"Zecora? Are you here?"Apollo sighed as he walked into the older womans household.

He needed some medicine, like right now. For a month he had been avoiding all of his friends, since Quick Silver humiliated him and revealed his secret…of him being gay. He wasn't ashamed of his sexuality…okay maybe he was, he just didn't want to lose his friends. They were the only family he had left. He couldn't lose any of his friends…especially not Big Macintosh. He just sighed and walked into Zecora's hut, hoping she wouldn't mind his intrusion.

"Course not child. Zecora's door is always open, do not be so mild."

Apollo jumped at Zecora's voice, but relaxed as she came to his side. He folded his wings back in, making sure not to knock over anymore potions.

"What is the problem Apollo? You are usually not one to wallow," Zecora seemed distressed, and that's not what Apollo wanted.

"It's nothing Zecora, just dodging my friends as usual." He explained, before taking a seat on one of her many…unique…couches.

Zecora shook her head with a frown. She went about the room, putting away her potions and groceries. Apollo was about to get up and help, but one look from Zecora sat his butt down in the couch again. He sighed and huffed. He didn't feel too steady anyways. Over the past month he had noticed a change go about him. He began to get cold in the oddest of places, and the same with his hot flashes. His body had become increasingly achy, and he had random dizzy spurts. Now he just felt unsteady and nauseous. Maybe he was sick. While avoiding his friends and worrying over the smallest of matters, he just assumed the stress was getting to him. but he had taken a nap that afternoon so he should be fine now. He felt a hand on his forehead and looked to see Zecora. He groaned and buried his head under a throw pillow.

"You are not only hiding, you are sick as well, this will need a spell."

"No! Sorry I just hate healing spells…they never work well on me…hehehe"

"Are you lying to me? You know I'll find out you see…"

Apollo paused, before a small coughing fit assaulted him. Zecora shook her head before she sighed, smoothing down the hair of the young boy who had entered her heart the first day she had come here.

"Are you sure? Maybe some friends over would help?" Zecora was so worried that she had unconsciously stopped rhyming.

"I want to avoid them right now Zecora…I don't think I can face them…it's too much,"

"Okay. But I have to go out again. I'll be back in a minute, so get some rest,"

Apollo nodded wearily, running a hand through his hair. His eyes began to droop in exhaustion before he looked back up to Zecora.

"Can I come with you Zecora? I don't want to be here alone…" Apollo admitted, much to his chagrin.

"Of course child,"

So Apollo and Zecora walked into town, no one gave them glares or murmured. But Apollo was the object of attention, due to the fact that no one had seen him in public for a month. He kept his head bowed, not ready to really talk to anyone just yet. Maybe it was a bad idea to come into town.

"Hold your head up high little one, our errands are almost done. You have nothing to be ashamed of you see, you are perfectly fine; you'll see," Zecora assured.

She motioned for Apollo to wait for her, as she went into a shop that she knew she was going to be in for a long time. Apollo sighed, choosing not to nod, as it only caused dizzy spells. Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder. He jumped in shock, but the hands had a firm grip on him. He started to struggle, but he knew it didn't make a difference. His struggles were weak and lacked energy. He found the grip spinning him around, hindering his vision as another dizzy spell took hold of him. Once his vision settled, he found himself face to face with Mac. The older's face held rage, confusion, and lastly worry. Apollo, with a new sense of fear, made a new attempt to get out of the others grip. The grip tightened, eliciting a whimper of pain from the younger.

"Sorry…but stop struggling," Mac apologized, his face stern yet concerned.

"Let…me…go…" Apollo's voice was weak and trembling, as he refused to meet Mac's s gaze.

"No. not until you tell me why you've been avoiding everyone…especially me…" Mac answered, trying desperately to look into Apollo's eyes.

Apollo rapidly shook his head, but stopped as his world spun. He stumbled in Mac's embrace, he heard the other yell in worry. His ears though, were filled with white noise. Like the static from a T.V.

"Just…let…go…want…alone…" his words were failing him, his mind all a jumble.

"No, not until I get answers. I'm worried about you Apollo. Everyone is. If it's about what Quick Silver said…"

Mac went on, but Apollo stumbled a bit as black edged around his vision. He couldn't help it, but as his energy was draining he fell against Mac's chest in a heap. Mac's arms were the only thing keeping Apollo standing, but that was soon changed as Mac repositioned the younger, so he was carrying the other bridal style. Apollo's wings dropped in exhaustion, and his head lolled backwards. He could still see Mac, but he was slowly losing the battle for consciousness.

"Apollo? APOLLO! Hey, stay with me bud! Zecora! Help, he just suddenly collapsed and I don't…"

Apollo heard those few words before the darkness overcame him. He felt like he was floating, and prepared himself for the cold feeling to set in. but all he felt was soothing warmth, spreading through his whole body. A hand ran through his hair, and he felt himself leaning into the touch. Words were going through his ears, but it sounded like they were underwater. He could only hear one word distinctly, Apollo. Someone was calling his name. Desperation and worry was in the voice, along with a small amount of anger. He wanted the blackness to go away. Really.

Soon he found his eyes opening, everything was a bright white, before his vision began to clear. The first thing he saw was Mac's worried face and Zecora by a pot. As soon as Mac saw he was awake, he called Zecora over, the relief in his voice obvious. The older woman rushed to the bed side and grinned. After administering the medication and kissing the young boys forehead, Zecora left the two boys to their own devices. Apollo tried to sit up, only to have Mac help him forward, before putting pillows behind his back. Apollo smiled tiredly, but all he got back, was a hardened stared. Gulping, he closed his eyes, hoping Mac would drop the previous conversation. No. Such. Luck.

"Now, that you're immobilized, answer my question…please. Why are you avoiding us? Why are you avoiding me? Me, you're best friend?" The whisper turned into a confused shout, and Apollo felt himself holding back tears.

"I…I didn't want…you…hate me…" tears ran down his cheeks, even as he held most of them in.

"Hate you? HATE YOU? Gosh dang it Apollo! Now who put that gosh darn thing in your head?" Mac yelled, confused.

"I'm gay…why would…you…be friends…with me? Ruin…your reputation…embarrass you…course you'd hate me…"

"Apollo…" Big Mac's voice was soothing, and full of understanding. "So you left us…before we could leave you?"

Apollo nodded quickly, before covering his face with his arms. He hated breaking down…especially in front of Mac. He then felt two familiar arms pull him into a lap. He looked up to see Mac's face buried in his hair, his hand rubbing up and down his back. Apollo's sobs soon turned to hiccups, and then they stopped.

"I'm so sorry Apollo. But I'm never gonna hate you, even if you wanted me to. You've been my friend since childhood. I CAN'T hate you. And I'm not gonna leave you, I'm always gonna be there. And if anyone teases you…be sure that I'm gonna set them straight. Or at least shut them up. Just like I did with that varmit Quick Silver" Mac growled, holding Apollo close.

Apollo blushed, but started chuckling at Mac's threat. He knew he should be worried with what Mac did to Quick Silver, but the relief filled him to the brim, leaving no room for thoughts of the other. His chuckling turned into full blown laughter, and soon both of them were laughing. Mac set Apollo back on the bed, before giving his friend a friendly eyebrow waggle.

"So…"

Okay, now Apollo was scared.

"So…"

"Do you have a crush?"

Oh crap

"GAK! What?"

"Oh come on! You must have a crush! Tell me!"

Yeah it's you Mac! But I'm not telling you that!

"No!"

"So you do have a crush..."

"Yes…no, I MEAN NO!"

"Who is it?"

"No. and even if I had one I wouldn't tell you!"

"You hurt me Apollo! I'm your best bud!"

"And a loudmouth!"

"Tell me or else!"

"Or else what?"

"Tickle Torture…"

Apollo gasped and then sent Mac a seething glare, even as playfulness filled his eyes.

"You. Wouldn't. Dare."

"Tell me."

"No!"

"That's it! I warned you!"

Mac tackled Apollo and ensued in the tickle war. The boys played for an hour before both fell asleep. Granny Smith came back to check on the boys, and giggled as she found them snuggled in bed, like they used to as little boys. Covering them up, she set a kiss upon each of their foreheads, before leaving them to sleep.

(Five Days Later)

"MAC! I want to go back home!"

"Nope. Sorry buddy, but Zecora said at least two weeks! And you've barely gained any weight back! Nope!"

Apollo growled before rubbing his face in aggravation. His wings were puffed up in agitation as well. Mac just laughed at the sight before him.

"You look more pissed off than a falcon whose breakfast was stolen from right under his nose! Speaking of which, I'll go get your breakfast!"

As soon as Mac was out the door, Apollo ran out of bed and opened the window. He quickly squeezed out and started to fly away. Mac would hate him for this but…

"YOU YELLY-BELLIED BIRD YOU! GET BACK HERE BEFORE I RANGLE YOU BACK INTO BED!"

Yep, he was pissed. Apollo turned back and stuck out his tongue playfully. Mac's face just got redder and he produced a rope. Apollo only laughed as he flew further away.

"Sorry Mac! But I'm fine and I miss home."

"I'll show you fine. Now get back in bed!"

"Catch me if you can cowboy!" and with that Apollo disappeared.

"APOLLO! Dang Nab-it!"