Jack woke up in the dead of morning, per usual, without the sound of an alarm to accompany her. The woman laying beside her insisted, lest her precious beauty sleep get ruined. Jack rubbed at her eye, then turned to look at her partner. Despite her disheveled purple hair and lack of makeup, she looked as beautiful as ever.

Maybe that’s ‘cause she ain’t yapping yet. Jack frowned, quietly scolding herself, then leaned down and gave Rarity a gentle peck on the cheek. She got out of bed and walked to the door, the floorboards creaking under her weight despite her best efforts. Rarity stirred a little, but didn’t wake. Closing the door behind her, Jack headed to the kitchen and switched on the lights. Her eyes stung, but in a few seconds they adjusted.

Opening the cupboard doors, she got out a bowl, some milk and a box of oatmeal. The boring meal was only one small part of an incredibly unfulfilling day. In fact, it was probably her favorite part except for sleeping; these days, eating had become a hobby unto itself.

Jack sighed, resting her head on her hand as she ate up her oatmeal. She got some toast ready while she did that and it was ready by the time she finished up. Somewhat reluctantly, she used raspberry jam as a spread, zap apple season still a few months away. Something she’d miss. Just like last year.

At least she could wash the whole thing down with some classic apple juice. Small favors, she guessed. With breakfast done, she wandered over to the bathroom and cleaned herself up. She didn’t look in the mirror much.

Feeling as fresh as she could be, Jack quietly headed back into the bedroom. She tossed off her shirt and underwear, leaving them on the floor. Rarity would complain, like always, but it was better than waking her up and making her grouchy for the rest of the day. Very carefully, she opened the drawers. Putting on a white buttoned shirt, jeans and a brown leather jacket that Rarity had made for her. Jack allowed herself a little smile as she put it on. Finally, she put on her ol’ stetson.

Taking her wallet and truck keys, she went back to Rarity and gave her another little kiss. Then she put on her boots and headed into the living room. Grabbing the notepad, she wrote down a little something just to say where she had gone. It was a force of habit she did every day, just in case. She doubted Rarity even read them anymore.

Once she had placed the note on the small wooden coffee table, she exited the apartment they shared. It wasn’t too bad, all things considered, although sometimes it felt a bit imprisoning. Glancing at her watch as she headed down the stairs, she read that it was nearly seven in the morning. Good timing. She ignored the elevator, preferring to get the blood pumping by double-timing it down the stairs.

The brisk, cold Manhattan air didn’t bother her when she got outside. She headed round back, where all the apartment dwellers’ vehicles were located. Her old truck stood out like a sore thumb compared to the nice cars. Opening the door, she got in and immediately turned on the heating. She rubbed her hands, waiting for the truck to warm up, and took a sniff of the fresh scent her apple flavored air freshener gave it.

She drove out onto the streets, radio silent. Wasn’t like there was anything good on anyway. Looking out of the window, the city was already alive. It never did sleep, if early morning commuters walking along were anything to suggest.

The drive was fairly short, save for the traffic. That was just another of life’s general annoyances Jack had grown accustomed to. Her journey took her to where several small shops were located. Nothing big, nothing fancy, just something for the locals in the area to go to when they needed necessities.

Finding a parking spot was simple this early. Getting out of her truck, she walked down the street towards a store that looked rather homey. Unsurprising, given how much time she spent in it these days. The storefront read Apple Family Goods. Not the best name perhaps, but Jack had learned people don’t really care about titles when your food tastes good.

Unlocking the door, she went in and turned on the lights. It wasn’t a big shop, only having two short rows and a counter at the back. The room behind it contained boxes and packaging, and the room behind that was the freezer for her goods. The floor was covered in tasteful chestnut wooden floorboards and the walls were painted a light beige.

In an ideal world, Jack would’ve preferred a stand. But markets weren’t really a safe thing to do in Manhattan, Rarity had told her. An atmosphere in which you’d get eaten alive by your competitors, as opposed to the friendly tone back home had. A shop was more established and a safer bet, but also more expensive. Jack grimaced at the amount of her work her family had put into this, just for her. She took a carton of apple juice from her stock to wash out the bad taste in her mouth.

She got herself ready, then switched the sign from ‘closed’ to ‘open’. Then she stood at the front desk, just waiting for that door to open and the bell to ring. Just like every other day.

Nine o’clock was the perfect time for a lady to awake for the day. Rarity slowly opened her eyes and turned, having plenty of space to do so. Her hand reached over to where Jack would have been—perhaps should’ve been—and grabbed the bed sheets. They were cold.

No time to lament, Rarity. It’s time to get ready for another productive day, she told herself. It sounded better in her head than speaking it out loud. Getting out of bed, she tutted at Jack’s bedclothes lying on the floor.

“The least she could do is make an effort…” she muttered, grumbling as she picked up the clothes. She was about to put them away when a single sniff made her throw them straight into the washing machine.

Washing her hands (literally) clean of that, she had her breakfast just as Jack did. The only difference was that Rarity treated herself to a fresh apple and some tea as well.

She didn’t have to be at work until later. Her assistant would be there earlier, of course. Rarity had told her that it was unnecessary, but the girl was just too eager. It wasn’t very surprising, though. Ever since new opportunities for Rarity opened up in the city, life had become a blur of work and interactions with the high class. The new clients had demanded far much more of her than any had back home.

Once breakfast was sorted, she got herself cleaned and ready for a day of fashion. She wore a white jumper and purple clean cut trousers; skirts had become yesterday’s news for the time being. The ensemble was complemented by white high heels and a navy blue trenchcoat. And her glamorous make up, of course.

Going to the living room, she picked up Jack’s note and read the words.

At the store, hard at work. Will pick you up tonight like always.

Jack xx

The handwriting wasn’t very neat. Quite sloppy, actually. Rarity had grown accustomed to reading it though. Oddly enough, the ‘x’s at the end were the things she found herself drawn to. Why was love represented in ‘x’ anyway? She couldn’t remember. She couldn’t even remember if Jack used to write down more for her.

Sighing, she set aside that line of thought, along with the note. Another cup of tea and she was ready to go. With her red handbag hanging on her arm, she left the apartment and went into the elevator. Pressing the ground floor button, it took a few seconds for the doors to close. She held onto the side bar as she felt the elevator make its way down. Unfortunately, there was no mirror of sorts here to let her perform she last minute beauty checks.

She decided to walk past the cars in the apartment garages, even if they weren’t hers. Giving them longing looks, she stared at the place where Jack’s truck would have been. It would have been nice to have her own, but for the time being she had to settle with public transport and that rustbucket. Jack could’ve cleaned the thing for once. Again, it was a matter of effort that Jack didn’t seem willing to give.

Making her way to the bus stop, she saw the overcast sky above. Fitting, she mused. At least it isn’t raining. She stood waiting for the bus, her back straight, glancing at the few people near her. They were the usual morning commuters, some she recognised, but never spoke to.

The bus should’ve arrived in a couple of minutes, but it got close to ten. Rarity rolled her eyes when it finally did turn up. It was an ugly thing too, just a long gray box with an advertisement plastered on the side. This month it was featuring some chocolate brand.

The bus doors opened and Rarity went in, using a bus card instead of buying a ticket. Sitting down, she was thankful to get an empty spot this morning. She still got shivers when she recalled spending a whole journey next to a large man who smelled… for lack of a better word, repulsive.

The journey was tolerable, but with traffic combined with the frequent stops, it was far longer than it needed to be. Rarity often took the time to think about her work. It was one of the few things she enjoyed thinking about these days.

Eventually she got off at her stop and a short walk later she arrived at her workplace. The move from home to here was particularly difficult. Moving her whole business from one place to another wasn’t an easy task, and leaving her friends and family behind had been even harder.

It was harder on Jack, a voice from the back of her mind told her. She tried to ignore it and headed inside.

A shorter woman was already busy at work on the dresses, using a sewing machine on some purple fabric that was to be a fabulous number. She had light blue cropped hair, pale skin, and a gentle smile. Stopping on the sewing machine as soon as she heard the door, she turned to the seamstress. “Hello Miss Rarity.”

“A pleasure as always, Coco,” she replied, putting down her bags on a messy worktop. “Faring well, I hope?”

Coco nodded, even if Rarity wasn’t giving her eye contact. “Oh yes, I’m just working on the dress Sapphire wanted.”

Rarity looked at her cluttered, ‘organized’ chaos, licking her lips. Somewhere, there was a photo of her and Jack on a picnic in the park. Rarity remembered it as a simple, enjoyable time. She liked simple, and Jack was exactly that. She was a constant. A rock, perhaps. Simple wasn’t something she’d had in a while. “Mmm.”

Coco tilted her head slightly, eyebrow quirked. “Rarity? Are you alright?”

Rarity shook her head. “Nothing, darling.” Taking a deep breath, she clasped her hands together and put on a brave face. “Now, let’s make some magic, hm?”

“Thank ya kindly,” Jack said, putting the customer’s change into the cash register. “Have a great day now.” She waved at the man as he left the shop, a small part of her envying his freedom. Sighing, she rested her head on her hand and waited for the next hopeful customer.

A familiar rumbling of an engine outside made her perk up and rush out of the store. In the street was a truck, similar to Jack’s but much larger and with a lot of crates in the back. Out of the door hopped out a giant of a man, but with a peaceful look about him.

Jack smiled and went up to him. “Was wonderin’ when you’d show up.” She snerked, punching him in the arm.

“Eeyup,” Mac said solidly. Gesturing for Jack to follow, they went ‘round the back of the vehicle and started unloading the goods fresh from the family farm.

“Everything good back home?” Jack asked, easily managing to hold a big crate.

“Eeyup. Granny’s doin’ fine, and Alice is workin’ hard at school.” The big man gave her a shrug. “Life goes on.”

“Good,” Jack answered, kicking the door open and hauling her crate inside. Her brother followed, although he was slower and even a little clumsy about it.

Silent fell shortly after, and Jack could feel her brother’s gaze on her. The man was normally a gentle giant, but sometimes even his mere presence was intimidating. Even a little creepy. Snorting, she ignored him and went to get another crate.

When she got back inside, he was still there, arms folded across his chest. “Things still bad?”

“They ain’t bad,” Jack said stubbornly, brushing past him. “We’re just… busy, that’s all.”

“Too busy to even talk to each other?” Mac asked.

Jack stopped, tightening her grip on the crate. “Can ya just help me with moving this stuff? More time we stand here yappin’ at each other, the more time I’m wastin’. And time’s money and all that.”

Mac nodded, doing as he was told. The silence that followed was almost unbearable, with Jack unable to so much as stand still. Before long Mac’s duty had been done, and he returned to his truck and sat in the driver’s seat. With an arm leaning on the window, he looked down at his sister.

“You two need to talk.”

Jack looked down the street, a pedestrian walking past. Another lost customer. “I know, Mac,” she admitted, sighing deeply and staring back at him. “I know.”

“Then make sure you do it,” Mac told her. He stoic expression then turned into a gentle, brotherly smile. “Yer better with words than ya think.”

“Says the almost-mute,” Jack shot back, smirking.

Mac snorted. “Well, yeah…” He trailed off, then shook his head. “Take care of yerself, Jack.”

“You too, Mac. Give ma love to Alice and Granny. I miss ‘em.”

Her brother returned a respectful nod. “They miss you too. Come down and visit sometime.”

Jack frowned, letting out a distasteful grunt. “When I get the time…”

“When you get the time then,” Mac repeated, before nodding once more and setting off in his truck. Jack watched the vehicle go, until it turned the corner and couldn’t be seen. Kicking a small pebble on the sidewalk, she meandered back inside her store.

Routine dictated that Jack shut up shop at seven in the evening. Locking up all the doors, she stepped out into the sunset lit street and entered her truck. It was time to pick up Rarity and go home.

She briefly considered turning on the radio as she started the car up, but thought better of it; Rarity would likely disapprove of any country ‘hick’ music she would’ve listened to. In silence, she drove onward, joining the evening traffic. Just another unimportant figure in the gridlock.

Rarity was standing out on the street by the time Jack arrived. She looked like she always did at this time: eloquent, the sun shining on her smooth skin, giving her the impression of radiance. The enticing smirk that always promised so much more. Those deep pools of blue in her eyes.

Jack always preferred to just call her beautiful though. It was much simpler.

She walked over to the door and got in, leaning over and pecking Jack on the cheek. The farmer’s heart raced, like it did every time.

“How was your day then?” Rarity asked, adjusting her seatbelt.

“Usual,” Jack swiftly replied, focusing on the road. A cold cider was awaiting her back at the apartment.

“Mm,” Rarity neutrally replied, bringing down the sun visor and looking at herself in the mirror.

“And yours?”

“Just about the same, all things considered,” she answered, grabbing her lipstick from her handbag and doing her best to apply it as Jack drove.

The farmer quirked a brow. “Now whatcha puttin’ on that damn lippy on fer now? Day’s almost done.”

“The day might be, but the night’s just begun.” Rarity shrugged, puckering her lips. “I might go out on the town for a bit. See if I can have some fun in the bars and clubs.”

Jack took the moment at a red light to stare at Rarity. “Oh no you ain’t. I don’t want some varmit grabbing you for his own.”

Rarity tutted, tucking away her lipstick. “Darling, please. It’s just for some fun.”

“And staying with me at home ain’t?” Jack questioned.

“Not particularly, no. Especially when all you do is eat dinner, drink a cider, then fall asleep.” Rarity turned to look out of the window, her expression all but hidden from Jack.

Jack brought her gaze back to the road, right as the cars started moving again. Maybe on another day she would’ve shouted back an appropriate fiery retort. But today… she sighed and loosened her grip on the wheel slightly.

“I’m jus’ tired,” she admitted.

“As am I.”

“Something’s gotta change.”

“And soon.”

Jack bit her lip and took the plunge, placing a hand on Rarity’s. They were so small, so soft, as if merely tensing her own hand could break them. “I jus’ want you to know that… well, I love ya.”

Rarity turned, her face now partially visible. “You think I doubted that?”

“No,” Jack instantly said. “But… I don’t think I’ve said it enough, y’know?” she stammered. Rarity merely met her with a single nod. Jack swallowed, contemplating. “You’re still gonna go out, aren’t ya?”

“Yes, I am,” Rarity said.

Jack drew away her hand. “Alright then.”

So it came to be that silence descended on the couple. The journey wasn’t much longer, despite the traffic. When they entered the apartment, Jack went to the fridge and grabbed a cider. Rarity went to their room and picked up her make-up. Jack sat down and switched on the TV. Rarity got into a sleek red number. No words were said as she left the apartment to head into town.

Jack didn’t stay up for her. A quick microwave meal and she was done. Work demanded that she get some sleep for another early morning. So that’s exactly what she did. But without her angel next to her, sleep did not come easily.

Rarity crept through the door, quietly closing it behind her. The lights in the apartment were off, meaning Jack was well asleep. Rarity threw down her handbag, and slipped off her heel shoes. The buzz was beginning to wear off by now, and she’d probably feel it in the morning. She hadn’t had too many drinks of course—she could talk coherently at least—but normally she would’ve been asleep hours ago.

Her night on the town had been fun. While it lasted, at least. Socializing with a few random patrons in bars and clubs, she had felt alive. Free, in a sort. The people she had met were lively, engaged and were having fun, revelling in it.

Yet she had only gotten a taste of it. Their cheer had spread to her, but none came from within herself. She felt empty, and she knew perfectly well why. She hadn’t tried to foolishly drown it out with alcohol, although she suspected that wouldn’t have worked either.

No, none of the people she had met were quite like Jack. That said, she was a very long away from home. The city was home to people of all sorts. Just not the sort of ones that came from back in Mansfield.

She was stuck here now. Chained to her job and tied to Jack. The latter wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. Pictures along the wall told stories of the pair enjoying what the town had to offer. A shot of them standing together, like one firm unit, their backs to the beautiful bay and the sunset glowing around them like a wondrous aura.

Tracing a finger over the images, she stared at them longingly for a few minutes. She retreated to the bedroom when her eyes became heavy. Jack was fast asleep, clutching the covers. Rarity mentally groaned at the thought of having to wrestle them away from her. A quick change into her silk nightwear and she slipped in next to Jack.

On closer inspection, her lover’s face was consorted with the lines of anxiousness and dread. Concerned, Rarity shuffled closer and planted a tender kiss on Jack’s forehead. Nothing changed.

Sighing, Rarity rolled over and took what little amount of bedsheet she could. Eyes closed, she lay there until sleep took its hold over her.

It was another quiet morning in the apartment. Rarity had set herself an alarm this time, much to her groggy disdain when it went off. Jack was absent, but not without performing the sacred ritual of leaving a note behind.

The work day went by, Rarity working hard with Coco on new designs, as Jack made small-talk with customers. The two of them did what they could to add a little extra flair to their otherwise dull routines, but the constraints of their jobs kept them to a rigid line.

It went by not as a blur, but like a dull slab. It felt like an eternity before Jack could leave her shop and pick up Rarity. When she arrived, Rarity entered the truck and the two said their hellos, accompained with light kisses. Then the journey home began.

“So…” Jack began. “I never asked you about your night out.”

“Oh?” Rarity blinked, facing Jack. “Taking an interest, are we?”

“‘Course I am, otherwise I wouldn’t ask,” Jack snapped. She then growled, rubbing her face. “Sorry. Long day.”

“It’s fine, darling.” Rarity brushed aside her hair. “Let’s just get home, hm?”

“Well ya never answered my question,” Jack said, eyes staying on the car in front of her.

“It was enjoyable, yes,” Rarity answered blandly.

“Just that?”

“Quite so.”

“Fair enough,” Jack replied, rolling her eyes.

When they arrived back at the apartment, Jack locked the car and followed Rarity to the lobby. The tailor looked at the stairs, frowning slightly. “Let’s take the elevator today. I simply can’t be doing with all those stairs after today.”

Jack shrugged, heading over and pushing the button summon the elevator. “Long day?”

“Somewhat,” Rarity said, folding her arms and watching the numbers go down.

“You and me both,” Jack agreed.

Moments passed and the steel doors parted, revealing a small cubicle with a mirrored wall at the back. Rarity walked in, resting on the handrail as Jack’s finger hovered over the buttons. The farmer pressed one of the floor buttons, then stood back against the wall, idly watching the doors close and feeling the elevator go up.

The two of them stumbled as the elevator violently came to a halt.

Jack immediately went forward and caught Rarity, grasping her arm and putting a hand just beneath her breast. She hid a blush under her hat as she gently brought Rarity to her feet.

“Erm, thank you, darling,” Rarity said, rubbing her arm where Jack had held her. Her voice was sweet and her cheeks were tinged a slight pink.

“Er, no problem,” Jack replied, shuffling away and heading to the buttons once more. The brief warmth she had felt faded when pressing the floor button again did nothing. “Shoot. Darn thing’s stuck.”

“Call the help button then,” Rarity suggest, helpfully pointing at it.

“Was gonna do that,” Jack said, pushing it with her thumb. It definitely registered, making a ‘ping’ noise, but no one was there to receive it.

“Er, hello? Anyone there?” she asked, yet still nothing. “Well shoot. What the hell are they doin’ up there?!”

“Calm down, Jack,” Rarity advised, taking in a calming breath. “I’m sure someone will be along to help us out soon enough.”

“Ya best be right. Won’t be able to stand being cooped up in here much longer.” Jack grunted, heading to a corner of the room and sitting down.

Minutes passed and still nothing came. There were no signs from the outside world at all. It was simply them and the small box that they shared.

Done filing her nails, Rarity tutted and stared at Jack. The farmer was still sitting down, resting her arms on her knees. Her face was obscured, a shadow casted by her hat. Seeing there was not much better to do, Rarity went ahead and asked a question. “What did you mean by ‘not standing being cooped up in here’?”

Jack stirred, raising her head. “It’s a small room. I want to get back to the apartment and have my dinner. That’s all.”

“Ah.” Rarity fiddled with the side of her trousers. “It just sounded like…”

“Like what?” Jack stood, meeting Rarity eye to eye, although her expression was perfectly neutral.

“Well, like you didn’t want to be trapped in here with me all day,” Rarity commented, turning away and heading towards the mirror to look at her reflection.

“Rare, now you know that ain’t true,” Applejack defended, glaring at her.

“Certainly have been acting like it lately.” Withholding a sigh, Rarity looked at Jack from the reflection. It wasn’t meant to be like this and in their current position things weren’t going to stay stable at this rate for long. “I think it’s time we had a long talk.”

“Yeah, me too.” Jack walked up to Rarity, taking her hand. “So can ya at least look at me? Please?”

Rarity turned, although her hand slipped out of Jack’s grip. “Yes, I suppose you deserve that much. It’s only fair after all.”

Jack held back her response. She took a breath in, then exhaled before continuing. “It’s clear things ain’t… as good as they could be, between us.”

“Things are breaking down, Jack,” Rarity clarified, seeing Jack wince. Her expression softened. “I don’t like to admit that either, but before being honest with each other, we need to be honest with ourselves. If that makes sense.”

“Er…” Jack rubbed the back of her head, thinking. “I guess. I just…” After fumbling with her words for a moment, she just came out with the truth. “I ain’t happy with how things are goin’ here. I thought things would be peachy, but it’s just been work and work and…” Her eyes glanced up from the floor, to Rarity. “I don’t wanna accuse ya of things ya haven’t done but… ya haven’t exactly helped much.”

“What do you mean?” Rarity snorted, folding her arms across her chest. “I did what I could to help you, but you never gave anything back. As soon as you get back from work, you simply relax then fall asleep.”

“Only ‘cause the work’s so tirin’ by myself, and all you do these days is moan at me!” Jack cried, throwing her arms up in the air. “I can’t do everything, Rare!”

“Well you could at least try,” Rarity shot back. “This isn’t a pity party, Jack. It might be hard, but this is the real life. And—”

“I gave everything I had for you!” Jack shouted, stunning Rarity into silence. “You wanted to come here for your clients, and we didn’t want to leave each other. So I left my family back home.” She stared at herself in the mirror, noting those rings around her eyes. “I thought it’d be okay without them; I was independent enough...” Sighing tiredly, she leaned her head against the mirror and closed her eyes.

A gentle touch on her shoulder snapped her out of it.

“I’m sorry, Jack… I didn’t think.” Rarity rubbed her eyes, which had started to become bloodshot. “I’m afraid I made a terrible mistake in letting us come here. Your family is important, and I shouldn’t have taken them away from you.”

“Rare…” Jack turned, cupping her lover’s face with a hand. “They’re important, sure, but so are you. I’m an Apple to the core, but the Apple never falls far from the tree.” Seeing Rarity’s eyebrow raise, she explained, “Ain’t nothin’ there ‘bout the Apple being tied to the branch.”

Rarity smirked. “Is this like the thing about apple pie?”

“Jus’ maybe,” Jack replied with a grin.

Rarity wiped at her eyes, sniffling. “Look at me, almost crying over me being such a complete…” She searched for a word that’d be tasteful. “Idiot.”

“Pfft, yer the smartest woman I know.” Upon looking at Rarity’s complete disbelief, she went on. “After Twila, ‘course. But she ain’t as pretty to look at as you.”

“Stop it, Jack,” Rarity instructed, despite the faint blush on her cheeks. “I should’ve been more compassionate. But instead I was too wrapped in my work and deadlines to even notice… perhaps I should’ve—” A finger on her lips silenced her effortlessly.

“Takes two to start a fight. ‘Least that’s what Granny says. I haven’t been treating ya the way I should. The way I promised.” Jack took her hand, guiding her closer. “I wanna make that right. To stand by ya and make ya feel special.”

“And so will I,” Rarity said, smiling deviously as Jack leaned in for a kiss. She raised her index finger, blocking off the farmer’s lips. “But we should take things slowly, like when we first started. I’m pretty sure I can leave Coco by herself for one day. Girl needs to learn some independance anyway.”

Jack licked her lips, reigning in her desires. “A-And I’m pretty sure I can close the shop too. What’s one day gonna hurt?”

“Exactly.” Rarity lowered her finger, then gazed around the room. They were still stuck, with no sign of rescue for a while yet. “Well, since we’ll be here for a long time yet…”

Jack blinked. “Er, yeah?”

“We may aswell make the most of it.”

Rarity surged forward, planting her lips on Jack’s. After a surprised ‘mmph’ from her, she returned the gesture, wrapping her arms around Rarity and holding her securely in a strong, loving embrace. Rarity ran her fingers through Jack’s golden hair, while her other hand wiggled it’s way under Jack’s shirt. In response, Jack lowered her hand down Rarity’s trousers. The passion intensified, as did their movements, as they unleashed all the pent up anxieties and aggression, using them to make love.

“Yay! They did it!” Pinkie cheered in her seat, watching the security of the feed while everyone else had turned away.

“Pinks, are you really going to watch them do it?” Dash asked, keeping her eyes covered even if her back was turned to the screen.

“I just needed to make sure they wouldn’t start fighting again,” Pinkie said, nodding sagely.

“Well now that they’re not, can we please turn off the feed?” Chylene asked, her long pink hair covering her left eye.

“Yeah, we should let them have their privacy,” Coco added, sitting next to her. “Please.”

“That’s probably enough, yes,” Twila said, turning off the feed with one hand, peeking through her fingers on the other. When the screen turned black, everyone but Pinkie sighed with relief. Twila turned, adjusting her glasses, and walking over to the man behind them all, his back turned to everyone.

“We’re probably going to get in a lot of trouble for this, but it was worth it to help them. Thanks for letting us know what was happening, Mac.” Twila didn’t receive a response, so she carefully walked around the big guy. “Mac?”

“Eeyup,” he quietly said, face as red as his shirt.

“Oh, right…” Twila slowly looked back at the blank screen. “That was…” Coughing, she stepped towards the door, turning back to everyone. “Come on, everyone. We’ll let them have their moment, then we’ll start the elevator back up.”

“Eeyup,” Mac spoke, being the first one out of the door. Never before had Twila seen a man so big move so swiftly.