Big Macintosh's Lesson
Part 10E: The Visitor
by Neoraichu
Twilight Sparkle X Applejack (X Spike?), Dash X Pinkie Pie, Big Macintosh X Fluttershy
...
Twilight awoke to the growl in her stomach at sunrise. Applejack was still sound asleep, and a quick check of her forehead told Twilight that her fever had not yet broken. The orange mare was also intermittently moaning softly in her sleep, making Twilight wonder if she were under some kind of bodily stress.
This concerned her enough that she considered taking Applejack to Ponyville for more professional treatment, but she wondered just how the rest of the family would feel about it. The alternative was a house call, but there was the possibility that they might find that objectionable as well. With the solid convictions she felt and the heated words they had exchanged, Twilight had some serious doubts about just how amenable Big Macintosh felt about talking to her.
She then noticed that Applejack was muttering something quietly as she slept. "Big Brother... Twilight... dun fight... over me... love both... uh..."
Twilight used her magic to change the ice in the pack on Applejack's forehead without moving or disturbing her. The melted water was poured out the window with no apparent complaints, unless there was birds on the roof between the window and the storm gutter.
She heard a slight disturbance over at the door and noticed that Apple Bloom had peeked in with the door just barely ajar.
"Is big sister all right?" she asked softly.
"She's sleeping, but she's still too hot," replied Twilight equally softly, "She may require a doctor's services."
"It ain't nuthin that Granny Smith can't fix," muttered a voice from beyond Apple Bloom that was clearly Big Macintosh.
"Is Granny Smith available?" asked Twilight.
"I think Granny is coming to visit in a couple of days," said Apple Bloom.
"Are you willing to let Applejack go that long without treatment?"
"Applejack will be just fine til Granny gits here," replied Big Macintosh.
"I could have Nurse Redheart here in less than two hours," offered Twilight.
"Tha's kind ta offer an all," he mused, "but Applejack don't need no help that ain't comin from her own family. Now don'tcha need to feed yerself?"
"I told you I'm fine," she replied with a sigh, "and I'm not leaving until I'm sure that Applejack is getting better."
"Well ain't you worried about getting sick an all?"
"No. Are you?"
"I's sure it ain't nuthin Granny Smith can't fix, so I ain't worried."
"I'm glad you're feeling so confident..."
"We always believe in family," said Apple Bloom quietly.
"A-yup," he agreed amiably.
"And I'll always believe in my Applejack," said Twilight barely loud enough to be heard beyond the confines of the bed.
"Well I'll help Big Brother with the chores," said Apple Bloom, "I'm sure that Big Brother will be checking up on big sister during the day, and I promise I will too as soon as I get back from school."
"You're a good little sister," said Twilight with a smile.
"Thank you," came the answer as she quietly slipped out of the room and gently closed the door behind her.
She could hear something from Big Macintosh, but she couldn't make out what he was saying.
...
Spike awoke early in the morning, and shortly realized that Twilight had never returned. He thought she said something about seeing Applejack, but didn't mention she was going to spend the night there. None of her things were packed, and there was no food missing. The only thing that seemed to be relatively depleted was the ice supply from down below the library.
"It's not like Twilight Sparkle to not tell me about spending the night elsewhere," he muttered to no one in particular as he fixed himself something to eat and started his chores for the day.
Shortly thereafter, there was a knock at the door. Spike answered the door and noticed that it was Rainbow Dash who was calling.
"Is Twilight Sparkle available?" she asked.
"Twilight went to see Applejack down at the farm yesterday," replied Spike, "and she hasn't come back yet."
"She did?"
"Yes," he answered, "and Twilight didn't say anything to me about staying overnight. I'm feeling a little worried about her."
"Well, I can certainly fly down and check up on them," said Dash helpfully.
"That would be great," said Spike, "It would certainly take a load of my mind."
"Well that's what friends are for, Spike," giggled Dash.
"I'm glad Twilight was able to make good friends like you," mused Spike.
"Hey, you're my friend too, Spike... even if I'm not Rarity."
"I don't know what you're talking about," said Spike a touch self defensively.
Dash giggled softly at Spike's swkwardness.
"Maybe... I should pack something... for Twilight... to eat..."
"Well, if she's over at Sweet Apple Acres, then I'm sure she's well fed already."
"Of course," replied Spike, "What ever was I thinking?"
"It shouldn't take me long to check up on Twilight and come back to 'report'."
"Thanks Dash," he replied, "I appreciate your help."
"Of course I'm willing to help you and Twilight," replied Dash softly. She flew off towards Sweet Apple Acres without waiting any further.
Spike returned to his chores, a great weight seemingly lifted from his shoulders at least for the moment.
...
It didn't seem to take very long at all for Dash to cover the distance to Sweet Apple Acres. She flew low over the road, keeping her eyes open for a familiar face along the way. With her sharp eyes, she soon spotted Big Macintosh out in the fields tending to the apple trees. Making a slight change in her flight path, she veered off in his direction.
"Hey Big Macintosh," she hailed as she approached.
"Hey Rainbow Dash," he replied amiably.
"Twilight Sparkle didn't come home last night, and Spike said the last place he knew she was going was here. Have you seen her?"
"Oh she's here all right," he answered, "spent the night with Applejack."
"Oh, is she awake yet."
"She may be," he responded, then his voice becoming a tad darker as he added, "Applejack ain't feelin so good an Twilight ain't gonna leave her alone."
"I'm sure Twilight is just concerned about Applejack's health," offered Dash helpfully.
"My little sister dun need no one but her kinfolk ta look after her."
Dash just stared at Big Macintosh without responding.
"I know tha Twilight means well an all..." he continued awkwardly, his voice trailing off as he seemed to run out of words.
"Twilight loves Applejack," answered Dash, "and I'm pretty sure it's the same way I love Pinkie Pie."
"I know they has feelins fer each other," he replied, "I ain't blind ya know."
"I never said you were."
"In fact, I dun helped bring them together ina first place."
"You're afraid of losing Applejack, aren't you?"
He cast his eyes down to the ground without responding.
"You're worried about Applejack leaving the farm and the family behind for Twilight?"
His silence became much deeper.
"Just because I love Pinkie Pie means I feel any different about any of my friends or relations. I don't think Applejack feels any different about her family because she discovered feelings for Twilight."
"I spose yer right an all," said Big Macintosh, "They're both up in Applejack's room right now... if'n ya wanna check up on her... an Twilight..."
"Thank you. I shall. Just remember that there's no limit on how much one pony can love. Loving one doesn't take away love from another."
"I'll keep tha in mind an all..."