My First MLP Fanfic

Ch.1: Hard Day's Work
Emerald eyes gazed nonchalantly over the great hill he stood upon. His breath was silent, and his body didn't even twitch. With dignity, he held his head high, and with quiet pride, he looked down at his beloved farm with wordless reverence.

This was Big Macintosh. He looked at his farm, then looked at the crimson and orange horizon, where a sleepy sun was raising its fiery head to greet him on the fine morning. The frost on the ground melted slowly and steadily as the air began to warm. It was time to work.

Big Macintosh got his plow out of the old shed and hitched it behind him, ready to get to work. He trotted down the hill, dragging the plow and digging up the dirt as he prepared the fields for another growing season. Soon, he knew Apple trees would be growing more fruit, and new ones would be planted to increase the harvest, just as they had done every year.

He gave a great heave, and began to walk through the icy field before him. It was a new plot of land he had Applejack had purchased, and he wished to get it ready at once.

“Never leave for tomorrow what can be done today.” he said to himself.

He got down the field, turned around, and went back up a different strip of land. Repeating this process over the course of an hour or so, he finished the field and set off for the next phase of his work.
Big Macintosh was a working horse, and he knew the day's work was far from over.

He picked up a bag of seeds from his old shed and he swung it over his neck securely. He trotted over to his freshly plowed field, looking pleased with his work so far. Big Mac tilted his head every so often as he walked through the field, letting seeds spill out onto the dirt carefully.

Applejack would be by later to spread the seed with her rake, and Apple Bloom would watch and learn from her two working siblings.

He huffed as he had to walk back up the hill again to get another tool. Applejack was waiting.

“Did ya' get 'em planted?” she asked cheerfully.

He nodded, “Eeyup.”

He set the seed bag down, and grabbed a rake with his teeth. Big Macintosh tossed the rake over to Applejack, and then went back into the shed to retrieve his next tool. This was the most difficult job. He had to get his stick. He called it the Smacking Stick, because he used it to break the ice that formed on the trees. This job had to be done carefully, otherwise the rapid change in temperature could put the trees in shock, then they'd be useless for growing, and he'd have to go through the long process of ripping them out of the ground.

He gripped the oak stick in his teeth, and he cantered over to the oldest trees first, because they were more at risk to die.

Big Macintosh looked at one. The bark had gone white, and the branches were thinner than usual this year.

“Looks like this one needs ta' be pulled.” he grunted. He hated to see one of the old trees go. This one in particular. His Great-Grandpa Cinnamon Apple planted that tree, and it hurt him to see it go.
He huffed. With efficiency brought on by years of this work, he gave the tree beside it a mighty smack, and ice cracked on the branches, allowing the tree to warm. Over the course of the next two hours, he had gotten every tree prepped to get the ice removed entirely. Big Macintosh wasn't tired yet. This horse had the stamina of thirty average ponies. Nobody else could fathom how he was so resilient and tough. Often Applejack and him would laugh at this, because they knew none of their friends had ever done an honest day's work in their lives. He wasn't special, he was just the result of years of hard work.

Big Macintosh stopped to get a drink to increase his stamina as he moved back to the oldest trees, the ones he had prepared first. With another swing, he shattered the ice off the trunk, the ice on the branchs falling off from the tree's quivering after the powerful strike. Slowly but surely, he proceded to clear the rest of the trees for the growing season. He couldn't believe the winter had lasted a month longer this year. It was mid March, and he was just now getting this done. Big Macintosh knew that this should've been done last month, but the frost was too strong, and Applejack wouldn't let him.

He smiled at the thought of his caring sister. She was a bit too lively and loud for his taste. Big Mac preferred to keep things quiet with folks. In truth it was because of the fact he made people uncomfortable when he talked a lot. This was due to how intelligent he was. Big Macintosh was a genius. Every time he got the chance to go to school, when work didn't interfere, he got the highest grades of anyone at school, no matter what grade he was in.

Applejack's orange figure trotted over, “I think you can take yer break now. I'll handle the rest, ya outta get yerself a drink and head on down to town and get these extra seeds sold.”

He nodded, “I reckon I'll be back by noon. I might head on down to church today.”

She smiled, “Alrightey then Mac, get yerself cleaned up fer the market.”

He stepped inside his home, and pulled out the washbucket. It was simple, he stood outside, and poured the water over himself to get the grime and dirt off, then he would set off for town. Big Macintosh did so, put the bucket back inside, and cantered over to the shed, picking up the seed bag again and trotting off to town. Before he left, he took off the plow harness he wore so frequently.

In town he stood silent next to the seeds, right next to the sign they had set up.

“Apple family surplus.” it read in bold red and green paint.

He smiled fondly at it. It was sloppily painted, but it was the only token he still had of Apple Bloom's young childhood. After she got her cutie mark, she ran off for rambunctiosu things with her friends Scootaloo and Sweetie Bell. This annoyed him a bit. The 19 year old horse needed the extra help, but Apple Bloom was as stubborn as Applejack was.

Pinkie Pie, the hyper one, walked over the work horse, “Whatcha selling today Big Mac?”

“Seeds.” he said simply.

“Just seeds? No apples yet?”

“Eeyup, the frost hit harder down by th' farm I reckon.” he replied in his southern drawl.

She walked off.

After standing out there for another half-hour, Macintosh grew weary of the noisy market, picked up his seeds, and headed off to see what else there was to do. The streets were also too noisy for his liking. If there was one thing that aggravated him more than anything, was all the noise. He hated the loud things around him. This is why he tended to avoid Applejack's friends. They were all too loud.

He could summarize them to himself.

Rainbow Dash was stuck up, and she needed to get her head out of the clouds.
Twilight was rude, and needed to lighten up more often.
Pinkie needed to slow down and control herself.
Rarity was vain, and needed a reality check.
Applejack herself was too stubborn and clumsy, and needed serious coordination training.
Then there was Fluttershy...
He wasn't quite sure what she needed to fix.
She was shy, kind, and sweet. He saw nothing wrong with that. She even helped the little animals around his farm from time-to-time.

He realized he had ran into something. It was Applejack.
“Hello sis.” he said slowly.

She got up with dignity, “It's time ta' get home Mac, it's time to get to the housework.”

He looked around, “Ya know I ain't cut out for small stuff. I'm nearly too big ta' get inside, how am I supposed to work 'round the house?”

She shrugged, “Just get 'dem dishes clean, and the laundry done by the time I get back Big Mac.”

She trotted off, leaving her brother confused on how he was to do all of this.

He raised his front hoof, examining it carefully, “I ain't meant for small work, that fer sure.”

Slowly, he walked back home. At his home, he nearly gasped in horror at the macabre of dirty dishes and unfolded laundry he had to suffer through. Big Macintosh took another look at his hooves. He was doomed.

(Like it? Love it? Review Please!)

I spotted a misspelling: rambunctious. Other than that, great! Don't feel bad, I switch around letters from time to time too X3

(Whoo hoo! My first review! Anyways, I had this chapter sitting on my computer too, so her's number two!)
Ch.2: A Little Assistance
Big Mac gaped at the work he had to do, and decided to get help as quickly as his legs could carry him.
He galloped out the door and into town, halting outside Pinkie's place.

“Pinkie?” he called.

She walked out, “Yeah Mac?”

“Can ya' help me with somethin'?” he asked.

“Sure!” she said excitedly, “What is it?”

He gulped, “I done got stuck with household chores, and I can't do 'em.”

Pinkie's face fell, “Oh... sorry Mac, can't help you.”

He snorted, and moved on.
“She coulda helped me if it involved those silly cupcakes.” he muttered. He halted outside Fluttershy's home. He peered inside.

“Fluttershy? Ya there?” he asked.

The pale yellow pony approached tentatively.

“Y-y-yes Mr. Macintosh?” she asked quietly.

He looked down at her, “Are you occupied with some work of yer own?”

She shook her head.

“Can ya' help me with some work of mine?”

She was surprised, “I'm not strong like you Macintosh..”

“No no no, not that plowin' and plantin' but I got stuck with all the household chores.” he replied.

She sighed in relief, “O thank goodness, of course I can help.”

He too breathed a sigh of relief.

As they walked, Fluttershy looked at Big Macintosh, “I haven't seen you at school lately... are you dropping out?”

He looked at her, and she looked away in embarrassment.
“I'm sorry I asked.” she said meekly.

He shook his head, “Naw don't be, I'm just pretty busy with my work an' all.”

She nodded, and for the rest of the walk to the orchard, neither spoke another word. They preferred the quiet. Big Macintosh thought words weren't really needed to express yourself. His thought train was suddenly derailed as they arrived at Big Macintosh's house.

Fluttershy gasped at the mess before her, “How in Equestria did this happen?”

He shrugged, “I'm outside from dawn till dusk most days workin'. I ain't never made messes like these.”

She set to work, “Well this outta be easy for me. I clean my house a lot. I'm a bit of a neat freak.”

He nodded, “Well I reckon I should thank ya' for helpin' me out a' this. Thank ya' kindly Fluttershy.”
Big Macintosh bowed his head to her shortly in a symbol of southern respect. She ducked her head shyly once more. He looked outside, and saw Apple Bloom and her friends causing mischief outside, and he sighed and shook his head.

“I'm going ta' get Apple Bloom, she's causin' trouble again.” he drawled.

He walked outside. The minute Apple Bloom saw him, she stopped, and looked down.
Big Macintosh stepped over, “You best quit yer messin' 'round.”

She sniffed, “You're not the boss a' me.”

He looked at her sternly, “You best not get that tone with me.”

“Or what?”

“I ain't playin' no games with you Apple Bloom, now enough is enough. Ain't no reason ta' be startin' all this nonsense.” he said seriously.

She looked at him stubbornly, “Fine. I'll be in town if ya' need me.”

He nodded, and smiled, “Thank ya.”

Big Macintosh trotted back inside. Fluttershy was finishing up the dishes and he was relieved she was able to get this done fast.

“If Applejack knew I had gotten yer help she'd never let me hear the end of it.” he sighed.

She smiled slightly, “Why did she ask you to begin with? You're much too big for this.”

“That's what I told Applejack.” he replied, “But anyways.... do ya' need some help?”

She shook her head, “No thank you.”

Big Macintosh wasn't used to not having work to do. It was something that just always was part of his life. He worked all the time. What was he to do if he had no work? He supposed he could talk to Fluttershy, but he never talked to Applejack's friends...

“So... what d'you do for a livin'?” he drawled.

She looked surprised, “I-I help the animals around, but you know that.”

“Eeyup, I meant if ya' had a job, or work ya' was plannin' ta start.” he replied.

She shook her head, “No. I don't have a job.”

“You got family 'round here?” he asked slowly.

She shook her head again.

“So.... how's Applejack?” he asked.

“What do you mean?”

Big Macintosh walked over, “Well, she don't tell me nothin' no more. She's always either workin' or hangin' 'round with you guys. So I don't know how she's doing.”

She looked nervous, “W-w-well. I d-don't know how to put this.... b-but...”

“Yeah?”

“I think she m-might be depressed.” she said quietly.

He flopped onto his rump. He never expected that from his sister.
“Well....” he said uncomfortably, “I guess we all got out differences. I outta talk ta' her 'bout it though.”

“Why?”

“Just something I need ta' ask her.” he replied, “Now.... I got some more work ta' do.”

Big Macintosh didn't really have anything to do, but he could do Apple Bloom's or Applejack's work if he needed something to do. Returning to his shed, he grabbed a rope.

This was Apple Bloom's job. She was supposed to tie the rop around trees that were growing crooked so they would grow straight. He swung the rope around a young prout tree that was barely as tall as he was, and tightened the rope firmly around it before tying it off an trotting to the top of the hill that overlooked his farm. He gazed over and saw another farm being set up beside his.

“Neighbors.” he muttered, “Best go say hello.”

He cantered down the hill over to the other farm, “Howdy neighbor.”

A black stallion and a young brown clot looked at him with matching blue eyes.
“Afternoon.” said the stallion, “Who are you?”

“Big Macintosh, part of the Apple family and owner of the farm behind me.” he replied.

“Well hello.”said the colt, “What d'you grow?”

“Apples.” he drawled, “What do ya' folks grow?”

“Just about anything!” the colt replied brightly.

“Go on now Sprout.” the stallion ordered.

“Okay dad.” Sprout replied, and he ran off.

“My name's Midnight.” he told Macintosh, “We're new here. Is it true you have the largest farm here?”

He nodded, “Eeyup, ta' tell th' truth, I was plannin' on buying up the land ya' got now next year. Good thing ya' got to it first.”

Big Macintosh looked over at the barren farm, “Do ya' need some help preaprin' yer farm? I'll do just about any sorta work.”

Midnight shook his head, “Thanks but we outta be just fine. Take care now.”

“Have a good one.” he drawled in reply, “I best get back too.”

He trotted back inside, where Fluttershy had finished up the chores, “Thank ya Fluttershy.”

She smiled, “Any time.”

“I might need ya' again sometime, if AJ puts this one me again.” he drawled.

She walked over, “Well, I outta go back home now.”

“Ya' can stay if ya' want.” he offered.

“No I think I'm gonna turn in for today.” she replied. She flew off back home.

Big Macintosh looked at his now clean house. It was incredible how clean it really was. Applejack's tell-tale crash into the fence near the orch alerted him that she was home.

“Hey there big brother.... wow.... ya' done got the house clean too.” she said cheerfully.

He looked at her, “What d'ya get up to in town?”

“Not much, I hung out with Rainbow Dash and Twilight a bit. Shoot those two are so weird sometimes. Ya' know they swore up n' down you was in town askin' fer help with yer work, an' I told 'em “Big Mac don't ask fer help”.... can ya believe those crazy mares?” she continued.

He nodded, “I suppose they just can't imagine how I'd manage to get this work done.”

She grinned, “I guess not. Tell ya' what. Since ya did so great, why don't ya' just take care of it every day?”

He gulped, but pretended to be calm, “Sure sis.”

She looked at her clean house, and flopped down in the living room.
Big Macintosh wanted to ask her if she was okay, but couldn't bring himself to ask her. Applejack fell asleep in the living room. He helped her onto his back and he carried her off to bed.

“Night sis.” he said softly, “See ya' bright an' early.”
He trotted over to the shed again, finding Apple Bloom and her friends chatting while the sun went down.

“Time fer bed Bloom.” he drawled.

“Already?” she whined.

“Eeyup, now ya best get a quick bite ta' eat then head on ta' bed.” he replied.

She huffed, but clambered off anyways back home. Scootaloo and Sweetie Bell cantered away when Bloom left. Big Macintosh walked slowly back inside. He hadn't had anything to eat or drink all day, but he didn't mind. Bed was the only thing he was thinking about as he walked to his room.
Flopping down on his bed, he fell asleep faster than a groundhog goes back into a hole.

Another good one. ;3 I must say that you did rather well with this.

(Thank ya' kindly.... Ch.3 coming soon. Just need to finish it up....)

---

Ch.3: Not a Date
Big Macintosh woke up at 4:00, hearing the sound of the rooster. The sun wasn't up yet, but he didn't care about that. Work still had to be done. Until the rain came, he'd have to water the trees every day.
With a silent yawn and a stretch and shake of his legs, he rose out of bed.

He heard the clop clop clop of hooves as Apple Bloom and Applejack woke up and got out of bed. With a whinie for a yawn, he trotted outside for work. Apple Bloom was still new to the schedule of work she had. She kept rubbing her eyes.

Big Macintosh stepped up to the water pump directly beside the porch, and he pulled his watering can to it. Before he filled the can he drank his fill of the crisp well water. Then he proceded to pump the water into the can with a few kicks of his front hoof.

“Mornin'.” Applejack said sleepily, cantering over, “What we got ta' do today?”

“Waterin', then we got to spread them seeds, ya' forgot ta' do it.” he drawled, not feeling tired at all.

He picked up the handle of the can in his teeth, and pulled the can up. He walked carefully over to the old trees, and he gave them their fill of water. He refilled the bucket, and moved over to some younger trees, and repeated this process. After about an hour and a half, he had finished, and he still had lots to get done himself. Applejack didn't have a lot, but after all this, he knew the house was waiting...

He didn't know how, but during the course of his short sleep, Applejack or Apple Bloom had somehow managed to dirty every single dish in their house. This was maddening. He didn't think he'd ask Fluttershy today, because one it was too early and two he didn't think he'd impose this on her two days in a row.

If Mac wasn't so peaceful, he'd have Apple Bloom's hide right now, but he thought he'd leave her punishment to AJ. He huffed and forced his legs to move towards the sink.
“Lord Almighty spare me from this God awful work....” he groaned quietly.

He couldn't even move. Now he understood why Applejack complained about the dishes. The smell of it made him gag. The red work horse had to run outside to avoid the stench. Why a pant of relief, he saw the fields still had not been raked.

“Applejack....ain't ya got sense?” he asked nobody.

He trotted to the field, picked up the rake in his mouth, and drug it along the ground, stirring up the topsoil and mixing it with the dirt beneath so he'd have fresh soil for the seeds he planted to grow. With one last jerk of his neck, he finished raking. He tossed the rake back into the shed.

Big Macintosh knew the dishes were waiting, but he couldn't make himself do them. It was ironic, seeing the work horse incapable of bringing himself to do one job.

But this job happened to disgust him...
“I out ta' ask Fluttershy again... but it's too early fer her to be up yet.” he drawled.

Shaking his head, he walked into town, catching a glimpse of Derpy crash into the side of Twilight's home, earning her a Throwing Spell from a sleepy Twilight. Derpy went sailing above him, before crashing right into a trash can.

“Three points!” Derpy said, sounding disorriented, “O heeeeeey Big Mac!”

Big Macintosh tended to avoid Derpy because he thought she was on drugs. She wasn't, but she was weird. Derpy flapped lopsidedly above, crashing into Rainbow Dash, who was dozing in a cloud she was supposed to get rid of last week.

Rainbow woke up with a start and mule kicked Derpy out of her cloud. With a spin, a twirl, and a spin of her eyes, Derpy crashed into the ground. Big Macintosh walked past her twisted, dizzy body. She got up unsteadily, and walked over to the market, and passed out behind a barrel.

Twilight, who was now fully awake and pissed off at being awake, stalked over to Big Mac.
“Did you see her wake me up like that?” she asked crossly.

“Now hold yer horses Twilight, ain't no need ta' start yer day off mad.” he drawled cheerfully.

She huffed, “Whatever. I'm going back inside.” She trotted off angrily.
Derpy came to, and walked beside Big Mac.

“Wazup Big?” she asked loopily, her eyes still spinning.

He shrugged, “It looks like the sun is up.”

She laughed, “I knooooow silly pony.”
Derpy spun in the air and landed cheerily. She was the loopiest pony he had ever met.

“Pump yer brakes Derp.” he drawled slowly, “Ya might hurt yerself.”

She didn't act like she heard him, and she did spirals as she flew away. Like any time Derpy would fly, she crashed into three or four houses and ponies before she got up high enough.

He stopped outside Fluttershy's home, “Ya awake?”

She actually was, “Good morning Mac.”

She stepped aside so he could walk inside, and he did so. Her home was barely tall enough to accomadate his size, but he said nothing.
“Do you want something to eat? I was makin' some breakfast before I went out to the forest for the day.” she offered softly.

“Sure.”

She walked off into her kitchen. He waited paitiently as she came back with a simple apple for him, and a grapefruit for herself. It was ironic she'd eat something so big, since she had to be the smallest pony he knew, besides Apple Bloom, but soon she too would be bigger than Fluttershy.

To avoid the inevitable work he knew awaited him at home, he formulated an idea to escape it.
“Would ya' mind if I tagged along?” he asked as he finished his apple.

Fluttershy nearly inhaled her current bit of grapefruit, “W-why of course you can.”

He smiled, “Thank ya'.”

Big Macintosh smiled to himself as he watched her finish her breakfast. She stood up, and fluttered over.

“Before we go. I have to get cleaned up.” she said shyly. Her mane was indeed frizzy and full of static from sleep. She trotted upstairs, and Big Macintosh waited. It took thirty minutes before he heard hooves coming downstairs. She looked quite lovely in his opinion. Her mane had a few flowers in it and was brushed to eliminate all traces of bed-head. Her plae yellow hair itself seemed to have a brighter sheen and luster.

“We can go now.” she said, tearing his eyes back to her face.

“Eeyup.”

She walked by his side as they made their way into the forest. It was quiet and peaceful here, just the way Macintosh liked it. The birds were still asleep. The forest seemed to be snoozing. Fluttershy looked around.

“It's nice out here isn't it?” she asked softly.

“Eeyup.... but what do we do now?” he asked.

“We wait for the animals to wake up.” she replied, “Then I make sure they're all okay.”

He sat down and waited, “Okay,... so how long till they wake up?”

She shrugged, “I don't know. Sometimes they wake up quick, sometimes not. We'll just have to wait.”

This was slowly turning into less of a 'get away from work' thing to a 'date' to Mac.

'It ain't a date.' he thought sternly.

He looked at her, but he looked away and chuckled to himself.
Big Macintosh knew he couldn't date. He had work to do, and hadn't the time for fooling around with some mare. Work was what needed him, not some girl.

Did he really believe that though?...

Derpy is protrayed perfectly. XD Good job~

Ch.4: Frequent Visits
For the rest of the week, Big Macintosh would stop by Fluttershy's and help her out with the animals. Applejack ranted at him for not doing the dishes, and demanded an explanation why he didn't doe them, and he would reply he was out in town.

She would stop asking questions with that answer. Mac enjoyed the new word he did with Fluttershy, it was quiet and it wasn't tiring. Her work was relatively simple and it was soothing to watch her help out the little critters.

Sometimes while they waited for the animals to wake up, they'd talk about Fluttershy's day, or sometimes he'd tell her about his, but more often than not they'd sit together in silence. They seemed to talk better with no words at all when Fluttershy's days were really trying and difficult.

He woke up feeling brisk and cheerful. With a happy smile and a trot, he watered the trees and cantered into town.
“I reckon school will be startin' up mighty soon.” he said to himself as he came upon Ponyville. Derpy was delivering the mail and crashing into everything thew whole time, while Pinkie Pie baked her morning batch of cupcakes to leave out for the mail pony. Rarity was brushing her hair excessively by her window and telling herself how beautiful she was the whole time.

He was up late he supposed, because all the ponies, even the late sleeper Rainbow Dash, were awake and lively. Big Macintosh saw something that made him hide. Applejack was chatting with Twilight, and her purple unicorn friend pointed towards Fluttershy's house.

With a gulp, he galloped away. He knocked on Fluttershy's door quickly. She opened it tentatively, and he rushed in and closed the door.

“I think Applejack might be coming.” he said.

She tilted her head, “What's wrong with that?”

“Nuthin.... of you don't mind her dragging me off to do some dishes and leavin' ya all alone.” he drawled seriously. He realized how that sounded. 'Leavin' ya all alone...'

He shook his head, “Anyways I'm gonna hide, and you get AJ to-”

KNOCK KNOCK.

“Fluttershy, ya' there?” called an all too familiar voice. Big Macintosh sighed in defeat, he knew she 'd heard him, so he opened the door.

She smiled, “So this is where ya' ran off to?”

He nodded, “Eeyup. Sorry sis.”

“No need.” she replied, “I just wondered where ya' were, but it looks like this ain't my business. So I'll just leave ya' two alone.” She closed the door as she left.

Fluttershy blushed and ducked her head. Big Mac did nothing.

“I reckon we outta leave now?” he drawled as if nothing had happened.

She smiled, “Sure.”

The day went by normally, only when he got home AJ didn't harp on him for not doing the dishes, she just did them herself and left him alone in his room to think. Big Mac sat in his room and thought about whether or not he'd go over to Fluttershy's tomorrow or not. Maybe he'd stay here.... but AJ might harp on him tomorrow since he wouldn't be around Fluttershy, so he chose to go to her house tomorrow.

He fell asleep before the sun went down, feeling cozy and cheerful.

These are great, Big Cheese!! Keep it up!!!

Ch.5: Sick Day
Big Macintosh woke up with a pounding headache. He tried drinking cold water, eating, and standing up straight for half an hour, but nothing made him feel better. Not only that, but he began to feel queezy, and his stomach churned with every breath he took. As much as he hated to admit it, he was sick, and wouldn't be able to work today, or visit Fluttershy. He grumbled, and regretted it as his stomach lurched and he vomited out of his window. Applejack heard the ruckus, and came in to investigate.

“What are ya' doin?” she demanded.\

He hung his head out of the window, “Mornin' sis..”

Her eyes went wide at the scent of vomit, “Oh goodness! Are you sick Mac?”

He groaned, “Eeeeeeeeyup.”

Applejack pulled him out of the window and set him back in bed, “I'll call the doctor.”

Big Macintosh would argue, but didn't think speaking qould help his stomach at all. AJ trotted away quickly and grabbed the phone. She didn't know any actual doctor.... but she knew one pony who could help.

RING RING

“Hello?”

“Fluttershy, this is Applejack.” Applejack said into the phone.

“What is it?” she asked.

“Mac's got a bug.... and I need ya' to help him out, since yer the only one I know who studies health and what not.” she replied quickly, “Can ya' help or not?”

“Of course. I'll be there soon.” Fluttershy replied softly, hanging up the phone.

Big Macintosh began to feel even worse. His sinuses began to clog up and his head hurt even worse.
“I think I got the flu sis.” he said when Applejack came back.

She shook her head, “Where did ya' catch that?”

He shrugged, then lurched back out the window.
When he was finished emptying his stomach once more, he moaned, “I ain't never sick.... why am I sick?”

There was a knock at the door. Applejack rushed to get, flung it open, and quickly dragged in Fluttershy.
She felt his forehead, “You're all clammy, but you're burning up. What are your symptoms?”

“My head hurts.... my nose is stuffed up, I throw up a lot.. and my whole body aches...” he groaned.

She shook her head, “It looks like you got the flu. But it's okay, I'll get you some medicine from in town.” Fluttershy cantered off, and headed into town.

Applejack waited with her big brother who was sweating like a pig. She didn't know how to help him, and it bothered her more than anything.
“Ah'm sorry yer so sick.” she said, looking at him, “Ya probably caught it from 'round here.”

Big Macintosh shook his head, “Ain't no way ta' tell. It's okay sis. Fluttershy'll have me workin' again before ya' can say horse apples.” They were silent for a moment as they waited. Neither spoke a word until Flutershy came back.

She held in her front hoof a bottle of pink liquid.
“This'll fight it off.... you got to take this once every night.” she said softly, handing ot over to AJ.

Big Macintosh gave a dry heave, bugt had already emptied his stomach, so there was nothing to spit up. He rubbed his stomach, and sweat poured down his face. He hated being sick more than he hated crowds and fireworks. The very naure of having to be out of work for who know how many days infuriated him. Fluttershy walked over, and his expression calmed. She patted his chest.

“Sorry you're so sick.” she said meekly.

“Ain't yer fault.” he replied with a moan.

He turned over and clutched his sore stomach and gave another dry heave.
“You got to keep him eating and drinking. Even if it's meal time and he says he isn't hungry, make him eat and drink, or he'll get dehydrated.” Fluttershy instructed Applejack firmly, “He'll be sick for maybe a week if his body starts fighting ot off tomorrow. It looks like he'll be having to use all his sick days.”

AJ nodded, “I'll keep him fed.”

“Good, now I have to get back, I'm helping build an animal shelter.” she replied, leaving quickly.

Big Mac was dissapointed she had to go. He laid back down and went into an uncomfortable sleep which gave him the shakes.

Can't believe I'm saying this about a MLP fic, but well done. This is pretty good!

Ch.6: Doctor Fluttershy and Genius Macintosh
Big Mac awoke feelng dreadful. Saliva caked his lips from his sniffling all night. He had developed a cough that made him cough blood and it really hurt.

He grunted and rolled over. Big Macintosh didn't care if he vomited, coughed, or collapsed, he was going to get some work done today. Such was his stubborness even when he fell three times from his weak, shaky knees he still forced himself to rise.

With another big effort, he walked out of his room, ignoring the sweat that was now pouring down his face. Applejack saw him awake, and was very surprised.
“What do ya think yer doin'?” she demanded, “Get yerself back in bed.”

He shook his head and stepped outside, plucking a wheat sprig out of the ground to chew on.
Applejack wasn't giving up that easily, because she ran outside and stepped in front of me.

“Ya got ta' sleep.” she said, “Look atcha! Yer sweating like a hog!”

Big Mac grunted, not wanting to be stuck inside, “I'm fine, move out of the way.”

She remained defiant and in his way, “Go back inside Mac, before ya wear yerself out.”

He shook his head to get the sweat out of his mane and eyes, “I ain't gonna sit around doin' nuthin.”

“Then I'll find ya somethin' ta' do, but ya' ain't workin' in th' fields today.” she countered. She had won this one, and Big Mac walked slowly back inside, already sweating more. He was truly much too tired to be working, but he was a stubborn horse, and needed to work to feel useful.

It wasn't that he enjoyed work, it was hard, thankless work, but what he enjoyed was the satisfaction of knowing he got his work done. Alas he would not be getting anything done but more sleep. Applejack made sure he got back in bed before going back outside to feed the cows out in the barn.

When he heard her leave, he was up again, but instead of heading outside, he headed for his office next to his room, where he kept their finances in check. Sitting down at his simple desk, he pulled up his checkbook, and looked at his calender.

“Taxes need ta' be done soon.” he mumbled to himself. Grabbing his pencil, he went over the expenses they had this year and last so far. He had excellent memory, and he could recall every single purchase they had made the previous year and how much it was.

“So we payed 673 extra last year, and only 80 this year so far.” he said, “So next month we'll be getting a check of around 760 or 770. Good...”

He scooted his checkbook away aftere scribbling what the IRS owed them this year, then he decided to get some bills payed. Upon opening the envelopes, he realized they were in debt. Big Macintosh put on his reading glasses to inspect the bill further, to check for hidden fees, but he found none. They owed in excess of 1200 bits, and they only had 480 saved up.

Big Mac pounded his hoof into the desk, “Galdern these bills! Like we ain't got enough problems 'round here as is.”

He heard wings. Getting up slowly, he put down the envelope, too off his glasses, and walked over to the window to see who it was. It was unsurprisingly Fluttershy, who had on a white labcoat.

She strolled in and found him quickly.

“What with the coat?” he asked immediately.

“Don't you know? I'm a doctor.... I didn't tell you yesterday because I didn't think it mattered since I'd get your medicine either way, but to check up on you I am required by Equestria law to notify you that I am a doctor.” she explained at length.

He nodded, “Ya' want me ta' say ahh?”

She shook her head, “No, but I'll need to take you temperture and listen to your lungs, but not until you get back in bed. Rest is essential for your body to heal.”

He merely grunted and walked slowly back into bed, which was slightly damp from all the sweating he did while he slept.
“If I have ta' lay in bed all day.... can ya' hand me those book over on my bookshelf?” he drawled.

She looked over at the sparsely filled bookshelf. Three books were on it.
“All of them?” she asked.

“Eeyup.” he replied.

When she picked them up, she noticed the titles. Quantum Mechanics..... Understanding Particles... and Applied Calculus in Agriculture...
“You.... sure do have some interesting books.” she said quietly.

He appeared embarrassed, “It bothers some folks, so I keep all my brains in here.”

She passed him the books, and he began to read his Quantum Mechanics with interest.
“What're you reading?” she asked tentatively.

“Quantum Mechanics.” he drawled, “It is the science that came up with String Theory and tries to understand the four forces of the universe.”

“String Theory?” she asked, feeling stupid after hearing what he said, “I-I don't know what that is...”

He looked up, “No big deal, would you like ta' know?”

She nodded.

“String theory is an attempt to reconcile Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity into one theory, dubbed String Theory. It basically states that electrons and quarks, the tiny sub-particles that make up Protons and Neutrons, are not O-dimensional objects, but rather 2-dimensional objects consiting of small 1-dimensional oscillating lines called Bosonic Strings. This has developed into Superstring Theory... which simply states such particles cannot be measured or detected because of their lack of a second dimsenion.... However the position of Quarks and other such sub-atomic particles, they can be studied using their energy output to properly detect where they really are in the Quantum Universe. Does that explain it simply?”

“What do you mean, 'where they really are?' Aren't we right here? Isn't everything set in place?” she asked.

He shook his head fervently, “Quite th' opposite. Quantum theory states that nothing is certain. While yer mind may make reality seem as though I'm right here. Quantum theory states atoms are too sproradic and energized to stay in one position and one dimension. It states that while I appear to be here, in fact my atoms are going everywhere at once, because of the energy stored in said atoms.”

Fluttershy blinked as she absorbed that, “So.... this is all an illusion?”

“Not necessarily. All the atoms are bonded, but their position in time and space is what is uncertain and forever changing.” he explained.

She nodded, “I feel kinda dumb now.”

He coughed, “Don't be. Even the smartest people have difficulty understanding this. Even I have trouble with it sometimes.”

“Sometimes?”

“Let's just say I ain't just some country bum.” he drawled.