Lovelorn

by Lionspaw

Rating: everyone
Tags: Cheerilee, Big Macintosh, Slice of Life, Sad, Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Romance
Length: 5610

An anthology of stories telling about love, and sometimes heartache, of ponies. Mainly focused in and around Ponyville.

An anthology of stories telling about love, and sometimes heartache, of ponies. Mainly focused in and around Ponyville.

Each story will be a stand alone story, though other stories might be "hinted at". There will be some unusual pairings and bittersweet endings.

Published 2013-11-27 15:50:02 UTC
Last updated 2013-12-17 20:24:58 UTC

Applejack's Secret

Applejack had never willingly lied, either to herself or to anypony else, for as long as she had been lying now. It was over four years ago that she started lying, though at first it was to herself. Now she lies by omission every day, to everypony. But she has to. The consequences of telling her secret to anypony would be devastating to everyone. But it would be especially devastating to two of her friends. For that reason, she couldn't...wouldn't...willingly or unwillingly, tell them.

Applejack steeled herself as she knocked on the door. She knew it would be a disappointment when he opened the door and realized that she wasn't the one he was waiting on, but she hoped it wouldn't show on her face. It was his day and he didn't need it ruined by her.

When the door was opened, his bright eyes faded slightly when he realized Applejack wasn't who he thought she was. “Oh, hi, Applejack. Come on in.”

“Thank you kindly...” she started, but he had already turned back towards the door, waiting on another to come in. Applejack swallowed to quickly get rid of the slight dampness to her eyes and shook her head. She knew that was the reaction she'd get. No use getting worked up about it.

As Applejack looked around Sugarcube corner, she knew Pinkie had decorated. It was decked out in the guest of honor's favorite colors and had his favorite snacks piled up on several tables. Applejack smiled slightly as she saw a table piled with presents and hidden behind the huge pile was a note written in Twilight's distinctive writing, “Please, NO presents.” Of course nopony paid any attention.

As the afternoon got later and the bell over Sugarcube Corner's door kept ringing as more and more pony's showed up, Applejack started getting angry. Not only was the one pony he was waiting on late, but it looked like she wasn't going to show at all. When the bell rang again, Applejack looked up to see a smile light up his face. “Finally,” she mumbled. Unwilling to watch, but unable to look away, Applejack watched the interaction between the two, seething slightly as the new arrival brushed the guest of honor's advances off.

“Where does he get off?” a voice asked behind Applejack.

She turned to see a unicorn stallion also staring at the couple. “What do you mean?”

“Anypony can see that she's too far above him, yet he insists on following her around like a little lost puppy. Doesn't he realize he'll never be good enough for her?”

Applejack bit her tongue to keep from snapping at the young stallion. Instead, she replied, “Well, I guess hope springs eternal or something, right?”

The young stallion sniffed and shrugged his shoulders. “I guess, but I wish she would just turn him down already...” He walked away, leaving Applejack to think distinctly uncharitable thoughts.

“He's a hero, you know,” she mumbled.

“Who's a hero?”

Applejack jumped and stared into the green eyes of the one she had just been talking about. “Uhhh...are you enjoying yourself?” she asked to changed the subject, but cringed inside when she heard his response.

“I am now that Rarity is here...”

“Well of course you are, Sugarcube. I haven't said 'hi' to her yet. I'm gonna go do that.”

“Oh...okay. Talk to you later, Applejack.”

“Mmmhmmm.” Applejack wandered over towards Rarity and said a quick hello. Then zoned out as she started talking about her latest creation.

“Applejack, are you even listening to me?” Rarity's voice broke into her thoughts.

“Huh? Oh, sorry, Rarity. I was just....thinking.”

“I noticed. What is on your mind that you wouldn't even be paying attention to the the gift I got our esteemed guest of honor.”

Applejack's temper flared slightly. “Rarity, you know we weren't supposed to give him gifts...”

“I know. But it is so small and he was SO appreciative...”

Sighing, she asked, “Okay, I'll bite. What did you give him?”

“A small collection of gemstones, all his own.”

Applejack shook her head. “I hope this isn't going to turn out like last time.”

“Oh, it won't. I'm sure he'll be fine....Hello, Pin Point!” Rarity walked off to talk to the same stallion that Applejack had been talking to earlier.

“How long?”

Applejack sighed and turned towards Fluttershy. “How did you know?”

Fluttershy smiled shyly and said, “I've noticed the way you stare at him.”

“Since we met, basically.” When Fluttershy raised her eyebrows, Applejack asked, “Can we go somewhere else to talk about this? I don't want to ruin the party.”

“Sure.”

***

A short time later, Applejack and Fluttershy were in the grassy commons across from Sugarcube Corner. “It all started when they came to Ponyville. I knew Twilight was uncomfortable, so I wanted to make her as comfortable as possible. But I was drawn to Spike. He seemed so sweet, and caring. Plus he praised my food so much...” Applejack coughed, “I didn't intend to fall in love with him. I just started making excuses to spend time with him, first at Twilight's party and then later, but I noticed that he split his time between helping Twilight and doting on Rarity, that I knew nothing would happen. But as time went on, and the more I got to know him...” Applejack stopped and swallowed. “It seems silly, doesn't it?”

“Not at all,” Fluttershy encouraged.

“Well, I knew how he felt about Rarity. And I knew that Rarity hadn't made her decision about Spike yet. So I've kept my mouth shut.”

“Have you thought about telling him how you feel?”

“Of course! But that'll only lead him to feeling sorry for me and then our friendship being strained. No...it's best I keep my secret...no matter the cost.”

“Oh, Applejack.” Fluttershy hugged her, allowing Applejack to finally cry out her frustration. “Feel better?”

“A little,” Applejack admitted sheepishly. “I've been hiding that secret for so long....”

Fluttershy smiled. “Now you don't have to hide it from me anymore. I still think you should tell him though. And Rarity.”

Applejack shook her head. “No, Fluttershy. I'm not going to burden them with this.”

Fluttershy nodded sadly. “Okay, Applejack.”

“We'd better get back to the party.”

“Yeah.”

As the pair walked away, Rarity stepped out from behind the tree. She wiped the tears from her eyes and sniffed a little. “Applejack, wait.”

Shocked, Applejack turned around. “Rarity, wha...how much did you hear?”

“All of it. I was wondering why you and Fluttershy had left Spike's party.”

“So you eavesdropped?” Applejack asked, her temper rising up again.

“Not intentionally, no.”

“Well, then what?”

“Once you started your story, I couldn't leave without you seeing me and I didn't want you to think I'd been spying on you.”

“So you spied on me?”

“Uh, yeah. I guess so, yes.”

“So why say anything now?” Fluttershy asked, also a little angry at Rarity.

“Because...I well...I wanted to tell you how sorry I am. I never knew...”

“I didn't want you to know!” Applejack stormed.

“I...you what?”

“I didn't want you to get hurt either! And now...” Without warning, tears sprang to Applejack's eyes and she dashed them away angrily. “Now you're hurt and I'm hurt....now we only need Spike to have overheard my confession to make it worse.”

“What confession?” The three ponies turned to stare at the dragon they had just been talking about. “What confession?” he asked again, more insistently.

“The...uh...confession that it was Applejack's idea to give the gemstones, not mine. I took the idea as my own and Applejack, well, she is too kind to raise a fuss...hehe.” Rarity's nervous laughter made Spike raise his eyebrow.

“Is that true, Applejack?”

“Uh...nice weather we're having, huh?”

“Applejack?”

“Just drop it, Spike. This is not a conversation that I'd like to have right now.”

Spike's shoulder's dropped and he scuffed the ground with his feet. “I just want to help...”

Applejack could've kicked herself. Here she was, trying to keep him from feeling pity, sadness, or anything like that so she hurt his feelings instead. Nice job, AJ. “I know you are, Sugarcube. But this is something I have to deal with on my own...”

“But you told Rarity and Fluttershy!”

“I...” Applejack looked around for the aforementioned ponies so they could help her, but they were already walking back towards Sugarcube Corner. “Nuts! Traitors,” she mumbled under her breath.

“You what? You think they're better friends than I am? Is that it? I'm not important enough because I never carried an Element of Harmony?” Spike asked, tears starting to form in his eyes.

“No, Spike! I'd never think that!”

“Then tell me! What is so important that you'd leave my party?”

Applejack panicked. There was no way out of telling him. No way short of lying. Her head snapped up as she realized something.

“You know what, Spike. I'm tired of lying.”

“You've been lying?” Spike asked, slightly confused by the abrupt change of conversation.

Applejack nodded. “In a way. I've been not telling someone I care about how I feel. And I'm sick and tired of it.”

“Huh?”

Applejack smiled and pointed to the park bench. “Let's sit.”

“But I thought...” Spike sighed and recognized stubborn Applejack when he saw her.

Once they were seated, Applejack tilted her head back to look at the stars that had just started to come out. “I'm in love, Spike.”

“You are? That's great, Applejack! Who is the lucky colt?”

Applejack sighed. “It's not that simple. He...he doesn't know how I feel about him. And he's in love with somepony else.”

“Oh...why don't you tell him then?”

“Well, I don't want to make things more difficult for him.”

“Is he married?”

“No...”

“Actively dating this other pony?”

“No, but...”

“So tell him...”

“Even if it changes things between us?”

“Isn't it better thank keeping things hidden?”

Applejack nodded and turned towards spike. She took his claw into her front hooves and looked down at him. “I...I love you, Spike.” Tears came to her eyes again, as her voice caught in her throat and she saw nothing but shock register with him.

“I....I...me?”

“Yeah. You.” Applejack began to feel uncomfortable holding Spike's claw so she put it down slowly. She swallowed heavily and smiled. “I know it's a lot to take in,” she said, facing forward again and looking back up at the stars. “I'd understand if you need to go think for a bit and not see me for a while.” She choked back the tears when she felt him get up.

“Applejack...I...”

“It's okay, Spike.” She looked down a little, just enough to see him shuffling away. She couldn't stop the tears from falling anymore, but kept her face turned away...just in case he turned back.

***

Applejack sat and watched the party continue well into the night. She liked that the huge burden was now lifted from her shoulders but hated that it had to be put on Spike's. She didn't know when she fell asleep, but suddenly, she felt herself lifted up onto somepony's back.

“How long has she been here? She looks so cold.”

“Eeyup! It's been a few hours.”

“Will she be alright, Big Mac?”

“Eeyup.”

“You'll get her home safe?”

“Eeyup.”

Applejack stirred. “I can walk myself.” She pushed herself off of her brother's back started walking home.

“Applejack!” Twilight called, running after her.

“Yes, Twilight?”

“Are you okay?”

Applejack sighed. “Depends. If you're talking about my health or sanity...yes.”

Twilight looked confused, but didn't press the issue. “Okay. We can talk later, okay?”

“Eeyup.”

Twilight smiled slightly and watched as Big Mac and Applejack walked back to the farm.

Applejack was not in a talking mood on the walk back, so she refused to look at Big Mac until he trotted ahead and blocked the road.

“Alright, AJ. Talk.”

“Nothing to talk about, Big Mac. I confessed my love and was rejected. End of story.”

Big Mac nodded. He was familiar with heartache. “Who do I need to buck?” he asked, half jokingly.

Applejack smiled. “No one, big brother. I just need some time. That's all.” Saying those words felt wrong, but she knew, from watching Big Mac go through his own heart break, that it would take time.

Before they got halfway to the farm, Twilight crashed in front of them. “Applejack! Help. Spike is missing!”

“Missing!?!”

“He left the party and no one has seen him in a few hours.”

They started to gallop off, but Applejack turned towards Big Mac. “Get on home, Big Mac. I'll be home as soon as I can.”

Big Mac nodded and continued home while Applejack and Twilight headed towards town to gather the rest of their friends.

***

“Spike! Spike! Where are you?”

Applejack listened as her closest friends called for Spike. She just couldn't bring herself to add her voice to theirs. She was the reason he was missing. She was the reason he'd run off. And she couldn't bring herself to be the reason why he didn't want to respond. So she just ran around aimlessly looking into caves and other areas where he might have hidden himself.

Suddenly she heard Big Mac yell. What the hay...I thought he went back home. She ran towards his voice but stopped behind a boulder when she heard him say, “I found him on our front porch...”

“Mmmm?” Spike mumbled as he was roused from sleep.

“Spike?” Twilight asked gently.

“Twi...Twilight?”

“Are you okay?”

“Where am I?”

“Big Mac found you on his front porch. What were you doing there?”

“Wai...uh...nothing.” Twilight raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything as he jumped down from Big Mac's back. “I'll see you at home, Twilight.”

Twilight huffed, half in confusion and half in anger over the fact that her friends were keeping things from her. “Does anypony know what in the wide, wide world of Equestria is going on here? Anypony?”

When nopony answered, Applejack stepped from behind the boulder. “It's my fault, Twi. Well...at least...I don't really know why he was at my house, but he ran off because of me.”

“What do you mean, Applejack?”

So Applejack told them the whole story and made them Pinkie Promise to not say a word. “I just need time,” she claimed, after she was done.

“Okay, Applejack. We understand. Don't we girls.”

“Mmmhmmm.”

“Yup.”

“Of course!”

“Yes.”

“Eeyup!”

After a startled look at Big Mac, everyone started laughing.

***

A few days later, Applejack reluctantly approached the Golden Oaks Library. She didn't want to make things harder on Spike, but she had to see if Twilight had any books about unusual pests. Something was rustling inside the walls of the barn and it wasn't the usual critters. “Twilight, you here?” she asked, poking her head around the door.

“Applejack?”

Applejack froze. “Spike. I...I'm sorry. I was looking for Twilight. Is she here?”

“No, she's helping Fluttershy with something. I'm glad you came by though. I wanted to talk to you. You know...about what happened on my birthday.”

Applejack glanced over at Spike and saw him blushing and twiddling his claws. She coughed, trying to get rid of the lump in her throat and huskily tried to reassure him, “Hey now. It's okay. I....I understand. Tell Twi I'll be back later.”

“Holy guacamole, Applejack!” Spike yelled. “I knew you were stubborn, but I didn't know you were so stubborn that you would refuse to listen to me.”

Applejack stopped backing out of the door. “Huh?”

Spike rolled his eyes and walked over to Applejack. “I've been trying to see you ever since my birthday, but every time I stop by, Big Mac tells me you're too busy to talk..or that you've just run into town, or some other excuse. Were you serious when you said you loved me?”

Applejack glared. “Of course I was serious. I wouldn't lie to you!”

Spike nodded. “You know,” he said conversationally, “my crush on Rarity? When Applejack nodded slowly, he continued, “It's been over for some time.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well,” Spike put his free claw behind his head and blushed again, “I pretended to still have a crush on her because I wasn't sure how she felt and I didn't want to hurt her.” Spike smiled a shy smile and grabbed Applejack's hoof with his claw. “After the other night, I finally asked her how she felt about me. She told me that she has always had a soft spot for me, but that she would never be able to love me. It was then that I finally let go of the thought of Rarity. I'd like to see what could become of...this.” He gestured to her hoof in his claw.

Applejack stared at Spike, looking closely to make sure what he was saying was the truth. Satisfied with whatever she saw, she pulled Spike into a hug and whispered, “I'd like that too.”

“Then will you do me the great honor of going to dinner with me tomorrow night?”

“Of course I would, Darlin'”

Author's Note

I don't write southern accents well. I hope that Applejack's voice comes through with the action and dialog even without the "twang" added. The only exception I made was the end nickname she used, since it's a nickname and little different.

Big Mac's Gift

Big Macintosh looked around Sweet Apple Acres and sighed. He was content with the life he had, but he wished he could share it with somepony. Of course, he knew who he wanted to share his life with, but he was too shy to do anything overt about it.

“The golden delicious apples need to be bucked soon.” Applejack said from behind him.

“Eeyup. I'll start on it after lunch.”

“Big Mac, I can do it...”

“Eeyup, but I can...”

“I bet you I can get all of them in the barn before lunch!” Applejack boldly claimed. “And if I do, you have to walk down main street in Granny's girdle!”

“And if you can't?”

“...”

“If you can't, you have to admit to everyone at the next family reunion that you aren't as strong as you think you are.”

“Fine!” Spitting on her hoof, she held it out to Big Mac to shake.

“Deal!” he said, shaking her hoof.

***

Half an hour later, Big Mac was wandering around town with a goal in mind. He knew that tricking Applejack was wrong, but it allowed him to get off the farm to deliver his very special gift. He shifted slightly, feeling the weight of the gift in his saddle bags roll slightly. It was still early enough that the market stalls weren't set up and hardly anypony was around. That was good. He didn't want anypony to see what he was doing anyway.

Being a large red stallion meant that it was not the easiest thing in the world to hide, but when he needed to, Big Mac was good at sneaking around. He eventually found his way to the door he was seeking after a little while and silently slid inside. Breathing a little heavier than usual, he saw the perfect place to put his gift...right where she would see it. He did need to hurry though. He was cutting the timing awfully close for other ponies to see what he was doing. Carefully, he pulled the shiny red apple from his saddle bag and reverently set it in the middle of the desk. Nodding, he left the same way he had come.

***

“Did you see it?”

“Yeah! Do you think it means she has a very special somepony?”

“Maybe...but it could have been somepony else in class that gave it to her.”

When Big Mac heard the voice of his youngest sister asking her friend Twist a question, he leaned a little closer to hear. He wanted to know how his gift had been received.

“Miss Cheerilee seemed really surprised by the apple.”

“Yeah, but she said it was the most beautiful one she'd ever seen.” Twist and Apple Bloom walked around the corner in time for Big Mac to see Twist pin Apple Bloom with a steely glare. “You didn't sneak in and give it to her did you? Miss Cheerilee said she thought it had come from Sweet Apple Acres.”

“I didn't! I swear!”

Big Mac swallowed. Of course she'd know it had come from Sweet Apple Acres. That wasn't very smart of you, Mac! He cleared his throat, wishing he had a drink.

Apple Bloom and Twist turned at the sound and saw Big Mac working the Apple's market stall. “Of course!” Apple Bloom exclaimed. “Somepony must have bought an apple from the stall.”

“That makes sense,” Twist agreed.

“Big Brother! Did anypony buy a large red apple today?”

“Eeyup...” Big Mac felt slightly guilty by lying to his sister, even if it was by not elaborating on his answer.

“That had to be it then,” Apple Bloom said, turning towards her friend. Suddenly, a commotion down the street drew the two young fillies' attention. “Wonder what's going on down there.”

Big Mac followed Apple Bloom's pointing hoof and saw the newest pony in town, Twilight Sparkle, and her pet dragon, being chased by half the mares in town. He shook his head, a little sad. He would never understand mares.

***

Later that night, after Applejack got home from dinner with Twilight and her other friends, she explained what had happened in town. “...and so, Twilight said if we couldn't all go, then she didn't want to go either. And she sent the tickets back! Can you believe it?!? But wouldn't you know, Princess Celestia sent her a letter back with SIX tickets so we could all go together. Plus an extra one for Spike. Just you wait, Granny Smith. I'll get us a whole heap of bits for the farm. You'll see!”

“Don't count your chicken's before they hatch, Applejack,” Big Mac cautioned. He wisely kept his mouth shut about his lost bet from earlier that day...

***

Periodically, over the next year or so, Big Mac would sneak into the schoolhouse to leave an apple on Cheerilee's desk. He overheard Apple Bloom and her friends speculating on which eligible stallion was leaving her the special treats, especially once all of the other students denied leaving it for her. Big Mac smiled slightly, knowing that he was at least giving Cheerilee something she liked, even if she never found out it was him.

“Good afternoon, Big Mac.” Cheerilee's voice jolted him out of his thoughts. “My that was a sweet smile you had on your face just now. Thinking about your special sompony now are you?”

Big Mac blushed, turning his red fur a slightly deeper shade of red. “N...nope.”

“Oh?”

“I...I mean, I don't hav...apple?”

“Oh, no thank you. Somepony keeps leaving me beautiful apples about once a week. They are very good and are definitely Sweet Apple Acre apples. I stopped by to see if you knew who my secret gift-er was. I'd like to thank him or her personally.”

“E...eeyup.”

“Oh, wonderful! Who is it?”

Big Mac swallowed and shook his head, meaning that he couldn't speak just then, but Cheerilee took it another way. “Oh,”she responded, her face falling. “You won't tell me...or you can't tell me.”

Big Mac started nodding at the first statement, but dazedly continued after she finished her sentence.

“I see. Well, whoever it is, please tell him or her that I love them. But I would love to also thank them personally. Good bye, Big Mac.”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac whispered.

***

“Big Mac! Applejack! Guess what!” Apple Bloom shouted as she ran into the door the next day after school. “Miss Cheerilee has a secret admirer. I overheard her tell Twilight when she came in to the classroom to return a book she had borrowed from Miss Cheerilee. She asked where the apple came from and Cheerilee told her it was from a secret admirer.”

“Well, I'll be...any clue who it is, Mac?”

“What's a secret admirer,” Apple Bloom interrupted.

“It is a pony that gives little gifts or notes to a pony he likes in secret to make sure that the other pony likes him before they speak up.”

“Well, that's stupid. How is Miss Cheerilee to know who is doing the giving?”

“Usually, the pony receiving the gifts has some clue...”

“But she doesn't! I overheard her tell Twilight that she had no idea who was sending the gifts. And the one pony who could tell her had promised not to tell.”

Big Mac blushed, realizing too late that Cheerilee had misinterpreted his silence and statements at the market yesterday.

“Well, then that secret admirer isn't very smart. He should have left some clue...”

Big Mac walked out of the barn without hearing the rest of the conversation between his sisters. He wandered the farm for a few hours before coming to rest at the top of the only bare hill on all of Sweet Apple Acres. His favorite spot. He looked down over the fields and orchards and sighed, finally letting a few tears escape.

“Mac?”

“Applejack. What are you doing out here?”

“Coming to find you. Are you okay?”

Big Mac sighed. It was time to be honest with someone. And who better than the most honest pony around. “Not really.”

Applejack huffed. “Care to elaborate?”

“I'm Cheerilee's secret admirer.”

“Y...you?”

“I started leaving apples on her desk in the schoolhouse over a year ago. I've been too shy to approach her directly and leaving apples seemed like a sweet thing to do. Especially once I found out how much she loves them. But when she asked me about it yesterday...”

“You lied?”

“NO! I was trying to tell her it was me, but I got tongue tied. Before I could say anything...she thought I couldn't tell her.”

“You need to tell her, Mac. Otherwise you're going to be miserable never knowing.”

“I know, AJ.”

“Come back to the barn soon?”

Big Mac nodded and looked back out over the farm.

***

It was a week before Hearts and Hooves day and Big Mac wanted to make sure the apple he delivered was extra special. He was also going to leave a note that had clue in it. Hopefully, Cheerilee would know what it meant. Or maybe he was hoping she wouldn't. Big Mac actually couldn't make up his mind about how he wanted this to turn out. But, just like he had been doing for over a year, he snuck into the schoolhouse to leave his apple.

Before he could sneak back out, the light turned on. “Big Mac?”

“Ch...Ch...Cheerilee?”

“Are you running errands now, Big Mac?”

Big Mac sighed, knowing the time had finally come. “Nope.” He shook his head. He needed to say more than that. “Not exactly. I've always delivered the apples.”

“Oh.” A beat passed then he felt Cheerilee move in front of him. “Who sent you? Who was cowardly enough to not come himself?”

Big Mac shook his head, speechless. Finally he admitted quietly, “I'm the coward.”

“What?”

“All of the apples. They've been from me.” Cheerilee raised her eyebrows, but Big Mac rushed on, eager to speak now that he had found his tongue. “I wanted to give you a nice gift. To show you how much I care about you. How much I've always cared about you. But I guess I messed up, seeing how you didn't know they were from me.”

“Oh,” Cheerilee said quietly, her head down.

“So...um...”

“Yes.” Cheerilee coughed, then looked up. “You are very sweet, Big Mac, but...” Cheerilee took a deep breath and sighed. “There is somepony else I care about.”

Big Mac felt like the floor dropped away from him. “I...I see.”

“I just consider you my good friend. That's all, Big Mac. I'm sorry.”

“Don't worry about it. I understand.” Big Mac started backing out of the schoolhouse. “Bye, Cheerilee.” And he turned tail and ran.

***

Big Mac was gone for most of the night, stumbling into the barn well after midnight, bone tired and shivering. Applejack was waiting up for him. “What in tarnation!?!”

“Leave it, AJ.”

“You told her then?”

“Eeyup.”

“And?”

“And what do you think?” A spark of anger lit Big Mac's eyes. “She turned me down. Like I knew she would. But I had no choice to tell her since she caught me in the school this morning.”

“Ah, Mac. I'm sorry.” Applejack walked over and nuzzled her big brother's neck. Go get some sleep and you can take tomorrow off.

“Eeyup.”

***

“I'd like to buy an apple please.” Big Mac looked into Cheerilee's eyes, then looked away.

“Eeyup. Two bits.”

Cheerilee fished the bits out of her saddle back and put them on the stall table. “Are you mad, Big Mac?” she asked quietly.

“Nope.”

Cheerilee bit her lip, started to say something, then thought better of it. “Thank you for the apple. Good bye.”

“Bye.” After she was gone, Big Mac turned running the stall over to Applejack and he took the cart back to the farm. He loaded it up with hay bales and trotted back to town to build the tower of hay that Mayor Mare had decided would be perfect decoration for Hearts and Hooves day. As he was unloading the cart, he heard Scootaloo, one of Apple Bloom's friends, ask him if he was doing anything special that day. “Nope...” He looked up, only to see that she was gone. He shrugged and continued his work, only vaguely aware that his sister and her two friends were causing a bit of a distraction in the middle of town.

***

That evening, Big Mac went to the gazebo to fix it, since Apple Bloom had told him it was broken. When he got there, Cheerilee was standing there talking to the three little fillies. He ignored the four of them, and the way his heart started to pound, and bent down to start fixing the gazebo

“Oh, I'm sorry, big brother. I already fixed the gazebo..”

Big Mac listened half in amusement and half in trepidation as he heard Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo tried and explain that their picnic was too small for all five of them. Then he saw the three little fillies scurry out of the way and jump into some bushes. Swallowing hard, he turned to look at Cheerilee.

“Big Mac?” She said, looking into his eyes.

“Eeyup?” He responded, trying hard to not get his hopes up as she leaned closer into him.

Cheerilee wrinkled her nose and answered, “You have something in your teeth.”

As Big Mac was cleaning his teeth with a toothpick, Cheerilee was explaining how awkward the situation was, to which he could only respond with a subdued, “eeyup.”

***

A few hours later, Apple Bloom asked him to meet her yet again at the gazebo What now, Apple Bloom? he thought, irritated. Once again, Cheerilee was waiting for him in the gazebo She took the worlds out of his mouth though, when she asked the girls what was going on this time.

After being told that the fillies wanted someone to taste test their punch creation, Big Mac agreed that it couldn't hurt to try it. Boy was he wrong.

Big Mac had never been a big one for words, but all of a sudden, he couldn't stop the endearments from spilling out of his mouth. One after another of sickeningly sweet nicknames came pouring out of his mouth. The more he tried to stop it, the faster they came. In a fog, he heard somepony mention marriage and his heart leapt.

This isn't right, he thought to himself. Cheerilee already told me that she had somepony else she cared for. Snap out of it, Big Mac! But nothing he told himself or tried to do to himself would snap him out of the fog. Soon, he was looking at diamonds and internally wincing at the price of the one he eventually bought. Then he was off to find Cheerilee. This is not going to end well.

As he powered through town in his drugged state, he kept trying to stop himself, but couldn't. He tried to breathe a sigh of relief when Apple Bloom finally jumped off of him to save herself. He tried to sigh again when he fell, face down, on a mattress in the bottom of a hole. It's over. Then he heard Cheerilee's voice and it caused him to try and climb out of the hole. All the while he was calling to her using one of the sad nicknames he had come up with.

Suddenly, he had control of his body again...just in time have Cheerilee crash head first into him.

***

After Cheerilee and Big Mac made the girls do their punishment for using a love potion on them, Cheerilee decided she wanted to play a little joke on the girls. Big Mac agreed, not realizing that she wanted them to pretend to still be under the spell. Apparently, Cheerilee didn't understand how much pain this caused him.

As they walked away, hearing the three fillies scream into the night, Big Mac broke into a run.

“Big Mac, wait! Don't you want to go to our picnic?”

“Nope. Sorry Cheeriliee. It's too painful.”

“But...I thought we were friends.”

Big Mac sighed. “Maybe one day, Cheerilee. But I can't do it today. I'm sorry.” And he turned and walked off towards his favorite spot on the farm.