Together Until the Endby DrakewingChaptersPrologueChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4PrologueThe morning light shone into the room and onto the dirty floor covered with clothes and dirt from the day before. Macintosh groaned as he turned in his bed and opened his eyes, adjusting to the new light. Lifting his muzzle he could smell his mother’s famous apple pancakes cooking as that very lovely mare called for him. “Comin’ Mama,” Mac yelled down the stairs as he quickly shoved the mess under his bed. Smiling at his job of “cleaning” his room he made his way down the stairs. “Good morning Macintosh,” his mother sweetly sang as she set a plate of pancakes onto the table where Mac always sat. The young red colt smiled up at his mother as he hopped into his seat, “Good mornin’ Mama.” Mac licked his lips and just as he was about to eat his breakfast his mother stepped in with the dreaded question, “Did you clean your room Mac?” She smiled looking back at her son knowing him too well. It was moments like this the colt was thankful he had a red coat to hide his furious blush as he looked sheepishly back at his mother, “Ah did Mama.” She raised a brow, “Oh? Then everything should be fine when I go to sweep up there.” Mac nodded as he happily ate his pancakes, “Eeyup,” was his only reply between the tasty morsels. Mother nodded, “So I won’t be attacked by any dust bunnies under your bed then?” Mac looked at his mother and nervously ran to his room to properly clean it, “Ahm not done yet!!” Granny Smith smiled and started to laugh as she rocked in her favorite rocking chair. After a fierce dusty battle, Macintosh finally came back downstairs with his favorite hat on and his travel pack along his back. Granny Smith looked at the blank flanked colt, “Off to see that Shining Armor again are ya?” Mac beamed up at his grandmother and nodded vigorously, “Yes’m!” With that he stood on his hind hooves to lean and kiss Granny Smith on the cheek and did the same for his mother. “Bye Granny, bye Mama! Ah’ll be back later!” Macintosh then trotted off to go rendezvous with his best friend in the world Shining Armor the unicorn. Granny looked at Mac’s mother and smiled continuing to rock in her chair, “Those two are inseparable I swear.” Mother simply smiled in reply and watched her son trot away. Shining sat on the normal meet up spot and started to reminisce about the times he and Mac had together. He looked down at his hooves and closed his eyes as a light breeze blew across his face ruffing his blue mane and carried with it the distinct scent of Macintosh as he approached the young unicorn. Mac smiled as he saw his friend, he wasn’t aware as of why but everytime he laid eyes on Shining’s angelic white coat he felt his heart skip a beat. “Shining!” Mac yelled, “Hey! I snuck some of mama’s pancakes for you!” Shining looked down at the red colt and walked slowly towards him and offered a hoof. Mac smiled as he bumped his hoof with the unicorn’s then walked with him back to the hill. Reaching into the pack the apple red colt pulled a stack of still warm apple pancakes,”Ta-da!” Shining appreciatively took one of the pancakes and began to eat happily swishing his tail. “Mac, I swear your momma makes the best pancakes ever!” Shining said excitedly. Mac chuckled and scratched the back of his head sheepishly as he blushed softly, “Ah shucks.” Shining watched the pony as he blushed and felt a smile grow across his face and he continued to eat and look out to the field below. Ponies of all sorts were bustling about getting their daily business done. They both sat there in silence for a bit just observing the town. Mac finally broke the silence, “When ah grow up ah’m gonna be runnin the farm just like Papa!” He raised a hoof to his heart, “He’s the best pony in the world! Ah wanna be just like him!” Shining smiled at his friend watching his eyes sparkle. He knew that Mac could do it, he could do anything. Mac looked at Shining catching his eyes real quick, but only for a moment for when their eyes met the smaller unicorn turned his head as a brush of pink spread across his muzzle. “What are you gonna do when you grow up Shining,” Mac asked excitedly, he always wanted to know what a unicorn would want to do for job since they have magic. Shining finally registered the question into his brain and splayed his ears back as he lowered his head. Mac observed the nature of his pal and tilted his head concerned. Shining choked back the lump in his throat and tried to make as little eye contact as possible because the pain would be unbearable. “Ma and Pa... they’re sending me to Cadet School to become a part of the Royal Guard.” Mac splayed his ears back as they both sat in silence. “Well,” Mac started, “its not like we won’t see each other ever again right?” Young as he was, he knew that the chances of them seeing each other would be very slim but Mac just had to have something to give Shining to hold onto. Shining looked at Mac and smiled nodding reassuringly, “Yeah, I guess you’re right.” Mac, filled with energy from seeing the colt smile, jumps up and raises a hoof to the other child. "Of course ah'm right!" Shining laughed warmly at the newfound energy Mac was using. After a long period of wrestling and washing off in the stream, the young colts find themselves at the train station. Mac was standing with his family as the adults talked about being in Canterlot. Shining finally approached Mac with sad eyes as he said sheepishly, "So... I guess this is it. I'm gonna really miss you... Big Mac." He tried hard to hold back the tears as Mac smiled. "It's not goodbye, it's see you later," Mac said trying to reassure Shining again. Mac raised his hoof for one last hoof bump. Shining looked at Mac's hoof to him. It took all the courage he could muster but he threw his forehooves over the bigger colt and hugged him tight letting the tears fall. Mac was taken by surprise but calmed and rubes the angelic white colts back, "Ah promise we will see eachother again Shining Armor, ah promise." Shining finally stepped into the train car and looked back at Mac feeling better as the promise repeated itself in his mind. "See you later Mac." Mac smiles choking back the tears, "See you later, Shining." With that last statement the door closed and the train started to leave. Mac couldn't help but run after the train to the end of the station yelling, "I'll wait for you! I'll wait for you..." Mac's mother came up and put a hoof on her troubled son's shoulder, "C'mon sugarcube... Lets go home." Macintosh reluctantly bowed his head in defeat and nodded heading home with his mother. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Big Macintosh sat at the top of the hill where he and Shining Armor would hang out and let the breeze blow across him and caress his red coat and orange mane. Its been years since that fateful day when Shining left. Every day since then Mac would come to the hill to watch the train station to see if Shining would come home. For years he repeated this process only missing it when his parents died and for the birth of his little sisters Applejack and Apple Bloom. Today would be the last day he would come to this spot. Looking over across the town he took a deep breath, “Eeyup,” he breathed out. Finally feeling at peace with himself he started to make his way down the hill when he heard the train whistle pulling into the station. Although he knew it was hopeless he watched as the ponies filed out of the train all meeting with happy family. Then he saw it... That unmistakable blue mane that belonged to a special white unicorn. Big Macintosh couldn’t believe his eyes. Shining Armor was home. Chapter 1Shining Armor stepped out of the overly crowded train gasping for air. Once he finally collected himself he looked around at the place he once called home. Now fully grown everything was witnessed with new eyes. Smiling, the unicorn lifted his head to take in a deep breath of the familiar atmosphere. It was great to be home. Just as the stallion was finishing unloading his luggage from the steaming train he caught a scent. He immediately dropped his suitcase and raised his head. There was no mistaking it, he knew this scent. Mixed with sweat and dirt, it was the distinct smell of apples freshly picked. Turning his head slowly, in fear that this would all be a dream, he saw none other than Big Macintosh panting and staring at him. “B-Big Mac?” Shining stuttered. Mac took a deep breath and steadied himself standing straight and grinning at his friend now full grown. Even if it had been so long ago he still felt his heart skip a beat when he laid eyes on Shining Armor. Slowly he approached the blue-maned Royal Guard captain. Standing in front of the old friend he looked down into his eyes replying with the simple word, “Eeyup.” Shining looked up at the taller stallion, his red coat almost making him seem like a walking apple. How he missed his friend was indescribable, he felt lost without him. When he heard that Mac’s parents had passed away a part of him died along with them. Steadily he rose a hoof. Mac raised his forehoof as Shining did the same, but before he could do anything else he found himself on the ground with his cheek throbbing. “What was that for?!” he yelled. Shining smiled and offered a hoof to help the flustered brute up, “Just had to be sure I wasn’t dreaming.” Mac frowned angrily then faded into soft chuckles. Grabbing the white hoof he slowly got up onto his legs and looked Shining in the eyes. As happy as he was to see the Royal Guard Captain again he couldn’t help but wonder why he was back in Ponyville instead of Canterlot. He had everything there, a good life, great job, and he got to see the princess. Regardless the feelings stuck, Mac couldn’t be any happier. The only real problem that wouldn’t go away is as to why his heart wouldn’t stop beating so fast. Shining jumped back to reality, “Oh! My bags!” He ran to pick up the heavy bags he was carrying, even with his magic he could only lift one just a few inches off the ground. Mac smiled, “Ya havin’ some troubles there are ya?” “No! I can do it just fine,” the unicorn stated stubbornly, hiding the fact that he did want some help but too embarrassed to admit it to the stronger earth pony. “Ah can see that,” Macintosh laughed warmly. “So why are ya back in Ponyville anyway? Ain’t ya got it all fine and dandy back in the city?” He studied the white unicorns expressions quizzically. “Ah mean, don’t get me wrong, ah love Ponyville but Canterlot has gotta be so much better than here.” Shining Armor smiled but shook his head, “Yeah its great there and everything, but I’m here on Royal Guard business.” He watched as the red colt splayed his ears sadly. “But, I also have been meaning to come back and see my old friend Mac.” Mac smiled warmly as his ears perked up, glad to hear Shining actually wanted to see him too. “So, where are ya stayin’?” Mac asked with genuine curiosity. Shining chuckled nervously, “Um. Haha about that...” Shining Armor looked around nervously, “I, uh, well you see...” Big Mac couldn’t believe what he was hearing, the unicorn always planned ahead. How could he have not planned a place to stay, especially if he was only in Ponyville for business? He knew he couldn’t just stand there and let his friend stay on the streets. He pondered the possible places for the colt to stay at out of AppleJack’s friends. He couldn’t let him stay at Pinkie Pie’s, she would drive him crazy or have him too pooped out from parties. Fluttershy would only cower away and Rainbow Dash lives in the clouds so that wouldn’t work either. Mac couldn’t even bare to think about what would happen if Shining stayed at Rarity’s. Smiling happily, Mac went over to hoist one of the bags onto his back. "Welp, ah just can't let you stay on the streets," he said with a smile. He glanced back at Shining, “So ah guess you’re just gonna have to come live with me.” The stallion bent down and picked the other bag up. Shining blushed lightly and offered to carry the other bag, “I can carry this one. Besides, we have a lot of catching up to do Mac.” He smiled warmly at the earth pony. Mac handed the smaller bag over to the unicorn as he nodded in complete agreement. They started to make the long track back to Sweet Apple Acres, talking and boasting about all the things that happened to each other while they were separated. “Wow, so your parents died?” Shining Armor shook his head sadly with splayed ears, even though he had received a letter about the death when he was at Cadet school.“I’m so sorry.” Mac shrugged, “It was hard but now I’m the only one to take care of Applejack and Apple Bloom.” He grinned, “By the way, I heard you have a sister now too; some little filly being taught by Princess Celestia herself.” Shining nodded, proud of his little sister, “Yeah, Twilight Sparkle, she would be around Applejack’s age by now.” The white colt shook his head and chuckled, “But I wish she would just get her head out of those silly books once in awhile.” Macintosh chuckled a little and thought for while then smiled shaking his head. Shining looked over with a grin, “What is it?” The eldest of the Apple siblings shook his head, “Nothin’ just rememberin’ the day we met.” He looked at Shining, “You sure were lucky I was there.” Shining thought back with a smile to that day. He was at the park playing by himself and working on becoming better with his magic when two unicorns about his age came over to him laughing. The same routine went on everyday the older unicorns would find Shining and make fun of him for being so bad at magic. To prove their point one of them would levitate the poor colt and the other unicorn would use his magic to make a boot kick Shining over and over. That day was as any other and it was almost time for Shining’s bullying session with the unicorns as they came over and started to make fun of him. But then a young red colt came and started yelling at them telling them to be nice. When they asked him what he was gonna do about it, the young earth pony showed how strong he was by bucking a apple tree that only an adult should be able to shake. The unicorns fled and the brave orange maned colt went over to Shining and introduced himself as Macintosh. Ever since that day, the two have been inseparable. Coming back to reality Shining Armor nodded and laughed a little, “Yeah, I guess you’re right. I still can’t believe you stood up to them like that.” Mac shrugged again, a little proud of himself. “So, how was Cadet school anyway?” The Royal Guard captain lost his smile and looked down somberly, “It was ok I guess. Like foal school no pony wanted to be my friend,” he looked at Mac and slowly found his smile again, “but every time I felt weak I thought of you. Then they saw how strong I really was and everypony started to look up to me.” Mac blushed lightly and looked away smiling. “But enough about me, what’s been going on with you? How is the farm?” Shining asked trying to change the subject. Big Mac looked up proudly, “The farm is doing great! Ever since Pa died, ah had to take over for apple buckin’. Although ah never did talk much to anypony,” he looked at Shining sheepishly. “You’re the only pony I could really open up to.” Shining smiled and let Mac continue with a wave of the hoof. “Although,” Mac sighed, “ever since you left, mares have been all over me left and right.” Mac looked over to see the poorly hidden sad expression upon Shining Armor’s face. He shook his head and smiled, “But hey where is Twilight if you're here?" Shining smiled, appreciating that Mac would be concerned for Twilight. "She's back in Canterlot with her foalsitter Princess Cadence." Shining quickly tried to avoid the chance of conversation about the alicorn of love. "Anyway! Uh," Shining looked around for anything to talk about. He chuckled nervously then looked at Macs coat, "Is it just me or are you more apple than pony." Big Mac grinned and bumped sides with the unicorn, in return being bumped back. The stallions both looked at each other and laughed gaining speed racing the rest of the way to Sweet Apple Acres. Once they set foot on the property Shining was a little concerned about the lack of ponies. "Where is every pony?" Shining asked, staying behind Big Mac. Mac just kept walking ahead, “They all went to sell some apples a couple towns over. So its just you and me for the night, you hungry?” Shining shook his head, “Nah just kinda tired. Which reminds me, where am I gonna sleep?” Shining’s host looked at him as if it should have been obvious.“My room,” he said simply. The unicorn’s white cheeks turned a slight shade of pink as he nodded and let Mac lead him into his room. “Oh, right, of course.” “So how long are you staying for?” Mac asked. “A couple months at least,” Shining said unsure exactly. Big Mac nodded and started to lay out a bed for his guest on the ground. Just as he was about to tell Shining that his bed was ready he saw that the unicorn had already fallen asleep upon his own bed. The stallion simply smiled and pulled the covers over Shining’s white figure and looked at his peaceful sleeping face. “Ah told you ah’d wait for you. Welcome home Shining Armor,” Mac walked over and turned off the lights and went to sleep. Chapter 2The following morning Shining woke up to see that Mac had left him a tray of food with a note on the bedstand. He made a mental note to apologize to Mac for sleeping in his bed. Smiling he also made a mental note to thank Big Mac for his kindness for letting him stay at his house. Grabbing the tray he pulled it over to him and read the note; Good Morning. Ah have to run into town to hire some help and sell some apples, so you just eat up and ah should be back soon. Ah hope you don’t mind having just an apple. Ah don’t really know how to cook, there is also some juice downstairs. See ya when I get back. ~ Big Macintosh Shining Armor smiled at the note and set it back on the tray. He looked around and sighed happily. It was great to finally be away from all the hustle and bustle of the city, even though he loved living there, it was much better to just be here in good ol’ Ponyville. In Canterlot he felt just so insignificant and invisible. Yet in Ponyville he wasn’t just one of many, he was Shining Armor, he was himself. Everyone knew just as he knew them, everything was right. After he took a deep breath he grabbed his apple and happily took a bite of it enjoying its juicy fresh flavor then headed downstairs. Just as Mac said there was a fresh glass of juice on the table. After finishing his apple he decided to sit at the table and enjoy drinking his morning beverage in silence. Looking around he took in the place he would be calling home for now, the room was painted with warm shades of reds, oranges, and browns. Just being in the surrounding made him feel comfy and tranquil. He noticed that despite the Apple family’s obvious love of apples there weren’t many decorations of the sort. He did see that there was plenty of family portraits. The concerning thing about them though was that at one point Mac stopped smiling altogether, Shining figured this was after he left. Mac didn’t even smile in a picture that Shining presumed was taken when Mac got his cutie mark. His cutie mark was of a big macintosh apple but it was cut in half as if a part of him was missing. Walking around the large room, the unicorn kept looking at all the pictures, stopping at one in particular. It was a picture of Shining and Mac together when they were young colts, both of them were smiling and Mac was ruffling the young unicorns blue mane. The unicorn, now older, smiled and placed a hoof on the picture. There were days that he wished he could have gone back those days when everything was simple. Letting his hoof fall back to the ground he smiled and glanced over at a picture of Mac’s parents holding the stallion when he was a newborn foal. Sadness slowly sweeping over the grown stallion he splayed his ears a lil, “You both have done a great job in raising Big Mac.” He had to swallow past the lump forming in his throat, “I promise I will keep an eye on him while I’m here.” Just as he felt a single tear trickle down his angel white cheek he heard footsteps come in as Big Mac walked in with a pouch of bits in his mouth. Big Macintosh set the pouch on the table and looked at Shining and realized which picture he was looking at. With ears splayed he trotted over to him, “They sure were amazin’ weren’t they. Ah can’t believe that they’re really gone.” Shining simply nodded in response not finding any words. Mac perked his ears, “But that’s why ah gotta do my best to take care of Granny and my sisters.” Shining looked down and smiled, they really did do a good job in raising Mac. “Yeah,” he looked back up at the picture, happier than before. “They were great,” he looked over to Mac, “just like you are Mac.” The unicorn looked back to the picture once more, smiled, then turned around and headed over to the table to take care of his glass. Mac blushed lightly and looked back at Shining, his face settled into a small smile. Shining Armor always told Mac that he was amazing but this time it was different. Mac had stayed up all night tossing and turning, wondering why he couldn’t stop feeling so strange when he was around the smaller pony. He simply decided to once again push it to the side and worry about it later, there was work to be done. Straightening himself up, collecting his composure and turning around to face the magic user, he smiled once more and walked to the table. Picking up the bits he trotted back up to his room. As Shining was finishing putting his dishes away he heard yet again more footsteps come from the door. He glanced in the direction to find a young filly Applejack as she bounced and bucked the air, going on about how she finally got her cutie mark. As she was running in to see Mac she saw Shining Armor standing in the middle of the room. Shining stood there awkwardly with his mouth open and hoof up trying to show he wasn’t breaking in or anything. Applejack quickly hid behind Granny Smith who was holding AppleBloom who was still a young foal. Granny Smith looked at the surprised unicorn and smiled, knowing all too well who he was. “My, my! Shining Armor? Is that you?” The much older mare asked as she slowly walked closer to Shining Armor. Shining started to relax a lil, "Granny Smith?" The unicorn smiled warmly as he approached the green mare that was known to make the best apple pies in all of Ponyville. He threw his hooves gently around the pony as she smiled and hugged him as well. "It's been too long Granny." “Haha! Indeed it has, young’un.” Granny nudged the young, confused Applejack forward. “Now, Applejack where are your manners? Say hello to our guest.” Shining Armor looked at the young filly and smiled happily. So this was Big Mac’s little sister, she was just as cute as Mac made her sound. “U-uh, hello,” the young filly said cautiously moving from behind Granny Smith. “Ah’m Applejack.” Shining smiled at her and bowed his head, “Hello Applejack, I’m Shining Armor, your brother’s friend.” Applejack’s eyes immediately widened at the mention of her older sibling. She walked towards Shining, all shyness gone. “You know Big Macintosh?” the orange filly asked curiously. She never knew that her brother had friends before, she had always thought she was the only one. It kind of made her happy to see Mac have a friend. Shining Armor nodded, recalling that he was the only one Mac really talked to, it made him kind of happy to know that at least he could talk to his little sister. Sitting the young filly down at the table, he told her about everything, Mac and himself as kids, the leave, and finally being reunited. Applejack hopped out of her chair and had a huge grin on her face when her older brother came downstairs with a surprised look on his face. “Granny Smith! Applejack! What are y’all doin’ home already?” Mac asked both surprised and worried. They were supposed to be gone for at least a few days to sell apple pies in Manehatten. Granny Smith simply smiled and walked over to Shining Armor, ”Well we forgot Applebloom’s blanket, so we came back. Ah see somepony came back as well,” She said nudging the unicorn getting a chuckle from him in response. Big Macintosh huffed and quickly went into Applebloom’s room to grab the blanket and came rushing out. “Here,” he said around the mouthful of cloth. Handing it to his grandmother, he looked over at Shining Armor hoping that Applejack didn’t say anything bad. “Alright, Ah guess that’ll do us then. Come along now Applejack, Ah’m sure these two have much catchin’ up to do.” Granny Smith smiled and glanced over to Shining Armor, “Its good to have you back sugarcube. Take care of our Macintosh, ya hear?” Shining smiled warmly at the mare, “Of course, Granny Smith, now you be careful out there. Same to you Applejack,” He looks at the young filly and ruffles her mane. Still smiling he watches as the ponies leave and is once again left alone with Big Macintosh. Big Macintosh sighed and shook his head smiling looking at the smiling stallion. He walked over and nudged the unicorn with his hoof. Shining Armor looked over at the red colt, “What is it?” His eyes widened as he saw that Mac was holding out two tickets to a carnival that was in town for a few days. “Mac you didn’t have to do this.” Mac shrugged, “Well, Ah figured it was a time for celebration since you’re back and everything.” He glanced to see Shining’s face, happy yet tainted with a hint of sadness. He grinned, ”Don’t worry a person Ah did a favor for gave them to me.” Shining relaxed a little, he preferred to pull his own weight if he was going to be living with the work pony. The two continued to chat the day away and do some work in the orchard to pass the time. It was almost time for harvest and it was these times that the trees needed to be looked after especially well. With only Big Macintosh at the farm it would have taken all day and night to check the whole orchard. But thankfully with Shining Armor there the work was done by the end of the day, just in time for the carnival to start. After washing up, Mac waited for Shining outside, his mane still a little damp made the slight breeze feel a little chillier than usual which is why he brought an orange scarf. Big Mac bent his head down to fix his scarf as Shining Armor walked out, his blue mane perfectly dry and flowing in the breeze. Mac’s jaw dropped, Shining looked amazing! Shining also had a scarf on but his was a simple light blue color and was loosely wrapped around his neck. His head was bent down so he would wrap the scarf a little tighter. “You ready?” Shining asks smiling at Big Macintosh who still has his face buried in his scarf. Mac quickly snapped back to reality and shook his head, “E-Eeyup.” he turned and started to walk towards the town. Shining Armor walked right beside him and hummed excitedly. Mac still looking towards the lights and music of the carnival, “So what do you want to do first?” Shining grinned and looked at the buff earth pony, “How about bumper cars?” Macintosh grinned and looked over at the unicorn, “You’re on!” Quickly they raced down to the carnival and complained about who won their little race. Laughing, the two ponies made their way over to the bumper cars. When they were finally able to get in they were stuck in the same car not that it mattered though. They both looked at each other with the same goal in mind and when the ride started they rammed into everypony there. Big Mac looked over at Shining who was driving the car and smiled. Seeing Shining’s smiling, laughing face was the best thing he could ever hope for. After the ride had finally finished Shining hopped out of the area and continued laughing going on about how fun it was. Mac laughed along with him when the unicorn settled his eyes on a bucking game. The number 1 prize was a giant stuffed apple, although not the norm, Shining wanted it. Mac followed the stallion’s gaze and found the prize he was looking at. The red colt, known for his strength in bucking, pulled out a couple of bits and handed them over to Shining Armor. “Would ya mind gettin’ us some caramel apples?” Shining grabbed the bits and nodded, trotting off to fetch the candied apples. With Shining away Big Macintosh went over to the carnie pony. Shining came back levitating the delectable treats with his magic and looked at Mac with a face of concern, “What happened?” The bucking game was pletely broken and everypony was cheering. Mac grinned and shrugged, “Ah don’t know.’ He held back a chuckle as he pulled out from behind him the apple plush. Shining gasped and gave Mac a knowing look, “You.” Mac raised his hooves innocently, “Me?” The white unicorn shook his head and laughed handing one of the candied apples to his strong friend. The two walked around the carnival enjoying their apples talking about how they will have to help the carnie pony fix his game. After finishing their apples, they both entered a photo booth and took some pictures together. When they exited Shining came over to Mac and smiled at the pictures, laughing at the weird faces they had made. The one picture that stood out the most was the one normal picture they took. Mac had his face to the side with Shining’s face above him. One hoof was resting against Mac’s neck and holding the big pillow sized apple plush. The other hoof was waving at the camera, they both were smiling with big grins. Mac looked up at the sky and nudged Shining to follow him. The unicorn had no idea where they were going. When they finally reached where they were going Shining was surprised to find that they were at the Ferris Wheel. Mac went ahead and talked to the operator and came back smiling. “Ah have a surprise for you,” Mac said with a grin. Shining raised a brow at the stallion, “Another surprise?” “Trust me, you will love this one.” Big Macintosh said as they were boarding their seat together. The ride continued to go around and around, Shining looked around with a sense of nostalgia. Yet, when the ride stopped when they were at the top of the wheel it kind of took him by surprise. He looked over at mac who had a sly grin on his face and pointed with one hoof up to the night sky as a single firework lit up. Shining gasped and watched as the fireworks popped into the banned princess’s domain. Big Macintosh looked at the awe-struck Royal Guard captain. Looking into his sparkling blue eyes, reflecting the brilliant shine of the fireworks. That strange feeling once again popped into his being but this time he knew what it was. He tapped the angelic white stallion on the shoulder when the fireworks stopped for a few seconds. Shining Armor looked over and smiled at his best friend and noted his serious expression, “What’s wrong?” Big Macintosh looked deeply into his childhood friend’s eyes, “Shining Armor,” his heart raced faster and faster as the words appeared on his tongue. “I love you.” The red stallion leaned in and closed his eyes pressing his lips against the other stallion’s. He had said it and it felt right, even if Shining Armor didn't return the feeling or the kiss he was at peace. Shining’s eyes widened, surprised by the sudden confession and kiss, yet he knew what he had to do to stop his racing heart. He closed his eyes and leaned back into the kiss letting his lips fit with Big Macintosh’s. The finale of fireworks had begun and the two pulled away both gasping for air and blushing. “I love you too Big Macintosh. I’m glad to be home.” He leaned in and kissed the stallion again with renewed feeling. This was right, this was home, but above all this was what Shining Armor had been looking for... happiness. But for how long can it last? If anything he wished upon the last firework to let this moment last. Chapter 3Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter 4Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
PrologueThe morning light shone into the room and onto the dirty floor covered with clothes and dirt from the day before. Macintosh groaned as he turned in his bed and opened his eyes, adjusting to the new light. Lifting his muzzle he could smell his mother’s famous apple pancakes cooking as that very lovely mare called for him. “Comin’ Mama,” Mac yelled down the stairs as he quickly shoved the mess under his bed. Smiling at his job of “cleaning” his room he made his way down the stairs. “Good morning Macintosh,” his mother sweetly sang as she set a plate of pancakes onto the table where Mac always sat. The young red colt smiled up at his mother as he hopped into his seat, “Good mornin’ Mama.” Mac licked his lips and just as he was about to eat his breakfast his mother stepped in with the dreaded question, “Did you clean your room Mac?” She smiled looking back at her son knowing him too well. It was moments like this the colt was thankful he had a red coat to hide his furious blush as he looked sheepishly back at his mother, “Ah did Mama.” She raised a brow, “Oh? Then everything should be fine when I go to sweep up there.” Mac nodded as he happily ate his pancakes, “Eeyup,” was his only reply between the tasty morsels. Mother nodded, “So I won’t be attacked by any dust bunnies under your bed then?” Mac looked at his mother and nervously ran to his room to properly clean it, “Ahm not done yet!!” Granny Smith smiled and started to laugh as she rocked in her favorite rocking chair. After a fierce dusty battle, Macintosh finally came back downstairs with his favorite hat on and his travel pack along his back. Granny Smith looked at the blank flanked colt, “Off to see that Shining Armor again are ya?” Mac beamed up at his grandmother and nodded vigorously, “Yes’m!” With that he stood on his hind hooves to lean and kiss Granny Smith on the cheek and did the same for his mother. “Bye Granny, bye Mama! Ah’ll be back later!” Macintosh then trotted off to go rendezvous with his best friend in the world Shining Armor the unicorn. Granny looked at Mac’s mother and smiled continuing to rock in her chair, “Those two are inseparable I swear.” Mother simply smiled in reply and watched her son trot away. Shining sat on the normal meet up spot and started to reminisce about the times he and Mac had together. He looked down at his hooves and closed his eyes as a light breeze blew across his face ruffing his blue mane and carried with it the distinct scent of Macintosh as he approached the young unicorn. Mac smiled as he saw his friend, he wasn’t aware as of why but everytime he laid eyes on Shining’s angelic white coat he felt his heart skip a beat. “Shining!” Mac yelled, “Hey! I snuck some of mama’s pancakes for you!” Shining looked down at the red colt and walked slowly towards him and offered a hoof. Mac smiled as he bumped his hoof with the unicorn’s then walked with him back to the hill. Reaching into the pack the apple red colt pulled a stack of still warm apple pancakes,”Ta-da!” Shining appreciatively took one of the pancakes and began to eat happily swishing his tail. “Mac, I swear your momma makes the best pancakes ever!” Shining said excitedly. Mac chuckled and scratched the back of his head sheepishly as he blushed softly, “Ah shucks.” Shining watched the pony as he blushed and felt a smile grow across his face and he continued to eat and look out to the field below. Ponies of all sorts were bustling about getting their daily business done. They both sat there in silence for a bit just observing the town. Mac finally broke the silence, “When ah grow up ah’m gonna be runnin the farm just like Papa!” He raised a hoof to his heart, “He’s the best pony in the world! Ah wanna be just like him!” Shining smiled at his friend watching his eyes sparkle. He knew that Mac could do it, he could do anything. Mac looked at Shining catching his eyes real quick, but only for a moment for when their eyes met the smaller unicorn turned his head as a brush of pink spread across his muzzle. “What are you gonna do when you grow up Shining,” Mac asked excitedly, he always wanted to know what a unicorn would want to do for job since they have magic. Shining finally registered the question into his brain and splayed his ears back as he lowered his head. Mac observed the nature of his pal and tilted his head concerned. Shining choked back the lump in his throat and tried to make as little eye contact as possible because the pain would be unbearable. “Ma and Pa... they’re sending me to Cadet School to become a part of the Royal Guard.” Mac splayed his ears back as they both sat in silence. “Well,” Mac started, “its not like we won’t see each other ever again right?” Young as he was, he knew that the chances of them seeing each other would be very slim but Mac just had to have something to give Shining to hold onto. Shining looked at Mac and smiled nodding reassuringly, “Yeah, I guess you’re right.” Mac, filled with energy from seeing the colt smile, jumps up and raises a hoof to the other child. "Of course ah'm right!" Shining laughed warmly at the newfound energy Mac was using. After a long period of wrestling and washing off in the stream, the young colts find themselves at the train station. Mac was standing with his family as the adults talked about being in Canterlot. Shining finally approached Mac with sad eyes as he said sheepishly, "So... I guess this is it. I'm gonna really miss you... Big Mac." He tried hard to hold back the tears as Mac smiled. "It's not goodbye, it's see you later," Mac said trying to reassure Shining again. Mac raised his hoof for one last hoof bump. Shining looked at Mac's hoof to him. It took all the courage he could muster but he threw his forehooves over the bigger colt and hugged him tight letting the tears fall. Mac was taken by surprise but calmed and rubes the angelic white colts back, "Ah promise we will see eachother again Shining Armor, ah promise." Shining finally stepped into the train car and looked back at Mac feeling better as the promise repeated itself in his mind. "See you later Mac." Mac smiles choking back the tears, "See you later, Shining." With that last statement the door closed and the train started to leave. Mac couldn't help but run after the train to the end of the station yelling, "I'll wait for you! I'll wait for you..." Mac's mother came up and put a hoof on her troubled son's shoulder, "C'mon sugarcube... Lets go home." Macintosh reluctantly bowed his head in defeat and nodded heading home with his mother. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Big Macintosh sat at the top of the hill where he and Shining Armor would hang out and let the breeze blow across him and caress his red coat and orange mane. Its been years since that fateful day when Shining left. Every day since then Mac would come to the hill to watch the train station to see if Shining would come home. For years he repeated this process only missing it when his parents died and for the birth of his little sisters Applejack and Apple Bloom. Today would be the last day he would come to this spot. Looking over across the town he took a deep breath, “Eeyup,” he breathed out. Finally feeling at peace with himself he started to make his way down the hill when he heard the train whistle pulling into the station. Although he knew it was hopeless he watched as the ponies filed out of the train all meeting with happy family. Then he saw it... That unmistakable blue mane that belonged to a special white unicorn. Big Macintosh couldn’t believe his eyes. Shining Armor was home.
Chapter 1Shining Armor stepped out of the overly crowded train gasping for air. Once he finally collected himself he looked around at the place he once called home. Now fully grown everything was witnessed with new eyes. Smiling, the unicorn lifted his head to take in a deep breath of the familiar atmosphere. It was great to be home. Just as the stallion was finishing unloading his luggage from the steaming train he caught a scent. He immediately dropped his suitcase and raised his head. There was no mistaking it, he knew this scent. Mixed with sweat and dirt, it was the distinct smell of apples freshly picked. Turning his head slowly, in fear that this would all be a dream, he saw none other than Big Macintosh panting and staring at him. “B-Big Mac?” Shining stuttered. Mac took a deep breath and steadied himself standing straight and grinning at his friend now full grown. Even if it had been so long ago he still felt his heart skip a beat when he laid eyes on Shining Armor. Slowly he approached the blue-maned Royal Guard captain. Standing in front of the old friend he looked down into his eyes replying with the simple word, “Eeyup.” Shining looked up at the taller stallion, his red coat almost making him seem like a walking apple. How he missed his friend was indescribable, he felt lost without him. When he heard that Mac’s parents had passed away a part of him died along with them. Steadily he rose a hoof. Mac raised his forehoof as Shining did the same, but before he could do anything else he found himself on the ground with his cheek throbbing. “What was that for?!” he yelled. Shining smiled and offered a hoof to help the flustered brute up, “Just had to be sure I wasn’t dreaming.” Mac frowned angrily then faded into soft chuckles. Grabbing the white hoof he slowly got up onto his legs and looked Shining in the eyes. As happy as he was to see the Royal Guard Captain again he couldn’t help but wonder why he was back in Ponyville instead of Canterlot. He had everything there, a good life, great job, and he got to see the princess. Regardless the feelings stuck, Mac couldn’t be any happier. The only real problem that wouldn’t go away is as to why his heart wouldn’t stop beating so fast. Shining jumped back to reality, “Oh! My bags!” He ran to pick up the heavy bags he was carrying, even with his magic he could only lift one just a few inches off the ground. Mac smiled, “Ya havin’ some troubles there are ya?” “No! I can do it just fine,” the unicorn stated stubbornly, hiding the fact that he did want some help but too embarrassed to admit it to the stronger earth pony. “Ah can see that,” Macintosh laughed warmly. “So why are ya back in Ponyville anyway? Ain’t ya got it all fine and dandy back in the city?” He studied the white unicorns expressions quizzically. “Ah mean, don’t get me wrong, ah love Ponyville but Canterlot has gotta be so much better than here.” Shining Armor smiled but shook his head, “Yeah its great there and everything, but I’m here on Royal Guard business.” He watched as the red colt splayed his ears sadly. “But, I also have been meaning to come back and see my old friend Mac.” Mac smiled warmly as his ears perked up, glad to hear Shining actually wanted to see him too. “So, where are ya stayin’?” Mac asked with genuine curiosity. Shining chuckled nervously, “Um. Haha about that...” Shining Armor looked around nervously, “I, uh, well you see...” Big Mac couldn’t believe what he was hearing, the unicorn always planned ahead. How could he have not planned a place to stay, especially if he was only in Ponyville for business? He knew he couldn’t just stand there and let his friend stay on the streets. He pondered the possible places for the colt to stay at out of AppleJack’s friends. He couldn’t let him stay at Pinkie Pie’s, she would drive him crazy or have him too pooped out from parties. Fluttershy would only cower away and Rainbow Dash lives in the clouds so that wouldn’t work either. Mac couldn’t even bare to think about what would happen if Shining stayed at Rarity’s. Smiling happily, Mac went over to hoist one of the bags onto his back. "Welp, ah just can't let you stay on the streets," he said with a smile. He glanced back at Shining, “So ah guess you’re just gonna have to come live with me.” The stallion bent down and picked the other bag up. Shining blushed lightly and offered to carry the other bag, “I can carry this one. Besides, we have a lot of catching up to do Mac.” He smiled warmly at the earth pony. Mac handed the smaller bag over to the unicorn as he nodded in complete agreement. They started to make the long track back to Sweet Apple Acres, talking and boasting about all the things that happened to each other while they were separated. “Wow, so your parents died?” Shining Armor shook his head sadly with splayed ears, even though he had received a letter about the death when he was at Cadet school.“I’m so sorry.” Mac shrugged, “It was hard but now I’m the only one to take care of Applejack and Apple Bloom.” He grinned, “By the way, I heard you have a sister now too; some little filly being taught by Princess Celestia herself.” Shining nodded, proud of his little sister, “Yeah, Twilight Sparkle, she would be around Applejack’s age by now.” The white colt shook his head and chuckled, “But I wish she would just get her head out of those silly books once in awhile.” Macintosh chuckled a little and thought for while then smiled shaking his head. Shining looked over with a grin, “What is it?” The eldest of the Apple siblings shook his head, “Nothin’ just rememberin’ the day we met.” He looked at Shining, “You sure were lucky I was there.” Shining thought back with a smile to that day. He was at the park playing by himself and working on becoming better with his magic when two unicorns about his age came over to him laughing. The same routine went on everyday the older unicorns would find Shining and make fun of him for being so bad at magic. To prove their point one of them would levitate the poor colt and the other unicorn would use his magic to make a boot kick Shining over and over. That day was as any other and it was almost time for Shining’s bullying session with the unicorns as they came over and started to make fun of him. But then a young red colt came and started yelling at them telling them to be nice. When they asked him what he was gonna do about it, the young earth pony showed how strong he was by bucking a apple tree that only an adult should be able to shake. The unicorns fled and the brave orange maned colt went over to Shining and introduced himself as Macintosh. Ever since that day, the two have been inseparable. Coming back to reality Shining Armor nodded and laughed a little, “Yeah, I guess you’re right. I still can’t believe you stood up to them like that.” Mac shrugged again, a little proud of himself. “So, how was Cadet school anyway?” The Royal Guard captain lost his smile and looked down somberly, “It was ok I guess. Like foal school no pony wanted to be my friend,” he looked at Mac and slowly found his smile again, “but every time I felt weak I thought of you. Then they saw how strong I really was and everypony started to look up to me.” Mac blushed lightly and looked away smiling. “But enough about me, what’s been going on with you? How is the farm?” Shining asked trying to change the subject. Big Mac looked up proudly, “The farm is doing great! Ever since Pa died, ah had to take over for apple buckin’. Although ah never did talk much to anypony,” he looked at Shining sheepishly. “You’re the only pony I could really open up to.” Shining smiled and let Mac continue with a wave of the hoof. “Although,” Mac sighed, “ever since you left, mares have been all over me left and right.” Mac looked over to see the poorly hidden sad expression upon Shining Armor’s face. He shook his head and smiled, “But hey where is Twilight if you're here?" Shining smiled, appreciating that Mac would be concerned for Twilight. "She's back in Canterlot with her foalsitter Princess Cadence." Shining quickly tried to avoid the chance of conversation about the alicorn of love. "Anyway! Uh," Shining looked around for anything to talk about. He chuckled nervously then looked at Macs coat, "Is it just me or are you more apple than pony." Big Mac grinned and bumped sides with the unicorn, in return being bumped back. The stallions both looked at each other and laughed gaining speed racing the rest of the way to Sweet Apple Acres. Once they set foot on the property Shining was a little concerned about the lack of ponies. "Where is every pony?" Shining asked, staying behind Big Mac. Mac just kept walking ahead, “They all went to sell some apples a couple towns over. So its just you and me for the night, you hungry?” Shining shook his head, “Nah just kinda tired. Which reminds me, where am I gonna sleep?” Shining’s host looked at him as if it should have been obvious.“My room,” he said simply. The unicorn’s white cheeks turned a slight shade of pink as he nodded and let Mac lead him into his room. “Oh, right, of course.” “So how long are you staying for?” Mac asked. “A couple months at least,” Shining said unsure exactly. Big Mac nodded and started to lay out a bed for his guest on the ground. Just as he was about to tell Shining that his bed was ready he saw that the unicorn had already fallen asleep upon his own bed. The stallion simply smiled and pulled the covers over Shining’s white figure and looked at his peaceful sleeping face. “Ah told you ah’d wait for you. Welcome home Shining Armor,” Mac walked over and turned off the lights and went to sleep.
Chapter 2The following morning Shining woke up to see that Mac had left him a tray of food with a note on the bedstand. He made a mental note to apologize to Mac for sleeping in his bed. Smiling he also made a mental note to thank Big Mac for his kindness for letting him stay at his house. Grabbing the tray he pulled it over to him and read the note; Good Morning. Ah have to run into town to hire some help and sell some apples, so you just eat up and ah should be back soon. Ah hope you don’t mind having just an apple. Ah don’t really know how to cook, there is also some juice downstairs. See ya when I get back. ~ Big Macintosh Shining Armor smiled at the note and set it back on the tray. He looked around and sighed happily. It was great to finally be away from all the hustle and bustle of the city, even though he loved living there, it was much better to just be here in good ol’ Ponyville. In Canterlot he felt just so insignificant and invisible. Yet in Ponyville he wasn’t just one of many, he was Shining Armor, he was himself. Everyone knew just as he knew them, everything was right. After he took a deep breath he grabbed his apple and happily took a bite of it enjoying its juicy fresh flavor then headed downstairs. Just as Mac said there was a fresh glass of juice on the table. After finishing his apple he decided to sit at the table and enjoy drinking his morning beverage in silence. Looking around he took in the place he would be calling home for now, the room was painted with warm shades of reds, oranges, and browns. Just being in the surrounding made him feel comfy and tranquil. He noticed that despite the Apple family’s obvious love of apples there weren’t many decorations of the sort. He did see that there was plenty of family portraits. The concerning thing about them though was that at one point Mac stopped smiling altogether, Shining figured this was after he left. Mac didn’t even smile in a picture that Shining presumed was taken when Mac got his cutie mark. His cutie mark was of a big macintosh apple but it was cut in half as if a part of him was missing. Walking around the large room, the unicorn kept looking at all the pictures, stopping at one in particular. It was a picture of Shining and Mac together when they were young colts, both of them were smiling and Mac was ruffling the young unicorns blue mane. The unicorn, now older, smiled and placed a hoof on the picture. There were days that he wished he could have gone back those days when everything was simple. Letting his hoof fall back to the ground he smiled and glanced over at a picture of Mac’s parents holding the stallion when he was a newborn foal. Sadness slowly sweeping over the grown stallion he splayed his ears a lil, “You both have done a great job in raising Big Mac.” He had to swallow past the lump forming in his throat, “I promise I will keep an eye on him while I’m here.” Just as he felt a single tear trickle down his angel white cheek he heard footsteps come in as Big Mac walked in with a pouch of bits in his mouth. Big Macintosh set the pouch on the table and looked at Shining and realized which picture he was looking at. With ears splayed he trotted over to him, “They sure were amazin’ weren’t they. Ah can’t believe that they’re really gone.” Shining simply nodded in response not finding any words. Mac perked his ears, “But that’s why ah gotta do my best to take care of Granny and my sisters.” Shining looked down and smiled, they really did do a good job in raising Mac. “Yeah,” he looked back up at the picture, happier than before. “They were great,” he looked over to Mac, “just like you are Mac.” The unicorn looked back to the picture once more, smiled, then turned around and headed over to the table to take care of his glass. Mac blushed lightly and looked back at Shining, his face settled into a small smile. Shining Armor always told Mac that he was amazing but this time it was different. Mac had stayed up all night tossing and turning, wondering why he couldn’t stop feeling so strange when he was around the smaller pony. He simply decided to once again push it to the side and worry about it later, there was work to be done. Straightening himself up, collecting his composure and turning around to face the magic user, he smiled once more and walked to the table. Picking up the bits he trotted back up to his room. As Shining was finishing putting his dishes away he heard yet again more footsteps come from the door. He glanced in the direction to find a young filly Applejack as she bounced and bucked the air, going on about how she finally got her cutie mark. As she was running in to see Mac she saw Shining Armor standing in the middle of the room. Shining stood there awkwardly with his mouth open and hoof up trying to show he wasn’t breaking in or anything. Applejack quickly hid behind Granny Smith who was holding AppleBloom who was still a young foal. Granny Smith looked at the surprised unicorn and smiled, knowing all too well who he was. “My, my! Shining Armor? Is that you?” The much older mare asked as she slowly walked closer to Shining Armor. Shining started to relax a lil, "Granny Smith?" The unicorn smiled warmly as he approached the green mare that was known to make the best apple pies in all of Ponyville. He threw his hooves gently around the pony as she smiled and hugged him as well. "It's been too long Granny." “Haha! Indeed it has, young’un.” Granny nudged the young, confused Applejack forward. “Now, Applejack where are your manners? Say hello to our guest.” Shining Armor looked at the young filly and smiled happily. So this was Big Mac’s little sister, she was just as cute as Mac made her sound. “U-uh, hello,” the young filly said cautiously moving from behind Granny Smith. “Ah’m Applejack.” Shining smiled at her and bowed his head, “Hello Applejack, I’m Shining Armor, your brother’s friend.” Applejack’s eyes immediately widened at the mention of her older sibling. She walked towards Shining, all shyness gone. “You know Big Macintosh?” the orange filly asked curiously. She never knew that her brother had friends before, she had always thought she was the only one. It kind of made her happy to see Mac have a friend. Shining Armor nodded, recalling that he was the only one Mac really talked to, it made him kind of happy to know that at least he could talk to his little sister. Sitting the young filly down at the table, he told her about everything, Mac and himself as kids, the leave, and finally being reunited. Applejack hopped out of her chair and had a huge grin on her face when her older brother came downstairs with a surprised look on his face. “Granny Smith! Applejack! What are y’all doin’ home already?” Mac asked both surprised and worried. They were supposed to be gone for at least a few days to sell apple pies in Manehatten. Granny Smith simply smiled and walked over to Shining Armor, ”Well we forgot Applebloom’s blanket, so we came back. Ah see somepony came back as well,” She said nudging the unicorn getting a chuckle from him in response. Big Macintosh huffed and quickly went into Applebloom’s room to grab the blanket and came rushing out. “Here,” he said around the mouthful of cloth. Handing it to his grandmother, he looked over at Shining Armor hoping that Applejack didn’t say anything bad. “Alright, Ah guess that’ll do us then. Come along now Applejack, Ah’m sure these two have much catchin’ up to do.” Granny Smith smiled and glanced over to Shining Armor, “Its good to have you back sugarcube. Take care of our Macintosh, ya hear?” Shining smiled warmly at the mare, “Of course, Granny Smith, now you be careful out there. Same to you Applejack,” He looks at the young filly and ruffles her mane. Still smiling he watches as the ponies leave and is once again left alone with Big Macintosh. Big Macintosh sighed and shook his head smiling looking at the smiling stallion. He walked over and nudged the unicorn with his hoof. Shining Armor looked over at the red colt, “What is it?” His eyes widened as he saw that Mac was holding out two tickets to a carnival that was in town for a few days. “Mac you didn’t have to do this.” Mac shrugged, “Well, Ah figured it was a time for celebration since you’re back and everything.” He glanced to see Shining’s face, happy yet tainted with a hint of sadness. He grinned, ”Don’t worry a person Ah did a favor for gave them to me.” Shining relaxed a little, he preferred to pull his own weight if he was going to be living with the work pony. The two continued to chat the day away and do some work in the orchard to pass the time. It was almost time for harvest and it was these times that the trees needed to be looked after especially well. With only Big Macintosh at the farm it would have taken all day and night to check the whole orchard. But thankfully with Shining Armor there the work was done by the end of the day, just in time for the carnival to start. After washing up, Mac waited for Shining outside, his mane still a little damp made the slight breeze feel a little chillier than usual which is why he brought an orange scarf. Big Mac bent his head down to fix his scarf as Shining Armor walked out, his blue mane perfectly dry and flowing in the breeze. Mac’s jaw dropped, Shining looked amazing! Shining also had a scarf on but his was a simple light blue color and was loosely wrapped around his neck. His head was bent down so he would wrap the scarf a little tighter. “You ready?” Shining asks smiling at Big Macintosh who still has his face buried in his scarf. Mac quickly snapped back to reality and shook his head, “E-Eeyup.” he turned and started to walk towards the town. Shining Armor walked right beside him and hummed excitedly. Mac still looking towards the lights and music of the carnival, “So what do you want to do first?” Shining grinned and looked at the buff earth pony, “How about bumper cars?” Macintosh grinned and looked over at the unicorn, “You’re on!” Quickly they raced down to the carnival and complained about who won their little race. Laughing, the two ponies made their way over to the bumper cars. When they were finally able to get in they were stuck in the same car not that it mattered though. They both looked at each other with the same goal in mind and when the ride started they rammed into everypony there. Big Mac looked over at Shining who was driving the car and smiled. Seeing Shining’s smiling, laughing face was the best thing he could ever hope for. After the ride had finally finished Shining hopped out of the area and continued laughing going on about how fun it was. Mac laughed along with him when the unicorn settled his eyes on a bucking game. The number 1 prize was a giant stuffed apple, although not the norm, Shining wanted it. Mac followed the stallion’s gaze and found the prize he was looking at. The red colt, known for his strength in bucking, pulled out a couple of bits and handed them over to Shining Armor. “Would ya mind gettin’ us some caramel apples?” Shining grabbed the bits and nodded, trotting off to fetch the candied apples. With Shining away Big Macintosh went over to the carnie pony. Shining came back levitating the delectable treats with his magic and looked at Mac with a face of concern, “What happened?” The bucking game was pletely broken and everypony was cheering. Mac grinned and shrugged, “Ah don’t know.’ He held back a chuckle as he pulled out from behind him the apple plush. Shining gasped and gave Mac a knowing look, “You.” Mac raised his hooves innocently, “Me?” The white unicorn shook his head and laughed handing one of the candied apples to his strong friend. The two walked around the carnival enjoying their apples talking about how they will have to help the carnie pony fix his game. After finishing their apples, they both entered a photo booth and took some pictures together. When they exited Shining came over to Mac and smiled at the pictures, laughing at the weird faces they had made. The one picture that stood out the most was the one normal picture they took. Mac had his face to the side with Shining’s face above him. One hoof was resting against Mac’s neck and holding the big pillow sized apple plush. The other hoof was waving at the camera, they both were smiling with big grins. Mac looked up at the sky and nudged Shining to follow him. The unicorn had no idea where they were going. When they finally reached where they were going Shining was surprised to find that they were at the Ferris Wheel. Mac went ahead and talked to the operator and came back smiling. “Ah have a surprise for you,” Mac said with a grin. Shining raised a brow at the stallion, “Another surprise?” “Trust me, you will love this one.” Big Macintosh said as they were boarding their seat together. The ride continued to go around and around, Shining looked around with a sense of nostalgia. Yet, when the ride stopped when they were at the top of the wheel it kind of took him by surprise. He looked over at mac who had a sly grin on his face and pointed with one hoof up to the night sky as a single firework lit up. Shining gasped and watched as the fireworks popped into the banned princess’s domain. Big Macintosh looked at the awe-struck Royal Guard captain. Looking into his sparkling blue eyes, reflecting the brilliant shine of the fireworks. That strange feeling once again popped into his being but this time he knew what it was. He tapped the angelic white stallion on the shoulder when the fireworks stopped for a few seconds. Shining Armor looked over and smiled at his best friend and noted his serious expression, “What’s wrong?” Big Macintosh looked deeply into his childhood friend’s eyes, “Shining Armor,” his heart raced faster and faster as the words appeared on his tongue. “I love you.” The red stallion leaned in and closed his eyes pressing his lips against the other stallion’s. He had said it and it felt right, even if Shining Armor didn't return the feeling or the kiss he was at peace. Shining’s eyes widened, surprised by the sudden confession and kiss, yet he knew what he had to do to stop his racing heart. He closed his eyes and leaned back into the kiss letting his lips fit with Big Macintosh’s. The finale of fireworks had begun and the two pulled away both gasping for air and blushing. “I love you too Big Macintosh. I’m glad to be home.” He leaned in and kissed the stallion again with renewed feeling. This was right, this was home, but above all this was what Shining Armor had been looking for... happiness. But for how long can it last? If anything he wished upon the last firework to let this moment last.
