"Sales have improved 27% and customer have us as one of the best 10 business in the mall". Eastern Scroll the owner of 'Happy sushi time' explained to his employees as the skinny man showed a rare but symbolic smile." I know that the past two months had been tough, but you guys didn't slack and that effort it's appreciated".

The employees listened carefully to their boss, half expecting some kind of reward for the good job performed, all expect a red and blonde headed girl. In her mind Sunset was listing the people needed for her project, her attention was brought back to reality land just in time when her boss was finished his speech.

"In the following days I'll be handling bonuses in the checks of those who performed well, that'll be all and keep the good work".
As the crowd happily started to disperse the boss called once more." Shimmer, I need you in my office ". Sunset wondered what was that about but followed her boss without complain. Once in private, Sunset's employer took seat and draw from one of the desk compartments an envelope with the company's logo printed on top, then handled say envelope to Sunset who took it with curiosity."open it and read it. Then tell me what you think". Her boss commanded.

Sunset nodded and did as told, unfolding the letter inside, Sunset read the contest of that letter, first slowly then even more slower with the intention of making sure she didn't miss anything.
"Wow, are you really opening a new stand? That's awesome Mr Scroll".

"Thanks Shimmer, and yes we'll be opening a new stand. This one will be closer to the west side of the city. That will put it with less competition from Sugarcube Corner and Filthy Rich's restaurants".
Sunset knew that the location also put it in old district of Canterlot where the Mayor's office and Post office were, making it even more profitable without affecting the main branch here in the mall, there was however a small problem right with that location.

"Sorry for the question sir, but wouldn't that put you in Apple's territory? and even if the products are different there's still food related". The west area was where the old market was located and the apple, grapes and vegetables stand from Sweet Apple Acres was one of the main and oldest business there.

"Sharp as ever Shimmer, and yes that area is dominated by the old farm folks but that is part of the reason I call you over. I know that you have connections with the Apples, and I know that their products, especially their cider are in high demand. Also, a friend of my just happen about some important info, the partnership between them and Filthy Rich is about to expire, and the word around is that they may look for a new distribution partner". Mr Scroll let Sunset assimilate his words.

"Shimmer, you may be young but you are hardworking, smart and driven so I want to give you this opportunity. If you help me at getting the Apples to a partnership with us then I'll make you my personal assistant. As my assistant you'll get nice perks such as a 50% increase in your wage, less physical work and an extra week of vacation, if you want take some time to think about it and when you come back from your days off give me your answer, ok?". Sunset nodded and walked out of the office, her mind racing with the idea proposed to her, but first she needed to do a few calls and meet with some people that would help her prepare the best gift ever for her boyfriend.

SUGARCUBE CORNER
"Pinkie?, Pinkie are you ok?". The girl sitting across Pinkie Pie asked with a tone of worry.

"Sorry, yes I'm ok it just that suddenly I felt the need of spanking one of my friends for some reason, but don't worry about it". Pinkie Pie explained to her new friend and newest coworker.

"O-ok, I'm glad that I'll get to work with you, my parents didn't wanted me to come and live in the city, if it wasn't for your family I couldn't even get the chance to learn under Mr and Ms Cake, so thanks again Pinkie". Explained the girl to her friend Pinkie, both of their families came from the same mining town but they parted ways when a new town was founded and many families from there moved to look for new opportunities, still, her family and the Pies keep contact during the years and that's how she knew that Maud and Pinkie had moved at Canterlot city.

"Don't swear it, you'll like it over here, to bad you won't be attending CHS with me but you still will meet my friends, matter of fact, the brother of one off my friends will be having his party in eight days, I'm sure they wouldn't mind having you too". Pinkie wanted to integrate her friend with the rest of the crew so that she could feel more confident about her new live and parties were the best icebreakers of the world, amen.

"Are, are you sure pinkie, I mean I'll love to go but what if the birthday's guy doesn't want me there" The girl didn't mind a little contact with the locals, but been new around and getting into parties right away could send the wrong image about her.

"Pfffff, don't worry girl Big Mac likes everyone, I'm sure that if we ask him he'll say yes. Actually, we could ask him right now!". As Pinkie said those words she got up from the table and pulled a football helmet out of her puffy hair and put it on, then walked to the back off the counter and assumed a tackling position while smiling.

"What are you doing now Pinkie?". Asked the girl to her weird friend.

"Just watch and seeeeee". Pinkie shouted and run at the same time toward the front, just then the main door opened and a tall guy walked in while greeting the pink missile that crashed on his form. The girl tried to warn the newcomer but it came to late, still the guy didn't even flinch when Pinkie Pie fully tackled him while Pinkie in the other hand was sprawled over the floor.

"Are you ok Miss Pinkie?" Asked the young man. The girl still sitting was dumbfounded for what she saw, the man was at least two heads taller that her, with a mop of blonde hair that looked combed by the wind itself and if the ridiculous display of Pinkie was any indication he was as strong as a horse, but perhaps over all, it was the green eyes that adorned his face that got the girl's heart beating like a jackhammer.

Without waiting for an answer, the guy lifted Pinkie from the floor and placed her gently back on her feet, now standing Pinkie dusted her uniform and without warning wrapped the guy in a hug that no doubt let him feel the front of her body." I'm ok silly willy and thanks, but shocks, I was pretty sure that i was going to knock you over this time". Pinkie complained with a pout in her face.

"Maybe one day Pinkie, maybe. Hmmmm? Ain't that my helmet?".
Asked Big Mac wondering why was his helmet from the school's trophy case in the little baker's possession.

"Suuure iiis, also you can put the delivery on the back near the sacks of flour". Told Pinkie while inexplicably putting back the helmet inside her puffy hair. Mac thought about asking but decided this was Pinkie so he didn't.

Mac then noted the girl sitting in one of the benches and polity nodded to her turned around to finish this part of the delivery when Pinkie call him "hey Big Mac, I want you to meet our new addition to the team, she's a friend of the family who just moved over with Maud and me".

"That so?" Mac approached the girl and extended his arm for a handshake. "Nice to meet ya ma'am, name is Macintosh but everyone calls me Big Mac".

The girl tried to speak but only incoherent giggles would come out, she still managed to shake hands and was impressed by the firm grip in which her hand was trapped. Mac let go and turned to Pinkie asking if the girl was alright as she continue looking like she half dreaming half awake. So it was Pinkie Pie who broke the awkwardness "sooo Mackey would be ok if my friend could come to your party? You know so that she can interact and speak like a human being again".

Mac thought for a minute and agreed to it " Sure, way not, I'll have a couple of cousins already so she can meet them too", turning one more time to the odd girl Mac offered "Yur welcome to came a hope you like it miss... Miss?

"Belle, Sugar Belle and sorry about earlier". Mac smiled and winked leaving the girl red faced as he tried to finish his delivery Pinkie once more bear hugged him from behind, once again impossible not to feel the size b orbs of her distant cousin, finally free, Mac left in his truck to continue his job.

" Like what you saw Suggy?". Asked Pinkie while smiling from ear to ear.

Sugar Belle avoided eye contact but didn't denied" y-yes, it was , very intense, Pinkie who was that?".

"Duh, I just told you silly, he's Big Mac , my cousin from the Apple family and all around heartbreaker and panty knocker".

"Pinkie!, you just said that he's your cousin!".

"DISTANT cousin, besides I know i don't turn him on". Pinkie said with a little sadness in her voice.

"You mean, he like guys?".

"No silly and don't even say that out loud or the female population of the city is going to commit seppuku, no, i think he is in love with someone already, Who you may ask, even I don't know , but I'm sure that's the case".

"How are you so sure Pinkie? Asked Sugar Belle a little in the doubt.

"Because, I have seen it before, look" Pinkie once again sunk her hands inside her bottomless puffy hair and came back with two pictures, both of her older sister." when Maud started dating this guy Maud totally change, like, she's a completely different person". Pinkie said while holding both pictures for Sugar Belle to see. Both so identical that one could swear they were copies.

"I.. see". Responded Sugar Belle.

SUNSET SHIMMER'S APARTMENT
The door to the little apartment bursted open and it's owner did a quick dash to the bathroom, after a quick shower Sunset stepped out and dressed up, only then did she noted the note left in the center of her table, she pick it up and read it.
======================================================
To my sunshine:
Hope you are doing good, I can't wait to see you again, I'll try to sneak out tomorrow and meet you in the Hub, we can go somewhere else from there.

PS. Left some food for you in the kitchen, seriously Sunny you need to clean that thing once in a while.

Love you always Mac.
======================================================
Sunset rolled her eyes at the last comment, by Celestia she loved Mac but sometimes he could be more strict that a mother. Opening the fridge Sunset found an assortment of food, veggies, fruits, milk, water bottles, ham, cheese, bacon, apple fritters and a few bottles of apple cider. Sunset knew that most of the products were from the Apple farm and no doubt Mac paid them from his own money. A kind display of love, but unfortunately Sunset also saw it as something else.

Sunset was the youngest of the two but she wanted to show that she was mature enough to date him and having your boyfriend feeding you was hardly a way to demonstrate that. Still, right now her mind needed focus in something else, taking her keys Sunset left her home to hunt down the person that will help her with the gift for Mac.

RICH'S PRODUCTS MARKET
Big Mac watched as Filthy's employees unloaded his truck, a call from inside the compound did make him turn " Big Mac! Buddy , what's up!".

"Hey Thunderlane, same ol same ol". Mac saluted his friend and fellow teammate, Thundelane was the former quarterback for his team during Mac's last year in CHS, the two of then were drinking buddies along Vice principal Luna, Time Turner and in a few occasions even Cheerilee would join, since Mac and Sunset were dating she started hanging out with them too, but to a less degree.

"So any plans for the big day?" asked Thunderlane while keeping count of the number of boxes the workers have taken out of the truck.

"Just a small party with family and some friends, you coming?". Mac almost new the answer to that but needed to ask still out of politeness.

"Nah, you know who is probably gonna be there and I don't want to do an ass of myself again, specially in my best bud party". Thunderlane rejected the invitation with a sad tone in his voice and Mac could understand, he was once rejected too and it hurts, even if the reasons behind are logical it still hurt, but Mac had the privilege of finding something more wonderful, but Thunderlane didn't have that.

"She ain't a bad person Lane, she's just a little to hardheaded". Mac said trying somehow to defend Rainbow Dash.

"I know, don't worry ok?, enjoy your party and when you get a chance let celebrate with your girlfriend at the Hub, by the way, Cheerilee is going tomorrow and said that she's taking her new roommate with her". Thunderlane said in high spirits again.

"Really? We'll be there, I already told Sunset, same time?".Mac was preparing to leave as the workers took the last of the boxes from his truck.

"You know it, is not like Luna is going to change the time just because we ask nicely haha, anyway, that's the last buddy, we'll send the check through mail like always". The two friends fist bumped and Mac drove away. Mac checked the time, by now he was almost done but there were a few thing left to do in the farm, Sunset probably wouldn't call him after she arrived in her apartment and that would be later, Mac did his mind and chose to stay in home, after all his sulky sister Applejack was probably still there and Mac needed to easy the tension as much as possible before the next sunday.

30 minutes later Mac arrived, parking his truck inside the shed with the other vehicles that the Apple family owned. Right now the only one missing was the mini bus that the Rainbooms used for band plays that was in the school.

Inside the House Mac found only his Granny who was preparing supper, taking an apple from the table and bitting it Mac left the recipes from the deliveries in the top of it, "Is AJ still outside?"
Granny Smith grunting a yes, " and you still have her grounding stakes?". Mac asked again.

"Sure am!, that missy can't be put to sweat with anything else". Declared Granny Smith and Mac knew what she was referring to, since gaining her super strength Applejack did almost everything without an effort, from the mundanes to the most specials of tasks became nothing to her, things that even Mac struggle with, Applejack could do without breaking a sweat, however that turned certain jobs impossible of accomplish for the blonde farmer girl, things that required a delicate and careful touch and planting the stakes was at the top of the list.

Following the incident in the school where Mac took Sunset to her apartment a week ago, Applejack has been disobeying Mac's orders about the chores, doing the ones she liked and forgetting the ones she was asked to do, however when Granny Smith heard about it, she punished the girl for her behavior. Granny knew what make her grandchildren tick off and knew the perfect retribution should any of them misbehave.

"I'll have a talk with her, no need to have a quarrel when the rest of the family shows up".Mac took a basket and put a couple of drinks and peaches on it, before leaving he give his Granny a little peck in the cheek.

As Mac did his way toward the deep part of the orchard he saw a small cloud of dust coming from the old road that lead to the city. There was only two persons that still used that road and by the uncontrolled pattern of the driver Mac knew who it was.

His thought proved right when the little motor bike almost crashed against the fence. Mac almost yelled a warning to the pilot but just like with Pinkie Pie he knew that it would be a waste. Instead he waited until the pilot stoped just inches away from crashing through the fence and the mail box, the pilot shook her head and took off the helmet to reveal blonde hair and yellowish eyes, " Hi miss Ditzy, come to deliver our mail?".

Ditzy 'muffins' Doo turned to Mac and smiled " Hi Big Mac, why yes I brought a letter specially for you". Ditzy said as she buried her hand in the big bag mounted in the passenger cart attached to her bike, when her hand come out, it did with several envelopes but none was for him, "that's strange, I know i put it here somewhere". Not finding the correct letter Ditzy used both of her hands now and it look it like even that didn't help.
Looking at the mail girl getting frustrated Mac decided to help but the little blonde did has her pride. "No no no no Big Mac, thanks but I have to do this". Putting goggles over her eyes Ditzy shook her hips like someone ready to dive into the water and jumped in the big bag head first.

Ditzy leaned forward so much that now her feet were kicking at the air, that also left Mac with a clear view of her cute butt sticking up, Mac blushed and tried to avoid staring but fortunately Ditzy managed to fish out the letter although in the more strange way possible, between her teeth.

Ditzy took the envelope in her hands and read the headline out loud for him "Ahem, for Mr Macintosh Apple from the 'State Association of Tutoring and Extra Advancements'. Finally it was here.

Mac was so exited that he took the little delivery girl by the waist and started spinning her around until he calmed down." Wow, I have never seen someone so happy just for receiving one letter, ok Big Mag, I'll see you later". And with that Ditzy left just as she came, like a mix of drunk driving and sleep deprived.

Mac put the envelope inside the basket and continued his search for Applejack. Just a few yards away at the end of the Apple terrain Mac found his sweet little sister, no matter how old AJ was , for him she was no older that Apple Bloom.

When Mac reach her, Applejack was half way done, which spoke of how difficult was for her since by now Mac would have been finished hours ago. Mac approached her enough for her to notice him, but she didn't show any reaction. Rather she turned around putting her back toward him, Mac let out a deep sigh, while.the Apple family pride themselves in been a tight and united family, quarrels among their members could last or been worse that most families. Mac still remember the time Apple Bloom wanted to move out and live with Scootaloo just because Applejack wouldn't let her use skirts.

Mac took seat under the shade of an old tree and observed Applejack's work, his sister was about to hammer the next stake, Mac saw a small pile of broken stakes indicating that AJ was probably in a very sour mood. Applejack hammered the piece of wood, a little bit to soft and the stake didn't sink all the way but it was a good start, the next few blows had more force on them but apparently the stake wasn't leveled correctly and now it was going in and angle, Applejack huffed softly and hit the stake in the side to correct it, a little to hard again and the stake tilted to the other side, Applejack growled, again and again she tried until she was almost done, however she lost sight of her finger position and when she let the hammer go a yelp of pain escaped her lips rather that the triumphant hurray! She does when she succeed in something.

Mac got up and went to his sister, Applejack was cursing while holding her injured finger as Mac was about to call her she spun around yelling "Dammit Macintosh, why did ya have ta come over and ruin my focus, a was doin just fine before you show up".

Any world Mac could think of saying died in his throat, instant Mac grabbed Applejack by the wrist and pulled the girl toward where the basket was. Applejack wasn't expecting the sudden action of her brother so she didn't react until Mac had her right next to the basket, Mac sat on the ground and gesture to Applejack to do the same, then from one of the pockets of his shirt Mac produced a little plastic case small enough to fit in the palm of his hand. Mac opened the case and reviled the contest inside, Applejack meanwhile stood like a shaky leaf still holding her finger with her other hand, shifting awkwardly not knowing what to do, part of her ire was gone now, replaced with embarrassment and guilt for her reaction.

Finally deciding to seat, Applejack saw her big brother put out of the case a needle and a small band-aid, Applejack understood what Mac was going to do and let him proceed, inspecting the finger Mac first saw that the finger wasn't broken maybe as a result of AJ reducing the strength of the blow, it was swelling and turning purple, with the needle Mac punctured the finger where the swelling was worse and squished to help the blood out, Applejack tried to hold the pain but her face was showing what her body didn't.

With some of the blood out , the swelling didn't increase anymore, Mac then took out a small antiseptic patch and cleaned the wound, finally he used the band-aid around the puncture and put one of the cold drinks in top of the area to help with the swelling.

With the emergency almost done, Mac motioned to the basket and got up again moving toward the stakes and the hammer, to finish the job, soon the sound of metal meeting wood could be heard again.

Applejack wasn't angry anymore, uncertainty and guilt now plaged her mind. Her brother had a unique way of showing disappointment, not talking wasn't any surprise but doing things in a kind way when you show him rage and him not yelling or arguing when you were doing it was intimidating, like the calm before the storm, Applejack turned her attention to the basket Mac brought, seen the content only caused Applejack's guts o twist more, inside the basket was her favorite fruit, while most people knew that apples were her favorite, only those who knew her to the core could say that peaches was her number one fruit when she felt down so the fact that Mac brought them here mean that Mac wanted reconciliation, instead her sister had turned on him when he wanted to help her.

Applejack fell her heart ache and now she wanted to disappear, her attention was called to the basket once more when she saw the envelope amongst the fruits. Seen her brother's future about to change scare her, not many changes in her life were good, her friends could be counted among the good ones and her discovery and love for music. Her family was one of the things Applejack wanted to remain the same, but she knew that was impossible, Apple Bloom was growing, Granny was getting older and Mac, Mac was changing the most and not only himself but the people around him as well.

Her friends was a good example, since she and her friends reached puberty, Big Mac became the center of jokes and innuendos from Rainbow and sometimes Rarity too, even Pinkie Pie would tease her from time to time ' lend me some of your brother's cream' she'll say, even Sunset and Fluttershy would steal glances of her brother thinking that no one saw them, Sunset in particular was expending a lot of time near Big Mac, if it wasn't because she had real reason she would have confronted her long ago.

In resume her family was her family and her friends were her friends and she didn't want them mixed more that necessary. She wanted the farm to prosper and her family always together with her best friends by her side. Taking another look at the envelope she hoped that the hole she had been feeling in her guts for a while was only the apple fritters going bad. Watching her brother continuing the job Applejack failed to do, her mind wondered if she could find the courage to say she was sorry.

CANTERLOT, CENTER MALL
Sunset parked near the west entrance were the game arcade were located, her target would be coming out of the place if she didn't miscalculated, she didn't, she saw as the three girls walked out of the place, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and her target Apple Bloom, they were been watched over by Fluttershy, poor girl was trying to keep pu with the crusaders but her stamina was most likely depleted by now if her dragging her feet was any indication.

Sunset got out of her car and walked toward her friends. "Hey girls, fancy seen you here", a total lie, Sunset knew from Rarity that they would be playing here in saturday. What Sunset didn't know is who was going to chaperone the girls, and to her luck it was Fluttershy.

"Hmm hi Sunset, is good to see you,they are... we are having... fun". Fluttershy was probably just two steps from dropping dead, out of her six friends, Flutters was the lest likely to win a marathon.

"What were you playing girls?". Sunset asked the three girls now.

"Dance dance retribution" answered Sweetie Belle.

"Yeah, and now let's go for ice cream and then let's play laser tag".
Scootaloo said with enthusiasm.

"We... we are?,can, can we at least rest a little? " Fluttershy was almost begging by this point.

"Sorry girls, but I think is time for me to head home, I haven't found anything for ma brother and I don want to spent all ma money in case I find something". Apple Bloom comment made Sunset jump of joy in her mind, this was the perfect opportunity, but she needed to make it look casual.

"How about I give you a ride Apple Bloom?, it would be faster if we take my car and your friends can continue playing?". All around the expression of the girls changed, Fluttershy looked like her salvation changed for a lower penalty, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo looked disappointed but at least their saturday wasn't over yet, Apple Bloom seemed skeptical and Sunset's smile was a little to wide for her own liking.

"Alright, girls it was fun, let go to the aquarium next weekend after ma brother's birthday, ok?" the duo nodded a little bit happier, "Thanks for watch over us Fluttershy and sorry to wrangled you around".

"It's ok Apple Bloom, say hi to Applejack for me". Apple Bloom agreed and the two left for Sunset's car, soon enough they were on the way.

As they left the center area Sunset thought how to start the conversation but Apple Bloom beat her to it. "Are we going somewhere else first?". Clever girl Sunset thought. The route Sunset used wasn't taking them directly to Sweet Apples Acres.

"Yeah, I kinda need your help for something important, if you don't mind of course".

Apple Bloom broke a sigh and looked at Sunset. " You don't know that Applejack forbid me from helping any of ya when it come to ma brother didn't ya?"

That took Sunset completely by surprise." She... She did? What's wrong with AJ lately, I'm sorry Apple Bloom, I know she's your big sister and everything but this now sound ridiculous".

"Maybe, but after the third time I 've been ask, I'm starting to think she may be right about y'all, no offense Sunset, y'all nice girls and I would have been happy to see ma big brother with one of ya, but if Big Mac has someone special already then you shouldn't interfere". Apple Bloom expressed her feeling about her older sibling and now Sunset understood why the cold attitude, but just then something else called her attention.

"Wait a minute, third time?, let me guess, Dash and Rarity". Apple Bloom confirmed with a nod. " why those two again, I'm gonna have to tell Mac to really put the foot down next time either of them try anymore shenanigans with... my... boyfff". Just until half of the beans were out did Sunset realize what she was doing, half turning to see Apple Bloom reaction caught the little redhead with wide eyes and jaw slightly open.

Then in a sudden explosion of wonder Apple Bloom bombarded Sunset with question after question." Oh. My. God. You are going out with Big Mac, you are going out with ma brother, since when, how, why, does anyone else know?, how did ya keep it secret?, tell me, tell me, TELL ME!". As the rant continued Sunset almost lost control of her car and had to park right away, fortunately they found a little shopping center and Sunset parked without further troubles." Wow, let's not do that again".

"Sorry Sunset but this is so incredible, how come no one ever saw you two together, wait... the tutoring , you had dated under our noses?". Asked Apple Bloom now back to her normal self but still some doubt lingered.

As if to squash any and all doubt Sunset opened her cellphone and put the screen over the section where her and Mac pictures were located and passed the phone to AB, there she saw the pictures that until that moment no other set of eyes had lay sight upon.

Pictures of the two last San Valentine's days where she and Mac spent some happy moments eating ice cream. Another of the couple in the beach, several more showing the happiness that both Mac and Sunset enjoyed together." Wow, you really are dating, I was right, I knew it, Big Mac looked too happy for a long time and now everything make sense, he had been happy because of you Sunset Shimmer".

Sunset blushed after hearing that her boyfriend's life was a happy one thanks to her." I'm... I'm happy to hear that Apple Bloom, you brother makes me feel incredible and I always wondered if I was making him happy as well".

"Oh you bet, he always had been pretty mellow but now he is more open, he even smiles for no apparent reason sometimes and I thought that he looked like he was remembering something good, and now i know why".

Hearing those words warmed Sunset's heart, Mac always told her how much he loved her but still, hearing from homebody else that did make her more confident about their relationship." Thanks AB, it means a lot coming from you, sooo now that you know, how about we look for a gift for Mac together, will you like that?".

The little farmer girl nodded with a big smile on her face, as Sunset put the car back in the road she could hear Apple Bloom singing." I've another sister, I've another sister, I've another... Uh?, Hey Sunset what is this section here that say 'Bad girl's fun time'?".

Before Apple Bloom could react Sunset took the phone from the little girl and put it inside her bag, barely dodging the big bullet that would have kill her should anyone see her naughty pictures with her man. " Nothing Apple Bloom, it was nothing, don't worry, let just focus at getting those gifts, ok?".

"Okey" Responded a curious Apple Bloom not knowing how close she came to had her innocent soul tainted by the amorous activities of the duo.

Author's Notes:

Aaaand we commence part 3 of this story, i wanted this chapter completed by now but I've been busy so i divided it. Once again thanks for giving my story a chance and constructive criticism is always welcome. Hope you enjoy the story.