Big macintoshs day off

Big Macintosh was the first one up, and he smiled at the sleeping pegasus beside him. Standing up, he walked over to the radio and turned it off, the station having stopped its broadcast hours ago. He stepped outside, the world still dimmed by the night. Big Macintosh attached himself to the cart to get an early start tending to the orchard. Gazing upwards, he was glad of the full moon lighting his way and saving him lamp oil. Princess Celestia must be a bit envious. Her nights were never as nice as the ones we've been getting with Luna. A shooting star streaked across the sky, as if in thanks for the compliment.

But art appreciation doesn't get the weeds removed, the dead limbs collected for fire wood, fences repaired, cows milked or pigs fed. Celestia was just bringing up the sun when Big Mac got back inside for breakfast. The air was thick with the aroma of fresh coffee and the sound of butter splattering. To his surprise, Fluttershy was in the kitchen, humming softly as she flipped a pancake. He sat down at the table, the scoot of the chair making her jump. She hastily plated the food and set it in front of him.

"I'm terribly sorry, I know you said a guest shouldn't work, but when I woke up, you were already gone. I came in here and the stove was cold so I thought you hadn't eaten. I didn't think you'd be back in so soon though."

Apple and cranberry pancakes, black coffee, a glass of fresh apple juice and the company of a pretty filly. Caramel is going to turn greener than Granny with envy when I tell him about my wonderful breakfast. Big Mac kept the thought to himself, just giving her a grateful smile as he tucked in. Fluttershy sat right next to him this time, eating her own, much smaller portion. They were nearly finished when there was a knock at the door. Big Macintosh excused himself to open it. With his mood this good, it could be Nightmare Moon herself and he still not care. Thankfully, it was just Pinkie Pie.

"Hi Mac! I know you're typically really busy, but I know from Applejack that things are really slow on the farm right now so I thought it would be a safe time to invite you to one of my patented Pinkie Parties! Twilight's cousin Trixter is visiting from Salt Lick City, and you know how I am with new ponies in town! It's tonight, so wash up after work. We'll be at Sugarcube Corner, so nopony should get lost."

The pink tornado reached into her saddlebag and pulled out an invitation. Big Mac set it on a small pedestal they use for the mail. Pinkie kept grinning the whole time, her pet alligator popping up to give his own blank grin at the stallionbefore it began affectionately biting the filly's ear. I'd hate to be her when that thing gets it's first tooth. Pinkie facehoofed as she remembered something.

"Oh, by the way, have you seen Fluttershy? I tried her house, but she was out. And I didn't see her at Twilight's. Or the boutique. Or Sugarcube Corner. Or the post office, or feed store orHEY! There you are Fluttershy!"

The pegasus had walked into view, wondering why Big Macintosh was letting breakfast get cold. She stood next to Big Macintosh, muttering a quiet hello to her boisterous friend. Pinkie handed over the invitation and turned to go when the sight clicked. She inhaled deeply before the words came out in a torrent too fast to understand if you weren't reading it.

"Omigosh Fluttershy what are you doing here alone with Big Macintosh I thought you weren't the kind of pony to sleepover with colts. Not that colts aren't good for sleepovers just they like to do stuff there that you always turn red even thinking about. Like that time with Snips and Snails saying you had a nice flank after they drank some of Granny Smith's apple scrumble, but she says it's made MOSTLY from apples..."

If I hadn't seen her inhale before, I wouldn't think this pony needs to breath. Big Macintosh's jaw dropped as the flood continued, the hay drifting gently to the floor. Fluttershy was staring intently at her hooves. If she felt any more sheepish, she'd have to be sheared. Pinkie's rant seemed to be coming to an end.

"...And of course I like to let the boys come to the parties too. They know how to party when you shake your tail just right. So, did you two do the horizontal Pony Pokey yet?"

Fluttershy turned beet red, quite the feat through the yellow fur. Big mac was just confused.

"The what now?"

Pinkie gave a knowing grin and a wink as subtle as a falling cow.

"Oh, I think a grown stallion like you knows what the hay I'm talking about. Well, see you two at the party. I'm sure they'll need the happiness, what with the finest beast in Ponyville taken off the market."

The Party Pony left, hopping away to leave a very confused colt and a mortified filly. Big Macintosh looked at her, wondering what in Celestia's mane had just been said. Fluttershy looked half ready to cry from embarrassment, so he didn't push it. They went back and finished eating, the coffee needing a second heating. Fluttershy left once the dishes were clean, just as Caramel came over.

Big Macintosh nodded at his friend and occasional helper. The grin plaster on Mac's face at the look of confusion on Caramel's nearly split his head. Today is going to be fuuuun.

Pinkie's assumption had been correct, and work was light enough Big Mac left it all to Caramel. This let him both leave his friend still wondering about why Fluttershy was there, and so he could go meet up with Applejack to get the soils of Granny's shopping home soon enough for them all to get ready for the party.

Applejack was pulling quite the cartload when they met up in the town square, and was more than happy to let her brother take a turn. She laughed as she began informing him about what had led to the different purchases.

"Yah shoulda seen it Macintosh! Granny nearly dropped her walker, soon as spied that little porcelain pooch. Ah thought Ah'd die laughing when she tried to git et ta shake et's paw! Poor fella running tha stand looked like 'e'd swallewed a sour apple, faces 'e was pullin'!"

Big Macintosh have a chuckle. Their poor tuckered Granny was sleeping in the cart, covered with a knitted blanket with an image of a sleeping rabbit on it.

She needs some new glasses I suppose. More medical bills to worry about. But she'll hold on. Granny's tougher than burlap and a lot less scratchy. It just means I'll have to pick up a bit more around the house. I don't want the girls to have to deal with this burden. Even Applejack is still young, it won't hurt to have her free enough to go to these parties more often.

This train of thought kept him quite somber as he dressed up in his nicest hat, collar, and vest. It was all the same color, just a deep earthy brown that hid dirt well. But it was old, tough cloth, that had been given to him by his Pawpaw, his father's father and Granny's husband.

His name had been Brown Snout, a green pony with a brown mane and of course, entirely brown nose and mouth with a jug cutie mark. He'd made some of the finest cider you'd ever tasted, the trophies and ribbons from fairs littered Granny's dresser as proof. He wasn't a very sweet pony, and if the crops weren't doing too well he could be outright bitter, but nopony is perfect. Even still, he was straight as an arrow, every word he spoke the truth, and anything with the gall to threaten his farmstead, or Celestia forbid, his family, had to pick its teeth up off the ground. He'd left this world shortly before Applejack was born, but Big Macintosh still remembers him fondly. The way his cider made your mouth pucker. Him dancing with Granny to the radio. The days he'd go out bucking with him and his dad, and enjoy a picnic lunch in the shade when the sun was directly overhead.

Big Macintosh wiped a tear out of his eye. If there was anything that Brown Snout had passed down, it was never let the fillyfolk see you crying. It's the colt's job to protect them, to keep them safe, and to never let anything hurt them. It was a repetitive motto, but Big Macintosh held the words close to his heart.

Finished with preparations, he told Applejack he'd see her at the party and left. The party was already in full swing, a happy polka on the record player. Many ponies were standing around, the guest of honor engaged in deep conversation with Ditzy, who seemed to be the only pony polite or kind enough to actually listen to the junk that came out of the colt's mouth.

"And you see, I, Trixi- I mean, Trixter, have been working on a special project that will surely make my name even more well known than it already is! I won't reveal too much, but it's a gripping tale of action and adventure, a conflict with the dreaded Ursa Major!"

To his surprise, a griffin was attending, talking with Rainbow Dash and a few other pegasi. Helga, Olga... Gilda that was it. Nice to see she's not as hot headed as Applejack told me she was.

Big Macintosh hung close to the wall, sipping a cup of punch. To his surprise, a number of fillies asked for a dance, but he declined. He was still waiting for that certain pony to show up. He stood around for quite some time, when Fluttershy arrived with Applejack. They'd got sidetracked talking about the market, and Applejack went off to see about some snacks, unintentionally leaving the pair alone. Fluttershy gave a soft smile that warmed the big pony's cheeks.

"I think Rarity herself couldn't make that outfit suit you more Macintosh."

Big Mac's chest swelled with pride. His grandfather had been a big pony too, and knowing it fit right and looked good too was quite pleasing to know.

"Well shucks, I thought they'd be a bit more formal. I guess these parties are a lot more laid back than I expected. And WHAT THE HAY ARE YOU DOING TO MY HAT?"

Several ponies gasped. They'd never heard Big Macintosh yell. They turned to see what had happened. Trixter had levitated it away. Pouring in punch, the showpony gave a haughty laugh.

"Relax, bumpkin. I merely needed a large container, you'll get your ragged old hat back when I finish the trick. It won't be damaged. Now then, fillies and gentlecolts, behold, the hat is empty!"

Turning it over, the hat was indeed empty. Big Macintosh grit his teeth as the unicorn put the hat back on him. Trixter smirked cheekily as punch flowed out from the hat, soaking Big Mac's head.

"You need to cool down, have a drink."

Several laughed, knowing a good prank when they saw one. Big Macintosh grumbled, walking outside. He took off the hat and dunked his head in a bucket at the well. Shaking most of the water out of his hair, he carefully rinsed off the stickiness from the hat. Coming back inside, he saw Fluttershy in a little group with her friends.

Pinkie was talking animatedly, not that that is anything new. Fluttershy was turning shades of red apples only dreamed of turn, and for some reason had been put into a plain beige dress. It was lovely, Rarity being incapable of doing anything short of stunning, because it merely enhanced Fluttershy's natural curves and colors. And all the others had looks of fiendish intent, as they noticed Big Mac looking at them. Applejack signaled for her brother to join them. When he did, they giggled furiously. Rarity was the first to actually say something.

"Darling, could you be so kind as to stand next to Fluttershy? You look so dashing in that outfit, it would compliment her's so well."

Somewhat bewildered, he was glad of the chance to stand near her anyway. The giggles returned with increased volume. Twilight was the first to break.

"You guys were right. They do make such a cute couple!"

Applejack put a hoof around Fluttershy's shoulder.

"Yah do right by mah bruhder, ya hear? Ah'd hate ta see 'is big ole heart broke by a friend."

Rainbow Dash chuckled as the pair looked at each other, then looked away, even scooting apart to try and remove the focus on them together.

"Aw, come on guys, you know we're kidding you. Big Macintosh, you're a great guy. Fluttershy won't be disappointed."

Pinkie howled in laughter, and gave another not-subtle-at-all wink.

"Yeah, especially when they finally do the old After-party special, if you know what I mean!"

Rarity shot the pink pony a glare, the couple too embarrassed to speak up for themselves.

"Now, Pinkie, no need to be so distasteful on it. I'm sure when they consummate their love it will be glorious. Candles, apple blossom petals leading into the bedroom, him laying on the bed, rose in his teeth."

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes as her friend got lost in her own little fantasies.

"Come on Rarity, look at him. He's not one of your prissy little Canterlot colts. He's a country stallion, hot to trot! He'd get her bent over a hay bale and whip-"

Applejack shoved a hoof in both their mouths.

"This is mah kin we're talkin' about! Do not scar mai mind with yer twisted thoughts. Now, et's late, everypony should be getting' home fer some shut eye. Some of us work in tha mornin'."

They said their goodbyes, though some went off in pairs. Big Macintosh could only stare when the griffin gave Dash a kiss just before they flew off.

Well I'll be a parasprite's aunt. Didn't figure Dash to be the fillyfooler type. But does a griffin count as a filly? This inter-species stuff is confusing. I guess that makes her... into chicks I suppose.

He nodded a goodbye to the cousins, and his own sibling as well. He was going to walk Fluttershy home, though this got a few smirks. Fluttershy was still trying to regain speech when they finally reached her front door. Angel was sitting out on the porch, carrot in his teeth and a stick held like a spear. Fluttershy have him a nuzzle and sent him off to bed, thanking him for keeping the home safe will she was out.

The pair stood there awkwardly for a moment, when Big Macintosh turned to leave. Fluttershy grabbed him, looking away as she opened the front door and pulled him in. Making him sit down, she set a kettle on the stove, brewing them some tea. Taking off this hat, he couldn't help but notice how... saccharine the place felt.

Give her time, and she'll have a collection to put Granny's to shame. I suppose at least they'll have something to talk about too. And she gets along mighty well with Apple Bloom. Already Applejack's friend. They way she is with animals, the only thing keeping her from being an earth pony is the wings. Putting it all in perspective, it's like the Goddesses willed this to happen.

Fluttershy brought over a steaming mug, the relaxing aroma washing away the tension from the party. They huddled close together on the fainting couch, sipping quietly and listening to the fire crackle merely in the stove. It was dark, and it was still. The fire gave a pop, and a clock ticked, but there was no other noise. The animals were all asleep, or otherwise out handling their own business. Finishing the drink, they just sat the empty cups on the floor, not wanting to get up and leave each others' company. Fluttershy was still quiet, and this caused Big Mac to voice his concern.

"Now, come on, what's got you all hushed up? Was it your friends at the party? You don't need to pay them any mind, they just have their minds firmly planted in the gutter and well, they've no right to be wondering about our relations. That's between you and me."

Fluttershy smiled up at him, a surprisingly coy look about her eyes. She leaned up and kissed him, taking the vest down off his shoulders and tossing it over with the hat.

"Um, Fluttershy, what are you up to sugarcube?"

Big Macintosh went silent when there was a nip at the base of his neck. Then she stopped, crimson from the boldness she'd performed.

"I.. I know I'm not a very outgoing pony. A lot of the time, I can barely look a colt in the eye. They like that, and think its a sign I must be some sort of pervert on the inside, and they try harder to get me to go home with them. My friends think the same way, and encourage me to go and try new things. But I'm not like that. I saw know those other fillies tried to dance with you. They'd have loved to be propositioned by you, and were vying for the chance. But you didn't even dance. Pinkie told me. You waited for me the whole time.

Big Mac, you're so soft, so careful I... I trust you not to hurt me tonight. I want you... to be with me tonight. I have my own feelings, and they want you. I don't care how it is. You could even put petals on the bale... I wouldn't mind the whip... if its you."

She looked up at him, tears brimming in those begging blue eyes. She was red, and seemed to hoping half the words she said hadn't come out. He's going to leave now. He'll be so freaked out by that he won't even want to see me any more. Instead, he held her close, kissing the top of her head gently.

"I don't need all that. All I need is you to be safe from ever feeling hurt again. And if this helps, I'm not going to complain."

They kissed once more, and the pair spent the rest of the evening in each others' tender embrace. Fluttershy would always fondly think of as the night she exploded.

Twice.