Not close enough for comfort
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Raining sparks

Not close enough for comfort

Fluttershy hummed a sweet melody as she prepared Angel's latest breakfast perfection. She was relaxed, because she had already fed the rest of her animals, so she could concentrate on feeding Angel. It was a vegetarian delicacy, a mix of iceberg lettuce, spinach leaves, carrots, slices of apples, and grapes; all topped with a cherry. It was a bit tedious to make breakfast for Angel every morning-having to make something new and intricate each time, while changing ingredients to please his pickiness; but it was for a good cause, and it kept her cooking skills sharp-kept ideas in her head, and it was fun. Still, Angel was quite the picky bunny, and when he was displeased he didn't hesitate to speak-or show what was on his mind; but he was so helpful when it counted and so sweet when Fluttershy was going through hard times. She was glad that she had him around.

She looked down at her masterpiece. She was certain Angel would enjoy this. It had taken all morning, so she hoped he would. She lifted the bowl piled high with goodies and daintily stepped over to the impatient bunny-who tapped his foot and with a frown pointed to his wrist. "Oh, I'm sorry Angel, but I took extra time because this dish was quite different, so I had to edit the recipe for you. I know what you like, and I hope this suffices." Fluttershy apologized as she set down her masterpiece. Angel looked at his breakfast. The moment of truth. Fluttershy watched anxiously for an answer. Angel sniffed it, paused for what seemed like a minute, and turned his nose up.

She sighed lightly. She wished Angel wouldn't do this. "Angel, would you please take a bite? Just one. Then, if you really don't like it, I'll make another dish."

Angel considered this, and took a fraction of a bite. He immediately spit it out onto his napkin, sticking out his tongue to show distaste. "Oh dear, well Angel, I'll have to go to the store to get ingredients. If you don't eat this, you'll have to wait a whole hour." Angel waved goodbye, signaling his answer. "Okay, I'll be right back! Make sure the animals behave!" Said Fluttershy, trotting out the door.

LAST NIGHT

"Big Macintosh, lookit what Ah made ya!" said Applebloom excitedly galloping into the living room, squealing with delight and disrupting Big Mac's reading. He was reading "To Kill A Mockingbird", a classic suggested to him by Twilight. She always seemed to have just the right book for almost anyone.

Macintosh set down his book, making a mental note of the page as he focused on what Apple Bloom had dragged onto the living room carpet.

It was a large black tarp, with what looked like three pairs of goggles embedded into it all in a row, side by side.

"Like it?!?!" The little yellow filly could not contain her excitement.

"Eeyup...uhh, what is it?"

Applebloom began her long explanation "Well today Sweetie Bell Scootaloo and I were all at the clubhouse, when it started rainin’. We were fine with bein’ stuck there, because we always keep supplies that will last us for days in there..."

At this Big Mac raised an eyebrow and wondered why in the world 3 little ponies would be in there for days when it wasn't a five minutes walk from there to the house. "Then Ah forgot that Ah needed mah crayons for what we were going to do today. Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo didn't bring theirs either, and the backup and backup backup crayons were missing..." Big Mac, while listening intently to her rambling story like a good brother does, he made the connections as to why all the school supplies had to be replaced every year. "So basically our morning was ruined unless we could get those crayons from the house. Then, it hit me! Ah remembered that we stashed a tarp in there just in case..." How much could fit in that tiny clubhouse-or where it could fit-was beyond Macintosh. "Ah figured we could walk under it, like a rain coat, so we could go get the crayons!" She paused for a while, as if trying to remember what came next. "Then, when we finally got back to the clubhouse, we found out that it had begun leakin’ an' there was a puddle in the middle of the clubhouse. And Ah, bein so ingenious that day, thought that we could put the tarp over the roof as a temporary fix for the leak!"

"That's nice Apple Bloom, but why did ya make that?" said a puzzled Macintosh pointing to the object that would have made Rarity faint.

"I was just gettin’ ta that. So Ah started thinkin’ about how we would sometimes get caught in tha rain with the apple-sellin’ cart. So, rememberin’ what we did today, Ah set ta work. It took most of mah allowance ta get the materials, and with some help from Granny Smith, Ah made somethin you, me an' Applejack can use when we get caught in the rain with the apple cart. We just all three stand beside each other-you in the middle, an me an Applejack either side, and you pull the cart, and we drape the tarp over us an' the apple cart. The goggles is so we can see through the tarp. Basically its 3 ponchos and a cart cover rolled into one!"

Big Mac just stared at the item. Apple Bloom never lost face, simply showing her teeth as much as ponily possible. After a time, Big Mac spoke slowly and surely.

" Well Apple Bloom, Ah'm very impressed with your thoughtfulness and ingenuity, and Ah surely do appreciate you doin’ this, but wouldn't we know when it was goin’ ta rain? Rainbow Dash normally warns us when she knows we'll be goin to the market. Also, what ya could do is make us all individual ponchos and a cart cover."

Apple Bloom's smile faded, considering this. She began to defend her fashion crime. " But what if Rainbow Dash and the pegasuses aren't responsible for the storm-like what if Dischord makes it chocolate rain? Or, what if Rainbow Dash don't know that we're at the market?? And Ah made it all into one for easy storage and so we'll always be close together!" Big Mac smiled slowly, staring deep into Apple Bloom's eyes, the pupils now expanding chasms of disappointment. The "chasms" began to fill with water.

"Well Apple Bloom, if ya worked this hard on something for someone besides yourself, Ah'll make sure ta take it along with me whenever Ah bring the cart."

Apple Bloom's expression quickly changed, her mouth now open and an enormous grin across her countenance. "Oh thank you thank you thank you Big Mac!" She wrapped her arms around his neck. " Y'all will be so pleased when you're caught in the rain, knowin’ Ah thought ahead!"

Big Mac hugged her back, saying one word. "Eeyup." Apple Bloom dashed out of the living room, excited that her project was a success, and went to tell Applejack about it. Big Mac smiled, gave a small chuckle, and resumed his book.

BACK TO THE PRESENT

Big Mac hitched up a cart full of ripe red apples-bucked just yesterday-to his ever-present cart-puller and began the walk to the grocer's. He had never really considered how heavy the yolk he bore actually was. It was so much a part of him that sometimes when he went to bed he hardly noticed the bulky burden until he tried to roll over onto his back. Other times he ended up sleeping with it on and felt very sore in the morning.

He arrived at the shopping center and hunted for the grocery store. A big red "open" sign greeted him as he pushed on the door.

"Good Morning Big Mac!" called the eccentric cashier, also one of the very few employees. "Just park the cart right here." he said, gesturing to a square open space surrounded closely by oranges, bananas, and several other fruits. On occasion he would look distastefully at other fruits and think of the competition. But, nipping it in the bud, he reminded himself of his father's words "We are not competing. We're in the apple business, they're in the orange business, and they're in the banana business." Big Mac remembered many of his life lessons taught by his father and grandfather fondly. They were such honorable stallions, and one of Big Mac's goals in life was to become like them. Wise, strong, caring farmers who would teach their sons and grandsons the ways of farming. "Sons..." Big Mac pondered the idea of raising children of his own and immediately dismissed it. "Ah've got plenty of time ta worry 'bout that later on in life." Big Mac sighed at the thought.

Not 2 aisles away was somepony gathering lettuce, carrots, corn, and other vegetables. She systematically checked and checked again that she had everything from this aisle. Next, apples. She peered around the corner of the aisle and was met by 2 stallions chatting standing by the fruit-well one would talk for a long while, the other would just answer with a single word. "I wouldn't want to interrupt just for some apples." She thought. "I'll just get the rest of the stuff on the list." She looked at her slip of paper and found that apples was all that was left.

The pony in question in the last paragraph is Fluttershy. The stallion of few words-Big Macintosh. If you guessed it, congratulations.

Big Mac tired of the grocer's dull conversation. It started off about hobbies, and somehow ended up on eating at fancy restaurants. Not that he disliked the grocer, he just wanted to get back to the farm so he could finish up his chores. A yellow-pink flash caught his eye-he looked over, but saw only the corner of the aisle-which was a deep brown.

The grocer noticed Big Mac's distraction from him, and apologized "Oh, what am I doing. I'm keeping you from your work. You can go." Big Mac nodded, as the cashier retired to the back room. Then, feeling a bit peckish, he grabbed an apple and was about to leave, when he remembered his manners, and threw a bit beside the cash register.

Fluttershy peeked around the corner. She found the apples waiting where she saw Big Mac. She crept over, and gathered 5 apples. She gathered 3 bits from her saddlebag. "What a nice thing for Big Mac to do" She thought to herself "He could have easily taken the apple without paying-but not only did he pay, but he payed more than double! So chivalrous..." Fluttershy shook her head. She was exaggerating. He simply bought an apple, nothing more. Still, a whole bit? "Oh look at yourself Fluttershy, you act like a cheapskate."

Macintosh had not taken 10 long sure strides out the door, than he forgot one factor-the rain tarp. He was certain he wouldn't need it anytime soon, but if he didn't have it when he came back, Apple Bloom would flip. So, stopping dead in his tracks he re-entered the establishment. There, standing directly in front of the cart, was the pony he had seen whirl around the corner. He waited patiently for her to finish, but she was lost in thought, staring at an apple, turning one over and over "Ah'll just wait-probably thinking some pretty profound thoughts-worth much more than my thoughts anyways." Big Mac shuffled his feet uneasily after a time. He scuffed the ground careful to make as little sound as possible. As if a gunshot went off, Fluttershy jumped and turned to face the sound. The "gunslinger" was just Big Mac, staring at her with a countenance of concern and yet his normal neutrality.

"Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry. I've been taking way too long. I'm sorry. Here." She said much more sincerely than was needed, blushed PROFUSELY? and stepped aside.

"That's all right. Ah can't blame you. They're so good, Ah often wonder how dirt, rain, and sunshine becomes so sweet." "Stop talking big Mac, you're boring her." Big Mac told himself, though he had hardly spoken ten words, and Fluttershy thought they were very profound words. He lowered his head and grabbed the tarp almost secretively, so that Fluttershy might not ask what it was.

As if his thoughts were becoming real, "What's that...if you don't mind me asking..."

" Oh, uhh..." Big Macintosh tried to think of a good explanation, but it was what it was. "This here's our rain tarp. we can cover the carts and ourselves if it starts to rain unexpectedly." They stared at each other for a long awkward time. Both hearts beated faster and harder. Fluttershy suddenly dropped her eyes, blushing. Big Mac tried to think of an icebreaker, and, having nothing more to say, finally gave up and spat out the first thought at the top of his head. "So...Nice weather we're having..."

Big Macintosh could not have spoken this at a more ironic time. Just now, heavy rain clouds rolled in rather quickly. Rainbow Dash had fallen asleep on a cloud, and in doing so forgot to tell everyone that a rainstorm would come in the morning.

"Umm...well...it's not exactly the BEST weather we've had in ponyville." Fluttershy commented, looking over Macintosh's shoulder in amazement. He looked behind him, and gaped in amazement as well. Just last night he and Apple Bloom had discussed this very scenario, and he wondered if the Cutie Mark Crusaders had planned this. He dismissed this idea, knowing that they knew better than to tamper with other ponies' work. His mind raced. He needed to get home-the clouds were pitch-black and stretched 5 miles in every direction. He saw a small container of umbrellas, but too late-for everypony in the store had seized one but Macintosh and Fluttershy. His expression changed to one of sadness. He sighed-He was going to have to use the tarp.

Big Macintosh suddenly regretted his life. If only he had just told Apple Bloom to use it for the Clubhouse, or had just left it at home this once. He imagined his dignity as a large fragile balloon. He sighed, and unravelled the tarp. Thankfully, Apple Bloom had made the sides adjustable if one of them wasn't present, or if they didn't have the cart. How lucky. He adjusted the rear straps so that the tarp fell down his back and didn't drag. He adjusted the sides as well. He took a deep breath and adorned his new veil of shame. His swore he heard his "balloon of dignity" pop, as he looked at himself in the glass reflection. It didn't look too bad...It just looked like he was wearing a big black poncho...sort of. It wasn't nearly as bad as he had envisioned it. Because it hung so low without touching the ground, he couldn't see his red coat. He stepped out of the door, listening to the patter of rain on the gravel, and slowly walked out, listening to the new patter of rain on the tarp. He looked around, to make sure no one was staring-no one was. That is, no one but Fluttershy. "Horse Apples" he muttered to himself, and hoped she hadn't seen him put it on.

Fluttershy looked down after seeing him stare back at her. "Well, that sure looks helpful" she remarked to herself. She had always thought of Big Macintosh as a simple pony-never much for words or explanation. He let his actions speak for themselves. However, his actions this time could not have spoken louder. He looked like a hazmat pony in that full-body suit-er tarp. Suddenly, she remembered her own situation-she needed to get home to care for her animals! Although she had fed them, and Angel had something to eat if he was in despair, many of the animals needed other types of care! She checked the clouds, and could tell it wasn't going to stop for quite some time. Her Mind raced, touching all possible worst-case scenarios at once. What if it rained the whole day, and she couldn't care for her animals? What if a creature from the Everfree forest came to her house? What if...

She might have gone on for celestia knows how long, but the "hazmat" pony walked back into the store. Fluttershy cowered before the imposing pitch-black pony who stood menacingly-temporarily forgetting who it really was. At this, Big Mac stepped back, not wanting to scare such a delicate creature, and removed his dark veil. Fluttershy looked up, and for the first time they're eyes met. The two souls became electrified staring into each other.Their gaze finally broke after what seemed like forever. Big Mac rubbed the back of his neck and spoke, "Uhh, Ah noticed that y'all don't have anything ta cover ya from the rain, and this tarp was made to fit three ponies...Ah just thought that y'all might want ta get back ta your house as soon as possible, what with all your animals needin' tender love and care..."

"Oh, well that's very kind of you Big Macintosh...you're sure? I mean, you don't have to do that. I can find a way home."

"Ah would be glad ta walk ya home Miss Shy. Ah wouldn't be able ta live with myself knowing Ah left a nice pony like you stranded in a rainstorm."

Big Mac gave a small smile, hoping she wouldn't think him strange for his practical yet slightly uncanny way of staying dry.

Fluttershy blushed. "He thinks I'm nice?" She thought. Well, her element WAS kindness...but still he complimented her. He was such a gentlecolt. He was able to swallow up his pride just to take her home? Not to mention extra time it took to get from her house to his-and it was a good twenty minute's trot from her house to his. She watched patiently as he dexterately unraveled the left side of the tarp, revealing another pair of goggles embedded into the tarp. She wondered how on earth the Apple family came upon such an odd solution to the rain problem.

"There!" Big Mac said after a time , both staring at the odd object in front of them. Fluttershy was suddenly struck with a nervousness which she tried to contain inwardly. She hadn't realized how close she would have to stand next to Big Mac to stay under the tarp. Neither had a now blushing Big Mac. "Well, at least no one will know what ponies are underneath..." He thought to himself reassuringly. Now to begin...putting it on...this was less awkwardly said than done.

"Well, better get a move on..." remarked Big Mac.

"Y-yes, umm..." whispered Fluttershy, who had never been in such an awkward position as this. A long pause occurred with both ponies simply staring at the object. Then, tired of being shy, Big Mac grabbed the tarp and draped it over himself, adjusting his goggles. Fluttershy gingerly lifted the left flap, and arranged herself with the goggles and Big Mac. Never Before had she stood so close to a stallion-except for the brief period of her childhood with her father.

"Uhh, so lets uhh.... just start walkin’ and see how this goes."

"Ok." The odd pair stepped out of the grocer's in unison. Under Big Mac's sure direction, they set up a system for turning and stopping.

Big Mac looked down to check on Fluttershy and noticed her heavy baggage-the fragile, delicate pony beneath shaking-either from nervousness, the cold, or from her burden.

"Y'all want me ta carry that for ya?"

Fluttershy looked back at the stallion. Time slowed for a few precious moments, as they stared into each other’s eyes-one pair green, one pair light blue, two pairs transfixed. That moment seemed like no other, and lasted for maybe an hour, maybe a minute, but it seemed so long and neither wanted to break the gaze; but Fluttershy’s shyness made her.

"Oh no, you don't have to do that, I'm fine."

"Ah'm a strong work horse-Ah can carry your saddlebag. Besides, it looks a might heavy for ya."

"Well okay, but only if you really want to." She said unstrapping it from herself and, reaching one of her hooves around his barrel, strapped it around his ribs. Realizing her actions, her ears shot back against her head and she blushed, looking back out of the glass circles into the dreary world.

"Thank you very much..." She said hiding behind her mane.

"You're quite welcome." Big Mac simply could not take his eyes off of her. "She's so darn beautiful." he thought while staring at her perfect silky mane. "She deserves better than ta be shoved under a cold tarp with some yokel just because it's rainin'. This was the absolute worst thing Ah could do." He thought about how nice she was-not Pinkie Pie nice, but caring nice. She didn't brag, she didn't fuss, she wasn't a know-it-all or anything. She was perhaps the nicest pony in Equestria.

During this time, Twilight had just put her small-force field spell into effect above herself to stop the rain, when a pony with an umbrella commented.

"Would ya look at that getup?!"

Twilight turned her head towards the object of the pony's comment, and saw what looked almost like an extremely wide lopsided pony with a black poncho. She and other bystanders gaped at the sight. Curiosity overtook her, and she couldn't help but remember her x-ray spell. She just couldn't resist. she focused her magic, and what she saw surprised her more than if there HAD been a wide lopsided pony under that cloak. "Are they...together?" she asked herself. She thought of all possible couples, and this definitely wasn't one of them. The two shyest ponies in perhaps all of equestria suddenly walking not 2 inches from each other-not that they had any choice-the tarp was not big enough for them to have more than half a foot of space between each other. "What an interesting development..." Thought Twilight "I thought for sure Fluttershy would be the last of us six to get a coltfriend." Twilight resumed her umbrella spell and walked home to process this. Maybe it was time she too found a coltfriend...

Fluttershy's face had not ceased its crimson shade since she got under the tarp. The two were now on a straight road, so there wasn't much to say as far as directions went. Fluttershy's hoof scuffed a stone, and she leaned a little trying to regain balance. She brushed against Big Macintosh's barrel, and then recoiled. "Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry!" Fluttershy apologized. "What a clutz you are Fluttershy!" she thought.

"Y'all don't need ta apologize. It was an accident; besides, you can't knock me over anyways." Big Mac said smiling. Truth be told, he wished she would trip again-and so did Fluttershy. The tarp was very cold, and the heat between them was small-but when they brushed it grew for a few seconds and felt like a quilt and a hot cider both honed in on a single patch of fur-and it felt great.

Fluttershy stole a glance at the large pony beside her-which soon turned from a glance into a full-on stare. Here she was, walking beside somepony she hardly knew, and they call her FlutterSHY. She marvelled at his shiny coat-a deep crimson, like the apples which farmed. Of course, she remembered her manners, and looked back ahead, blushing-although she knew he wasn't paying attention to her. Curiosity overtook her, and she looked over at the large stallion's front legs, whose muscles slightly rippled under his skin when he walked. He was quite muscular-certainly in that area from standing on his front legs to buck apples-and Fluttershy tried to stop herself, concentrating on the road ahead. But, as soon as she saw another cart of apples at another shop, it was no use trying to take her mind off of him. She marveled at his large frame-like a huge wall of stallion blocking whatever might come at her. "He's probably great at his work. He's big...strong...steady...........hunky." Thought Fluttershy-again blushing even though nopony was watching her and nopony read her thoughts of course. "Stop it Fluttershy-you're not ready to get into a relationship yet." She told herself. But, she thought that nudging him once more wouldn't hurt-just once. She "misjudged her footing", and tipped over against Big Mac, who stopped to wait for her to stand up. The second touch warmed them both right to their hooves.

"I-I'm sorry again. I'm such a clutz, i-it won't happen again!" She said, attempting to balance her shaky voice of insecurity.

"Don't say that-you're not a klutz. In fact, Ah'm probably the one makin' ya trip. Ah need ta quit walkin' so irregularly..." He said, trying to take the blame.

"Now look what you did Fluttershy, you made him think he's at fault" She thought-although she thought it was sweet of him to take the blame.

"Oh no, I'm the one to blame. I'm no good walking OR flying." she insisted.

"Well, Ah'll make sure ta keep mah walkin' even, so's Ah don't trip ya."

"And I'll make sure I step carefully, so you don't have to keep stopping for me." She said giggling, to which Big Mac replied with a light chuckle which was deep enough that Fluttershy thought she felt her feathers vibrate slightly-or maybe it was her shaking from nervousness. Here was someone who never did anything but help anypony out, and he still acted like it was he who messed everything up.

Then she remembered they were out in public, and fear struck her like a bolt of lightning, to which she restrained a gasp and a squeak, for fear of making yet more noise and alerting the towns ponies of who she was. Did other ponies know that it was they who were under this tarp; so close together? "No." she reassured herself. The whole reason she WAS so close to him was because of this veil protecting them both from judgement and rain. If anypony found out it was her and Big Mac inside, she might faint of embarrassment-Celestia forbid anyone think they were dating. "But why a tarp..." She wondered. She considered asking Big Mac why they used a tarp instead of umbrellas. "Oh, but that would be prying-and I shouldn't ask about his family's decisions-that would be just rude." She thought to herself. Still, they had already become acquainted somewhat, and curiosity overtook her.

"So...h-how did the apple family come to use a tarp instead of an umbrella-if you don't mind my asking that is; I would hate to be a bother."

Big Mac thought was cut off of his thought by Fluttershy's question-which he was in part glad she had asked. Now his tarp wouldn't seem as weird because she would know why. So, he explained to her the details of last night, Fluttershy listening intently. Afterwards, Fluttershy gave a small nod and an "ahh" in acknowledgment. She figured there was a good explanation for a strange yet practical waterproofing. "He reads too?" she thought "He's strong, smart, and kind!" "Stop it Fluttershy-it would never work. You two both have work to do...don't even begin to consider-"

Now it was Fluttershy who was interrupted from her thought by a question-from Big Mac

"So...how're them animals?"

"Oh, they're doing quite well. Although, Angel did have..."

It was now Big Mac's turn to listen.

Big Mac turned his neck to face the kind mare speaking. While he was absorbing every ounce of information, he couldn't help but stare at her eyes-her beautiful cyan stars. She was so perfect: gentle, soft spoken, kind, all the traits his father had told him to look out for in mares. Of course, he wasn't (a) "Big" Macintosh back when he received this information, but he always lived by the words of his elders.

"...you wouldn't believe-OHMYGOSH! I'm so so sorry, I've just been rambling on about things you probably don't care about! I'm so sorry."

"No no, Ah enjoy hearing y'all talk, really. Ah actually prefer listenin' more than talkin'."

"Really? So do I; well, it doesn't seem like it now but-I just get excited talking about animals because their my favorite thing."

"Eeyup."

The pair then realized they had reached Fluttershy's doorstep. They went under the slight overhang and Fluttershy lifted the side to get out. Big Macintosh rolled the side of the 3-pony-poncho that fluttershy was in up until it no longer dragged when he walked. Fluttershy opened the door to her cottage.

"Umm...thank you for walking me home Big Mac..."

Big Mac pawed the ground shyly "Shoot, Ah was simply doin' the right thing. Anypony else would have done the same."

"Oh, But they wouldn't have! Other ponies would not have offered a pony they hardly knew to walk them home."

"Well thank ya kindly Miss Shy, but it was mah pleasure."

"Mhmm..."

A silence followed, until Macintosh broke the ice.

"Well Ah sure enjoyed your company and yer conversation Miss Shy."

"I did too-yours, I mean. Also, you can just call me Fluttershy...that is, if you want to..."

"Alright then, Fluttershy, Ah hope we can talk again sometime."

Fluttershy's heart leapt at his words-then sank as she realized he had to leave.

"Oh, you're leaving? Ok." "Come on Fluttershy, you can do it. It's now or never." She thought to herself. Her heart rate began to climb rapidly of nervousness as she chose her next words.

"W-would you like to come in? It's awfully cold out, and I thought you might like to dry off and get warm...you don't have to, of course, it's your choice."

Big Mac shifted uneasily-he didn't want to keep his family waiting, but Fluttershy's face was one of concern rather than fear...

"I'm sorry, you probably need to get home anyway. Thank you for your kindness." Said Fluttershy stepping further inside to close the door, when a hoof half the size of her head stood between the door and it's frame.

"Well, Ah'm sure a short visit won't hurt." said the black stallion, now removing his veil to reveal the red underneath.

Big Mac set the tarp down under the overhang, careful not to let the inside face outwards so it would stay dry. Then, he looked at Fluttershy, then into her house, then at his hooves. His hooves were very wet with a little mud, and he didn't want to make tracks in her clean abode. Fluttershy followed his gaze, and spoke.

"Oh don't worry about it, it won't matter."

"Thats kind, but Ah'd hate ta ruin yer floors. Guess Ah should just go."

"W-wait! You can wipe them on this." said Fluttershy, handing him a towel.

Big Mac looked at Fluttershy and smiled. "Y'all's such a generous mare."

Fluttershy blushed and waited for him to dry his hooves. "They're simply enormous..." she said to herself, marvelling at his work-toughened trotters. They were rough and worn, with round edges, scuffed here and there; but that was what made them seem smooth. He finished drying off, and passed the towel to Fluttershy, who did the same, and they stepped inside.

"I'll get us something to drink. What would you like-tea, hot chocolate, cider, water-you don't HAVE to have anything of course, I'm just listing what we have. What would you like...or not like?" questioned Fluttershy poking her head out of the kitchen.

Big Mac chuckled "Ah'll have what you're having."

Here was a decision to be made by Fluttershy. She wanted tea, but she knew he was used to having cider. She decided to ask a question.

"Umm, have you ever tried tea? It's quite refreshing..."

Big Mac replied "Nnope, Ah reckon Ah haven't. Ah guess Ah'll have that."

"Ok." Called fluttershy sweetly from the kitchen. "It will be ready in five minutes. Do you want lots of sugar, a little, or none?"

Big Mac didn't have to think. He loved sweet things-the sweeter the better. Besides, why would anypony want to drink something bitter?

"Ah'd like it extra sweet please." he called to Fluttershy.

Big Mac took a seat on the futon-which he was afraid would crack underneath him-but luckily it held out. He looked around, noticing several pairs of eyes. One of these belonged to a bunny who had more attitude than was good for him. He glared at Macintosh, who in turn put on the Apple family's trademark bad poker face. The bunny, namely Angel, pointed his paw to his small black eyes, and then at Big Macintosh's large green ones. ("I'm watching you!") gestured the bunny, who then hopped to the kitchen in a huff. Big Mac let out a breath of release, and closed his eyes and laid his head back. He listened to Fluttershy work in the kitchen, hearing one or two clinks from the dishes, and Fluttershy speaking to the bunny. A mouse scampered up to one of his forehooves strewn beside him. He looked down at the tiny creature, and was not sure what the best approach to this situation would be. He didn't want to frighten it, but any wrong movements from the oversized Equestrian would surely scare it off. Should he pull his hoof away, or simply try to ignore it? He decided on simply waiting and seeing what happened. He gave a smile-careful not to show his teeth for fear that he might look like he was baring them. The mouse sniffed him, gave a miniscule grin-which was quite a big smile in the mouse's book-and nuzzled his hoof. Big Mac tried with all his might not to flinch, fearing it would bite him, though he had seen his smile. He stared at it, dumbfounded at this creature's courage. Was it his scent-or maybe the smile he gave; he didn't make himself look imposing after all. Then, out of the corner of his eye, he spied another few mice, and then a bird, some squirrels, and quite a few other furry creatures scampering to the floor in front of him.

Fluttershy waited patiently for the teapot to come to a boil. She was still quite nervous about her situation: she had never had a stallion as a visitor; save on a remote few occasions-and that was with other ponies in the house. Angel bounded up onto the counter where Fluttershy was setting setting the tea things.

"Do Stallions use tea cups, or do they drink it by the mug? What do you think Angel?" Asked Fluttershy.

("I think we should kick him out so you can start making my lunch!") thought Angel bunny, pointing his arms towards the front door.

"Oh, don't say that. He's our guest. I'll make you lunch later-as soon as he leaves." Assured Fluttershy. Angel, still annoyed, crossed his arms and turned his back on her.

After quite a bit of bribing (which would be quite boring to read and even more boring to type), Angel agreed on Fluttershy throwing in 3 carrots in addition to whatever Fluttershy was making for lunch. Fluttershy never flinched as the kettle whistled, and gracefully lifted it out and put the tea bags in. Fluttershy's mind began to wander. "I wonder what would have happened if Big Mac had not been at the store today..." She thought, then playing the scenario in her head. First off, she would have had no apples for her animals. She previously had underestimated how much Angel and some of her other animals liked apples. With some foods, Angel wouldn't look at it unless it had apple slices in it. Also, if he hadn't come along, she would have had no way home. She couldn't have fed her animals until she got home-and she didn't think Angel would have been keen on sharing his breakfast-even if he didn't like it in the first place. She found over years of feeding Angel that in last resorts he would swallow up his pride and pickyness and just eat it. That was what she had hoped would happen when she left-and sure enough, she noticed his empty bowl on the table-which she put gently in the sink. Another thing-If he hadn't come to town, she would never have known more than that he was just Applejack's brother. She had only seen him around occasionally, and never thought of it much more. But now, meeting him face to face, and realizing who he really was, she couldn't help but like him. His strength, his kindness, his intelligence; but what did he think of her? Shy, reserved, clumsy, helpless probably. She suddenly awoke from her thoughts and realized the tea was done. She cautiously poured a small bit into her small teacup, and then much more into Big Mac's mug. She decided that if this dainty teacup suited a mare as small as her, then her biggest mug suited a stallion of his stature. She sugared her tea a small bit, and his perhaps 2 times as much. "Was it enough sugar? Was it enough tea?" Pondered the nervous Fluttershy. She had to get it right-or he might get the impression that she couldn't even make tea right. However, she finally convinced herself that because he had never had tea before, he would not judge her brewing of the drink, but whether he liked tea in general. Comforted by her own thoughts though still a bit nervous about going into the same room as HIM, she put the 2 beverages on a tray and walked carefully to the living room. She was half-blind due to how tall the cups were on the tray in her mouth, but her vision returned as she set down the drinks quietly and sat in a chair, keeping her eyes off him. The pair said nothing for a long period. This continued for quite a while-Fluttershy trying desparately to find something to say which would give her clearance to look at him. Still, the stallion in her presence remained quiet. She chanced a glance at his hooves, and noticed something out of place; one was brown, the other was red. Fluttershy looked over the tea cups to see what was the matter. She gasped at what she saw, and nearly dropped the tea.

Big Macintosh's body was covered in woodland creatures-which were cuddling him, hugging him, nuzzling him. The brown "hoof" she saw was a squirrel clinging to his hoof. Through all of this, Big Mac remained stiff-with an expression that was a mixture of nervousness, smiling, fear, and definitely confusion. Big Mac looked at Fluttershy with pleading eyes. This was why he had been quiet and unresponsive for so long.

"Oh my goodness, I'm so so sorry! I'll get them off. Ahem. Excuse me? Hi. I'm glad you like our guest so very much, but he-and I-would really appreciate it if you might be able to give him a little space." Said Fluttershy putting on a nervous smile. The animals, through chirping and squeaking and all manner of vocalizations, agreed and returned to their respective homes.

After waiting until each animal was in it's home so as to stall any interaction, Big Mac spoke. "One of yer mice came up an' sniffed me, and started lovin' on me. Ah didn't want to scare it-me bein’ so big an' all, and things went downhill from there. Ah don't normally...Ah mean...uh...well...thanks Fluttershy."

"You're quite welcome Big Macintosh," Replied Fluttershy with a giggle "though I don't think those animals would have been daunted even if you stood up."

Big Mac chuckled "Ah reckon not. By the way, y'all can just call me Big Mac-but you can also call me Mac or even, as Ah've been called on occasion, Big Red. Y'all don't need ta be formal around me." Fluttershy nodded "Ok Big Mac, whatever is best for you." The pair smiled-Big Mac looking at Fluttershy, who, still smiling, blushed and looked at the tea. "Oh, the tea is going to cool down. We'd better drink it." said Fluttershy. Fluttershy lifted her teacup and silently sipped a fraction of her drink. Big Mac, noticing she gave him a large mug, took a normal stallion gulp. The light brown-yellow liquid ran through his throat, and how sweet it tasted. Where had it been all his life?! He took another gulp-this time running the liquid over his toungue 3 times, so that no portion of the heavenly beverage went down un-tasted. "Mmmmmmm....Fluttershy?" said Big Mac. "Yes?" answered Fluttershy. "Ah've never had a drink as sweet an' as delicious as this-besides zap-apple cider." complimented the stallion, who had now set down his drink and was smiling at Fluttershy-who then looked at her own tea and blushed. "Th-thank you Big Mac. I like it as well." responded Fluttershy. She strongly regretted her personality-which was directly reflected by her name. She hated being shy; being too afraid to take steps forward, talk first, be the extrovert to introduce herself. She hated her name-it made her who she was. But, whenever Big Macintosh even muttered her name, it sent shivers down her spine, and then filled her with a warmth that made her want to yell at the top of her lungs, soar higher than Rainbow dash ever had dreamed of, and shake everypony's hooves. This feeling was new to Fluttershy. She was so insecure about herself-but even moreso now that Big Mac was around. This whole situation had never brought itself about in Fluttershy's mind-so she was making this up as she went; which she wasn't entirely comfortable with doing. But still, the rush she felt-the fast thought and the strong emotion. What was this? Why did she all of a sudden care about what this stallion thought of her, and why had she been sad when he turned to go home? Was this love?

Big Mac checked the clock. 12:04. He probably could stay a little longer. In the past, he wouldn't have been expected home until after it stopped raining-but because Apple Bloom had made that rain tarp, there was reason for them to expect him home. He might be able to say he forgot he had it, or he didn't know it was adjustable, but Applejack knew he was smarter than that, and that might lead to a questioning, which he would no doubt have to give in to and tell he had been at Fluttershy's-and no doubt that would lead to teasing or scolding and assumptions. How he wished he could stay-he wanted to get to know this kind soul-not dating YET, because of one of his father's teachings, but to just talk to this delicate flower, whom he admired more than any other mare (besides his family). Her personality was perfect: she would never force her opinions, never hurt anyone physically or emotionally, and wouldn't yell at him. Nopony else he had met had these same characteristics. He finished his tea and leaned back in the futon once more. "Well, that was some fine tea Fluttershy. Ah thank ya for invitin’ me in." said Big Macintosh, now standing in front of his seat. "Oh, are you sure you're ok in the rain?"

"Ah'll be fine thanks. you're quite welcome. S-stop by anytime. I have much more tea if you ever want more." said the yellow mare quietly, once again saddened by his too-soon departure. Then, her mind began to panic at what she said to this kind stallion. "Visit anytime?!?! Why did you say that Fluttershy?! Now he might know what you think of him!" she told herself. Big Mac smiled "Ah might just have to take ya up on that-the tea Ah mean." Big Mac said, correcting himself and dodging an awkward moment. He turned, and plodded slowly to the door, opened it, then gave Fluttershy one last look and smiled. Fluttershy was still in her seat, and pulled out a book. It was "To Kill a Mockingbird". Big Mac now realized how similar they were-their personalities, and their interests; and he wished he didn't have to go. Now he couldn't use his previously thought-of excuse-because he had the tarp with him, and he was already at Fluttershy's. Sighing, he plodded out the door, into the cold, wet, soggy afternoon, closing the door gently behind him.

Fluttershy heard the door close strangely gently for the large stallion who had closed it. "A pony who was strong and gentle at the same time..." thought Fluttershy. When she thought it was safe, she rushed to the window, and softly pressed her snout against it, so she could see through the blinding rain. She was sad; nay, depressed at his having to leave. She couldn't think of any reason why he would come back. Besides, she already had companions...good friends whom she could trust her life with. She sighed, and walked to the kitchen, where an impatient Angel tapped his foot and pointed to the pantry. She wished she could get to know him: she had never really considered herself having a coltfriend before. "You're jumping the gun Fluttershy: nopony wants a weakling for a marefriend."

A bright flash followed immediately by a thunderous "CRACK!" nearly gave Fluttershy a heart attack, and she grabbed Angel and nearly squeezed the life out of him. "That sounded extremely close by" thought Fluttershy. Then, her heart stopped for a moment. "Big Mac!" yelled Fluttershy, remembering the pony who had left not five minutes ago. She dropped Angel and whizzed through her house and snapped open the door. She could not see through the rain-it was too thick. All of her anxieties attacked her at once. " He was struck: and you're too scared of thunder to go help him. He's probably dead. His family will hate you for not saving him, and soon everypony will hate you. You..." Fluttershy stopped her thoughts right there. " I'm not going to lose hope." Fluttershy told herself. She called his name as loud as she possibly could-which was about as loud as any other pony talking. Fluttershy reached deep within her, and yelled in a voice louder than her previous loudest (maybe as loud as a slight yell from Rainbow Dash) "Big Mac!!!!!!" cried Fluttershy, with tears streaming down her cheeks. She began to walk out into the rain. Each step brought her ou of her protective tree, and into one of her major fears. Her head violently whipped from side to side, keeping an eye out for dangers and for Big Mac. Then, she saw something. A figure clothed in black walking towards her in the distance. Under normal circumstances, Fluttershy would have thought this was Death, coming for her. But, she remembered a certain article of clothing he had travelled in, and ran full throttle towards him. He lifted the hood of his veil, revealing a confused, yet concerned Macintosh. Fluttershy ran still, terribly worried about him. Just as she was coming close, Big Mac opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by an embrace: a strong hug for Fluttershy, but to Big Mac it felt like a gentle squeeze. Fluttershy's tears, mixed with the rain on her face, soaked Big Mac's shoulder as she shook from her sobbing. The lightning had literally struck a metal post directly beside him. He had been trained all his life to be strong, so all the lightning did was make him flinch and deafened him for a few seconds. He returned the hug, and comforted the pegasus. "It's all right, Ah'm fine, you're fine, nothing bad happened. Ah'll protect ya." whispered Big Mac into Fluttershy's ear. Fluttershy, still sniffling from sobbing, looked up to Big Mac with scared, concerned eyes. "Would you come back to my house? If you don't mind; but I would hate for anything bad to happen to you." said Fluttershy with pleading eyes. "A'course." replied Big Mac, and so, to both ponies' pleasure and to Fluttershy's relief, they trotted back to her cottage, Fluttershy sticking like glue to Big Mac, who had draped his cloak over her as well.

When they reached the house, Fluttershy opened the door and snatched the towel from earlier and handed it to Bog Mac for him to dry off. " You dry off first Fluttershy; you're soaked." said the stallion. "Are you sure? It'll be all wet when you dry off if I go first." replied the mare, now turning a crimson red when she realized her actions as of the previous minute were quite forward and maybe clingy. "Nonsense, y'all dry off." confirmed Big Mac, removing his tarp and placing it where he had before. Fluttershy took several minutes to dry off, apologizing several times for her inefficiency. She dried her wings especially well, and fluffed them afterwards. Big Mac dried only three parts of him: His feet, his face, and his shoulder. The pair then stepped into her abode.

She remembered her furry friend, and excused herself to take care of him. Big Mac was in the living room, and seated himself on the chair Fluttershy had sat in previously, and was glad he did not have to leave so soo. This relaxed him, as he took a long whiff of the air. The house, despite the many animals, had a pleasant aroma of flowers and trees. Big Mac took in the events of the previous minutes. She cared enough to run out in the rain and lightning to try to help him? Facing one of her fears must have taken quite some self-convincing, but it said something for her feelings towards Big Mac...not that he had time for a relationship, nor the guts to ask somepony out. He listened to Fluttershy again in the kitchen: not humming, but whimpering.

Fluttershy was still preparing Angel's meal, but at a very careful pace, never rising to her full height. She heard that lightning strikes the tallest object, and, even though she was under a roof and certainly not very tall anyways, she took no risks. Angel was now more impatient than ever, but held his tongue-because he couldn't speak anyway. He did, however, realize how afraid Fluttershy was, and some of his cruelty gave way for a bit of understanding. "I-I-I'm s-sorry Angel, but it's just that there's thunder..."mumbled Fluttershy, bringing everything down to the ground to prepare Angel's lunch. Soon, she finished, and Angel was so famished he didn't care that there was some things he didn't like: if he made Fluttershy make him another lunch, who knows how long it would be before he ate. Fluttershy crawled into the living room. She half wanted to lay on her bed and cry through the storm, but the other half wanted to be with Big Mac: one because leaving a guest with nothing to do is rude, and two because she felt safe when he was around. She sat down on the fouton Big Mac was in that morning, hugged a pillow tightly, and looked up at Big Mac.

"Why aren't you afraid?" asked Fluttershy quizzically, looking at him like he was punching a shark in midair.

"Mah pa always said that as long as you're not the tallest thing around, ya won't get shocked. Since we're inside, the roof is definitely taller than us, so Ah ain't got nothing ta worry about: and neither do you." Stated Macintosh quite matter-of-factly.

"But don't you get scared by the loud noises and the scary flashes?" continued Fluttershy.

"Nnope." replied the golden-baritone voice. Fluttershy still shook in her chair, and if she were much heavier the chair would be rattling against the floorboards. Big Macintosh then got an idea.

"Fluttershy, y'all don't wanna be scared of storms anymore right?" quizzed the stallion.

"Y-yes, but I don't see how that's possible-I'm scared of everything." replied the wide eyed mare quietly (as always).

"Well, Ah don't know about removin' yer fear entirely, but when Ah used to get scared Ah would distract myself by doin' somethin'. Pretty soon, Ah didn't even remember what Ah was so scared of." said Big Mac.

Fluttershy now looked down. "O-ok. what sh-should we do?"

"Well, what are some things ya do in yer spare time?" asked Big Mac, paying full attention to hear Fluttershy's next words.

"Well, I do enjoy reading, writing, I've played quite a few board games..." Said Fluttershy, only muttering the last part. Big Mac stopped her

"What board games are yer favorite?"

"I don't know if you'd like it, but I like...um...chess." murmured Fluttershy, not wanting to seem insistent on any activity in particular.

"Y'all like chess? Ah do too! Ah know Ah don't look like a very smart feller, but Ah'm good at thinkin' things through." Said Big Mac, trying to conceal his excitement. He hadn't faced many ponies in chess: that he knew anyways. He won the ponyville chess tournament, but did not reveal who he was, wearing a brown hooded robe with a chess piece on the spot where his cutie mark was underneath the cloak, and went under the name "Red Rook". He thought it a clever name, since using the word apple would have disclosed what family he was from instantly. He wished he could tell someone about his victory-but not even his family knew. He bet that every member of his family, if they knew, would go blabbing it to everypony they knew, bragging about his intelligence. The only pony he'd played chess with who knew who he was was his grandpa: to whom he'd lost, his father, lost as well (although he was only Little Mac then), and during the tournament Twilight found him out, and made it a point to tell him this at the tournament. After beating her (and everyone else), Twilight insisted he come to her house for a “proper” game of chess, as the tournament was too noisy and there was too much pressure. So, Big Mac went, conquered, and Twilight made a pact with Big Mac not to tell anyone about him playing chess, or her losing to him.

"Oh, you play chess? I was taught by Twilight. She says that there’s few ponies who can match her skills, and after her teaching me and with some practice I was able to beat her just barely.” Said Fluttershy, who had not really played with anypony but Twilight before. She was going to do the tournament, but her shyness got the best of her...again.

“Would y’all care ta play a game? Ah mean, Ah’m kinda stuck here until the storm dies down, so we’ve got some time.” said Big Mac hopefully-though keeping his emotion to the minimum of a grin.

“Oh absolutely!...that is, if you’re ok with that. I’ll get my board.” said Fluttershy, who actually flew within her house because of her excitement to get her wooden chess board. She returned shortly, and they set up the board.

Fluttershy stole a glance at him, which turned into a stare. His excitement, try as he might, was too evident on the outside. She saw a side of him which she did not see. An expression was upon his face that was similar to a little colt at a sleepover, sitting underneath a sheet along with a friend holding a flashlight up to a book and reading together. Fluttershy had never had anything like a sleepover when she was a filly, because the friends she had weren’t very close: save Rainbow Dash, but they really only hung out sometimes-them being so different and all. come to think of it, she had never actually had a friend sleep over AT ALL. Fluttershy awoke from her thoughts as she saw that Big Mac had finished setting the board and was looking at her.

“Umm...what color would you like to be?” asked Fluttershy, who couldn’t choose something for herself even in such a meaningless decision as this.

“Ah’ll be black, you can be white.” confirmed Big Mac. They then began playing.

Big Mac let Fluttershy go first, as that was the gentlecoltly thing to do. 5 minutes in, they had both learned something about each other: Big Mac learned that Fluttershy was at times a hit-and-run player, taking important pieces as quickly as possible and retreating to do damage to the other part of the board and strengthen her defenses. Fluttershy found that Big Mac was a counter-attacker: he would wait for you to put some of his pieces in jeopardy, then face you with a sacrifice to make as well. Halfway through, Fluttershy offered to make them a snack, which Big Mac didn’t refuse, as he hadn’t eaten since breakfast. It was already 1:30, and their game was very intense. Fluttershy came out with 2 teas and 2 daffodil sandwiches. Big Mac, although it was not a very big snack at all to him, was grateful, and made sure not to gobble it down. Their conversation was light, and the delicate flower was opening up to the strong apple tree. They told each other stories-Fluttershy told about several hilarious instances where she was asleep and Angel-who by the way was still very grumpy about the stallion in Fluttershy’s cottage-had done some crazy things to Fluttershy, like banging pots and pans, jumping up and down on her head, and things of that sort to wake her up to make breakfast. Big Mac told a couple of comical stories of the messes Braeburn would get him into, and also some slightly embarrassing ones about Applejack. Finally, the game was coming to the deciding moves: Big Mac had a bishop, a rook, and his king. Fluttershy had a knight and a queen. Both were balanced, yet had totally different advantages. Big Macintosh aggressively took Fluttershy’s knight with his rook, and she took his rook with her queen, and he took her queen with his bishop, and a stray pawn of Fluttershy’s took his bishop. It was a stalemate.

“Good game Fluttershy, Ah had fun.” said the red stallion with a grin.

“I had fun too. You’re very good.” said Fluttershy in response.

“So are you.” Big Mac had a decision to make: should he tell her about his entering that tournament? Yes, she could keep a secret. “Ah once went to a ponyville tournament: won first place, but under a secret identity, so no one would hound me afterwards. So, you’ve just tied with the chess champion of ponyville-how do ya feel?” asked Big Macintosh, in a sort of broadcaster voice.

“I feel great, like I’m the smartest pony! Wait, no, there’s plenty of smarter ponies, like Twilight. I’m not that smart” said Fluttershy, looking ashamed of having put herself above her friends.

“Well in my book, you’re right up there with them-Starswirl the bearded, Twilight, all them smart ponies. Ya know, ya don’t always have ta put yourself down like that. If ya do, you’ll miss out on some of the best experiences of yer life.”

Fluttershy looked up at Big Macintosh, into his eyes. They were those deep, understanding, kind eyes given to a father or grandfather-the eyes of wisdom. She blushed, seeing how generous his compliment was. “Oh, well thank you Big Mac: for the compliment and the advice.” said Fluttershy. A silence reigned, until Big Mac broke it. "So, what now? Ah mean, what should we do after we put away the board?" asked Big Mac. it was 3:30-quite a long thunderstorm was occurring, and Big Mac wondered why Rainbow Dash had neglected to tell anypony about such a major storm that rolled in so quickly. Thankfully, however, chess had seemed to keep the jumpy mare occupied, only slightly flinching and closing her eyes when thunder roared. But, before recovering fully she looked to Big Mac, and then, her expression changed from fear to a more relaxed face, even having a partial grin. Fluttershy spoke.

“Um...well what do you like to do Big Mac? We’ve already done something I’ve suggested.”

Big Mac looked around, trying to find something to say. He hardly had any free time, and besides reading, he had only...no, she wouldn’t want to hear him play the guitar-as if she would even own one.

“Well, mah free time ain’t long, so Ah don’t do much.”

“Oh, but you have to do something, that is, unless you just sleep. What do you do when applebuck season is over?” asked Fluttershy, growing more curious by the minute as to what Big Mac was like. In the past, he seemed simply unreachable, as if there was a stone wall standing between other ponies and his personality.

“Umm...well, ah take walks, go to the pond, read...Ah sometimes...nevermind.” finished the stallion, who didn’t want to embarrass himself or bore this timid mare-who seemed to grow less timid by the minute.

“What? What else?...if you don’t mind my asking, I would hate to pry.” said Fluttershy, who actually wouldn’t mind prying if she wasn’t the element of kindness.

“Ah...Ah kinda...like ta…….like ta play the guitar.” said Big Mac, half shamedly. Fluttershy's interest was sparked. She never knew how talented he was.

"You play guitar? I play...well, it's silly." said Fluttershy, first amused, then regretful that she had mentioned she too was a musician. "At least he doesn't know what simple instrument I play, because guitar is much more impressive than-"

"Really? What do you play?!" said Big Mac, amazed at how much they had in common, yet they had never so much as talked to each other before.

"W-well, it's silly, and I'm not very good at it-I hardly play it anyways..."

"What is it? Ah'm sure you're great at it."

"Well, um...its...recorder." squeaked Fluttershy, knowing that it was pointless to try and make her answer inaudible.

"Really? Mah Ma played recorder too-she played with my pa and grandpa who played guitar. They taught me ta play." said Big Mac proudly. He really took pride in his family history and his family's accomplishments.

"Oh, well that's interesting."

"...Eeyup."

...

Fluttershy, for once, broke the silence

"So, could you play a song? Only if you want to, I would hate to impose."

"Do you have a guitar?" asked Big Mac

"Ye-I mean; Eeyup. I'll go get it." giggled Fluttershy, who went upstairs to retrieve the old instrument. When she returned, she handed Big Mac a large dusty acoustic-which was much to heavy for the light pegasus. Big Mac found to his surprise that it was mostly in tune. He smiled and looked at Fluttershy.

" What song?"

"Oh anything you want."

Big Macintosh thought for a time. His favorite song was an amazing country song-but he just didn't feel like he could bring himself to pour his heart into a song in front o another pony-especially a mare. That might become awkward ville. He searched his mental library, trying to find a song that really represented him and his life. He finally decided on a song.

It was a song he had heard at a carnival once, and some ponies were going to perform some quick bluegrass. It was a string instrument band playing a song called "there is a time". That song was what sparked his interest in guitar, and he immediately asked his dad to teach him how to play the guitar.

The notes were clear, the strokes were skillful, Big Mac played swiftly, bobbing slightly with the beat. Fluttershy watched the strings, intently, marvelling at the stallions ability to move his hoof quickly and precisely over premeditated locations on the old, unused instrument. He normally would have sung, but simply hummed in his baritone voice for fear of embarrassing himself and the mare he played for. The song came to an end, and Big Macintosh didn't know what to do, so he just grinned at Fluttershy. She spoke with surprising enthusiasm, quite contradictory to her morning conversation.

"Wow, that was wonderful! How do you do that?" exclaimed the pegasus.

"Just practice an' concentration.” Beamed Big Mac.

“I can’t think of anyone I know who plays as good as that-besides Octavia of course, but she doesn’t play guitar.” said Fluttershy

“That’s a high compliment, Fluttershy. Thank ya.” said Big Mac, who now took a look about him, and was again surprised. The animals were all sitting around the coffee table and his chair, some Fluttershy was petting.

“Oh, but it’s true. I think the animals agree.” said Fluttershy, nodding to the animals, who nodded back eagerly.

“Now, didn’t y’all say something about a recorder? Ain’t that a sort of flutey thing?” asked Big Mac. He really knew all about them, but wanted to keep Fluttershy from retreating into her shell of shyness or fear.

“It’s a wind instrument, and it has holes that you-wait, you said your mom played it...oh Big Mac, you had me there.” said Fluttershy, to which Big Mac chuckled slightly.

“So how’s about you play somethin’ on your recorder? Ah’d love ta hear it.”

“Oh, but I’m not all that good...I wouldn’t want to...bring up...memories.”

“Ah don’t mind those memories-in fact, I like ‘em. They remind me of happy times.” said Big Mac reassuringly.

“Well, if you insist…” said Fluttershy, who went upstairs quickly to retrieve her recorder. She decided to play her favorite song: "Amazing grace”. She had actually been practicing quite often and had played secretly with Octavia during some spare time. She returned to the waiting stallion, whom had changed in her eyes from another pair of judgemental eyes to breath, and began the long string of notes that followed.

Big Mac simply stared at. He had never heard such playing in all his life: save Octavia. The song was Amazing Grace which was, ironically, his mom's favorite. The notes were perfectly pitched and never wavered for the time they were held. Fluttershy looked away from Big Mac's eyes while playing, only meeting his gaze a few times and then blushing directly after. On some high notes, her right eye would close and she would look up, as if hoping it was the right note. Big Mac smiled inwardly. "That's kinda cute." Thought Big Mac, then discarding the thought, as it would only make things worse if he had a crush-not to mention on one of her sister's friends. He sighed, and relaxed, listening to the song's beauty. Then, memories flooded in, of his mom and all she did. Of her pies and her hugs-and her music. Then, Big Mac's eyes began to water. The emotion was not foreign, but unfamiliar. For the first time since his parents had died, he cried. He cried for all the wasted years, all the missed hugs, all the missed smiles, all the missed happiness. But when Big Macintosh cried, it wasn’t the pitiful sobbing Fluttershy did; or the petty weeping created by Rarity when she got dirty, this was simply his eyes tearing up and his heart feeling such a mixture of emotions-of extreme sorrow, and of sheer happiness.

Fluttershy's song came to a close, and she set down her recorder. She glanced up at Big Mac with an embarrassed smile, which quickly faded as concern and regret swept over her countenance.

"Oh my goodness...I'm sorry...was it...was that..." Fluttershy just couldn't find the words. He had tears on his cheeks, but he was smiling. She wasn't quite sure what to make of it.

"Ah'm fine Fluttershy, really. It's just...memories. All the good and the little bad, they just get ta me sometimes. And...thanks. That was such a nice song." said Big Mac, who looked straight back into Fluttershy's eyes. For the first time, Fluttershy did not look away, or apologize for looking at him. She felt as though she had known him her whole life. You see, Fluttershy's parents had also died when she was young, and this also affected her deeply and emotionally. And now, sharing this moment with a stallion she had so much in common with, but had never talked to until just now; it was enough to break the floodgates.

Fluttershy began to sob, the tears streamed down her cheeks, and she put her head in her hooves. Fluttershy attempted to talk through crying, but it came out as "I...you...parents...sad" with added gasps and sobs between each word. Thinking quickly, Big Mac moved over beside her on the futon and pulled her into a hug. Looking back on it, he said it was probably the "bravest thing he had ever done", but when you do brave things you rarely think why or what might happen if you do; emotion or instinct just takes over and you do it, no questions asked.

The hug was slightly unexpected by Fluttershy, but she didn't pull back, and simply leaned on his chest; his massive breaths made it expand and contract calmly, and his heartbeat was rythmic. Leaning into the hug was, in Fluttershy's opinion, the bravest thing she had ever done (and taking into account her talk with the dragon, that must have been very brave). Again, she soaked him in her tears, protected by this wall of stallion which enveloped her, protecting her. The only thing was, she hardly knew why she was crying. She had been brainwashed by this moment in his arms, in the arms of one so much like herself, in the embrace of another orphan from childhood. Her unsteady sobbing turned into a steady breathing with some tears flowing. Then it stopped, and Fluttershy opened her eyes.

She looked around. The Red stallion still held her-not as snugly as before, but loosely so as to allow her to end it if she wished. She felt a single drop of liquid hit her nose, and looked up. Big Mac was no longer crying-it was tears finishing their route past his jaw and onto Fluttershy. She smiled, and then, gathering the courage, spoke.

"Big Mac?"

"Eeyup?" He said, looking down slightly, but not moving his chin too much so it wouldn't touch Fluttershy.

"Th-Thank you..."

"No, thank you. You've let me into your home, fed me, entertained me; Ah should be thanking you."

"You've stayed with me through this storm, you've played guitar for me; if you weren't here I would be cowering under my bed." said Fluttershy.

"We'll just have to agree to thank each other." finalized Big Mac with a grin.

After a few more moments in each other's embrace, Fluttershy's eyes dried, and Big Mac began to release slightly, hinting Fluttershy to do the same. Fluttershy quickly set her forehooves in her lap shamefully, and looked down. She had never done that before: hugged a stallion (besides her father a few times). But, she needed comfort, and so did he. Even when he was sad, he cared for others. And what did she do, but cry when she had offended him. "How he must hate me; he probably thinks I'm self-centered and shallow." Thought Fluttershy to herself. "I've got to make it up to him. What time is it? 6:05. Well it is dinner time. I'll make him the best darn-sorry-the best dinner he's had." declared Fluttershy inwardly. Fluttershy now spoke aloud; shakily and void of confidence, and especially quiet.

"I-I think I'll m-make some dinner. That is, unless you were planning on leaving, I would hate to keep you." she squeaked

"Well Ah-"

BOOOOOM!!!!

"Eeeeeeek!!!"

A quick, bright flash was followed by a bellowing CRACK, and then a low rumble.

Big Macintosh didn't even flinch, but his eyes were wide. Not because of lightning, but because Fluttershy had him in her vice-like safety hug. He spoke softly to the whimpering mare around his barrel.

"In this lovely weather? Ah'd rather stay inside if that's ok." said Big Mac smiling at Fluttershy, who now looked up and released her hug, again embarrassed.

"O-ok, I'll go now." she whispered, trotting quickly off to the kitchen, her head low.

Big Mac waited until she was out of hearing range, and chuckled quietly to himself. "Quite the scaredy-mare." He noticed that Angel had hopped downstairs to see what was going on, and had hopped onto the coffee table, his arms crossed.

Big Mac looked back at Angel. “What? Ah was just...uh...comfortin’ a mare in need.” He said.

Angel just stared back into his eyes, trying to mimic Fluttershy’s exact stare, so as to scare Big Mac into submission. Angel didn’t do it correctly, however, so Big Mac did not break his gaze for a second. Angel made a slicing motion over his throat with his paw and hopped off. “Geez, some bunnies are more territorial than Winona.” Muttered Big Mac.

Fluttershy’s mind was whirling, trying to find the perfect dinner recipe for Big Mac. How she wished she were Twilight and she could read 20 times faster than anypony, and read multiple books at once. “Calm down, it’s just a dinner. How hard can it be?” She thought, trying to calm herself. She needed to find out what Big Mac liked best, so she could narrow her search. “Maybe he liked apple things the best. Oh, but he always eats apple-type foods. What about something grainy. Or, a type of salad.” But she couldn’t decide. So, she popped her head around the corner of the kitchen into the living room and asked. He said he didn’t care, that anything was good. Well, that certainly took off a few selections. She returned to the kitchen and resumed her search. “Come on Fluttershy, there’s gotta be something that will stand out.” she cheered to herself. As if in response, a page, circled several times in red, “Spinach Shuffle”, had a footnote that said “Best dish so far!” Fluttershy sighed with relief, and began to gather the listed ingredients. Her mind wandered to just how she had gotten here, in this situation. Not that she minded of course, she was unusually glad to have new company, but she was just wondering what exactly had happened so that this day went as it was. The delivery by Big Mac, Apple Bloom’s 3-pony raincoat, Angel’s rejection of his breakfast, Rainbow Dash’s failure to tell anyone of the impending storm; it all was quite unlikely to happen in the correct sequence. How fortunate she was that she wasn’t alone on this dark and stormy eve. Fluttershy never thought she could actually enjoy being caught in a thunderstorm. Fluttershy was startled by a screeching sound and gave a yelp-well more of a squeal. She looked down to see that she had started sawing the blade she held into the plate in front of her, her mind having distracted her in the midst of cutting lettuce. A call from the living room full of concern yet firmness came.

“Y’all ok?”

“Umm, yes, I’m fine.” said Fluttershy in a voice that was supposed to be a call but was about as loud as a normal talking voice for anypony else.

“Y’all need help? Ah’ve done mah fair share of cookin.” Big Mac now stood in the doorway.

“Oh no, I couldn’t ask you to...I mean, you’re the guest, and you shouldn’t…”

“Fluttershy, Ah don’t mind. Frankly, Ah’m bored outta mah brains just sittin’ there.” said Big Mac, laughing slightly at the end.

“Well, only if you want to...could you cut this lettuce and these tomatoes?” said Fluttershy, not wanting to bore him, and also appreciating his company and assistance in the kitchen.”

“Eeyup.” replied Big Mac smiling. He hated having to do nothing. In fact, his greatest fear was not being useful anymore. Simply put, he feared getting too old to do anything, or being crippled in any way. He feared nothing else. Not the Everfree forest, not dragons, not death; not even Pinkie Pie’s methods of teleportation. He was an unflinching, unstartled, unflappable Apple.

The pair worked in silence, Fluttershy looked over at Big Mac. His tongue stuck out the side of his closed muzzle as he concentrated intensely upon the head of lettuce. Fluttershy giggled, and then quickly looked away to avoid being caught staring. She smiled. He was kind of cute like that: he looked like a foal trying to write for the first time. "Wait, where are these thoughts coming from?! He's not cute. He's tough, and strong...but gentle, and manly, and..." Fluttershy stopped herself. She HAD to stop thinking like this. Why was she doing this? She felt this strange emotion, like butterflies were in her stomach but they were the size of watermelons-and yet she wanted to soar and run and jump-but at the same time she wanted to sleep, or cuddle. What was this feeling? Fluttershy again was not paying attention and cracked an egg onto Angel's head; he had been standing there impatiently as he waited for Fluttershy to awake from her daydreams and tell him why the hay had she been making something he disliked. "Oh my, I'm so so sorry Angel, I must have been distracted. Let's get you clean." said Fluttershy, beginning to fill the sink with water. At these words, Big Mac looked up to see what was going on, and chuckled. Angel's look of anger changed to one of fear. He tried to bolt, but Fluttershy got a hoofhold on his tail, and gently let him down into the warm water. Angel seethed with anger crossed his arms, and Fluttershy, utilizing a washcloth infused with soap, cleaned his fur of the gooey yoke. Yoke...that was what Big Mac always wore. Why did he wear it all the time? I suppose it might come in handy if somepony needed something towed, but how often did that happen?

“Um, Big Mac?”

“Eeyup?” He replied, looking up from his work.

“Would...you be able to tell me why you always wear that yoke?” asked Fluttershy timidly, not looking up from her work so her question would seem absentminded.

“Uhhh...eeyup.” And Big Mac relayed his story of how he got his yoke.

It was Hearth’s Warming Eve, and he was about 7 years old-oh how the apples loved Hearth’s Warming. He and Apple jack rushed downstairs, but then Little Mac gave a look of realization and rushed back upstairs. Applejack was confused, and didn’t want her favorite brother to miss out, so she went back up to see what it was. When she reached the top, she saw Little Mac with baby Apple Bloom on her back. “Ah would’a forgot Mac. Y’all are the bestest brother ever.” Said Applejack beaming at Little Mac. Little Mac smiled and replied “Well you’re in the top two of best sisters ever!” Applejack frowned and was about to object, when she realized why he said that. Apple Bloom cooed and yawned from his back in the cutest way possible, and the three Apples trotted down the stairs to the living room. Granny Smith, Grandpa Smith, Ma and Pa were all seated around the tree, and the children oohed and ahhed. The children had helped set it up, but there’s just something special about the tree on Hearth’s Warming morning that isn’t there the night before. The Apple children received 2 presents each: one from their Grandparents, and one from their parents. They would receive many more when they visited the rest of their oversized family, but these two gifts were always the best. Applejack got a jump rope/lasso and her now common stetson. Apple Bloom, with some help unwrapping from her siblings, got a rattle shaped like an apple and a ball that bounced. Little Mac got a toy carriage and his first ever saddlebag knife. With some training first from his Pa, he was allowed to use it carefully. Ma had been reluctant to let him take on such a responsibility, but Pa reminded her of his behavior, his grades, and his responsibility as of the previous year, and she agreed. They played with their toys for quite a while-Applejack, after learning from Granny Smith how to lasso accidentally lassoed Little Mac and was told shortly after her limits on things she could lasso (nothing that was alive or delicate until she was older). During the afternoon, when they were having lunch, Grandpa Smith and Pa took Little Mac to the barn for a “surprise”. Little Mac was so excited when he heard, that he almost blurted it out to Applejack in triumph. But, Pa stopped him just in time, telling him that he couldn’t have it if he told. Little Mac zipped his lips, and the 2 stallions and 1 colt snuck out to the barn. Then, when they reached their destination, Pa had Mac close his eyes, and he and Grandpa went to get his present. When Mac was told, he opened his eyes to something large and brown being slipped over his head. It was a large, heavy, square piece of leather with two prongs sticking out the back. It was a yoke. Little Mac said nothing. His expression was blank as he looked around his neck at the thing which he was bestowed. He did was not quite big enough for it yet (he had just began to enter stallionhood [and much earlier than his classmates]).Grandpa and Pa looked upon him with pride, and then, after a while, concern. They wondered if he did not like it. Finally, Mac’s eyes began to water and he ran and hugged them both. It was the very same yoke that his father and forefather had worn when they worked the fields. His dream was to become just like them, and now he was one step closer. He released his hug and smiled at his two beaming fathers. How proud they were of their Little Mac. He spoke.

“Ah almost wish it were time ta’ plow the fields, or ta’ tow somethin’.” He said excitedly.

His Pa chuckled “Ah think we can find somethin’ for you to tow.”

“Really? Like what?!”

“Well, there’s this cart that wasn’t taken in last night, and mah back is sure killin’ me.” said Pa, exaggerating a pain in his back.

“Ooh, ooh ooh! Ah’ll do it Pa! Y’all don’t have ta worry, Ah’ve got it.” Said Little Mac, now snagging the opportunity to try out his coolest toy.

“Why, Ah never would have thought of that. Thank you, Little Mac. Y’all done saved me some hard labor-and on Hearth’s Warming too.”

“It’s mah pleasure.”

Little Mac turned to leave, and Grandpa Smith whispered something quickly to Pa, who nodded and called out to Little Mac.

“Hey, Mac?”

“Eeyup?” He replied in his small colt-ish voice, sticking his head around the corner of the barn door.

“Ah’ve got one more thing for y’all ta’ tow.”

“What’s that?”

“It ain’t somethin’ real-it’s something special. It’s a new title.”

“What?”

“Since yer gettin’ ta’ be a real stallion now, Ah thought we’d change yer nickname from Little Mac, to Big Mac.” said Pa grinning.

“YEEEHAAAWWW!!!” said Big Mac, now racing to do his job ten times faster than he was going to originally.

Grandpa Smith and Pa were left in the barn chuckling themselves silly.

“He’s just like you, son.” said Grandpa Smith proudly.

Fluttershy had been paying good attention to Big Mac because she had finished her job. “That’s nice. I’m very happy for you Big Mac.” said Fluttershy, who now was not socially awkward around Big Mac, now that they knew each other.

“Eeyup...so what do we do now?” he asked, finishing his chopping.

“Now, we just mix it all together and then dig in.”

Fluttershy took the cutting board and scraped Big Mac’s work into a large mixing bowl and began to shuffle the fresh ingredients together. She got out their utensils, and they sat down in the living room.

They had a nice conversation over dinner, and Big Mac actually filled his stomach (which was quite hard to do). They afterwards talked a little about their reading. Big Mac told her how they were reading the same book, and he was only a little past where Fluttershy was in the book, so they decided to read it together. Big Mac read aloud. They sat at opposite ends of the couch, although both of them would’ve liked it better if they were on the same side-but so as to avoid awkwardness, they kept their admirations to themselves.

As Big Mac finished a chapter, Fluttershy glanced over at the clock, and gasped quietly. It was 10:00! She hardly stayed up this late!

“Umm...Big Mac?”

“Eeyup?”

“It’s getting pretty late, and I’m getting a little bit sleepy, so I think I’ll go to bed-if you don’t mind, of course.”

“Not at all Fluttershy. Ah think Ah need to be hittin the hay as well. Ah’ll just check the weather ta see if Ah can’t go home.”

BOOOOOOOM!!!!

Again, Fluttershy was shaken, but Big Mac remained static throughout.

“Y-you can sleep here if you’d like. You can sleep in my bed, or on the futon, or even the ground if you’d like.”

“Ah’ll just take the futon. Y’all gonna be okay with the storm and all?”

“Don’t worry, I have Angel to keep me company.” She said happily, looking over at Angel who sighed. It was going to be a long, painful, constricted night. “I’ll get you some covers.”

Big Mac sighed to himself, leaning back on the futon. He was glad he didn’t have to make the long trek in the rain back to Sweet Apple Acres-he was also worried, though, about what Applejack would say. “Where have you been? Y’all worried me an’ Granny ta death! Y’ALL WERE AT WHO’S HOUSE?!?! BIG MACINTOSH…” He would never hear the end. But for now, he was safe from Applejack’s wrath, and he was glad.

Fluttershy set the futon as a bed, and Big Mac laid down cozily under the comforter.

“Thanks Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy blushed “My pleasure. Don’t hesitate to wake me up if you need anything.”

Fluttershy knew in her heart, however, that there would be no “waking”, because she simply would not sleep in this weather. She recalled the numerous hours of lost sleep-just waiting for the thunder after the flash-never knowing when or how loud it would sound.

They said goodnight, and Big Mac turned over onto his side. Fluttershy stole one last longing look at him, blew out the candle, and went fearfully to her room.

Not 10 minutes after, a loud boom of thunder slightly awakened Big Mac, and what followed caused Big Mac a small bit of concern. He heard a whimpering, squeaking noise upstairs, and guessed what-or who, it was. He cautiously made his way upstairs, trying to be as quiet as he could (though with great size comes great noise). He reached her door, and sure enough, the whimpering was coming from within. He knocked with the least amount of force possible, and quietly called through the door

“Fluttershy? Are ya alright?”

Fluttershy was instantly at the door. Her normally immaculate mane now showed a few signs of being pushed around her head.

“Yes I’m...no. Not at all. I can’t get to sleep because of this scary thunder.”

“Ah’m sorry ta hear that...would it help if Ah slept in here-on the ground, of course.”

Fluttershy’s heart skipped a beat. “Oh, umm...I would like that. It would really help me. Thank you.”

Big Mac went and got his covers and Fluttershy directed him where to go-not before asking if he was okay with it-to which he replied Eeyup.

They both laid down in their respective beds and said a quiet goodnight to each other. For the first time in her life, Fluttershy fell asleep in a thunderstorm.

-However, it was not meant to be. At midnight, she found herself lying awake, and again scared of the thunder. “Why am I scared? Big Mac is here.” she questioned herself. She then realized why, for at the next lightning strike, Angel was not right beside her, and she was more scared than ever. She felt so helpless, so frightened, so...lonely. She peered over the edge of her bed at the sleeping Big Mac. “If only he were as close to me as Angel, I could hug him and nothing would ever get me…” and she then sharply scolded herself. How could she think such things?! But the more she thought about it, the more it seemed like she needed it in order to go to sleep. So, she gathered up all her courage, and tapped his shoulder.

“Umm….Big Mac?”

Big Mac sleepily rolled over and stretched.

“Eeyup?” he said tiredly.

“I hope its not a bother, but umm...I still can’t sleep and...well...would you...mind sleeping in my bed? With me? Angel left, and so...Oh, I shouldn’t have asked!”

“No No, Ah don’t mind.”

Fluttershy’s heart skipped three beats at his sleepy but kindly reply.

“You...y-you’re sure it’s no trouble? I’ve gone without sleep before and…”

“Nonsense. Ah couldn’t live with myself if Ah had the opportunity ta help somepony and didn’t.”

“O-ok.” Fluttershy scooted herself over towards the wall, and Big Mac slowly, tiredly laid down in the bed, and Fluttershy handed the ends of the covers-but he declined, claiming that he didn’t want her to be uncomfortable with him so close to her, so he slept on top of the covers, and used his own blankets-so there was a thin sheet between them. Thankfully, the bed was a little bigger than a twin size, so they weren’t squished (although Fluttershy wouldn’t have minded).

Fluttershy soon found that she wasn’t afraid of the lightning and thunder with Big Mac beside her. She felt as though she was safe from anything-even timberwolves. She waited until Big Mac’s steady breathing indicated that he was asleep, and then shifted closer to his large, warm, protective body. She felt so dirty-trying to get close to a stallion without his consent-but she told herself over and over that it was purely because of her fear or that she was so close because she had rolled there in her sleep. A crack of thunder sent slight shivers down her yellow back, and she dug her face into the covers towards Big Mac’s back. This remedy soothed her, and she ended up falling asleep right up next to him-smiling. And she had never had a better sleep in her life.