Chapters early on(edited for your pleasure)
Young Fluttershy was crawling through Sweet Apple Acres calling out to her newest friend, a very hungry squirrel that had left her cottage in search of food, and what better place than the farm?
“Oh, Mr. Squirrel!” she yelled in her soft, quiet voice, “Where are you? This isn’t your food!”
Big Macintosh was looking up; he had seen a squirrel eating his family’s apples, and he had set out to drive it away. “Where are you, squirrel? Ah should give ya’ll a piece a mah mind fer eatin’ mah apples.” He knew he had to be quiet, he didn’t want it to run and hide somewhere else.
Suddenly, his shins connected with something. “Oh!” Fluttershy cried softly as she held her head. Then she moved her hooves and looked up at big, green eyes. Her hooves slid down to cover her gaping mouth. “Oh, I’m so sorry! I should have looked where I was going. I’m so sorry, sorry!”
Big Mac got over his surprise and smiled at the filly. “Nah, it’s okay, Ah shoulda been watchin’.”
“No, I’m sorry. I was trying to find my friend and I wasn’t looking. I’m sorry.”
“Where’s yer friend? Can Ah help?”
“Oh, um, okay, if you want to. He’s a squirrel. He was starving and I was going to get him something to eat, then he ran away, and I got worried that he might have come here. Apples aren’t that good for squirrels. I’m sorry.”
“Oh, okay… Ah saw a squirrel eatin’ the apples down in the South Fields. Let’s look there first.”
“Um, okay.”
“Jist follow me”
The two searched high and low for the squirrel all over the fruit farm, then finally gave up.
“I’m so sorry he ate your apples.”
“Well, Ah am a bit mad that yer friend is eatin’ our stock, but Ah know the feelin’ a bein’ hungry.” His stomach growled. “See? It’s almos’ supper time.”
“Oh, okay, I’ll go home now.” She turned around to leave.
Big Mac trotted in front of her. “Well, Ah was actually gonna invite ya to supper with us.”
“Oh, no. I couldn’t do that. I don’t want to worry you on my account.”
“Ain’t nothin’, um, what’s yer name by the way?”
“F-Fluttershy.”
“Ah’m Macintosh but everypony calls me Big Mac. Come down to the farmhouse an’ have supper with us.”
“Oh, okay.”
Big Mac led Fluttershy down to the house, where a lovely smell was wafting its way through the trees. “Mmm, smells like Granny’s makin’ pie tahnight. Yer in fer a real treat. Ain’t nothin’ better’n Granny’s pies. ‘Cept maybe her zap-apple jam.”
Applejack met them at the door. “Well, there ya are, Big Mac, Ah was geetin’ worried. There’s a critter in the barn an’ Ah– wait, who’s she?”
Fluttershy froze now that the conversation was on her. “Oh, um, um…”
Big Mac came to the rescue. “This here’s Fluttershy. We was out lookin’ fer one of her squirrels. Now what’s this ‘bout a critter in the barn?”
“Well, yer search may be over, Fluttershy. There’s a squirrel in th' barn.”
“Oh, Thank you. Is he still in there?”
“Far as Ah know.”
“Please show me. That is, if you want to.”
“Of course! But ya might wanna stay fer supper, Ah don’t think it’s time fer you to meet Pinkie Pie yet. She usually goes home around that time. Follow me.” She took Fluttershy to the barn. “There he is, sleepin’ on that blanket.”
“Oh, thank you. I’ll take him home right away.”
Applejack stepped in front of her. “Nuh-uh. Yer stayin’ fer dinner. We can jist close the doors an’ he won’t leave. Plus, he’s sleepin’. Ya’ll don’t wanna disturb him none.”
“Yes, I guess you’re right. He should sleep.”
“Whooooe! I can’t wait to introduce ya to Granny an’ Applebloom.” Applejack rushed her back and through the door. “Hey, Granny, 'Bloom! Ah got somepony fer ya’ll ta meet!”
“Well show us at the table!” Granny Smith called out with her elderly voice.
A little foal’s head poked around the corner. “Hewlo?” said Applebloom, barely able to talk.
“Like Granny said, ya’ll gonna meet her at the table. She’s eatin’ supper with us! Ain’t that excitin’?”
“Yaya!”
After a delicious dinner, Applejack told Big Mac to walk Fluttershy home.
“Oh, no, I’ll be fine on my own. I don’t want to cause anymore trouble for you.”
“Nonsense, sugarcube, he doesn’t mind.”
“Nope.”
“Well, um, okay, if you’re sure…”
“Good then! You go git yer squirrel friend and Big Mac’ll meet ya by the barn.” Fluttershy nodded, then went through the door. Applejack pulled her brother over and said in a low voice, “Watch out fer Pinkie Pie. She might’ve come out again. Keep Fluttershy away from her; she’s not ready yet.”
He nodded and went to the barn. Fluttershy had a blanket in her teeth, and a furry tail was poking out of it. A window opened in the house. “G’bya, Miss Fluttasha! Come back agin!” Applebloom yelled.
They started to walk to Fluttershy’s cottage. “You have a wonderful family, Big Macintosh. And your grandmother makes the best pies! It’s been long since I’ve eaten that much.”
“Well, Ah’m sure yer family is jist as well as mine.”
“Oh, I don’t have a family. I live alone. Well, almost alone. I have these guys to keep me company.” She raised the bundle a little.
“Ah’m sorry fer bringin’ that up.”
“Oh, no, it’s quite alright. If anything, I’m the one that brought it up.” Big Mac stopped walking. “Oh, did I say something wrong? I’m so sorry.”
“Nah, not that.” His ears pricked up and swiveled to the left. He looked around. Softly, he said, “Fluttershy, go hide behind that building please. Jist fer a second. When I give ya the signal,” he snorted and pawed at the ground three times, “Ya go runnin’ ta yer house, alright? Don’t stop fer nothin’ unless it’s important.” She nodded and hid. Big Mac trotted to the place where he heard hoofsteps approaching.
“Hi Big Mac how are you doing I heard somepony else’s voice that I’ve never heard before are they new?” said the ever-hyper Pinkie Pie.
“Nope. How was yer day?”
“Oh it was amazing I had the best party ever!”
“Really?” He snorted and pawed the ground a few times. “What was it like?”
“Everypony came and we danced for three hours and Vinyl really rocked out then Derpy ate all the muffins and-” Her eyes moved to the left. She started to move around Big Mac, but he stood blocked her.
In a low voice he said, “Not yet.”
“But she’s new so I have to welcome her and gimbmhnghbm.”
Big Mac’s hoof pressed hard against her muzzle. “Not yet.”
Pinkie Pie sat on her haunches and he removed his hoof. “Fine, I’ll wait until tomorrow.” She trotted home, the spring returning in her step as she awaited the following day.
Big Mac let out a long sigh. “Too close,” he said to himself, and walked home.
“Aww, you cutesy-wutsy bunny wabbit! Why were you all alone in the orchard?” asked Fluttershy, a whole new pony when she was on her own, “It’s no place for you! What’s your name? I’ll call you Angel; it just fits you perfectly! Oh, we’re gonna have sooooo much fun!” The bunny looked up at her with big, black eyes. Then he glared at her. “Oh, you’re so cute when you’re angry!” She picked him up and hugged him. He bit her ear, but it was more of a nibble, and Fluttershy cooed again. “You’re just a itty-bitty nuzzle-wuzzle cutie pie, aren’t you?” She was cuddling him again when she heard muffled laughter outside. She put Angel down on the table, which he hopped down from and started to explore his assumed new home, and flew silently to the window. Lo and behold, who should be crouching there but Big Macintosh?
He was laughing his flank off when he looked up and saw a teary-eyed Fluttershy looking down at him. His eyes widened with fright as he cowered in her presence, awaiting any punishment that he deserved.
Fluttershy’s eyes welled up and tears began to run down her furry, yellow cheeks, leaving trails of sadness that thrust guilt into Big Mac’s heart. She turned away from him and soared up the stairs into her room. He could hear soft bawling through the glass.
“Aw, Fluttershy, c’mon, Ah didn’t mean ta laugh at ya like that. Ah’m sorry.” The only response was more crying. He went to the door; it was unlocked.
He went in. “Fluttershy?” Her cries were louder now. A squeak was heard beside him, and he looked down. A very angry rabbit’s face was glowering up at him. He ignored Angel and went up the stairs to the pegasus’s room. He knocked on the door. “Fluttershy?”
“Go away!” cried the humiliated pony.
“Look, Ah’m sorry fer laughin’, an’ Ah swear Ah was the only one that heard ya.”
“I said GO AWAY!” A dull thud on the other side of the door was all to be heard of the book that Fluttershy threw, then more sobbing.
Disheartened Big Mac trudged back down the stairs, where the first thing that greeted him was a sharp bite on his heel. “Yeow!” he said as he stared angrily at the bunny that was gnawing at his Achilles tendon. “It’s on.” He whipped around to swat at Angel, but the rabbit was too quick. He hit the ground with a bump, and the bunny overtook him. Struggling against the white creature, he tried to throw him off, but Angel had a grip like iron. No pony would have ever guessed that this was the same animal that was shivering in the cold a mere hour ago.
Fluttershy had heard the impact and, while still crying, came to investigate. To her surprise, she saw Angel wrestling Big Mac and winning. A small laugh escaped her lips. Then another, and another until she was giggling like an idiot. The two males stopped fighting to look up at her just as she fell over and began to roll on the floor with her laughter.
“S-so… f-funny!” she said between giggles, “Angel… w-winning… against… a w-work horse!” She proceed into a fit of sniggers.
Big Mac started chuckling, then flat-out guffawed along with her. Squeaking from Angel made them laugh even harder.
“Look, Fluttershy,” he said when they stopped giggling, “Ah’m sorry Ah laughed at ya earlier. It’s none’a ma business what ya do alone, an’ Ah shouldn’t’ve looked. Sorry.”
“It’s okay. I’m sorry too.”
“What fer?”
“Laughing at you. It was mean of me.”
“Nah, ya have every right ta laugh. Let’s call it even, ‘kay?” He held out his hoof.
“Okay.” She shook it.
“By the way,” he said, “Ya’ll have a might purdy laugh.”
Fluttershy blushed. “Th-thank you. Your laugh is nice too.”
Big Mac was thankful his coat was red. “Aw, shucks, it’s not near as good as yers.”
“Oh, but it is!”
“C’mon, Ah-” He stopped when he looked out the door. “Darn.”
“What?”
“Ah left yer door open.”
Fluttershy’s eyes widen as she saw all her neighbors and a few passing ponies staring right at them. “Oh,” she squeaked and hid behind her pink mane.
Big Mac got up called out to the ponies as he slowly closed the door, “Nothin’ ta see here, folks. Git on home. Nothin’ ta see.” After it was shut he and Fluttershy waited a few minutes before Big Mac decided it was safe to leave. “Bye, Fluttershy, an’ sorry about yer door.”
“It’s fine. Goodbye Big Macintosh.” This time when he went out the door, she made sure he went home. Once he had gone down the street, she found Angel sleeping where he had wrestled Big Mac. “I can’t believe you won,” she said as she started to look for a better place for him to sleep.
Sorry this isn't a real chapter, but I have a problem.
I AM IN A WRITER'S BLOCK.
So, if you are willing, I would like you to help.
Here are the choices for continuing the story:
You have 4 days from today (July 8th) to voice your opinions.
Thank you for your time!
The bronies and pegasisters have spoken. The winner is... A! This chapter is years later because both Fluttershy and Big Mac are anti-social and don't see much of anything. It also takes place between episode 3 and 4.
Fluttershy awoke to a thump thump thump on the wooden floor of her cottage. She smiled slightly. "Okay, Angel, I'm awake." This was their routine for the morning: Angel wakes her up, she feeds the animals, then Fluttershy does what the day demands of her.
She went through this routine and had just finished feeding the animals when she heard a loud thud coming from the Everfree Forest. " I wonder what that was. Oh, I hope a tree didn't fall on anypony! I should go check." She headed towards the wood and didn't have to go deep to find the fallen tree. What she saw next horrified her. A red leg was sticking out from underneath it, along with an orange tail. She froze; time seemed to stop. Then Fluttershy went into "flutter rage" mode.
In only a few seconds, the tree was in splinters and Big Macintosh was being searched over for wounds. Three of his ribs felt broken clean through; his lower midsection was dark and soft, suggesting internal bleeding; and there was a good chance one of the broken ribs had punctured a lung.
"No, no no no no no no no no," Fluttershy said as she came out of "flutter rage". "Oh no, I don't know how to treat this! And I can't carry him! Oh what should I do!" She started to cry. "I need help, but anypony who could is too far away. The only ones who are close are Angel and the others!" She paused. "Wait, that's it!" She sang a bird call. Moments later, a dove perched on a branch beside her. "Hello, I need you to gather some strong stags to help me carry my hurt friend to town, please." The bird nodded and flew off.
In a few minutes, a group of bucks assembled and hoisted Big Mac onto their backs. "Thank you for helping me, sirs. I need you to take him to Ponyville please." The group set off to the town.
When Fluttershy and Big Macintosh finally made it to her cottage (it was on the other side of town), it was already lunch time. "Well, um, Big Macintosh, would you like to stay for lunch as well? If you don't mind, you don't have to, I just thought-"
Once again a red hoof stopped her nervous rambling. "Sure. An' why don't ya call me Big Mac?"
"Umm, if you want me to I will. I didn't want to impose or anything."
"Ya don't have to, but it would be nice."
"O-okay, Big Macin- Big Mac." She blushed a little at his name. She opened the door to her house and they were greeted by a mixture of different smells and noises. Big Mac looked surprised. Fluttershy walked in, completely unfazed, and went about hushing the residents of her home. "Shh," she said to the loudest bunch, a group of birds calling their hellos to each other, "We have a guest. Can you help me quiet the others please?" They nodded and flew off to other groups. Eventually everyone quieted down. "Okay friends, I want you to give a warm welcome to our guest Big Macintosh! Say 'hello'!"
"Hello!" the animals chorused in their many different calls, but still sounding like the word "hello".
"Now you say 'hello', Big Macintosh."
"Umm, hello," he said, waving a hoof.
"Good! Okay, dears, I need you all to go upstairs to the bird room and stay there, okay? I'll feed you in a little bit; guests have to be fed first. Okay?" The animals nodded their heads in union and made their way up the stairs. "I'm sorry about that, Big Macintosh, it's just how I introduce ponies to them."
"Naw, It's quite awlright, Fluttershy. It's mighty interestin' how ya got them all ta talk like that."
"Oh, umm, thank you." She blushed again.
"So, all of them're under yer care?"
"Oh, yes. It's a slow week. I have normally have more patients than this."
He looked even more shocked. "How in the hay does a purdy mare like you have more work than me?"
She blushed deeper. "Y-you think I'm pretty?"
Now it was Big Mac's turn to blush. "Oh, umm, uhh..."
Fluttershy looked a little disappointed. "I mean, if you don't thats okay, I'm not all that pretty, really. I mean, I must smell like a barn, not that there's anything wrong with barns, it's just-"
"No, no, it's okay. Ah do think yer purty. An' ya don't smell bad. Ya smell real good." He also blushed deeper and looked away bashfully.
"So... um... Why don't I go and get lunch ready?" Fluttershy suggested. She rushed into another room. "There's a casset player on the shelf by the stairs! Listen to whatever you want!" she called.
Big Macintosh went over to it and fumbled around the tapes. "Iron Mare" and "Timberwolf Mother" Were among the first he saw. You could expect his bewilderment at the heavy artists for a seemingly timid pony. He settled on "Maretallica" playing "Discord: Master of Puppets".
"Master! Master!
Master of puppets is pulling your strings!"
In the kitchen where Fluttershy was preparing sweet tea (Oh how she loved the taste!) and daisy sandwiches, she heard the lyrics and blushed deeply.
Big Mac came in and grinned at her. "Ah didn't know ya'll liked heavy metal." This brought a tear to Fluttershy's eye. He soon realized his mistake. "Oh, Fluttershy, Ah'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that. Ah'm just surprized is all. Ah won't tell no one. Ah mean, anyone ."
"Really? You promise?"
"Ah swear nevar to tell a soul of yer music without yer consent. Cross mah heart an' hope ta fly, stick a cupcake in mah eye. "
She wiped her eyes. "Thank you," she said before she enveloped him in a hug, forgetting for the moment Big Macintosh's hurt side.
He also forgot, and hugged her back. "Now, what says you 'bout eatin' them daisy sandwiches? Ah'm starvin'!"
It had been a while since the delicous daisy sandwiches brought Fluttershy and Big Macintosh closer together. Winter had set in, covering the town with snow and ice. It was this unforgiving winter that brought the two together once more. Prepare yourselves. THIS MAY GET UGLY.
Fluttershy was in her cottage directing the birds that could fly southward and tending to those who could not. "Come now," she said to a reluctant gray jay, "South is that way. My cousin Brambleshy will take good care of you. Despite his name, he really is nice. Go on, your friends are waiting." The bird obliged. She turned to a cardinal and gave him a slice of an apple. "How's your wing?" she said, motioning to his bandages. "*tweet tweet*" the bird repiled. "Okay, it's not looking like you can go south this winter. I'll leave you to your goodbyes." She turned to a feeding dish and left the remainder of the apple there. Angel rushed up and was barely stopped by Fluttershy's hoof. "No, Angel, it's not for you. I'll get you your own apple. She went in the kitchen and checked. "No apples. Better try the cellar." She checked. "Oh no! We're out of apples!" Angel heard and pounded his foot on the floor. "Okay!" she squeaked, afraid. "I'll go get some. But let me get the cookies for Applejack and her family." Fluttershy went back to the kitchen and retrieved a basket filled to the brim with hot cookies, went out the door, and was on her way.
"Oh, I hope Angel isn't too angry. I don't want anypony angry at me. Oh, what to do, what to do?" It was at this rambling, almost to Sweet Apple Acres, that her unsteady hooves found a patch of ice. "Aiee!" she screamed, just before her head hit the cruel ground and was knocked unconscious. Her cookies, still warm, flew up and scattered over her body, their warmth seeping into her and keeping hypothermia at bay.
"Eee!" Macintosh heard the small voice on the wind. He got up from his chair in the den. "'Ey, sis?"
"Ya?" said Applejack, across the room in another chair, reading.
"Did ya hear that?"
"'Ear what?"
"Nevermind, Ah'm'a check somethin' outside, 'kay?"
"M'kay."
He left. "Hello!" he called to the snow-topped trees. Nothing responded. He searched the orchard, convinced he heard a yelp. After taking his sweet time, Big Mac went to the front gates. "Anypony need help?" he called. He peered into the distance. A crumpled heap lied not far off. "'Ello?" Big Macintosh crept closer. Pink mane sprouted from a mass of cookies. "Fluttershy?" he said, his thoughts leaping to the worst. He started to trot. As he came closer, Mac saw yellow feathers as well. "Fluttersy!" He was galloping . Stopping just short of the first cookies, he grabbed her hoof and flung her onto his back. He raced home.
"What in tarnation?" Applejack yelled as her brother flung the door open. Then she saw Flutttershy motionless on his back. "Bring 'er to the couch. Ah'll wake Granny and 'Bloom." She departed.
He set her down. "Oh, Fluttershy. Please be okay." He sat down and watched her.
Applejack came back. "They're up. Ah'm gonna go out and see if her animals need to be fed. You watch over her." She left through the door and was on her way to Ponyville.
A few minutes later, there was a banging on the door. Hating to take his eyes off her even for a moment, Big Macintosh answered it. He didn't see anything at first, but then looked down to see Angel thumping his foot on the porch. The bunny ran in and started to pull on Fluttershy's hair. "Wha? No! Stop!" Big Mac shoved him away. "What do ya want?" Angel pointed to his open mouth. Macintosh picked him up with his teeth and set him on the path outside. When Angel tried to rush in again, he bucked him lightly enough so that no bones would break, but hard enough so he went about 20 feet before sliding down the road. Mac closed the door and resumed watching Fluttershy.
Hours later Applejack came back. "Well, Ah fed the animals that were there, but Ah could't find her rabbit." No response. "'Ow long 'ave ya been sittin' there?" Once again, no response. "Ya gotta pee sometime. An' ya know it." Nothing. "It's not helpin' Fluttershy none if ya get a bladder infection. In fact, it would make 'er worry more."
Silence. Then, "Fine." He trudged to the bathroom.
"Heh. Ah knew Ah could make 'im do it."
-------------------------------------–------–—--------------–---------—------•------------------______-----------------
Hours turned into days, and days turned into weeks. Soon it was Hearth's Warming Eve. It was tradition for the Apple Family to help with the firewood. But Big Macintosh wouldn't move.
Applejack said, "Come on, Mac, we've gotta go. She'll be fine." He didn't reply.
Applebloom came up to him. "It's okay," she whispered. "Ya take care o' her. We'll be fine."
"Thanks Sugarcube," he whispered back, "Y'all go ahead an' take Granny," he said louder. "Ah need to talk to Applejack alone please."
"No prob. C'mon, Granny. They left.
"Now y'all didn't have ta go an' do–"
"Yes Ah did. Ya just don' understand do ya?"
"Yes Ah do. Ah understand perfectly well. You'd rather sit there an' watch a pony that's probably not even gonna make it anyway, than go an' have fun with yer kin!" She gasped. "Ah'm sorry, Ah didn' mean–"
"No, yer right. Ah would."
Applejack was shocked. "B-but, Big Mac..."
"Like Ah said, ya don't understand." He hung his head.
"But we need you!"
"SHE NEEDS ME MORE! "
"Ah, Ah..." Applejack rushed out, sobbing.
A silent tear slid down his cheek. Big Macintosh shoved his head into Fluttershy's soft mane and cried himself to sleep.
A kind, yellow, still alseep hoof wrapped around his neck and yoke.
Fluttershy awoke to the color red. Sleep was still in her eyes, but soon she could make out individual hairs. She lifted her head and viewed her surroundings. "What?" she said groggily, "Why am I in Applejack's– OH!" She blushed brightly, for sitting before her, with his head still snuggled in her mane, was none other than Big Macintosh. The shock left her eyes and made room for a new softness. Big Mac looked like he had cried all night. She slowly stroked his mane. "He's going to need water when he wakes up." Fluttershy moved his head cautiously to the side and departed to the kitchen. She came back and set the newly made glass of water on the floor next to the couch, which she sat back down on.
Big Mac opened his eyes and panicked. "Fluttershy! Where...?"
"Right here."
He turned to see a smiling face he new he loved. "Fluttershy!" The large stallion tackled her in a hug, causing the couch to shift an inch and spill the water.
Fluttershy felt his tears fall onto her shoulder. "Oh, don't cry. It's okay, I'll clean it up."
"N-nope," he stuttered, "It's not that. Ah'm happy."
"About what?" she asked, confused.
"Ah... Ah thought... That ya might not've woken up," he sobbed.
"Why wouldn't I?"
He pulled back and looked at her strangely. "You were asleep for weeks , Fluttershy."
"Wh... What? No, no, I was just on my way to– Oh my goodness! Angel didn't get his apple!"
"Is that why he was here?"
"What?"
"Umm, nothing. But don't worry, Applejack and yer friends took care of the animals." He hugged her again. "Ah was so worried..."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean–"
"No, it's fine. Just... Promise me you'll be careful. Ah don't wanna lose you." He had a look of longing in his eyes.
She smiled. "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye. " She hugged him back, her small hooves barely reaching around his neck.
"Ya know..." Big Macintosh started.
"What?"
"Today's Hearth's Warming Day." They looked at the other and smiled knowingly.
The two ponies (A couple? We shall see...) started to laugh, and soon fell asleep in each other's arms, with peaceful looks about them, and soon to be forgotten dreams of life together, if fate would have it so.
Applejack, Granny Smith, and Applebloom woke up in Fluttershy's cottage. The night before Applejack reasoned that since it was her turn to feed the animals the next day, then they should stay the night there. But Granny and Applebloom wouldn't be fooled. They knew she and Big Macintosh had a fight; they could hear it all the way down the path.
After the animals were fed, the family went back to the farmhouse, opened the door, and saw Big Mac and Fluttershy snuggled together.
"What in tarnation?"
"Fluttershy, are ya sure yer not a goat?" Applejack asked as she dragged Fluttershy up the mountain.
"Y-you don't unders-stand," she mumbled, "I'm terrified of dragons!"
"Spike?"
"He's a-a baby."
"Riiiiight ..." Applejack rubbed her neck, "So... What happened between you an' Bi—"
"I already told you, nothing ," Fluttershy said sternly, forgetting her fears. Not for long though. "Now can you please take me back down?"
"No. Yer gonna help us with the dragon."
"Hey, Big Mac," Applejack called.
"Nothing."
"What do ya mean?"
"That's the answer to yer question. Nothing happpened between me an' Fluttershy."
"But—"
"But nothin'! You asked me that question yesterday, an' the day bef're that, ever since Hearth's Warming Day! Nothin' happened!"
Applejack looked sternly at her brother. "Ya keep sayin' that, but Ah know it ain't true. Ah'm the Element of Honesty, fer Celestia's sake! Yer lyin'!" She stormed away.
He knew he was. Since that day, everytime he thought of Fluttershy; seeing her care for animals, smiling at him, hugging her; he got a deep ache of longing in his chest.
Fluttershy felt this way as well. "Applejack, stop asking." It killed her to lie to her friend.
"Ah'm sorry, Ah have a better reason ta be here." She looked down. "Ah'm worried about you an' Big Mac."
"Applejack!"
"Ah know, Ah know! But, Ah just... Ah just want ya to be happy t'gether. Ya both say 'nothing' an' Ah know ya mean 'something' but Ah don't know what that 'something' is!"
Fluttershy looked dazed. " He... said 'nothing'?" A few tears escaped from her eyes.
"N-No, not like that..." She reached out a hoof. "Fluttershy..."
She was sobbing now. "Go. Just–just go ."
Applejack left. "Oh, Celestia. What have Ah done?"
"You told her what? " Big Macintosh yelled when Applejack explained her visit. "Why would you say that?!"
"Ah'm sorry!" she whimpered.
"Sorry doesn't—Augh !" He kicked a tree.
Applejack had never seen her brother like this before. "Big Mac?"
"Leave me be ." he said in a quiet voice. She left. "Fluttershy... Don't believe her... Ah, but ya will; she's yer friend and Honesty... Ah'll just... Have to explain..." He grinned both madly and sheepishly. "Ah'll have to tell you."
Fluttershy woke up to sunlight streaming in from her window. She grinned, remembering the day before. After they had kissed, a strange but convenient storm locked them in for the night. Luckily, no branches crashed into her home, unlike the library. Nothing enticing happened after that, mostly embarrassment, but they did have a nice dinner together. Despite her persistence, Big Macintosh refused to take the bed, saying that he really did want to sleep on the couch.
Then she heard the soft patter of feet, and unmistakable squeaking that would only mean the animals were up. "Why wouldn't they be asking to be fed..." She quietly flew down the stairs, peaking around the corner.
All the fuzzy, and some not-so-fuzzy, critters were swarming around the couch. Fluttershy revealed herself and whispered sternly, "Do not disturb our guest! Go to your rooms, I'll feed you in a second." She shooed them away.
"Naw, it's okay." Big Mac opened one lazy eye. "It was kinda fun listinin' to them."
"Oh, do you want me to call them back? I'm sorry, I thought you were asleep."
"Ah was, partially, but yer beautiful voice got me up. Oh wait!" He facehoofed. "Ah'm sorry, Ah don't know what came over me."
She blushed nonetheless. "Well, I liked what came over you." She blushed deeper. "Oh, um... Sorry. How about I make breakfast?" she said quickly.
"That would be a welcome distraction." They smiled.
–-----------------—----------------------–--------------------------------------------------–--------------–—
"Thank you fer the food. An' housin' me," Big Macintosh said, after the two ponies finished their meal.
"It wasn't anything, really. Anypony would've—" A hoof reached across the table and took hers.
"Yes, it was. Thank you." He paused, not wanting to say what was next. "Ah... Ah need t' go. The farm—"
"Oh, yes of course! I'm terribly sorry to keep you from your duities. I should have let you go earlier, I'm sorry for sleeping in." She got up and went to the door.
"No, it's fine." He did the same.
"Tell AJ I said 'hi'. That is, if you want to, I could tell her myse—" Big Mac was gently kissing her.
"Ah'll tell her," he said, breaking apart.
Fluttershy had a dreamy look in her eyes. "O-okay..." She smiled, not really looking at him.
He laughed inside, a grin coming to his face, and departed, continuing to smile all the way home.
"Big Mac? Where were ya?" Applejack asked when he came into view at the oarchard.
"At Fluttershy's house, fixin' yer mess."
"Ah swear, Ah was gonna come back, but that blasted storm kept me at th' library all night!"
He smiled. "It's fine now. She fergives ya."
She stared at him accusingly. "So... What were ya doin' all night at her house?"
He blushed. "Applejack! You know Ah'd never do somethin' that!"
"Jus' checkin'. But seriously, what did y'all do?"
"Well, uh, Ah apologized, she fergave, we had dinner, Ah slept on the couch , her aninimals had'a mighty intrest in me, we at breakfast, an' now Ah'm here. Simple as that."
"Ah know there was somethin more. Yer blushin'."
His cheeks puffed up. "N-nope."
It was Heart's and Hoove's Day in Ponyville, and Fluttershy was in her bedroom pondering about what she could do for Big Mac, who she sincerely hoped really was her special somepony, when she heard a dog's barking. She looked out her window and saw Winona chasing after Angel. "Oh my," she whispered as she flew out the door, only to see that it it was Angel chasing Winona. "C'mere, girl!" Fluttershy petted the brown and white dog when she came over. "Who brought you here?" The pony glanced up at the sun, which was facing her, as if asking for an answer.
"Ah did."
The pegasus jumped and snapped around, startled out of her wits. She soon calmed down though, once she saw who the speaker was. "Oh, Big Mac, hi!" She blushed lightly, remembering what day it was, and also wondering what was in his bulging saddlebags.
"Hello Fluttershy... Um..." He took a deep breath. "'R'ya doin' anythin' t'day?" he asked, looking away.
"N-no. Why?"
"Ah was jist wonderin' if ya... Maybe... Would like ta go somewhere... With me?" He winced a little, once again expecting rejection. It was always a possibility. Applejack said he worried to much.
She hooked a hoof around his. "Y-yes, I think I would." She too looked away.
The big red pony's head shot up. "Really? Ya would?" Fluttershy smiled at his happiness, which Big Macintosh took as a yes, and told Winona, "Home, girl." They were off.
The pair walked down the road in happy silence until they arrived at the gazebo. "Wait 'ere," Big Mac asked Fluttershy, as he took a frayed picnic blanket out of one saddlebag and spread it on the ground. He then got out two chipped plates, scratched glasses, a beat up candle, silverware, a jug of milk wrapped in ice and foil, fresh ingredients wrapped in paper, a metal heater, a dented pan, and a bowl. He laid out the ingredients: daisies, hay, bread, salt, eggs, pasta, sugar, lettuce, butter, cheese, grapes, and three kinds of apples. "Take yer pick, an' Ah'll fix it up fer ya," he said, putting his bags off to the side.
"Oh, no, you decide. You carried it all up here, I'll be happy to eat whatever you want." His face fell a little, and she soon realized her mistake. "But, if you really want me to, I guess I would like all of them sautéed?" She shrunk behind her hair, not used to stating what she wanted.
The earth pony's face brightened. "Okay!" he said, and went to work, after lighting the candle. Fluttershy sat behind her plate. Soon the aroma was too much to bear, and her stomach growled loudly. She squeaked and blushed as Big Mac looked over with a confused smile. Then his stomach growled in return. They laughed.
"Well, it's done!" he said as he served the meal. The ponies ate in relative quiet, aside from their chewing and birdsong. Fluttershy broke the silence, thanking Big Macintosh for his cooking. "Naw, it was nothin'. Yer supposed t' do somethin' special fer yer special somepony. If yer okay with that," he added quickly.
She broke into a smile and tackled him in a hug.
He could feel wet tears on his fur. "Is everythin' okay? If ya don't wanna be ma special somepony, Ah don't mind. It's—" He stopped when he heard her laughing happily. "What?"
"Th-thank you!" she cried. "I was so worried, I thought... But it doesn't matter. Just... Thank you." She calmed down and released him.
He smiled. "The surprises ain't over yet." He reached into his saddlebags and pulled out a crudely made paper heart boxish thing, which had many protuberances. He handed it to her. "Go on," he said excitedly, "open it."
She did. Inside were a multitude of different chocolates, all wrapped in a different color.
Big Mac was bear-hugged to the ground.
Fluttershy sighed into his chest, and her special somepony gave her a questioning look. "I... I haven't thought of anything to give you. I don't know what could come even close to this." She gestured around them.
"It's okay. Ya don' hafta do anythin' fer me. Ah'm just glad yer happy." He nuzzled her neck. She sighed again, this time with pleasure.
The yellow pegasus floated up first, then landed nearby as the draft got up, rubbing his neck where his yoke was. Suddenly, her face lit up. "I know! Big Mac, lay back down please, on your belly. Oh, and take your yoke off."
He obliged. "What exacly is this for?"
"Just hold still, and tell me if it hurts." His eyes widened, but stayed still.
Fluttershy jumped onto his back softly, and began the massage. She kneaded his back with her hooves like a cat would a soft blanket, feeling along his spine, and a little lower, earning herself Big Macintosh's blush. Then, still kneading, she rose to where his neck met his back slowly worked down from there, until...
POP!
"There it is! Do you feel any better?" she asked as she got off.
He stood up and rolled his shoulders. "Eeyup."
They laughed, not really knowing why. Big Mac gathered his things, and they walked home, once again in happy silence, as the sun set for the day.
Knock, knock, knock.
Fluttershy lifted up her head from her pillow. "Mhnmph." She got up, not even caring about what she looked like, and went downstairs.
Knock knockity knock.
"I'm coming!" She opened the door to Rarity's smiling face, which soon turned to absolute horror as she took in the sight of her friend.
"Oh my, darling! Look at your hair! Such a mess. I simply must fix it up for you." Fluttershy was shuttled onto a chair while Rarity levitated a brush over and began styling the pegasus's hair. Before the yellow pony could even get a "hello" out, the unicorn spoke again. "So, Fluttershy. A few days ago you came to me asking for help for a 'friend' of yours, remember? How did that turn out?"
"Um, he's okay now, if that's what you're asking."
"Yes, it is... Well, dear, I... Uh..."
Fluttershy had rarely ever seen Rarity at loss for words. "What is it? Is something wrong?"
"Oh, no, no. I just... I don't know how to ask this politely. It is very nosey of me, but I have to know!" She put the brush down, and walked around Fluttershy to face her. "Do you have a special somepony?"
"I..." Fluttershy didn't know what to say. Sure, she did have a special somepony, but did she really want Rarity to know? ... Yes, she did. Rarity was like a sister to her. She deserved to know. "Y-yes."
Her friend squealed with glee. "Oooooh I knew it I knew it Iknewit! Who is it, huh? Huh?"
"... Big M-mac..."
Rarity gasped. "Applejack's brother ?! Does she know?"
"Yes."
The white pony sat down and put a hoof to her chest. "Of course," she said, looking through the walls, "It all makes sense now... Yes, that's why he came over earlier! That's why he ordered—" She clamped her hooves over her mouth. "Ahem. Well, yes. I must go now. I have... Errands. Goodbye!" She galloped out the door.
-later that day-
Knock, knock, knock.
"Not again," Fluttershy mumbled, feeling exhausted. She was having a really trying day.
Knock knock knock knock knock.
She sighed. "Coming!" When she finally got to the door after dragging herself out of bed and down the stairs, it opened to a wall of red fur. Her mood instantaneously brightened. She hugged him. "Hi, Big Mac."
"Hi, darlin'." He hugged back.
"What brings you here today?" She led him inside onto the couch, closing the door.
"Well," he said, sitting. "Ah know yer birthday is comin' up, but Ah won't be here, Ah got t' help the Turnip's with their farm for the week, so Ah, uh... Here." He held out a little box wrapped in colorful paper with a bow on top.
She gasped, and almost wouldn't take it. "Oh, you shouldn't have. I don't want you to have to get anything for me. I don't mind not getting a present, it's okay, I don't—"
Big Mac cut in, handing her the gift. "Ah know that, dear, but Ah did anyway. Ah know it'll make ya happy. Please, open it."
"O-okay..." She carefully tore the paper, trying to preserve as much as possible, and took out a little box, like one that might hold jewelry. Inside was a necklace, the perfect length, with three butterflies forming a heart. Fluttershy began to tear up.
"D-do ya like it?" he asked, ever nervous about her tears.
She tackled him. "I love it!" She calmed down, snuggling into his chest. "Thank you."
"Yer mighty welcome, Fluttershy." He stroked a hoof down her mane.
They sat like this in silence, until...
"Big Mac?"
"Yes?"
"I, um, I was thinking..." She paused, and sighed. "Can you come to Pinkie's party tomorrow?" she asked quickly.
"Um, yeah, Ah think so. What time?"
Her breath escaped with relief. "7:00. It'll last kinda late though."
"That's fine. 7:00 it is." They got up, and he stepped out the door, which Fluttershy held open.
As he walked away, she yelled, "Wear something nice!" He turned and smiled, waving, then continued. She giggled and went back inside.
"Now, dear, what are you here for?" Rarity asked as Fluttershy walked into her shop and sat down on a chair. She followed.
"Rarity," she began, "I need your help."
"Whatever for?"
"Well, I..." She told her about asking Big Mac to Pinkie's party the next day. "And, well, I just don't know what to do. What should I wear? What should I say? What should I do ?"
"For starters, you should be yourself. You'll be fine . And I can fix you up something to wear. Oh, it'll be just perfect !!!" She squealed in delight. "Come, come, I must make measurements."
The next morning, Fluttershy was pacing about, worrying over that night. Finally, Rarity was at the door. "Is it ready?" she asked.
"Yes, yes. Now come on , I want to show you!" They made double time back to the boutique. There was a drape over one of the mannequins. "Close your eyes." Fluttershy complied. There was a whoosh ing, and the unicorn said, "Look."
She did. The dress was a moss green, with little flecks of white. It came past the mannequin's hock, but didn't drag the floor. It had layered ruffles, and the straps had extra fabric, making them poof up. In the mannequin's soft, pink wig were light blue flower buds, attached to green vines that were entwined to the locks. "Oh, Rarity, she breathed, "It's beautiful ." She glided her hoof over the fabric. It was cotton, and didn't make a sound. It was perfect.
"Don't thank me yet, dear, we still have to get you into it. But first, I'm going to take you to the spa for prepping."
That evening, near Sugar Cube Corner, Fluttershy was almost hyperventilating. This was not one of Pinkie's normal parties. This was one of the few that would require a dress and would have a slow song or two. She could hear one on now. Come on, Flutters. You can do it. Just walk inside. Yes, that's it. One step at a time. She stood in front of the door. Now or never. She opened it and stepped inside.
Whatever song was on before changed, now it was some...uh... Other song.
I'm just a poor foal, I need no sympathy...
"Cause I'm easy come, easy go ," she quietly sang along.
A voice spoke up behind her. "A little high, little low . Hi, Fluttershy."
She turned. Her stallion was in a black tux, with a green tie that was covered in apples. She sighed with relief, and smiled. "Hello, Big Mac. You look handsome tonight." She blushed.
"Really? Th-thank you. Ah didn't know if ma pap's tie would go with this, but..." He cleared his throat and blushed a well. "You also look beautiful."
She blushed harder.
The couple hung around for a while, just listening to the music, talking a little, but mostly enjoying each other. That is, until Pinkie Pie announced "Karaoke Time".
"Come on, Fluttershy, you'll do great," Twilight said, wondering of the red pony's presence.
"Yeah, don't be a Scoots," added Rainbow Dash, doing the same.
"I don't know, guys." She looked to her companion for support.
"Actually, Ah would like ta hear ya sing, if that's okay with you."
She had been swayed. "I guess, just a little. B-but you have to do it to," she added quickly to Big Macintosh.
"Well, okay. How about you do one, then Ah'll do one, and then we'll do a duet. That sound good?" She nodded. "Just look at me, and you'll be fine."
Up on the stage, Fluttershy was having second thoughts. I can't do this, I can't do this, Ican'tdothis! Suddenly, the song started.
Sun is filling up the room, I can hear you breathing...
Fluttershy did not start until the forth or fifth line, and even then nopony could hear her. It wasn't until she locked eyes with Big Mac that she began to sing louder.
Please don't stand so close to me, I'm having trouble breathing. I'm afraid of what you'll see, Right now. I give you everything I am, All my broken heartbeats. Until I know you'll understand. And I'll make sure, To keep my distance. Say 'I love you' when your not listening, How long can we keep this up, up, up...
After that, she began to lose confidence, and the audience could barely hear the last line.
How long till we call this love, love, love...
She practically ran off the stage, terrified of what they would think of her.
Clapclapclapclapaclapclap. The uproar took her by surprise. Surely she had done horribly?
Big Mac meet her on his way up. "Beautiful, Flutters." Then he was gone. She numbly found a spot by her friends. Now it was his turn.
He had decided to chance the lyrics of his song slightly.
Feeling ma hooves start shakin', Hearin' your voice Ah'm overjoyed. Ah'm sorry but Ah have no choice. Yer only gettin' better.
And the rest was magnificent, as Fluttershy told him when he was off stage. Somepony else had taken the spotlight. They kindly waited their turn. After a few more ponies, they were up. They did their duet, with Fluttershy shaking at the effort not to flee, and her friends finally understood just who Big Mac was to her. Then a slow song came on.
All the crazy in my dreams, Both my broken wings, Every single piece of everything I am, Yeah, she knows the stallion I ain't, She forgives me when I can't, And the Discord stallion, he don't stand a chance, Cause she loves me like Celestia does.
One of Mac's friends came up behind him and whispered in his ear, "Dance with her!" So he did. He put his head over hers, and her head stayed on his chest, and they swayed to the beat.
"Fluttershy?"
"Mm?"
"Ah think... Well um... Ah love you."
She paused, then pressed closer. "I love you too."
Needless to say, it was a perfect night.
a few days later (edited)
It rained the day Big Macintosh was trotting along a muddy path trough the orchard when he heard a whimper deep in the trees to his right. He rushed over to find a tiny white bunny shivering in the wet grass by Bloomburg. The tree seemed to lean back away from the rabbit as Big Mac came to investigate. “Well, Ah’ll be darned,” he said as he pick up the shivering animal. “What’re ya doin’ here? Ah best git ya ta Futtershy.” He put it on his back. He was already at the outskirts of Ponyville when he remembered he didn’t know where she lived. “Aw shoot. It’ll take more time ta go back, Ah guess Ah’ll hafta ask around. Hey, Lyra!” he called out to the sea-foam green pony, “Do ya know where Fluttershy lives?”
“Who, that new pony? I think it’s by the Everfree Forest. Oh, and tell Granny Smith to make some more pies. My mom’s coming over later to buy some.”
“Will do. Thanks.” He set off in that direction. He soon reached Fluttershy’s cottage and knocked on the door.
It opened slightly to reveal one big, sky-blue eye and a few whisks of pink mane. “H-hello?”
“Good mornin’ Futtershy. Ah got a patient fer ya.” He turned to show her the bunny on his rear.
The door swung open all the way. “Oh, goodness! Bring him inside. Oh, um, if you want to, that is. I can work out here if it would be more comfortable for you.”
“Nah, inside is fine.” He stepped around her. “Nice place ya got. Where should Ah put’ im?”
“Oh, on the table please. I’ll get him a pillow.”
He set the rabbit down. “So, uh, why do ya live way out here?”
“Hm?” Fluttershy mumbled as she examined the animal, “Oh, it’s much quieter and less stressful on the patients. Where did you find him, again?”
“Out’n the orchard under Bloomberg.”
“Bloomberg?”
“Applejack’s favorite tree.”
“Well, he’s very wet and cold, but he’ll make it through. Did you see any other bunnies out?”
“Nope.”
“Um, okay, so, is it alright if I keep him here?”
“O’course. G’bye, Fluttershy. Nice meetin’ ya.”
“Goodbye.”
Big Macintosh left the cottage and went home.
It was a strange sight, Fluttershy leading a few deer carrying Big Macintosh on their backs through the town, and many ponies stared. Fluttershy led the stags toward the hospital but was intercepted by Carrot Top, who was tending her garden when she saw how beat-up Big Mac looked. "What happened?" she asked.
"No time, Carrot Top, but I'll tell you later. Could You please help and move ponies out of the way? That is, um, if you want to, I could do it alone, but-"
"Of course, no problem at all. Alright, ponies, move it! Let her through!"
"Thank you so much," Fluttershy said softly. Carrot Top didn't hear.
Some time later, they made it to the hospital, and the doctors led Big Macintosh away on a stretcher. The receptionist motioned her over. "I need to know what happened, sweetie."
"Oh, um, okay, well, I was feeding the animals when I heard a 'thud' come from the Everfree forest."
"Uh-huh. And?"
"Oh, well, I went to see what had happened, and I saw that a tree had fallen on Mr. Macintosh, so I asked a few deer to help move him here."
"How did you move the tree?"
"Um... I don't know?"
"Fine. What injuries has he sustained?"
"Well, it felt like he had a few broken ribs and internal bleeding, and he might have a punctured lung."
"I see. Thank you Fluttershy. He should be fine. Could you also tell his family? Oh, and your next appointment is in a week."
"I will, ma'am, and I won't miss it. Thank you." She headed out the door and started towards Sweet Apple Acres.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Applejack was bucking trees when she saw Fluttershy flying faster than normal strait towards her. When she came within earshot, Applejack shouted, "Whoah! Slow down there, sugarcube. What's got ya in such a rush?"
Fluttershy landed to catch her breath. In between gasps, she said, "Big Mac... hurt... at hospital..." Applejack took off without another word. Fluttershy cantered to the farmhouse and knocked on the door. Applebloom answered.
"Why, howdy, Fluttershy!" Her speech had improved. " What brings ya here? Applejack is out applebucking, and Big Mac's chasin' a timberwolf back inta Everfree, and Granny's sleepin'."
"Big Macintosh is at the hospital, Apple Bloom, could you tell Granny Smith and take her there, please? If you don't mind, that is."
"Oh... sure... uh..." Apple Bloom looked dazed. She slowly turned around back into the house, and Fluttershy started home.
The next day, when Fluttershy went into town, she noticed that ponies were staring at her. Not glancing over and going about their business, but training their eyes on her. She mistakingly hid herself behind her mane, and ended up bumping into Twilight Sparkle.
"Oh, I'm sorry, exus-"
"Hey Fluttershy! How are you?" Twilight said.
"Umm... o-okay I guess. Umm... do you know why everypony is staring at me? If you don't mind, that is."
"Yeah, I guess you would be wondering what's going on. Well, ever since you saved Mr. Macintosh, the whole town considers you a hero. Or heroine, in this case."
"W-why? I'm no hero. I did what anypony else would do."
"Exactly. If I had done it, everypony would be staring at me. It's just how the equine mind works."
"Oh, okay. So, umm, how is Big Macintosh?"
"Why don't you go down to Sweet Apple Acres and ask him? The hospital released him. Didn't take long for the doctors to fix him up, thanks to your observations."
"Oh, umm, okay, I will. Thanks, Twilight."
"No problem. Have a nice day!" she called as she trotted toward her library.
"You too," Fluttershy whispered as she turned in the direction of Applejack's farm.
After many failed attempts at avoiding people, she made it to the orchard. She made it to the base of a hill just as she saw Applejack stalk away from her brother with a scowl on her face. She was about to turn and leave as Big Mac caught sight of her. He had thick bandaging around his barrel. "Well, hello there Miss Fluttershy. What brings ya'll 'round these parts?"
"Oh, umm, hello, Big Macintosh. I came to see how you were doing," she said as she went up the hill.
"Ah'm doin' great, thanks ta ya an' yer quick thinkin'. If it warn't fer ya, Ah'd prabably not've made it." He leaned toward Fluttershy and gave her a deep look. "Thank you."
"Oh, umm..." She blushed at his closeness. "I-It wasn't much..."
"It was, an' Ah'm incred'bly grateful to ya. Anythin' ya want done, any favor ya need, Ah'll do it."
"Oh, you don't have to, you're not in debt or anything."
"But Ah am. Ya save ma life. Plus, Ah wanna help ya." He blushed at this. "Yer nice ta be around," he said softly.
Fluttershy blushed deeper. "T-thank you... you're nice too." He smiled. "Well, umm," Fluttershy started, "would you like to come to my cottage for tea? If you don't mind. I mean, I guess you can't because you have to work, but-" She was interrupted by a red hoof on her lips.
"Ah would love to."
Big Macintoshknocked on Fluttershy's door. "Fluttershy? It's Big Mac." The door opened, and Fluttershy stared at him blankly. "Ah came to apologize." She steped back to let Big Mac in.
They sat on her couch. "Fluttershy," Big Macintosh began.
"It's okay."
"What?"
"You don't have to apologize for not," a tear slid down her cheek, "for not liking me..."
"Oh, Fluttershy..." He wiped the tear away. "Ah came to apologize for what Applejack said. Ah said 'nothin' 'cuz Ah was worried that... That maybe... That maybe there was nothing." He looked down.
"Is there nothing?"
"Huh?"
"I said 'nothing' because I was scared that you really meant 'nothing'. Is there nothing?" She looked worried.
"Fluttershy," he started, and took a deep breath. "Ah don't know about you, but... But fer me... Ah think there... May be something." He winced, waiting for the rejection that was sure to come.
Instead, he felt a hoof on his. "I think so too," Fluttershy said. She began to weep with happiness, and buried her face in Big Mac's strong chest. They hugged, like last time, but Big Macintosh did the one thing both had been secretly dreaming of since the day they met.
He kissed her.
Fluttershy was out in the market, purchasing more carrots for Angel, when she saw Big Macintosh, as she did everyday, walking down the path in between vendors, looking for his spot among them. Truthfully, the only reason the mare came down to to market was to see him. She raised her hoof in greeting, per usual, but received only a grunt in reply. He did not look up, and seemed partially annoyed with her presence. The pegasus's confidence shrunk as her worry grew. What had him bothered? Was it her? Did she do something wrong? Should she ask him? No. It was none of her business.
Big Mac was in the same mood as yesterday. No waves. Annoyed demeanor. Fluttershy needed help.
"Whatever is it, darling?" Rarity asked after Fluttershy inquired if she could help her.
"Well, um... A friend of mine... He, uh, he seems mad at me. But I don't know why."
"Oh!" Rarity's Stallion Sense was tingling. "Is there anything in particular he did to give off this vibe?"
"Um, well, I waved at him, but he didn't wave back... And he looked annoyed at me. I... I think I mad him angry, but I don't know how. Then... Normally we walk home together, for a ways, but he left early, saying he had work. He's been like this for a few days."
"You have nothing to worry about. Whatever it is, he'll get over it."
Rarity was right.
At the market, Fluttershy paid for cherries, a bit more than she expected, but fair nonetheless. Her special somepony had brought a few friends. She looked at him, preparing a useless wave, just as he smiled and laughed at a joke one was telling.
Her heart seized up, and tried to push it's way out of her chest. Everything but his smile blurred, and her world became brighter.
Then it ended.
Her heart burrowed back to it's original place. Her vision cleared; the world seemed dim. But she held on to that feeling of happiness.
Later, he was with his friends again, but he still accompanied her home, and she got to know his friends a little better.
He lingered behind at the fork where they had to split, so she hugged him. The happiness gave her the courage. As he turned to walk away, she noticed his legs. They were well muscled, and her heart gave a little flutter at the sight.
"Uh... Um... Big Mac?"
"Eeyup?" He asked, looking at her.
"You... Uh... Have s-sexy legs."
He smiled, blushing, and went on his way.
