It was 3pm when Sunset and Apple Bloom decided to take a rest from their gift hunting, Sunset took Apple Bloom to a food joint that was famous for their burgers. After ordering the girls took a booth and while waiting Sunset continued bonding with Apple Bloom." So, any good ideas yet?". Sunset thought for while what could be a good gift for Mac, but as it was the year before, Mac insisted that expending a day together was more that enough, Sunset also had give him the silver locket that Mac wore around his neck now. Mac then told her that that was the best gift he ever received. Which leave her with no idea how to top it up.

"Maybe, instead of looking for something that he needs now we should look for something that he may need later" Apple Bloom said her mind with confidence but after seeing Sunset's baffled expression she lost all of it. " Sorry, dumb idea, I know".

"Apple Bloom!, you are a genius!" Sunset almost yelled and blushed of embarrassment when the rest of the customers turned in her direction. "You are a genius, something that he'll need, remember the test he took a few days ago?".

"You mean when you disappeared and Big Mac took you home and he... and you... Ahem, yeah I remember". APPLE Bloom face changed to an face splitting grin that said 'i know what you did'.

"Yes that one, anyway the test, when Mac receive the letter of approval and start teaching he's gonna need something to carry his stuff around, wouldn't that be something good to get him?". Sunset tried to fight another blush just remembering what happen that day, make worse by the fact that little Apple Bloom came to the realisation of what may had happened that crazy day.

"Yes that's a mighty good idea" Apple Bloom suddenly become downcrest and scratching her arm the girl asked "but, would a new briefcase be a little to expensive, a don have a lot of money on me". She then felt a hand touching her shoulder and the girl turned to Sunset who was smiling.

"Don't worry AB, you are helping me with good ideas, the least I can do is help with the money so chill out , besides now that you know about me and Mac I was going to ask ya what do you think". Sunset wanted to have a good relationship with all the Apple family, not only for the sake of her relationship with Mac but also because out of her other 6 best friends, Applejack's family was who she had more connection.

Apple Bloom went quiet for a little making Sunset nervous until she decided to talk. "Welp, you are completely different that when a first meet you, and well i see you as a food friend and if ma brother love ya who am i to get in the way, so don worry non Sunset, I'm happy that Big Mac has someone that love him back like you do".

"Thanks Bloom, it means a lot to me that you approve of me going out with Mac and don't worry, what I feel for him is real love, I promise you that".

As their food was delivered the two girls started talking about other things besides gifts and birthdays, Sunset learned from Bloom how sometimes been the youngest of a hard working family did make her feel a little left out since her two elder siblings took pretty much all the responsibilities, sure they left her do a few thing but she wanted them to put more trust on her.

"You know, I don't think that trust is the issue here, Mac told me how hard was for him and Granny to sustain the farm after your parents past away. He even have to leave school for one year while they got the farm back in shape and even then, it wasn't until Applejack join them that things clear it out a little. Mac wished for you and AJ to have normal childhoods and grow without have to worry about money or business and just enjoy your time, going to school and had friends and dreams and I can bet ya anything that AJ wish the same for you". Sunset let the explanation sink into Bloom's mind, hoping that she didn't touch to deep a nerve mentioning her parents.

Apple Bloom face light up as she considered what Sunset told her, "Yur maybe right, but I also want to help, to show them that I'm an Apple too and that I appreciate what they do for me".

"Then tell them Apple Bloom, tell them how you feel and let them know that you also want your opinion to be heard, it will surprise you how sometimes we assume things as facts and miss the chance to express our feelings just because we think that people won't listen,you have three of the best persons in the world as family, and if you need someone on your corner when you do, just let me know, ok?".

Apple Bloom nodded, happier this time and more convinced of the idea, while enjoying their food and out of nowhere came one of the questions that Sunset dreaded the most." So, how did the two of ya started dating?, was it love a first sight?, wait no, was magic involved?". Sunset had the misfortune of having a bite of the burger at that moment and the poor girl started choking, a few pats on the back and a drink of soda later Sunset managed to recover but AB still seemed interested in the answer.

"No, nothing like that, I was... I needed help... with something very personal and Mac saw me struggling and offered advice. It helped and one thing led to another and before we knew, we were kinda dating". Sunset could see more questions coming in Apple Bloom expression but she beat it to it before it could get more complicated.

"It was pretty awkward first, because of the problem and because we didn't interact much until that point, but as he helped me we came to know each other and well... His kisses are incredible". By this point Sunset's cheeks were the color of her hair.

Apple Bloom's grin didn't help," Welp, you may know this already but ma brother was almost every girl's dream and look like there's going to be a few who would cry when you guys make it public".

"Tell me about it, I already have a headache every time Rainbow or Pinkie throw a dirty joke about Mac, ha ha only good side is when AJ beats them up, one time she put them in a sleeper hold and didn't let go until both were snoring on the floor".

Suddenly, Sunset's face turned troubled just like Apple Bloom not so long ago. The younger girl stopped her feeding and asked." Something wrong Sunset?". Sunset could only sigh and put her hands together.

"I'm afraid Bloom, afraid that when we confess our relationship some of the girls will get upset, that my friendship with then could be changed for the bad just because they have a crush in Mac". Sunset dreaded that, reason why there were just a few persons that knew about them going out, the day after the incident in school, Mac told Sunset that Granny Smith knew about them and that she was ok with that, that give Sunset a big scare but also did make her feel happy that she was accepted by the old timer.

"Can't be that bad, Twilight is dating Timber and that didn't affect them that much". Sunset showed a deadpan face to the little girl. "Oh yeah, my sister, sorry i forgot".

"It's ok, but you're right, it's Applejack's reaction that scares me the most. Well all my friends but specially Applejack, she didn't want any of us to make a move on Mac and Rainbow and Rarity wouldn't get the message, keep poking at Applejack with their jokes, and just the thought that we keep it a secret for so long, uuugggh, there's no escaping this".

"But you girls have been friends like forever, a honestly don think that this is gonna be that bad, if they did forgive you from mind controlling them why wouldn't they forgive you for going out with Mac?. Sure , they may be upset but not end of the world upset, right?".

Sunset thought about it and it did sense of course." yeah, they are some of the best friends a pony turned human can ask. Thanks Bloom, that lift a lot out of my shoulders, Mac and AJ are lucky to have a very mature sister as you". Sunset extended her hand and shook Apple Bloom's hair as she saw Mac do a couple of times, and Apple Bloom reacted just as those times. "Let's finish our food before it get cold and let's find that gift for the best boyfriend in the world!".

"And the best big brother in the world!". The two shook their drinks in a sign of cheer.

SWEET APPLE ACRES, HOMESTEAD.
After finishing with the stakes as well as a few more chores Mac entered the house with his sister tailing behind, Mac was still upset by Applejack tantrum but now he was begining to worry that she hasn't say anything, no argument, no thanks, nothing. What he saw however, was that she took some of the fruits and a drink from the basket, so at least she wasn't hungry. He still needed to check out her finger and see if she would require more treatment. As Mac did for the kitchen where the first aid box was, Applejack moved to the living room, her feet dragging and vague expression still on her face. Granny was nowhere on sight indicating that she was on her room.

With box in hand Mac followed his sister and found her sitting in the old sofa in front of the Tv, she had took off her boots and had her face hidden by her long legs which she was hugging. Mac felt bad seen his little sister like this, Applejack was a cheerful girl, while she didn't displayed like her cousin Pinkie she showed her affection by her thoughtfulness and hard working personality.

Knowing he needed another approach, Mac seated next to her and gently took her injured hand and inspected it. "Do you remember that Christmas when Pa give us Winona?, little thing was just born and we wanted for the furry fella to start running, I remember that a was disappointed that it was a girl and small, AB was afraid of the puppy thinking that it was going to eat her, but you, you thought that she was the best gift ever and nothing could beat it". Through her legs Mac managed to hear a whisper from Applejack that sounded like a 'darn right', that got a smile out of him, even in the slump AJ would never deny Winona as the best Christmas gift.

Mac was pleased to see the swelling in Applejack's finger almost gone, the purple was non existent now, so all that left was to clean the finger again and apply a bandage, once done and Applejack still refusing to see him or talk, Mac could only sigh and be patient, patting her shoulder Mac got up to leave when a hand took hold of his sleeve, Mac turned in time to see his sister with wide eyes surprised by her own reaction, her mouth moving, trying to squeeze words out of it, however at the end she let go of his shirt and assumed her previous position.

Mac stood there for a minute waiting, when he saw no further action by Applejack he bend over her shoulder and kissed her cheek, then left for his room to clean himself, Mac knew his sister was going through something difficult but she needed to take the first step and reach out for help, if Mac couldn't help her with that maybe her friends could, so now he needed to make a call.

BARNEY'S BAGS & LUGGAGE.
Sunset and Apple Bloom were inspecting the small store, looking for a backpack, briefcase or any other kind of bag that could be given to Mac, the two girls agreed that if they couldn't find one suitable enough, they'll go for plan 2, which was still undecided.
Still , the girls had their pride and refused to give up and run to Pinkie pie unless everything else failed.

While the place was small there were too many things to look at, from briefcases with different sizes and colors to shuffle bags and a few that looked like a mix of the two. The owner Mr Barney already told them where to look but still they couldn't agreed in one in particular, sometimes the color, size, too feminine, not enough pockets, too expensive. Although Sunset assured that she could pay the whole thing Apple Bloom insisted that she would pay part with the money she saved for the occasion, so the search went on.

"I'm gonna talk with Mr Barley again and see if he can find something on the back". Sunset left Apple Bloom to talk to the owner, Bloom did a double check of the bags and reached another section for satchel bags, AB tough that the name was familiar and then remembered, she heard the name from one of Mac's favorite movies, it was used by the hero in an old western movie that Mac often saw. The satchel bag in the movie was smaller that the few here but she thought that it could be a good option should they find nothing else.

Hearing Sunset and the store owner still talking Apple Bloom searched through the few bags that where at her level, she found nothing good in the front row so she tried the next level which was a few inches over her high, still she couldn't see nothing that really could stand out. As she was giving up in that row as well her eye got a glimpse of something red in the back row, it looked dusty and almost unnoticeable but it did seem it different to Apple Bloom somehow.

Feeling bold, Apple Bloom tried to reach the red thingy that called her attention, the bag was well behind more of it's kind and hard to reach but Bloom managed to get a hold of it, it was a belt, she could feel it now, trying to use her weight as leverage she pulled as hard as her arm would allow it, but the bag was well stuck behind two more bags. Apple Bloom relented but only to massage her arm which started to hurt from the extension.

Once again she tried, this time with more confidence, if the bag was really hard to pull maybe it could support her whole weight, and she did put everything this time, as it looked like it wouldn't move again Apple Bloom pulled one final time and it worked, however all of her weight caused the other bags to collapse as well, the girl fell with a yelp but didn't let go of her prize.

"Apple Bloom?, what happen? Are you ok?" hearing the commotion Sunset and Mr Barley quickly went where Apple Bloom was, after making sure that Apple Bloom was ok Sunset asked about her fall.

"Sorry y'all, Ah was just trying to get this bag from the back but it was stuck or something".

"It ok little one but next time please ask for help, you could had hurt yourself". Apple Bloom nodded and apologised. " Now, let see, uh hmm hmm, my my, seem you found something good".

"A satchel bag eh? It look like the once we us in Equestria". Sunset's comment draw the attention of the owner.

"Do they still use horses in that country of yours young lady?".
Sunset realize her mistake too late fortunately Apple Bloom saved her the trouble of explaining.

"Ma friend is from a county to the south, they still have horses for delivery".

"Ah, I see". The old man proceed to inspect the bag that AB dig out, it was a good bag, make with fine leather and painted with a beautiful burgundy color, it had a good amount of front pockets with different sizes and the bag looked big enough for books and notebooks, the belt strap was long enough for Mac's wide shoulders to fit in, in the front there was even a name plate. It was perfect.

"This one, I like this one Sunset, it like the one in Mac's favorite movie". Apple Bloom exclaimed with enthusiasm.

Sunset inspected the bag closer and indeed looked like the bags that ponikind used to put objects when moving at long distances, and it did look like the one in those cowboys movies Mac enjoyed.
The decision was made there and then. "How much for this one Mr Barley?".

The old man smiled at the request." I'll leave it at $97 and with the name printed, how those that sound?".

Sunset smiled back and shook his hand. " You have a deal sir".

After paying and requesting to have the bag ready for next saturday Sunset and Apple Bloom boarded the car and started they way to Sweet Apple Acres.

"Thanks Bloom, without you I wouldn't have been able to find the gift, heck I still wouldn't have any idea on what to give, I appreciated".

"Don't swear it Sunset, I also didn't know what to get and even then I may not had had enough to pay for it, so thanks too".

"Yur welcome lil sis". Sunset offered Apple Bloom a fist bump that the little girl happily returned, the two girls started laughing as Sunset's own southern accent.

After a little bit of driving AB shot a question. "Sunset?, hmm so when are you gonna tell the rest about you and ma brother?".

"Well, we agreed to do it during Mac's birthday, although Granny already knows, also Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna, some of Mac's friends too now that I think about it. Wow, I wonder how come non of the girls know yet".

"Yeah, I mean most folks in town know our family, specially Granny because she's been around like forever and Big Mac because of the school's football team, it hard to believe that no one noticed both of ya going out". Apple Bloom inquired as well.

"I guess we were more evasive that I thought". Sunset did a quick mental recount of the places she and Mac had use for dating and surprisingly they where all over the city, the more constant ones where the Hub and the park near city Hall, but both were mostly visited only at high hours where the chances of been seen by one of her friends was almost null.

Without more delays the little car stepped into the ground road to the Apple's farm, it was only then that Sunset remembered that she didn't have an explanation of why has she taken Apple Bloom from Fluttershy and her friends. Knowing Applejack may become suspicious of the way the two were hanging out." Hey Bloom, any chances of you knowing a good excuse as to why we are together?".

The little girl seemed to comprehend the meaning and quickly when pale." No at all , I thought that you knew what to say when we came back home".

Apple Bloom imagined her sister chewing her out by coming back from assisting one of her friends with something she told her not to do.

Fortunately for both girls, it was Big Mac who walked out of the house to receive the newcomers. Running just behind him and toward her little owner Winona shot forward and jumped at Apple Bloom trying to reach her face and lick it while the girl started laughing.

"Howdy Sunset, thanks for bringing ma lil sister home". Mac saluted Sunset in his courteous way not knowing that Apple Bloom already knew about them.

"Your welcome Big Macintosh, I just needed some help with something, that's all". Sunset responded sheepishly while scratching her arm, a little blush forming already in her face.

"Where's AJ and Granny? Are they sleep or something?" Apple Bloom asked her brother knowing that by this hour Granny Smith would be in her rocking chair and Applejack would be were they were, playing with their dog.

"Granny took AJ with her to the train station to pick Braeburn and the rest of our cousins". Mac explained to his sister but his eyes were glued to Sunset who was in a stalemate between moving to hug Mac or wait and see if he'll do something.

It was Apple Bloom who came to the rescue. "Will you kiss him already?, he's practically melting you up with his stare".

"Wha-what?" Mac asked dumbfounded, his stupor prolonged when Sunset took his face between her hands and delivered a warm kiss to his lips. Sunset got the reaction that she wanted when Mac's eyes turned dreamy and slowly wrapped his arms around her slim waist, the fact that his little sister was watching all but lost to him. Sunset broke the kiss with a soft push but left her eyes closed and their foreheads touching, her hand passed from holding his cheeks to rest in his shoulders. Mac loved the sensation and the warm feeling of holding his 'Sunny' so close to him." A guess this mean that little sis here know about us uh?".

"Eeyep, I kinda told her and she's fine with it, right Bloom? Bloom?. Both Mac and Sunset turned to Apple Bloom only to find the youngest Apple making a face as if she was trying to gag.

"Uhg, Scootaloo was right, watching older people smush their faces ain't funny". AB was starting to wonder why was she so exited about relationships now.

Mac started snickering at her sister comment and Sunset now turned to him." What's so funny".

" She call you old". As an answer Sunset elbow him in the ribs but only as banter as there was no malice behind the blow and her smile was too cute too.

" So, AB a hope i have yur blessing to date this fair maiden and sorry for keeping ya in the dark". Mac asked his sister while taking Sunset under his arm in a half hug.

"Sure sure, just don't start doin that in front of me to often will ya?, by the way Big Mac did she give ya that locket thingy that you didn't want me to grab?".

"She sure did Apple Bloom, sorry I didn't told ya either?". Sunset nodded to at the answer.

"That's ok, a lotta thing make sense now, well , I'll be going in now". With that Apple Bloom left with winona following her, leaving the couple with some privacy.

Now alone Sunset asked Mac a few questions. " it looked like you knew that I was coming with Apple Bloom, or am I wrong?".

Mac pondered at the question for a little. "I hear it from Fluttershy, I call her to ask for a favor and she told me how you took Bloom with ya, guessed that you would bring her here so I just waited".

"I see, what was the favor if you don't mind telling me?". Sunset asked a little curious as to why call Fluttershy.

" it's about Applejack. Today she acted all angry and moppy, she even hurt herself while working, nothing serious thank god but she went completely silent after that. I thought about calling you to see if you girls could cheer her up but before that I called Fluttershy to check on Bloom, that's when she told me".

Sunset nodded understanding the situation now. Suddenly a thought when into her head." Do you think that she found out about us?, it would make sense of why she acted like that".

Mac kissed the top of Sunset's head to ease her worries." Don't think so Sunny, a saw her checking the letter from the math course a couple of times, I think she's worried about me and the result."

Sunset's eyes went wide hearing about the letter. " Did... Did you passed, you did didn't you, tell me?".

Mac laughed and hugged Sunset again." Don't know yet, I wanted to open it when we meet again tomorrow, you still up for the Hub?".

"I was going to spend the morning with the girls and now that you mentioned about Applejack we may need to do something more but yes I can make it, you'll pick me up right?" Sunset felt honored that Mac wanted her to witness such moment along side her.

"Of course Sunny, and if we leave a little early we could do something more... Private". Mac started kissing Sunset in the neck while caressing her slender yet voluptuous form getting giggles as an answer.

"Stop it" Sunset told Mac while pushing him a little "Apple Bloom may be watching us from the house". Mac understood but the insinuation has lect its mark as Sunset suddenly felt her entire body heat up and the area between her legs getting aroused and tingling and if the appearance of the pole in Mac's pants was any indication he too was thinking about the same.

"Anyway, I'll talk to the girls to see what they planned for AJ, by the way... also I need to tell you something about my work and your family if you have the chance."

"Sure thing sugarcube, i'll see ya tomorrow, remember that I love you always" .

"Love you too my handsome man". With one final hug and breath taking kiss Sunset departed Sweet Apple Acres, all the way from the farm until the last moment of the day a sweet smile would adorn her face.

CHEERILEE'S HOME.
Cheerilee finished her list of chores for the day and went back to her room to check on her new roommate, While living alone had it perks Cheerilee was happy to have someone to talk after school days. Been in charge of the school's library and computer room left her drain of physical energy but not from the one used to talk, reason why she took the new girl in. As Cheerilee opened the door she found her friend looking under the bed trying to reach something and apparently failing to reach it.

"What are you doing?". The question took the girl by surprise as she slammed the top of her head under the bed.

"Fuck, ugh I almost had it before you interrupt me". The girl with purple hair and aquamarine streaks lashed out at Cheerilee who in turn only rolled her eyes.

"Language, and if you can't reached with your hands you could had just moved the bed" Cheerilee proceeded to do exactly that which only annoyed her companion even more what she found was the remote control for the tv.

"Whatever, I don't need it anymore". She jumped on the bed and put her hands under her head while crossing one leg over the other and started humming a tune.

"Sure thing, anyway, remember that tomorrow you're coming with me to the bar club I told you and please try to behave".

The girl in the bed tensed up and quickly looked for an excuse to avoid going to such place, not for the location itself but for the person she would come across." You know that you will eventually see them again if you want to keep living in this city do you". Cheerilee spoke before her friend could do it.

"Fuck that, the moment any of those seven dunces see me all hell will break loose, specially that hussie and her boy toy".

"It won't happen, you are with me and I am pretty sure Sunset Shimmer is the last person who can judge you after what she herself tried. Now stop complaining and look for something nice to wear, who knows, you may find your own boy toy as you call it, ha ha ha."

"Ugh, fiiiine, you are worse that Adagio when it comes to give orders, fuck".

" What did i just told you Aria?". Cheerilee asked the former siren.

"Sorry sorry, I'll... watch my tongue, ok?". Cheerilee nodded and when to prepare dinner leaving Aria Blaze to contemplate her fate. " Just my damn luck".

Author's Notes:

Ufff been busy this days, anyway, wanted to introduce one of the sirens into the story and in the end I choose Aria, thought that she works better in a dynamic with Cheerilee that Sonata or Adagio. Anyway thanks for reading as usual any constructive comment is gladly welcome.peace out