FlankSteak

"Well thank ya kindly Ms. Wisp." The Unicorn's thoughtfulness flushed Big Macintosh's cheeks again at her kindness. He grasped the piece of grass again in his mouth. As he turned his attention toward Gravity, he gave a sharp, quick glare at Braeburn as his eyes pasted. He wasn't about to Let his cousin off that easily. "Well Ms. Gravity, I'll show you how we make juice here at Sweet Apple Acres." Big Macintosh started off towards the trees that Applejack pointed out. As he started off, he called back over his shoulder. "Hey AJ, I bet you Ms. Gravity and I can finish making the juice before you and the other's can finish the sandwich's. If I win, you have to finish plowing the south field." Big Macintosh said with a smile. He paused for a moment while waiting for Aj's response. Big Macintosh and his sister had often made small bets over their chores. and each would pick the other punishment. Although Big Macintosh's always seemed to be less embarrassing than what his sister made him do. He was still a little embarrassed to run the apple stand in Ponyville since Aj had made him trot down Stirrup street in Granny Smith's girdle. But he felt confident in making this bet with Ajpplejack.

""Well thank you Ms. Wisp, but are you sure you are feeling ok?" Big Macintosh asked her with concern. She hadn't seemed her regular self from the moment she arrived. As he watched her turn her attention to the clouds and comment on their movement. But the fact that their lack of movement tuned him into that she was not doing well at all. "Umm... Ms. Wisp? Are you feeling well?" Big Macintosh said as he lend in closer. He pressed his forehead against hers'. He didn't mean anything by this, but just to check her condition. The fact that she felt quiet warm against his skin brought forth more concern within him. ""If you don't mind me saying Ms. Wisp, I think you should be home in bed. We can talk more in depth about apples another time. For now lets get you home." Big Macintosh got up from his seat and nudged his nose at Willow's shoulder for her to get up. Big Macintosh knew he was being a bit pushy, but he didn't feel right leaving Willow Wisp in this condition.

"E'Yup, so this bird is a Meadowlark? Think you could convince this little guy to leave my mane alone?" Big Macintosh asked Fluttershy. He winced as the Meadowlark plucked several hairs from his mane. "So do you know where Applejack is? I got a bit lost. Oh, and My name's Big Macintosh." He announced to the other two that where with Fluttershy. The Meadowlark continued to pull and pluck at his main. Quickly it had made what soon began to resemble a nest in his mane. He tried shaking his head to discourage the invasive bird but to no avail. The Meadowlark continued weaving his hairs. Big Macintosh just didn't know what to do. A bird was nesting in his mane and he couldn't find his sister. The night wasn't turning out as he'd hoped.

Big Macintosh had to face the facts. He was lost. Applejack had made him come to the Gala this time to help her sell their apple product, but the castle was very confusing to him. He didn't even know how he'd gotten into the garden. He stopped for a second to try and get his barrings, but to no avail. "Where in the hay am I?" He said to himself. Sure he could get around the Sweet Apple Acres blind folded. But everything in the Royal Garden seemed to look so similar that he'd been walking in circles far the last twenty minutes. Then the song of a bird caught Big Macintosh's attention. The small bird was sitting in a tree just above him. 'Maybe he knows where I am.' He thought to himself. He knew it was silly to try and talk to a bird, but he was just about out of options. "Hello there little bird, but do you know where I am?" He spoke to the bird in his usual tone. The Bird though looked at him. Hopped back on forth on the branch, then flew down towards him, landing on his head. "Um... Okay? So you do know where I am and how to get back to the castle." He asked the bird. The bird danced around in his mane, then pecked his left ear. "Alright, so you want me to go left. This might work out alright, E'Yup." Big Macintosh headed towards his left, the bird dancing around in his mane. The Gala was turning out to be interesting.

Big Macintosh began gathering the things he needed to make the fresh apple juice. The apple juicer was already sitting on the porch, but the "crusher" piece was inside the house in the kitchen. He gather it up along with a large bag that held about 50 or so apples. He came back out onto the porch and dumped the bag of apples into the lower half of the juicer, which appeared to be just the bottom half of a barrel with a faucet sticking out of the side. The apples almost filled the entire space. Big Macintosh then placed the "crusher" on top of the apples. "Just one more minute Ms. Wisp, have to get a pitcher and some glasses." Big Macintosh smile at Willow. He went back into the house and returned again with a tray holding a large pitcher and two glasses with straws. He placed the tray on the table next to Willow and then took the pitcher a placed it under the faucet on the apple juicer. He reared himself up and placed his front hooves on top of the juicer. "Um... Sorry if this startles you Ms. Wisp, but I need to get a bit mean with these apple now." Big Macintosh said with a gentle smile. But that smile faded, and a face with sheer determination took its place. He shoved downward with great force, causing the porch to creak. The sound of apples being crushed turned into the sound of a mash being slopped around. Once the apples where pulverized, it was much easier to keep a good rhythm on the apple juicer. After about a minute, Big Macintosh stopped mashing. He got hopped off of the juicer, his hooves landing with a solid thud on the porch. He opened the faucet and a sparkling golden liquid flowed into the pitcher. Once the pitcher was filled, he turned off the faucet. Picking up the pitcher, he trotted over and filled the glasses, then placed the pitcher back onto the tray. "There ya go... Ms. Wisp... fresh Sweet Apple Acres... apple juice." Big Macintosh said, out of breath. He then sat in the chair next to Willow and took a big long drink from his glass, almost emptying it. The cool apple juice refreshing him. "Now... What kind of apples are you looking to get?" He was still a little winded.

"An apple a day? Well I probably eat about 10 apples a day, E'Yup." Big Macintosh said smiling at Willow. He moved himself along side her so they could chat as they headed up towards the farm house. "Now I have heard that saying before, but really never thought about it much. But there might be something to that say," Big Macintosh raised an eyebrow as he look towards Wisp. "I have hardly ever been sick. And even when I hurt myself last Applebuck season, I recovered fairly quickly, E'Yup." The late afternoon sun shined down on the two of them, and a pleasant breeze blew through the trees, filling the air with the scent of apples. Even though he was hoping to have a bit of time to himself, Big Macintosh found himself with a smile on his face as he walked long side Willow Wisp. He hadn't been able to talk with many other ponies besides family since himself and Applejack had been put in charge of the family farm. And even though he didn't really know Willow Wisp all that well, he just had a feeling that they would get along just fine. "Well, why don't you just have a seat over there on the porch, and I'll fetch us some drinks. Would you care for Apple Juice, or maybe some Cider?" He asked Willow as they approached the house.

Big Macintosh was a bit confused when Willow Wisp said that it was warm out. To him it felt just right. Big Macintosh Looked a bit closer at Willow. She looked, well, she just didn't look well. "Um... Well, it might be a tad warm out right now," Big Macintosh humored her. "It's no problem at all to come by the farm if it's closer for you than going all the way into town. Now before we get you some apples, how would you like a cool glass of apple juice." Big Macintosh voiced with a hint of concern. Big Macintosh wasn't any dummy when it came to reading other ponies. His two little sister's gave him plenty of experience. AJ was always overworking herself, and Applebloom had often felt under the weather. Although most of those days were before she had made friends with Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. "Well just follow me Ms. Wisp. I'll tell you all about the different apples we have to find the right one for you."

"That there, sounds like a good plan, AJ." Big Macintosh stated quite plainly. He eyed the present company to see who he'd want to help with making apple juice. Gravity had looked like she wanted to help out in some way, and I'm sure she would do fine at making apple juice. Then again, Cousin Braeburn has started to push a few of his buttons. A little one on one chat with him might get him to back off the whole, 'setting Big Macintosh up with some pony' thing he's on. "Well, if Ms. Gravity would care to come with me, that'd be fine. Unless you really do have to take your leave. On that hoof, then Cousin Braeburn should come along." Big Macintosh gritted his teeth a little as he spoke the last bit. Now Big Macintosh wasn't on to get flustered all to often, but Braeburn had been pushing it. Sure, this was his cousin's first visit to Sweet Apple Acres, and Big Macintosh was doing his best to get along. But with Braeburn constantly pushing for Macintosh to pursue one of the mares in company here, well Big Macintosh just wasn't good with that kind of pressure. Gritting his teeth caused Big Macintosh to bit through the piece of grass in his mouth. It dropped away and fell to the ground, getting covered in dirt. "Ah, Shoot." He looked forlornly down at his piece of grass. Sure he just get another one, but it was a hassle finding just the right kind of grass.

After a long hard day of apple bucking, Big Macintosh was eager to put his hooves up for the afternoon. He'd busted his hump to get all his chores done early so that he's still have some time to relax in the sun. He slide his harness off his neck, and with a shake of his head, flipped it off himself and onto a hook on the wall of the barn. He smiled and let out his typical "Eyup." Though no one was around to hear him. As he left to go take a dip in the river, he heard someone call. "Ah, dangit." Big Macintosh rolled his eyes. He hadn't seen his family all afternoon, so his hopes of putting his hooves right away were now dashed. Big Macintosh muttered to himself, "There's a market in town, but NOOO... they HAVE to come out to the farm... E'Yup." Lowering his head and kicking a clod of dirt in disdain. As the farm gates came into view, Big Macintosh saw a black mare with a blue mane. He recognized her from afar cause she'd been a regular to the farm lately, picking lemons for her bat. Big Macintosh picked up his pace a bit. Sure he was sometimes flustered with visitor to the farm, but that was no reason to make ponies unwelcome. "Afternoon Ms. Wisp, are you here for more lemons?" Big Macintosh called out to her as he came towards her. "Thought we got you enough last time to last you a while." As He got closer, he noticed that she looked tired. He knew she was the night owl type, so she should have looked more refreshed this late in the afternoon. "Hmm... Are you feelin' Okay Ms. Wisp?" Big Macintosh inquired. He'd become quite good at knowing when someone wasn't felling the best.

Big Macintosh hadn't been able to get away from Sweet Apple Acres in a long time. He took some time to enjoy the Salt Block's rustic feel. Wagon wheels and lanterns hanging on the walls. An old player piano in the corner playing fast rag time tune. Yes, Big Macintosh was amazed at what his family had done so far away from anything. Appleloosa was a pretty little frontier town. Big Macintosh felt like he was able to loosen up a bit more here than in Ponyville. Soon a waiter brought him his bourbon salt lick. A lazy smile crept across Big Macintosh's face. At home he had to be a good influence for his little sister, Applebloom. Now that he was away from the farm, he was able to enjoy a more mature aspect of life. "Thank ya sir, E'Yup." Big Macintosh started in on his order. The smooth taste of the bourbon salt filled his mouth. Soon Big Macintosh had finished his order and licked his lips.*Bang* Big Macintosh slammed his big hooves on the bar. "Bar Keep," he voiced a bit loud, feeling the salt tickle his head, "another round if you wouldn't mind, EEEE'YYup"

Big Macintosh was relieved that he hadn't knock Willow Wisp over. He himself then felt something bump into his hindquarters, but it didn't make him budge an inch. He turned back and saw Braeburn knocked back on his butt. This time though he was quick to dust himself off. The big Pegasus mare was also close behind, but was more careful of herself than his cousin. He gave a half smile and rolled his eyes at his cousin. Applejack was spot-on when she told him all about their cousin Braeburn. Applejack and Willow Wisp started chatting to the little deer creature. Big Macintosh picked up on what Willow Wisp said he was, a Peryton. Now Big Macintosh had seen plenty of deer around the orchards, and has talk to many Pegasus ponies, but he'd never come across a Peryton. Braeburn seemed to shoot right up to the little deer and introduce himself, just as excited as his earlier introductions. He was a very polite critter, and introduced himself in a kind manner. "Howdy Skye, name's Big Macintosh, E'Yup." He said in his typical tone. Big Macintosh noticed the look in Skye's eye as he looked upon the big Pegasus mare and himself. He glanced over and realized that he wasn't sure of the big Pegasus mare's name, who was now standing beside him. Realizing that his sister and cousin would get plenty of joy teasing him if they knew that he didn't do the proper Apple family introduction, by means of giving your name then hearing theirs. He leaned over as stealthily as he could towards her. "Ah'm sorry, but I didn't catch your name." he whispered in her ear. Just hearing himself say this caused his face to flush a deeper red. Willow Wisp then spoke up and turned the conversations towards food, and the lunch that had yet to be served. Another guest joining them would mean another seat would have to be set at the picnic table. He turned his attention back towards the big Pegasus mare, waiting to hear her name.

All Big Macintosh could see was a straw bale barreling across the ground towards him with Braeburn, head down behind it. He back up a step or two as Braeburn's bale rammed into the on he'd just place and Braeburn did a somersault onto the bales. Big Macintosh smirked at his energetic cousin. 'You sure know how to use your head cousin, E'Yup.' Big Macintosh stated bluntly, while giving off a slight chuckle. Big Macintosh helped his cousin off the bails and to his feet and set the bales into place around the table. Big Macintosh nodded his head with approval and smiled. 'Let's see now, table's almost set...' Big Macintosh glanced around. Noticing an small wooden bucket on the ground near the table and also some daisies growing nearby, a delightful idea pop into his head. He picked up the bucket in his mouth and knocked it against the tree to get the dirt off of it. Setting it down for a moment, he snatched up a mouth full of daisies by the stems and then placed them into the bucket. He then picked up the bucket-o-daisies and placed into the center of the picnic table. Thar, that make a might fine center piece, he though to himself proudly. Looking at the daisies, he then remember that he was going to help Applejack with getting the lunch together. 'Well Braeburn, let's go see what's keepin' AJ.' He said plainly to his cousin, hoping Braeburn wouldn't comment on his decorating. As He trotted towards the barn he called out the the Pegasus mare, 'You look like you want to lend a hoof, I'm sure we can find sumthin' for ya.' Big Macintosh past her with a smile. He was always able to tell when somepony wanted to help out. As he rounded the barn, Big Macintosh saw figures suddenly in front of him. He barely had time to stop, and even bumped into one of them. Having more time to access the situation, he had bumped into Willow Wisp. AJ was just in front of Willow helping, from what Big Macintosh could tell, was a deer with wings. 'Ah, sorry Miss Wisp, E'Yup. Didn't think AJ would be taking this long.' He gave a sly smirk at AJ. 'So we havin' more guests for lunch?'

Big Macintosh Currently In: - Sweet Apple...Lemons?

Well WillowWisp told me about it when a friend told her about it... I kind of wasn't sure but she showed me and I got hooked. Yeah we watch ponies together and I don't care. I like to make her sing the songs.

Yeah, but I give her a hard time too. And apparently I was trying to type as her, just now. That what we get for sharing this laptop right now. But yeah I get her for making fun of me... like making her sing the Winter Wrap-up song while she's trying to go to sleep. : D