Falling in Love Quietly

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9

Chapter 1 Author's Note

And out the gate we go!

Been wondering how the hell Big Mac and Fluttershy got together in my timeline? Well it's high time i explain it. They didn't have it very easy, that's for sure.

Enjoy!

Chapter 1

(Timeline Position: Two months after the events of Soft Spoken with a Big Heart.)

(During the events of Head in the Clouds)

(For timeline info, please visit my homepage)

“Eep! S—Sorry… Ah! Oops, I wasn’t watching.” Fluttershy apologized and blushed as she ran into two different ponies while walking through town. It was so embarrassing. She couldn’t seem to focus on what she was doing. She was in town to buy ingredients to feed the many animals she took care of, but her brain was elsewhere.

“Oh goodness, I’m so sorry!” She apologized as she ran into yet another pony in the marketplace.

This wasn’t the first time she had caused multiple gentle collisions. She had, in fact, been doing it every time she came to the market for the past two months. It was getting to the point where she almost didn’t want to go because of how embarrassed she felt, but if she didn’t buy food how would she feed all the animals?

What was causing this? She was keeping her eyes forward. It looked like she was aware of her surroundings, but then,

*Bonk*

“Yipe! Ah, I’m, I didn’t mean to, I’m so sorry.” She internally screamed, quietly.

Fluttershy often liked to go on walks. The serenity of her nature walks helped clear her mind and relax. It was uncharacteristic of a pegasus to go for walks. She may have been the only pegasus in Ponyville or even Equestria that preferred walking over flying.

However, because of a certain incident, and a certain forward action she took two months ago, even her walks couldn’t get a certain big, red, handsome, muscular farm stallion off of her mind.

Big Macintosh.

He was on her mind constantly. So much that she had a hard time focusing on anything else, even what was directly in front of her. She had barely seen him since he rescued her and all of her friends from the dreadful train crash in the mountains. Even if she had seen him though, she wouldn’t have the courage to face him again.

She kissed him! Straight up. She couldn’t believe she did that! He probably thought she was weird or too forward now. The thought tore at her.

*Bump*

“Oh! Pardon me, I wasn’t paying attention.” Stop daydreaming Fluttershy, you are making a complete fool of yourself. She mentally chastised herself.

Big Macintosh was so brave and heroic. He didn’t speak much, but he was so big and strong, yet so gentle and caring. Despite knowing this though, Fluttershy was still somewhat afraid of him. Even after what they had been through? Why was she like this? She knew he wasn’t mean or nasty, but he was still just so BIG. He towered over her. Her natural instincts made her shy away. She felt terrible that her body reacted like that.

*Bap*

“Goodness, I’m so sorry!” She smiled weakly as she ran into a pony collided with last week as well. LOOK WHERE YOU’RE GOING!

Maybe it would be best if she just forgot about it, she doubted she’d ever have the courage to speak to him. She just couldn’t handle it. But she liked him so much. Why couldn’t she just speak to him?

Because she was Fluttershy, and that’s how she was.

She preferred to keep to herself and not get too involved with anypony unless it was her friends. But Big Macintosh… Why couldn’t she just forget him? She remembered how she felt when he kept her warm in their igloo, awaiting rescue. She felt safe and secure with his large, powerful body completely surrounding her like a living fortress. Feeling safe and secure was something she loved. It was a feeling he was capable of providing her. It felt so good to have another pony make her feel that way. Would she ever feel it again?

*Thump*

“Oooooh I’m being such a klutz!” She “blurted” out as she looked up, but she ran into Twilight, who looked over her with concern.

“Fluttershy? Are you okay? You’re bumping into every other pony you walk past.” She asked. Fluttershy just whimpered quietly before squeezing her eyes shut and sprinting out of the market place.

“Phew! C’mon Mac, snap out of it.” Applejack waved a hoof in front of her brother’s face. Mac blinked and accidentally bit his string of wheat in half. He grabbed the front end and spat out the stem. He eyed what was left of it, grunted, and tossed it aside and unhooking himself from the carts.

It was just another day in the orchards of Sweet Apple Acres. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the wind was gentle. Applejack and Mac were out in the fields, bucking apples out of the trees, loading up their carts, and pulling them back to the barn. It was the daily routine they had performed thousands of times. No sweat.

But Mac was completely out of it. Applejack had to call his name more than once to rouse him from his thoughts. She didn’t know why, nor did she expect him to explain, but it was becoming very frequent. It was only a matter of time before she was too curious to let it slide.

Big Mac hadn’t been quite the same since the strong pony competition and the disaster in the mountains. The funny thing was, his change actually had nothing to do with the fact that he lived through a train car derailing and hoofing it through a blizzard. It was the little yellow pegasus that stood up to his blind and senseless determination.

Fluttershy.

If the quiet, whispering mare hadn’t spoken up and barred his path he would have likely killed himself. For the first time in a long time he lost his temper. He yelled at a helpless mare roughly a third his size despite her reasonable worry for his safety. He was still slightly scared by the image of her collapsing into a crying, frightened heap in front of him when he let his booming voice crush her.

Everything turned out alright, but he still didn’t feel alright. Fluttershy helped him see how reckless he was being. He had never met a challenge he couldn’t overcome with his strength, and he pushed through the storm like it was his duty. In the end he collapsed. Fluttershy’s caring nature is what really saved them.

When he realized she was the pony with the means for their survival, he did everything he could to help her. He even kept her warm in their igloo. She was so small and so delicate, nestled into his body. Mixed with his protective nature, the moment made him very happy. She even came by afterward to give him a cute, little gesture of thanks.

And then she kissed him on the cheek and disappeared. That changed everything.

He wanted to see her again, but how and when?

“DAMMIT MAC!” Applejack yelled right into his ear. Mac blinked and stared into her glare. She pointed behind him. He looked over his shoulder and saw that the tree he bucked was toppled over and on the ground.

“Eeewhoops.” He gritted his teeth and winced.

“Mac, that’s the fifth tree ya knocked over today! Are you even paying attention?” Applejack questioned while shaking her head.

“Eeehhh…” he stalled.

“I think the answer to that would be NNOPE!” She mocked him. He sighed and looked down. “Mind tellin’ me why ya can’t focus?” She pried.

“NNNOPE!!” Mac shook his head and quickly turned away towards another tree.

“I ain’t kiddin’ Mac, knock down one more an yer explainin’ to me and Granny!” Applejack threatened as he lumbered away.

He wanted to see Fluttershy again, but there were a few problems. He was always busy, and the few times he went into town he was occupied with delivering apples. Then what to say? He spoke to her freely after apologizing in the blizzard, but that was a special circumstance. He preferred to remain soft spoken. He just wasn’t much of a conversationalist. That also made him hesitant to speak to her at all. If he had nothing to say, what would be the point? “Shy” may be part of her name, but he was pretty shy himself.

He didn’t know what to do, but he didn’t want to leave it be. What a mess.

Oh what a mess indeed. How do two ponies reveal their interest in one another if neither is willing to speak?

Fluttershy and Big Macintosh. Two of the quietest ponies in Equestria. How could it ever work? It seemed very unlikely that it ever would.

But love runs deeper than merely claiming you care. The most important part of love? Showing you care.

MLP: FiM
Falling in Love Quietly
By: Calm Wind

Chapter 1:

Why did she just run off like that? She didn’t even finish buying what she needed. Fluttershy now had to make a rare next day appearance in the marketplace all because she didn’t want to explain herself to Twilight. It was very embarrassing, normally it would be at least a week before she appeared again in the market and clumsily bumped into many different ponies again. Now she had to come back the very next day when her little slip ups were fresh in everypony’s mind. At least that’s how she felt about it.

In reality, the ponies she ran into just went about their business, but the more Fluttershy did it, the more she felt she was being a nuisance. Those kinds of negative thoughts really build up over time.

Running from Twilight was also a stupid thing to do. Now she probably had Twilight worrying about her too. It was only a matter of time before her friends confronted her about it. Normally, if she was feeling extra brave, she would discuss something with Rainbow Dash. The two had been friends since they were fillies, but Dash was currently completely occupied.

Apparently the Wonderbolts were coming to Ponyville to debut a new show in a week. Fluttershy read it in the news that morning and as soon as her eyes finished scanning the headline, Dash came flying through her window while yelling “Omigosh” over and over. She had grabbed Fluttershy by the face, yelled exactly what Fluttershy had just read, then proclaimed she had to tell everypony else before leaving as suddenly as she arrived.

It would be impossible to talk to Dash for the whole week. Fluttershy had no options. Well, she had options, but none that she was comfortable with.

She was confused, embarrassed, cornered, and oh yes, it was raining.

Fluttershy walked the middle pathway in the marketplace for the second day in a row with a white umbrella open above her, handle tucked firmly in her wing. It was a gentle rainfall, not pouring, but not light enough to be considered a drizzle. On the plus side this meant the market wasn’t quite as full. She still had a hard time paying attention, but there were a lot fewer ponies present due to the scheduled rain. The light pitter-patter on her umbrella also helped to somewhat distract her from her thoughts.

She managed to buy everything she needed: seeds for her garden, many different kinds of animal feed, and a few things she couldn’t grow like cherries, grapes, and bananas. With full saddlebags, but still dry under her umbrella, she began making her way out of the market.

With everything she needed, her mind was free enough for her distracting thoughts to flow in uninhibited.

What was she going to do about Big Macintosh? She desperately wanted to follow up her forwardness after the blizzard event. But two months had already passed without her doing anything. If she suddenly tried to approach him now would he even remember why? Would he notice her? Would he even care?

Maybe she should just leave him alone. Big Macintosh was a very busy pony. She would hate to get in his way. If there was one thing Fluttershy feared the most, it was being a liability to somepony. She never wanted to cause any trouble or any problem. She was always afraid of how other ponies would think of her if she became a burden.

Maybe she over-thought it, but this was always how she had been. She really lived up to her name well. She was too shy. The last thing she ever wanted to do was confront another. If it was avoidable, she would avoid it, even if it wasn’t in her best interest. Her friends had always told her to be a little more assertive. Sometimes this advice sunk in, but it always got to a point where she just couldn’t bring herself to do it anymore and it all went back to square one. She was glad she had friends that understood her and accepted her, because if she didn’t have them, it was likely she would never have any acquaintances outside of the animals she took care of.

Big Macintosh though… She was so torn between doing something and not doing something that she felt like a piece of paper being ripped apart down the center. On one hoof he was so big and gentle, so kind and caring, so warm and welcoming, and so handsome. Those parts of him made her heart flutter with interest. But on the other hoof he was VERY big and dwarfed her, he was very busy and always working, she didn’t want to annoy him or get in his way, and she had experienced what can happen if he’s pushed over the edge. Those parts of him made her heart sink and frightened her. What was she going to do?

*Bonk*

“Oh dear! I’m so sorry!” Even with the market clearer, she still managed to run into somepony’s side right as she was leaving. The embarrassment was endless.

Then she glanced at who she ran into. Or rather glanced UP at him.

“Eep…”

It took her a moment to realize who it was because he was wearing a large yellow poncho, but that size was unmistakable. It was Big Macintosh.

She froze completely still as he slowly turned his head from inspecting his apple cart and looked towards where he felt something hit him. He blinked when his nose bumped into a white umbrella that was at face level with him. He looked at it briefly before tipping down and peering beneath it. Fluttershy wanted to scream as Mac’s gentle green eyes stared at her. Her eyes grew wide and her pupils shrank. Mac looked only slightly startled to see Fluttershy beneath the umbrella. His expression was still mostly calm and nonchalant like it usually was.

Art by: haselwoelfchen

In reality Mac was very surprised and very unprepared. After all the time on the farm the past two months constantly thinking about the delicate little pegasus and how she seemed to have completely disappeared, here she was. She had single-hoofedly redefined the term “bumping into somepony.” Now what? He wanted to say something, but what do you say to a pony you’ve thought about for two months when the last thing they did to you was kiss you?

Fluttershy sat completely still as Mac just blinked at her.

Do something. Do something. DO SOMETHING! Why was she just sitting there? After how much she wanted to fix all of this, she had the opportunity standing right in front of her! But she didn’t want to annoy him. But she could solve her dilemma! But it may not be okay with him. Why did it have to?!

Just say something. Say something say something say something say something.

“Ah…” Her voice squeaked as she opened her mouth. A huge blush rushed over her face. That wasn’t speaking at all! She cleared her throat and squinted.

Mac tipped his head to the side. Had she just said something? Was she trying to say something? Hopefully she would. Mac didn’t like to start conversations, he usually just answered.

“Um…” Fluttershy gulped and tried to look into his eyes. It was hard. She felt like she was being forced down by his presence. “H—Hi…” Fluttershy managed to say.

Unfortunately a bizarre series events followed.

Upon actually managing to speak, Fluttershy’s body tensed up considerably. Her wings pressed the umbrella handle hard against her body. By doing so, she accidentally pushed the wire that automatically closes the umbrella.

*FWOOMP*

“EEK!!!” The umbrella folded up, clamping around both her head and Big Mac’s head. It forced their heads towards one another and their faces smushed together. Mac quickly wiggled his neck and freed his head. He blinked and shook his head out as Fluttershy kept squeaking and struggling with the umbrella clamped around her head. Mac quickly reached down and slid the notch back up to open it for her. Fluttershy plopped down on the ground, dropping her umbrella as it completely folded up on the ground beside her. She looked up at Mac with a look of complete dread as she was exposed to the rain.

Mac just stared, realizing she wasn’t going for the umbrella. He picked it up and reached it towards her, but she didn’t take it. She started whimpering and shaking as her mane slowly got pressed down against her head and face by the rain. Then she began to tear up. She never felt more embarrassed in her life, and it took A LOT for her to feel that way.

“I’M SORRY!!!” She whisper yelled before frantically getting to her hooves and running away, slipping and stumbling once as her hooves splished and splashed in small puddles along the path.

Art by: goatlady1 (Her Deviantart Page)

“Huh…? H—Hey!” Mac called after her, waving her umbrella in the air, but she didn’t stop.

Mac’s heart sank as she watched her sprint out of the market and out of view. That couldn’t have gone worse. He just wanted to confront her, but how was he supposed to do it if he never really was one to speak or bring things up?

He glanced down at the umbrella he held in his hoof. Now more than EVER he felt the need to do something. For two months he had just gone about his days. He finally reunited with Fluttershy and nothing good happened. He wasn’t good at this kind of stuff, but it was just proven to him that simply running into her was not a sufficient means of figuring all of this stuff out.

Maybe he should pay her a visit? At least to return her umbrella. But if he was gonna actually go to her house, he felt like he couldn’t just show up and leave.

He made up his mind. He would go to Fluttershy, but he didn’t want it to be a random visit. He felt it necessary to know more about her first so he’d have a better idea how to act. How would he gain such knowledge? Well, she had friends, but he didn’t know how comfortable he’d be just walking up to one of them and asking. He had one obvious option… but…

Problem: The only friend of Fluttershy’s he felt comfortable talking to was his own sister. Why was this a problem? Applejack was overprotective of her friends.

But she would understand right? If he explained himself, she wouldn’t fight it. Right?

“Here, just let me take it back to her.” Applejack reached for the umbrella. Mac pulled it away. Who was he kidding? Applejack instantly tried to prevent it.

“Nnnope.” He said sternly as Applejack nearly fell off their living room couch trying to grab it. She stopped her fall with her hooves and glared up at him.

“Scuse me?” She pushed herself back up and put her hooves on her hips.

“I’m takin’ it to her.” Mac stated adamantly. Applejack hopped off the couch and pointed at him.

“Mac yer gonna scare her stiff! She’s nervous enough when she answers her own door, I don’t think you castin’ yer shadow over her is gonna help that!” Applejack argued. Mac shook his head. “Dammit Mac, why do ya wanna do it so bad anyw—” Applejack paused and her eyes widened.

Mac was afraid of this. She was recalling a specific event two months ago.

“Ooooooh no.” She crossed her hooves. “No way, no how Mac. You don’t have time for stuff like that.” She was referring to the kiss. Mac wasn’t going there specifically because of that. He just wanted to be polite, return the umbrella, and possibly make friends.

“Ya gonna help me’r what?” He snorted at Applejack.

“Mac, she’s small, she’s fragile, and she’s shyer than a bat in direct sunlight!” Applejack kept fighting.

“Then tell me what ta do!” Mac stood up and stomped, making the whole house rattle. The two glared headlong into each other’s eyes, both trying to force their wills upon the other. Too bad they were both incredibly stubborn.

“What in th’hay is goin’ on in here?!” Granny Smith slowly came around the corner from the kitchen. She lifted an eyebrow as she saw Mac and Applejack locked in a glaring war. “Now cut that out this instant!” Granny yelled as she forced the two of them apart and stood between them. “What are you two bickerin’ about now?!”

“Ah just…” Mac tried to start but Applejack completely cut him off.

“Mac won’t listen to me about mah friend! He’s gonna scare the hell outta her if he goes over to her house!” She blurted out. Granny Smith glanced at Mac, whose ears flattened as Applejack interrupted him.

“I wanna return her umbrella, and I wanna get to know her. I DON’T wanna scare her, but A.J. won’t tell me how NOT to.” He put calmly. Granny rolled her eyes and looked back to Applejack.

“Now c’mon Applejack, why ya gotta be so hard on yer brother?” She asked. Applejack groaned and pulled the edges of her hat down.

“I ain’t worried about him! I’m worried about Fluttershy!” She fumed. Granny Smith turned back to Mac.

“Fluttershy eh?” She eyed Mac sternly. “I’m okay with you seein’ a mare Mac, but ya better remember ya got responsibilities too!” The way she went right to relationship talk made both of them jump.

“Granny, are ya even listenin’?!” Applejack pounded her hooves on the floor. Mac just blushed and his eyes darted about as he thought about it. He would be lying if he said he HADN’T thought about that, but still.

“Stop bein’ so stiff about it Applejack. Mac just wants to be polite, help yer brother out will ya?” Granny nodded contently and began walking away before Applejack could muster a response. She growled and hid her face with her hat.

“Well?” Mac said while smirking at Applejack.

“What?” She dodged.

“You heard Granny.” Mac said smugly while lightly tossing the umbrella up and down in his hoof. Applejack grunted and pushed her hat back up.

“Fine. I don’t wanna do this, but if yer gonna be a pest about it…” She sighed. “Fluttershy is a sweet pony, but she can be difficult to handle. The slightest thing wrong and she’ll never speak again. So listen up! Here’s what NOT to do around Fluttershy…”

---To Be Continued---

Chapter 2

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 3

MLP: FiM
Falling in Love Quietly
By: Calm Wind

Chapter 3:

Big Mac looked up as soon as his head made it passed the door frame, only to bump into a bird house hanging near the front door. A few frantic chirps sounded from inside. Mac quickly reached up and stopped the bird house from swaying.

He looked around the inside of Fluttershy’s house. The front door led right into a “large” living room that had multiple couches and a table or two. There was a little staircase on the left side that led to a small loft like second floor. To the right was a small kitchen, where Fluttershy had seemed to disappear into. She worked fast. He could already hear a tea kettle whistling.

One thing was for certain. He’d be ducking and weaving a lot in her house. He was already about two feet from the ceiling. There were bird houses and a few little chimes and other decorations hanging down. At least he thought they were decoration, they probably had some purpose for how she took care of animals.

Mac took one step, but quickly stopped and waited, remembering more rules his sister had laid out.

Applejack’s guide to Fluttershy Rule #6:

(Now listen good, cause this is real important. Fluttershy is very quick t’back off if another pony asserts themselves. This goes for everything, and I mean everything! If she starts to interact with ya, let her guide ya along. If ya start doin’ stuff yerself she’ll get nervous and won’t do anything else in fear of angerin’ ya.)

Mac waited patiently for Fluttershy to emerge from the kitchen. She reappeared holding a small tray in her mouth that had two small cups of tea on it along with the kettle. The tea cups had already been filled, but she carried the tray at a normal pace. Her delicate touch was apparent if she could move full tea cups quickly, but steadily.

“Oh! Um…” She saw Big Mac patiently waiting and smiling. She began motioning to a comfy chair she had, but stopped when she took into account Mac’s… size. She instead motioned towards one of her two couches. “Please… come sit down…” She smiled weakly while blushing. Mac took the cue and started towards the couch, accidentally hitting another bird house as he moved. He frowned as he stopped it from swaying. There were clearly birds in them as this one chirped in response as well. They were clearly hiding because of a new pony they weren’t used to. He didn’t want to frighten them. “Oh… sorry about that…” Fluttershy apologized. Mac wished she’d stop apologizing, she was doing nothing wrong. “You’re kind of… well, um… big…” She finished while hiding behind her mane again.

“It’s ‘aight.” Mac tried to dispel her worry with as few words as possible. He quickly put the smile back on.

Fluttershy was internally screaming as quietly as she could. She invited him in without thinking about it, now he was in her safe zone. If anything went wrong she’d have nowhere to run or hide. Was she crazy? She had to be perfect. She had to keep him happy.

Being with Mac was supposed to make HER happy and help her appease the constant thoughts of him, but it turned into her being afraid of screwing up. But how would she know if he was really happy or not? It’s not like he was going to say. He barely spoke already! He didn’t show much emotion either.

She did her best to keep steady and poised as Mac made his way towards her. She pushed a cup of tea across the small table towards the couch as he drew near. Her mind raced for options. She had to say something, she had to do more. She didn’t want it to get awkward.

Mac took a good long look at the couch. It was small, a lot smaller than the one at his house. He wasn’t sure it could support his weight. He’d hate to break anything. He gently lowered himself and sat down.

Fluttershy watched him. A tea cup nestled between her hooves.

Unfortunately as soon as he took the weight off his hooves,

*Snap* *Thump*

“Eep!” Fluttershy squeaked and almost spilled her tea.

“Aw dangit…” Mac sighed as the couch sank half a foot. He stood up and looked down at the small legs of the couch, all four of which had buckled and snapped. “Eeehhsorry.” He frowned. Fluttershy quickly hopped up.

“Oh no no no! It’s alright! I, um, …” She wasn’t thrilled that her couch was broken, but she didn’t want Mac to feel bad. It’s not like he could do much about it. Her house and everything she owned as probably three sizes too small for him.

“Ah c’n fix it later.” He said while looking away from her in embarrassment. Fluttershy saw that coming, she hated being a burden, but he kindly offered so she didn’t know whether or not to accept or deny. She ended up going with accept.

“It’s no worry, um, only if you have time.” She said quietly, her voice slightly blocked by the teacup she held in front of her face.

“I’ll just sit here.” Mac decided and sat on the floor. He gently plopped down beside the table. Despite Fluttershy being elevated by a chair, he was still taller than her.

He felt stupid after claiming his current spot. RULE #6!!! He took too much control. He should’ve waited for Fluttershy to suggest something else! He hoped that didn’t screw everything up. He also felt he should’ve seen it coming with the couch. He offered to fix it, but the damage of looking like a big lug had already been done.

He decided just to proceed. Fluttershy was kind enough to invite him in, so he would enjoy her company and the tea he made for her. He hoped they wouldn’t talk too much, he didn’t really feel like speaking after how silly he just looked. Just relax, just enjoy it.

If only Fluttershy was aware of his mindset. She forced herself to remain calm while her crazy brain was telling her all sorts of things that weren’t true.

He feels bad about breaking something. He’s probably angry you made him look stupid! No! Stop it with the angry thing! He’s not angry. He has no reason to be angry at you! What if he’s mad? That’s the same thing as angry! Should she say something? He wasn’t much of a talker. Would he not like her if she just stayed silent? But what if he prefers that? But what if he doesn’t?

Fluttershy flinched when she saw him reach for the tiny tea cup with his giant hooves. She didn’t want to sound like she was expecting this to go poorly, but after the couch she was sure she would lose a tea cup. His massive body and musculature were not for show, Mac was incredibly strong. The tea cup was bound to be ground to dust between his hooves. She winced as he placed his hooves on the cup, but was surprised when he gently lifted it up and took a sip without any mishaps.

Mac was struggling more than he showed. It wasn’t because he was trying to control his strength, he could do that. The tea cup was just so tiny. He slowly set it down as he took in the taste of the tea. It was definitely an herbal tea, but it had a light taste of lemon present.

“Do you… like it?” Fluttershy asked, still wondering how Mac managed the cup. He smiled and nodded.

“Eeyup.”

Fluttershy smiled as he seemed to be enjoying himself. But what if he hated her? OH COME ON! WHY WAS SHE STILL THINKING THAT?!

She couldn’t understand why she kept going back to the “he hates her” idea. He clearly didn’t, he was in her home sharing tea with her. Was she just so worried about how he felt about her that her usual fears were amplified?

“Hm?” Big Mac suddenly looked to his side. Fluttershy blinked as she saw Angel sitting beside Mac, staring up at him. Mac locked eyes with Angel for a moment before slowly reaching his hoof towards him. Angel reclined sharply at first, but Mac held his hoof completely still.

Applejack’s guide to Fluttershy Rule #MOST IMPORTANT

(Fluttershy is heavily devoted to carin’ for woodland creatures and any kind of animal you c’n think of. WHATEVER YOU DO, be nice to animals around her. This is important for two reasons, if yer nice to animals, she’ll like ya. If yer not, well, ya ever seen a mouse kill a dragon?)

Mac didn’t ask about the last part of that rule, but he figured he wouldn’t have to worry about it. Mac loved animals. He always had, but the problem he always faced? He was like a bear among ponies. Most animals kept their distance, unsure of how to approach him.

But that didn’t mean he didn’t like to try. He held perfectly still as Angel carefully edged towards him. Fluttershy watched with anticipation. All of the animals were hiding. This was typical, but Angel had never willingly approached a new pony so bravely. As an animal expert, she knew that physical appearance is only a small part of what makes an animal approach another living thing. Because they cannot speak, they have other ways of seeing and feeling certain things about an individual. Some say they can sense feelings or personalities and take cues from mannerisms.

Fluttershy gasped quietly when Angel suddenly hopped up on Mac’s hoof and clambered up onto his shoulders. Mac chuckled as Angel carefully looked him over. She had never seen Angel do that to anypony before, not even her friends. The only pony he ever climbed on was her. He trusted Mac so easily?

“Wow…” Fluttershy said to herself out of earshot as she stared and blushed lightly.

Angel climbed up on top of Mac’s head and crossed his paws, nodding in satisfaction. Fluttershy giggled, this was Angel’s sign of “this is mine”. Mac was oblivious to the fact that he was “claimed” as he took another small sip of his tea.

Fluttershy didn’t know what to say, not like she’d say it anyway even if she knew. Something about seeing Angel take a liking to Mac really opened up her heart to a different point of view. Also, Mac looked like he was amused and happy. Her worry of thinking otherwise seemed to be slowly disappearing.

Then she looked up at the bird houses. The sparrows, finches, chickadees, and all the other birds were peering out of their houses towards Mac.

Fluttershy blinked. No way.

She glanced around the room. All the little critters, squirrels, mice, chipmunks, rabbits, and even the fox and raccoon were all peering around corners and small holes in the wall. They were all looking at Mac with curiosity.

Mac perked up and glanced towards the fox. It quickly ducked back behind the other couch opposite of the broken one, but peeked back out slightly to keep looking. Mac looked about to catch eye of the rest of the animals trying to figure him out. He smiled and set his tea cup down with Angel still perched on his head. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and sat completely still.

He hadn’t done this in a long time. Back when he was a colt, he used to go into the woods nearby the orchard and sit completely still. The silence was nice, but since he didn’t move a muscle, animals would approach obliviously. Of course if he moved, they would instantly run, but he enjoyed just sitting and becoming part of the nature around him. He didn’t know what would happen if he did it here. Fluttershy’s house, while built into the forest outskirts, was more like an animal sanctuary than habitat. The animals were probably more used to ponies, even if they still instinctively hid like they were. They were already being more forward than normal by approaching him as he drank his tea.

Fluttershy watched in awe and admiration, her wing feathers twitching and ruffling at the scene as it began to unfold before her.

With Mac sitting completely still, one by one the animals began to approach him.

Art by: goatlady1 (Her deviantart: rain098)

A sparrow landed on his shoulder first, followed by the raccoon crawling up onto the broken couch behind him. Then a squirrel bounced up onto the table followed close behind by a rabbit that hopped up as well. The fox took careful steps towards him, but eventually was sitting directly in front of Mac, sniffing his hooves. More birds landed on his shoulders and the rest of the critters eventually gathered around, some climbing on him, others just examining. Angel fought off any and all challengers to sit on his head. Mac carefully opened his eyes and smiled as he glanced at all he animals surrounding him. They were definitely all braver than the one’s he was used to.

Fluttershy sat with her jaw nearly unhinged. Her wings were flared out and a massive blush spread across her face. The sight was something she couldn’t put words to. Sitting in her house, was a large, handsome, muscular hunk of a stallion that she admired. He was covered in cute little animals that he let come to him instead of trying to force them. It made him appear so incredibly soft and gentle despite the hard masculine exterior. This mixed with his bravery and protectiveness he showed her a while ago made her heart beat furiously in the healthiest way possible. She found herself feeling something new, something that made her body heat up with delight.

Mac took it very slowly. He moved his arms very subtly. He didn’t want to scare any of the animals with sudden movements.

He liked this. He liked it a lot. There hadn’t been much conversation between him and Fluttershy. He was interested in spending time with her, but worried that their lack of verbal activity would hinder their chances of being friends without awkward silences every moment. He was enjoying himself immensely, just by interacting with the environment Fluttershy’s house provided. He wouldn’t mind doing it again. He began to wonder if he could ever use free time to possibly help her out.

He glanced at Fluttershy, who squeaked when his eyes met hers. She was staring at him wide eyed, blushing, and her wings at some point had unfolded. He blinked as he looked her over. She quickly grabbed her long mane and pushed it in front of her face.

Well, Applejack was right. His friendly interaction with her animals made her like him. Her mannerisms were slightly different from before. All of her shyness before seemed to have a hint of fear in it. Her shyness now seemed to be more out of adoration. God, she was an adorable little mare.

Whoa Mac, don’t get ahead of yourself, he thought. The two of them had some personal interaction through circumstance in the past, but it didn’t mean they were suddenly a thing. Relationships aren’t so simple and quick to develop. But he did think she was very cute, and he did want to spend more time with her. Perhaps over time something could happen between them?

Applejack’s guide to Fluttershy Rule # I’m an overprotective pain in the ass:

~~(Don’t go tryin’ anything! She’s not ready for a relationship like that, and you ain’t got time for it anyway!)~~

Forget it Applejack. Big Macintosh was fond of Fluttershy. Fluttershy was fond of Big Macintosh. Although neither knew how to tell the other, there was something sparking between them. Perhaps in due time, they would find a way to express it, but nothing could take how they felt away. For now, just being in the presence of each other made both of them feel at ease and that was good enough for them.

“Oh.” Mac looked up at the clock on the wall. “I should get back to work.” Mac stated as he gently stood up. The animals surrounding him shifted, but they didn’t run away. Fluttershy just kept staring at him as he moved. Mac let a sparrow on his shoulder perch on his hoof and he lifted it back towards the birdhouse. The bird jumped into the little hole before peeking out and chirping cheerfully. Angel Bunny slid down Mac’s back and hopped off onto the couch. He looked to his owner and clapped his little paws together. Fluttershy blinked and shook her head.

“Ah!” She yelped as she quickly put down her tea cup and stood, smiling very wide. She was so captivated she was barely aware of her surroundings. “O—Okay…” She awkwardly giggled as she trotted with a strange spring in her step towards the door. The animals actually followed Mac as he moved towards the door. Fluttershy couldn’t get enough of it. Mac was so much more than she ever expected.

Mac was happy. Why? Because Fluttershy looked happy. When she ran away in the market earlier she looked so lost and distraught. He thought he’d only be able to return the umbrella upon visiting, but it seemed he was able to do more. The best part was he didn’t even try, he was just being himself and now her pretty smile shone once again.

Fluttershy fidgeted as Mac approached the door. He stopped and looked at her warmly. She clearly wanted to say something. He walked slowly to give her time as she brushed her hooves back and forth against the floor.

“Um…” That was a start. She fidgeted a little more before looking up at him, the same blush plastered to her face. Her mannerisms were sending a clear message. Mac wished he could show emotion as freely as her. He tended to be stone-faced. Besides a few subtle expressions he was never one to show much emotion. Besides the smile, he didn’t know what else he could do to show her he was more than just happy. “If you’d like…” She finally got out and squinted, “You can… come back… sometime.” Her eyes shot open and she exhaled. She really did have a hard time with stuff like this, but the fact that she was trying so hard for him made it so endearing.

“I’d love to.” Mac replied. “Gotta fix the couch either way.” He added and chuckled. Fluttershy’s face almost blended completely in with her mane.

“Yay.” She squeaked so high it was inaudible. “I’ll see you then?”

“Eeyup.” He nodded.

“Okay… Bye.” She managed to wave as he smiled and left. Fluttershy watched him as he began down the path. She began closing the door, but stopped to keep peeking out as he walked through her yard. He paused and turned to look back as he got to the small bridge. She squeaked and shut the door quickly.

Fluttershy breathed heavily as she propped her back against the door. She couldn’t believe it. She just had Big Macintosh in her house and everything she thought would go wrong didn’t happen. In fact everything went right. Everything went better than right. He wasn’t angry at her! He enjoyed being in her house with her!

She slid her back down against the door until she was sitting. Her cheeks heated up. She pressed her hoofs to her face and shook her head back and forth while smiling so wide her face felt like it was stretching.

What an amazing stallion! He was so big and strong. So handsome and muscular. So gentle and kind. So brave and protective. So caring and so good with animals. So quiet yet so friendly.

“Oh my goodness.” Fluttershy swooned as her wings fluttered gently at her sides. Angel and a few of the animals approached her, but her manner was completely the opposite of before. She stood up and hugged herself tightly while floating gently a few inches off the ground, releasing a long, happy, but quiet high pitched squeal.

Fluttershy was in love. She was totally in love, and the stallion in question made her fall while barely uttering a full sentence.

She felt so light and so free. She felt happier than she ever had before! Big Macintosh made her feel this way!

But would she be able to tell him?

Not likely.

Was he likely to tell her how he felt?

Nnnope.

They had broken down a few barriers of uncertainty. But for both, this would be one quiet, nervous step at a time.

---To Be Continued---

Author's Note

Pacing and transition is so much different writing with these two. This whole chapter was ONE SCENE. i tend to make my chapters 3K to 6K words. And it's usually broken up into three or four scenes.

I feel the need to describe much more than write dialogue with Mac and Fluttershy (for obvious reasons) it's been interesting.

Also, i think i need to make a height chart or something to show everyone the way i've imagined how tall they'd all be if they weren't all the same size like the show. Cause obviously, my version of Big Mac is supposed to be giant compared Fluttershy xD

I hope you enjoyed! Thanks for reading :3

Chapter 4

MLP: FiM
Falling in Love Quietly
By: Calm Wind

Chapter 4:

“Tomorrow they’re gonna be here! I don’t even have to leave Ponyville! It’s gonna be SO. AWSOME. AHHHHH!!!!!!” Rainbow Dash zipped around the inside of Sugarcube corner talking at a mile a minute. Applejack and Twilight both had their faces flat on a table with their hooves covering their ears.

“Thanks for letting us know. Again.” Twilight complained as she squeezed her eyes shut.

“Good gravy Dash, give it a rest! You’ve told us about twenty times per day for the past week!” Applejack angrily stomped her hooves on the table. Rainbow Dash stopped right in front of her, upside-down, the goofy smile still spread across her face.

“How can I? I’ve never seen a Wonderbolt show so up-close! Every time I’ve gotten tickets I end up in nosebleed seats and can barely even see them! Tomorrow they’re gonna be doing all their stunts RIGHT. THERE. EEEEEEEHEHEEE!!!!!” She flew right over Applejack’s head and slammed right into Pinkie Pie. The two tumbled into a pile of sugar bags, luckily not breaking them, but cushioning their landing. Pinkie stuck her head out over Rainbow’s body at Applejack and Twilight.

“Will someone pleeeeeeeease restrain her?! She’s ruining my cupcake baking time!” Pinkie complained while pointing to a stopwatch around her hoof. Dash flopped off and fluttered back into the air.

“Sorry, I just can’t contain the excitement!” She sped through the front door.

Fluttershy Peered over the edge of the table. She was used to Rainbow Dash going nuts over the Wonderbolts, but she wished Dash wouldn’t fly around so recklessly indoors, somepony could get hurt. She pulled herself back into her seat as her friends all sighed in frustration.

It wouldn’t be much longer. Dash had been a bit annoying about the Wonderbolts coming to Ponyville. Just one more day and it would be back to normal.

Conversation resumed as Pinkie grumbled about her record time being ruined while finishing her cupcakes. Fluttershy glanced at Twilight, Applejack, and Rarity. The three were locked in a conversation about something. Fluttershy had missed the subject so she didn’t try to join in. That was fine though, she didn’t mind not speaking, she just liked being in the presence of her friends.

“Wait, Whaaaaaat?” Rarity suddenly stood and leaned towards Applejack. Fluttershy looked up and saw Rarity glancing between her and Applejack. Fluttershy blinked, wondering if she should’ve been paying attention. Rarity had a familiar look on her face. One that usually appeared when it had to do with… oh dear…

“Ya heard me.” Applejack rolled her eyes and rested her chin on her hoof.

“Fluttershy? How long have…” Twilight began, but Rarity was suddenly directly in Fluttershy’s face. Fluttershy squeaked and sank into her seat again.

“BIG MACINTOSH has been coming to your house?!?!?” She yelled incredulously.

“Um… I…” Fluttershy lowered herself further away. Rarity only followed.

“My goodness when did you become so BOLD?! And how did youland THE MOST handsome, hunky, and sexy stallion in Ponyville?!?!?" She kept going.

“Hey!” Applejack reacted, but Rarity was on a war path.

“We… Uh…” Fluttershy couldn’t recline any further.

“PLEASE!” Rarity grabbed Fluttershy by the cheeks and lightly shook her. “TELL ME YOUR SECRETS!!!!!”

“RARITY!” Twilight’s magic surrounded Rarity and yanked her off of Fluttershy. Rarity landed on the floor with an “oof!” as Fluttershy disappeared completely under the table. “Restraint!” Twilight glared at Rarity as she lay on her back and giggled awkwardly.

“Sorry darling, ha ha…” She apologized as she rolled back to her feet. Fluttershy peered over the table yet again.

“Um…” She began, slightly muffled with only her eyes visible over the edge of the table top. “We’re… just good friends…”

“THAT’S RIGHT. Just good friends. Mac’s too busy for any other shenanigans.” Applejack growled, earning a look of disapproval from both Rarity and Twilight as Fluttershy squeaked and squinted at her harsh tone.

“Applejack, it really isn’t your place to decided that for them.” Twilight cocked her head to the side. “Mac’s a big colt you know. He can decide that for himself.”

“YES! Big in most likely more ways than one!” Rarity added, earning a light elbow jab from Twilight and making Fluttershy’s face catch fire.

“He’s got responsibilities and he knows it! I’m just statin’ facts!” Applejack pounded her hoof on the table. Rarity pushed against Twilight again.

“Stallions have needs you know!” She added with a giggle. Twilight’s magic surrounded her and pushed her all the way across the room into the corner.

“You’re not helping Rarity.” Twilight rolled her eyes.

“Um…” Fluttershy’s voice quietly rose from the edge of the table again. They all looked at her. “But… I do… like him…” It was way too soft for any of them to hear. Plus her mouth was still below the table.

“What?” Twilight turned her ear to her.

“I…” Fluttershy tried again “like him”

“Speak up Sugarcube.” Applejack grunted.

“Umm…” Fluttershy squinted. “I…!” She yelled it out, but she was completely drowned out by a loud BOOM that rattled the whole building. Fluttershy yelped and was completely beneath the table in an instant.

“The hell was that?!” Applejack looked about. Rarity, who was already shoved to the wall, glanced out the window.

“Something happened outside! A bunch of ponies are gathering!” She exclaimed as Twilight moved towards her.

“That sounded like a sonic boom…” She said as she peered out. “Was it Rainbow Dash? No wait, there’s Dash.” She pointed up. They both jumped and leaned aside as Mrs. Cake suddenly came galloping down the stairs and right past them out the front door. They briefly glanced at each other before following. Applejack got up and gave chase. She paused briefly and glanced at Fluttershy as she remained beneath the table, rolled her eyes, and left.

Fluttershy had no idea what happened, but when she emerged from beneath the table, everypony was gone. She didn’t know why they left, but that was okay, she had to get out of. She couldn’t take answering so many questions about Mac. She liked him, but she’d rather keep it to herself.

She trotted out the door and glanced at a large gathering of ponies nearby. She blinked as she saw a light blue pegasus stallion lift off and fly away incredibly fast. All the ponies seemed to be completely focused on whoever it was, so she casually snuck off back in the direction of her house.

What was the big deal anyway? Besides the obvious BIG pony that had made more than one stop at her house in the past two weeks. She enjoyed Mac’s company. Sure she had grown incredibly fond of him, but can a stallion spend time with a mare without it being flung over the top? Maybe she just knew Rarity for too long. Maybe she could ask Applejack to stay quiet about it. Fluttershy didn’t want everypony constantly wondering about them. She doubted Applejack would leave it be though. Applejack was too protective of her brother and her.

“HEY!” Pinkie Pie suddenly appeared beside her. Fluttershy yelped and fired straight up. She bounced off the bottom of an awning and shot back down to the ground with a THUMP. “Oh come on, you should be used to me doing this by now!” Pinkie sighed as she picked Fluttershy up and set her back on her hooves. Fluttershy took a few deep breaths. Pinkie had nearly scared her cutie mark off.

“Oh dear, I’m sorry Pinkie… I’m… not really paying attention.”

“Kinda hard to see anything when you got a stallion the size of a barn in your sights, eh?” Pinkie giggled. Fluttershy turned completely red and started trotting away quickly. “Hey! Hey! Hey!” Pinkie followed after her. “What’s the rush?” She kept pace with Fluttershy easily. Fluttershy stopped and sighed.

“Why are you following me?” She asked with a rare bit of annoyance in her voice. She didn’t want to talk about it! Why was everypony being so forceful?

“Psh! That scene over there was written like, two years ago! Been there, read that.” Pinkie zipped to Fluttershy’s other side before she could respond. “But don’t worry! I’m not trying to pry about Big Mac! I’m trying to help you!”

“Absolutely not!” Fluttershy tried to pull away, but Pinkie’s grip was firm.

“Hey, trust me gal, I already stopped Applejack from crashing your first tea time.” She revealed. Fluttershy stopped struggling.

“Wait… what?” She blinked.

“You saw Applejack back at the corner! She’s being a stiff ass about it!” Pinkie let go and put herself in front. “She followed Big Mac to your house! But luckily I was a plot device and ninja’d her away!” She beamed pridefully.

“Gosh…” Fluttershy smiled. Some of her friends were too curious, Applejack was being too harsh, and as Rarity proved, some just wanted details that weren’t there. At least Pinkie wanted to help her. “Thanks Pinkie…” Fluttershy smiled happily.

“Don’t thank me yet!” She pressed her face into Fluttershy’s. “Thank me after you meet him for a picnic in one hour at Sweet Apple Acres!” She bounced up and down. Fluttershy’s smile remained, but her eyes grew three sizes.

“Um… what…?”

“Oh, I totally set you guys up to have some privacy at the orchard. Applejack doesn’t even know about it!” Pinkie kept bouncing around as if Fluttershy’s head wasn’t about to explode.

“Oh dear, but, I haven’t even told Macintosh about…”

“No need!” Pinkie hopped up and clicked her hooves together. “I already told him you would be there! Oh yeah, you better go get some food together, I told him you were bringing it.” She explained and grinned happily. Fluttershy’s jaw dropped.

“Oh my goodness… OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!” Fluttershy sprinted back towards her house. She knew there was going to be a catch. Pinkie help wasn’t always the most controlled kind of help. She didn’t know if Pinkie had REALLY set them up, but she wasn’t going to take that chance. She could’ve picked a better time though. All this talk of Big Mac was really getting to her. The more she heard about him the more she wanted to tell him how much she liked him. But could she do it? She was so shy and embarrassed about it, that she couldn’t even do it around her animals. Maybe this is why Pinkie set them up. So they could truly be alone somewhere? Technically, Fluttershy’s house wasn’t really alone. The thought could wait, she had to hurry!

Pinkie watched her go, giggled, and bounced in a circle.

“Being a plot device is FUN! Heehee!!!!”

Big Mac slowly walked through the orchard, slightly off the path. He wasn’t showing it, but he was excited. Pinkie Pie had randomly shown up earlier and said Fluttershy wanted to have a picnic with him right here at his home. He was skeptical at first, knowing Pinkie to be a bit of a prankster, but after thinking about it, it made sense.

Fluttershy was still shy around him, even though they had met for tea at her house a few times. He wasn’t one to talk about shyness, but he knew Fluttershy would have never straight up asked him something like that. She probably used Pinkie Pie to ask him.

Even if he was being played, he could enjoy the serenity of the outdoors. He had finished his work for the morning quickly and looked forward to relaxing, with or without Fluttershy, but he honestly preferred it would be with.

The more he spent time with the tiny adorable mare, the more he just wanted her around at all times. She was very shy and hesitant about, well, everything. But her cuteness could end wars. If he was more sensitive to expressing emotion he’d be d’awwing out of his ears at everything she did. He honestly couldn’t get enough of her, and wished he could find the courage to let her know how much he had come to care for her.

He stopped beneath one of their oldest apple trees. According to Granny it had been there since she was a filly. It was larger than most of their trees and the only tree they harvested gently. They always used a ladder and picked the apples out one by one so as not to damage the old trunk with bucking. It was also a little clearer around it, making it the perfect place to relax with friends.

As soon as Mac sat down beneath it he spotted something yellow walking down the path between all the trees. He saw a picnic basket and eventually recognized a pink mane. Fluttershy.

He whistled loudly in her direction and waved his arm.

Fluttershy flinched and turned to see Mac waving. She smiled between the basket and turned towards him. She began to internally struggle with herself as she approached.

Okay Fluttershy. This is no different than the other times you’ve been with him. You like him and you trust him. It’s no different. No different at all. Only you’re not in your own home… your animals aren’t there with you two… you are completely alone… with Big Macintosh… oh dear…

A light blush crept onto her face as Mac kept on a warm smile for her. The blush was likely to stay there for the whole duration of this unexpected “date”. Actually being alone with him felt much different than she expected. She wasn’t worrying, but the possibilities… the implications… she didn’t know what to do.

This would be a perfect time for her to let him know more. No pony around, not even her animals to witness it. She could tell him she wanted to be more than friends. At least… close friends. Maybe very close friends. Her blush grew slightly more visible as she went down the line of thoughts.

“Howdy.” Mac greeted her as she reached him.

“H—hey.” She smiled sheepishly as she set down the basket. Mac quickly got up to help her unfold the blanket she brought along, keeping his eyes on her as he did.

He had become aware of it as well. It only struck him as she was approaching, but this was the first time they had really spent time together with nothing else around, pony or animals. Was it different? He didn’t see anything different with it, but Fluttershy was blushing. She had been since she got into his view. It probably meant something for her.

In fact he was sure it did. After a few trips to her house, Mac had noticed that Fluttershy was very comfortable at home, about a hundred times more comfortable than she was in any other situation. Why else would she have another pony ask him? He was sure she was too shy to ask him directly, but he didn’t mind. This must’ve been a stretch for her to come all the way out here period. It was great to see her slightly breaking out of her comfort zone. Especially since she did it for him.

Maybe this could be a new step for them. It was no mystery to him what he felt for the little mare. He found her cute, adorable, and endearing, but he loved spending time with her in general. Her gentleness and kindness was such a refreshing contrast to the rough hard work he did every day of his life. It added a new kind of spice to his life and he wanted to let her know. Not that he would, he had a hard enough time talking to anypony about anything. His lips would most likely remain sealed.

He could brave a blizzard, but no amount of bravery could prepare him for the feelings induced by little hurricane Fluttershy.

They finished setting the blanket and Fluttershy went digging through the basket.

“So…um…” She went about everything casually, making sure not to bring up Pinkie Pie. “I brought… some cucumber sandwiches.” She set them down and poked her head back into the basket, pulling out two cups and a thermos. “I brought the tea you like… and…” She reached in one more time, “I thought… you’d like these.” She smiled as she pulled out a small plate. It had small crackers on it. Each cracker was covered with a thin spread of peanut butter and had a small apple slice on top.

Mac’s eyes widened slightly. Fluttershy didn’t know, but she had just copied an old snack Granny Smith used to make for Mac when he was a colt.

“I… Um… Hope you… like them.” Fluttershy grinned. She flinched lightly as Mac reached for one and popped it in his mouth before she could set them down. He licked his lips delightfully and smiled.

“Mmmmeeeyup!” He said with gusto. Fluttershy smiled happily before setting everything out for the two of them.

It’s not different. It’s not different. It’s not different.

Fluttershy kept trying and failing to convince herself that the whole time. She desperately wanted to treat the situation no differently than she did when she was at home with him. She couldn’t stop blushing though. They were alone. ALONE. She had never spent time alone with a stallion before, much less one she was secretly in love with. She couldn’t ask for a more perfect moment to reveal her feelings for him, but there was no way in hell she could muster the courage.

She kept herself calm, but there was a stalemate going on in her brain.

It’s perfect, tell him. No! Don’t! Why not? What if he doesn’t want that? What if you make it awkward? But will you ever know for sure if you don’t? Is the risk worth it? What if it makes him angry? NOW DON’T GO BACK TO THAT! You may never get this chance again. What makes you think you’ll never spend time with him again? Why wait though? Why keep doing this to yourself? He’s Applejack’s brother after all, honesty would be appreciated. Arrrgghhhhh!

She was glad she knew how to keep a straight face.

Even with the straight smile though, Mac could tell something was on her mind. They were only sitting quietly, enjoying both the food and each other’s company. Mac loved taking in her presence and stole a friendly glance at her from time to time, but each time he did, he caught her staring at him. She always looked away quickly. She hadn’t stopped blushing.

Whether or not she actually had something she wanted to say, he wouldn’t care if she did or didn’t say it. It didn’t matter what she said, or what was on her mind. As long as she was with him and kept being the small adorable mare he had grown to enjoy and care for so much, he would be happy. If only he could put it into words for her. He cursed his sheepishness when it came to speaking.

They finished off all the food and were enjoying their tea along with the gentle breeze that began to blow throughout the orchard. Mac leaned his head back to let the breeze play with his short mane.

If nothing else, he got to relax with Fluttershy

She watched him carefully. Watched his mane blow in the wind, watched how laid back and relaxed he looked, watched how his lips curled up into his small, gentle smile. She looked down at her hooves.

Fluttershy, enough is enough. She thought to herself. You’ve never felt happier in your life than you do when you’re with him. If you’re going to be assertive on your own for once in your life, don’t let the opportunity float right by. She glanced at him again. He was looking at her now and smiling.

Go.

Do it.

Now.

“Um…” Fluttershy squeaked through her voice. Mac blinked and focused on her. Neither of them had spoken since they began eating. Fluttershy already felt like she had screwed up. She hesitated and now she HAD to go through with it. “I…um…” She swallowed and her eyes darted downward. She held her breath briefly and exhaled. She looked up and stared directly into Mac’s eyes… for a second before she looked back down.

Mac waited patiently. She clearly had something she wanted to say. He had figured out that you can’t rush Fluttershy if you truly want to hear her out.

“Macintosh… I…” She bit her lower lip and looked up at him. He was like a tower looking down at her. If she hadn’t gotten to know him recently, his sheer presence would have completely crushed her by now. “I just… I wanted…” She kept sputtering, unable to force the words out.

Mac tipped his head to the side, concerned. She was shaking.

“I… well… I… Macintosh… I…” Why? Why couldn’t she do it? Why couldn’t she just ONCE overcome something alone? She had so much motivation to prevail, but it just, couldn’t break free. “I… *sniff*…”

Mac’s ears perked up. Fluttershy’s expression had turned to sadness. Her eyes began to tear up. She whimpered and slowly let her chin fall down to her hooves.

“No… I can’t! I cahaahaaaan’t!” She suddenly cried. “I’m so sorry!” She wailed.

Mac just stared. What was going on? Why was she apologizing? Why was she crying? She lay on the picnic blanket across from him, weeping quietly into her hooves.

“Please! Please don’t hate me, pleeeease!” That cued him in. She wanted to tell him something personal, but she couldn’t find the words. Thinking back to Applejack’s rules, there was more than one that pointed to Fluttershy apologizing or fearing she had done wrong. That mixed with him seeing a mare he cared about broken down and crying made his body spring into action.

He quickly stood up and circled around the blanket. He lay down beside her and gently draped a large arm over her back. She flinched when she felt it and quickly looked up to see him and his large body right beside her. She looked into his eyes and he had nothing but concern written all over his face.

“Please… don’t hate… me…” She repeated while whimpering. Mac pulled her close into him, nestling her firmly against his side. He couldn’t stay quiet any more. She tried. She tried to speak her mind to him. It didn’t matter that she failed. She was already braver than him for the attempt. He shook his head.

“I don’t.” He lowered his head down to hers, “I’d never hate ya.” He comforted her. His words were stern, but full of care. Fluttershy squinted and dug her head back into her hooves. Mac laid his chin gently atop her head, determined to comfort her until she got all the tears out.

After few minutes the flow of tears ceased. She lay comfortably with his large presence almost completely surrounding her. She remembered this feeling. She remembered it from the blizzard. It felt so good to feel it again.

“Y’okay?” He asked while softly rubbing his hoof on her back.

“Um… yes… Thank you…” She answered without looking at him and blushing. What a disaster. She didn’t care if he was comforting her, it didn’t change the fact that she still couldn’t say what she wanted. “Um… Macintosh… I…”

“Don’t force it.” He cut her off. She stopped mid speech and looked up at him. He was smiling down at her. “I’ll never hate ya. I promise.” He assured her. It wasn’t what she wanted to say, but it was special just to hear him say that.

They both sat and enjoyed being close. So what if they couldn’t say it. She just liked being with him. That was enough to show their friendship.

Show.

Show.

SHOW.

Fluttershy had an epiphany. She wanted Mac to know she cared. She couldn’t find the words. She didn’t know how to say it, or if she would say it correctly. These things prevented her from saying anything. But Mac just said he’d never hate her. Mac was related to Applejack. He would never lie about something like that.

She bit her lip and glanced up at Mac. He was looking out into the apple fields, smiling. Fluttershy blushed as she looked back down. Her eyes darted about.

Just do it. No hesitation this time. Do. It.

Fluttershy quickly reached her head up and planted a very light, gentle kiss on Mac’s cheek. Mac’s eyes shot open and he looked down at her. She quickly put her face back down, covering her whole face except for her eyes facing forward. Her blush was so radiant that it squeaked out passed her hooves. Mac just stared and blinked as Fluttershy refused to look back up at him

Well she did it. He wasn’t freaking out so he must’ve liked it. She stole a very fast glance back up to see him smiling and blushing a little himself. She quickly stuffed her head back down and rubbed her face back and forth against her hooves as if it could remove the pink hue across her cheeks.

So that’s what she wanted to say. She wanted to show more than just friendship. She just did it without speaking. So Mac did the same thing. He lowered his head and planted a soft kiss on her forehead before nuzzling her mane with his nose. Fluttershy simply let him do so, but the internal yays were uncountable.

They were so worried about how to tell how much they cared for the other, but all they really had to do was show it.

Again, things went right when they initially couldn’t have gone worse. Fluttershy was seeing a trend. Perhaps she was always too pessimistic.

After they spent another half an hour just friendly snuggling, Mac had to get back to work. He helped her pack up her basket, the two shared a big hug, and then he went on his way.

Fluttershy took two steps towards the orchard path before Rainbow Dash suddenly came searing down from the sky and landed right in front of her.

“OHMIGOSH! Fluttershy! I just saw Soarin! THE Soarin! In Ponyville! And he knew who I was! Ahhhh! Quick, where’s Mac?! I have to tell everypony!” She frantically spoke. But a new fire flared up in Fluttershy’s stomach. She quickly walked around Dash and put herself between her and the direction Mac walked.

“Macintosh is busy, please do not disturb him.” She said sternly. Dash looked at her quizzically.

“I just wanna tell him…” She froze as Fluttershy got in her face and slowly mad Dash crouch down before her.

“MACINTOSH. IS. BUSY. BACK. OFF.” She glared harshly down at Dash. Satisfied, Fluttershy turned and continued on her way. Dash stood up and looked towards Fluttershy incredulously.

“Fluttershy? What the hell did I just…” She was cut off as a pink hoof pressed over her mouth from behind. Dash’s eyes darted around to see Pinkie Pie behind her.

“Shhhhhhhh…” Pinkie shushed as she pulled Dash away.

---To be Continued---

Author's Note

D'aww so precious.

Now to head into the bulk of Head in the Clouds... those of you familiar with that story know some interesting scenes are incoming ;)

I hope you enjoyed!

Thanks for reading!

Chapter 5

MLP: FiM
Falling in Love Quietly
By: Calm Wind

Chapter 5:

“ARE YOU DREAMING?! WHAT'S IT ABOUT!?” Fluttershy jumped as Pinkie was on the table in front of Dash beside her.

“Wha—” Dash blinked as Fluttershy edged slightly away to avoid getting caught in Pinkie’s goofiness.

“Oh you’re awake! I couldn’t tell if you were asleep or awake and asleep!” Pinkie bounced away. Fluttershy slowly moved back into her seat and looked at Dash with concern. The Wonderbolts had just finished their new show over Ponyville. Dash had forced Fluttershy to sit on the roof of the town center with her. It was scary, but the Wonderbolts were very impressive.

They had all gone to Sugar Cube Corner afterward along with many other ponies. The Wonderbolt show was the talk of every conversation, including Fluttershy and her friends. She was surprised that Dash was so quiet. It was very uncharacteristic of her. Fluttershy was about to ask her what was wrong, but she was cut off.

“I’m sorry everyone, but something’s come up and we have to close.” All turned to Mr. Cake standing on the counter who was already shaking his head at the reactions. “I apologize, but please make your way out in an orderly fashion. We’ll have a half price sale tomorrow so no complaining, now move along.” After the generous next day offer the complaining subsided and they all began to leave. Fluttershy watched as Dash sighed and got up, she started up as well, but Mrs. Cake stopped them.

“Oh no, you six can stay, in fact we insist!” She said with a smile on her face. Fluttershy watched Dash slump back down. Maybe she could ask now, she hated seeing Dash distraught.

“Okay, the coast is clear!” Mr. Cake yelled up the stairs. Fluttershy perked up as all of her friends glanced towards the stairs. Fluttershy blinked as four sets of hooves showed from the stairwell.

It was the four Wonderbolts from their lead squad all out of uniform. Fluttershy tried to recall their names from all the times Dash freaked out about them. They were… Spitfire, Fleetfoot, Rapidfire, and Soarin.

“Oh my! This is a surprise!” Rarity spoke up first as all their faces lit up. Save for Rainbow Dash who sat still with her jaw nearly on the floor.

“Heyyyyy!” Pinkie appeared between all of them. “That was an awesome show! Can you do it again?!”

“Sure.” Spitfire smirked.

“REALLY? AWSOME!”

“We’ll do it again next week in Canterlot.”

“OKAY!” Pinkie sat there smiling at her. “Heyyyyyy wait a minute.” The rest of the Wonderbolts chuckled.

Fluttershy was intrigued. Four famous pegasi here in Ponyville. She obviously didn’t know them well, so she kept quiet and let the others do the talking. The yellow mare was Spitfire. Fluttershy had actually seen and heard a lot about her. She had to be real hard working and tough, but her mannerisms made her seem friendly. The light blue mare with a white mane… Fleetfoot. Fluttershy knew nothing about her, but she looked cheerful. The Light blue stallion? That was Soarin. He was kind of big. The concept of a big pony was skewed for Fluttershy for obvious reasons, but he was still much bigger than her. He had a very gentle warm smile though, so he seemed pretty nice too. Then just one more…

“Eep!” Fluttershy squeaked and slightly ducked down. The last one, an orange stallion with a red mane… Rapidfire? He was looking directly at her. He was smiling too, but… something was off. His eyes… they were different. He only smirked when Fluttershy caught him looking. He took his eyes off her and started eyeing up the rest of her friends.

The other three seemed nice, but something didn’t feel right about him. It felt like he was checking them all out in a very forward, perverted way. He wasn’t big, or scary looking, but the cocky confidence that surrounded him made her uncomfortable. He was across the room and it made her feel uncomfortable.

“I thought I saw the Wonderbolts fly off after the show,” said Twilight, “what are you four still doing here?” Fleetfoot tossed her sparkling silver mane over her shoulder and stepped away as Pinkie continued to hassle the other three.

“As the lead squad of the Wonderbolts, we’re expected to perform at every single show. The other squads get mixed and matched from show to show.” She explained. Soarin and Rapidfire broke away, leaving Spitfire to deal with Pinkie’s assault of weird questions. Rapidfire took over.

“We decided it was time to take a couple weeks off, I can’t even remember the last time we got to relax.” He was cut off by a heavy sigh from Soarin.

“We thought Ponyville would be a good place, but even in a small town like this we get mobbed by ponies.”

Now she had heard them all speak. Fleetfoot and Soarin both had very pleasant tones to their voices, just like Spitfire. But when Rapidfire spoke… his voice had a certain tone in it that made her ears twitch and her body shiver. Rarity glanced at her in confusion.

“Darling, are you alright?” She whispered. Fluttershy swallowed and nodded, looking away from Rapidfire.

“I’m… fine… just nervous.” She half admitted. The others seemed fine, but she made a mental note to avoid Rapidfire at all costs. Nothing about him seemed right.

“Well shucks it sounds like you four could use a nice, quiet, wide open place!” All eyes turned to Applejack. “Y’all can stay at sweet apple acres for a while as long as y’don’t disrupt our harvest.”

Oh no. Fluttershy had been spending a lot of time at Sweet Apple Acres recently with Big Mac. Now the Wonderbolts would be there. She didn’t mind the other three, but that meant Rapidfire would be there. Maybe she would say something to Mac. Something wasn’t right about Rapidfire, she couldn’t place it, but as long as she had Mac near, she would have nothing to fear. She hoped.

“If you don’t mind the four of us slouching around.” Spitfire said as she shoved a hoof into Pinkies mouth. Pinkie’s muffled questions kept coming regardless.

“Ain’t nothing sugarcube, I promise you’ll be comfy and never eat better meals in yer life!” She puffed out her chest with pride.

“Then it’s a deal,” Spitfire smirked, “but I gotta warn you, Soarin here has quite an oversized appetite.” Applejack smirked right back.

“Y’all never met Big Macintosh.” She winked.

Yes, Macintosh. Fluttershy decided she had to go find him. She was feeling so uncomfortable.

“Eek!” She squeaked again as Rapidfire’s eyes locked on her. She looked away from him and held her breath, praying he wouldn’t do anything. She saw him start moving in her peripheral vision, but he veered off and approached Dash a few feet away from her instead. Fluttershy watched carefully out of the corner of her eye.

“Hey there, I’ve seen you before. You’ve been frozen like that since we came down.” He spoke to Dash. Fluttershy wanted to stop him, but she was stuck in place. Dash looked so vulnerable. It was mostly because a Wonderbolt was talking to her, but Rapidfire’s movements suggested advancement, as if he would corner Dash if he had the chance.

“What? Uh, I mean, um, omigosh,” Dash put her hooves on her head, staring wide eyed at him. Her flustered state made Rapidfire chuckle. It was a sly chuckle, it made Fluttershy’s spine tingle.

“Whoa there, I don’t bite, I know I’m a Wonderbolt,” he slowly bent his head down to hers, “but at the end of the day I’m just a stallion and you’re just a mare, riiiiiiight?” He smoothly slurred. Dash nearly did a full pigment change from blue to red.

Fluttershy couldn’t take it. Rapidfire just sealed it. The forwardness, the confidence, the slyness, the smugness, and especially his snake like voice. It all stabbed into Fluttershy, and he wasn’t even talking to her. She ducked beneath the table and tucked her legs to her body. She wanted to save Dash, but Rapidfire frightened her. He frightened her so much. Not even the confident, empowered Rainbow Dash could handle him.

“I, I, I, I, Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii, GOTTA USE THE BATHROOM!” Dash zipped from her chair and crashed right through the mare’s bathroom door. The other Wonderbolts all looked up in surprise and confusion, but Rarity stepped in front and waved them off.

“Oh nothing to worry about, Rainbow Dash is quite a fan of yours. This is perfectly normal.”

“Even when we get away we still really can’t” Fleetfoot sighed.

Fluttershy wished she could get away. Sure Dash was nervous, but it was terrifying how quickly Rapidfire made her cave like that. She flinched as Rapidfire turned and started walking towards the table she was under. Could somepony save her? They were all very distracted, she was sure none of them knew she was under the table. She was very good at hiding after all. She bit her lip and shut her eyes as his hooves grew closer and closer, but then the noise of his walking stopped. Fluttershy opened her eyes slowly to see Soarin had stepped up to Rapidfire between them. She breathed a heavy sigh of relief. Then Soarin confronted him.

“Rapid, I know this is going to be our vacation,” he glanced over at the bathroom again, “but that doesn’t mean go chasing mares, could you just try to sit still and relax?”

“Oh loosen up Soarin. I’ll be relaxing alright, especially with these six beautiful mares around.” Soarin grunted and shook his head.

The difference between the two of them was staggering. Fluttershy instantly felt she could trust Soarin, the way he tried to put Rapidfire in his place for his inappropriate behavior.

“Just don’t break any hearts.” He put clearly.

“Have I ever?” Rapidfire smirked.

“Want me to get the list?”

“Hey it’s their fault for getting attached.”

“And you just eat them alive don’t you.” Soarin glared.

Fluttershy felt like crying. Rapidfire was just plain evil. EVIL. So selfish and crass. A mare chaser and a sly one. Avoid him at all costs. Avoid him at all costs. Soarin on the other hand, seemed like another she could run to if Mac was nowhere to be found. He clearly disagreed with Rapidfire’s manner.

Spitfire stepped between Soarin and Rapidfire, crossing arms and placing her hooves on their mouths.

“Gentlemen, I’d prefer to avoid escapades of testosterone while we’re on vacation. Understand?”

“Yes captain.” They replied in unison, Rapidfire with much more gusto than Soarin.

Fluttershy slowly tried to sneak out from under the table, but bumped into Twilight.

“Fluttershy, what were you doing under there?” She asked. Fluttershy glanced at the others, all still focused on the Wonderbolts.

“Um… I have to go.” She said quickly and galloped out.

They all turned and looked as she left.

“What’s up with her?” Fleetfoot asked. “She didn’t say a word the whole time.”

“Oh that’s just how Fluttershy is,” Twilight smiled and waved her hoof, “she’s just very timid, she’ll open up when she gets used to you.”

Fleetfoot nodded and turned back to the rest. Spitfire decided to follow Rarity into the bathroom as she went to check on Dash. Soarin set a wary eye on Rapidfire, who was looking towards the exit and smirking.

Unfortunately for Fluttershy, two days went by and she was unable to speak to Big Mac. She no longer had trouble approaching him or saying a few words to him, but she NEVER wanted to disturb him while he was working. He had spent the last two days pulling carts to and from town. After delivery days, he was always back in the orchard gathering apples. She would talk to him there as soon as she could.

She was dragged to Sweet Apple Acres by Rarity the day before. She was frightened that Rapidfire would try something, but she was relieved when he wasn’t there. The other three Wonderbolts were present, so she felt comfortable. She didn’t say anything. She was still a little nervous around these new ponies, but they didn’t force her to talk. Just by listening to Spitfire, Fleetfoot, and Soarin, she could tell they were all kind souls. They all seemed to dislike Rapidfire as well. When Applejack asked where he was, they all shrugged, scoffed, or rolled their eyes.

But now today she could get to Mac. She wanted to warn him about Rapidfire. She wasn’t sure how much Mac could do, but she felt she’d be safer if Mac was keeping an eye on him. Maybe all of her friends would be safer too.

She flew low between the trees of the orchard. Normally she’d walk, but she wanted to find Mac quickly. She’d fly higher, but she didn’t want to take any risks. It was already just afternoon, she knew exactly where he would be at this time on an apple picking day.

It didn’t take long to spot something big and red slowly moving about the tree trunks. She smiled brightly and angled herself so she would be in his line of sight. She didn’t want to startle him. She never yelled out to get his attention because she’s Fluttershy and she never yells unless something coaxes her into it.

Of course Mac easily spotted something yellow moving among the apple trees. His face went from its usual stoic expression to a bright smile in seconds. He reached out an arm as she flew close. She perched her back hooves on it and reached her arms around his large neck to give him a big hug. He nuzzled the side of her head with his cheek. This had been their typical greeting since the picnic. He was about three times the size of her, so in order to get her at hugging level she either had to hover up to him or he had to pick her up. She couldn’t hug much of him because he was so big, but she usually just ended up latching to his neck. Mac didn’t care. It was absolutely adorable to him.

“Howdy Fluttershy.” He smiled happily before gently setting her down on the ground.

“Hello, Macintosh… um… sorry if you’re busy… I just… wanted to let you know something.” She got right to the point. Mac tipped his head to the side in concern. Her demeanor had quickly shifted. She now looked a little distraught. “So… um… you know the Wonderbolts staying at your house… right?” She grabbed part of her mane with her front hooves and began stroking it nervously.

“Eeyup.” Mac nodded. He had yet to interact with any of them, but he was aware they were there. The past two days he had gotten up long before them, been in town all day, and gone to bed before any of them got back t the house. He was hoping to at least see them at some point, but he wasn’t gonna put off his work.

“Well… um…” Fluttershy ceased stroking her mane and instead squeezed it. “One of them… um… Rapidfire, the orange stallion… he’s…” She gulped, “He scares me.” She squeaked. Mac blinked, his eyes widening slightly. “He’s very forward and not very… polite. Um… he didn’t do anything to me, but… I don’t know… I got such a bad vibe from him.” She shivered.

Mac pondered her words. He nodded to himself in agreement. Fluttershy was an expert at handling animals. This meant she was very good at reading signs and sensing moods of living creatures, ponies even. If she got such a bad impression from this “Rapidfire” it wasn’t just a coincidence.

“The other stallion,” she continued while looking up at Mac with wide worried eyes, “The blue one… Soarin. He seems nice, and he tries to keep Rapidfire in line… but… I just wanted to tell you… just in case…” She finished.

She didn’t give Mac much of an explanation, but he could read her intentions well. Forward, impolite, and gave off a vibe of selfish intent? He sounded like a scumbag. He knew exactly why Fluttershy was telling him this. Fluttershy valued feeling safe and secure above all else. This stallion made her feel nervous and scared. She would feel better if she knew Mac was looking out for her. He would do anything for Fluttershy.

“I’ll keep an eye on him.” Mac nodded and smiled. “I promise.” He added. He could almost hear Fluttershy’s heart lift in her chest.

“Oh thank you Macintosh!” She sprang up and gave him another hug. She felt like she hadn’t explained it well either, but she and Mac had come to understand each other well without words. She knew the way he thought and vice versa. “I’ll let you get back to work.” She smiled brightly as she pulled away. Mac blushed, if only she knew how much she could control him with that smile.

“Thanks.” He smiled back before he picked up a saddle basket of apples twice the size of Fluttershy and moved along. Fluttershy watched him go, smiling as he began to move among the trees again. She broke into a happy trot back towards the path, feeling safer now that Mac was aware, but then she heard voices from the clouds above.

“Oh Spitfire there he is!”

“Where?”

“I told you I saw a huge stallion by the tree’s yesterday! C’mon! Trust me he’s an eyeful!”

Fluttershy blinked, and then looked up to see Spitfire and Fleetfoot drop through the clouds and glide towards the trees. She replayed what they just said and something clicked in her brain. Oh no they don’t!

Fluttershy turned back towards Big Mac and galloped between the trees, keeping a careful eye on where the two Wonderbolts were landing. Fluttershy ducked behind a tree. She peered around it to see Spitfire and Fleetfoot looking towards Big Mac from behind another tree.

“See? What a hunk!” Fleetfoot giggled.

“Whoa,” Spitfire’s eyes widened “look at those muscles! He looks like he could move a house!”

“And he’s huge! So stallionly!”

Fluttershy bit her lip and glared. They had ten seconds to back off before she made them. Suddenly Rainbow Dash touched down in front of them.

“That would be Big Macintosh. Applejack’s older brother.” Dash put herself in front of them. “Yes, he’s big, hunky, and quite a stallion,” they tried to look around her.

Dash was trying to stop them, but Fluttershy had already had enough. She walked right out to them as Dash kept trying.

“But you should probably leave him be. He pretty much works around the clock. Plus he’s a bit shy, doesn’t talk much, but most of all,”

“Um, excuse me.” Fluttershy stomped her little hooves as she placed herself behind them. Spitfire and Fleetfoot turned to face her.

“Oh, Fluttershy! So you do talk,” Spitfire smiled, “After how quiet you were at the barn—,”

“Please don’t bother Big Macintosh, he’s very busy and has a lot of responsibilities on this farm.” Fluttershy cut off Spitfire, earning a surprised look from them both.

“What’s the deal? We were just admiring the sights.” Fleetfoot turned back to look at Mac. Fluttershy huffed and stomped around them, placing herself in their way next to Dash.

“Please. Don’t. Bother. Big. Macintosh.” She said sternly. Spitfire and Fleetfoot glanced at each other.

“Look honey, can you blame us? I mean look at that fl—” As Spitfire spoke, Fluttershy was losing control. She began glaring harshly. She didn’t want to use the stare, but if these two wouldn’t back off from her stallion, she would be more than happy to give them a full dose. Luckily for them, Dash quickly grabbed both of them.

“Hey! we were just walking around and came across Mac, he’s very busy so we decided not to bother him! See you around Fluttershy!” Dash forced them to turn around with her and started dragging them away.

Fluttershy watched as Dash pulled them along and huffed. Dash saved them from a world of disapproval. As soon as Dash had them out of sight she exhaled and began worrying.

“Oh my goodness… that may have been a bit much.” She fretted, but then looked towards Mac, who had been oblivious to the entire scene. This was going to be an interesting few weeks with the Wonderbolts here. She was scared of Rapidfire and the two mares had eyes for her stallion. Hopefully Dash could explain that to them and they’d leave him alone. At least one of them, Soarin, wouldn’t cause any problems for her and her friends.

“Well I don’t blame ‘em!” Pinkie rose up from nowhere beside Fluttershy, making her squeak. “I mean Mac IS pretty damn sexy after all!” She smiled. Fluttershy suddenly turned sharply and glared at Pinkie.

“Pinkie…” She growled.

“Oh.” Pinkie shut her mouth, put one of her hooves over it, and put her other hoof around her neck before pulling herself away while saying “Shhhhhhhh…..”

---To Be Continued---

Author's Note

Okay i feel a little cheap ass because a lot of this was cut and pasted from Head in the Clouds then edited and shifted perspective. The next two chapters will have a bit like that too.

Oh well, it made it easy to write xD

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed! :)

Chapter 6

MLP: FiM
Falling in Love Quietly
By: Calm Wind

Chapter 6:

Fluttershy hummed to herself as she casually glided along towards Sweet Apple Acres. Today was Mac’s cart pulling day. It was the only day he had a huge chunk of time to rest in between his chores. He would be taking his second lunch break soon, so Fluttershy decided to bring another picnic for him.

Instead of one basket this time, she decided to bring two saddlebags full of food. Mac was big pony after all. She wanted to make sure he was well fed. It would take more than a few small cucumber sandwiches at least. She also had time to prepare. No surprise dates from Pinkie.

She had felt a huge weight lifted off her chest since she told Mac about Rapidfire. Sure he was still around, but just having Mac be aware, made her feel safer. Without a care in the world, and her hums slowly changing to cheerful la-la-la’s, she continued gliding towards the orchard.

Mac Casual heaved along a very large cart filled to the brim with Apples. He kept his eyes forward and his legs moving. Just another day on the farm. Almost. He had acquired a new helper. He didn’t get all the details, but Rainbow Dash for some reason had requested assisting him in his work. He didn’t mind the extra help, but he wondered why the hell a pegasus would want to do heavy farm work.

Dash was having a hard time with it from the get go. He had made multiple passes by her as she tried, and was making another one by her now.

“Ugh, how does Big Mac do this all day?!” she yelled as Mac trotted passed. Mac paid no mind as she glared at him from behind. She wanted to do this, he wasn’t gonna tell her she couldn’t.

Mac perked up as he heard the sound of heavy hooves behind him. He glanced to see Dash forcing herself after him. He nodded as he looked back ahead, slightly impressed, but again kept his mind on task. He felt like warning Dash about keeping a steady pace, but if she wanted to work, she could learn it the hard way.

He was more excited about second lunch time. He ate two lunches throughout the day to keep him fueled for all the tough work he did on this particular day. It was also the longest break he took between chores all week. Fluttershy was probably on her way now. It was one of the few times he really got a chance to just relax with her. The thought brought a soft goofy grin to his face.

He really loved that little mare. She made his heart swell every moment she was with him. Maybe there could be more between them. He sure wished there could be. Maybe he would try to find more time for her. Applejack wouldn’t like it, but Applejack could stuff it. Fluttershy was special, and worth every moment he could muster.

“Last carts, then we lock up for the day.” Explained Applejack as she finished unloading the carts Dash and Mac had just brought in. “Second lunch, then plow Mac, we gotta get some new trees planted in the east field.”

“Eeyup.” Mac replied and began down the path to grab one last load of apples from the fields.

“Ah, wait up!” Dash stood up from resting and trotted after him, earning a chuckle and smile from Applejack.

Fluttershy continued singing happily to herself as she landed in the orchard. It was such a nice day. A perfect day to have a picnic with a stallion she loved being with. She was never ready for how good it would feel to have a love interest. She felt happier, more confident, and much more alive.

She wasn’t very far from the barn, but she enjoyed walking amongst the trees. She took it nice and slow, thinking about Mac every step. For the first time in her life she felt like she hadn’t a fear in the world.

She probably shouldn’t have thought that.

Because she passed a tree and the color orange appeared in the corner of her eyes to the right. She froze mid step. Nearly all the air left her lungs and her eyes widened. She managed to turn her head very slightly and looked directly into a pair of eyes that almost completely paralyzed her.

It was Rapidfire.

He was leaning against the tree, the sly smirk on his face. He looked her up and down and stepped off.

“Aren’t you such a cute little thing?” He said as he moved towards her. Fluttershy had no control over her body. She faced him and began backing up with every step he took.

“Eep!” She squeaked as her plot pressed against a tree behind her. Her pupils shrank as she found she could no longer keep the space between them vacant.

“Where are you off to in such a hurry?” His voice slithered through her ears as he drew closer.

“I, uh, I mean I’m, I’m going, um.” Her quiet voice became frantic and panicked. As Rapidfire advanced, she turned sideways and slowly lowered further and further to the ground with no other direction to go. Rapidfire placed a hoof on the tree over her shoulder and stared down at her. Fluttershy wanted to scream, but she barely had enough breath to whisper. She couldn’t run and she couldn’t call for help.

Her body began rebelling.

She was having a nervous breakdown.

Her breathing quickened. Her heart began beating faster. Her brain began repeating the same thing over and over again:

Macintosh! Help me! Please help me!!!!! Macintosh help!!!!!!!

He promised he would protect her. He promised he would keep an eye on her. Where was he? Please, please, please let him be near!

“Hey, hey, no need to be scared.” Rapidfire started lowering his head down to hers, “I’m just looking for some fun. I wouldn’t dare be rough with a delicate little thing like you.” The closer he edged his face to hers, the more she tried to curl up. Eventually she shut her eyes tight and began whimpering. Tears started squeaking out. What kind of pony would do this? Couldn’t he see how frightened she was? He didn’t even care? “Don’t worry, I’m a gentle stallion,” she yelped in fear as she felt his hoof pass into her mane and stroke it. She was feeling light headed, she felt like her heart was going to rip itself right out of her chest. She couldn’t do anything.

Where was Macintosh? WHERE WAS MACINTOSH?!

She flinched as the sound of hooves slamming to the ground came from nearby. Her eyes shot open, bloodshot and watery. She saw a light blue hoof hooked over Rapidfire’s shoulder.

“Rapidfire! Enough!” It was Soarin.

“Sweet Celestia Soarin, can’t you just leave me be?” Rapidfire rolled his eyes.

Fluttershy frantically glanced between the two stallions. She was completely helpless beneath the sheer presence of the two. She knew Soarin wasn’t like Rapidfire, but in her current state they were just both ponies she didn’t really know or trust.

She wanted Mac. She would only feel safe when she saw him.

“None of us are going to leave you alone if you keep bothering every mare you come across!” Soarin yelled into Rapidfire’s face

“Oh get over yourselves!” Rapidfire chuckled, brushing Soarin’s hoof from his shoulder, “What I do is my business. Why don’t you go back to Little Rainbow?”

“Don’t bring her into this!” Soarin gritted his teeth.

“Such a temper over one mare? Face it Soarin, you’re head over hooves for her. She’s quite a little bundle of tough isn’t she? You know the ones that resist the most are always the most satisfying when—”

“Say one more word. I dare you. Say one more thing and screw the Wonderbolt code of conduct, I’m gonna pull all the feathers from your damn wings!” Soarin crouched down, ready to charge at Rapidfire. Rapidfire only laughed and glanced at Fluttershy.

She felt her heart jump painfully as he looked at her again. She inhaled sharply and felt like she couldn’t breathe, she couldn’t even swallow. Her throat had completely tightened up.

“Oh don’t worry Soarin, you have time,” he leaned his head towards Fluttershy. Her body shook as it fought to find air. His presence was suffocating her. “I’m a little occupied at the moment, but I’ll be sure to pay Little Rainbow a visit right after!”

Soarin leapt at Rapidfire, tackling him to the ground.

Fluttershy’s voice erupted from the pit of her stomach. She screamed in bloody terror, and gripped her head tightly with her hooves. They were fighting. Two ponies were fighting in front of her. What was going on? What was she supposed to do? Every part of this situation crushed her inside out more and more.

No more. Please no more! Macintosh! Where are you? PLEASE!!!!

Suddenly, as they leapt at each other again, two strong hooves caught them by the necks and forced them both towards the ground. They both gasped for air as the hooves held them tight to the dirt.

It was Big Mac.

Mac glared down at the two of them. What the hell was going on? He was just passing by and heard fighting. Mac looked around and his eyes grew wide as he saw Fluttershy curled up tightly, shaking, and hyperventilating against a tree with tears flowing from her eyes like rivers. He wanted to go to her, but these two were sure to keep fighting if he let them up. Luckily it seemed that Dash was nearby too. She was by Fluttershy’s side quickly.

“Fluttershy! Fluttershy!” Dash bent down and draped a wing over the quivering pegasus, “Fluttershy it’s me, Dashie, it’s alright, just breathe.” She comforted Fluttershy. Her breathing slowly calmed and she stopped shaking, but she was still crying. Mac glared down at the two Wonderbolts.

What a way to be introduced. He recalled Fluttershy’s descriptions of them. One of them fit the description of Rapidfire, and that’s all Mac had to know as he glared at the orange pegasus stallion.

“Hey don’t look at me! He started it!” Rapidfire motioned towards Soarin while addressing Mac.

“Says you! I’m not gonna let you get away with your antics!” Soarin spat back. Mac glanced between them. He didn’t care who started it, they had scared Fluttershy to the point of a massive panic attack. As far as he was concerned, both of them had done wrong. That was, until Rapidfire decided to not keep his mouth shut.

“Oh please, I just wanted to have a little fun with her, what’s the big deal?”

The words echoed in Mac’s head.

Have a little fun with her…

Have a little fun with her?

HAVE A LITTLE FUN WITH HER?!?!?!?!

Something snapped.

Mac was a strong pony. He had always been an incredibly strong pony. From a young age he had learned to keep his emotions in check in fear of hurting another. He was a stone wall emotionally. It was nearly impossible to anger him. There were very few times in his life that he had lost control. Once when he was younger, the pony he beat up for insulting his sister ended up hospitalized. Another time when robbers came to the farm and hurt Granny Smith while trying to make an escape, they had to tend their bruises in jail. Once more when he yelled at Fluttershy for barring his path in the blizzard. He wasn’t proud of any of them. Every time he felt terrible because he hurt another either physically, or in Fluttershy’s case, emotionally when he really could’ve avoided it.

This time it was different. This time it flowed completely unhindered and it had never flowed stronger. As soon as Rapidfire’s words registered in his head, he felt his anger pour out instantly. This pony was planning to get fresh with her? He cornered her and forced himself on her? If Soarin hadn’t stopped him, he would have…

His anger grew stronger still. Nothing had ever pushed Mac this far beyond his control. His teeth grinded together and his eyes narrowed into the heaviest glare his brow could form.

“I’m a stallion, I’ve… got… needs…” Rapidfire’s voice slowed as he looked back up to see Mac glaring down at him with an expression filled with immeasurable rage. Mac slowly released the pressure he was applying to Soarin and simultaneously began forcing more of his strength down on Rapidfire’s neck.

“Yer were gonna do what to Fluttershy?” Mac spat in Rapidfire’s face. His breath became hard, his nostrils flared, and if he pressed his teeth any harder together they would crack.

Fluttershy looked up, still sniffling, gasping for air, and trails of tears staining her face. Mac was there! He was there! He came to save her!

Happiness filled her heart, but was instantly overflowing with concern as Mac glanced towards her. The look on his face was nothing she had ever seen before. His gentle face was gone. Completely gone. It was replaced by one of pure anger and hatred.

What was happening to him?

Mac snapped his eyes back down to Rapidfire. There was only one thought on his mind.

This… little… SHIT… just tried to violate the mare he loved.

He wanted to crush the life out of him, little bits at a time, as painfully as he could make it. Using his free hoof, he swung and connected a strong blow to Rapidfire’s chin. Rapidfire was sent flying from his spot on the ground and tumbled to a halt a few feet away.

“Ahhh AHHHH!!!!!” He patted his chin furiously. Mac approached him, growling and snarling as his breath was forced between his grinding teeth. He stood over Rapidfire, fire alight in his eyes, and anger burning as he stared down. Not many ponies could push Mac’s anger, but the value in which he regarded Fluttershy was almost stronger than his own family. Rapidfire had touched something more sacred to him than something he had devoted his whole life to.

He would make Rapidfire feel what he had done. He would break every bone in his body, twice. He would squeeze all the air out of his lungs. He would beat his face in until it was no longer recognizable. Mac had lost all restraint. He didn’t care who this stallion was. He was going to kill him.

“GET UP!” Mac’s voice boomed loudly out across the fields. Rapidfire struggled to support himself and tried to crawl away. Mac wrapped one hoof around Rapidfire’s neck, hoisted him up. He glared into Rapidfire’s face again. Rapidfire struggled in his grip, fear and pain all over his face.

Good.

That was how Mac wanted it.

Mac used his other hoof to connect another strong blow to Rapidfire’s stomach. Rapidfire exhaled loudly, saliva flying from his mouth and splattering on Mac’s face. The more pain he could make this asshole feel before he ripped his head off, the better. Mac eyed a tree a few feet away. He shifted his weight and flung Rapidfire over his back and into the tree so violently that it split the trunk and toppled it.

Fluttershy watched with a new kind of horror. She began shaking again as Mac unloaded his fury into Rapidfire.

“Macintosh…?” She whimpered as she shuddered. What was she seeing? Who was this? This wasn’t her Macintosh. This wasn’t her Macintosh at all! “No… No… Please stop…” She sputtered as her lips quivered. “Please… stop…!”

“Mac!” Mac heard Rainbow Dash from behind him, “that’s enough Mac!” Mac grunted as she grabbed his hoof.

No. Rapidfire was getting every bit of Mac’s rage shoved down his throat. Mac shook her off easily, knocking her to the ground. Rapidfire lay sprawled out, badly cut and bruised with a black eye and bloody nose.

It wasn’t enough, Mac wasn’t satisfied. Mac reached for him again, but lurched slightly as Dash jumped on his back. Soarin had gotten up and stepped in front of him.

“Whoa! Cool it big fella! I hate him too, but you’re gonna kill him if you keep this up!” Soarin spread out his wings to bar Mac’s way.

Kill him? That’s exactly what he was going for. Everypony else better get out of his way or he’d MAKE them move.

Mac reared back, knocking Dash off. He landed roughly and glared at Soarin. He swung his head around and struck Soarin in the side of the neck, knocking him aside. Mac stood above Rapidfire, who looked up at him with fear and horror.

Rapidfire was scared?

Good.

He was in pain?

Even better.

No pony touched Fluttershy. No pony will EVER touch Fluttershy and get away with it. He glared down at the heap of pegasus in front of him, forcing his will and presence down on Rapidfire.

But oh he wasn’t done. He was far from done.

It was time to break him. Completely. Mac lifted a hoof over Rapidfire’s face, ready to stomp down,

“Stop!!!!!!!!”

A voice reached him. Neither Soarin nor Dash could talk sense into him, but this voice…

This voice…

Fluttershy galloped up beside him and dove at his hooves. She wrapped her arms around one of his large, strong front legs,

“Please stop Macintosh!” She wailed up to him. Tears flowing, voice cracking. She couldn’t stand it. She couldn’t stand seeing her big gentle giant beat another so violently. “I’m just fine,” She repeated as she squeezed his arm. “Please! Stop hurting him!” She pleaded.

Mac blinked.

The sight of Fluttershy begging him to show mercy caused all of his anger to dry up almost instantly. All the rage, all the hatred, all of it vanished at the sound of her voice, at the feeling of her body shaking as she gripped his arm. His expression slowly regressed back to normal. He stared at Fluttershy, realizing what he had been doing. His anger had completely blinded him.

Rapidfire struggled to his hooves and wiped the blood from his nose. He tried to hobble away before anything else could happen to him. Mac looked towards the beaten pegasus.

No. This wasn’t the same as the other times. Did he go a little far? Maybe. But this time he felt like the pony on the receiving end deserved everything he got.

“You,” Mac directed his voice towards Rapidfire. He froze as Mac’s voice floored him, “if I ever see yer face ‘round Fluttershy again, I’ll rearrange it for ya. Got it?” Rapidfire only whimpered in response and fell back to the ground.

“What the hay is going on over here?!” Applejack came running from the trail. Spitfire and Fleetfoot flew down from above as well. Applejack ran up between Mac and Rapidfire, staring horrified at the beat up pegasus. She turned to her older brother, nearly speechless, “Mac, ya didn’t—”

“Rapidfire!” Fleetfoot called out as the two landed. She helped him get up, but Spitfire was glaring at Soarin, who in turn tried not to make eye contact with her.

“Mac! He’s one of our guests! How could ya?” Applejack stared headlong into her brother’s glare without flinching, a mixture of disbelief and shock in her eyes. Mac showed no regret. He wanted Applejack to see it. He wanted her to know his anger was well placed. He reached down and pressed his arm against Fluttershy as she continued to shake and whimper. She clung to him tightly. She hadn’t let go since she stopped him. Mac scoffed at his sister.

“Y’d rather I let him violate Fluttershy and get away with it?” He spat in his sister’s face. Applejack gasped and looked over her shoulder at Rapidfire. Spitfire’s eyes darted back to Rapidfire, furrowing her brow with disgust.

“Fleetfoot, bring him over here. Soarin, line up!” Spitfire barked. Soarin flinched, but obeyed, walking over to stand beside Rapidfire, who could barely keep his hooves.

Applejack came around to Mac’s side as Spitfire began to drill her fellow Wonderbolts.

“Oh god, what did he do t’her?” Applejack crouched down and placed her hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder. Fluttershy couldn’t stop shaking. Her tears were still flowing. She had just seen and felt way too much. She felt completely overwhelmed.

“He cornered her.” Mac growled as he thought about it. “He said he was gonna have ‘fun’ with her.” Mac gritted his teeth. Applejack looked up at him as his expression began turning to anger again. She quickly reached up, grabbed his yoke, and pulled his head down to her level.

“Mac! Calm down!” She looked at him sternly. “I get it. He deserved a punch across the face. But ya went too far!”

“I didn’t go far enough!” Mac pressed his head to hers. She couldn’t force him back, but she held her ground and stopped him.

“Get a’hold of yourself!” She snapped and motioned to Fluttershy. “She’s been through enough! No more!”

Mac looked down to Fluttershy. Something was wrong. Fluttershy was safe now, but she looked completely broken mentally. She couldn’t stop shaking or crying.

“Go take care of her Mac.” Applejack suggested. Mac looked at her in surprise. Applejack was trusting him with Fluttershy? “She clearly needs you.” Applejack admitted after seeing how she clung to him. “I’ll handle this alright?” She released her face from against Mac’s and turned as Spitfire approached. “Golly, I’m so sorry ‘bout all this. I ain’t never seen Mac lose it like that, I’ll make sure he gets it good from Granny.” Applejack frantically apologized. Mac rolled his eyes. He didn’t even care what Granny said. He was sure Grandpa would have done the same thing for her back in the day, Celestia rest his soul.

“Hey, hey, settle down cowgirl, he had it coming.” Spitfire chuckled, “What’s important is he just got beaten up, nothing broken or injured. A few days rest and he’ll be fine.”

“Still,” Applejack tried to reply, but Spitfire walked up to Mac and Fluttershy before she could. Mac averted his eyes. He was tired of Wonderbolts for one day. Spitfire crouched down to Fluttershy.

“Fluttershy, I’m so sorry, I should’ve kept a closer eye on him,” Spitfire apologized. Fluttershy didn’t respond. She remained attached to Mac’s arm and remained silent save for her soft crying. “Hey big guy,” Spitfire addressed Mac, “this is a heck of a way for us to be introduced. I know Rapidfire’s a no good menace, but next time go a little easier on him.” Mac replied with a grunt. She shrugged, not exactly expecting him to like them very much now, and turned back to the rest of the Wonderbolts.

Mac looked back down at Fluttershy as Applejack followed Spitfire to apologize more. Her grip had finally loosened on him, but she still looked no better. She leaned her tiny body against his leg as it kept shaking.

“C’mon.” Mac put his arm over her. He looked around and picked up the saddle bags she dropped. “Let’s get outta here.” He nudged her along with him. It seemed like she had no control over herself. She only moved as he guided her along.

Fluttershy shakily walked with her body firmly up against Mac’s leg. She was glued to his side, broken and still crying. Every sniffle and whimper stabbed at Mac as he led her away. He didn’t want her to be anywhere near any more Wonderbolts, any other stallions, or any other ponies in general besides him.

He wanted her to feel safe and secure. It was what she was always seeking and it was clear she was in need of it. Normally just his presence could do the trick, but it was clear she needed more this time.

He led the shivering little mare to the old tree they recently shared a personal moment under. A picnic was out of the question now, but Mac wanted her to be somewhere familiar and heartwarming. He couldn’t take her all the way back to her house in her current state, so this was his best bet.

He began to look at the situation a little differently.

First and foremost in his mind, he felt like he failed her. She came to him yesterday seeking protection from something that made her uneasy. He promised he’d help her, look out for her, and keep her from harm. Then the very next day he failed to do so. There was really nothing he could have done about it, you can’t just bend time and place to your will. But it didn’t matter to him. He wanted nothing more than to keep Fluttershy from harm. She was a small, but precious treasure to him and he would do anything to protect her.

Anything? What if that scares her too?

Make no mistake. Rapidfire got every bit of pain he deserved. If you asked Mac he deserved more. He wasn’t sure if the violence had anything to do with how Fluttershy was feeling, but he suddenly felt ashamed that she witnessed it.

She had been on the receiving end of his anger in the past, but all he did was yell. Fluttershy was not one to easily forget things that frightened her. Mac remembered how scared she was when he forced her to the snow with his voice during the blizzard. Just now she saw him get violent. He snapped completely and beat the tar out of Rapidfire right in front of her.

The past few days he had established himself to her as the large but gentle pony that loved wild animals and would never hurt a fly. He hoped he hadn’t just ruined that image forever.

While Mac’s worry was well placed, and his rage had indeed scared Fluttershy, it wasn’t what kept her from calming down. She had faced his anger directly once. There was something else here that she had never faced before.

It was Rapidfire. She couldn’t force the image of him from her head. It was stagnant, stuck, and stabbing at her. She wanted him out of her head, she wanted to forget how terrifying he was, but she couldn’t. His smirk was still clear in her mind. He just wouldn’t go away, just like he wouldn’t when he cornered her.

She had been pressed against a tree, and gave every visual sign that she was scared and slowly breaking, but he kept advancing, as if he didn’t care at all about her well-being. She had never experienced a pony like him before. His intentions outweighed his sympathy. He was a pony that got what he wanted and didn’t care how he got it. He forced every bit of himself down upon her. Her head still hurt as she remembered how he forcefully stroked her mane with an air of blind lust. If not for Soarin stepping in, who knows what he would have done to her. The very thought made her body ache and tense.

Why wouldn’t he go away? Why was his image stuck in her mind? Please… get it out… get it out!

She clung to Mac’s leg as he sat down beside her.

“Macintosh…” She sniffled as she said his name. “He was…” she whimpered and squeezed her eyes shut, “So… scary…!”

Mac realized she was talking about Rapidfire. Broken promises, and his anger aside, he couldn’t forget what she went through before he showed up. The state she was in when he initially pinned down the fighting stallions suggested she had been traumatized heavily.

He couldn’t stand it. He couldn’t stand seeing her this way!

He quickly scooped her up in his arms and put her at eye level. She threw her hooves around his neck and he returned the embrace tightly, but gently. He was always gentle when hugging her. He would probably snap her like a twig if he really put muscle behind it. But a soft hug wouldn’t be enough here. He carefully hugged her tightly, she needed a heavy embrace from somepony who cared and he would provide.

His heart sank as he felt her little body shake against his neck and her tears began to drip off her face and land on his shoulders.

How could he stop this? How could he stitch together this emotional wound?

“He won’t… go away…” She wailed as her grip tightened on him. “I can’t get him out…” She buried her face against Mac’s neck and rubbed her eyes back and forth, smearing her tears on him.

“Fluttershy…” Mac quietly said her name into her ear as he held her tight. She hiccupped and removed her hooves from around him, pulling them into her body and curling up in his arms.

“Macintosh… he won’t go away!” She cried, shaking her head. “He won’t go!” She suddenly pressed her hooves against Mac and looked up into his eyes. Mac stared down at her, wishing he knew how to save her from all of it. “Please!” She pleaded as her eyes continued to spill tears. “Please Macintosh… Make it go away!” She slammed her eyes shut, refusing to open them, and shook her head back and forth. “Make him go away!!!!” She actually yelled.

Make him go away.

That’s all she wanted. Make the thoughts of Rapidfire disappear. So he had to do something that completely refocused her.

He thought of only one thing.

With a look of newfound determination, Mac released one arm from around her and put his hoof to her chin to tip her head up. He leaned in.

And he kissed her.

It wasn’t a gentle peck on the cheek. He pressed his lips to hers. He put force behind it.

Fluttershy’s eyes fired open as she felt the touch of Mac’s lips. It was like a miracle cure. As soon as Mac kissed her everything stopped. Rapidfire was completely pushed out of her mind and replaced with Mac. Her body slowly stopped shaking as she reached up and caressed his face with her little hooves, returning the kiss.

This was something both of them had wanted. Neither of them knew when or how to approach it. It was a shame that only through a traumatizing event they were able to create a new connection, but from the beginning the two of them were more comfortable showing than telling.

Mac loved her. Seeing her in such a broken mess gave him the strongest possible urge to make her as happy as possible. How do you make a mare you love happy? Through sincere and meaningful care and affection.

Fluttershy loved him. She had fallen in love with him already, but this… This sealed it. How quickly he mended her mental wounds with just one kiss… He offered her safety and protection, and she wanted to show how much she appreciated it. Mac made the first move, effectively ridding her of the terrible thoughts that plagued her and acknowledging her desire to be loved in return.

Once again.

All without words.

The two gently broke apart. Mac looked into her eyes, his face still wrought with concern. She stared up at her protector. Her body was no longer shaking and her mind was no longer focused on Rapidfire, but she was still crying. The damage had still been done. There were no smiles, but there was comfort.

Mac drew her in for another tight embrace. She latched onto his neck quickly as he pulled her near. He simply held her close as she wept, letting her cry all the tears out in the presence of one who cared deeply for her.

“Thank you… Macintosh…” She sputtered in between sniffles and hiccups, as she tried to nestle herself as close to him as possible.

“Eeyup…” Mac quietly whispered into her ear as he held her tight and refused to let go until she was ready.

--- To be Continued ---

Author's Note

I felt bad writing such painful things happening to Fluttershy...

But oooooohoohoohoo it felt good to write Rapidfire being beaten up again. What does it say about me when i enjoy destroying a character i came up with myself? Nothing, Rapidfire's a cock.

And ahhhh this has been such an interesting experience. Writing love without use of much dialogue has been very interesting.

Thanks so much for reading! I hope you are enjoying it :)

Chapter 7

MLP: FiM
Falling in Love Quietly
By: Calm Wind

Chapter 7:

Mac’s internal alarm clock roused him from his slumber. The dim light of the sunrise was glowing through the pulled shades across the room. He yawned and smacked his lips as he lifted his head from off his hooves. Two sparrows landed on his head and chirped quietly as he moved.

After what happened the day before, Mac refused to leave Fluttershy’s side. He got a good yelling from both Granny and Applejack about not finishing his chores. But whatever, he could plough the fields today while he ate lunch or something, he had to make sure Fluttershy was okay. He ended up taking her home and spent the rest of the day and long into the night comforting her.

He didn’t even feel comfortable leaving her alone. She had finally fallen asleep on the couch, which Mac had recently fixed, so he had curled up on the floor beside it so she wouldn’t be alone.

He didn’t go to sleep as early as he usually did for work, but he was so used to rising at 4:30 in the morning that he woke up regardless of only getting 5 hours. He readied to straighten out and stand, but he froze when he heard a tiny inhale and sigh directly above him.

He turned his neck around slowly so see Fluttershy, asleep on his back, and curled up like a kitten. She was so light he didn’t even feel her there. Had she moved on top of him during the night? She shifted slightly and nestled herself further into a ball.

Mac thought his heart was gonna explode into confetti. How did she keep getting cuter?

Unfortunately he now had a dilemma. He really had to get home to start work, but he didn’t want to wake her. He contemplated his options while viewing the surroundings and chose his best course of action. He could slowly tip her towards the couch so she would slide off and land softly. He had to be REALLY gentle though if she were to stay asleep.

He slowly straightened out, making sure she stayed nestled comfortably between his back and shoulders as he softly pressed his hooves to the floor. She remained asleep as he eventually stood all the way up.

So far so good. Now he had to slide her off.

He slowly tipped towards the couch, leaning his left side a little further down. She began to slide very slightly. Just a little more.

When she hit his shoulder blade she toppled over it and rolled off very suddenly. Mac winced as she bounced off his back and plopped onto the couch with a soft “Whoop!” As she woke mid fall.

“Dang it.” Mac grimaced as Fluttershy rolled over and yawned. Her tiny yawn was so high pitched it squeaked halfway through. She remained curled up, but she opened her eyes slowly and smiled when she saw Mac.

“Good morning.” She said with a smile before sighing and closing her eyes again.

Mac was glad she seemed happier, but the events yesterday wouldn’t go away so easily. He was sure she’d still want him near as often as possible. He also still felt bad about both “breaking” his promise to her and losing control in front of her.

He didn’t want to bother or worry her with it right now. He really had to get home anyway.

“Mornin’” He lightly nuzzled the top of her head, making her smile wider. “I gotta get to work.” He reminded her.

“I know.” She said while keeping her eyes closed. She nestled herself tighter before slowly opening her eyes again. “Thanks for staying the night.” She sighed and closed her eyes. Mac planted a gentle kiss on her forehead, making her giggle lightly as he got up and made his way to the door. A few of the animals present followed him as he moved.

He gave one last look towards Fluttershy curled up on the couch before turning and making his exit.

As soon as Mac left, Fluttershy shivered.

Was it cold in her house? No that wasn’t it. Was Mac just that much warmer than the couch? He was, but that wasn’t it either. Fluttershy opened her eyes and looked straight out from the couch. It was early and she was tired, but without Mac there she suddenly felt very alone.

What a silly thought, she had 50+ darling little animals nearby that she took care of. It had to be what happened yesterday. She squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head. Rapidfire wasn’t on her mind like a plague anymore, but his advances had scarred her. She didn’t want to go near Sweet Apple Acres until the Wonderbolts were gone. But if she couldn’t go to Sweet Apple Acres, she couldn’t see Mac.

Forget it. She wasn’t falling back asleep. Not anymore. She uncurled and sat up on the couch. A finch landed on her head and a squirrel bounced up onto her hooves. It was promptly kicked off by Angel Bunny.

“Angel! That wasn’t very nice!” She scolded him. Angel paid no mind and gave her a “talk to the paw” gesture before nestling on her hooves. One of these days she’d get him to behave.

She thought about getting up and getting an early start, but most of the animals were still sleeping. She didn’t want to start feeding time too early. With nothing else to do besides think, she thought about Mac. Specifically how he seemed a little uneasy when he left.

He was such a sweetheart to stay with her all night and help her feel better, but she didn’t want to put a wrench into his work schedule. He was reluctant to leave, but she was sure it wasn’t just work related.

There was clearly something very special between them. She had never shared more love and affection with another pony before, but it was clear their lack of communication skills would be a constant challenge.

Mac had a hard time putting anything into words. There was probably something on his mind from yesterday he avoided talking about. In fact she was sure of it. However she refused to feel frustrated about his lack of communication because she was guilty of the same problem. Whenever she did build up the courage to talk about something, it came out broken and usually lacked the point of why she spoke up in the first place.

She decided to just get on with her day. Sitting on the couch was only making her worry about things. Despite protest from Angel, she got up, stretched out, and fluttered to the kitchen to prepare the morning meals for her animals.

But even that didn’t save her from thinking. In fact all the thinking made her mess up a few times. She tried feeding a chipmunk bird seed at one point by accident. Half of it was grogginess from getting up so early, but the other half was Mac, Mac, and more Mac.

She should go see him, but she wanted to avoid the Wonderbolts. She really wanted to see him and figure out what was bothering him… But Rapidfire…

“Nnngh…” She groaned as she fluttered down from tending the birdhouses and softly landed back-first on her couch. It was going to be a long day. She had finished feeding time early and had nothing else to do. She wanted to go to him, but she was scared. She cursed the prison she felt self-locked herself in.

But her burden of thought was released when a knock came from her door. Strange, she wasn’t expecting anypony today. She sat up and gently glided to the door, landing a few feet away. She began her nervous door answering routine, putting her body completely behind the door and opening it slowly while peeking around.

“Fluttershy, darling, really. You shouldn’t be so scared about answering the door.” The sound of Rarities voice quickly dispelled Fluttershy’s nerves and she smiled. She opened the door completely, but gasped when she saw Fleetfoot standing beside Rarity. Fluttershy was back behind the door and peeking out quickly. Fleetfoot blinked and glanced at Rarity. “Don’t worry, she’s always like this.” Rarity assured Fleetfoot.

“Not about her stallion…” Fleetfoot mumbled to herself and chuckled.

“Um… hello Rarity…” Fluttershy answered while she kept stealing quick glances at Fleetfoot. It wasn’t Rapidfire, but after how much both he and Soarin scared her by fighting, she just didn’t know how to handle them all.

“Fluttershy,” Rarity lightly pressed against the door. Fluttershy squeaked and was forced to come around it, “I heard about what happened at the orchard.” Rarity’s warm concern seemed to comfort Fluttershy, but she was still a little nervous.

“I know Spitfire already apologized,” Fleetfoot spoke up while pressing a hoof to her chest, “but let me as well. I’m really, REALLY sorry about Rapidfire. Spitfire kept it more professional, but I’ll straight up say that he’s the biggest asshole in Equestria. Please don’t think we’re all like him. I’d sooner gouge my own eyes out than ever act like he does.” Fleetfoot explained with a smirk.

Fluttershy just stared while fidgeting. Fleetfoot seemed nice, if a little crass with her language. Fluttershy saw no reason to be afraid of her, especially after that apology. That didn’t mean she’d stop associating the word Wonderbolt with the word Rapidfire though. It was going to take a while for that to wear off.

“Yes, he is a DREADFUL individual.” Rarity grimaced and shook her head, “and I can only imagine how afraid you must’ve been.” Rarity trotted up and placed a hoof down on Fluttershy’s shoulder with a smile. “So you’re to the spa with us! I insist!” Rarity beamed happily.

Fluttershy was caught off guard. The spa with Rarity and Fleetfoot? She had just gone with her friends a few days ago.

“The spa? Oh, um, I don’t… um… I still have to…” She tried to dodge the offer, but she had no excuse. Taking care of all her morning chores got rid of any excuse.

“I’ll hear none of it, darling.” Rarity draped her hoof over Fluttershy’s shoulder. “You’ve been stressed and as your good friend, I want you to relax. What better place to do so?” She motioned out towards Fleetfoot. “I was already taking Fleetfoot. As soon as she mentioned your unfortunate experience I just had to come get you too!” Fleetfoot gave a wave and a smile.

Well, Fluttershy still felt nervous around Fleetfoot. Perhaps if she spent some extra time with her like she did with Rarity, she’d feel better and chase Rapidfire out of her brain at the same time. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. If Fleetfoot told Rarity about Rapidfire, it could only be out of concern. She had to stop thinking that way anyway. Like Fleetfoot said, Rapidfire was a… meanie, and she had seen how the other three differed from him. She had no reason to be afraid of Soarin either. The fighting scared her, but he was defending her! She did have to loosen up. She could always count on Rarity to know what was best for her.

“Okay, I’ll come.” Fluttershy smiled.

“That’s exactly what I wanted to hear!” Rarity bounced excitedly.

Rarity seemed awfully excited for a routine trip to the spa. Fluttershy thought for a moment, and hoped there wasn’t another motive behind it. Most likely related to a certain stallion. With Rarity it was highly possible.

In terms of Big Mac, Fluttershy’s concern was spot on.

He did have something on his mind. He wanted to let Fluttershy know and apologize for two things she wasn’t even angry at him for. He couldn’t figure out how to say it, or if he even should.

He walked through his house, irritated after having received a scolding from Granny for not getting to work on time.

Scolding, scolding, scolding.

He respected Granny’s word was law in the house, but he wasn’t a little colt. He could make decisions on his own and face consequences without being yelled at.

He turned the corner towards the living room and another pony bumped right into his chest. He looked down to see Rapidfire bounce off of him. Mac instantly glared down at him. Rapidfire was covered in bandages and very visible bruises.

“Ah!” Rapidfire lowered himself to the floor under the weight of Mac’s heavy stare. He turned and shuffled away VERY quickly. Mac grunted and continued towards the front door.

What a nice reminder.

Rapidfire was the reason all of this stuff was bothering him. Fluttershy sought protection from Rapidfire and Mac failed to give it. Fluttershy was front and center to see Mac snap and beat Rapidfire senseless. Mac felt like she had no reason to believe he was gentle anymore.

What a stupid thought, he comforted her right after the event and even spent the night with her. Plus this very morning he was gentle with her.

But he still felt terrible. He never wanted her to see him like that, but Rapidfire had pushed him miles beyond his control.

He kept grumbling to himself as he made his way outside and to the barn. He hooked up to his carts and led them out quickly to join Applejack and Rainbow Dash for some morning cart pulling before he had to plough the fields he “neglected” yesterday to make sure Fluttershy was okay. He had a hard time keeping his cool when Granny Smith put it that way. It was as if she thought work was more important than a very close friend of his that just almost got sexually abused while having a nervous breakdown.

He kept his anger down though because Granny didn’t understand Fluttershy like he did. Not like he’d have unloaded his anger on Granny Smith, he probably would’ve broken the bathroom door or something.

He perked up as Rainbow Dash came his way with a small cart full of apples.

“Howdy.” He said nonchalantly as she passed.

“Nngh.” Was all he got in response along with a scowl, flat ears, and a halfhearted glare.

Mac blinked and looked over his shoulder as they passed. What the hell was that all about? Dash looked like she wanted to murder somepony, but was so disgruntled that she’d give up while trying. Whatever, she wasn’t his problem.

“Well howdy damn do Mac, it’s about time you got to work.” Applejack commented as he pulled up to her. Mac rolled his eyes and stood still, waiting for her to load up. “I can’t remember the last time ya started yer chores late or heaven forbid, SKIPPED one. She prodded with a stern tone. Mac flattened his ears and growled.

“Sheesh, paint yerself green and age a million years while yer at it.” He grumbled under his breath. Applejack hopped down from the cart right behind him. She stepped around in front and pressed her hoof into his chest.

“Scuse me? Care to repeat that a little louder Mumbles?” She fought off his glare with one of her own.

“Both you an’ Granny! Since when does carin’ about another get me scolded?!” He snapped back while butting heads with her. Mac had trouble expressing himself to others outside his family. But inside his family? He wasn’t afraid to give Applejack a full piece of his mind.

“Look Mac.” She let up and shook her head. “I’m grateful you care about Fluttershy an’ all, but we’ve got responsibilities. THREE of us run this whole damn place. You can’t neglect the work.” Mac felt the need to yell at her again, but decided against it. She was explaining it to him calmly and she was mostly right. But he didn’t fully agree.

“I get the work part.” He snorted. “I’ve gotten it for longer than you have, but you expect me just to watch a helpless pony I care about get harassed like that an’ just send her along like all’s fine and well?” He posed. Applejack sighed.

“I’m not sayin’ that Mac… I mean… just don’t…” Applejack had already put it every way she could and Mac knew it.

“I ain’t gonna forget my jobs on this farm.” He stomped one hoof firmly into the dirt. “But I love Fluttershy, and if she ever breaks down like that again ya better believe I’m goin’ to her first.” He paused as Applejack’s eyes widened. Good, he was hoping that slapped her in the face. “Work ain’t a living thing. It can handle breaks and you c’n fix it by making it up the next day. A broken friend ain’t so easy to fix, and the worst thing you c’n do is let them sit there without your support. That goes double for a pony you love.” He started pulling his cart away. “Put that in yer damn apples and smoke it.” He snorted as he trotted.

“MAC!” Applejack yelled after him angrily, but he kept going. He had had enough of this crap. They were all telling him stuff he already knew. Hell no he wasn’t gonna forget his responsibilities! But Fluttershy was important to him to. Applejack was just being a hypocrite. If Mac hadn’t been there to do it himself, he was sure Applejack would’ve taken the time off work to make sure Fluttershy was okay. She would do the same with any of her friends.

He was getting sick of Applejack telling him Fluttershy wasn’t ready or he didn’t have time. It was hard to irritate him, but Applejack was really starting to push it.

As soon as he was done with his chores, he would go back to Fluttershy and he would talk to her. He would force the words out and let her know how he felt about yesterday and how he was sorry for looking so violent.

He was determined, but could he really do it? Most of their relationship had been defined by action, not words. He wouldn’t know until he tried and the way his family was butting in on their relationship was only making him more eager to try.

He loved Fluttershy, but would he be able to tell her that? Could he truly voice his thoughts? He was willing to try for her.

--- To Be Continued ---

Author's Note

I hope it doesn't appear this way, but when i read through this chapter i couldn't help but feel like i rushed it. :-/

(i was puking rainbows writing the first scene though haha)

Well either way...

Two more chapters to go (If you missed my recent blog post, i broke my initial chapter 7 outline into two parts.)

I hope you enjoy!

Thanks for reading!

Chapter 8

MLP: FiM
Falling in Love Quietly
By: Calm Wind

Chapter 8:

Fluttershy was glad she agreed on going to the spa. She had so many worries bottled up in her head and admittedly a little bit of tension in her body still from the day before. She sighed contently as she received a very light massage from Lotus Blossom.

“Oh GAAAAWWWD you’re good!” Fleetfoot’s voice melted beside her. Fluttershy looked over to see Aloe giggling as Fleetfoot was literally sprawled out on the massage table. Her legs were hanging over the edges, her chin was flat on the surface with her tongue hanging out, her eyes were almost rolled into the back of her head and her wings were unfolded and drooping over the sides of the table. “Can I take you baaaAAAaack to Canterlot? Our trainers suuUUUck compared to you.” She kept slurring as Aloe worked all the knots out of Fleetfoot’s muscles. Fluttershy figured being a Wonderbolt was probably very taxing on the body, and from their explanation a few days prior, it didn’t sound like they got much rest.

“I’m afraid I must protest.” Rarity smirked while climbing onto the table on the other side of Fluttershy. “I wasn’t kidding when I said this was the best spa service in Equestria.”

“Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee……” Was the only response Fleetfoot could muster.

“I’m glad you agree.” Rarity nodded in satisfaction as she lay down and looked at Quake. “Fire away!” She cued. Quake stepped up and began the rapid percussions.

Fluttershy nestled herself back down as Lotus continued her massage. Fleetfoot wasn’t so bad. In fact she was pretty fun. She was very laid back and friendly. A tad mischievous, but it was never in a bad way. Fluttershy felt like she could trust her. At least as long as she stayed away from Mac.

The thought had an unexpected effect on her.

Fleetfoot was an attractive, famous, upbeat, and funny mare. She could see how a stallion could easily like her. Fluttershy found herself feeling a little self-conscious. What if that was the kind of mare Mac liked? Fluttershy felt she was quiet, bland, and just a normal looking mare (at least she thought so). Fleetfoot was a superior mare in almost every way. She wasn’t scary, threatening, or the kind of pony that would put Fluttershy down, but she had showed interest in Mac a few days ago. Fluttershy couldn’t help but wonder: was she doing enough for him?

She suddenly blinked and lightly bopped her head against the table. Lotus stopped and leaned over.

“What was that?” She asked.

“Oh… um… nothing, please continue.” Fluttershy blushed and grinned sheepishly.

Her brain. What was with her crazy brain? Mac had done nothing but show her great amounts of affection. He wouldn’t suddenly up and leave her for some other mare that randomly showed up in Ponyville. That wasn’t the kind of stallion he was!

Fluttershy loved Mac and was convinced Mac loved her right back. You don’t just pour affection onto another mare and kiss them without other motives behind it… unless you’re a jerk like Rapidfire. Mac was the polar opposite of Rapidfire. He had to love her back. But he had yet to actually say it. Their relationship was full of mysteries. If only they could speak to each other about it. It almost felt like they were doing things in reverse.

“Mmmm…” Fluttershy suddenly remembered how relaxing the massage was. Why spoil this? She could worry later, it was time to relax.

Once their massages were done, the spa twins prepared the hot tub for them. The three climbed in and relaxed as the soft jets turned on and swirled the water around them. Fluttershy was feeling much better. There were still some things to address with Mac, but all the stress from the day before was just about gone. She reclined and sank down into the hot water, leaving only her head above it. When she felt this good it made her only think about good things, which also involved Big Mac. He had really become the center of her life recently.

“So…” Rarity’s voice suddenly chimed in. Fluttershy let her eyes lazily open. They opened much wider when she saw Rarity and Fleetfoot had floated around in front of her and were staring with eager eyes.

Oh no. Fluttershy saw this coming.

“Tell us about Big Mac!” Fleetfoot bounced up and down in the water as giddily as she could without splashing.

“Ooooh I knew it…” Fluttershy groaned. She sank into the water further until her mouth was below it. She sighed underwater, making tiny bubbles rise to the surface.

“YES! Tell me how you attracted such an incredible stallion! I’m begging you!” Rarity clapped her hooves together. Fluttershy rolled her head back so her mouth emerged.

“I didn’t do anything!” she quietly exclaimed, while blushing and thrusting her wings out, splashing hot water on both of them. “Oh… sorry.” She quickly apologized. “It just… happened.” She averted her eyes and blushed all the way up to her ears.

“I wish I could wake up one morning and have a stallion like that in bed with me.” Fleetfoot said dreamily. “You are such a lucky mare! I envy you!”

It was funny to hear that. Especially after Fluttershy had thought about how much more of a mare Fleetfoot is than her. She was definitely over thinking it.

“Oh but please! PLEASE! Give me some details!” Rarity inched closer. “The juicy ones!” She giggled. “Are you really as innocent as you let on? What’s it like to ride the finest steed in Ponyville?” Rarity’s question was making Fluttershy do a full pigment change.

“Yeah can you even turn your head?” Fleetfoot chuckled, “I mean come on, you’re such a little thing and he’s massive! He’s gotta be well endow—” She got no further as Fluttershy screamed out loud and covered her ears with her hooves.

“NO! STOP! ENOUGH! WE’VE DONE NOTHING LIKE THAT!” She yelled, so red they were surprised smoke wasn’t blowing out of her ears. “We’re really, really, really close friends! We haven’t… *squeak*” Fluttershy dunked herself into the water.

“Oops.” Fleetfoot winced while smiling sheepishly.

“I think that was a little too much for her.” Rarity bit her lip as she looked towards Fleetfoot, “But I’ll admit I was curious about it too!” She said with a seductive giggle.

“AH!” Fluttershy gasped as she came back up for air.

“Sorry honey, I can be too curious for my own good sometimes.” Fleetfoot apologized as Fluttershy hid most of her face by her slick wet mane. She didn’t answer.

“Forget about it,” Rarity lightly stroked the top of Fluttershy’s head. “Just relax, it’s why we came here.”

Easy for her to say that now. Fluttershy felt like she was going to explode.

Mac grunted as he heaved the plough along behind him. It was his own fault for it being so hard. The ground was supposed to be nice and soft due to rainfall a few days prior, but because he waited one extra day, it was all dried up. Normally he’d be able to pull it along smoothly, but here he had to constantly stop and give extra yanks with his neck just to get the plough moving. He was sure his yoke was going to start chaffing something fierce.

It was frustrating because it was getting late. He had to make up this work from the day before, but he hadn’t taken into account the dry ground scenario. He still wanted to visit Fluttershy.

He reached the end of a row and still had four more rows to do. He wiped the sweat from his brow and growled. This was taking too long. What was wrong with him? It wasn’t the first time he was forced to make up work. Big “stone-faced” Macintosh was getting irritated at his own work? It was probably a mix of things. His family getting on his nerves and treating him like a little colt and desperately wanting to mend things with Fluttershy that weren’t even really broken. His mind was just in a tizzy.

“Hm?” Mac looked up before he began the next row. The sight of yellow leaning against a nearby fence had caught his attention. Of course his brain’s initial reaction was: FLUTTERSHY! But when he looked closer he saw an orange and yellow mane, it was that Wonderbolt mare. Spitfire, he remembered her name being. At first Mac was prepared to roll his eyes. Was he being ogled again? The other mare, Fleetfoot had been sneaking around the fields when he had been working. Wasn’t it clear to them that he had a special mare already?

As Mac yanked the plough along the third to last row, he passed by the area she was standing. He stole a glance at her, expecting her to be blushing, biting her lip, her wings to be twitching and/or flared out, or all of the above. However he was surprised to see she was simply leaning against the fence and watching him. No swooning, no plot wiggling, nothing. She was just watching him work.

Mac paid no mind and continued hauling the plough along like the ten ton weight the dry ground had turned it into. Maybe she was just watching, that would be a first. Whatever it was he wasn’t exactly thrilled. He knew they weren't all like Rapidfire, but he was one hell of a way for the Wonderbolts to give their first impression. In general he didn’t trust them if they were capable of recruiting such colorful personalities into their ranks.

Mac sighed heavily as he finally finished the overly difficult plough work. He yanked his yoke free from the ropes, shook his head out, and cracked his neck. It was definitely going to be stiff tomorrow morning.

The sun was starting to set. He had to grab dinner quick and then head out to Fluttershy’s. He had plenty of time, but the sooner he did this the better.

“Hey.”

Mac perked up as he started wrapping the plough’s rope up around its beams. He turned to see Spitfire standing right behind him. As with before, she showed no signs of interest or flirting, that or she was better at hiding it than Fleetfoot.

“Howdy.” He said with little enthusiasm as he finished wrapping up the rope. She waited for him to finish and look at her again.

“Big Macintosh is your name right?” She asked. He nodded, wishing she’d get to the point because he was in a hurry. “I just wanted to give you a more direct apology about yesterday,” she began, “As captain of the Wonderbolts I am responsible for the actions of my officers.” She began. Mac caught a professional air about her. “I deeply apologize for the delinquency of my squad mate. He rightfully earned his spot in our ranks, but he has a… history of being a menace. Normally we do a pretty good job of keeping him in check, but I guess we got too lackadaisical about it here. I’m truly sorry.” She bowed her head to him.

Mac just grunted. Yeah they did. He didn’t understand why Rapidfire was allowed in the Wonderbolts in the first place.

“But I also must thank you.” Spitfire re-caught his attention. “I’m sure you taught him a valuable lesson. There have been very few times where his actions have faced physical consequence.” She smirked. “Between you and me I’m glad you whooped his ass.”

“Eeyup.” Mac found plenty of reason to agree with that one. Maybe he was a bit too hasty. He was given a nasty first impression of the Wonderbolts through Rapidfire, but Spitfire made the effort to come forth, formally apologize, and claim responsibility. He would never think badly of a pony who was professional and responsible.

Then Spitfire suddenly frowned, her ears drooped, and she looked away.

“So Fluttershy…” She began, instantly catching Mac’s attention. “You really love her huh?”

Where the hell did that come from? Spitfire was stoic and professional one moment, asking about love the next?

“Eeyup.” Mac answered with a quick nod. He’d never deny it.

“You’d do anything for her.” Spitfire sighed. “You didn’t care that Rapidfire was a famous Wonderbolt. You beat him senseless anyway to protect her.” She looked up at him. Her posture had changed completely as well. During her apology she stood upright, chest puffed out, head held high and looked at him directly. Now she was hunched over, her shoulders were bent forward, her head was turned slightly away, and she was looking at him less directly, more up at him than straight at him.

“Eeyup.” Mac answered with a hearty snort. Of course he would. Fluttershy meant the world to him. Spitfire looked down sighed again.

“There aren’t enough stallions like you.” She said quietly. Mac tipped his head to the side in confusion. “Fluttershy is a very lucky mare, don’t ever change Mac.” She quickly turned and took off before he could say anything else, not that he would’ve said anything besides “Eeyup”.

That was an interesting encounter. Mac wasn’t sure what to make of it. But Spitfire had inadvertently done something nice for him. She acknowledged his deep care for Fluttershy. It was really refreshing to hear somepony compliment him about their relationship. He understood why his family was being strict about it, but it was like they didn’t believe in compromising.

He refocused and remembered he had to get to Fluttershy tonight. He mentally thanked Spitfire. Her words had motivated him even further. He would apologize, and he would tell Fluttershy he loved her. He had to dispel all possible worry yesterday instilled in her. This was the only way he could do it.

Right?

Mac stood outside the door of Fluttershy’s house. The sun was almost fully set. He had been standing there for a good twenty minutes.

All he had to do was knock on the door and say everything to her. Easy right? Yeah, easy if you know how to talk. Mac was full of confidence and gusto when he left the farm, but when he arrived it was all replaced with nervous anxiety. Could he really do this? Did he really have to do this? He knew what he wanted to say, it was just the matter of saying it:

“Fluttershy,” he whispered to himself, “I’m so sorry I failed to protect ya from Rapidfire. If I had known he was out there in th’field’s I woulda kept a close eye on him and saved ya before anything happened. I’m also sorry I lost m’temper. I hope ya don’t think I’m some violent monster. I only lost control cause he had done something horrible t’ya. Please don’t think bad of me for it…” He took a breath. “I love ya Fluttershy, I love ya with all mah heart. I promise I’ll always protect ya and never fail ya again.” He exhaled.

He was confident he had never spoken that much in one day alone. He had to do it, he had to say it. Don’t be a big sissy be a Big Mac! He gritted his teeth as he continued to stare at the door.

Why was this so hard?

Fluttershy glided slowly through the trees back towards her house. She had refused to speak anymore after Fleetfoot’s very personal question. Fluttershy enjoyed relaxing at the spa, but in the end it only made her think of Mac more. This time in ways she hadn’t dreamed of going towards yet. Her face was still red.

Speaking of red, she saw something outside her front door as her house came into view.

“Eep!” She yelped as she saw Big Mac standing outside. He looked like he was talking to himself. She came to a complete halt and stared.

Wait. This was perfect. Something she had learned over time was that holding onto problems was the worst way to handle them. She had something on her mind that was eating at her and it involved him. She wanted to know what was bothering him. There he was. Why wait?

Maybe because she didn’t know how to word it. She was the bringer of her own pain. Why did she have to be like this?

Just suck it up Fluttershy, she thought. You love him, it’s about time you started acting like it!

Easier said than done. Never the less, she wasn’t just gonna float there and watch him. He wasn’t knocking on the door, but Mac didn’t just come to her house not looking for her.

Just take it nice and easy, nice and slow.

“You can do this Fluttershy.” She drilled herself as she went in for a landing.

Mac reached up his hoof and let it hover by her door.

Just knock.

JUST KNOCK.

“Macintosh?”

“EEYIPE!” Mac flinched super hard, he was mid knocking so his hoof accidentally thrust forward. It struck her door and forced her door open, breaking the deadbolt. “Aw dangit.” He winced.

“Oh dear…” They both reacted. Mac slowly turned and looked at her shamefully.

“Uh… sorry… again… I c’n fix it.” He looked down. Fluttershy smiled and trotted up to him. Using her nose to tip his nose back up.

“It’s okay Mac, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

Mac glanced at her briefly before looking away again. Great, he had everything lined up to say to her and had somewhat built up the courage to tell her. Now he was all brain jumbled again after being startled. He tried to pick up the pieces and put it back together. He had to. He had to apologize and tell her he loved her. How could he claim to love her if he couldn’t even say it to her?

“H-hey… Fluttershy…” Mac spoke shakily. Fluttershy perked up instantly and pulled her neck back as he stood up straight. This was new. Anytime they exchanged a few words she started it almost every single time.

“Yes?” She waited patiently as his eyes slowly moved about.

“I—uh…” He mumbled. This WAS harder than he thought it’d be, “I’m sorry… about…” He stopped and took a deep breath, “about Rapidfire… I…” He was internally screaming, this wasn’t coming out the way he wanted at all. “And about… lookin’ violent… cause I ain’t and… rgh!” He suddenly grunted and shook his head. Fluttershy looked at him with concern.

“Mac? You don’t have to apologize…”

“I DO!” He suddenly blurted in her face. She fell right down to her legs with her eyes wide. Mac instantly slammed his mouth shut. What did he do that for? Did he seriously yell at Fluttershy? “No! Sorry! I didn’t mean…” He looked to the side and slammed his eyes shut for a moment before forcing himself to look back at her. He ruined the moment, but he could save it! Time to save it! SAY IT! “Fluttershy I…Fluttershy I…I lo…I l-l-l-l-l-…” He coughed. “I….. I lo…” He groaned and stomped his hooves to the ground really hard making the leaves on Fluttershy’s house rustle and a few birds flew out of it. “Ferget it.” He walked past her and quickly walked down the path. He messed up.

Fluttershy blinked and quickly looked after him. She had no idea what had just happened.

“Wait!” She called as she stood up. He paused, but didn’t look at her. “Mac! What’s… what’s wrong? Is there something wrong?” She asked quickly and clumsily. She felt so stupid! Of course there was something wrong! She didn’t think before speaking.

“Just ferget it.” Mac repeated.

“Mac! No!” Fluttershy took a step.

“FERGET IT!” Mac yelled and sprinted down the path. Fluttershy froze and Mac was out of sight quickly.

“But… but…” Fluttershy’s lip quivered and her legs buckled. She fell down as tears began to squeak out. “Come back…” she pleaded with nopony around to hear.

What was that? What was Mac trying to say? Why did he… yell at her?

Something was wrong. Was it her? Was it something she said or did? Was he suddenly angry at her for something? Would she ever know? Could he even tell her if she asked?

A collection of her animals approached her as she sat there with no idea what to do. After all the thinking she had done, THIS is what happened? That couldn’t have gone worse! Both of them seemed to slip up. He couldn’t say what was on her mind and she said something dumb and obvious while frantically trying to fix it.

When she broke down before, he stayed and comforted her. When he did, why did he push her away and run?

Communication. She loved him and he loved her. But neither knew how to put it into words. Was this possible? Could they make it work? Mac was convinced he’d messed up for good. Fluttershy was convinced she’d never be able to fully express it.

But does true love… need to be put into words?

That night, sleep evaded them both.

Mac tossed and turned in his bed. He was so angry. Angry at himself. He had to go and try something he knew he couldn’t do. Why couldn’t he have just let it be? He was happy with the way things were.

Really? Did he really believe that? No, there was more to it, but was it worth the risk of trying to tell her and failing miserably? Nnnope! Then he yelled at her on top of it. What a damn idiot he was. It was too much, he was never gonna sleep at this rate.

Fluttershy lay on her back, face up in bed. She was wide awake and had been for a full hour. Angel Bunny slept peacefully on her stomach, but unlike her pet, she just couldn’t find rest.

If only the incident with Rapidfire hadn’t happened. They were so happy with each other right before that. Did it prove that a relationship between them couldn’t work? Facing and dealing with hardships together was a very important part of a relationship. Their inability to fully communicate verbally to one another proved to be an obstacle when uncertainty approached. Both she and Mac clearly had things bothering them after Rapidfire. But neither could come to the other. What kind of relationship doesn’t provide comfort in times of trouble?

Fluttershy sat up in bed. Angel shifted as he slid, but didn’t wake up.

Perhaps this was all just a phase for both of them. If they couldn’t get through one incident together, how could it continue? They were both too nervous and too shy. They couldn’t even share their feelings. It only seemed like they could show them.

Show.

What was she thinking? A phase? No! It was NOT a phase! How could she think that?! The two of them didn’t come together in a flirtatious fashion. They were brought together by circumstance, and found they cared more for one another than first thought. It was a natural love that bloomed without effort from either of them. She couldn’t just let it go like a passing fad.

She loved Mac. She loved him so much and he had made her so happy. It wasn’t something just anypony could do for her, only Mac could!

She sighed and looked down at Angel.

Determination. Great. What good would it do her now? She flopped back down and stared up at the ceiling. She shivered and hugged herself. She wanted comfort. She wanted Mac’s comfort. She felt like she’d never sleep again if she didn’t feel his comfort.

A thought dawned upon her.

Show him you love him. It’s what you’ve done from the start. It may be harder to convey without words, but in the end words are just that: words. If she could, she would repeat to him over and over again that she loved him, but in the end it meant nothing if she didn’t show it.

She sat up again and glanced at the window.

She wanted him.

Only him.

Because she loved him.

She had to go to him, she couldn’t sleep.

She sat up and shuffled off the mattress. Angel rolled off of her stomach and plopped on the mattress, waking up with a glare. Fluttershy trotted over to her bedside window and opened it up. A chilly breeze blew in. She clutched her shoulders with her hooves and shivered. It was cold, but she’d be willing to endure it. She’d endure any challenge for him. But it was awfully dark. Fluttershy didn’t like flying alone on dark nights.

She heard fussing noises behind her. She turned and saw Angel bunny pointing at the window and shivering while yapping.

“Oh! Thanks for offering, you’re very sweet.” She misinterpreted his plea for the window to be closed. “Now I won’t have to fly alone.” She scooped him up. He began flailing about as Fluttershy took off out the window and aimed towards Sweet Apple Acres. She shivered again as she flew. There was a nipping breeze out tonight. It wasn’t necessarily too cold, but the light wind chilled the air around her. Angel gave up trying to get free and crossed his paws with a scowl as he remained trapped between Fluttershy’s hooves.

“RGH!” Mac growled as he sat up in bed.

He just couldn’t forget about it. He had screwed up royal and he probably lost something he cared deeply for. So much for the adorable little mare that made his heart sing. He just yelled at her and left her behind.

Maybe he was in over his head. She was cute, she was adorable, she was… beautiful, but he could never build up the courage to say anything. A mare loves it when her stallion can sweet talk her. He could barely talk to her. Was their relationship doomed to fail from the start? Did they jump into things too fast and were now being burned for it? That had to be it, how could things go from being so good to being so bad? How did they even come together in the first place? They were just friends, and then two strange encounters turned it into very close friends. They’d even kissed a few times! Did he even know why?

He glanced across the room, his eyes landing on a five level bookshelf near his door. It had a few books on it, but was mostly packed full of other random things. On the top shelf was a space that he cleared away a while back, and on it, all by itself with plenty of room to breathe, was the little plastic goblet and wooden block. Fluttershy’s little gift she glued together for him when she thought they lost his strong pony trophy in the blizzard. He stared at it from his bed, but found himself getting up and walking over to it. He reached up and picked it up, bringing it down and staring at it.

“Our hero, Big Macintosh.” He read out loud the little scribbling on the block. He kept staring at it before glancing over to a corner of his room where the strong pony trophy sat, already covered in dust, with an old leather vest of his draped over it. He treated a prestigious award like a coat rack, but kept this little gesture of thanks on a top shelf where he could always see it and smile at it.

Who the hell was he kidding? There was a reason he loved Fluttershy. Everything she did was laced with a heavy dose of cute and kindness. She was a pretty little mare that didn’t flaunt or strut her stuff. She kept to herself and loved what she did for a living. She was the perfect mare in his opinion, at least for him.

Did he need more reason than that? Why couldn’t he just tell her that? Did he have to tell her? It’s not like she had said much to him either. They were in a small rut because of all the Rapidfire business, but did they really have to explain themselves?

Mac didn’t know what to do, and he had a feeling it was gonna stay that way now whether he liked it or not. He doubted he could even muster a “sorry” for her after how ashamed he felt.

He placed the goblet back on the shelf and flopped back into bed. Sleepless still.

Fluttershy hovered outside Mac’s window. She came all this way, was she just not gonna do it and fly all the way back? Of course not.

She reached a hoof to the window, but bit her lip and tensed up.

Come on Fluttershy, just do it. She thought. She couldn’t keep building up confidence and chickening out at the last possible moment.

She decided to lightly tap the window. But she tapped it so lightly that it made almost no sound at all. She still winced as if she had made the window shatter. After a deep breath she tried again. Still barely any noise.

She proceeded to try three more times, but never made the tap any harder than the last. Angel Bunny grew impatient. He looked through the window at the latch. The window wasn’t even locked. He pushed against her hooves until he finally slipped free and landed on the window sill. He reached down and shoved the window open with a THUMP. Fluttershy froze at the noise, afraid it would wake Mac.

Angel sighed, grabbed Fluttershy’s hoof and yanked her forward, tossing her into the window.

“EEP!” She squeaked as she hit the floor lightly and tumbled to a stop.

Mac was not asleep. He blinked when he heard the window open and shuffled to look around when he heard the squeak.

He knew that squeak… it couldn’t be…

He reached over to an oil lamp by his night stand and clicked it on. A soft, dim, orange glow filled the room. His eyes instantly fell on Fluttershy, who lay on her stomach beside his bed, staring wide eyed up at him. He heard the window close and looked up to see Angel standing inside the window. He brushed his paws off and crossed them while staring angrily at them both.

Fluttershy quickly sat up and averted her eyes.

Mac tipped his head in confusion.

Fluttershy opened her mouth to speak, but stopped. She bit her lip, grabbed a part of her mane with her hooves, and stroked it nervously.

Mac opened his mouth to say something, but stopped himself before he even tried.

Silence filled the room. Silence except for the tiny crackle of the flame in the oil lamp and the sound of Angel’s foot lightly thumping impatiently on the window sill.

Neither spoke. Neither wanted to speak. After what happened earlier, it was clearly not what they did. So they didn’t try again.

Fluttershy tipped her head down slightly and looked up at Mac with big round eyes that screamed “Hug me.”

Mac picked up on her expression. This was how it should be, this was how they communicated.

Without a second thought, Mac moved slightly aside in his bed and opened the sheet that was draped over him. He patted the mattress with his other hoof, offering her the spot.

She stared for a moment. The uncertainty was still in her mind, but as they had prospered together before like this: no words spoken, only actions. She quietly climbed up into his bed, nestling herself in.

Mac let the sheet down over her and the two looked into each other’s eyes. He hesitated, thinking he should apologize, but after what happened a few hours ago? No. Forget it. That’s not how they did things. Don’t speak, just show.

Fluttershy could see his expression fade from neutral to a slight frown. She could tell he felt really bad. She had to let him know it didn’t matter. They were both tried to do something they did not excel at, it wasn’t just him. She reached a small hoof up to his large face and touched his cheek. His eyes moved back to hers and they locked together.

He had done it to her. It was her turn.

She pulled herself towards him and planted her lips on his. She instantly blushed bright red, but she had to show him. She had to show him what he meant to her just like he had. The kiss wasn’t very long, but it had great meaning to them both.

They broke the kiss and Fluttershy stared up at him. Neither of them smiled, but they didn’t have to. It was a kiss of love and trust above all else, and they both felt it. Mac shut his eyes tight and sniffled, grabbing her tiny body and pulling her in close to him. She let him do it. His firm but gentle embrace told her more than words ever could.

Angel watched as the two hugged and sighed. He hopped over to a folded up blanket that lay beside Mac’s bed and curled up on it.

Neither Mac nor Fluttershy could explain how that sequence worked out. But that’s just it. They wouldn’t even try to explain it, because they’d need to speak to do so. It didn’t matter that they preferred not to speak.

Love is a language that can be spoken without words.

---To Be Concluded---

Author's Note

Pardon me while i go spill rainbows out of my ears...

NOW there's one chapter left :3

for those of you familiar with the story of Head in the Clouds...

You can probably guess what's coming... you know, that thing... that happened... that was a 20 freaking K word long chapter... NOT SPOILING OR ANYTHING

Hehe i hope you enjoyed!

Thanks for reading!

(IMPORTANT NOTICE: IF YOUR WONDER HOW A CERTAIN SOMETHING SEEMS TO COME OUT OF THE BLUE IN THE FINAL CHAPTER: SEE HEAD IN THE CLOUDS CHAPTER 3)

Chapter 9

MLP: FiM
Falling in Love Quietly
By: Calm Wind

Chapter 9:

(WARNING: A LOT OF THIS CHAPTER REQUIRES CONTEXT FROM HEAD IN THE CLOUDS CHAPTER 3. IF SOME STUFF SEEMS RANDOM OR CONFUSING IT’S EXPLAINED THERE.)

“BIG~ MACINTOSH!”

Both Mac and Fluttershy woke with a start as Applejack’s voice boomed from the hallway. The two sleepy ponies glanced at each other before Mac looked to his clock. It read 5:00 AM. He slept in?! He had never slept in before!

“MAC!” Applejack’s voice grew closer and the thumping of hooves came stomping from the hallway. Fluttershy gasped and looked up and Mac. Mac quickly pushed her under the sheet and tucked it all the way up to his chin. “What the hell Mac?! It’s five already!” Applejack threw his door open and glared at him.

“Eeyup!” Mac answered her with the straightest face he could muster. Applejack tipped her head.

“Well? C’mon!” She beckoned. Mac just kept staring. How the hell was he going to get out of this one?

“Eeeehhhh I’ll be right out.” He tried to indirectly shoo her off. She didn’t budge.

“Mac, what’s been with ya lately? Is this more stuff with Fluttershy?” She held firm. Mac looked about the room.

“Uhhh… nnnope!” He answered shakily.

“Oh bullshit Mac!” Applejack stomped her hoof.

“Eep!!!” Fluttershy squeaked from beneath the sheet. Applejack’s eyes widened and she stared towards the small shivering lump in the sheet she failed to notice earlier. Mac just smiled awkwardly.

“Uh…” Applejack turned around, “Just get up and come down,” she said before leaving very quickly.

“Dang it.” Mac sighed. He pushed the sheet off of them both and looked down at Fluttershy. She was blushing and covering her mouth with her hooves.

“Sorry.” She said quietly while averting her eyes.

“Nah,” he shook his head, “she c’n deal with it.” Mac smirked and nuzzled Fluttershy on the forehead. She giggled and stood up, stretching out. “I should get t’work.” Mac rolled over and stood from the bed.

“Okay…” Fluttershy hovered up and rested her chin on his shoulder. “Mac?” She whispered into his ear.

“Eeyup?”

“Thanks for being so great.” She rubbed her cheek against his. He smiled, happy that they somehow worked it out despite the terrible exchange they had the night before. Maybe they could still be together without much verbal communication. They seemed to always find ways to pull through. They had something special, neither had to speak to know that.

“Thanks fer being adorable.” He said back, while reaching up and pulling her around into a gentle hug.

“Awww.” Fluttershy fawned as Mac nuzzled her ear. Angel Bunny suddenly hopped up onto Mac’s shoulder and thumped his foot against it.

“I think yer little friend wants somethin’.” Mac chuckled as Angle tapped his foot faster.

“Oh stop it Angel.” Fluttershy reached up and pulled Angel into her hooves. “I better get back to feed the animals.” She nodded and planted a light kiss on Mac’s cheek.

“Eeyup.” He nodded, giving her one last nuzzle. She fluttered over to the window and gave him one last smile before taking off.

Things were looking up. Mac was getting a late start on the day, but he couldn’t have felt better.

Fluttershy hummed happily as she hovered to and fro around her house. How many mood swings had she had in the last couples of days? More than a typical teenage pony would have in a month it felt.

But her relationship with Mac seemed to be stronger than she had given it credit for. Sure it was difficult because they had a hard time expressing themselves, but they always found a way passed it. Through their need for affection and their comfort from the other, arguments were settled, uncertainty was quelled, and any other negative was squashed like a bug time and time again.

Was their relationship different than most? Very. Was it impossible? Definitely not. They’d make it work.

“Fluttershy? Are you there?” A sudden knocking accompanied by Twilight’s voice came from the front door. Fluttershy stopped humming and looked towards the door. Twilight’s voice was filled with purpose. Fluttershy quickly glided over and opened the door.

“What’s wrong?” She asked. She perked up, seeing Rarity and Pinkie Pie at the door as well.

“Fluttershy we need your help.” Rarity spoke up. “It’s Rainbow Dash…”

Fluttershy followed behind her three friends as they explained to her the sudden situation. Apparently something had happened between Rainbow Dash and Soarin, the Wonderbolt that protected Fluttershy from Rapidfire. Fluttershy recalled Rapidfire jeering at Soarin about Dash, but beyond that there were not many details.

According to Fluttershy’s friends, Dash hadn’t emerged from her house for almost a day and a half. Dash was usually one of quick action before words. Fluttershy was surprised to hear that Dash had shut herself up and not done anything. The reason they came for Fluttershy was the cloud house. They needed somepony to check on her.

Fluttershy didn’t know how to feel about it. If Dash was distraught she didn’t want to bother her. In fact she was a little afraid to, Dash was known for becoming quite irate when something wasn’t going well for her. She tried to avoid it. Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity had to gently prod her along as they explained. Fluttershy kept trying to convince them that maybe Dash wanted to be alone. Really she was just nervous. Alas, she was the only option and eventually she caved to their request.

Fluttershy landed outside the front door of the cloud house and gulped. She wanted to help her friend, but Dash… Fluttershy hoped she wouldn’t be yelled at.

She knocked lightly. No response. Maybe Dash was sleeping?

Fluttershy turned around to leave. No Fluttershy, don’t give up, Dash might need somepony right now. She thought.

She turned and waited a few minutes. Dash never came to the door. She lightly knocked again and waited. A few more minutes went by. Maybe she didn’t want to be bothered.

She’s not home. Fluttershy turned again, but shook her head. Stop it Fluttershy, your friend needs your help. She berated herself. She decided to knock a little harder.

She knocked slightly harder and the door opened. She squeaked when the door moved. It wasn’t even closed?

“Rainbow Dash?” Fluttershy poked her head through the door. She peeked left and right before letting herself in. The house was entirely devoid of noise or action. It almost seemed as if nopony was there at all. If not for the small swishing noise coming from upstairs, Fluttershy would have assumed the house was empty. She followed the noise to the staircase, waiting at the bottom of the stairs for a few moments. Not because she assumed the noise was in her head, but because she was afraid of just plain bothering Dash.

Fluttershy advanced one step every minute, reaching the top of the stairs fifteen minutes later. The swishing noise was much louder now coming directly from Dash’s room. Fluttershy approached the door and shakily put her ear to it.

“Okay Fluttershy, she’s probably very depressed and needs someone to talk to. That’s why they sent you up here. You have to go through with it.” Fluttershy coached herself on the situation while gently tapping her front hooves against the sides of her head. Dash had come to her comfort before in the past. It was only fair she would do the same for her. “Rainbow Dash?” She whispered with no response. She tried again three more timed before raising her voice just a little, “Rainbow Dash are you in there?” Again, no response. Just the swishing noise. She knew what she had to do. She didn’t like it, but she had to do it. She slowly and carefully pushed the door open.

She could immediately see that the room was in disarray, the pillows and sheets had been thrown from the bed. Small piles of seldom worn clothes were strewn about as well. Things had been knocked off the shelves and the bed itself was shifted from its usual spot. The swishing noise was coming from behind the bed. Fluttershy fluttered her way across the room slowly, flying above the bed and peeking over the other side. She blinked a few times at the site. It wasn’t what she or the rest of them had expected to say the least.

Dash sat on the floor about a foot from the bed, hunched over, arms crossed, and mane a mess… well, more of a mess than it usually was. Her face was scrunched in what appeared to be anger instead of anguish. The swishing noise was coming from her tail whisking back and forth quickly, brushing heavily against her bed mattress. Fluttershy’s long pink mane hung down over Dash, catching her attention. She looked up at Fluttershy, a heavy glare smacking the Fluttershy right in the nerves.

“What?” Dash asked flatly and harshly. Fluttershy squeaked.

“I’msorryibotheredyouishouldbegoingnowbye!” Fluttershy spun around and took off towards the door, but as she did her back hoof struck the bedpost, causing her to tumble from her course and crash into a pile of clothes by the wall near the door. Some of the clothes were tossed up into the air and floated down on top of her, burying her beneath them. Fluttershy curled up beneath the clothes. She knew this was going to happen, why wouldn’t her friends listen to her? She opened her eyes as she felt some of the clothes on top of her move. She stared up at Dash’s glare briefly before slamming her eyes shut.

She squeaked as she felt Dash grab her and hoist her tiny body out the clothes pile.

“I’MSOSORRYIDIDNTMEANTOMAKEYOUANGRYPLEASEDON’THURTME!!!!” She flailed and screamed on instinct.

“FLUTTERSHY!” Dash stomped her back hoof. Fluttershy instantly stiffened and stared at Dash with eyes wide like dinner plates and pupils small as gnats. “Calm down.”

Fluttershy flinched as Dash set her down and trudged back over to her bed. Fluttershy took a moment to exhale and gather herself before approaching Dash again, who had plopped down on the unfurnished mattress facing away.

“Um, so—” Fluttershy haphazardly began while circling around, “how are you feeling?”

“I’m angry. Isn’t that obvious?” Dash spat while kicking a pillow still hanging on the edge of the bed. Fluttershy squeaked, but kept her cool. Mostly. She had to keep calm and flutter on. This was for Dashie.

“I’m surprised. After what happened with Soarin, I thought you’d be sad.” She flinched again as Dash let out a loud scoff.

“HA! Sad? Yeah right!” She laughed amusingly. Fluttershy was confused.

“So, um, if you don’t mind me asking, why are you angry?”

“Because he’s a JERK!” Dash pounded her hooves on the mattress, gritting her teeth. Fluttershy leaned back.

“Oh my, um, I think—”

“He’s the biggest jerk in all of friggen Equestria!” She threw her hooves up in the air.

“I don’t think, I mean I—” Fluttershy began to slowly slide herself off the mattress, peeking over the top from the floor as Dash continued to rant.

“Sad? Why the hell would I be sad?! I’ve got no reason to give a damn about him! He walked all over me!” She stood up on the bed and turned towards Fluttershy, who was barely visible over the side of the bed save for her eyes. Dash walked over and got right in Fluttershy’s face. “He’s a jerk! A straight up, no good jerk!”

“Dashie, please don’t yell, I—” Fluttershy found herself pressing further and further to the floor as Dash kept yelling.

“I don’t need him! I don’t! I hate him!” Her voice started to choke up. “He’s an idiot! A loser! An asshole! A creep!” Her expression began fading and tears started forming in her eyes. “I hate him I hate him I hate him I h-hate himmmm…” she trailed off, sniffling loudly before turning around and burying her face in the mattress crying with her hooves on her head. Fluttershy poked her head out from below the bed and stared dumbly at Dash as she cried a puddle of tears on the mattress. Fluttershy instantly switched from self preservation mode to kindness mode, hopped up on the bed and sat down beside Dash, draping a wing over her.

“It’s okay Dashie, let it all out, I’m here.” So Rainbow Dash really was sad. Fluttershy wondered why she hadn’t put the pieces together. Dash has a tough exterior, a trait that makes its way into nearly every situation she’s involved with. So most of the time even if it seems like she’s okay after something like this, she’s usually just sucking it up or playing it tough. After thinking more about it, Fluttershy realized she’d probably missed it out of fear for her own physical well being. She could relate to Dash more than she first thought here. Fluttershy had just gone through a lot of rough waters regarding Mac. She had no idea things were going on between Dash and Soarin. Here was Dash, slightly broken and unsure of herself. Fluttershy was there just the night before. She would do whatever she could to help.

Mac covered his mouth and belched quietly as he stepped out of the kitchen. Granny sure knew how to make one hell of a lunch.

Despite his late start, the day had gone like clockwork. Almost better than clockwork. He was going through all of his chores quickly and efficiently. There was a spring in his step, and an unstoppable strength welling in his heart. Today was a good day.

He had a good half hour left on his break before starting up work again. Maybe he would take a load off for a few.

“Ah! Big Mac!” A sudden voice caught his attention before he could sit down in his living room. His ears stood up and he turned to see Spitfire coming towards him. “Hey, uh, could I borrow you for a moment?” She asked. Mac turned to her and tipped his head to the side. “Soarin is being immature and locked himself in his room, I don’t wanna sound like a vandal but could you force it open?” Mac blinked. Break a door open? Sure he could do it, but why was Soarin locked up in his own room? Whatever, he was glad Spitfire came to him first. He would’ve loved to hear the explanation to why doors were being broken in his own house.

“Sure.” He answered without question.

“Thanks, sorry about this.” Spitfire apologized as he followed her.

“No problem.”

She led him up the stairs and around the corner of the hallway, and stopped in front of Soarin’s guest room.

“Soarin, open the door,” She yelled. Mac waited patiently behind her, passing the string of wheat back and forth across his mouth. Spitfire stood still for a moment, but no response came. She sighed and shook her head. “Fine.” She turned to Mac. “You don’t mind big fella?”

“Nnnope.” Mac shook his head. He would have to fix the door, but he liked fixing things, so it would keep him occupied until he had to work again.

Spitfire stood aside as Mac approached the door. He lifted up his right hoof and twisted it twice to crack the joints. He grunted and made one solid jab at the door. With a loud BANG, it was forced open, breaking the lock and the bottom hinge. Mac looked in to see Soarin across the room by the window, staring wide eyed. Spitfire stepped around Mac while staring in disbelief at the broken door.

“Damn Biggie, that looked like a love tap, Applejack wasn’t kidding about your strength,” she spotted Soarin on the other side of the room, staring with his jaw agape, “anyway, sorry again for making you break the door, but thanks for the help.”

“Eeyup.” Mac replied, passing the string of wheat from one side of his mouth to the other again. He turned and began down the hall towards his room to fetch his tools.

“Don’t you turn away from me buster!” He heard Spitfire say as he walked away. What was going on with them? He had gotten a hint or two about Soarin and Fluttershy’s friend Rainbow Dash. Was there some drama going on alongside the troubles he and Fluttershy were having? Boy, the Wonderbolts sure were causing a lot of trouble. He didn’t think poorly of them… well except for Rapidfire. But since they began their visit it seemed like there was nothing but one incident after another.

Oh well, they wouldn’t be staying much longer. Maybe things would go back normal. He and Fluttershy could spend time together at the orchard without worrying about a certain asshole loose in the fields.

“NO!” Spitfire’s voice flew into the hallway as Mac approached the broken door, “I’ve heard enough, Soarin, get a grip. I know how you feel about relationships and your job, but for heaven’s sake, if you like her that much then compromise!” she appeared in the doorway as Mac set his tools down. “You’re dodging your own feelings. Nothing good comes from that. Now stand up and be a stallion dammit! The floor doesn’t suit you.” She pointed at him. Mac just shrugged and opened his tool box. He glanced for an instant to see Spitfire looking him up and down. He felt uncomfortable for a moment, but then saw her glancing back at Soarin occasionally. Ah, she was playing it up. Mac went about his business and put the door back against the hinges.

So she was telling him to get up and go after his feelings? At least somepony shared Mac’s feelings about relationships. It was actually quite refreshing to hear a mare encourage compromising. He had had just about enough crap from Applejack about him not having time for Fluttershy.

“Guys! Quick! We—” Rapidfire suddenly came around the corner and ran smack into Mac’s side. Mac glanced over from his tool box and glared daggers at Rapidfire, who in turn whimpered and shied away. Spitfire walked around Mac.

“Look alive Rapid, what’s got you all worked up?”

“Uh—” he forced his eyes out of the chokehold of Mac’s gaze had and turned to Spitfire, “Captain, you better look outside.”

Fluttershy did what she could to comfort Dash. She waited patiently as Dash slowly regained her composure and noisily blew her nose into dozens of tissues. Things must’ve been really rocky between her and Soarin. Whatever he had said to Dash, it must’ve really stabbed deep. Maybe it wasn’t so bad that she and Mac didn’t speak so much.

“This sucks,” Dash put plainly as she tossed a ball of tissues towards her trash can, missing horribly, “stallions suck,” she continued to grumble, folding her front hooves over her chest, and facing away from Fluttershy yet again.

“You’ll figure things out,” Fluttershy shifted towards her. She and Mac kept coming together in tough times, Dash could do it too, “if I know you, you’ll have it all figured out in no time.” She comforted her. Dash turned and looked at her blankly.

“You make it sound so easy. Then again,” she lifted an eyebrow, “it did come pretty easy to you.” Fluttershy blinked, what was Dash getting at? “Wish I had a natural disaster bag me the stallion of my dreams.” Dash sarcastically mused. Fluttershy gasped and turned bright red in an instant.

Hold up, how did Dash know about them? Fluttershy and Mac had kept the whole thing to themselves! The others all knew she had spent some time with him… did they just assume she and Mac were a thing? They were right, but…

“What!? But Macintosh and I, I mean we,”

“I never mentioned Mac,” Dash chuckled. Fluttershy squeaked, she trotted right into that one.

“WE AREN’T, I MEAN, but when we, actually I,” Fluttershy frantically stuttered, never finding words to defend herself. Dash only looked at her, eyelids flattened. “Oh gosh.” Fluttershy turned away and hid her face behind her left wing, trying to conceal the blush that was already bright enough to make signals out Dash’s window.

Fluttershy jumped off the bed and began to pace around the room, saying “oh gosh” over and over again. So now they would ALL know, she had really spilled the beans here. She couldn’t figure out where to go from here, all of a sudden SHE felt like she needed comforting.

Fluttershy suddenly jumped as a loud crash came from across the room. She and Dash spun around to see Thunderlane scrambling to his hooves, breathing heavily as if he had just flown across Equestria.

“Thunderlane? What the hell?!” Dash yelled as she looked to her fellow weather teammate with confusion.

“Dash!” he yelled as he finally found his hooves, “Code five weather emergency! We need you! Hurry!” He was out the window an instant after.

The words went in one ear and out the other. Fluttershy went right back to pacing, blushing, and oh goshing as Dash dove into her pile of clothes near her closet and emerged with a pair of flight goggles. She blasted towards the window and was gone.

After a few minutes, Fluttershy finally calmed herself. Dash had left a while ago. Great, so much for trying to keep things quiet about her and Mac becoming serious. She was sure she’d never hear the end of it from Rarity now.

The sound of whistling wind caught her ears. It wasn’t just a regular breeze. It was getting louder and louder. Her curiosity piqued, she trotted towards the window.

How had it gotten dark so suddenly? Fluttershy winced as the wind blew through the window. It intensified mid-gust and almost blew her away from the window and made her mane fluff out, getting in her face.

“What in Equestria?” She blinked and shook her mane out. She quickly stepped back up to the window and took a longer look out. “Oh…” her eyes landed on something. Something large was approaching in the distance… over the Everfree forest… towards her house… “OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!”

“C’mon! C’mon! Everypony git inside now!” Applejack yelled as Applebloom and Granny Smith came through the door. “In the cellar! Go!” She directed them.

Outside the front door Big Mac was standing just down the steps of the front porch. He stared up into the sky as the strong gusts of wind buffeted against him and blew his short mane about. What was with this weather? There was nothing on the weather schedule today about a strong storm. Not to mention the powerful wind. This was more likely to cause damage than anything else.

“Mac! Git to the cellar!” Applejack came to the edge of the porch. Also why was Applejack stuffing them all in the basement?

“It’s just a storm.” Mac gave her a confused look. Applejack hopped down, planting one hoof firmly on her hat to keep it from blowing away.

“Mac have you looked out west?!?!” She said while pointing. As she did, a second floor window on their house was thrust open and one by one the four Wonderbolts fired out and angled west. Mac tipped his head as he watched them shoot off and quickly made his way around the house and looked in the direction the Wonderbolts traveled.

His eyes grew three sizes.

In the distance, over the Everfree Forest, an extremely large twisting tornado was moving along the ground, ripping up trees and other debris from the Everfree. Applejack followed him around, bracing herself as she approached to hold firm against a huge gust of wind. It nearly batted her to the ground.

“See?!” She pointed out. “I dunno what the hell the weather team did, but we gotta get inside t’safety!” She yelled standing right beside him.

Mac didn’t hear a single word. He just kept staring in the direction of the tornado.

The tornado was moving through the Everfree Forest…

It was moving towards Ponyville…

On the edge of the Everfree Forest before Ponyville was…

“FLUTTERSHY!!!!!!” Mac yelled at the top of his lungs. His eyes darted about and landed on a large coil of rope hanging on a hook on their house. He quickly stepped over, grabbed it, slid it over his neck, and broke into a sprint towards the Everfree Forest.

“Mac!?” Applejack called after him but was forced down to her legs by strong blast of wind. She looked up after her brother. The wind hadn’t even fazed him and he was galloping as hard as he could towards the tornado. “MAC!!!!!!!! MACINTOSH!!!!!!!” She yelled after him, but alas he did not hear.

Fluttershy’s house was right on the boarder of the Everfree forest. The tornado was heading right for it. He had to make sure she was safe. Right now nothing else mattered to him. He grabbed the end of the rope around his neck and using only his mouth and neck, tied the front end into a lasso as he thundered through the fields towards her house.

One way to get Fluttershy to fly with strength and poise is to make her desperate. There was a massive tornado heading towards her house from over the Everfree Forest. She needed to get back and secure all the animals in a safe place no matter what the cost.

“EEEeeeEEEEK!!!” It didn’t mean it wasn’t going to be hard though. Fluttershy was tossed about in the wind like an autumn leaf. She managed to balance herself ever few feet, but was quickly blown out of her flight path every time. She was going in the direction she wanted. It just wasn’t a very straight or graceful line.

No matter what, she would get back home and make sure every single animal was safe. It was her job to care for them. She’d do it at all costs.

“EEEEP!!!!” She was smacked down by a gust and bounced roughly on the ground. She cringed slightly and rose to her hooves. She sniffled and whimpered as a little pain set in her right shoulder. It hurt. It hurt, but it wouldn’t stop her. She forced herself back up and pointed herself towards her house. She wasn’t far. She’d make it soon.

She looked overhead as she approached the outskirts of the Everfree. A cloud of Ponyville Pegasi shot towards the tornado with Rainbow Dash at the lead. Fluttershy was relieved to see the weather team moving in to fight this monstrosity, but could they do it? It was such a dreadfully large funnel cloud. She couldn’t take any chances.

The tornado was growing closer by the second. The wind was so strong she almost couldn’t keep her eyes open, but she couldn’t let the animals suffer!

Her house finally came into view as loose twigs, sticks and leaves were ripped from the ground and tossed about in the air by the wind. She shielded herself as she moved in, all the said debris batting against her hooves as she approached.

She gasped as she made it to her front walk. A whole crowd of animals was already huddled together tightly by her front door, most of them pawing at it desperately. They were all being shielded from the wind by the large bear that lived nearby. He looked up and roared to her as she shakily approached.

“I’m here!” She called out to them. They moved aside as she reached forward and undid the locks before pushing the door open. “Get them all into the basement!” She flew into her house and opened another door that lead to a storage room for feed bags and another care items. The animals all darted into her house and down the stairs. Birds and other small creatures that were already taking shelter with the walls followed suit. Fluttershy glided back towards the front door as the walls and ceiling of her house continuously creaked and popped from the heavy force of the wind blasting against it. She poked her head out the door, squinting as the gusts smacked her in the face. She checked around ad could see a few animals still huddling in trees and in bushes.

“Oh goodness!” She leapt out without a second though, immediately being batted around by the wind. She thrust her wings out and pumped them against the force, reaching a bush nearby. She reached in and pulled out two raccoons. She waited for the wind to pause before she fired back through the air. She was struck down the moment she reached the door and tumbled into the house while clutching the raccoons to protect them. They both quickly got free of her grip and scurried down into the basement.

“Owww…” She gritted her teeth as she felt more pain. It wasn’t much, but she wasn’t a rough and tough pony like Applejack or Rainbow Dash. She avoided pain at all costs, so anything of the sort felt like heavy pins and needles. She would stay strong, the animals needed her.

She looked out again and saw two small sparrows in a tree. It was closer, it wouldn’t be as hard. But then she saw why they were still out. They were standing over a nest full of eggs, fighting to keep it from falling.

Fluttershy instantly sprung up and dove back out into the wind. She was lucky this time, the wind was between gusts. She was drawing near, when an extremely powerful blast whooshed by. Her wings were following through a flap, so having them down caused the wind to force her up. She lost all control and tumbled into the air. She landed face first on the ground and quickly pushed herself up while feeling over her face.

That hurt A LOT. Tears were squeaking out of her eyes. She looked up and gasped as the sparrows began chirping like crazy. The nest had fallen. Fluttershy’s eyes locked on the nest. She forced her legs back and dove across the ground. She squinted and pumped her wings once really hard. The motion made her slam to the ground, but it had pushed her far enough forward to extend her hooves and catch the nest, the eggs still safe within.

“Ahhhh oh owwwwww!” Fluttershy wailed as her body slid. Again it wasn’t that painful, but this was already more than Fluttershy had ever put herself through. She wasn’t even bruised. She got to her hooves as the sparrows flew down and nestled themselves in her mane. Not wanting to waste any time or give the wind any chances, Fluttershy galloped back to the house with the nest tucked into her chest.

She plopped down as she made it back into her house. Angel Bunny ran up to her and grabbed the nest, taking it down to the basement as the sparrows followed. She panted and wheezed. This was a lot more exertion than she had ever experienced. The “pain” and the running around were taking their toll on her.

She perked up as Angel hopped back up the steps from the cellar and thumped his foot against her hoof.

“Angel… get back… downstairs…” She said as she gasped for air. Angel harshly shook his head and kept patting her hoof while pointing outside. “What…?” She looked towards the door, but saw nothing. The wind had gotten even stronger. The tornado was closing in. What was angel pointing at?

Angel grunted, hopped over to the door and bounced up and down while pointing with both paws towards her mailbox by the stream. Fluttershy’s eyes widened as she saw a little brown rabbit desperately clinging to the wooden post while crying out.

“Oh no!!!” Fluttershy forced herself back up and sprinted out the door, but this time, even while grounded, she was instantly knocked over by the gusts. The wind was even stronger now, at least five times stronger than it was when she first arrived. She tried to stand, but was instantly knocked back down. She forced her eyes open as much as she could to see the bunny was clutching the post and trying its best not to be swept away. Fluttershy put her hooves in motion and began dragging herself along the ground. She wouldn’t leave a single animal behind.

She slowly grew closer and closer to her mailbox. As she drew near, she glanced to her right and gasped. The tornado was visible over the tree line now. It had to be less than a hundred yards away. She looked back towards the bunny. Just one more hoof length and she’d get to it.

But right before she reached for it. An intense blast of wind ripped its paws from the post and sent it flailing violently into the air.

“NOOOOOO!!!!!!!” Fluttershy cried out as she extended her hoof towards it to no avail.

Then suddenly a thundering THUMP-THUMP THUMP-THUMP THUMP-THUMP of hooves reached her ear. Something leapt up over her, casting a large shadow as it passed. It intercepted the little rabbit and slammed to the ground roughly before skidding to a stop. She looked over and her eyes filled with immeasurable joy.

“MACINTOSH!” She yelled out as Mac braced effortlessly against the powerful wind. He glanced down at the rabbit as it clung to his arm. He looked over and saw Angel bunny hopping up and down while waving his paws in Fluttershy’s doorway. Mac galloped through the sharp gusts like they weren’t even there, reaching her door and letting the shaking rabbit down. Angel quickly hopped up to it and helped his shivering friend towards the stairs and down to the basement.

Mac quickly turned back towards Fluttershy. His attention was averted briefly as he examined the approaching tornado. Its course suggested that it wasn’t going to move directly over her house, but it was most certainly going to pass very close by. He was beyond glad that his instincts forced him to her. He had a feeling she was going to protect every single animal she cared for even if it killed her.

He grunted as a gust slammed against him. His body tensed as his legs held firm. It would take more than a little bit of wind to bring him down. He galloped back towards Fluttershy. He had to get her indoors and down the basement stat.

He got halfway to her when disaster struck. A sudden burst of wind slammed against him. It was so strong that he actually stumbled and was forced out of his gallop and had to steady himself. The tornado was too close now. It was throwing the strongest gusts at them, and from the way Mac found he had to hold his hooves steady, the suction of the twister had come into their range. If that blast was strong enough to jostle him…

“AHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!” Fluttershy was blown from the ground and was flailing up into the air.

“FLUTTERSHY!!!!!!” Mac yelled out as he saw her get tossed up like a pile of leaves. He broke into a gallop against the wind, readying to leap up and catch her, but he was forced to stop and brace himself again. Leaves and a small trees nearby were being uprooted and pulled towards the tornado. His eyes shot open in horror as Fluttershy was kicked about by the wind and was slowly being sucked away.

But she was still in his range.

Mac quickly dropped the rope from around his neck and grabbed the end with the lasso. He took a quick look towards Fluttershy to gauge a distance ratio and unraveled the rope until he had as much as he needed. He grabbed the rope in his teeth and swung the lasso around while keeping his eyes on target. He had one shot at this. If she got any further away his accuracy would plummet.

He set his hooves, and with a loud grunt, flung the rope out, taking into account Fluttershy’s trajectory. The lasso hurled through the wind, reached Fluttershy, and looped around her perfectly.

“Yes!” Mac cheered, slightly muffled by the rope in his mouth.

“Eep!!” Fluttershy squeaked as the rope closed around her and yanked her down. Mac pulled her in almost like he was flying a kite. The wind was so strong that it was pulling up trees. Fluttershy’s weight was like nothing to it.

He reeled her all the way in and pulled her into his body tightly.

“MACINTOSH!!!!” She yelled his name as she clutched his leg.

“Let’s get ya inside!” He exclaimed. He untied the rope from her and guided her through the wind with a firm grip.

That was, until a very strong blast of wind made her house creak and pop loudly. They both looked up to see the house sway and lurch in the wind. Fluttershy gasped as the foundations around it began to crack and split slightly off the ground. The tornado was less than fifty yards away and it was threatening to rip Fluttershy’s house right from its spot.

“NO!!! NONONONONO!!!!!!” Fluttershy wailed as she saw her house slowly beginning to tip and lurch harder. The animals would be safe in the basement, but… it was her house! Her home!

“STAY DOWN!” Mac suddenly yelled as he gently pushed her to the ground. She squeaked as Mac galloped through the wind to her house. He slammed his hooves against the corner that was being lifted up.

“Hrgh!!!” Mac grasped the edge of the house and it stopped lurching up. “HHRRRRRAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!!” He roared as he forced all of his strength downward. Fluttershy watched with wide eyes as Mac slowly pushed her house back down to its foundation. He gritted his teeth and looked towards the tornado. It was going to pass at least twenty yards beside the house. He wasn’t going to bet his odds of keeping the house down when that happened… at least not in his current position. He also had to keep Fluttershy from being swept away.

Mac eyed the rope beside Fluttershy. It was the longest rope they had back on the farm… could it work? He only had one long shot of an option. But one was better than none.

With one solid thrust, he slammed her house down, hoping it would stick for just long enough as he did this. He released his hold on the house and galloped back over to Fluttershy who was struggling to stay on the ground. The wind was unbearably strong. No normal pony would ever be able to move through it, but Mac was no ordinary pony.

He slid to a stop over the rope, scooping up Fluttershy in one arm as he passed and grabbing the lasso with his mouth. He quickly yanked the rope to undo the lasso and held the end of it in his teeth.

With Fluttershy safely clinging to his chest, he made a break for her house. It was beginning to tip up again as the tornado inched ever closer, but he had time. His hooves pounded against the dirt as he made two passes around her house. He found where the rope trail began and grabbed it in his teeth beside the front end of it. With one solid whiplash he made rope encircling her house bounce up before he yanked it tight when it reached a height that was just above the top of her windows. He tied it off, leaving still a good ten yards of rope for him to work with.

The tornado was seconds away from passing right by them. He had to get set now.

Mac leapt away from her house and grabbed the back end of the rope, extending it fully as he stood eight or so yards away, placing the two of them a little extra distance from the tornado’s path. He suddenly shook Fluttershy off and she landed softly below him.

“STAY BENEATH ME!!” He ordered. As Fluttershy was registering what was happening she squeaked as Mac lifted each leg and drove them one by one to the ground so hard that they dug about three inches into the dirt. Mac wrapped the rope twice around him and grabbed the part extending out to Fluttershy’s house in his teeth. Fluttershy realized what he was doing. He was going to use his body as an anchor to keep her house down. She clutched his leg as he flexed and tensed his muscles, readying for the imminent battle with nature itself.

The tornado came into range.

The amount of force that Mac felt as it tried to pry Fluttershy’s house from the ground was nearly unbearable. His eyes slammed shut and he yanked backwards with all of his strength, determined to save Fluttershy’s home.

“HRGH!!!!!” He grunted as he yanked back on the rope. The house was tipping up again, but because of his hold, it stayed grounded. The suction of the tornado pulled and pulled and pulled at it, but Mac would stand his ground.

Fluttershy was scared. She was beyond scared, but she did not cry she did not whimper, she did not shed a single tear. She just stared up at Mac as he held her home in place. She watched how determined he was to succeed for her. She watched as he used every ounce of his strength in his body…

All for her.

Mac was risking himself for her. He was protecting what she held dear. He was fighting a TORNADO all for her!

From the moment he arrived, he had not given a single hesitant thought towards his own safety.

He may have arrived late to save her from Rapidfire, but here… Mac had come when she needed him most. And the amount of effort he was exerting, the amount of strain he was experiencing, the amount force he was enduring… for her… it was unlike anything she had ever seen before in her life.

“RGH!” Mac grunted as he lurched forward slightly. Fluttershy squeaked as she felt his legs slightly dislodge from the ground. He grinded his teeth against the rope and gave a heavy yank back as he lifted each leg out and pounded them even harder into the dirt. Fluttershy tried to flatten herself as much as possible as Mac’s body was almost touching hers. He was leaning back, grunting and snorting as he continued to hold her house in place. Every time the tornado gained an upper hoof, Mac braced himself and pulled harder.

He could do this! He wouldn’t fail! He was the champion of the Equestria strong Pony competition! This was NOTHING!

His eyes shot open as his neck and body were forced forward. He was fighting a tornado… A TORNADO. How long could he keep this up? He was pushing his strength to the limit already, could he do it for much longer? He felt his hooves slipping again.

NO! He would prevail! He would save Fluttershy’s home! There were no buts about it! He was GOING to save it!

Mac squinted as his hooves were on the brink of being ripped free…

But then the unthinkable happened.

The tornado suddenly pulsated and completely dissipated. POOF, as if it was never there. Mac’s eyes widened and he quickly let go of the rope as Fluttershy’s house fell safely back into position.

“Huh? Ugghhhhh” Mac had little time to wonder, his body was almost completely numb. He only had enough energy to guide his fall so he didn’t crush his little mare beneath him.

“Oh my goodness…” Fluttershy stared at her house. It would have been sucked into the tornado and completely destroyed, but here it sat, safe and sound. Her attention was drawn to the panting and wheezing beside her. “Macintosh…” She didn’t care about the tornado suddenly being gone. She couldn’t believe what he had just put himself through all for her.

“Ee…yup?” He answered her as his eyes squeaked open and he looked up into the sky.

But before she could say anything else, his eyes widened. Something was falling from the sky. LOTS of things were falling from the sky. The tornado had torn through Everfree Forest. It was probably packed full of large uprooted trees, rocks, and who knows what else! The tornado had suddenly just stopped… but all the stuff it pulled up had to go somewhere. There was a large amount of debris falling right towards them!

“LOOK OUT!” Mac rolled over and pulled Fluttershy into him. He turned his body to face his back to the sky as a large tree trunk about five times his size slammed into his back. “ARGH!!!” He grunted and was forced down.

“EEK!!!” Fluttershy shrieked as Mac’s body pressed down upon her.

“DAMMIT!” Mac looked up and saw more heavy objects falling. He glanced towards Fluttershy’s house. Thankfully the soft tree-like roof with all the leaves was causing the large pieces to land softly and bounce, but Mac was in the direct line of fire.

He glanced up and saw a large collection to tree branches and rocks falling right at them.

He turned back and clutched Fluttershy as tightly as he could.

Fluttershy slammed her eyes shut as the two were buried beneath falling rubble.

“FLUTTERSHY?! FLUTTERSHY!!!!!” Twilight called as she, Rarity, and Applejack searched around Fluttershy’s house.

With the tornado stopped and Ponyville safe, they were trying to make sure everypony was accounted for. However, Mac and Fluttershy were nowhere to be found.

“DAMMIT MAC! WHERE ARE YA!” Applejack pounded her hooves against the ground. She threw rocks around and kicked fallen trees aside.

“He just ran away while yelling ‘Fluttershy?’” Rarity asked as she brushed aside a few piled of leaves with her magic. Applejack sighed and nodded.

“Yeah… just ran off recklessly towards her house…” She sat down. “An’ now we can’t find either of em… dammit Mac!” Applejack’s lip began to quiver. Rarity quickly went to her side.

“Darling! This is your BROTHER we are talking about. He’s built stronger than a diamond dog and timber wolf put together! I’m sure he’s alright, we just have to find them.”

“Hey!” Twilight’s voice caught their attention. She was standing over by Fluttershy’s house. “A rope?” She had found Mac’s rope. Applejack stood up so fast that she knocked Rarity down and galloped over.

“This is the rope Mac took!” She exclaimed as they looked it over. She eyed it, and followed it around the house until she found the part extending out. She yanked at it and it picked up from beneath upturned dirt and leaves. “MAC!” She yelled out as she saw the rope end at a large collection of big rocks and thick tree branches that were piled high. “Help me here!” She yelled to the two unicorns.

Twilight and Rarity ran over to assist with their magic as Applejack started throwing the many pieces of fallen debris off the pile. She gasped when she saw some red beneath it.

“MAC!!!!” She threw as much as she could off before finding a large heavy trunk that lay atop her brother. With the help of Rarity and Twilight, she was able to hoist if up and roll it aside. “Good lord Mac…” She looked at him with concern. He was curled up on the ground with the rope still around him. He was covered head to hoof in nasty looking cuts and bruises. His eyes squeaked open and he looked up to see the three ponies staring down at him.

“He’s awake!” Twilight exclaimed happily.

“Yeah, but beaten up!” Applejack suddenly sounded angry. “Mac what the hell were ya thinkin’ runnin’ off like that! You coulda been killed!”

Mac just kept staring up as Applejack berated him.

“What good came from all this? Huh? What good?” Applejack belted at him.

Mac grunted and slowly rolled onto his side. The three all perked up as he gently unwrapped his legs,

To reveal Fluttershy tucked in them, curled up into a shivering ball. She was COMPLETELY unscathed.

Her eyes peeked up over her body and she stared wide-eyed up at her friends. They all looked down at her, their mouths agape.

Mac had used his body not only to keep her house down, but to also to protect her from all harm. There wasn’t as much as a scrape on her tiny body.

“Oh my…” Rarity finally spoke up.

“That’s why he ran off Applejack.” Twilight smiled and gave her a light nudge. “I’ll go get some help.” She offered as Applejack just kept staring in disbelief.

“MACINTOSH!” Fluttershy came to her senses and quickly turned to him. “Oh goodness! Oh goodness!!!” She fretted as he lay beaten and tired.

“Are ya… alright?” He whispered to her. The sound of his voice calmed her slightly, but she was still worried about his injuries. She moved up by his head and nestled herself into his neck.

“I’m… I’m perfectly fine…” She said while lightly nuzzling his neck.

“Good…” He chuckled and winced as he did.

“Let’s leave them be until help arrives.” Rarity reached over towards Applejack.

“What? But…” She tried to protest, but a blue magic aura encircled her mouth and clamped it shut.

“No buts. Come on, darling.” Rarity dragged Applejack away.

Mac wasn’t as bad as he looked. He was covered head to toe in minor injuries, but he had really drained himself while pitting his strength against a tornado. Seriously. A tornado. It took Fluttershy a while to convince Nurse Redheart that’s what he did.

In the end it seemed all that Mac needed was some light patching up and a lot of rest. So he was sent home to stay in bed for a day or two.

Fluttershy was drawn away from Ponyville for a while. It was fine because Mac needed rest, but the reason she and her friends made a trip to Canterlot Hospital was a grim one. Apparently the Tornado was not a natural one, which was obvious because of the manner in which it suddenly stopped. However, it was being controlled by a group of menacing Pegasi. The Wonderbolts had engaged them, and unfortunately, Soarin nearly lost his life.

A strange series of events occurred while they were there. Soarin was given little chance of survival, Celestia made a surprise visit and did something weird that apparently saved him, but now Rainbow Dash had to stay in the hospital for a bit too.

It was all a bunch of jumbled occurrences that meant little to Fluttershy. Why? Because after seeing Soarin in his broken state, and seeing the way Rainbow Dash stuck to his side like glue, she wanted to get back to Ponyville so she could be there for Mac.

Fluttershy was at Sweet Apple Acres even before Applejack got back. None of them had ever seen Fluttershy fly so fast the way she did from the train car when they arrived in Ponyville. She just wanted to see Mac, to be with him, and to be there when he awoke because he was always there for her.

Luckily, the window to Mac’s room was open. She didn’t even have to knock. She let herself right in. Her eyes lay on the sleeping form of Mac over in his bed across the room.

She recalled the whole incident as she stared. She still had no words to describe it. The way he sacrificed absolutely everything for her… she’d never experienced something like that before. The two of them were close, but to put so much on the line…

Her heart swelled at the thought. She meant so much to somepony else that they would literally do anything for her. She had never felt anything more touching in her life.

She hovered over and carefully landed on the bed beside him.

“Howdy.” He said quietly, making her squeak and jump.

“Oh gosh! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to wake you!” She freaked out as he turned over and smiled.

“I wasn’t asleep.” He chuckled.

“Oh…” She grinned sheepishly as she lowered herself to the bed and got comfortable.

The two just stared at each other, both happy as can be just in each other’s presence.

“Um…” Fluttershy broke the silence. “Macintosh—, I…” She looked away. This was still so hard? After all they’ve been through? “Thank you…” She said quietly. He blinked and tipped his head. “You know—, for—, saving my home—, and me…” She tilted her head down, but kept her eyes locked on his.

“It ain’t nuthin.” Mac smiled.

“No—, it is!” Fluttershy shuffled closer to him. “Macintosh, you didn’t have to do any of that… my house I mean…” She swallowed, still not used to talking so much, but she forced it out because he deserved to know how thankful she was. “You put yourself as risk—, for me—, I—,” She let her face fall to the mattress. “You didn’t have to…”

Mac sighed as he watched her stumble over her words. He felt a wave of confidence well up in his gut. This was different. He wasn’t stomping up to her front door and randomly deciding to tell her something personal. This time the moment came to him.

“Yes I did.” He removed one of his arms from beneath the sheet and reached it around her, “I did it because—,” he pulled her in and nestled her against his chest. Let it flow.

Say it.

“Because I love ya Fluttershy.” He said quietly into her ear. He felt her body stiffen. She didn’t blush, but she looked up into his eyes with a world of surprise in them. “Doing anything, even if it hurts, for another pony—,” He continued, “that’s what ya do for a pony ya love.”

That took the cake. Fluttershy thought her heart was going to swell right out of her chest. He said it. He actually, really said it. He said he loved her. She had never been happier to hear something in her entire life. Every little ounce of fear and uncertainty about the two of them came crashing down and left nothing to hinder the love she already felt for him.

“Oh… Macintosh!” She reached up and threw her little arms as far around his neck as she could and squeezed him tightly.

“Oo! Ah!” He grunted as she pressed against some of his small wounds. She quickly pulled back.

“Oh! Sorry!” She grimaced. He shook his head.

“No… it’s fine. Come here.” He reached forward and gently cradled her chin. She felt tears of joy slowly fill her eyes as he guided her towards his face.

The two closed their eyes and for the first time, without anything weighing them down, shared a soft and gentle kiss.

Fluttershy reached up and lightly grasped the sides of his face as she gently pressed a little harder against him. Mac reached up and gently wrapped his arms around her little body. They kissed not once, but two times, three times, four times. They finally had a reason to just enjoy the other and not use one of the highest forms of affection to help the other cope with problems. This time they were kissing, because they wanted to and because they could.

They slowly parted and Fluttershy rested her head beside his, whispering back into his ear,

“I love you too Big Macintosh… I love you so much.” Her voice squeaked and cracked, but Mac could tell she was just beyond happy. He lifted her up and placed her on his chest. She snuggled up into his neck and released the most content sigh she had ever mustered in her life.

Nothing would ever make Fluttershy happier than the giant red stallion that would comfort and defend her at all costs.

Nothing would ever make Big Macintosh happier than the adorable little yellow mare that constantly stole his heart and made him feel so alive.

Love. It’s when two souls fully resonate together. Nothing can compare to its power, and nothing can stand in its way. How it comes and how it forms depends on the pony, but in the end it will always bring comfort and joy. Love is not won through words. Love is not something you can affirm through claiming it. Love’s true form comes through the feeling deep inside every one of us when we find another we can truly connect with. “I love you.” Is just a three letter phrase. The important thing is to show it, know it, and feel it in every inch of your body.

And so—,

“Hey! Hey! Hey!”

AND SO—,

“I know you can hear me silly!”

Pinkie what have I told you about this?

“Oh don’t be such a grump! You can’t keep writing! That was a great ending!”

But I MMMPH!!!!!

“Shhhhhhhh…. Go write another Soarindash fic…”

---The End---

Author's Note

Blargh! Dammit Pinkie! oh heheh...

Well there's another fic done and in the books :) Always sad to see a fic end, but always happy to see hard work completed ^_^

From here i do have another fic already planned, however i am going to be out of town this coming weekend and not back until wednesday, so it might be a while before something new appears. Thats fine though because i need some time to finish revising and editing Flying Sky High (contest deadline is may 25th)

So yeah there we go,

I hope you enjoyed reading!

Thanks so much for all the great comments and support!

I hope MRRRPHHH!!!!

"Shhhhhhhhh..."