With A Little Help From My Friends

The two Apple siblings trotted toward a cottage on the outskirts of Ponyville. As they made their way, they saw a number of small animals along the way. This signaled that they were on the right track to the yellow pegasus’ home.

“If ah know Fluttershy, she should have some advice she would be happy to share with ya.”

“What kind of advice?” Big Mac asked.

“How should ah know? Ah ain’t Fluttershy, but it couldn’t hurt to ask. She’s always willing to give her two-bits fer jus’ ‘bout anythin’.” Applejack added.

As the two ponies neared the cottage, they saw Fluttershy outside of her home. She tending to the injuries to a few baby birds. “Now just be careful with your talon, we don’t want you to put your whole weight on it until it has healed properly,” she instructed one of the birds. The bird hopped around on one of its talons while the other had a makeshift splint on it. “Feel free to visit anytime you wish, my feathered friends.” With that smiling goodbye, the birds flew off.

Applejack and Big Mac watched the birds fly over their heads before they were greeted by the yellow pegasus. “Good afternoon, Applejack and Big Mac,” she spoke with a soft and warm demeanor.

“Howdy, Fluttershy,” the orange mare said. “Do ya got a minute, by chance?”

“Sure, what can I help you with?”

Applejack motioned to her brother, “It’s ‘bout Big Mac here. He has a date for Hearts an’ Hooves Day, but he doesn’t really know all that much when it comes ta datin’. We’re wonderin’ if ya could help us a bit.”

Fluttershy’s face was flushed, “Oh….um….I wouldn’t really know….uh, anything that could be of use for you, Big Mac. Um….perhaps I could help with….um….nevermind….”

Big Mac’s ears perked up, “What were ya gonna say?”

The yellow mare was a bit hesitant to share, “Well….it’s just something that I think would be nice if I were on a date with somepony. I really like ponies who have proper etiquette.”

Applejack looked confused, “Ed-a-wha?”

“Etiquette. It’s a code of behavior during social situations. Of course, it’s not just dealing with manners, but also dress, hygiene, courtesy, and so much more. I believe that anypony that conduct themselves with fine and proper etiquette show that they are willing to go above and beyond,” Fluttershy smiled as she commented. “Social graces do make everyday actions more pleasant.

A loud, crass voice chimed in, “Pfft, that sounds so dumb!”

The three ponies looked around for the source of the sound. Looking up, they found the voice was that of a cyan blue pegasus with a mane that had all the colors of the rainbow, and she was gliding down to the ground.

“You can’t be serious, right? I mean, what you described sounds so….lame!”

“Rainbow Dash, how long have ya been listening to us?” Applejack demanded an answer.

“I heard the whole thing. I was lounging up on that cloud trying to take a nap, but I couldn’t help but hear that Big Mac got himself a date,” Rainbow trotted next to the stallion, wrapping a limb around his neck. With a laugh, she continued, “Didn’t think that you were such a mare-killer! Whose the lucky gal?”

Big Mac blushed at Rainbow’s comments and question. This only caused her to laugh more.

“Seriously though, it ain’t about etiquette or whatever,” Rainbow started.

“But I really think manners make the pony,” Fluttershy interjected.

“Well, whatever help you soar, Fluttershy. But if you ask me, it’s all about the coolness factor!” The blue pegasus seemed to firmly believe what she spoke.

“Coolness?” Big Mac was puzzled.

“Coolness?” Applejack just stared in disbelief at Rainbow Dash.

“Totally! Like, if Big Mac acts all cool for his date, they would totally love it! I mean, think about it, mares love the tough stallion that’s all mysterious and what not. Just act cool and your date will be all over that!” Rainbow Dash instructed.

“Ah….don’t know ‘bout that….” Big Mac stated.

“Um….Rainbow Dash? That really doesn’t make sense,” Fluttershy added.

Rainbow turned her attention to her fellow pegasus, “How does that not make sense? If a stallion is really cool and mysterious, the mare will totally love it!”

“But….how does that make sense?” Fluttershy still was baffled at Rainbow’s logic.

“Being cool is so cool, that it doesn’t have to make sense, that’s how!”

As Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy continued their conversation, Applejack turned to her brother, “Well, not like ya asked my opinion, but stop worryin’ about being what ya think she wants an’ jus’ be yourself durin’ the date.”

“Really?” Big Mac asked.

“Yeah, sure. Ya got some good advice today….well, except what Rainbow said….but all of it means nothin’ if yer not bein’ yerself,” Applejack stated, “Ya don’t wanna start anythin’ on a lie, so just be who ya are.”

“Huh, thanks Applejack,” Big Mac paused for a moment, “But why didn’t ya say somethin’ like this earlier?”

Applejack shrugged, “Ya didn’t ask.”