Pinkie Pie innocently before pointing towards the treehouse, “also, what open window are you talking about? I don’t see an open window, but maybe you guys can see things that I can’t see. Oh, oh, can you? That would be so cool?”

“What are ya talkin’ about Pinkie,” retorted Apple Bloom, turning to look over her shoulder, “ya can clearly see it's open...hey! The window is closed! What…how…when…”

“Ghosts!” shouted Sweetie Belle, jumping onto Scootaloo’s back in excitement, “The clubhouse is haunted by a poltergeist! Maybe we need to go to the library and get Twilight, she’ll know what to do. ”

“What’s Twilight gonna to do to a ghost,” questioned Scootaloo while trying to not topple over, “I mean, I know her magic is really strong, but does she know how to perform exorcisms or something?

“Oh, oh, that’s a great idea!” complimented Pinkie Pie, now starting to move in the direction of Ponyville, “and you know, I bet if you guys help Twilight figure out how to perform an exorcism, you might find out you have a super special knack for getting rid of spooky specters.”

“And that means we might get our exorcism cutie marks!” stated Apple Bloom hopefully, turning to look at her fellow crusaders, “well it ain’t what we planned on doin’ today, but when opportunity knocks ya don’t just not answer the door girls.”
“Cutie Mark Crusader exorcists, yay!” said all three fillies together, now following Pinkie Pie towards Golden Oaks Library.

The bubble gum pink mare smiled as the crusaders fell into a single-file line behind her, feeling a great deal of pride in how well she’d drawn their attention away from the treehouse so Big Macintosh could stealthily close the window in question. And surely by the time they returned with Twilight he’d have the place cleaned up too, which meant nopony would be the wiser about their lovey-dovey date. And maybe, just maybe, Big Macintosh would stop by Sugarcube Corner later, which meant that she needed to prepare something special for them to eat.

But what to bake, thought Pinkie Pie, searching for the perfect pastry, I already made him a super tasty cake, so I definitely need to try something new this time…oh, oh, that’s it!

Doing her best to stifle a coquettish giggle, Pinkie Pie bounced forward with her trademark flourish, her mind already working through all the cream-filled pie recipes she knew.

_______________________________________________

Big Macintosh kept peering out from the corner of the window long after Pinkie Pie and the Cutie Mark Crusaders disappeared from his sight, not making so much as a single sound to betray his presence. However, he eventually breathed a sigh of relief when he was absolutely sure they wouldn't be returning any time soon, and set about picking up the various romantic odds and ends scattered around the room. After half an hour of moving the gramphone, quilts, and most of the candles back to their respective places, Big Macintosh finally had the last load of goods bundled up in his arms. Just as he was walking towards the clubhouse’s open doorway, he noticed a peculiar outline on the floor that the quilt had covered the night before. When he bent over to examine the odd woodwork, one of the larger candles slipped from his grasp and rolled towards the wall closest to the door, bumping into an oddly-shaped knot jutting outwards from the baseboard.

The sensation of freefalling wasn’t a novel experience for Big Macintosh by this point, and for the first second or so the weightlessness he experienced was actually quite enjoyable. However, once gravity fully exerted its dominance, his descent and eventual rough impact onto the hard ground below knocked the wind from his lungs and caused stars to flash before his eyes. It took almost a minute for him to fully recover, as well as realize he’d fallen through two trapdoors in less than twenty-four hours. A flash of grey feathers and blonde mane soon brought the world back into focus though, and he looked up to see Ditzy Doo staring at him with a mixture of confusion and concern.

“Golly Big Mac,” said Ditzy Doo admiringly, kneeling down on the grass next to him, “you are always doing the most interesting things when I come to deliver the mail. Well, the last time was the most interesting thing so far, but this one was pretty interesting too. Um, are you okay?”

“I reckon I will be,” replied Big Macintosh with a shrug, sitting up slowly, “and I imagine ya got another letter for me Ditzy?”

“Yep!” affirmed Ditzy Doo gleefully, reaching into her mailbag, “say Big Mac, um, I was wondering if you like muffins. Because if you do like muffins, I was thinking next time I bring you a letter I could bring you some muffins too. If you want me to, that is.”

“That, uh, sounds might fine Ditzy,” answered Big Macintosh, reaching over to take the letter, “I do enjoy a good muffin.”

“Great!” shouted Ditzy Doo ecstatically, lifting off the ground into a hover, “that makes me really happy. And don’t worry about me seeing you naked the other day. I only told Berry Punch about it, but I made her promise not to tell anypony else. Well, I got a lot more letters to deliver, so I’ll see ya around Big Mac!”

“Wait, what?” questioned Big Macintosh, standing up just as Ditzy Doo took off, “Ditzy wait! Aw, fiddlesticks…well, suppose there ain’t no helpin’ that now. Best just see what Celestia has to say I suppose.”

Big Macintosh had grown quite accustomed to opening letters as of late, so much so that he had the envelope opened and parchment unfolded in the blink of an eye. Leaning back against the trunk of a large apple tree, he began to scan over the sun princess’s latest missive:

Dearest Macintosh,

I am afraid this letter must be rather brief, for I am dealing with a bit of unruliness in Canterlot. Nopony has been hurt, but the comet’s influence is exceeding my expectations and I must focus on maintaining order. Even more worrisome is the fact that Luna has been acting strange as of late, so I have to keep an eye on her as well. I am not sure when I will be able to write you again my little stallion. Thus, I will tell you the names of the next two mares I had in mind for you.

I am sure you have already noticed the trend in my choices, so it should come as no surprise that Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy are candidates. I have already contacted Fluttershy and asked her to host an event that should put you two in the same place at the same time, but Rainbow Dash has been much harder to reach. As always, I am confident you will find a way to succeed, but wish you good luck nonetheless.

With my warmest regards and love,

Celestia

Big Macintosh wasn’t surprised that the solar princess had selected Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy for potential mates, but the news that Canterlot was experiencing a state of civil unrest was a bit troubling. Of course, Ponyville was nowhere near the size of Equestria’s capital city, but that didn’t mean their cosmic passerby couldn’t also affect the rural hamlet’s population in strange ways too. Even more troublesome was that he’d have absolutely no help in wooing the rainbow-maned speedster, his sister’s most competitive and boisterous friend.

Ain’t gonna do me no good ta get down on myself before I even try, ruminated Big Macintosh, dusting off his clothes, I’ve come this far already, and I ain’t gonna let Celestia down.

Reaffirming his commitment to his monarch’s increasingly complex quagmire of a plan, Big Macintosh raced up the clubhouse’s steps to retrieve the wayward candle that slipped from his grasp before making sure that everything was right where he had found it last evening.

However, right as Big Macintosh exited through the door, a drop of water fell on the top of his head, causing him to stare up at the sky in confusion. It was a perfectly calm, sunny day, with very little wind and absolutely no storm clouds in sight. Shrugging off the unexpected droplet as just another one of nature’s many mysteries, he began to briskly trot towards the farmhouse, paying no mind to the tiny cumulus cloud perched directly over the clubhouse’s doorway.

_______________________________________________

This is not good, thought Rainbow Dash, unable to control her fingers for the fifth time that morning, this is definitely not good.

Her day had started off so well too. She only had to break-up a few pesky stratocumulus formations over the north end of Ponyville before she’d been able to sneak away for, at least in her mind, a much deserved nap. Of course, the only place she’d consider taking a snooze break over was Sweet Apple Acres, especially since the budding apple flowers and dew-covered earth smelled so awesome during the early spring months. Thus, after arriving in ten seconds flat and bunching up the perfect bed from a few stray wisps of water mass, she settled in, poised to let another boring day in Ponyville slip by unnoticed.

Then, the unexpected happened. At first she’d chalked up the noises to her dream-addled brain, imagining that a few of her more passionate fans were cheering their heads off after she’d managed to pull off a triple sonic rainboom during her debut Wonderbolt performance. The reality of the situation became readily apparent after she finished rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Two ponies were getting hot and heavy in the Apple family’s old clubhouse, and Rainbow Dash, feeling her own arousal growing, couldn’t resist the urge to peek. Peering over the edge of her cloud-bed ever so slightly, what, or more specifically who, she saw going at it absolutely dumbfounded her.

For the next hour or so she watched as her good friend Pinkie Pie and Applejack’s big brother did almost everything a mare and a stallion could do to pleasure one another, so intently in fact that she didn't even remember when she'd removed her leggings and started to tease her own body. Now her inner thighs and marehood were overflowing from her excitement, and she cursed her heat for coming on so strongly this year. She'd even sought out her usual companion for some much needed relief the last few nights, but their lovemaking only ended with both of them feeling more frustrated then when they started. After seeing Big Macintosh in action though...

A quick inspection of her soaked lower folds definitely indicated that a shower was needed before she did anything else, but after that, she'd definitely be heading back to Sweet Apple Acres. Just to see if her good buddy Applejack needed help with anything on the farm, of course.

____________________________________________________

"Dagnabbit Big Macintosh," said Applejack in frustration, using her free hand to give him a knock on his noggin, "if ya don't stop yawnin' we ain't never gonna get done patchin' this here roof. Why are ya so tired anyways? I let ya sleep in till lunchtime..."

Big Macintosh rubbed the impact spot on his head soothingly, trying his best to stifle another yawn before it slipped out of his throat.

"Sorry AJ," replied Big Macintosh, nodding his head in drowsy agreement, "guess I didn't sleep well is all."

"Don't tell me yar gettin' sick now too," continued Applejack exasperatedly, fanning her face with her hat, "I'm not feelin' too well myself, and it ain't gonna be good if we're both holed up in bed."

"Hold on now AJ," interjected Big Macintosh, perking up at his sister's admission of weakness, "it ain't like ya ta tell anypony yar getting' sick. Is it bad? Do we need ta get Nurse Redheart ta come..."

"It ain't none of yar business what's wrong with me," interrupted Applejack, her face growing more flushed by the second, "and I don't need Nurse Redheart ta look me over. I know exactly what's wrong and how ta take care of it. Now quit yar worryin' and get back ta hammerin' down these shingles."

Applejack watched as Big Macintosh reluctantly turned around to continue repairing the farmhouse’s roof, and visibly deflated when she was absolutely positive he wouldn’t notice her posture. Standing on top of a building with the sun bearing down on her was partially to blame for her current condition, but the gnawing fire in her stomach was definitely the bigger culprit. She’d had a few powerful heat cycles before, but never one that made her consider taking a day off from working. This one though, just like everything else around Ponyville as of late, was wild and unpredictable.

She still couldn’t believe some of the things she’d seen some of the mares and stallions in town doing to one another, in broad daylight no less. Kissing, cuddling, and fondling...of course some of them would stop when they noticed other ponies looking, but there were a choice few individuals that carried on unabashed, either not noticing or not caring about the stares they drew.

However, just as Applejack was about to renew her mental tirade against the indecency of some ponies, a very familiar whistling sound in the distance caused her ears to perk up at attention. Only one thing moved fast enough to make that particular noise, so she wasn't surprised to see a cyan-colored blur heading directly towards the Apple Family's home. She was, however, quite curious as to why her speedster friend forsook her usual naptime to pay her a visit.

"Well, well, well," said Rainbow Dash with a grin, landing perfectly next to Applejack, "what do we have here? Looks like two ponies boring themselves to death with work to me. I think opening a barrel of cider could raise your fun levels a bit."

"Ain't nopony going nowhere till this roof is patched," replied Applejack obstinately, reaching down to pick up the empty bucket they'd been using to hold their work supplies, "but if ya want ta help, I'd be mighty appreciative if ya flew down ta tha barn and picked up some more nails. We just ran out of 'em."

"Me, do work? You gotta be..." protested Rainbow Dash at first, but fell silent for the briefest of seconds before continuing, "well, what the hay. I don't have any more clouds to bust up. Nothing but clear skies till late tomorrow afternoon. Then me and the other weather ponies are gonna bring on the rain!"

"Well that's too ba...wait, what?" questioned Applejack, unsure if she heard her friend correctly, "ya want ta help us work on tha roof?"

"Yeah, so?" answered Rainbow Dash brashly, crossing her arms and stretching her wings, "what's the big deal? I don't mind helping out a friend with a few chores."

"Uh, nothin' I suppose," stated Applejack, raising one of her eyebrows in astonishment, "I learned there ain't nothin' wrong with acceptin' help when it's offered, but are ya sure yar feelin' alright sugar cube?"

"Jeez AJ, I said I'm fine," repeated Rainbow Dash glibly, reaching down to pick up the empty pail, "now where did you say those nails where?"

"Fly right on down ta tha barn's front door," explained Applejack, gripping the hammer she'd looped through her belt, "and look ta yar right after ya get inside. Ya should see a big box on a shelf. Can't miss 'em if ya tried."

"Gotcha," affirmed Rainbow Dash, flapping her wings and rising into a hover, "I'll be back in a flash!"

Applejack watched as Rainbow Dash took off, making it to the barn and back again with the nails just as she knelt down to align the next replacement shingle that needed securing. This arrangement continued on for almost half an hour, the Apple siblings working across the roof in a flurry of productive activity due in large part to the new gopher they'd found in the swift pegasus.

However, Applejack began to notice that Rainbow Dash would spend an awfully long time on her return trips staring at Big Macintosh. In fact, the last time she looked over at the cyan pegasus, she could have sworn Dash was biting her lower lip with a longing gleam present in her eyes. Applejack certainly didn't want to accuse her friend of plotting something bawdy without asking her directly first, but just as she opened her mouth to speak, a throbbing pang of pleasure pulsed through her abdomen. Caught completely unprepared, Applejack stumbled forward and fell to her knees, catching herself with her hands before she slid off the roof. Her vision began to blur, but she could still make out the shapes of Big Macintosh and Rainbow Dash rushing to her side.

"AJ," shouted Big Macintosh, almost falling off the farmhouse in his haste to reach her, "what's wrong, AJ? Say somethin' to me!"

"Hold on girl," added Rainbow Dash consolingly, reaching Applejack first and cradling her as she slumped down further, "I gotcha. She's burning up Big Mac."

"Let me see," responded Big Macintosh, laying his hand across her forehead, "eeyup. Ya darn fool. I thought we got past ya workin' yarself ta death."

"I...I ain't overworked," stammered Applejack, finally catching her breath enough to speak, "but I do need ta get off this roof. Help me get down and inta tha house ya'll. I'll be fine after I rest up in my room for a spell."

Big Macintosh picked up Applejack effortlessly, cradling her in his arms as if she weighed no more than one of Fluttershy's small critters. Rainbow Dash helped steady Big Macintosh's descent down the ladder, and after about a minute of shuffling through doorways and walking up stairs, they arrived at Applejack's bedroom.

"Thank ya'll for tha help," stated Applejack, draping her hat on the bed's headboard before falling down into the mattress, "but I can take it from here. Go on and finish hammerin' down the last of those shingles Big Mac. I'll send Dash out ta help ya in a bit."

"Eeyu...hold on now," replied Big Macintosh, leaning over her reclining form protectively, "if ya need somethin' I can get it for ya AJ..."

"What I need is ta talk ta Dash about somethin' for mare's ears only," explained Applejack, thumping Big Macintosh on the nose, "and for ya ta finish up tha roof before tha rain she was talkin' about rolls in tomorrow. Now scat, ya hear?"

After watching Big Macintosh slink out of the room like a chastised puppy, Applejack set her sights on Rainbow Dash. Unsurprisingly, she noticed that the rainbow-maned pegasus was once again ogling her big brother on his way out.

"Ahem," said Applejack loudly, causing Rainbow Dash to snap out of her stupor, "I don't mean ta interrupt yar sightseein' Rainbow, but I want ya ta be honest with me. Are ya in heat, and if ya are, what are ya plannin' on doin' ta Macintosh?"

"Hey! I wasn't...I mean, I was, but I'm not..." faltered Rainbow Dash, caught completely off-guard by Applejack's bluntness, "alright, fine, you got me. But you're in heat too! Don't even try to deny it after that little exhibition on the rooftop!"

"I never said I wasn't," retorted Applejack, adjusting her head to a more comfortable position on her pillow, "and if it's hittin' ya as hard as it's hittin' me, than we both got some difficult days ahead of us. But don't think that Macintosh is gonna help ya through it. Heck, as far as I know he's only made it ta second base."

"Ha, looked like a grand slam to me..." mumbled Rainbow Dash, conjuring up the sights and sounds she witnessed at the clubhouse.

"What was that, sugarcube?" asked Applejack coldly, her eyes narrowing with suspicion, "didn't quite catch that last bit."

"Nothing, nothing," replied Rainbow Dash, alternating her gaze between the ceiling and the floor, "well, I better let you rest up. Besides, I bet Big Mac is getting pretty lonely by now."

"I'm serious Rainbow," asserted Applejack, sitting up from her bed before another wave of pleasure-tinged nausea forced her back down, "I don't want Macintosh gettin' hurt over tha fact that ya can't control yarself. He won't know what ta make of tha situation. Besides, don't ya and ya-know-who help each other out during this time of year?"

"Believe me...we tried," stated Rainbow Dash, flexing her wings in frustration, "and don't think I've forgotten how frisky you can get after a few glasses of hard cider and a swig of moonshine, Applejack. Say, maybe you and I can try to help each other out..."

"No ma'am," refused Applejack outright, yet still growing a bit sheepish from Rainbow Dash's reminder, "I ain't in no mood ta drink, and ya'd have ta get me pretty tipsy for that ta happen again."

"You weren't even buzzed the last time we were together," said Rainbow Dash with a smirk, "but that's fine. Still, who better to show Big Mac the ropes than good old dependable Rainbow Dash. Why I bet he'd..."

"Enough Dash," interrupted Applejack, her tone signaling the time for discussion was over, "now promise me ya ain't gonna try ta seduce my brother."

"Oh come on AJ!" pleaded Rainbow Dash, placing her hands on the edge of Applejack's bed, "maybe Big Mac will surprise you with how well he handles it. You can't keep going all mother hen on him when things like this happen."

"I ain't no mother hen," stated Applejack flatly, extending her hand towards dash, "and I want ya ta shake on that promise too."

"Ugh...alright, fine," agreed Rainbow Dash finally, grasping Applejack's open hand with one of her own, "I won't do anything to Big Macintosh today. I promise."

"Good," said Applejack satisfactorily, not ending the handshake just yet though, "and ya can stop crossin' yar fingers on yar other hand Dash. I ain't gonna let ya get away with any sly tricks this time."

"Ugh!" groaned Rainbow Dash once more, moving her other hand from behind her back for Applejack to see, "you know me too well Applejack. Fine, I'll say it again. I promise not to put the moves on your big brother today. Are you happy now?"

"Very," answered Applejack with a small grin, burrowing down into the comfort of her bed, "now if ya would be so kind as ta help Macintosh finish patchin' tha roof, I'll make sure a few extra glasses of cider make it yar way this year."

"Nice! Sounds good to me," stated Rainbow Dash, walking towards the door before donning a teasing visage, "now don't get too loud in here. We wouldn't want poor Macky Wacky to hear something naughty waughty."

"Get on out of here ya featherbrain," ordered Applejack with wry grin, tossing a throw pillow at the pegasus's head, "and make sure tha roof is patched tight, ya hear? I don't want ta drown in my bed during that big storm ya'll were talkin' about."

"I'm on it boss," replied Rainbow Dash with a salute, closing Applejack's bedroom door while stepping out into the second floor hall.

Okay, Applejack did make me promise not to try anything funny with Big Macintosh, thought Rainbow Dash, walking downstairs towards the nearest exit, but I did say I wouldn't try anything funny for just today, right? Besides, I had the tips of my wings crossed the whole time. That counts for something...ugh, this is a tough one.

As the Element of Loyalty, Rainbow Dash was feeling extremely conflicted about the two ideas battling for control in her brain. On the one hand, Applejack was one of her irreplaceable friends, and she couldn't stomach the thought of losing her. Conversely, Big Macintosh was a few years older than them, so for Applejack to regard him as nothing more than an innocent colt in stallion's clothing, especially after what she'd witnessed earlier that morning, was way too controlling in her opinion. Walking outside into the sun, she took off and circled around lazily towards the roof, preparing to help Big Macintosh finish the tedious work she had regretfully committed to. What she saw waiting for her eliminated any doubt from her mind about her future course of action.

Big Macintosh was unbuttoning his workshirt, cursing quietly to himself about pesky nails and torn fabric. Rainbow Dash had seen him without a shirt on before, but for some reason this time was different. She wasn't sure whether it was her heat, the light sheen of sweat on his skin, his chiseled physique, or all of the above, but he looked...cool. That was the only word that came to her mind. Really, really cool.

Momentarily distracted by Big Macintosh, the cyan pegasus stumbled backwards over her own hooves as she landed, an embarrassing feat for a pony that prided herself on her athleticism. Not failing to notice a falling mare when he saw one, the large scarlet stallion shot his arm out to catch her, pulling her back to an upright position.

"Ya alright Rainbow Dash?" asked Big Macintosh, holding his shirt in one hand and her in the other, "I can help ya get into an open bed too if ya ain't feelin' well."

"Oh yeah...I mean, um, no, I'm fine, never better," corrected Rainbow Dash as inconspicuously as possible, trying to dismiss the image of them alone in a bedroom, "I, uh, I'm gonna help you finish. Help you finish the roof, that is. Applejack asked me to help you."

"That sounds mighty...helpful," replied Big Macintosh, pressing his shirt into her free hand, "would ya do me a quick favor and put this in tha house? I done snagged it on a nail and ripped open one of the sleeves."

"Sure, no problem," answered Rainbow Dash, taking the shirt and jumping off the roof into a glide, "no problem at all..."

Rainbow Dash quickly landed on the Apple family's front porch, turning her head from side-to-side to make sure nopony discovered her odd addiction. Bunching up the fabric of the shirt into a tight ball, she brought it to her nose and breathed deeply, savoring the scent of Big Macintosh. True to his family's name, his sweat certainly smelled of apples, but there were also undertones of earth, wood, and soap mixed together with the aromatic fruit. It was potent, masculine, and oh so very cool. Rainbow Dash blushed profusely as she inhaled once more, reveling in one of her biggest fetishes. The rainbow-maned pegasus didn't remember exactly when sweat had become such a potent aphrodisiac for her, but she did know years of training and competing in athletic events were to blame.

Rainbow Dash's wings fluttered excitedly, her mind now made up about what she needed to do. Patience wasn't one of her strongest qualities, but she could practice a few aerial tricks while she waited for midnight to roll around. Of course, she needed to figure out a nonchalant way to ask Big Macintosh which window was connected to his bedroom...

____________________________________________________

Meanwhile, Applejack waited patiently until she heard the sound of a hammer earnestly pounding down nails before she slipped out of her clothes underneath her covers, gasping slightly when the fabric of her bra brushed against her incredibly sensitive breasts. She moved her hands around to grasp the swollen orbs, tentatively brushing her thumbs over her nipples after only a moment’s hesitation.

The orange mare cried out in ecstasy, arching her back upwards from the intense pleasure that crashed over her body. She quickly bit her lower lip to stifle the rest of her moans, whimpering quietly as she struggled to maintain her composure. Granny Smith was napping downstairs in her own room, and even though Apple Bloom had left the house hours ago to play with the other two Cutie Mark Crusaders, one could never predict when or where those three fillies would crop up. And as if potentially being discovered by one of those two wasn’t bad enough, her big brother and close friend were literally only fifteen feet above her. A cursory glance at her bedroom window revealed it was firmly shut and latched, a small condolence that put her a little more at ease with continuing.

After taking a few deep breaths, Applejack began to knead her breasts in earnest, cooing and mewling as she massaged her ample bust. She knew for a fact that she had the second largest breasts amongst the Elements of Harmony, as well as, and she’d been told this by a few of the bolder local stallions, the longest, most shapely legs in Ponyville. She was certainly one of the tallest, if not the tallest, mare in town, and years of bucking apple trees during harvest season offered the side benefit of toning muscles exquisitely. She slid her long limbs back and forth over the soft cotton of her worn bed sheets, enjoying its soothing sensation coupled with the more arousing maneuverings of her wandering hands.

One of which had indeed moseyed southward, moving past her stomach and towards the pair of simple white hipsters she still had on. Rarity had tried on numerous occasions to get Applejack to wear something a bit flashier or risqué, but the obstinate earth pony had always outright refused to put on, as she put it, a pair of strings tied together. Besides, it was what the cloth covered that Applejack cared about most right now, and after sliding her fingers under the taut waistband, she began to caress her reddening folds in a gentle circular motion.

Applejack cried out after only a few seconds of gentle probing, burying her head into her pillow to try and muffle the lewd noises escaping her throat. This was unlike any estrus cycle she'd ever experienced since reaching maturity. It was so unchecked and overpowering, and Applejack buried finger after finger inside herself at its behest. However, even after sheathing three digits to the knuckle, she didn't feel full.

That can't be, thought Applejack fearfully, I...I ain't ever been able ta do more than two before, so how is this not enough?

She decided to redouble her efforts, using all her adroitness coupled with the most-personal knowledge of her bodily likes to bring herself to the peak of delight. But no matter how much she moved or spread her fingers within her body, she never felt completely content.

This is what I've always done, reflected Applejack, her panic rising to new levels, why ain't this enough? Wha-what's happening to me?

And even after her first two orgasms washed over her body in rapid succession, she didn't feel satiated. It was depressing! It was infuriating!

Applejack continued pleasuring herself for almost an hour, reaching climax again and again, soaking the sheets of her bed with sweat and arousal...but it still wasn't enough! Her level of frustration at this point was astronomically high, but soon exhaustion, coupled with the fatigue from morning chores, caught up with her. Biting the edge of her old quilt between her teeth as one more phenomenal orgasm rocked her body, Applejack collapsed onto her mattress in a heap of drenched blonde hair and sore, tingly muscles. Her breathing soon slowed to a crawl, but her eyes still fluttered open tenaciously, staving off sleep for a few more seconds so she could bask in the afterglow that permeated every fiber of her being. Finally, Applejack yawned loudly and rubbed her legs together one last time, closing her eyes to descend into a state of blissful unconsciousness.

_______________________________________________

Big Macintosh had just finished helping Apple Bloom wash and towel off the dishes from tonight’s dinner, and was now walking up the stairs towards Applejack’s room to check on her. She’d refused to eat with the family earlier citing that she wasn’t feeling well enough to sit at the table, so he was bringing her a glass of water and a gala apple sliced into uniform little wedges. After knocking several times and receiving no response, Big Macintosh shuffled his cargo around so he could open the door. Stepping into Applejack’s dark quarters with only the light from the hall to guide him, the scarlet stallion made his way over to her side, carefully setting the food on a small bedside table. Then, grabbing the small stool his sister kept in the corner of the room, he placed it next to the bed and sat down, running his hand over her forehead and through her hair. She did feel a bit feverish, but more distressing was how utterly primal she looked in her sleep. Her long blonde hair, usually kept in a very tight ponytail, snaked off in every direction, framing her flushed face like a headdress made of the finest yellow silks. Her arms and legs were each splayed in their own unique direction, and Big Macintosh couldn’t help but think she looked unequivocally…beautiful.

Noticing his sister was beginning to stir, he quickly banished those awkward observations and donned a more brotherly appearance, directing a comforting smile at her as she opened her eyes to look up at him. She groaned unhappily at being disturbed, but a quick glance at the awaiting victuals her brother had brought her eased those feelings of annoyance.

“Thought ya might like somethin’ ta eat,” said Big Macintosh, gripping the nearby cup of water, “and drink, of course. Ya been in here a while.”

“How long was I out?” asked Applejack, taking the glass from him gratefully. She took several long sips, savoring how the cool liquid traveled down her throat.

“About four hours, I reckon,” answered Big Macintosh, tilting his head towards the plate of apple wedges, “which is why ya need ta eat. Look, I even took out tha seeds for ya.”

“My hero,” stated Applejack drolly, grabbing a slice and devouring it ravenously, “I can’t remember tha last time I was this famished. It has been a day of firsts though…”

“Eeyup,” replied Big Macintosh, remembering his sister’s peculiar behavior, “the last time ya took a day off from work was…well, I can’t rightly remember when.”

“Cause I ain’t ever taken a day off,” claimed Applejack, finishing off the last few bites of her food, “and if I ain't well by tomorrow mornin', ya'll are gonna have ta chaperone Apple Bloom's field trip in my place.”

"Eeyup...wait, come again?" queried Big Macintosh, this being the first time he'd heard about any excursion, "Apple Bloom said somethin' big was happenin' at school tomorrow, but she didn't mention no field trip."

"That's cause it's supposed ta be a surprise," explained Applejack, looking towards the doorway to make sure Apple Bloom wasn't in earshot, "Princess Celestia asked Fluttershy ta lead a little nature walk ta teach tha kids about the local wildlife, and Cheerilee is supposed ta bring them out ta see Zecora so they can participate in a bit of...now what did Twilight call it, oh right, cultural exchange."

"Oh, I see," acknowledged Big Macintosh quietly, "well, that actually sounds mighty swell."

"I know Apple Bloom will have a grand ole time," continued Applejack, laying back down against her pillow, "and I think ya will too if I end up not bein' able ta go. Cheerilee always asks about ya when yar not working tha apple cart with me. I reckon she still has a little of that love poison in her system."

"That ain't funny AJ," grumbled Big Macintosh, thinking back on last year’s Hearts and Hooves Day debacle, "and I'm sure she's just bein' neighborly."

"Well, all I know is she keeps inquiring about what yar doin'," observed Applejack, snuggling down into her warm blankets, "especially since she hasn't seen ya since yar Canterlot trip. Maybe I'll be a nice little sister and let ya go in my stead anyways."

"Only thing ya need ta worry about little sister," retorted Big Macintosh, tussling her hair playfully, "is gettin' better. I'm gonna go read a bit before hittin' tha hay, but if ya need anythin' at all, just holler."

"Will do Dr. Macintosh," affirmed Applejack dryly, tossing him a small wink, "now let me rest ya big lug."

Big Macintosh stood up, moved the stool back to its original place while stepping out into the hallway, and closed the door behind him. He walked the few paces it took him to get to his own room and promptly collapsed onto his mattress, its springs creaking under his bulky frame. He opened a nearby drawer and retrieved his worn copy of Flora and Fauna of the Everfree Forest, thumbing through its pages to brush up on the strange and most often dangerous plants and creatures that lurked in the darkness of the local foliage. Manticores, Poison Joke, and Timber Wolves…the Everfree Forest was certainly an interesting choice of locale for a field trip, but he supposed the journey from Fluttershy’s cottage to Zecora’s home would be safe enough under the supervision of alert adults. After all, the path was well-worn at this point, and as long as none of the colts and fillies strayed off on their own…and with that thought, he made a mental note to never let Apple Bloom and her friends leave his sight.

Still, he knew that Celestia organizing this little excursion, just like Pinkie Pie’s party, was her way of giving him a chance to get close to the shy yellow pegasus. He’d always enjoyed the rare instances when he was in Fluttershy’s company, especially when she was surrounded by all the critters she took care of. They helped put her at ease…well, enough to make small talk anyways. However, the fact that he hadn’t made any progress with Rainbow Dash, even after spending most of the afternoon with her, was overwhelmingly depressing. They had joked and played around for a bit while they were working together, but it had seemed more jovial than flirtatious, no matter how much he tried to work his charm.

Yawning loudly as he finished speculating over the day’s odd happenings, Big Macintosh returned the book to its usual resting spot, extinguished the light he’d been using, and hunkered down into his mattress. Falling asleep had never been a problem for him, especially after reading, and the freshly laundered sheets his grandmother had made his bed with felt so wonderful that not even a minute had passed before he was snoring away contently.

Several hours had passed since that moment, and the moon, as well as the comet, filled the night sky with their bizarre mixture of light, illuminating the black-clothed form hovering outside Big Macintosh’s bedroom window. It placed its hands on the upper rail, slowly lifting it upwards to its fully open position. Then, grasping the sill with dexterous fingers, it slipped inside the dark interior of the house, slowly prowling towards the room’s occupant like a cat stalking a hapless mouse.

The stealthy predator hadn’t expected it to be quite this easy, but that initial assessment soon changed upon entering the immediate vicinity of its target. Two arms shot out from under the covers, one grasping the intruder’s arm while the other clamped down firmly over what Big Macintosh assumed was his or her mouth. He drew the unknown assailant towards him, pinning its much smaller form between his prodigious physique and the springy mattress.

“The only reason I covered yar yapper was so ya don’t wake my family,” explained Big Macintosh coldly, glowering at the masked figure, “I don’t know what a robber hoped ta get from a bunch of farmers, but I can tell ya yar wastin’ yar time and mine.”

He could now make out the vagrant’s magenta eyes glaring right back at him, and upon closer inspection he noticed a few strands of red, orange, and yellow hair poking out through the vision slit in the mask…

“…Rainbow Dash?” asked Big Macintosh unsurely, using one of his hands to remove the garment, “sweet sassafras it is you. Why are ya here? And why are ya wearing that getup?”

“It’s an old Nightmare Night costume,” retorted Rainbow Dash, trying to squirm out from the large stallion, "you got a problem with ninjas?"

"I, uh, nnope," replied Big Macintosh, growing more perplexed by the second, "but that still don't answer my first question."

"I-I was just flying around," stammered Rainbow Dash, breaking eye contact with the scarlet stallion, "and I, uh, wanted to surprise Applejack. Yeah, it was gonna be a really cool prank. I musta mixed up her room and yours though."

"Eeyup," affirmed Big Macintosh, realizing what was actually happening, “which is why ya kept asking me this afternoon whose room ya were standing over when we were working on tha roof. I think ya asked twice about mine…”

“That is, well, I swear I was just…” deflected Rainbow Dash adamantly, sighing once she knew she was caught, “fine! Fine! I knew it was your room the whole time. There, I said it. Happy now?”

“Eeyup,” answered Big Macintosh, sitting up on his knees so Rainbow Dash could sit up as well, “but that still…”

“…doesn’t answer your first question, right?” finished Rainbow Dash, taking a deep, steadying breath, “okay, fine, I’ll level with you Mac. I saw you earlier today.”

“I, uh, remember seein’ ya too,” stated Big Macintosh, very unsure of where the conversation was going, “we worked on tha roof together…”

“No, that isn’t what I’m talking about,” said Rainbow Dash flatly, leaning towards him, her face mere inches away from his own, “I saw you in the Cutie Mark Crusaders clubhouse with Pinkie Pie this morning buster, and let me tell you, I saw everything…and I mean everything!”

It was now Big Macintosh’s turn to scramble for answers.

Maybe I could…no she’d never believe that in a million years, plotted Big Macintosh, desperately trying to craft a convincing excuse, if I explain that…no, that is even stupider than the first idea.

“Fine, ya got me dead to rights,” confessed Big Macintosh, deciding there wasn’t any point in trying to fib, “I don’t know how it’s yar business, but Pinkie and I were, well, doing what ya saw us doing.”

“Well duh…anypony who isn’t blind and or deaf would know what you two were doing,” quipped Rainbow Dash, enjoying her newfound control of the situation, “and it’s my business because Pinkie Pie is my friend, and as the Element of Loyalty, well, I need to make sure that my friends are, well...not gonna get hurt, got it?”

“Fair enough,” acknowledged Big Macintosh, grinning at the growing absurdity of the present state of affairs, “and ya had ta tell me this after midnight because…”

It was now Rainbow Dash’s turn to squirm under scrutiny, realizing that she too would have to come clean with her real motives.

“Don’t play dumb Mac,” asserted Rainbow Dash, a deep blush spreading across her cheeks, “why else would a mare come to a stallion’s room late at night? I don’t know if you and Pinkie are seeing each other, but if it was just a li-little fling, I wouldn’t mind if you and I, well…ugh! Don’t make me say it. This is already starting to turn into an uncool disaster.”

“Ya mean, ya want to, uh, with me…” stuttered Big Macintosh, unprepared for this fortuitous occurrence, “but earlier ya didn’t seem at all interested. Heck, we spent more time exchanging stories about Applejack than flirtin’ with one another.”
“Hey, I’m not a bubbly, giggly kind of girl,” stated Rainbow Dash firmly, pressing her index finger into his chest, “joking like that is my idea of a good time. Besides, I-I thought you looked kinda cool without a shirt on. Don’t get cocky though. I’m still the coolest thing in Ponyville by far.”

Big Macintosh smiled at her offbeat compliment, but the warm finger she placed on his chest made him conscious of how chilly the room had gotten. As if reading his mind, Rainbow Dash looked at his torso as well, and both their eyes kept traveling downwards until one remembered something about himself, while the other learned something new: Big Macintosh slept in the nude.

Rainbow Dash reacted first, pulling her hand back and drawing her legs to her chest, her eyes transfixed on the flaccid, yet still impressive, length lying against the bed. Big Macintosh almost made a similar knee-jerk reaction to cover his body, but the past week of sexual experiences and training gave him a capital idea. Moving towards Rainbow Dash, Big Macintosh pressed his body against her compact form, leaning over to speak into one of her very upright and attentive ears.

“Ya know Dash, we may have started off on the wrong hoof,” whispered Big Macintosh, nipping at the very tip of her ear before resuming, “but that don’t mean we can’t turn things around for the better.”

“Ye-yeah, sure,” replied Rainbow Dash hoarsely, trying to regain her equanimity, “I, ah, I think we can, ah! Mmph!”

Big Macintosh had enjoyed pecking Rainbow Dash's neck while she was trying to speak, but the kiss they were sharing now was even better. Her lips parted welcomingly for his invading tongue, and she let go of her legs to wrap her arms around his shoulders. They sparred this way for quite a while, rolling back and forth across the bed as they sought out new angles to lounge in and unexplored regions to press against. Big Macintosh found the flimsy ties for Rainbow Dash's costume soon enough, and after removing the black keikogi, long pants, and sports bra she had on, he sat back to admire her body in the moonlight.

Her breasts were smaller than Rarity's by quite a bit, but they were pert and shapely. What really caught his eye though was how beautifully toned her entire body was. She wasn't bulky by any stretch of the imagination, but her arms, legs, and torso rippled with a sinewy grace that was mesmerizing. Her stomach was exquisitely chiseled as well, and he ran his fingers along the outline of her pectoral muscles, tracing them with the lightest of touches.

"Are y-you gonna tickle me all night?" questioned Rainbow Dash challengingly, managing to catch her breath enough to speak, "or are we, ah, ha, gonna get down to business?"

"Yes ma'am," said Big Macintosh, making a mock salute with one of his hands, "right away ma'am."

"Ha, cut it out Mac," laughed Rainbow Dash, grinning at his comedic antics, "I want you to make me feel good in another, non-joke kinda way..."

Being rather quick on the uptake with the sexual wants of mares as of late, Big Macintosh flashed Rainbow Dash a grin before hooking his thumbs under the sides of the black boy short panties she had on. He slid them down her legs slowly, making sure to press the tips of fingers against her thighs and calves as he went.

“You look mighty fine in black Dash.” observed Big Macintosh, placing his hands on her knees, “but I bet tha other ninja ponies tell ya that all tha time.”

Rainbow Dash shot him a scolding look before spreading apart her legs, completely exposing her marehood to him. Of course, the first thing Big Macintosh noticed was the small tuft of rainbow colored hair above her folds, confirming for himself, at least, one of the most speculated about rumors for the male population of Ponyville. However, the fact that she was dripping wet was also readily apparent, prompting Big Macintosh to press his muzzle against her slit and run his tongue from its base to the tiny bundle of nerves at its top. Rainbow Dash cried out loudly, causing both ponies to instantly freeze and listen for the stirring of hooves.

“I know it ain’t gonna be easy,” stated Big Macintosh, kissing her right thigh in reassurance, “but yar gonna have ta try and keep quiet.”

“G-give me some warning next time,” replied Rainbow Dash, winding her fingers through his blonde mane, “don’t just dive in like tha-ah! Mmph.”

Big Macintosh did dive back in though, but Rainbow Dash, being a bit more prepared this time, was able to stifle most of her moans. He continued to look up at her face while his tongue and fingers explored her lower folds, enjoying the silent film quality of her erotic reactions.

The scarlet stallion steadily increased the probing depth of his appendages, reaching further into her body in search of the most erogenous zones. His fingers grazed a spot towards the front of her warm walls that elicited the desired reaction, which was Rainbow Dash's wide-eyed, open-mouth stare of supreme pleasure. Zeroing in on that trigger, along with the circling and pressing motions of his tongue around her clitoris, Big Macintosh brought the cyan pegasus to a silent orgasm. Rainbow Dash arched her back in pleasure, her wings stretching out as she tried her best to stifle the yelps of ecstasy trying to escape her throat. Big Macintosh sat up to embrace her, capturing her lips with a kiss to aid in her silence-preserving endeavor, relishing the feeling of her breath and his mingling as she worked through the throes of her climax.

Rainbow Dash's body eventually went slack, and without exchanging so much as a word she pushed Big Macintosh back down onto the bed, rotating her body to face away from him as she straddled his face. He felt his member, now fully erect, rise up to rest against one of her cheeks. She nuzzled it affectionately before showering in several small kisses, paying close attention to the flared and throbbing head of his staff. Although he couldn't exactly see what Rainbow Dash was doing, he suspected that her hot breath flowing from the top of his member to its base signaled that she had opened her mouth to devour him. The warm, wet feeling of her throat and tight seal of her pursed lips confirmed this to be true, and his quiet grunt of pleasure stirred the pegasus to take more of him into her mouth.

Big Macintosh wasn't the kind of stallion that enjoyed remaining idle for long, and the incessant wiggling of Rainbow Dash's hips informed him that she would very much enjoy some reciprocation of her oral stimulation. Placing his hands on her very toned flanks, he placed the tip of his tongue against the entrance of her marehood, slowly pressing it into her quivering body. She responded by moaning loudly against his phallus, a sonic assault which caused Big Macintosh to lift his hips up reflexively in approval.

The two of them continued this back and forth battle for almost half an hour, each pushing the other's buttons to escalate the ante. Big Macintosh was confident that he'd score an easy victory, but Rainbow Dash surprised him not only with her resilience, but also the creative tactics she employed. Her mouth and tongue never stopped moving, and her hands were either massaging his thighs or cradling his swollen orbs, applying just enough pressure to coax a hiss of pleasure from him.

He soon found himself teetering on the edge, and Rainbow Dash’s finishing move of biting down ever so gently on the head of his stallionhood pushed him over the precipice. Big Macintosh’s hips shot upwards, and the cyan pegasus’s head moved downwards to meet his lunge, her throat vigorously working to swallow the copious amounts of white seed gushing from his member. After the last few shots left his body, he slid out from under Rainbow Dash and prodded his member against her lower lips, reinvigorating it to its completely rigid state.

“Ya ready Dash,” asked Big Macintosh, using his free hand to trace the line of her spine, “cause I’m feelin’ mighty ready myself.”

“I, uh, sure…of course,” replied Rainbow Dash, growing more antsy by the second, “why wouldn’t I be ready? I-I’ve done this ple-plenty of times.”

“Alright…” continued Big Macintosh, not failing to notice the panicked look in her eyes, “I’ll just go nice and slow.”

“Co-cool,” stated Rainbow Dash feebly, now starting to visibly shake, “slo-slow is cool. Real cool.”

Big Macintosh couldn’t believe his ears. Rainbow Dash claiming that going slow was good? He was more than certain now that something was amiss, but he decided to test the waters, pushing the first inch of his rod into her warm passage. She clamped down on him hard, tensing up so much that he couldn’t go a fraction of an inch further. The blue speedster was frantic at this point, her wings flaring out while she violently shook her head in every direction possible.

“I-I can’t,” claimed Rainbow Dash, crawling forward on the bed away from Big Macintosh, “I thought I-I was over it, but I’m not.”

“What’s wrong Dash?” queried Big Macintosh, completely shocked by her behavior, “did I do somethin’ wrong? What do ya mean yar not over it?”

“No, no, no,” answered Rainbow Dash, a few tears rolling down her cheeks, “I-I just can’t do it. So-sorry Mac, but I gotta go.”

Rainbow Dash stood up and began gathering her clothes, moving towards the open bedroom window with all due haste. Big Macintosh got to his hooves and intercepted her though, grasping her shoulders so he could get a good look at her face. She was trying her best to stymie her tears, but a few slipped down her cheeks, dropping to the floorboards with enough volume to be heard in the total silence that surrounded them.

“I don’t care about not finishing,” stated Big Macintosh quietly, trying to be as reassuring as possible, “but I can’t let ya go after seein’ all that. Talk ta me. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing!” shouted Rainbow Dash, stamping a hoof down in frustration, “nothing is wron…oh, shoot. Sorry, I didn’t mean to…”

But it was already too late. Both the stallion and the pegasus mare heard someone stirring in the room next door, their hooves moving towards the direction of the hallway. Big Macintosh knew who it was too. He and Applejack had been living next to each other all their lives and he knew better than anyone what a light sleeper she was, especially after hearing a bump in the night. She’d never admit to it, but she’d often crawled into his bed after having a nightmare, seeking his reassurance that no boogie ponies existed in her closet or under her bed.

“That’s AJ and she’s comin’ here,” explained Big Macintosh bluntly, motioning towards the window, “hurry and fly ta tha barn’s loft. I’ll meet ya there in ten minutes, I promise.”

“What? No way!” retorted Rainbow Dash vehemently, running the back of her hand across her face, “I’m heading home, I-I don’t want to talk about…”

“Well I do,” said Big Macintosh assertively, helping her up onto the windowsill, “now fly fast. Ya need ta get out of sight before she walks in. I swear I’ll be there Dash. Just wait for me.”

Big Macintosh couldn’t hear and see if she agreed to his proposal after she took off, darting away with a very impressive burst of speed. He propped both of his arms against the frame and watched her fly away until she vanished into the night though, doing his best to mentally record every detail of a beautiful pegasus mare gliding through the sky in the nude.

Big Macintosh could hear Applejack’s hoofsteps outside his door now, and soon she was turning the knob without so much as knocking. That was fine though. In fact, it worked perfectly for what he planned to do next. Taking a deep breath, he prepared himself to do possibly the most embarrassing thing of his life.

_______________________________________________

Applejack was furious. She already felt like she’d been run over by a fully-loaded apple cart, but to make matters worse she’d been jarred out of her already fitful sleep by somepony shouting at the top of their lungs in the middle of the night. Applejack knew exactly who that somepony was too, and once she got a hold of that sly, no-good pegasus, she was going to buck her to the moon.

Bursting into Big Macintosh’s bedroom unannounced, she immediately headed for his closet, flinging its sliding doors open in search of her prey.

“Where is she Macintosh,” asked Applejack commandingly, kneeling down to look under his bed after confirming Rainbow Dash wasn’t hiding amongst his clothes, “don’t you fret none, I’m gonna have plenty ta say ta ya too after I’m done tannin’ her hide.”

“Ain’t nobody here but me AJ,” responded Big Macintosh, moving towards his sister warily, "and if ya don't mind, I was doin' somethin' private before ya barged in here..."

"Oh I know what yar were doin' in here," replied Applejack sassily, looking up at him for the first time since entering the room, "and I know who ya were doin' it...with..."

Applejack's voice trailed off when she noticed her brother, wrapping a bed sheet around his bare chest, was standing up in more ways than one. The two siblings were as still as statues, Big Macintosh looking like a sheepish colt who got caught with his hand in the cookie jar, while Applejack stared at him in wide-eyed bewilderment, her lower lip moving up and down slowly as she tried to form words.

"Ya two..." muttered Applejack shakily, finally finding her voice, "ya two didn't...didn't already...I can't believe..."

"Ain't nopony done anything to anypony," stated Big Macintosh calmly, trying to keep his voice as level as possible, "the yelp ya heard was me. I had a bit of an accident..."

"Accident," repeated Applejack doubtfully, her eyes narrowing in suspicion, "Macintosh Apple, don't ya dare lie ta me about what ya were doing in here, or who ya were with."

"Do ya really want me ta describe what I was doin' ta myself AJ?" asked Big Macintosh aggressively, trying to put his sister into an uncomfortable position, "besides, I ain't tha only one who isn't decent at the moment..."

"What are ya blabbering on about," interjected Applejack, looking down at the robe she had thrown over her naked form, "I'm as dressed as I need ta be..."

That was when Applejack noticed that the sash of her dressing gown had come loose, most likely during her bloodhound-like inspection of her big brother's bedroom. Her right shoulder and breast were completely bare, as well as most of her right leg, all the way up to where it meet her hip. Adjusting the loose end and cinching the sash tight caused the orange mare to calm down from her fanatic crusade, and when that happened the surge of adrenaline she'd been running on petered out too, leaving her feeling drained and feverish. Any amount of recovery she'd made from her earlier collapse was wiped clean off the slate, and her knees buckled and collapsed inward just from the effort it took her to stand on her own two hooves. Big Macintosh was next to her in the blink of an eye though, pressing his forehead against hers as she labored to catch her breath.

"Yar burnin' up AJ," observed Big Macintosh, gently scooping her up in his arms, "I'm gonna put ya ta bed and tell Granny Smith ta look after ya in the mornin'. Ya ain't gonna be doin' no chores till this passes."

Applejack mumbled a delirious response, and she cradle her head against his shoulder for stability as he maneuvered through his door, down the hallway, and into her room. Big Macintosh placed her shivering form onto her bed, fluffing her pillow and drawing the sheets up to just under her chin. He then bent over and kissed her warm cheek, a single tear falling from his eyes to land on the spot his lips had just touched.

"I'm sorry AJ," apologized Big Macintosh, on the verge of collapsing into a tearful wreck, "I don't mean ta lie ta ya or any of tha family...this whole ordeal has just gotten so complicated. I'm in too deep ta quit, but I ain't even treadin' water no more...just drownin."

Big Macintosh watched his sister twist and turn for a few minutes after finishing his unheard confession, humming an old lullaby their mother used to sing after tucking them in for the night. Her breathing and thrashing immediately settled down upon hearing it, which was a small consolation to the emotionally frayed stallion. He stood up slowly so as not to disturb Applejack further, knowing if he left now he would make it just in time to where Rainbow Dash was hopefully waiting for him. After throwing on a pair of worn jeans and sprinting down the stairs and out the front door as noiselessly as possible, Big Macintosh took off in a dead heat for the barn, intent on getting some answers from the rainbow-maned mare.

_______________________________________________

Besides the hooting of an old owl that made his home in the rafters of the Apple family's barn, the rest of the building was eerily quiet. Big Macintosh slipped his bulky frame through the large alley doors, walking towards the ascension ladder located near the tool shelf. Placing his hands on the top most rung while his hooves stepped onto the lower ones, he swiftly climbed up into the dark loft, illuminated only by a small sliver of moonlight snaking its way through the partially opened loft doors. Big Macintosh looked around for any sign of Rainbow Dash, finally calling out to her in frustration.

"Dash," said Big Macintosh as loud as he dared, scanning the fresh stacks of hay he'd scattered just days before, "I'm here ta talk, just like I promised."

There was no reply. The scarlet stallion tried again several more times, fumbling around in the gloom with no success. Deciding that Rainbow Dash must have flew home just as she claimed she would, he let loose a loud sigh, trudging towards the ladder with his head hung low. However, just as he was about to slide down to the first floor and leave, a voice cried out from a dark corner he'd overlooked.

"I-I'm here," confirmed Rainbow Dash, leaning forward so he could see her, "you're late though."

"Sorry about that," replied Big Macintosh, moving towards her silhouette, "I had ta help AJ back ta bed. She ain't doin' so well."

Rainbow Dash visibly shrank at this declaration, curling her body into the tightest possible ball within the old wool mackinaw she'd found. Big Macintosh recognized the large tattered piece of cloth as the Apple family's stargazing bedding, and he rubbed his arms to stave off the chill settling over him while staring at it longingly.

"Mind sharin' that blanket," asked Big Macintosh, flashing Rainbow Dash a small grin, "I don't think I can focus very well on yar story if I'm freezin' ta death."

Rainbow Dash cut her eyes at him appraisingly, the only things visible, besides her hair, above the cocoon she'd wrapped around herself. Finally, she acquiesced to his request, moving her left arm outward to allow Big Macintosh access. He merely moved against her side, expecting to take hold of the blanket and pull it taut, but the cyan speedster had other plans. She sat up and threw it around his shoulders, plopping down into his lap while leaning back against his chest. Taking the hint, Big Macintosh grabbed either end of the wooly comforter and wrapped it around them both, breathing a sigh of relief as the warmth seeped into his bones. He hadn't failed to notice that Rainbow Dash didn't have a scrap of clothing on either, but he acted like a perfect gentlecolt and waited for her to speak.

"Stroke my hair," requested Rainbow Dash quietly, almost purring when she felt his hand run across her scalp, "...my dad used to do this when I was upset. It always made me feel better."

They sat in silence for a while after that, Big Macintosh running his fingers gently through her rainbow-colored mane, sensing that she was working up the nerve to tell him what had set her off in his bedroom.

"You said Applejack wasn't feeling well," repeated Rainbow Dash, her eyes half-lidded in a melancholy expression, "shouldn't you be checking on her instead of sitting here with me?"

"We both know what AJ is sufferin' from," stated Big Macintosh matter-of-factly, hugging Rainbow Dash reassuringly with his free arm, "and we both know there ain't much I can or should be doin' for her. I want ta know what happened back there though. Ya seemed fine until, well..."

"Wh-who wouldn't be scared during their first time," admitted Rainbow Dash defensively, puffing up her wings against him, "I'm sorry I freaked out, but I've got a good reason."

"Ya...ya were a virgin," said Big Macintosh shakily, his mind unable to reconcile that information, "but I didn't feel nothin' when I...and ya seemed ta know how ta do everythin' else..."

"If you're talking about my hymen, I broke that when I was still a filly," explained Rainbow Dash pensively, thinking back to her younger days, "it was a real bad landing. My butt hit the ground first...I was crying like crazy because of the blood, but my mom sat me down and explained what happened. And I know how to do everything else because I'm, or was I guess, a virgin, not a prude. I may not have went all the way with a stallion before tonight, but that doesn't mean I haven't fooled around with a few boys and girls along the way."

"And there ain't nothin' wrong with that," asserted Big Macintosh, moving his head to try and look at her face, "but what happened ta scare ya so bad?"

Rainbow Dash closed her eyes while inhaling and exhaling a deep, cleansing breath, letting all the anxiousness in her body fade away before she started to tell her tale.

“When I was still living in Cloudsdale, I hung out with an older colt,” recounted Rainbow Dash, rapping her fingers rhythmically against her legs, “he was a real bad boy type, always pulling pranks and getting into fights. That just made him, well, cool, I guess, and we started dating after a while. My parents, and heck, even Fluttershy, kept telling me he was no good though, but I was happy and didn't want to listen to them…”

She paused at that point, and Big Macintosh could feel her muscles tensing up, just as if she was about to jump off a starting block. He realized he’d become so enthralled with listening to her that he’d stopped petting her head, so once he resumed she visibly relaxed, catching her breath before speaking again.

“My dad was really worried, but he never tried to break us up or anything,” continued Rainbow Dash, smiling as she thought about her father, “he just kept saying if I ever felt like something bad was about to happen, I should sock the guy in the nose and fly home as fast as I could. Well, one day something bad did happen, or almost happened…”

Rainbow Dash stopped again, sighing as she mentally prepared herself to tell a secret that only three other ponies in all of Equestria knew.

“One day we were fooling around, the normal routine, you know,” explained Rainbow Dash, feelings of anger and hurt welling up inside her, “but he started to get a little handsy, more than I was comfortable with. First, he just started asking me to go all the way, but then he started to demand it. Eventually he was yelling at me, and I was yelling back at him, and then, well, I did what my dad told me to do when I felt like things were heading south. I punched him in the nose, took off, and booked it home ASAP.”

Big Macintosh felt a few tears fall onto the arm he was holding her with, but he didn't dare say a word for fear of breaking her emotional stride. He just continued to stroke her rainbow-colored mane soothingly and listen.

“At first I was just mad,” stated Rainbow Dash bluntly, balling her fists and slightly flexing her wings, “but after a while, and I don’t remember when exactly, I started crying. Not just boo-hoo crying either, but bawling by the bucket load, you know? Well, my dad was the only one home when I got there, and when he saw me he didn't say a word. He just hugged me and stroked my hair, and let me vent about how much of a jerk the guy was and how right they’d all been.”

Rainbow Dash spun around to face him at that moment, pressing her nose against his and staring at him with a fierce intensity.

“So that’s why I freaked out earlier,” said Rainbow Dash curtly, preparing to stand up, “and before I do something else embarrassing, I’m gonna fly home and get some sleep. Th-thanks for listening…”

Before Rainbow Dash could utter the last word of her farewell though, Big Macintosh felt his consciousness floating away from the barn, his vision telescoping into the now all too familiar world of his memories…

_______________________________________________

“…good, now take two steps forward,” instructed Celestia, her lyrical voice a much needed panacea at this moment, “and stop right there. Now turn to your left and walk forward three paces.”

Big Macintosh took in the floral scents of the royal botanical garden, noting the especially powerful fragrance of the fresh cut grass and bushes surrounding him. He was in the middle of Celestia's personal hedgerow maze, an extremely private area of the castle that only herself, Luna, and royal guests were permitted to enter. The solar princess had proposed the novel idea of playing a trust game earlier that morning, and Big Macintosh still remembered his surprise when he was stripped and blindfolded. The white alicorn claimed she would guide him through the puzzle from a bird’s eye view, and after making sure he was correctly situated at the entrance, took flight to circle him from above.

“I need ta talk ta ya Celestia,” called out Big Macintosh, making sure to not interrupt her instructions, “things are gettin’ complicated, and, well…I feel like I’m losin’ my way.”

“An apt metaphor for your current situation my little stallion,” responded Celestia from on high, her voice taking on a more serious tone, “I knew as this plan progressed things would grow more complicated. Have you seen any mares in Ponyville acting suspiciously? Perhaps exhibiting aggressive behavior?”

“Nnope, not personally,” answered Big Macintosh, turning right as Celestia commanded him to and walking forward five paces, “but Applejack mentioned somethin’ about seein’ all kinds of bawdy deeds in town during lunch. It don’t sound like anythin’ ta worry about though.”

“I am afraid it is much worse in Canterlot,” stated Celestia, her voice growing morose, “I had hoped my plan would act as bulwark against unruly behavior spilling into the streets, but the exact opposite seems to be happening. The solar and lunar guard have had their hands full breaking up…inappropriate displays of affection. It has grown so bad that I have asked parents to keep their foals indoors for the next few days.”

“Isn’t there a spell ya can cast?” inquired Big Macintosh hopefully, entering the final stretch of the labyrinth under Celestia’s watchful eyes, “letting a weird rock in tha sky rile folks up like this…surely ya and Luna can do somethin’ ta stop it.”

“I have already underestimated the comet once,” explained Celestia wisely, her voice now very close, “I cannot be sure that casting magic to weaken its influence will not have the exact opposite effect. No, I am afraid we must carefully weigh our options at this point Macintosh. A false step at this juncture could be the difference between weeks or months of hardship and recovery.”

Big Macintosh only nodded once in understanding, the spring breeze blowing across his face signaling that he had exited the confines of the shrubbery. He knew Celestia was right in front of him, and the knowledge of what came next was a great comfort after such a depressing conversation. He heard the fabric of the princess’s flowing robes fall to the ground with a soft thud, and the aroma of the rose oil soap she used to bathe herself washed over him.

“Now turn your back to me, my little stallion,” implored Celestia merrily, her voice once again assuming its usual warm, wonderful timbre, “and fall backwards.”

Big Macintosh did exactly as he was ordered, and the electric sensation of his flesh coming into contact with her own sent a shiver of contentment racing up his spine. She clasped his head to her breasts as they fell backwards, her wings flaring out to slow their descent onto a bed of camellia and hollyhock flowers. They laid together like this for what seemed like an eternity, Celestia singing an ancient song from Equestria’s past while gently stroking his mane and back.

“What am I gonna do?” pleaded Big Macintosh as Celestia finished her song, “Dash is waiting for me and I don’t know what ta tell her…”

“Remember what we discussed this afternoon my little stallion,” instructed Celestia, kissing his forehead, “about how trust is the foundation of all good relationships. The comet is rendering our carefully laid plans ineffectual, so perhaps we must change our tactics to compensate. Thus, if you feel it a wise course of action, you should recruit a faithful accomplice to share your burden…”

And with that bit of advice the world grew smaller and smaller around him, shrinking to a microscopic speck before once again ballooning out to show a different, yet equally familiar scene. Big Macintosh prepared himself to do what he hadn't been able to for almost a week now. He was going to tell at least one pony in town the complete, unadulterated truth.

_______________________________________________

“…to me Mac,” continued Rainbow Dash right from where she’d left off before his cognitive departure, “you are the only stallion besides my dad who knows, but don’t let that go to your head. I felt I owed it to you though after tonight. Well, I-I’m gonna head home. Hopefully nopony looks out their window and sees me…”

Just as the cyan pegasus got up to move away, Big Macintosh shot his hand out to grab her wrist, halting her departure.

“Wa-wait, please,” said Big Macintosh quietly, pulling gently on her arm to draw her back, “ya told me somethin’ real important just now, and I-I got somethin’ I’ve been wantin’ ta get off my chest too…”

Rainbow Dash, intrigued by the seriousness in his voice, sat back down, motioning for him to wrap the blanket around her already shivering body. Big Macintosh decided to start from the very beginning, and for almost half an hour he told her everything he’d done since he left Ponyville on the train bound for Canterlot. His couplings with Celestia and Luna, the solar princess taking him under her wing as his guru, the intimate nights he spent with both Rarity and Pinkie Pie…no detail was omitted, no half-truth or fabrication was spoken. Once he finished, Big Macintosh had a cathartic moment, and the sense of liberation that came with it was indescribably awesome. For her part, Rainbow Dash had run a wide gambit of emotions while listening to his tale of political intrigue and secret rendezvous, ranging from disbelief, to anger, to arousal, and finally to acceptance.

“You really are telling the truth,” observed Rainbow Dash, looking squarely into Big Macintosh’s eyes, “you actually did…I mean you, well…jeez Mac, I don’t know what to say.”

“I told ya all this because I need yar help,” stated Big Macintosh directly, grabbing her hands underneath the wool blanket, “please Dash. Celestia told me things are gonna get worse, and I need a pony I can trust.”

“Hey, when it comes to a matter of trust, I’m the most dependable pony there is,” asserted Rainbow Dash proudly, puffing up with vigor, “bu-but this is way too weird. I know I’m the Element of Loyalty, but why not pick Rarity or Pinkie Pie?”

“Because after what ya shared with me, I know yar a pony who doesn't give up secrets lightly,” explained Big Macintosh, thinking about the two recently mentioned mares, “and even though Rarity and Pinkie are wonderful mares, I need somepony who can keep quiet and follow a plan. We both know Rarity likes to gossip, and well, Pinkie Pie can be a bit unpredictable.”

“Tell me about it,” replied Rainbow Dash with a grin, thinking about her two close friends, “okay, fine, I’m in. I don’t think I’d forgive myself if I passed up an adventure this crazy. St-still, we need something more than a handshake to seal this deal…”

“Are ya sayin’ what I think yar sayin’ Dash,” asked Big Macintosh, not wanting to read anything into his new partner’s words, “cause I didn’t think after all that ya’d want ta, well, ya know…”

“Hey, you can’t tell a girl all that stuff and not expect her to get excited,” retorted Rainbow Dash, donning a look of indignation, “I mean come on, sleeping with two smoking hot princesses at one time…and that doesn’t make me weird! Anypony would say they're hot…”

“I didn’t say anythin’ Dash,” responded Big Macintosh slyly, moving behind Rainbow Dash with the hypnotic grace of a snake, “truth be told, talkin’ about it got me excited too…”

“Well y-you better tell me the t-truth Mac,” asserted Rainbow Dash unevenly, her body quivering with anticipation, “after all I’m, ah, yo-your partner now, ah! Mmph! Ah!”

Big Macintosh responded not with words, but with actions, kissing Rainbow Dash’s neck and lips as his hands explored her body. He cupped and teased her breasts, pinching and pulling her nipples gently. No longer bound by the rules of silence imposed in the farmhouse, the cyan pegasus cried out in pleasure, relishing the domineering touch of the large red stallion.

Eventually they found themselves laying on their left sides, Rainbow Dash’s lithe, toned form contouring to the outline of Big Macintosh’s bulky, muscular frame. He placed one of his hands against her marehood, coaxing apart her lower lips to slip a single finger inside her. She arched her back against him in response, her right wing extending completely while her left one tried desperately to do the same. The scarlet earth pony continued pushing his finger deeper into the cyan pegasus, adding another one soon after while moving them both back and forth to make her as wet as possible. Rainbow Dash soon climaxed under Big Macintosh’s barrage, coating his fingers and most of his hand with her sticky nectar. He’d never been with a pegasus before, and the way her right wing flexed open and closed in sync with the waves of her orgasm was quite fascinating to watch. Deciding she was more than ready, Big Macintosh placed his rigid stallionhood against her lower lips and moved his mouth towards her ear.

“Just relax darlin’,” said Big Macintosh soothingly, pressing the first inch of his shaft inside her, “that’s it…nice and easy…”

“Re-relax, ah, he says,” quipped Rainbow Dash, gasping as he moved just the tip of his phallus back and forth inside her, “why, ah, are y-you so big, ah! Ah!”

Big Macintosh kept slowly feeding inch after inch of his rod into Rainbow Dash slowly, allowing her to adjust to his girth and length before pressing more of it home. He stopped shortly after reaching the halfway point of his member, and began to repeatedly drive just that much into her before retracting it for another thrust. The cyan pegasus gritted her teeth as her eyes rolled back into her head, overcome by a series of sensations she never experienced before. Nopony had ever reached this deeply into her body, and soon she felt the approach of a mind-shattering wave of euphoria.

“I-I’m close, Mac,” cried out Rainbow Dash breathlessly, her heart racing at speeds she’d only experienced when flying as fast as she possibly could, “ah, it fe-feels so good, I didn’t kn-know, ah!”

“I ain’t gonna last…much longer either,” rumbled Big Macintosh, intensifying his pace, “I gotta pull out…”

“No, ah, I-I want it inside,” asserted Rainbow Dash, turning to look at him over her shoulder, “I wa-want, ah, you to be t-the first.”

Before Big Macintosh could respond, Rainbow Dash locked her lips over his, pressing her tongue into his mouth just as she began to climax. Big Macintosh grabbed her right leg under the knee and lifted it up, burying himself a little further before joining her, pumping ribbon after ribbon of white liquid into her womb. Seeing her right wing moving about wildly, Big Macintosh rolled Dash onto her belly so her left one could do the same, shooting outwards once it realized it was no longer confined by the straw covered floor. They stayed like this until both their orgasms subsided, the scarlet stallion eventually withdrawing his softening member with a wet pop before lying next to his exhausted mate.

“Well now,” asked Big Macintosh quietly, running his hand over Rainbow Dash’s head comfortingly, “what’s it feel like darlin'?”

“Warm,” whispered Rainbow Dash, her eyes closing gradually as her body wound down, “so warm…”

Big Macintosh reeled her in with his muscular arms, moving away from the damp straw to settle down on a dryer patch while placing the wool blanket on top of them. Tomorrow was going to be an interesting day, especially considering the timid nature of the mare he was to bed next. Looking down at his now softly snoring associate though, he took solace in the fact that he wouldn't have to do it alone.

To be continued…

Author's Note

First, let me say that this chapter is a monster. I always go into a chapter with a rough outline of what events I want to take place, but when I start writing I really, really want to flesh out the narrative it seems.

Second, I'm still looking for someone to make a unique image for this story. My idea now is to have it feature just Big Macintosh, Celestia, and Luna, but I'm open to an artist's suggestions on this matter. I don't mind commissioning someone if their prices are reasonable!

Finally, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter. It was a blast to write about Rainbow Dash, and hopefully I struck a good balance between comedy and drama. I wanted to capture her tough persona tempered with a soft side we see so often in the show, such as Dash sneaking a nuzzle with Tank. Enjoy!

The Royal Prerogative

A Stud about Ponyville
Chapter 1 - The Royal Prerogative

A crisp, early spring wind blew through the orchards of Sweet Apple Acres, swaying the limbs of the apple trees to-and-fro steadily, and causing the emerging buds and leaves to cling on desperately for survival. The strong gust went on to sweep past the cracking wooden walls of the farmhouse, rattling the loose shutters of the only illuminated window in the entire Apple household. The few candles still burning in the kitchen were nothing more than a sliver of wax and a fragment of wick, but the two ponies sitting at the large farm table were oblivious to the slowly dimming light. In fact, the only things that commanded their attention within the room were an old canvas-bound ledger book and heirloom abacus that occupied the space in front of them.

"I'm tellin' ya AJ," said Big Macintosh, letting out an exasperated sigh, "no matter how many times you run them numbers, it ain't gonna change the amount of bits we got in the savings chest."

"And I'm tellin' ya big brother we gotta be overlooking something," replied Applejack, stubbornly flipping the pages of the ledger, "now let's start from the top."

"Alrighty," responded Big Macintosh with a wry smile, "but we're hittin' the hay right after. We both got chores in the morning, and I know ya need yer beauty sleep."

"Fine by me," answered Applejack, returning her brother's smile with a smirk, "now hush up with yer sass and work that contraption while I read these figures out to ya."

Ever since Twilight Sparkle arrived in Ponyville and Applejack subsequently became the element of honesty, Sweet Apple Acres always seemed to have some sort of grand adventure or farcical event take place on its premises. The barn had to be rebuilt four times within the last year, and Applejack still cringed that the latest incident had been her fault. Happier memories of the Apple family reunion soon soothed her embarrassment, but financially those construction projects had taken their toll. Of course, the Zap Apple harvest had been a huge monetary boon for the family's coffers, but the stunt that the Cutie Mark Crusaders pulled during Hearts and Hooves Day resulted in Big Macintosh destroying several pieces of property in town with his prodigious strength. The repair bill for those damages had not been cheap, as Apple Bloom's chore load for the following month reflected in spades. Finally, the overall crop harvest had been good and the cider season had started off smashingly, but the appearance of The Flim Flam Brothers and their infernal machine caused the family to work to the point of exhaustion, a physical fee that affected their productivity for weeks after. Overall, it hadn't been a terrible year, but it certainly hadn't been a bumper crop, blue-ribbon season either.

"And we sold those last few jars of Zap Apple Jam to Filthy Rich for fifty bits," noted Applejack, who watched Big Macintosh slide the final few abacus beads across its wooden frame, "I always feel like we are gettin' the short end of the stick when we deal with that fella too."

"Eeyup," replied Big Macintosh, noting the final tally on an already well-used piece of scratch paper, "but Granny Smith's got ties with the Rich family going way back, and she ain't willing to change anything about that now."

"So," asked Applejack hopefully, "how much of a goldmine did we miss the first two times through? And don't use yer fancy mathematics to muddy the issue!"

"Four bits AJ," answered Big Macintosh, reaching for the solid wooden chest that had been tucked under his chair, "the same four bits that I showed ya earlier in this here chest."

"Dagnabbit Big Macintosh," exclaimed Applejack, swiftly rising from the table in frustration. She walked over to the to the window and rested her palms on its sill, standing absolutely still for a few moments. Then, after drawing a tenuous breath, she turned to look over her shoulder towards her brother. He could see she was battling back a year's worth of tears, and her usually cheerful voice came out as a coarse whisper when she finally spoke, "what are we gunna do?"

That had been the million bit question that both of them had been trying to answer for the better part of a week. Sadly, they were no closer to a solution then when they started, but Big Macintosh would say anything and everything comforting to assuage his sister's fears. He couldn't stand to see her cry.

"Come on now AJ," said Big Macintosh soothingly, standing up and walking over to the window, "we'll think uh something. We always have before. Ain't no family more resourceful than the Apple family."

"Ain't no pony disputing that," responded Applejack, turning to rest her back against the window while wiping away the single tear that had managed to escape, "but this old house needs more paint and nails than four bits can buy, and what if Granny gets sick? What if Apple Bloom gets hurt on account of hur Cutie Mark Crusaders shenanigans?"

"Ya know darn well that Nurse Redheart said Granny was as spry as evar tha' other day," answered Big Macintosh consolingly, wrapping his arms around his sister for one of his patented bear hugs, "and Apple Bloom is tougher than a two bit haysteak."

"Ya always know what to say to make me feel better big brother," said Applejack, returning her brother's hug, "I just...I wish Ma and Pa were still here. They'd know what to do about these money troubles, no question about it."

"Eeyup," agreed Big Macintosh, "but I know we can figure out something too. We do got one whole brain 'tween the two of us after all."

Applejack laughed at her brother's hackneyed joke, and took a deep breath to calm herself. The smell of kitchen spices and Big Macintosh's apple-and-earth scent were a familiar panacea for her frazzled nerves, but a very unexpected feeling also wormed its way up from the depths of her consciousness. Applejack locked her gaze onto her brother's face, and a small blush slowly spread across her cheeks. Big Macintosh stared down at his sister quizzically, not quite understanding why she was suddenly looking at him so intensely. After the staring contest became too awkward to bear, he cut his eyes to the side and broke the silence.

"Umm...AJ," asked Big Macintosh carefully, "Are ya feeling okay? Yer face just got redder than a tomato, and yer looking at me like I just grew a horn and a pair uh wings."

"Wha..." murmured Applejack dazedly before her eyes shot wide, as if she'd just awoken from a deep trance, "I uh...of course I'm alright sugarcube, was still just a little flustered from earlier."

Applejack clumsily stumbled out of Big Macintosh's embrace, brushing off her plaid button-up and daisy dukes, as well as resetting her trademark Stetson hat. She headed straight for the kitchen doorway and walked out, but then immediately poked her head around the doorframe to look back at her bewildered brother.

"We should both turn in," said Applejack with a nervous titter, "Gotta get up bright and early and tend to them chores."

Big Macintosh was still very confused by his sister's very strange and abrupt shift in behavior, but he soon chalked it up as nothing more than frustration due to hours of fruitless accounting.

"Eeyup," answered Big Macintosh with a smile, "sweet dreams AJ."

"You too big brother," replied Applejack, whose head swiftly disappeared once again into the dark hallway.

Big Macintosh listened to her hurried footsteps as she raced up the staircase, and once again, he couldn't help but wonder what had gotten into her. After putting up the old ledger and abacus, as well as blowing out the few still-burning candles, he too slowly made his way into the pitch-black corridor and headed towards his room, eagerly anticipating the comfort of his soft bed, fluffy pillow, and warm quilt. However, what neither pony noticed while standing near the window was that an oddly-colored star had appeared just to the left of Ponaris in the night sky. It glowed with a vibrant crimson aura that oscillated wildly, and if anypony were to stare at it for any reasonable length of time, they would certainly swear that it was getting bigger.

___________________________

Almost a week had passed since the Apple sibling's awkward midnight episode, but any lingering unease between Applejack and Big Macintosh had been mostly overshadowed by the appearance of the strange red light that grew brighter with each passing night. Naturally, the community turned to Twilight for answers within the first days of its appearance, and after, as she put it, conducting an extensive scientific mission of astronomical exploration, the mysterious object was declared to be a large comet. The citizens of Ponyville breathed a collective sigh of relief that the celestial object was only a passing visitor instead of an imminent threat, and Pinkie Pie even held a comet-watching party, as well as another, less-attended party the following day to commemorate the first comet-watching party, to celebrate its approach. However, even though everypony seemed to be settling back into his or her daily routine, Big Macintosh noticed that the local mares were exhibiting increasingly peculiar behavior.

Of course, while the younger colts and fillies of Equestria were mostly unaware that mature females were prone to go into heat during this time of year, every stallion who comes of age eventually grows accustomed to receiving attention from groups of giggling girls, as well as a few subtle glances of appraisal, when spring rolls around. However, the usual harmless sighing and coquettish behavior had been replaced with much more forward displays of affection as of late, and Big Macintosh found himself attracting quite a few followers when he went into town on farm-related business.

His latest foray into the city limits had brought him to the Cakes' bakery for some much needed sacks of sugar and flour to make apple fritters. However, after slinking around the alleyways of Ponyville to avoid any unwanted female attention, Big Macintosh found himself face-to-face with a barely dressed Mr. and Mrs. Cake after slipping through the building's back door. Several awkward apologies and comments about the weather were exchanged afterwards while the couple clothed themselves and prepared the baking goods, and Big Macintosh decided to skip the covert route back to Sweet Apple Acres in favor of the more direct path through the middle of town. In hindsight, he would come to view that choice as an obviously stupid decision due to the harrowing gauntlet he had to traverse.

"Well look who we got here Bon Bon," said Lyra Heartstrings, strutting over to the encumbered stallion with a mischievous gleam in her eyes, "say...did you ever notice that Big Mac has a pretty good looking flank?"

Big Macintosh adjusted the large sacks on his shoulders to hide his flushed face while increasing his pace to put some distance between himself and his new admirers, but the two mares matched his speed, one moving to his left, while the other took up position on his right.

"Now that you mention it...he certainly does," answered Bon Bon, running her eyes up and down Big Macintosh's body, "and look at all those muscles. You think if we ask nicely he might help us out with some heavy lifting?"

"I don't know," replied Lyra wantonly, edging closer to Big Macintosh so she could place her hand on the small of his back, "what do you say Big Mac? I'm sure a nice guy like you wouldn't leave two ladies in distress, right?"

A visible shiver traveled from the base of Big Macintosh's spine to his brain, and both Lyra and Bon Bon turned towards each other at the exact moment to exchange cheeky grins. This insistent teasing continued until he reached the edge of town, and after being assailed by several more cat calls, wolf whistles, and giggle fits from several other mares along the way, he immediately dropped his cargo off in the kitchen, ran cold water from the sink over his head, and went out to the orchard to employ the Apple family's time-honored, stress-relieving technique: strenuous manual labor.

That had all took place over an hour ago, and after finally feeling the burning in his cheeks starting to subside, a female voice calling for him in the distance immediately put him back on the defensive. Still, there was something awfully familiar about that voice...

"Big Mac," yelled Ditzy Doo, shielding her eyes from the sun as she scouted around the expansive orchard, "where are you? I've got a really, really, really important looking letter for you!"

"I'm over yonder Ditzy," replied Big Macintosh, arranging the last loop of a rope around a dead apple tree stump, while simultaneously breathing a sigh of relief that his mare caller was only the town's derpy, but lovable, mailpony. He placed the rope securely over his right shoulder just as Ditzy touched down on the ground beside him, and then with one might pull unearthed the stubborn piece of flora in a shower of dirt and roots.

"Oh wow," exclaimed Ditzy Doo, eyeing Big Macintosh's handiwork with wide-eyed admiration, "sometimes I forget how strong you are Big Mac."

Big Macintosh felt his cheeks grow warm from Ditzy's compliment. He wasn't a complete stranger when it came to dealing with mares since he had grown up in a house full of them, but most of the time his shyness got the better of him when he received praise. Especially the very promiscuous praise Lyra and Bon Bon had lauded onto him earlier.

"Eeyup," replied Big Macintosh sheepishly, clearing his throat in an attempt to steady his nerves, "so what can I do for ya Ditzy? I think ya said something 'bout a letter?"

"Oh right," answered Ditzy Doo, "here you go Big Mac. I had to hand these out to a few of the other ponies in town, and you're the very last one I needed to find."

The envelope she removed from her mailbag was made of expensive, ivory-colored parchment, and the wax seal on the back was a brilliant golden yellow. Upon further inspection, he noticed that the calligraphy on the front of the letter was beautifully written, as well as how the emblem pressed into the wax resembled a majestic sun.

"Ya sure this is for me Ditzy," asked Big Macintosh incredulously, "usually Applejack is the one who gets the fancy letters like this."

"Absolutely positive Big Mac," said Ditzy Doo enthusiastically, "I was given very specific orders from my boss about who wasn't supposed to receive these letters, and you definitely weren't one of those ponies."

"Don't ya mean he told ya who is supposed to get 'em," asked a slightly confused Big Macintosh.

"That's what I said silly," replied Ditzy Doo with a smile, "now open it, open it! None of the other stallions would let me see what was inside."

Big Macintosh briefly wondered what Ditzy meant by other stallions before breaking the wax and carefully removing the letter's contents. The first thing he noticed was what looked like an invitation printed on thick card stock. Its inscription matched the ornate script found on the front of the envelope, and it read as follows:

To the recipient of this summons:
Her royal highness, Princess Celestia, requests your
presence in Canterlot on the night of the
first new moon of spring. You will find one
train ticket enclosed within.

Big Macintosh read the invitation three more times to make sure his eyes weren't playing tricks on him, and Ditzy let out a squeal of excitement once she finally managed to catch a glimpse of its message.

"That's so amazing Big Mac," exclaimed Ditzy Doo, flapping her wings in excitement, "I didn't know you were friends with the princess. I mean I knew that Applejack was because of Twilight, but...wait, does that mean all the stallions are friends of the princess?"

"I don't rightly know Ditzy," answered Big Macintosh slowly, still trying to process this very unexpected situation, "but I can't leave the farm to go to Canterlot. I got too many chores, and..."

"Oh no Big Mac, no, no," said a shocked Ditzy Doo, "You have to go to the princess' party. What if she wants to give you a special muffin and you don't show up? She'd be so sad."

Although the gravity of such a regal request didn't escape the befuddled stallion, something just didn't quite add up about this situation. Why him? It was always Applejack who went off on fantastical errands by royal decree. And why now? Certainly things were becoming strange in Ponyville, so did this gathering have something to do with that? Despite all of the new questions cropping up in his brain at an exponential rate, a realization of cold dread soon fell over him upon closer scrutiny of his train ticket.

"Hold on a second...today is the first new moon of spring," shouted an surprised Big Macintosh, "when were ya supposed to give me this letter Ditzy? The train leaves in less than an hour!"

"I'm so sorry Big Mac," replied a now sullen Ditzy Doo, "When I was flying over here this morning I stopped to get a muffin at the Sugarcube Corner, but one muffin wasn't enough, so I flew back and bought a second, but then I thought I should buy a dozen muffins because..."

"Whoa, alright, simmer down Ditzy," said Big Macintosh comfortingly, "I ain't mad at ya, but I guess I gotta hurry if I'm gonna make it."

After sprinting back to the farmhouse, the only pony Big Macintosh could find was Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. After showing them the letter and explaining the situation as best he could, he told his littlest sister to tell Applejack and Granny Smith not to worry, and that he'd be back as soon as he could. After throwing on a clean shirt and washing his hands and face, Big Macintosh bolted out the front door in a mad dash towards the railroad tracks. He arrived right as the train engine released a gust of steam and its running gear slowly began to turn, which gave him just enough time to hop onto a passenger car near the caboose. Once inside, a conductor stamped his ticket, and after acknowledging Quake, Thunderlane, and several other stallions he recognized from Ponyville, Big Macintosh's eyes settled on a face he hadn't expected to see.

"Braeburn," asked Big Macintosh in amazement, "what brings ya all the way up here?"

"Cousin Big Mac," replied Braeburn enthusiastically, "who-wee it's good to see another familiar face on this here train. As for the reason I'm here, I imagine it's the same reason ya are. Heck, every fella on this here train got one of those fancy invitations from Canterlot. Me and a couple of boys from Appleloosa got on board yesterday morning, and been riding it ever since."

After looking around at all the passengers seated in the car, Big Macintosh did indeed notice two things everypony had in common. One, they were all stallions, and two, none of them were more than a few years apart in age. Something definitely wasn't right with this picture, and even after night fell and everypony bunked down in the sleeper car, all he could do was stare out the window at the strange red comet and wonder what in tarnation was going on in Equestria.

___________________________

When the train finally arrived in Canterlot on the evening of the next day, a small attachment of royal guards meet the disembarking stallions and informed them that Princess Celestia wished to see all of them immediately. Big Macintosh, Braeburn, and the others were somewhat taken aback by the seriousness of their escorts, and after making their way down several dark streets and crossing the castle's drawbridge, everypony was shuffled into a large audience chamber located off the main courtyard. A large group of stallions was already gathered inside, so Big Macintosh's group had to shamble in slowly and find room at the back to stand. Once everypony was inside, two of their escorts began to pull the room's large gilded doors closed, shutting off the only light source that had been illuminating the chamber. However, just as several anxious murmurs began to escape the mouths of the more uneasy stallions, a series of giant braziers lining the chamber's walls burst into flame, moving in sequence towards the opposite end of the room and revealing a truly jaw-dropping sight.

A raised platform stood at the far side of the hall, on top of which sat an alabaster throne covered in intricate carvings of suns, stars, and moons. Even though that piece of furniture represented the pinnacle of Equestrian craftsmanship, it was its occupant that had captured the attention of every stallion in the room.

"Welcome gentlecolts," said Princess Celestia gracefully, flashing her audience a brilliant smile, "I thank all of you for coming to Canterlot on such short notice, and welcome you into my home."

Of course, every pony in Equestria could instantly recognize the radiant princess of the sun on sight, but compared to her usual attire of white and gold dresses made of billowing material, the outfit she had on at the moment left the males gathered in the room speechless. Sitting on her throne, snow white legs crossed, pastel hair flowing freely on an unseen wind, was their beautiful ruler, garbed in a sleeveless white dress that showed off her ample cleavage and ended just above her mid-thigh. The gold crown and jewelry she wore was polished to a brilliant sheen, and several audible gasps escaped from a few of the more taken aback onlookers.

"I've brought you all here to discuss a very serious matter," exclaimed Celestia, still smiling softly, seemingly unaware of the strong affect her appearance had on those gathered, "As I'm sure you've all come to know, the red light in the night sky comes from a rather large comet that is approaching our world. However, what you don't know is that this visitor has graced Equestria with its presence before, and at that moment a special event was created to honor, and utilize, its presence."

This last comment brought on a rising tide of nervous conversation that steadily rose in volume, but when Celestia raised her hand the crowd once again descended into a hushed state.

"This celestial traveler has graced us with its presence every 333 years," continued Celestia, her eyes narrowing slightly, "and during each of those visits I noted that it possessed rather peculiar magic properties. You see, my dear gentlecolts, the comet has the power to ensure the healthy birth of any colt or filly conceived under its light. Of course, upon confirming this discovery, I decreed that the ancient practice of pairing strong studs with healthy females would be revived for the duration of its visit."

Absolute silence descended over the chamber. Everypony was simply too paralyzed by their sovereign's last few words to even muster the energy to blink, and almost an entire minute passed before a rather distinguished looking white stallion stepped forward and began to speak.

"Excuse me, your majesty," said Fancy Pants, twirling a finger through his mustache nervously, "and really do forgive me if this sounds a bit impolite, but doesn't this seem a tad bit extreme as a course of action in today's times? Surely there is no need to..."

"Oh, but the need is greater now than it ever has been in the past," interrupted Celestia calmly, "tell me, my dear loyal subjects, what is the current ratio of mares to stallions in your cities, towns, and villages?"

A few mumbled conversations began to take place in the audience again, and after overcoming his own incredulousness at his ruler's question, Big Macintosh seriously began to formulate an answer.

Let's see, thought Big Macintosh, envisioning all of his female family, friends, and acquaintances from Ponyville, there is Applejack, Twilight, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Cheerilee, Nurse Redheart, Ditzy Doo, Lyra, Bon Bon, Silverspeed, Cloudchaser, Flitter...

After rambling off dozens of more female names in his mind, Big Macintosh then began to compose a list of all the town's male residents. It was at the exact moment that he found himself floundering around the fifteen-name mark that a startling realization dawned on him.

"There's about ten mares to every one stallion in Ponyville," said Big Macintosh aloud, and at a much higher volume than he intended. Of course, his voice carried to the front of the virtually silent chamber, which caused Celestia to immediately lock her eyes onto him. He could see the usual kindness and warmth in her gaze that everypony in Equestria knew so well, but there was something else reflected there too...an unidentifiable, yet somehow familiar, glimmer he had seen all too recently in the eyes of mares.

"Excellent deduction," complimented Celestia, leaning further back in her throne, "and very true, I'm afraid. Just as the clever red stallion in the back surmised, we are facing a potential crisis of imbalance in the near future due to the dwindling number of stallions and increasing number of mares that compose our population."

A few more gasps of astonishment and frantic conversations erupted between the stallions gathered in the room, but Big Macintosh's attention was drawn to the sound of hoofsteps above him. After turning around and staring up through the darkness that shrouded the upper chamber, he spotted a cloaked form leaning against the railing of an overhead balcony. Once his eyes adjusted to the gloom, he immediately recognized the pony as Princess Luna, and was surprised to see that she too was staring down at him. Once their eyes met, Luna tilted her chin up with a smirk, leaning on the balcony's railing while using her free hand to haughtily flip her hair over her shoulder. However, just as she completed the traditional royal Canterlot gesture of preening, the arm she had on the railing slipped, causing her to ungracefully tumble for a second before she caught herself. After standing back up, she looked down to see Big Macintosh staring up at her with concern, which slowly transformed into a small grin when he saw that she was unharmed. This display of genuine worry and relief caught Luna completely off-guard, and after a moment of blushing and fidgeting nervously with the sides of her dress, she retreated behind a nearby curtain, leaving a very taken back Big Macintosh staring at the space she once had occupied.

"As I was saying," exclaimed Celestia, the commanding tone in her voice causing Big Macintosh to turn around instantly, "in order to address this imbalance, it is once again time to employ studs, but on a much larger scale than I ever have before. That is why I've summoned you all here today. I wish to know who among you will heed my call and surreptitiously volunteer your services for the future prosperity of Equestria."

The room erupted into chaos. Each stallion turned to his neighbor and began asking if they would acquiesce to Celestia's request. Soon, their voices grew so tumultuous that she had to stand up and magically amplify the sound of her hoof beating against the dais to restore order.

"Please my good gentlecolts," implored Celestia, settling back down into her chair once more, "I realize I've presented you with a difficult question, and I don't expect an immediate answer. All of you will stay at the palace tonight as my guests, and each of you will inform me of your choice in the morning. Do rest assured though that the potential mares will be given the same choice I have just given you, and that the royal treasury will provide a stipend to help raise the foals born during these unions as well."

This last declaration by the princess must have been the signal for the guards outside to open the chamber doors once more, and several more armored ponies appeared at her side, guiding the mass exodus of stallions back into the courtyard and towards their sleeping quarters. Big Macintosh quickly found himself pressed against the back wall of the antechamber, and decided he could do nothing but wait patiently for his turn to exit. However, as he was standing there, a gentle force began to press against the left side of his chin, prompting him to turn his head back towards the platform where Celestia had addressed them moments before. The sight that greeted him was simply overwhelming.

Celestia's eyes were ablaze with a sultry fire, and the spell she casted onto Big Macintosh had him absolutely paralyzed on the spot. While biting her lower lip, she slowly uncrossed her legs, spreading them apart for the briefest of moments before once again crossing them in the opposite direction. The brief glimpse of inner thigh and gossamer, black lace lingerie suspended the higher functioning of his brain, and it was only after a guard jostled him back into a semi-consciousness state that he realized he was the last stallion left in the room. Still, his eyes remained captive to Celestia's form as he was led outside, and it finally occurred to him where he had seen that unidentifiable glimmer before. Back at the farmhouse, there was an old book about the predators of the Everfree Forest that his family had owned for generations. On one of its pages was the vivid image of a pack of timber wolves who had managed to corner a hapless hare, their eyes gleaming with the same voracious light his princess had just exhibited. Although he knew it was futile, Big Macintosh began to wonder if those poor critters ever escaped from those predicaments...

___________________________

Sleep didn't come any easier to Big Macintosh in his guest room than it had on the train, and after a stint of fitfully tossing and turning under the sheets, he hoped that a shower would help him forget about all of the tantalizing experiences he had endured as of late. After a time, the hot water did wonders to relax his muscles, but the recurring mental image of Princess Celestia's brazen display was beginning to stiffen another part of his anatomy quite handily. Closing the valve on the hot water while furiously spinning open the tap of the cold remedied that problem almost immediately, but the now shivering stallion was even farther away from a restful night's slumber than when he started. To make matters worse, right as he was stepping out of the bathroom and slipping on his pants, a rapid series of knocks assailed the entryway of his suite. Although almost every neuron in his brain screamed at him to take the safest course of action and pretend that he was fast asleep, years of practicing good manners prevailed. A gentlecolt simply did not refuse to answer when somepony came calling, especially when that somepony was rapping so frantically. After hopping over to the door from the far side of the room, all the while pulling up and securing his trousers, Big Macintosh opened it just enough to poke his head out into the hallway. A cute little yellow mare with a blue mane and green eyes was waiting outside, and he immediately knew something was ahoof.

"Please sir," implored Masquerade, fidgeting nervously from side to side, "you must come with me right away. You see, the princess is in dire straits! Yes, dire straits, and she needs help immediately."

"We gotta find the guards then," stated Big Macintosh warily, although still perking up at the sound of potential danger, "and shouldn't ya be askin' them first instead of just some ol' random stallion?"

"Oh, but the guards have already answered her majesty's summons and are defending her now," replied Masquerade imploringly, "it was such a terrible sight to see...but I knew the guests of her majesty were staying in this wing of the castle, and your room was the first I came upon. Please follow me. We haven't much time!"

Big Macintosh knew deep down in his gut that this little wisp of a mare was trying to pull wool over his eyes, but even the slightest possibility of Princess Celestia or Princess Luna being in danger was enough to spur him into action. After grabbing his work shirt off the back of a nearby chair, he hastily threw his arms through its sleeves and burst into the hallway next to Masquerade. Acknowledging his cooperation with a thankful smile and a nod, she took off at breakneck speed down the long, door-lined hallway. Big Macintosh began to follow, and after turning down deserted corridor after deserted corridor, his initial doubts about Masquerade's sincerity were replaced with a growing sense of dread. Where were the servants? More importantly, where were the guards? It was unquestionably very late, but surely there had to be some guards patrolling the grounds, right? All of these questions caused Big Macintosh's mind to race and his adrenaline to flow, and after another series of rapid twists and turns, he saw two large oaken doors covered in sun and moon carvings before him.

"The princesses are behind that door," explained Masquerade, slowing her run to a trot "Now come with me quickly...hey! Wait!"

Big Macintosh could no longer hear her. He looked like a crimson blur sprinting down the hallway, and when he was only a few steps away from the sealed entryway he shifted all of his weight into his right shoulder, blowing the doors clean off their hinges in an explosion of splinters and masonry.

"I'm here to..." shouted Big Macintosh, before his voice tapered off into an sheepish mumble, "...help ya'll..."

Big Macintosh had crashed his way into the foyer of Princess Celestia's private chambers, and sitting just beyond the wood and stone shower he created were the royal sisters themselves. Luna had risen out of her chair and assumed a defensive posture, her horn glowing with an intense radiance, ready to blast any dangerous intruder into dust. However, when she recognized that the intruder was none other than the same scarlet pony she had primped for during the assembly, her mouth hung agape for a few moments before she could compose herself. Sitting back down with all the serenity she could muster, Luna began to dart her eyes between Celestia, the mystery mare in the doorway, and the extraordinarily strong stallion who had just smashed their door. Her sister had arranged for this to happen. She just knew it.

As for Celestia, she hadn't even flinched when the wall exploded. Only her eyes had moved towards the disturbance, and Big Macintosh once again felt his heart skip a beat when her gaze settled onto him. Swirling a glass of dark red wine in her hand, she took a generous sip and then smiled before speaking.

"I see you brought the helper I asked for Masquerade" said Princess Celestia elegantly, "still, I didn't expect his entrance to be so...surprising."

"I'm sorry your majesty," implored Masquerade, "I told him to stop, but he just kept running like a madcolt..."

"No need to apologize," continued Princess Celestia, rising out of her chair, "it was a very exciting spectacle to witness. Of course, I will reward you later as promised."

"Oh, thank you, thank you your majesty," squealed Masquerade, appearing as if she was struggling to contain herself, "when...when can I expect you..."

"Soon enough, my dear," answered Princess Celestia, "now please leave us. I must attend to the special guest you brought me."

Masquerade performed a very quick, yet elegant curtsy before disappearing back down the hallway in a flash, leaving Big Macintosh alone with the two most powerful ponies in all of Equestria.

"Welcome Macintosh Apple," greeted Princess Celestia warmly, setting her wine glass down as she took several small, hip-swaying steps towards him, "I trust your family is doing well in Ponyville. The last time I saw Applejack was when she assisted Twilight in the Crystal Empire."

"Yes ma'a...I mean, yes yer highness," replied Big Macintosh nervously, "Applejack is doing just fine...wait, you know my name? I mean, um, I..."

"Yes, I'm well aware of who you are," laughed Princess Celestia soothingly, "Twilight is quite thorough in her accounts of life in Ponyville, and of course Applejack has told me of you before."

"I, um, dun know what they could say about meh that would be too interesting," murmured Big Macintosh, "I'm just a simple earth pony who works in an apple orchard. Ain't nothing that much to tell."

"Hmm, I don't think simple is the right word," corrected Princess Celestia, placing a hand on Big Macintosh's bare chest, "intriguing is what comes to my mind. Wouldn't you agree, Luna?"

Big Macintosh looked down once he felt Celestia's soft hand resting on his sternum, and he quickly realized that in his earlier haste to be a hero, he hadn't bothered to button up his shirt while following Masquerade. He took a quick step back and began to rectify that oversight, but didn't even manage to pull the two sides of it together before a glowing force stopped his hands dead in their tracks.

"Oh no need for that," whispered Celestia huskily, her horn pulsing with the same light that was enveloping his hands, "I rather like the way you look now. Luna? You haven't answered my question."

"He...he is just a plain stallion," said Princess Luna dismissively, now darting her eyes between the floor and the room's furniture, "We doth not...I mean, I do not see anything remarkable about him."

"That wasn't what you told me earlier," teased Celestia, turning her head to look over her shoulder, "what was it you said? I believe it was something about how empathetic ponies like him are rare in these times, and how you could tell he possessed a gentle soul..."

"THOU ART SPREADING SLANDER AGAINST US," bellowed Luna in the traditional Canterlot voice, immediately covering her mouth in embarrassment when she noticed Big Macintosh's stunned expression, "we...we mean I, no, I mean I..."

"Now Luna," admonished Celestia, tracing her index finger in idle circles on Big Macintosh's chest, "there is no reason to get so upset. Look at how your little outburst shocked our guest."

"I am deeply sorry for my...little outburst," quipped Luna, not caring for her sister's chiding tone, "but...but I know you are up to something Celestia! Tha-that mare and this stallion coming to our quarters at such a late hour..."

"I asked Masquerade to fetch Big Macintosh because I want to make a...special request of him," stated Celestia, her eyes narrowing and mouth transforming into a mischievous smirk, "but if you are too exhausted to help entertain our guest, I completely understand. In fact, I even arranged to have a new set of nightclothes made for you. You'll find them in the bedroom near the closet door."

"You prepared 'nightclothes' for me," repeated Luna dubiously, "and you know very well that I need no sleep. The night is my domain! I have no need for slee..."

Before Luna could finish her declaration of nocturnal supremacy, she was cut short by the look of total authority emanating from Celestia's face. Deciding that a tactical retreat was in order, she spun on her heels and headed for the bedroom, intent on proving that she could handle whatever outfit her elder sister threw at her. Big Macintosh had had more arguments with Applejack than he cared to remember, but he had a growing suspicion that he might get caught in a firework show of arcane sorcery if he didn't excuse himself soon. Certainly the best course of action to escape the dueling sisters was to complete whatever task Celestia had in mind for him and then quickly and quietly return to his room. Surely it couldn't be too difficult...right?

"Now," stated Celestia huskily, looking back towards her handsome subject, "where were we? Ah yes...Applejack has told me several times how you are surely the strongest stallion in all of Equestria. As it so happens, I need to call on your strength to solve a dire problem."

"Yes ma'am, I mean, yer majesty, I'd be happy ta help," answered Big Macintosh maladroitly, while still breathing a sigh of relief that it was only some physical task. He could handle that. He was an Apple after all.

"Excellent," continued Celestia, turning her back towards Big Macintosh while pulling her vibrant hair over her shoulder, "you see, the zipper of my new dress is stuck, and none of my attendants have been able to so much as budge it. Would you mind trying your hand at it?"

Crickets. Tumbleweeds. Silence.

Surely, thought Big Macintosh, I just misheard my benevolent sovereign. She must be pulling my tail as a practical joke. Still, Granny Smith had taught him it was rude to pretend you knew what somepony wanted if you didn't hear them clearly the first time.

"Ma'am," said Big Macintosh, rubbing the back of his head, "I don't think I heard ya correctly. It sounded like you said pull down your zippe..."

"Oh, how silly of me. Here, let me clear up any confusion," replied Celestia, using her magic to pinch his pointer finger and thumb directly onto her zipper, "now pull..."

Time slowed to a crawl for Big Macintosh. He watched his hand descend in a trance-like state, every link of the zipper visibly unclasping without any resistance whatsoever. No fabric or thread was bunched up in the teeth, and not a single tooth was warped or broken. The mechanism was fine. The dress was fine. All of these realizations struck Big Macintosh like a ton of bricks, and even though other ponies said he was too shy and quiet frequently, nopony ever said he was stupid. In fact, he was actually very intelligent, and the moment the zipper stopped moving near the small of Celestia's back, he had more than an inkling of what was coming next. Still, if a member of the Apple Family was anything, they were resourceful, and Big Mac knew he needed to choose his next words carefully in order to escape.

"Glad I could help ya, yer highness," said Big Macintosh cheerily, placing his hands behind his back while turning towards the doorway, "We Apples are always glad ta lend a hoof, but it's late, and I know ya and yer sister want some peace and quie..."

He didn't even bother to finish his sentence. The scattered doors, hinges, stone fragments, and wood splinters were all magically rising off the floor, perfectly recreating the entryway he had previously smashed to pieces. Of course, noting Celestia's earlier flair for the dramatic, the very last part to be reassembled was the iron deadbolt, which Big Macintosh watched oh so delicately slide over into its locked position. The trap was sprung.

"Oh I'm well aware of the Apple family's willingness to selflessly aid others," whispered Celestia amorously, "and I'm sure Applejack has told you how much I love rewarding good deeds."

"I can't rightly recall," answered Big Macintosh, finally finding the courage to slowly turn and face his captor, "I, um, don't suppose ya could reward me in tha mornin..."

"I think now is perfect," interrupted Celestia, swishing her tail slightly to the side, "hmm, but how to reward you...yes, I'm quite sure you will enjoy this."

The first thing that registered in Big Macintosh's mind was the sound of fabric hitting the floor. Naturally, his eyes were drawn to the source of this audible disturbance, but from there they wandered up Celestia's shapely legs to behold a sight that was, without a doubt, his payment.

"Eeyup, that'll do..." whispered Big Macintosh, overawed by the view of his ruler's incredibly supple-looking butt. The black, tie-side thong she wore created the perfect contrast with the pristine white of her flesh, and the way she cocked her right hip...

"You look quite pleased," observed Celestia, flashing him a self-assured smirk, "please have a seat. I have something else I wish to discuss with you."

Big Macintosh could only nod his head in slack-jawed affirmation before sitting down on the nearest piece of furniture, occasionally sneaking a peak from the corner of his eye at Celestia's body as she walked towards an ornate changing screen. He wasn't exactly sure what a pony was supposed to say during a situation like this, but his gut told him that even a small amount of conversation would steady his furiously beating heart.

"Princess Celestia," said Big Macintosh, his tongue fumbling a bit as he struggled to recover his ability to speak, "I want ta say I think it's right honorable of ya to be so concerned about tha future of Equestria. I...I'm sure plenty of fellas will help with yer plan, and, I, um, guess I will too, seeing as how its tradition and all...what with the comet..."

The laugh that emerged from behind the screen didn't have a trace on condescension in it, but Big Macintosh still felt like he had just said something really foolish. Celestia let her laughter trail off as she emerged from behind the screen, and he got his second eyeful of spectacular beauty for the night. Celestia had put on a diaphanous negligee of black silk, completely exposing her nude form underneath to his, once again, enraptured gaze. Her breasts could easily fill his large hands, and combined with her toned stomach and well-rounded thighs, her figure was simply breathtaking. For the second time that night Big Macintosh felt his pants become uncomfortably tighter.

"Please don't be upset," cooed Celestia, sauntering over to take a seat next to him on the large, plush couch, "I was laughing at myself just now, not you. I'm afraid I was not entirely honest with you stallions tonight concerning the nature of the comet's power."

"I don't understand," stated Big Macintosh, staring at his sovereign questioningly, "If it don't help a couple, ahem, make healthy foals, what does it do than?"

"Oh, it certainly does do that, in a manner of speaking," continued Celestia, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face, "Tell me Macintosh, have you noticed any mares in Ponyville acting strange? More flirtatious? More promiscuous?"

"Eeyup," confirmed Big Macintosh, thinking back to his latest encounter with Lyra and Bon Bon, "I reckoned it t'was just them being in a bad way with their heat though."

"Ah, I knew you were clever," complimented Celestia, leaning over to place a hand on his cheek, "yes, many mares are beginning their estrus cycles, but I'm afraid it is much more complicated than that. Would you like to guess what I named the comet after its first visit to our world?"

"I don't rightly know ma'am," admitted Big Macintosh, tapping out a nervous rhythm on his thighs due to Celestia's touch, "the happy-healthy-baybee-star sounds is about as gud a guess as I got at this point."

"Ha, not quite I'm afraid," laughed Celestia, leaning back against the sofa's cushioning before donning a serious expression, "Its name is Éroskometes, which translated into our modern pony tongue means the Comet of Passionate Loving. Put simply, it has the ability amplify the latent sexual desires and needs lurking in the hearts of all ponies."

"I...I don't understand," said Big Macintosh, thinking about his latest experiences with other ponies, "I haven't seen a single stallion act more forward towards a mare. It's always been tha other way around."

"Oh, it has always affected stallions in more subtle ways than mares," explained Celestia, allowing her hand to slide down from his cheek to his chest, "also, my 'grand tradition' of calling on willing studs and mares was actually a little white lie. You won't find it in any historical records because it refers to nothing more than my private attempts to catalog the range of the comet's influence with a few volunteers. It is much worse this time though. In fact, I can't say with absolute certainty that my own sense of judgment hasn't been...compromised, by all the factors conspiring against us. You might call the situation we're in a perfect storm."

"Hold on now yar highness," said Big Macintosh, his voice trailing off as he began to connect all the loose ends she had laid out for him, "yar telling me that while all the mares are going into heat the comet is gonna make them..."

"Incredibly unruly, to put it mildly," finished Celestia, smiling softly "another fine conjecture. However, I'm afraid there is a third player that is going to make this situation even more troublesome."

"I ain't nothing special," declared Big Macintosh, blushing profusely from Celestia's compliment, "and I sure as hay don't know what could make this situation any worse."

"The moon, my shy stallion," answered Celestia, leaning forward while pushing Big Macintosh onto his back, "tonight was the first new moon of spring, and my sister has informed me that it will be full when the comet is at the apex of its approach. Isn't that right, Luna?"

Big Macintosh had been backing up towards the edge of the couch as Celestia bore down on him, but now he stopped his shuffling to face the same set of curtains she was staring at. After a few seconds of waiting, Luna's head finally emerged from behind the drapery, but she tenaciously clung a large swathe of the dark mauve fabric tight against her body.

"That...that is not important right now," exclaimed Luna, pulling the cloth closer to her chin, "what is important is this...this...this ridiculous outfit...it is indecent!"

"Oh Luna, don't be such a prude," teased Celestia, turning her attention back to the now straddled Big Macintosh, "and you've been hiding there for far too long. Why don't you come out from behind the curtains and show our guest? I'm sure he'll have no complaints."

"WE SHALL NOT YIELD, WE SHAL...AHH!" shouted Luna, once again reverting to the traditional Canterlot voice before a loud, fleshy pop silenced her, "did...did you just..."

"Spank you," answered Celestia bluntly, the glow around her horn subsiding, "why yes, I did, and I'll do it again if you don't stop being so stubborn. In fact, maybe I'll give you another anyways..."

"No!" pleaded Luna, her grip on the curtains relaxing, "we shall, I mean, I will come out."

When Luna stepped out from her hiding place, Big Macintosh had to bite his tongue from letting out a low whistle of approval. Although she was still using her wings to shield some of her body from sight, the fact that she had put on an elaborate ensemble of white lace lingerie was impossible to conceal. Her long legs were sheathed in silk stockings that ended at her mid-thigh, held in place by the delicate clasps of an intricately patterned garter belt, and the snow white brassiere pressed her ample breasts together in a very enticing way. Big Macintosh also noticed she was wearing the same tie-side style thong as Celestia, and her flustered mannerisms only served to enhance the sexual spell she was inadvertently weaving.

"White suits her quite well, don't you think?" whispered Celestia roughly, her hot breath brushing against his ear in an oh so invigorating manner, "so tell me truthfully Macintosh Apple...will you help your princess satiate the approaching tempest? I have a very special group of mares in mind for you, and though it will certainly be a demanding adventure at times, I can guarantee you won't regret it..."

"Spec...Special group of mares?" asked Big Macintosh, his mind starting to race at all the possibilities that statement entailed, "what do ya mean...wait, not..."

"That isn't important now," replied Celestia, nibbling gently on Big Macintosh ear, "what is important is your answer..."

Without a doubt, the last few days had been the most trying time of Big Macintosh's young adult life. All the teasing, all the enticements...he finally felt as if the wall of good manners and self-control he had built around himself was reduced to a pile of rubble at this point. He was at his breaking point, but that didn't seem like such a bad thing anymore. After all, he was a young, healthy stallion, and whether it was the comet, his hormones, or an imagination that was starting to run wild, Big Macintosh was ready to embrace the fiery feeling in his chest and act on it. Of course, he knew just where to start...

"Eeyup," said Big Macintosh confidently, leaning forward to kiss Celestia deeply, pressing his tongue past her lips while moving his hands to fondle her luscious bottom.

Celestia's eyes shot wide, and a surprised whiny escaped her lips at the newfound boldness her once-timid captive was now showing. She quickly recovered from this initial shock though, and began returning his kiss with vigor, moaning into his mouth while closing her eyes so she could better enjoy the sensations of his tongue and touch. Her hands hurriedly moved from his chest to untie the thin cord of her dressing gown, letting it drop down her shoulders in a cascade of dark silk. Celestia then swiftly set about removing his plaid work shirt as well, tossing it to a far corner of the room with reckless abandon. She pressed her bare breasts against his well-muscled chest, inhaling loudly at the sensation of her naked flesh finally coming into contact with his own. This intense back-and-forth duel continued until a loud moan from behind the sofa drew the attention of both impassioned combatants. Celestia and Big Macintosh looked over to see Luna, her bra now discarded on the ground, gently pinching and pulling one of her small, dark nipples. Her other hand was totally hidden under the white lace of her panties, but the outline of her fingers working vigorously was easy enough to discern. It took a moment for her to realize they had stopped their escapades to ogle her erotic display, but once she did her wings quickly folded around her body as she let out a startled gasp.

"I...I wasn't..." stuttered Luna, refusing to make eye-contact with her now-smirking audience, "I...I was only..."

"I think the time for shyness is quite over, little sister," said Celestia, rising up and strutting towards the room Luna had disappeared into earlier, "if you would be so kind Macintosh, please help my little sister into the bedroom. I sure we'll all be much more comfortable in there."

"I do not need any hel...AH!" yelled Luna, her arms, legs, and wings flailing from the surprise of Big Macintosh laying her over his shoulder, "THOU WILL UNHAND US THI..."

Her traditional Canterlot objection was cut short by the whoosh of his palm descending onto her bottom, causing a loud, fleshy pop to once again reverberate throughout the chamber. Luna felt tears of pain and pleasure form in her eyes from the sting, but soon the soothing sensation of Big Macintosh kneading the flesh of her reddening flanks elicited a loud series of submissive moans from her throat. She started to protest again when she felt him undoing the ties of her thong, but the imminent threat of another spanking reduced her objections to stifled whimpers of acquiescence. Now bare to the world, Luna felt her embarrassment and arousal grow ten fold. The probing fingers of the large, domineering stallion didn't help matters either, tantalizingly brushing and spreading the lips of her most sensitive spot. She knew it was only a matter of time before her current status became apparent, but at this rate her mental resolve to resist the urges of her loins would crumble as well.

What Luna didn't realize was that Big Macintosh had already discerned she was in the early stages of heat, having filtered out her more powerful, distinctive aroma from the usual scents of arousal filling the room. It had a much more primal air to it, and he felt the gears in the deepest, most instinct-driven part of his brain begin to turn in earnest. His pulse began to race as he approached the center of the bedroom, doubly so when he noticed Celestia lounging invitingly on a large, luxurious four-poster. Big Macintosh took Luna into his arms and placed her carefully onto the bed, undoing the clasp of his trousers and letting them drop to the floor before climbing onto the plush mattress after her. Luna felt something very soft beneath her and something unmistakably solid above her, but she was still too disoriented to piece together exactly what was happening. Her clarity started to return when she felt Big Macintosh nuzzling and kissing her neck, and the cerebral fog completely dispersed when he captured her lips with the same intense kiss he had shared earlier with Celestia. Luna placed her hands against his chest and pushed in a final shot of frail resistance, but soon found herself wrapping her arms around the large stallion in an effort to pull him closer towards her body. One of his large, rough hands had wandered down to her marehood again, and she felt his calloused fingers trace the line of her slit before pressing firmly against her clit. Her grip on his back reflexively intensified, her nails digging deeper into the muscled flesh for better purchase, as moan after moan escaped from her mouth into his.

Celestia had been enjoying her turn as a spectator immensely, her own hands vigorously wandering up and down her body as she watched the unbelievably strong earth pony ravage her little sister into a stupor. She knew the second she had laid her eyes on him during the assembly that he was a prime specimen...nearly a head taller than his next closest competitor, and certainly more muscular by leaps and bounds. More importantly, the fact that he possessed a discerning mind fascinated Celestia to no end. She had always had a soft spot for intelligent individuals, and with that thought she decided that simply watching was no longer good enough.

"As the eldest member of the family, I'll be exercising my royal prerogative for the first taste..." whispered Celestia, reaching over to take hold of Big Macintosh's steadily growing rod. He turned his body from the profoundly panting Luna to give Celestia better access, a reprieve that the princess of the moon gratefully used to try and collect herself. Celestia brought the head of his stallionhood to her lips, kissing the tip delicately and slowly lapping up the pre that was beginning to flow. Once his shaft had hardened to its very impressive full-length, she hungrily opened her mouth and began to press it down her throat, swirling her tongue along its surface as she descended. Big Macintosh inhaled sharply, placing one his hands on her horn to steady her descent. It was almost excruciatingly tight, but she showed no apparent signs of struggling with his girth as other mares had in the past. Her most impressive feat though was not stopping until she reached the base of his shaft, and the look of smug satisfaction she shot him from that vantage point almost brought him to climax. After bottoming out, Celestia slowly began to retract his length from her throat, making sure to press her tongue hard against its underside while moaning softly. When she reached the very top, the whole process began again, only much swifter with each successive trip. Big Macintosh had been reduced to a state of shock-induced bliss...and it was superb.

Welp, thought Big Macintosh hazily, finally recovering from the initial mind-numbing pleasure, an Apple always gives as good as they get...

His hand, guided by his sense of touch alone, slowly slid down Celestia's back towards her nethers, caressing her flank tenderly before teasing her lower lips apart with his fingers. Celestia cooed loudly at the new sensation, and doubled her current efforts in a burst of enthusiasm. Big Macintosh knew he wouldn't last long at this rate, but the final blow came sooner than expected when Celestia unleashed a loud moan that vibrated through his flesh. He thrust his hips forward as he came, and he could see that his princess was swallowing hastily in an attempt to keep up with the steady torrent he was pumping into her belly. Once his orgasm finally started to subside, Celestia removed his stallionhood from her mouth with a wet pop, marveling at how a few smaller spurts of delicious goo were still erupting from his rigid member.

"I must confess," declared a breathless Celestia, laying back against an array of plush pillows, "I had assumed you were a cherry-colt, but it seems you do have some experience. However, it appears as if Luna requires more convincing..."

Big Macintosh turned to look down at the dark shape of the moon princess, whose voyeurism had, once again, caused her idle hands to become quite active. Luna saw his eyes roaming up and down her body, but instead of retreating within the folds of her wings as before, she more meekly draped her arms over her breasts and marehood.

"We do not...I mean, I need no further proof," claimed Luna, anxiously rubbing her thighs together, "I...I was quite satisfied with the...exhi...exhibition I just witnessed, so...w-wait, mmph!"

Big Macintosh silenced her with a fervent kiss, moving atop the dark-haired monarch while slowly pushing apart her legs with his own. His tongue danced around the inside of her mouth, but unlike earlier she responded in kind, pushing against his much stronger organ with as much force as she could muster. After breaking his embrace, Luna was left gasping for air as he began lavishing a trail of kisses on her neck, breasts, and stomach. Once he reached his destination, the scent of her heat-induced arousal stirred him into a primordial frenzy, and without a moment's hesitation he pressed his muzzle against her soft skin and began to ardently lap at her wetness. A small orgasm immediately rocked Luna's body when he made contact, and several more, each one more potent than the last, crashed over her in waves as Big Macintosh's tongue relentlessly flicked and prodded her responsive nub. The pleasure was intense, but it wasn't enough to sate her...she needed more.

"Ah...please, I...I!" stammered Luna, a pleading gleam clearly visible in her eyes, "I need...something bigger to...ah...quell...mmm!"

Big Macintosh was more than happy to oblige her request, slowly sliding his body against her as he positioned his stallionhood against her soaked folds.

"I won't," grunted Big Macintosh, feeling the head of his member slip inside her, "keep ya waitin' any longer than Miss Luna."

Yes. This was it. The emptiness in her stomach was fading, replaced by the joyous feeling of being full...full beyond her wildest imagination. A few sudden gasps escaped her lips before she unleashed a loud, throaty moan, unable to believe that the stallion mounting her had yet to sheath his entire length into her. She could feel him sliding further and further inside, and just when it seemed as if he would never stop, his rod slowly began to retreat. She mewled that the once fulfilled void within her was returning, at the horrifying prospect that the barren feeling would never go away...

Then, the first thrust came. Luna's world simply went white. Her perception of sight and sound was obliterated by the sensation radiating from the base of her stomach, sending shuddering waves of pleasure up to the very tip of her horn and down to the bottom of her hooves. Big Macintosh steadily increased his pace with each thrust, and before long he was rutting the beautiful mare lying under him with an intensity that made even Celestia writhe in jealous admiration.

However, while it was true he was no greenhorn when it came to rolling in the hay, it had been far too long since Big Macintosh had bedded a mare to maintain such a frenzied tempo. The numerous orgasms that were rocking Luna's body didn't help matters much either, and soon the pulsing and squeezing of her walls was pushing him dangerously close to climax as well.

"Ma'am," said Big Macintosh tersely, trying to contain himself as best he could, "I'm awful close...I need ta pull ou..."

"NO!" shouted Luna, wrapping her arms and legs tightly around his muscular frame, "no...we, I mean...I...inside...it has to be inside..."

"I can't," continued Big Macintosh, trying desperately to remove himself, "Yer in heat...it'll..."

"I...ah!" exclaimed Luna, refusing to relinquish her hold, "I order...ah, you...please...I-I have to...ah...I want...it all!"

Big Macintosh had reached his limit. With one final thrust, he buried himself into the deepest part of Luna he could reach, unleashing a flood of warmth into her body. Luna arched her back sharply off the bed, tossing her head from side to side as her lungs struggled to draw in breath. The raging fire that had been burning mercilessly in her abdomen was finally quenched, and after what seemed like eons, all the orgasmic tension in her body melted away as a deep sleep claimed her.

Seeing that Luna had passed out from total exhaustion underneath him, Big Macintosh gently untangled himself from her limbs, all the while pulling out his now softening shaft. He, with as much grace as he could gather, rolled over onto his back, taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly, feeling the fatigue from the night's strenuous activities washing over himself as well. He was quite astonished though when he felt Luna unconsciously nestle up against his side, and even more so when he felt Celestia slide beneath him so he could rest his head against her chest.

"You did quite well Macintosh Apple," said Celestia comfortingly, running her hand through his thick blonde mane, "you exceeded all of my expectations, and it looks as though even Luna has taken quite a liking to you."

"I, um, thank ya kindly, Princess Celestia," replied Big Macintosh, now noticing Luna's content grin as she snuggled her body closer, "I dun right know what to say about all this now that it's over..."

"Oh it isn't close to finished, my little stallion," stated Celestia mirthfully, "in fact, I believe you'll have to wait for the next train to Ponyville in three days time."

"But, uh, I reckoned," questioned Big Macintosh, furrowing his brow, "I was gonna leave with tha rest of tha stallions in tha mornin?"

"Oh no," answered Celestia with a roguish smirk, "I told you I have a special group of mares in mind for you, and I feel obligated to turn you into a stud amongst studs...for their sake, of course."

Big Macintosh eventually felt Celestia move out from below him, her warm body being replaced with the almost-as-soft support of a large pillow. She was walking towards a set of sliding glass doors that lead to a balcony terrace, and he watched sleepily as she slipped on a gold robe of much more substantial material than her discarded black negligee.

"I'm afraid I must go raise the sun," asserted Celestia, turning to cast a final look at the bed's occupants, "but please, do get some rest. We have another long night of...preparation, ahead of us."

Despite the alluring, borderline-scandalous images starting to materialize within his imagination, Big Macintosh felt his eyelids growing heavier and heavier with each passing second. His final thought before the veil of slumber enveloped him was how much of a talking-to Applejack would give him if she ever heard about this...

To be continued...

Author's Note

Although Big Macintosh doesn't speak much during the show, I know we've all watched scenes where, when something important needed to be said, he can be quite the chatty stallion. Thus, I hope that the amount of dialog I've given him doesn't seem too out of character.