Give me Wings to Fly

by Shrapmo

Rating: teen
Tags: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Rainbow Dash, Romance, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Big Macintosh, Slice of Life, Main 6, Applejack
Length: 9033

Big Macintosh gets a push in the right direction from a certain cyan pegasus.

Big Macintosh and Rainbow Dash, two vastly different ponies with very similar desires: to be recognized, respected and if they play their cards right... maybe even loved. Follow these two souls as they get to know one another, and together, find out what they are really made of.

Published 2013-07-24 15:20:08 UTC
Last updated 2014-01-29 03:18:21 UTC

Chapter 1: Inner Thoughts of a Workhorse

Chapter 1: Inner Thoughts of a Workhorse

The sun was hot, that was the single thought going through the crimson stallion’s head as he plowed the dry, cracked fields of Sweet Apple Acres.

Big Macintosh stopped and looked up at his tormentor as he took a short break, shielding his eyes against the orange ball’s harsh rays.

“Not a cloud in the sky, not that ah was expectin to see one,” he mused to himself.

Wiping his sweat soaked brow and taking a large gulp from his canteen, the large stallion adjusted his familiar collar and continued the long task of plowing the untouched fields.

Looking forward towards the numerous apple trees of his family’s orchard, he couldn’t help but swell with pride. The land of his ancestors still bared an abundance of fruit thanks to his hard work.

The care of this land was Big Mac’s very reason for existing, yet that very thought filled him with a dull emptiness more and more as time went on.

Everyday was the same it seemed. Wake up, eat breakfast, do whatever work the farm needed done that day, eat supper and finally hit the hay. Day after day.

Not that Big Mac was complaining, Celestia only knew what Applejack or Granny would have to say to him if he ever did. Yet he often found himself wondering what it was like to meet other ponies, hang out with his friends (the few he had), or just relax for once.

Applejack did all of those things on a daily basis, and although he would not say he was necessarily jealous of her, he WAS very curious of how that particular life would feel.

She always got to go on grand adventures, being the Element of Honesty and all, saving Equestria and meeting princesses. Although Mac was perfectly content with not having to put his flank on the line on a daily basis, Applejack was far more suited for that job.

What really made him envious of his younger sister though were her friends. She would often go to parties with them, which although he was invited (heck everypony was) he just had too much work to do to attend.

Other times she would go to slumber parties, or lunch, or picnics, or any other amount of fun and interesting things. Sometimes she would even have her friends over to the farm to help with the work.

Those were the times when he got to see HER. That cyan Pegasus with the rainbow colored mane. A smile crept onto his lips as he recalled that pretty mare.

The first time he saw her made him stop dead in his tracks. She was the strangest pony he had ever laid his eyes on, yet at the same time one of the most beautiful. Everything about her screamed different and exciting to him.

It wasn’t just her looks either. The way she carried herself, her confidence, her strive to show everyone that she could do anything. She was everything he was not.

A deep chuckle escaped his muzzle, “Ah never thought a pony could be so colorful, both inside and out.”

Later on Big Mac discovered from his sister that her name was Rainbow Dash and that she was the stunt flyer who always practiced over their farm.

After that, he would always absorb every detail he could get on the rainbow hued pegasus, and his ears would always perk up at the mention of her name. His crimson coat would even become a darker shade of red when thoughts of her entered his head, much to his confusion.

Yet their was no way to escape such thoughts, as it seemed that everywhere he went, somepony was at least mentioning Rainbow Dash in passing.

While working the apple stand he would often overhear ponies talk about her unmatched speed and her ability to do any trick in the book. Other times he would hear stories about her latest crash, which would make him cringe in sympathy.

“It takes a special kinda pony,” Mac smiled to himself as he thought of his own numerous accidents. Such as trying to prove to himself that he could do the impossible feet of lifting 15 barrels of apples at once.

Such thoughts brought up the time Applejack mentioned that Rainbow dreamed of being a Wonderbolt, which she trained for vigorously. Trying to prove to herself, and everypony else, that she could accomplish such a dream.

“I bet she keeps on trainin, even when she’s injured,” Mac gave a firm nod of his massive head.

He would often show a small grin as he heard tales of awe and amazement from the little orange filly who would frequent the farm to play with his sister. That same little filly had also made up a fan club just for her idle.

Mac gave another deep chuckle, recalling his own foalhood idol. However, Super Pony was not as real or tangible as Scootaloo’s hero.

“I wonder how it feels, havin somepony admire ya like that,” Mac questioned aloud.

The crimson stallion released a heavy sigh. By this point in time, it was fairly obvious that he had a crush on that amazing pegasus.

Yet it was because of all these amazing things that he kept his distance. There was no way a simple farm pony like him could possibly catch the eye of a pony like Rainbow Dash. It just wasn’t meant to be.

Mac sighed again and shook the thought from his mind, finally taking note of where he was with his plowing. Still half of the field left.

Looking up at the suns position yet again, he figured the time to be around one in the afternoon. The stallion supposed it was as good a time as any to take his lunch break.

“Hmm, might even have time to get a bit of my project done too” Mac mused to himself, as he unhitched from the plow and trotted off to enjoy his lunch.

First stopping at the barn, Mac looked over both his shoulders to make doubly sure neither of his sisters had followed him by chance.

Upon entering, the large workhorse carefully made his way up to the loft. There he walked to the far corner where a loose pile of hay rested.

After brushing aside the hay, Mac felt around for the loose board that only he knew of and lifted it free. Inside was a dull black case, which he happily took out and then proceeded to replace the loose board and hay.

Slinging the case around his withers, Big Mac made his way out of the barn, closing it tightly behind him.

The stallion smiled as he made his way towards his secret spot, a small pond a good 5 acres away from the farmhouse, where he would get to partake in his favorite activity for the first time in weeks.

As he wandered towards the far end of the orchard, his head held high, Big Mac failed to notice the lone cloud that slowly followed in his wake.

Author's Note

Thanks you for reading.

-Shrapmo

Chapter 2: Lazy Days Off

Rainbow Dash was bored. She lazily kicked her leg back and forth as she floated atop a stray cloud, wishing that something exciting would happen already.

“Aren't days off supposed to be awesome? Why can’t anything cool happen when I’m NOT at work?” Rainbow griped to nobody. Cloud kicking was looking more fun by the minute.

Although perceived to be lazy most of the time, Rainbow Dash was quite the hard worker. In fact, she was such a hard worker that she had accumulated an awful amount of unused vacation days.

Pony Relations had thrown a fit when they saw that Rainbow had not taken a single day off from the Weather Patrol in over a year, and subsequently forced her to take a week long vacation.

At first, Rainbow was beside herself with glee. Not having to do any work, getting to nap anytime she wanted and training for the Wonderbolts for a whole week sounded fantastic!

“Who thought a bunch of suit wearing eggheads could be so cool?” Rainbow cheered when her boss had first told her. Little did she know that to much free time could get very dull very quick.

She had spent the entire first day switching between naps, training over Sweet Apple acres and reading an excessive amount of Daring Do books. At the end of the day, she was exhausted and happy. “A great start to a great vacation!” She mused as she settled in for the night.

Yet here she was on the second day of the most awesome vacation ever, and she had nothing to do. She ran out of books quickly and there was only so much napping a pony could do before they weren't tired anymore, “I guess the only reason why I like to nap so much is because I do so much work,” thought Rainbow absently.

Which lead her to her current location, floating near Sweet Apple Acres, without a single thing to occupy her time. She had initially come here to train, yet after 2 hours of brainstorming she couldn't think of a single new trick to perfect.

Sighing in acceptance of her plight, Rainbow looked down at the vast expanse that was the pride and joy of the Apple family. It really was beautiful when she took the time to look at it, not that Rainbow would ever tell Applejack that to her face. She had an image to keep ya know?

Rainbow was just about to hop off the cloud to continue the horrible repetitiveness of practicing already perfected stunts when she spotted a slowly moving red figure in the far field out of the corner of her eye.

Turning, she saw that Applejack’s brother Big Macintosh was doing his usual, working the fields. “Jeeze, does that guy ever take a break?” Rainbow smirked as she sat back down in her cloud and peeked over the edge.

As she lazily drifted closer to the apple farmer’s location, Rainbow allowed her eyes to wander up and down Mac’s toned legs and flank. “Yup, still a looker” she spoke to herself as she let her mind wander.

Rainbow Dash had always had sort of a thing for Big Macintosh, to put it lightly. He possessed all of the qualities she looked for in a stallion: honesty, loyalty, dedication, and not to mention a killer flank to boot. In Rainbow’s opinion, he was one of the coolest, if not coolest, stallions in Ponyville.

There was one problem with Big Macintosh though, one very large and inescapable problem that Dash just could not get around. Applejack would absolutely flip the hay out if she ever tried to ask the large earth pony out.

The pegasus mare rolled her eyes in exasperation just thinking about how her best friend would react if she so much as talked to Big Mac. Dash was by no means afraid of Applejack, not in the slightest mind you. Yet she claimed the title 'Element of Loyalty,' which meant being respectful of her friend’s wishes… even if it annoyed her to no end.

Rainbow sighed and collapsed onto her back with a ‘poof.’ She had accepted long ago that she couldn't have her heart’s desire, even dating other stallions to try and forget about him. Yet there was always something off about the ones she dated.

In the end she figured that the other stallions just couldn't measure up to Big Mac, none of them were half as good looking or as cool as him, but it was more than that, FAR more. This time it was her loyalty towards the crimson stallion himself, “Why does it always come back to loyalty?” Dash groaned as she sunk further into her fluffy companion.

The thing was, she had spent so much time over the years thinking about Mac, fantasizing over him or just simply wondering what he was up to, that he had earned a prominent place in her heart. It was to the point that if she even looked at another stallion, she would feel like she was betraying him.

“Ahhh, why can’t AJ just let me talk to him?” The pegasus flailed her limbs in frustration. This day had just gone from boring and dull, to depressing and hopeless in the flap of a wing. Just seeing Big Mac had turned her head into a whirlwind of confusing and conflicting emotions.

“Why did I even have to see him today?” Rainbow groaned for the umpteenth time. She sure was saying the word ‘why’ a lot when it came to the crimson workhorse. She scowled and looked back down at Big Mac, who was much further away as he finished plowing the field.

“You just HAD to be the perfect stallion for me didn't you, ya big lug?” Rainbow directed her glare at the now resting workhorse.

The stunt flyer looked up at the sun, guessing that it must be Mac’s lunchtime. Her stomach conveniently growled at that thought, and she decided that she could go for a good stack of hayfries right about now. “Maybe food will take my mind off Big Mac,” Rainbow concluded.

Just as she was turning to leave, she noticed that Mac wasn't headed for the farmhouse, but instead to the barn. “Why would he go there for lunch? Unless he wants to eat old stale hay,” Dash cringed at the thought. She knew Macintosh was a rugged pony, but did not expect him to eat something so unappealing when he didn't have too.

Before she could let her mind wander on the subject, she noticed the workhorse exiting the barn with an odd black case slung around his back. “What in the hay ya got there Mac?” Rainbow couldn't help but be curious about this change in events.

As Rainbow continued to watch the stallion walk away, she took note that he was headed in the opposite direction of the farmhouse, toward the orchard. Now her interest was entirely piqued.

The cyan pegasus looked all around her “No sign of Applejack… perfect,” she said with a smirk. Rainbow Dash ducked down into her cloud once more, as she descended lower in the sky and took chase of Big Macintosh.

The once dull and boring day had definitely taken a turn for the better. Besides, having an excuse to spy on Big Mac was always a plus.

“Just you wait big guy, I’m going to get you yet.” Dash grinned as she followed the workhorse into the orchard, hoping to witness just what it was Mac did when he was alone.

Author's Note

As always, thank you for reading.

-Shrapmo

Chapter 3: Waterside Lullaby

Chapter 3: Waterside Lullaby

Quiet, peaceful, tranquil. The only sounds were the gentle noises of the pond. Big Macintosh absolutely loved this place, where nothing could disturb his peaceful thoughts.

The burly stallion methodically walked around rocks and roots, as he had done so many times before, the locations memorized from years of coming to this special spot.

Mac sighed in contentment as he sat down on a stump and removed the thermos of Granny’s apple soup from his collar. Pouring a cup full, he sat and enjoyed the sights, sounds and smells of the pond. Everything here was perfect, and his alone to enjoy.

Finishing his cup of soup, the stallion closed his thermos and set it aside. He smiled as he picked up the worn black case and expertly flipped the latches open. Taking a look in all directions one last time to make sure nopony had followed him, he removed the object inside.

________________________________________________________________________________

Rainbow had to ditch her cloud and go on hoof the moment Mac entered the thick trees. Going into full spy mode, she sprang from trunk to trunk, making sure the stallion wouldn’t spot her. “Why is he going so deep into the trees?” Dash whispered to herself.

Wishing she had her ninja outfit right about now, she continued to follow the crimson stallion, being sure not to loose site of him.

As she followed him deeper into the orchard the trees became thicker, and she began to loose site of his crimson coat. Panicking, she looked back and forth trying to spot a patch of red fur.

After wondering around aimlessly for a short spell, she heard a deep humming sound, followed shortly there after by something that sounded like music. “What in the hay?” Dash followed the source of said noise to a thicker section of trees.

When she poked her head through the leaves, she found Big Macintosh sitting next to a pond. Rainbow ducked down so he wouldn’t notice her, and continued to study him.

“What is he doing,” she whispered to herself. She discovered that Mac was the source of the humming, with his head tilted down and his concentration on something in his lap. Dash couldn’t see what he was holding from this angle.

She ducked back into the trees and went around to the far side of the pond. Peeking out again she saw that Mac was holding something akin to a small guitar, scratch that, it was a VERY small guitar.

Dash covered her face as she stifled a laugh. Mac looked so funny holding that tiny thing. She would almost say such a big pony holding such a little instrument looked cute, if she had ever used the word ‘cute’ to describe anything.

She stopped laughing as Big Mac started humming again then plucked one of the strings, turning one of the knobs at the top so the string’s tone matched his humming. “Wow, I never would have pictured Mac as the musical type of pony.” Dash continued to watch him fiddle with the instrument.

“He must be tuning it,” she shrunk lower to the ground and gave Big Mac her full attention. Her tail swishing back in forth in anticipation as to what he would do next.

“I wonder why he has to come out here to play… maybe he is just really bad and embarrassed someone will make fun of him.” Dash briefly toyed with the thought that she might be intruding on a deep personal secret, but it quickly passed.

Her ears perked up as the stallion gave a full strum of his instrument. “He’s going to play something!”

________________________________________________________________________________

Big Macintosh gave his instrument a strum “Eyup, sounds just fine.” He gave it a couple more strums just to be sure it stayed in tune. Satisfied, the large earth pony began to play.

It felt like ages since he had gotten to do this, if he wasn’t so embarrassed of it he could play whenever he wanted too. Yet he was sure that Applejack would never stop making fun of him if she ever saw.

He would absolutely DIE if Rainbow Dash ever saw him playing, 'she might think I look like a foal if she ever saw me like this,' he thought miserably. Big Macintosh had decided long ago that he wouldn’t tell a soul his secret.

Big Mac, the strong and burly apple farmer… played the ukulele. The strong stallion blushed out of shame.

It wasn't like playing an instrument was a foalish thing to do, it wasn't even because the ukulele was a bad instrument! Heck, when his Pa had originally given it to him as a foal, he thought it was the coolest thing ever.

Yet after some time, Big Mac had started to grow, he grew so much that pretty soon playing it seemed pretty ridiculous. The instrument looked positively microscopic in his hooves and it didn't take long for him to hide his talent from the world. Not even Applejack knew he still played the thing.

Shaking his large head in shame, Big Macintosh continued to play his beloved ukulele. Strumming an old song his Pa had taught him, his mind conjured up memories of his father. Mac wiped away a stray tear as it fell from his eye, he wished that old stallion was still alive, he had learned so much from the him.

Whether it was applebucking, plowing, barn raising or the proper way to treat a mare, that old apple-farming stallion always new what was what. Smiling to himself, Mac recalled the time his Pa had introduced him to music.

Big Mac always loved watching his Pa, Jonathan Apple, play the guitar. He would bring it out every night after the days work was done, and perform old songs for him and his little sister Applejack. Mac would always marvel at his father’s ability to make such beautiful noise come from a simple piece of wood, and would excitedly ask for lessons.

Jonathan would always smile and give Mac the guitar, yet it was far too big for the skinny colt. “We’ll hafta wait until ya get a bit bigger, when you’re able to pick it up proper,” his father would always tell him. Mac would always sigh and walk away dejectedly.

One day, after applebucking, his Pa called him into the barn. “Ah got a surprise for ya Mac,” his father said as he mussed up Mac’s mane with a large hoof. “What is it Pa?” The little red colt ran around his Pa’s legs in excitement as they entered the old dusty barn.

Jonathan smiled at the excitable colt and grabbed a black case off his workbench. Passing the case to his son he explained, “Ah got this here from a seed merchant when Ah was in Fillydelphia last week.” Mac opened the case and his eyes went wide.

Inside was what appeared to be a miniature guitar, one that was the perfect size for him. “That there is a ukulele son, smaller than a guitar and has 2 less strings, but Ah figured it would be a good start for you to learn,” Jonathan smiled as his son picked up the small instrument and hugged it to his chest.

“Ah’m not to certain on how ta play it yet, but the merchant did tell me the tuning fer it, so Ah thought that maybe you and me could learn it together,” Mac looked up as his father said this, his eyes gleaming. “What do ya think Little Mac?” Jonathan smiled as his son jumped up and wrapped his small forelegs around his barrel.

Big Mac stopped playing as the song ended. He and his father certainly did learn how to play. “Best time of mah life,” Mac whispered as he rubbed the mist out of his eyes. He loved his ukulele and all of the memories that came with it. Yet he was still ashamed to be seen with it.

The workhorse shook his head again as he started up another song, a lullaby his father would always sing to Applejack and himself when they couldn't sleep. Big Mac cleared his throat and in a deep voice began to sing.

________________________________________________________________________________

“Wow, he’s not half bad,” Dash whispered as Mac unknowingly continued his private performance for her. The instrument the stallion played was much higher sounding than a normal guitar, and it just had a happy feel to it.

The pegasus mare slunk lower into the brush as she moved closer to the performing stallion. She had to admit, even with the comically undersized instrument in his hooves, Mac still made it look pretty cool. “Maybe musicians just look cool no matter what,” an image of a stallion playing an accordion passed through her mind, “well, maybe not ALL musicians.”

As she got ever closer she could hear Mac gently singing, but she couldn't understand what was being sung. Dash would have to get even closer if she wanted to hear. She looked up and noticed a branch hanging right over Mac’s head.

“Bingo,” Rainbow smirked and soundlessly flew into the treetops with a flap of her wings. Bounding from branch to branch, she eventually arrived at her destination directly above Big Mac.

Now that she could hear the stallion clearly, she settled onto her haunches and looked down on him as he sang.

Hush, little foals
and lay your heads down,
when day's light has left us
don't fear any sound.

Hush now little foals
it's time that you rest,
and dream of tomorrow
tucked in your warm nest.

Fly away, Fly away dream of afar.
Dream of the forest and creatures there are.
Fly away, Fly away see the unknown.
Find peace and love so your heart fully grows.

Sleep tight little foals
don't quake in the dark,
and hold fast the knowledge
that we'll never part.

Rainbow was so entranced by the music that she didn't notice the branch slowly bending underneath her. With a loud *SNAP* the branch gave out and before she could think twice, Rainbow Dash fell down upon the unsuspecting stallion.

________________________________________________________________________________

Big Macintosh stopped playing as the sound of snapping wood erupted from above him. Before he had the chance to look up a great weight came down upon his head.

*BONK*

The branch made the poor stallion see stars, but before he had the chance to check his fresh wound, another weight landed hard in his lap. Big Mac rubbed his head, which would surely produce a large lump in the morning, as he looked down.

To his surprise, Mac no longer held his ukulele. His arms were now full of a very-disheveled looking Rainbow Dash. The farmer closed his eyes and shook his head several times. When he opened them, the pretty mare was still there.

“What in tarnation?” Mac tried to stand up, but the branch and pegasus kept him firmly planted on his rump.

Rainbow shook the leaves and twigs from her mane as she realized just where she had landed. Looking up into a pair of very large, and very shocked green eyes she chuckled nervously, “Hey there Big Mac, fancy meeting you here.”

“Um… hello Miss Rainbow Dash… uh,” the surprised stallion fumbled with his words, “w-what are you uh… doin here?” The last thing Big Mac had expected was for his crush to literally land in his lap, at his favorite spot, while he was doing his favorite thing. He would have counted it as a good situation, if he wasn't so confused and nervous.

“Hehe, oh you know, I was just flying over the orchard and saw you down here all alone, and it looked like you could use a little Rainbow Dash in your life so… here I am!” Rainbow chuckled nervously as she looked away, a faint blush on her cheeks.

Big Mac cocked an eyebrow and looked up, noting that the tops of the trees completed blotted out the sky. “But Miss Rainbow, there would be no way ta see me from up there,” Mac stated in confusion.

“Oh, ya don’t say huh,” Dash scrambled to change the subject as she leapt from Mac’s lap, ‘which was way to cozy’ she thought to herself. “I saw you playing your instrument there, you’re pretty good,” she saw his face light up with an intense blush that could be seen through his red coat, as he stared at her wide-eyed. “So, while I’m here, how about a private concert?” She grinned wickedly, knowing she had completely taken the attention off her little fall.

Big Mac fumbled for a bit, ‘she thought I was good’ he thought in surprise as his blush increased ten-fold. ‘What should I play for her?’ His second thought made him even more nervous and he decided to distract himself by fidgeting with his ukulele… that he discovered was nowhere near him.

“Hey, where’d your little guitar go?” Dash looked around for said instrument, but it had vanished.

“Little guitar? You mean my ukulele,” Mac shook himself from his stupor and began looking around him. He lifted the branch from his shoulder and tossed it to the side, as Rainbow observed his strength with an appreciative stare.

“That thing is called a ukulele? That’s a weird name,” the mare scowled slightly. “I thought it was just a little guitar for a foal or something,” Dash walked next to Mac as they looked for the small instrument. “So, it’s just a small instrument from the get-go huh?” She questioned as they searched around the pond.

“Eeyup, it’s jus' made that way. It’s what gives it that special sound.” Big Mac felt a little less nervous as Rainbow Dash seemed to be interested in his hobby, at least enough to ask about it.

“So Miss Rainbow, ya never did tell me how you ended up watching me.” Mac started, he figured breaking the ice was for the best in this situation. He was still a little confused and afraid that Rainbow might spread the word around Ponyville that Big Mac played a little instrument. Yet it didn't seem that the mare had followed him to get any blackmail. Still, you could never be to certain with the infamous Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow’s ears folded back as she looked anywhere but Mac’s face, ‘might as well tell the truth,’ she thought in defeat. “Well, I was just floating around on a cloud, bored to tears,” she mumbled. “I saw you down in the field working, and then when you walked off into the orchard I followed you,” Dash turned to look the stallion in the eye.

“Uh, you mean to say you were spyin on me?” Mac was very confused now, why would THE Rainbow Dash be spying on him? She was one of the most popular ponies in Ponyville, one of the Elements of Harmony AND a Wonderbolts trainee! He was just a plain old farmer.

“Why would ya do a thing like that? I’m nothin special or anything.” Mac looked down and scuffed a hoof at the dirt.

“What? You are like one of the coolest stallions in Ponyville! You’re totally worth spying on!” Rainbow said confidently. “I just wasn't expecting you to play such a small instrument… or ANY instrument at all!” The pegasus walked up to the workhorse. “Why don’t you play it for anypony? You’re pretty awesome when you do.” Dash winked as she turned and walked towards the pond.

‘She said I was cool,’ Mac made a goofy grin as he looked to the side. “Well, it bein such a small instrument and all, and me being such a big pony, I always thought it made me look kinda foalish.” Mac scratched the back of his head with a hoof.

“Well, you do look kind of silly, but you play really…” Rainbow cut herself off and Mac looked up at her. “What’s wrong?” The stallion asked as he slowly walked towards the silent mare.

“I think I just found your ukulele Mac.” Rainbow pointed toward the center of the pond, where the neck of the instrument could be seen sinking into the water, and disappearing under the surface with a tiny gurgle.

Author's Note

The song was inspired by "Come little Children" by Erutan.
It was featured in the video "Children of the Night"

source:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jW5n3k2VgZE

Chapter 4: Turn of the Tide

Mac could only sit and stare with his mouth agape. The last thing he had to remember his Pa by was slowly sinking to the bottom of the pond. He wanted to jump in and retrieve it, but shock held him in place like a bag of rocks.

Rainbow looked at Mac, then back to the now missing ukulele. Making a split second decision, she dove in after it.

“Don’t worry Mac! I got it!” She yelled, diving head first into the slightly murky pond without a second thought. Within moments she ran muzzle first into the fast sinking instrument, and quickly wrapped her forelegs around it. She had done it!

‘Easy squeezy!’ Dash thought triumphantly as she turned her face up to head towards the surface… except she didn’t go up… in fact, she wasn’t going up at all. She was sinking further into the muddy depths of the pond. It was at that moment that Rainbow Dash remembered something important. ‘I CAN’T SWIM!!!’

Kicking her hind legs and flapping her wings frantically, she desperately tried to go back up. Instead she only managed to turn herself completely around and was now upside down and in a total panic.

‘Oh crap! What do I do?’ She frantically thrashed about, her orientation in complete disarray. Rainbow began to feel a tight pain in her chest, she couldn’t hold her breath much longer!

Suddenly a large ‘sploosh’ caught her attention, and she looked in its direction. She saw what looked like tree trunks moving towards her at a fast pace, kicking up large amounts of bubbles.

‘I must be hallucinating! This is it, I’m going to die underwater! I was supposed to die in an awesome aerial stunt, in my element! Not kicking and panicking like a chump!’ Rainbow cursed her rotten luck, and felt her final breath leave her body in a large, insulting bubble.

She floated limply for several seconds, until suddenly she felt a presence wrap her in a tight embrace, and began to drag her through the water.

Big Mac frantically brought Rainbow out of the pond and set her on the shore. Quickly placing her on her back, he put his ear next to her open mouth. Hearing nothing, his eyes went wide and he racked his brain for what needed to be done.

“Alright, if a pony can’t breathe ya perform… CPR!” Sitting on his haunches next to Rainbow’s side, he gently elevated her head and tilted it back, checking again to hear that she wasn’t breathing. Bringing his muzzle next to hers he briefly hesitated.

‘Come on Mac, pony up! Rainbow could die if ya don’t!’ Steeling his nerves he placed his lips over hers and gave two deep breaths. He quickly straightened back up and placed his massive hooves on her much smaller chest.

‘Celestia, please don’ let me hurt her.’ Mac gave a silent prayer as he pushed down on her chest several times. He then hunched over again to repeat the process.

Over and over he breathed into her, then pushed on her chest so many times he was afraid he’d break her ribs! But he wouldn’t stop, not until she was breathing the sweet air of life again.

After five whole minutes of pure mental torture, he’d almost given into despair… and then Rainbow gave a great, hacking cough and spit up what could be considered half a gallon of water. Quickly she hunched over onto her side, all the while Mac gently patted her back until the horrible coughing stopped.

“Ya alright Miss Dash?” Big Mac asked with a concerned look on his face. That was probably the scariest situation he’d ever been in. He patted her back again, and helped her to her haunches.

“Yeah cough I think I’m good wheeze.” Rainbow coughed out uncomfortably. ‘That was too close, good thing Mac was here…’ The mare looked up at the stallion as the entirety of the situation caught up with her. “Wow, you totally saved my flank Mac!” She quickly wrapped her forelegs and wings around his neck.

Said stallion looked away and blushed. “Wasn’t a thing Miss Rainbow, no way I’d let nopony drown.” He scratched the back of his head in embarrassment, then hesitantly returned the embrace.

As if realizing what she had just done, Rainbow quickly let go of Mac and began looking around to distract herself. ‘I can’t believe I just did that! But he did save me… wait a minute! Did he do what I think he did?’ The mare looked back at the poor befuddled stallion.

“Uh… Mac? Right now, when you pulled me out of the water… was I not breathing when you did?” Rainbow scrutinized the stallion’s red face as a deep burgundy shade started to bleed through it. “And did you have to… ya know… help me breath again?”

“Well Ah… um… eeyup.” Mac responded in a shy tone, trying to look away, but at the same time captivated by Rainbow’s intense stare. He wondered if she was going to be mad at him about this. ‘What was Ah supposed to do though, let her drown?’

“And when you helped me breath again… did you have to perform… you know… CPR?” The stallion could only nod in response. “Well… did ya like it?” Mac was taken aback by the question, not entirely expecting the conversation to take a turn in this direction.
Mac blinked at Rainbow, and Rainbow blinked at Mac. A long silence had taken over the space in between the two ponies, the only sound being that of the pond behind them. Finally looking away, the large earth pony responded.

“Well, Ah can’t say Ah rightly got to enjoy anythin’… seein as how I was afraid you were gonna die.” Scratching the back of his head for a moment he awkwardly looked back up. Rainbow was now staring out at the water with a look of contemplation plastered on her features.

“I guess that makes sense… although I’m a little ticked off that my first kiss happened while I was knocked out.” The mare looked back at Mac, who was at a complete loss for words, and made a split second decision (as was her nature). She took three large leaps and launched herself at the surprised farmer.

Seconds later, Mac was on his back with a very aggressive pegasus on top of him, her lips plastered to his. His eyes shot wide, out of all the responses he could of expected, this was by far the last on his list.

After several seconds of pure shock had passed, Rainbow came back up for air.

“Well? Are you going to kiss me back or what?” She screamed out and shook him by his mane. This seemed to shake the stallion from his stupor, and he weakly nodded his head.

“Uh, eeyup!” Wrapping his massive forelegs around her withers, he pulled her in with as much confidence as he could muster. This was all going so fast for Big Mac, he had never kissed a mare before, and now he suddenly had THE Rainbow Dash all but sucking his face off!

Deciding not to look a gift horse in the mouth (he always thought that an odd term), he closed his eyes and decided to enjoy it. That was until he felt a tongue slip into his mouth, his eyes flew open at the new sensation, and he felt something deep within him stir. What happened next was uncomfortable and embarrassing.

Quickly pushing the dominate mare on top of him away, he tried to back his head up.

“Please Miss Rainbow!” He was interrupted by said mare attacking his mouth again, once Rainbow Dash had what she wanted in her grasp, getting her to give it up was almost impossible.

With a herculean effort, he pushed her away again.

“What’s wrong?” Rainbow asked as she again snuck in a quick smooch. “Don’t you like this?” The pegasus covered his mouth with hers again, which Mac was a thread away to giving into, but he saw where this was quickly leading. It was something he had always wanted, but at the same time he wasn’t the kind of stallion to just go all in before anything was established, especially not with the mare he admired.

After several more weak attempts, he was finally able to push her away.

“Wait.” He took in a large gulp of air, and looked up at the surprised and hurt expression of Rainbow. He felt regret immediately, and scrambled to explain himself. “Please don’ get the wrong idea Miss Dash, I really do want ta kiss ya! I have for a long while now… it’s just…” The stallion gently helped her off of him, all the while hiding his shame below.

“It’s just… I really like ya, and I’ve always wanted ta make ya my marefriend… my special somepony.” Dash’s face turned completely red at his confession, a large and confident smile forming on her face.

‘So it was that easy to bag my stallion? I always thought he would be a challenge.’ For once, the mare didn’t feel upset that her goal was so easy to get. Victory didn’t taste any lease sweeter in this case… literally.

Speaking of sweet, now that he had confessed his feelings to her, why wasn’t he kissing her again? And why was he turned so awkwardly to the side like that?

“Heck yeah I’ll be your special somepony! Hehe, I honestly never would of thought a guy like you would be interested in a mare like me! I gotta say though, you got some good taste!” Rainbow stood taller and flared her wings out confidently, which made the embarrassed stallion chuckle.

Inside, Mac was jumping for joy. ‘Ah can’t believe she said yes! So why does mah body have ta be makin this all awkward?’

“So… now that we have all of that official stuff out of the way, how bout we get back to the good part?” Rainbow stared at Mac with smoky eyes, and advanced on him like a predator closing in on its prey.

Mac began to panic, turning his back and tucking his hooves down his front. ‘Please don’ let her see! Please don’ let her see!’

The stallion’s reaction brought Rainbow up short, was he suddenly rejecting her? What was this guy’s game? “Mac what the heck is up? Why do you keep doing that? Do I have bad breath or someth… OH!” The mare had not only caught on to the cause of Mac’s behavior, she also caught a glimpse of it!

Big Mac’s face flared with a renewed blush, this day had been a rollercoaster of events both good and bad, and it had finally taken the big dip!

“Ah’m so sorry! Please don’t laugh Miss Dash! Ah didn’t mean ta do it!” The farmer pleaded in a helpless tone. ‘Got dang my stupid body!’ He shut his eyes in despair, hopping upon anything that his crush didn’t end up laughing at him, or worse, thinking him a pervert.

Rainbow stared at the back of his head with wide eyes, a huge blush staining her own cheeks. ‘Ho-ly-CRAP!’ She thought to herself, the mare had always known Big Mac was well, big! But she had never imagined that every part of him would fit that nick-name!

“Uh… no need to be shy Mac, believe me, you have absolutely no reason to be.” The pegasus tried to comfort the mortified stallion.

“Yes there is! Tain’t proper.” Mac gave a solid shake of his head. “Ah bet ya think Ah’m some sort of sick, molester pervert or sumthin now.” His head sagged at the horrible description he had just given himself, but in his mind it seemed to fit perfectly.

“Now wait just a minute! Why the heck would I think something like that?” Rainbow marched up beside him, and when he tried to turn his back to her again she yanked him by the collar so that he would look her in the face.

“There is no way in all of Equestria that any mare could be offended by a reaction like that, especially from a stallion like you Mac!” She gave him a hard look in the eye to hammer her point home. “You are one of the coolest, most honest ponies I know! And there is absolutely no way I’m going to let you talk yourself down like that… GOT IT?”

Big Mac sat in awe of how forceful Rainbow could be, but then again, he should never expect anything when it came to her. Just a moment ago she was making out with him, and he had never in a million years guessed that would have ever happened!

After several seconds he nodded his head in agreement, to which Rainbow gave him a satisfied smirk.

“Now, we’ve established that I’m your marefriend and you’re my coltfriend, right?” She gave Mac a look that could be considered a cross between sultry and commanding.

“Uh, eeyup!” The stallion nodded his head in agreement once again.

“Good! And we both know that ponies who are dating do certain things right? Things that would be considered improper to do out in public, right?” She got closer and gave him a large, intimidating smile. Big Mac gulped and nodded his head once again, he couldn't have spoken his catchphrase at that point in time if his life depended on it… and maybe it did.

“Mmhmm, right again big guy!” Rainbow smiled as Big Mac’s brow arced at the new pet name. “And those things can lead to certain other things right? Things that big, strong stallions can’t control…” she got up next to his ear, and in a husky whisper finished her question. “Right?”

Big Mac plopped down onto his stomach as quickly as he could. “Miss Dash! You’re not helpin my situation right now!” The stallion began to sweat, almost regretting his decision to ask the feisty mare out.

Breaking out into a fit of laughter, Rainbow rolled around on the ground next to him, tears streaming from her closed eyes. Big Mac huffed in response and sharply turned away, what was the deal with this day anyway?

After a couple of seconds, the pegasus picked herself back up. Walking over to the sullen stallion, she wrapped his neck in a comforting hug. After a brief hesitation, Big Mac accepted her embrace and wrapped his neck around hers. His nerves finally calming at the warm contact.

“I’m sorry Mac, it’s just you’re too cute when you’re flustered like that!” Said farmer chuckled lightly in response, he wasn't used to compliments, and getting one from the famous Rainbow Dash was a treat in and of itself. “But don’t you go telling anypony I called you cute though alright? I've got to keep my cool level at maximum after all.” Finally stepping back, she let the much larger pony stand, his shame no longer present.

“Well…?” Rainbow looked up at him expectantly, she tried batting her eyes in a manner she had seen Rarity do, but ended up looking like she was squinting over and over.

Big Mac looked at her in confusion, not knowing what she expected. Looking left and then right he turned back to see her glaring at him again.

“What?” He asked with a tilt of his large head.

“Ahhh, just come here.” Rainbow pulled him in for another kiss, this one she kept much gentler, trying to express to this silly stallion just how much he meant to her.

Big Mac followed her lead, letting her guide his shyness with her confidence. He liked this kiss much, much more. After several seconds she pulled away and looked him in the eye.

“I don’t want you calling me ‘Miss’ Dash anymore alright? From now on just Rainbow, or Dash, or some cool nick-name alright?” She looked up into his eyes, to which he could only smile, and for the umpteenth time nod his head in agreement.

“Eeyup!” His response seemed to satisfy her, and leaped up into the air.

“I’ve got a coltfriend!” She swooped up over the tree tops and spun around in a corkscrew. Pushing herself higher, she looked in the direction of Ponyville. “Ya hear that Ponyville? Big Mac’s my coltfriend now!” At this, a strange look of dominance seemed to creep over her features. “And if any of you other mares look at him funny again, I’ll beat you into the dirt, ya hear?”

She flew back down to find Mac with a bewildered look on his face.

“What? I don’t like it when others are after what’s mine. Especially if it’s mares after my Mac!” She gave him a triumphant smile and looked around. “Now what were we doing here again?” At that question, the two ponies stopped to think.

“THE UKULELE!” Big Mac looked back at the pond, he had completely forgotten about it after rescuing Dash! Now it was probably at the bottom of the pond, soaked to the bone and beyond all repair. He’d never be able to forgive himse…

“Found it!” Mac turned to see Rainbow trotting up to him with a soggy, stinky uke. Mac sighed in relief, but then got a better look at its condition. It was completely drenched, first they would need to dry it off.

“Dag nabbit, how’m I gonna dry this thing before the water ruins it?” Mac asked himself more than his new marefriend, but Rainbow’s eyes had lit up at the prospect of a new challenge.

“Don’t worry Mac! I got this one!” Grabbing the soaked instrument out of his hooves, Rainbow took off like a flash into the sky. Mac’s neck snapped back, as his eyes tried to follow her path. The daring mare had flown until she was no more than a dot in the sky, then seemed to go into a stall, letting herself freefall.

Rocketing towards the ground, she quickly gained speed, holding the ukulele to her chest the entire time. Instead of increasing her speed further to cause a sonic rainboom, she began to twist in a corkscrew. Before she could get to close to the ground she swooped in an upward motion, causing the strings on the instrument to vibrate.

All the while, Mac could only watch in wonder. The water from the drying ukulele had caused a mist to form behind Dash, reflecting the sunlight and causing a lovely rainbow to appear in her wake. The vibration of the ukulele’s strings creating a beautiful drone all the while.

“It’s like watching music create color.” He whispered to himself, his new marefriend never ceased to amaze him.

Finally, when Rainbow was certain the instrument was dry enough, she flew back down towards the pond. Landing lightly next to Mac, she gave the uke a once over and handed it back to its owner.

Big Mac looked over the instrument with approval. It was completely dry now, and it would only need minor repairs to make it as good as new. He gave a massive sigh of relief and hugged his father’s gift to his chest.

“Thank ya so much Rainbow! How can Ah ever repay ya?” Mac looked up at his marefriend, a large smile was plastered on her face. It brought her a strange sort of thrill to make Mac happy like that, as he barely ever showed emotion to anypony.

“Well, you can start by taking me to get some lunch.” She sauntered over and gave Mac a playful punch in the shoulder. “Besides, I think you owe me a date.” The farmer gave her a nod, turning and placing the instrument back into its case.

“Sounds about right, mind if we stop by Pluck n’ Holler’s shop first so he can take a look at my uke?” Mac asked as he threw the case over his withers.

“Eeyup!” Rainbow turned and waited for Mac to come alongside her.

As they began to walk out of the orchard, the mare trotted ever closer to the stallion, and was soon brushing against his side. Big Mac blushed and smiled at this, he liked being this close to Dash, and her coat was warm and soft from the fast winds of flying.

They came to a fork in the road, one side leading in the direction of town and the other leading to the farm. Mac began to take the one towards the farm but stopped when Rainbow called out to him.

“Where ya goin?” He turned to see the mare sitting on the road to Ponyville, waiting for him expectantly, her tail swishing back and forth happily.

“Well, Ah should go tell mah sister where Ah’m goin fist. Wouldn’t want her to get upset if Ah’m late comin back from lunch.” Mac said matter-of-factly. The pegasus shook her head and waved him over.

“Don’t worry about AJ, if she gets mad I’ll just tell her what’s what!” She beat a hoof on her chest confidently. “Now come on! Let’s go get some grub!” She turned and swished her tail in his direction.

Mac gulped, both from Rainbow’s confident flirting and from nervousness at Applejack’s possible anger. Sighing in resignation he turned and followed his marefriend towards town.

It only took a short amount of time until the couple walked into Ponyville. Almost immediately Mac felt a little self-conscious, he was afraid that ponies would be judging Rainbow for walking side by side with a farmpony. He had heard whispers behind his back in the past, the word ‘hick’ would pop up more than once.

He nervously looked in Rainbow’s direction, only to find her not with a look of embarrassment on her face, but with one of malice instead. She suspiciously looked at every mare they passed, and pressed even closer to Mac’s side if it were possible.

Her next move was what really surprised Big Mac though. Swooshing her tail in a large arch, she unceremoniously slapped it onto the stallion’s large flank, leaving it draped over his back. The action caused several heads to snap in their direction, followed by muted stares.

Big Mac’s face was now blazing red. Mares only did that in the presence of others mares, to show that a stallion belonged to them! Mac stumbled a little at the action but was not about to protest.

Now that any doubt about being with Rainbow in public was completed obliterated from his mind, he was able to hold his head higher. He looked about the town as they walked, observing the gapping maws and wide eyes of the ponies they passed. The scene actually caused him to smile now.

“Welp, we going to Pluck n’ Holler’s place?” Rainbow looked up at Mac’s surprisingly content face.

“Eeyup!”

Author's Note

Sorry about the long hiatus!

As always, thank you for reading.