Couples of the Alternate Realities

by Majestical4729

Rating: everyone
Tags: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Other, Romance, Sunset Shimmer
Length: 6423

Only one couple can be accepted...but not when there are alternate realities!

After receiving an enchanted book from a friend of Luster Dawn's, Sunset Shimmer flipped through her newest belonging's pages to see what happens in the actual world and reality, alongside what happens in other worlds and realities. Despite initially hoping to just see what her friends (who graduated from Canterlot High ages ago) were doing, she is fascinated by a lot of interesting things she could also see in other alternate realities, and what was happening in each reality, where some familiar creatures were married to some creature else...

This is my second story series, and my eleventh overall story. It may contain the ships that I do not really support as I support another ship, but I am willing to write this as I care about the possibilities I know and can think of. Due to my morality, I will only do opposite-sex couples, and since I am not good at writing about child-raising, I probably will only write about how the couples get together and married, I hope that everyone accepts that fact.

Also, I had ideas for this story back in the year 2020 when someone's comment told me that I cannot make all shippers happy, and after I thought what they said was true. I eventually got the idea someday after all the aforementioned events, but kept it a secret until it was ready, serving as my surprise for viewers.

Although the title of this story is 'Couples of the Alternate Realities', it does not really take place in an alternate universe, as Sunset Shimmer is in the original universe watching the events occur from an enchanted book. Therefore, this story is linked to my other stories.

Published 2021-03-02 14:50:01 UTC
Last updated 2021-03-02 14:50:01 UTC

The Enchanted Book

Author's Note

For more information about my fanfics' Luster Dawn and character Xian Zhe, readers should see my tenth overall story, My Little Pony: How the Magic of Friendship Grows (Season 1) (Chapters/episodes 1, 13 and optionally 24).

I originally wrote Sunset Shimmer creating the book by accident with a magic spell, but then thought that unicorn magic most likely will not be strong enough, so I decided to use one of my OCs from my tenth overall story, Xian Zhe the ancient serpent, despite not wanting to do so originally.

The Enchanted Book

Sunset Shimmer's alarm clock rang before she pressed a button on it, turning off the alarm. Ever since she moved back to Equestria, Sunset served as the guardian of the Crystal Mirror in the Castle of Friendship's Library, and would spend all night guarding it to ensure no creature went in or out of it, unless she performed a sleeplessness spell on herself.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the Library door. "Come in," Sunset told the creature nothe other side.

One of the doors opened and revealed Luster Dawn, the biological daughter of Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst.

"Good morning Luster, so out of all the creatures who live here, you're the creature who's responsible for giving me my breakfast/dinner today?" Sunset Shimmer asked and greeted.

"Yes, I am giving you your breakfast/dinner today since you work at night and sleep in the day unlike most of us and therefore we tend to say that...but anyway, that's not the only reason why I'm here before you sleep." Luster replied, as she gave Sunset the latter's food on a tray.

Luster Dawn then used her magic to open the other door, revealing a creature that resembled a serpent, to Sunset Shimmer's surprise.

"Oh, hi Luster's friend. It's good to see and meet you." Sunset greeted.

"Miss Sunset Shimmer, this is my..." Luster began, before struggling to think of what to say next, "not so new nor not so old, friend Xian Zhe. He is an ancient serpent who knows very rare, ancient magic, and his kind can live up to 12 decades old!"

"That's all true, but that's not all." Xian Zhe responded, "Luster told me about how bored you usually get; guarding the Crystal Mirror to prevent creatures from crossing worlds, work at night, sleep during day unless you casted a sleeplessness spell, only message your friends from the other world and get messages from them through magical books..."

"And only getting to see them whenever their book's pages run out, as they visit for a short while so they can get a new one." Sunset pointed out.

"Anyway, back to the point of why I brought Xian Zhe here with me." Luster stated, nodding to the ancient serpent.

"Luster and I figured that if you had this by your side, you won't be so bored." Xian Zhe said, bringing his whole long serpent body into the Castle Library, revealing that he had an old-looking book with him on his tail.

"That's...very kind of you two..." Sunset replied.

"It's more than just a book, it's an enchanted book that unicorns most likely can never make by enchanting books!" Luster pointed out.

"It is an enchanted book that can show you what's happening in this world and reality, and what's happening in your friends' world, and a lot of other realities and worlds!" Xian Zhe explained.

"Really? Thanks but no thanks, I don't need to see that many worlds nor realities..." Sunset rejected.

"But will you want to see your friends and what's going on in their world?" Luster asked.

"Now that you put it that way...I will like to see them...but not the physically see them in this case, just see and know how things are going!" Sunset answered.

"Then that settles it: This enchanted book is now yours to keep and use, Miss Sunset Shimmer. Take a very good care of it." Xian Zhe responded.

"The first page shows the world and reality we are in, and the second shows th world your friends live in, because they're close." Luster informed the enchanted book's new owner, before correcting, "As in this reality world and their reality world are close."

"And I got to go, ancient serpents got things to do you know." Xian Zhe respectfully told the unicorns, "It was nice seeing you both while I could! Farewell!"

"It's nice seeing and meeting you, too!" Sunset Shimmer called back, after Xian Zhe left by the door.

"I got to go help my parents at the School of Friendship now." Luster informed, "I'll come back at evening...or early night...to check on how you're doing with your newest belonging. If you wanted to return it, I'm sure Xian Zhe and I will understand and return the enchanted book to Xian Zhe's bookshelves."

"Thanks for everything Luster, and tell Xian Zhe that I thank him, too." Sunset Shimmer answered.

"Sure will when have the chance, now I really must go. Check the book out!" Luster replied, before leaving the Castle Library though teleporting out.

Flipping the cover, Sunset saw the first page showing herself in the Library, before swiping it with her hoof, changing its image to show Luster Dawn and the latter's best friends having dinner. Swiping her hoof across the page again, Sunset saw Pinkie Pie, Cheese Sandwich, their son Lil'Cheese, and the Cake Twins in Sugarcube Corner. After a few more swipes that showed Fluttershy, Discord and their daughter Screwball, Rainbow Dash, Soarin and their twins, Sonic and Rainboom, Applejack, Caramel, their daughter and Applejack's immediate family at Sweet Apple Acres, and Rarity with her children Precious Treasure and Sparity, Sunset understood what the first page does.

"The first page allows me to see what's happening in Equestria! Now I will know what's happening without some creature telling me!" the unicorn exclaimed, before flipping the page, seeing an image of Sci-Twi in Canterlot High's Principal Office.

"Oh, Twilight, being Principal of Canterlot High, is usually in the office as usual," Sunset told herself, before seeing another alternate world image on the page beside it.

Uninterested, Sunset decided to look at the next page, which showed something that made Sunset gasp, "Fluttershy and Big Mac?! But...Fluttershy is married to Discord! Big Mac is with Sugar Belle!"

Thoughts filled Sunset's mind before she figured it out, "I got it! This book shows events happening in different worlds and realities! So the Fluttershy and Big Mac shown in this page must be the Fluttershy and Big Mac from not Equestria, but a different world! A different reality!"

Fluttershy and Big Mac

In the other reality, Fluttershy returned to her cottage near the Everfree Forest, where she was greeted by Big Mac.

"Hello, Madam Fluttershy," Big Mac greeted in a somewhat romantic tone, "Another day after work, isn't it?"

Fluttershy chuckled, "Oh, Big Mac, you know it."

"Mum, you're home!" a colt ran up to his mother and hugged her.

"Oh, Flutter Macintosh, you're such a little concerned-for-others angel," Fluttershy giggled, stroking her son's mane.

"The family's waiting for you, with a little something special for you today..." the colt informed.

Fluttershy and Big Mac looked at each other for a few seconds, before they followed their son to where the rest of the Apple family was waiting.

"Surprise!" Applejack, Apple Bloom, and their huge extended family shouted in unison, as they jumped out of their hiding places in Sweet Apple Acres' barn.

"Wow, the whole Apple Family came?" Fluttershy asked.

"Not just the Apples!" a familiar hyperactive voice chirped, causing Fluttershy and her husband Big Mac to look at Pinkie Pie and the party pony's family, the Pie family.

"Since the Apples and Pies are as close as a real family, the Pies came too!" Pinkie Pe informed.

"And not just the pies, the Pear family came too, because we're part of both Apples and Pears." Apple Bloom stated.

"All together to celebrate your twentieth anniversary!" Applejack ended.

"But...I thought creatures celebrate anniversaries by....being alone together?" Flutershy asked.

"You are going to be alone! Even with us around!" Pinkie Pie chirped.

"And how is that possible?" Fluttershy asked again.

"What Pinkie Pie meant is that you two love ponies just enjoy your anniversary, while the rest of us set up all the fun for you!" Applejack clarified.

"Aw...thanks, Applejack." Fluttershy answered.

"Come on ya'll, let's get to work!" Apple Bloom told the guests, signalling them to leave Fluttershy and Big Mac alone.

"Happy anniversary, Mum and Dad." Flutter Macintosh gently told his parents, before joining the family, moving out of the barn.

"You sure are lucky to have a big family before we're married, Big Mac." Fluttershy told her husband, starting a conversation.

"Sure am, Fluttershy. And you are too, ever since we're together." Big Mac replied.

"Oh, Big Mac. Did you mean since we started our relationship as a thing, or when we married?" Fluttershy questioned.

"Since we became a thing, Flutter. Talking about this reminds me of the very long story of how we got together..." Big Mac responded.

In a flashback, Big Mac, as old as he was throughout most of the Friendship is Magic series, was in Sweet Apple Acres doing work as usual: Pulling a heavy wagon of apples, watering the crops, packing deliveries, and feeding the farm animals such as chickens and pigs.

However, unlike usual, Big Mac felt hotter and more uncomfortable as he worked, before letting a big, loud sneeze all of a sudden during feeding time, which startled the chickens.

After the sneeze, Big Mac finally accepted the fact that he was unwell, and decided to head inside to rest instead of continue working. Not long after the stallion went indoors, Fluttershy just happened to be passing by, walking on the dirt road., humming to herself, before stopping as she saw the startled animals' behaviour.

"Those poor chickens look terrified! I better go see what's up." Fluttershy commented, before flying to the chicken coop, trying to calm the chickens down.

"There, there, no need to be scared. Everything is alright now, little birds." Fluttershy told the chickens in a warm, kind, caring tone, successfully calming them down.

"Hey, Fluttershy!" Applejack greeted in her usual cowgirl way, "What brings you to Sweet Apple Acres today?"

"Well, I actually never intended to come, but I saw these chickens terrified, I mean, they were startled by something. I can't just walk by and ignore them, they needed to be calmed down." Fluttershy explained.

"That's kind of you Fluttershy, and sorry they made you take a detour." Applejack apologised.

"I wouldn't say detour..." Fluttershy replied.

"Anyway, I hope that you will have a better day than my family and I would...especially Big Mac..." Applejack sighed.

"Big Mac?" Fluttershy asked.

"He's caught a cold and isn't going to be working for possibly...a few days..." Applejack figured in an unhappy tone.

"A few days?!" Fluttershy gasped.

"Unless he can recover sooner. Because some colds can even go on for a week or more!" Applejack explained.

"A week or more?!" Fluttershy repeated in a tone that expressed her shock and fear.

"Can you please stop repeating everything I said like that?" Applejack asked in a much plainer tone compared to the previous tone.

"Sorry, Applejack. But I can't help it. I can't think of poor Big Mac having a cold for the long!" Fluttershy apologised.

"Neither can I, but these things are beyond our control. We have to accept it, and hope that he'll be better soon. In less than a week obviously..." Applejack returned to her earlier sad tone, before walking off to do her work.

"But hoping isn't enough! Some creature's got to take care of him!" Fluttershy cried.

"I know, Fluttershy. But why do you care so much? You didn't back when Big Mac was sick before Twilight was crowned Ruler of Equestria!" Applejack reminded.

"Only because you were taking care of him! And since you aren't right now, I'm worried that you left him..." Fluttershy explained, before being cut off by Applejack.

"Not taken care of? He's having a nap right now!"

"But what if he still needs to sleep but got no water, and needs to call some creature to get it for him?" Fluttershy asked.

"Fluttershy, if you care this much, why don't you take care of him?!" Applejack snapped, scaring the pegasus.

Applejack then calmed down upon seeing the frightened look on Fluttershy's face, apologising, "Sorry, Fluttershy. I just got annoyed by your questions...because they were coming non-stop."

"It's alright, Applejack. I'm sorry that I can't help but care this much, because of my kindness. And when you're kind, you care about others," Fluttershy explained.

"I know, Fluttershy. And if you want to take care of Big Mac, you should. I allow it." Applejack informed.

"Thanks, Applejack. But I can only look after him for a little while of the day. Like, a maximum of 3 hours." Fluttershy stated.

"Anything better than none!" Applejack responded, "You're a good friend, to do this, Fluttershy."

Big Mac opened his eyes and saw a familiar face looking down at his.

"Fluttershy?" the sick stallion asked.

"Yes...Big Mac, it's me, Fluttershy." Flutershy replied.

"What are you doing here?" Big Mac asked, sitting up.

"Applejack told me that you're sick, and might not be able to recover so soon. I was really worried, that Applejack decided to let me take care of you for as long as I can." Fluttershy explained.

"But...my cold...can be..." Big Mac shivered before swing the next word out loud, "Contagious."

"Don't worry, Big Mac. I'm actually wearing an invisible mask." Fluttershy assured, revealing the mask to be transparent due to its material plastic, by flying near the light on the room's ceiling. "Because I don't want you to get a shock when you wake up...I mean, if you saw me wearing an opaque mask...you might think that...you're in a hospital?"

Big Mac blinked, before Fluttershy continued, "And I brought sanitisers and soap, so there's not much to worry about."

Hearing that Fluttershy had everything prepared just to take care of him, Big Mac could not help but blush, causing him to gulp, "Fluttershy, that's very kind of you..."

"Aw, Big Mac, thanks for the compliment, but you don't really need to thank me, I'm just doing an act of kindness." Fluttershy replied, "Now, will you like some water? You are really going to need it."

The days passed and Big Mac was getting healthier and healthier, to every creature's relief. Soon, Big Mac was completely recovered, as Fluttershy took his temperature.

"Great news, your temperature's back in the healthy range! No fever!" Fluttershy informed.

"And I'm not cold!" Big Mac added.

"Now, will you be alright to work again? I mean, start with something simple like...making breakfast?" Fluttershy suggested.

"Eeyup." Big Mac agreed in his usual catchphrase, before walking off to the kitchen.

The Apple Family consisting of Applejack and Apple Bloom and Granny Smith sat by the table, with Fluttershy sitting beside them.

"Thanks for agreeing to let me have breakfast with you today," Fluttershy thanked.

"No need to thank us, Fluttershy. The Apples are very friendly ponies, meant to treat others like family." Granny Smith replied.

"And since you took care of Big Mac all those days, you deserved it!" Apple Bloom chimed in.

"What she meant is, you deserve to have breakfast with us today, and any other day." Applejack clarified.

"Speaking of breakfast, it's ready!" Apple Bloom announced, as her older brother walked towards the table on three hooves, with one of his front hooves holding the tray with breakfast on it.

"Eeyup." said Big Mac, as a response to Apple Bloom's earlier announcement, placing breakfast on the table.

"Wow, Big Mac..." Fluttershy commented upon seeing what breakfast was, "That's...very sweet of you..."

Big Mac could not help but blush as he replied, "No need to compliment...Fluttershy..."

Unlike usual breakfast like every other day, this time Big Mac made breakfast that was a lot more like an artwork compared to all the other meals and food he ever made: He made a platter with apple slices portraying flower petals around yellowish heart shaped pancakes, with cherries on top.

"This is very different from all the other times you made breakfast and meals for us, Big Mac. Are you sure you're back to normal?" Applejack asked.

"Eeyup..." Big Mac gulped, nervously.

"Come on, Apples. I'm sure Big Mac made this breakfast like this to show that he loves us all for being there for him." Granny Smith told the others, before digging into the pancakes.

Seeing the oldest pony eating up like nothing was different, the others followed, before it was time for Fluttershy to pack her things up.

"Thanks for everything, Fluttershy!" Apple Bloom thanked in her cheerful tone.

"Hope we can repay you someday!" Applejack added, waving one of her best friends goodbye.

Big Mac then approached Fluttershy, "Fluttershy, tank you so much for taking care of me. You really are the Element of Kindness, and you always will be."

"Aw...thanks, Big Mac..." Fluttershy replied, her cheeks turning red. "Hopefully every creature can be kind, too. But even when that happens, I still will be as kind as kind can be. Now if you please excuse me, I need to go back to taking care of my animals."

Fluttershy then flew off, with Big Mac watching her from the ground, waving goodbye. The stallion then stared at the scene he last saw Fluttershy in the sky, just before Applejack startled him, "Alright, Apples! No time for dilly-dallying! Time to get working on all hooves! And that goes for you too, Big Mac!"

After recovering from his shortly-lasted startled state, Big Mac walked towards his family members, looking upset.

"What's wrong, big brother?" Apple Bloom asked, noticing something unusual with Big Mac, "I know you usually don't talk, nor use words, but your face sure is speaking a lot of them!"

"Um, Apple Bloom? Faces don't speak, the creature who has them does." Applejack pointed out.

"No, what I meant is, Big Mac's expression on his face tells me that something is wrong with him." Apple Bloom clarified.

Applejack quickly realised what her younger sister meant, taking a look at Big Mac's face for herself.

"Sweet apple cider, you're right, Apple Bloom! Big Mac's recovered from his cold, so there shouldn't be a reason for him to be unhappy!" Applejack said out loud, before kindly asking her older brother, "What's wrong, sugar cube?"

"Fluttershy..." was the only word Big Mac muttered.

"Is she what's wrong?" Apple Bloom asked in a confused tone.

"I miss her..." Big Mac responded.

"Don't worry Big Mac, Fluttershy may live in a cottage near the Everfree Forest, but she is still Ponyville resident like we are!" Applejack assured, "We can see each other, anytime!"

"She's just so kind..." Big Mac continued talking about the pegasus mare who took care of him.

"Of course she is kind!" Apple Bloom responded, "I mean, she's the Element of Kindness!"

"I...couldn't help but...but..." Big Mac struggled to say the next word.

"Think about her?" Applejack asked.

"Or love her?!" Apple Bloom asked.

The youngest of the three Apple siblings made the oldest sibling's eyes widen, causing him to react, "Don't tell any creature!"

The two sisters were shocked to receive such a reaction from their brother, as the chances of seeing Big Mac act the way he just acted were as slim as impossible.

"Sorry...just...please don't..." Big Mac apologised in a panicked tone.

"Don't worry, don't worry, your secret is safe with us." Applejack assured.

"But Big Mac, if that secret is true, don't you want to get her to like you back?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Uh..." Big Mac struggled to respond, before Apple Bloom beat him to it.

"Don't worry, no love potions nor magic mistake like last time!" Apple Bloom saluted.

"O...kay..." Big Mac replied.

"Then let's make a plan! You know, a lan to get her to like you back!" Apple Bloom cheerfully told her big brother, turning around to head to the Barn.

"After we finish work today!" Applejack shouted, stopping the youngest Apple sibling in her tracks.

Soon, after everything was done by sunset, Applejack complimented the family for working, "Well done, Apples. That's the last chore today."

"Now, can we think of how we are going to get Fluttershy to like our big brother?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Shh! Apple Bloom! We don't want to risk some creature overhearing us and telling Fluttershy!" Applejack hushed.

"Sorry...maybe we should do it in the Barn..." Apple Bloom apologised.

"Sure should. More privacy there," Applejack agreed, leading her siblings into the Barn.

Once inside, the mares shut the doors and windows, to ensure no creature outside knew what they were doing.

Apple Bloom started the conversation by asking, "Alright, what do you think Fluttershy will like about a stallion? I mean...a special some creature?"

"Well...for starters, luttershy probably won't like some creature who love scaring her..." Applejack honestly stated.

"Hello?! I asked for what she will like! Not what she won't like!" Apple Bloom clarified.

"Sorry, I thought saying that will eliminate some candidates and narrow down our choices." Applejack explained, "I mean, there's a whole gazillion of different personalities and characteristics! We don't want to spend time focusing on them all! We just want to focus on what we need! The personality Fluttershy will like!"

"You're right, Applejack." Apple Bloom replied, before asking her big brother, "What do you think, Big Mac? From your time with Fluttershy, what do you think she will like to see from you?"

Big Mac thought for a while, before remembering the last thing he heard Fluttershy say; Hopefully every creature can be kind, too. But even when that happens, I still will be as kind as kind can be.

"She hopes that...every creature can be kind..." Bug Mac muttered loud enough for his sisters to hear.

"Then you're in luck! You know about being kind, Big Mac!" Applejack cheered.

"Yeah! Being kind means caring about others, and you do care about others, Big Mac!" Apple Bloom added.

"But, will Fluttershy love...me?" Big Mac gulped.

"Well...that...we're not so sure." Apple Bloom replied.

"But maybe we can help you show her that you're kind like she is!" Applejack assured.

In a montage, the three Apple siblings looked around Ponyville the next day, trying to find some creature who could need help. They eventually had no luck, as no creature accepted their offer, not needing any help.

At the end of the day, the three disappointed Apple siblings walked home to their barn

"We're os sorry Big Mac, we wanted to help you, but we ended up wasting a whole day!" Apple Bloom apologised.

"I'm sorry too," Big Mac apologised, "We wouldn't even have to do this if it weren't for me."

"Don't look at it that way, Big Mac!" Applejack assured, "We Apples help each other! Through rain and shine!"

Meanwhile, at Sugar Cube Corner, Fluttershy was getting some cupcakes from Pinkie Pie.

"Here you go, Fluttershy! All the cupcakes you've ordered, as ordered!" Pinkie Pie cheerfully told the pegasus, giving the latter the box.

"Thanks, Pinkie. I'm glad that you were willing to make them, especially because they were for a charity event, meant to help others out!" Fluttershy replied.

"Speaking of helping others out, have you heard of who really wants to help others out today?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"Uh...no?" Fluttershy asked, obviously confused.

"The three Apples, Big Mac, Applejack and Apple Bloom!" Pinkie Pie answered, "Or well, more specifically Big Mac, according to what was seen and heard by every creature else. He wants to help others because he cares! Like, really, really!"

"Big Mac? Wanting to help others?" Fluttershy asked, before silently thinking; I told Big Mac that I hoped that every creature could be kind, and being kind means caring about others and helping them like a friend would. If Big Mac is only doing this...want-to-help-others so badly thing, after I said that I hoped every creature can be kind, it means that he wants to show me that he can be kind like me!

"Uh, Fluttershy? You alright?" Pinkie Pie asked, waving a hoof in front of the lost-in-thought Fluttershy.

Fluttershy finally snapped out of her thoughts and responded, "I'm alright, Pinkie. Just lost in thought...but don't worry, I'm all better..."

The pegasus went out the door and closed it, leaving a suspicious Pinkie behind.

"Hmm...something's not quite right here..."

That evening, after the sky turned dark, the Apples of Sweet Apple Acres were having dinner, a while before there was a knock on the door.

"I'll get it!" Apple Bloom announced, rushing to the door.

Opening it, the young Earth Pony four a familiar pegasus on the other side.

"Fluttershy?! Gee, I never thought that you'd come back so soon!" Apple Bloom asked and responded to Fluttershy's unexpected visit.

"Sorry I didn't tell you I was coming. I just would like to have a little talk with Big Mac, for the moment." Fluttershy explained.

Big Mac, who overheard the conversation from where he, Applejack and Granny Smith were, was surprised to hear Fluttershy saying that.

"Go on, there, Big Mac. Some creature's calling you!" Applejack encouraged.

Big Mac trotted to the door where Fluttershy was waiting.

"Big Mac, I've heard that you really wanted to help others today," Fluttershy started the conversation, making Big Mac nervous.

"Eyeyup..."

"It looks like you've really taken in my words about hoping the every creature can be kind," Fluttershy continued.

"Eeyup..."

"But you don't really need to ask around who needs help like that, you just help when you know others need help. Like when the Breezies were in trouble, I helped them, because they needed help, and I cared about them." Fluttershy stated an example.

"I see what you man, Fluttershy...I just wanted to show you that I can be kind...like you wanted..." Big Mac spoke up.

"Oh, Big Mac. You already are kind, especially when you cared about what I said that I was hoping for," Fluttershy smiled.

"Really?" Big Mac asked Fluttershy, while looking into her eyes.

"Really, Big Mac. You know...no creature ever seems to take in my words of hoping that every creature could be kind, as much as you did. Even though you got a little misconception of it, I can see that you do value kindness." Fluttershy told him, causing him to giggle nervously and uncontrollably.

"And the fact that you do value kindness, is what I like about you," Fluttershy ended, nuzzling the stallion, who quickly nuzzled her back.

"Oh, Fluttershy, your kindness is what I like about you, too." Big Mac said, returning the nuzzle.

In the present day, the married ponies were lost in thought, thinking about their love story.

"Yes, I remember that moment, that very moment." Fluttershy said, touched by the memory.

"Ever since then, we were a thing, but not a family, until the special time of our lives..." Big Mac recalled, thinking about what happened.

A year after Fluttershy and Big Mac became each other's special some-pony, Big Mac figured it was finally time to propose. He was unsure of what the outcome would be if he did so, hence he had a chat with his family about it over dinnertime.

"And today's dinner is served!" Applejack announced, placing the plates on the dining table for the family.

"One of our favourite dishes of all time?! You're the best, Applejack!" Apple Bloom exclaimed, hugging her older sister who made the dish.

"Aw, it was nothing, sugar cube. Just figured that we hadn't have this for a while, so why not make it?" Applejack told her younger sister.

"It's very friendly of you, Applejack." Grany Smith said, before asking, "Isn't it, Big Mac?"

Big Mac was lost in thought, thinking about whether he should propose to Fluttershy or not, before the three mares snapped him out of it by yelling his name out loud in unison, "BIG MAC!"

"Wha-what?!" a confused Big Mac responded.

"What were you thinking, Big Mac?" Apple Bloom asked.

"That you were so busy thinking of, to even hear Granny's question for you!" Applejack added.

"I'm sorry, I was just thinking about..." Big Mac gulped.

"About what?" Applejack questioned.

"You can tell us, Big Mac. We're a family like real family! We'll be there for you!" Apple Bloom assured.

Big Mac took a deep breath and summoned his courage, "I want to propose to Fluttershy, but not so sure of what to do! And I'm not even sure if I should or shouldn't do it so soon!"

The mares thought for a while, before answering.

"Well, Fluttershy and you are still a thing, which is just one step away from becoming official family..." Applejack honestly replied.

"And you two felt right together! And still do!" Apple Bloom added.

"Yes," Applejack responded to her little sister, before turning back to her big brother, "But the point is, all you got to do is to propose to her. Just buy a ring and ask her for marriage! Easy as apple pie!"

Big Mac gulped upon thinking of what his sister just said, and his expressions were enough to tell Applejack that Big Mac was uncertain.

"Or...maybe we can try this instead..." the mare replied.

The next day, Applejack strolled through Ponyville, hoping to run into Fluttershy by chance. Fortunately, she found the pegasus she was looking for shopping.

"There's Fluttershy," Applejack said to herself, before taking in a Depp breath, "Alright. Just remember how to say it, AJ"

Applejack then approached her old friend, greeting, "Hey Fluttershy, nice to see you out here today."

"Oh, hi Applejack. It's always good to see one of my closest, best friends today." Fluttershy greeted back.

"Speaking of seeing, is it alright if I see and chat with you somewhere... less crowded?" Applejack asked, quickly saying the correct words upon thinking of them.

"Sure, if you don't want any creature else overhearing them, then we shall!" Fluttershy replied.

As soon as Fluttershy was finished with shopping, the mares trotted away from the shops, and started a conversation.

"Now that we're somewhere less crowded...can we talk about...my brother?" Applejack asked.

"Big Mac?" Fluttershy responded by blushing a little, "Sure, what about him?"

"Well...since you two are still each other's special some-ponies, are you?" Applejack question.

"Um, yes? Why's you ask?" Fluttershy asked.

"Maybe we should finish this all at your cottage///your animals won't mind, will they?" Applejack asked.

"Well...they actually can since they care about me in return fr how much I care about them..." Fluttershy figured.

"Then there's just one place to go to finish this chat!" Applejack announced.

Turned out, the place was the Castle of Friendship, the former residence of Princess Twilight Sparkle. It still had the Throne Room where the Map that sent the ponies on missions was, as well as the Council of Friendship's thrones.

"Alright. Now back to business, about you and my brother Big Mac," Applejack began once she and Fluttershy were sitting on their respective thrones with their respective cutie marks on them(the thrones).

"Is everything alright? Is something wrong? Is that why you wanted to talk about this?" Fluttershy asked.

"Nothing's wrong..." Applejack answered, "It's just, I was wondering...will you like to...to..."

Realising how difficult it was to say the next part, Applejack took off her hat and took a deep breath, asking Fluttershy, "Fluttershy, can you please be honest as I am when you respond to what I'm about to say next?"

"Sure...I'll try my best..." Fluttershy replied.

"Alright...Fluttershy...will you like to become...family with Big Mac?" Applejack asked.

Fluttershy gasped the very nest second, making Applejack uncomfortable as the latter gulped. Luckily, the next second was at least more pleasant, or sort of...

"How did you know that?! I only tell that to my animal friends!" Fluttershy cried.

"Because Big Mac wanted to be part of your family, too!" Applejack quickly blurted out before Fluttershy could even ask about spying.

"He does?" Fluttershy asked, unable to believe her ears.

"Yup. He's just too nervous to propose to you so soon." Applejack admitted.

"I'm nervous, too. Proposing is one thing, the effect is the other! I'm just scared that he'll...reject..." Fluttershy explained.

"Well, you two are lucky that you have a good, trustworthy friend/family member right here! Because you two are mighty likely going to become family as soon as time flies..." Applejack responded.

That evening, Applejack approached her big brother with a confident expression.

"Big Mac, the plan went as planned. Or even better than planned..." Applejack began, before Fluttershy entered, surprising Big Mac.

"Fluttershy?" the stallion asked.

"Yes, Big Mac," Fluttershy blushed, "It's me...and I...I..."

Fluttershy gestured to Applejack by tilting her(Fluttershy's) head a little.

"What Fluttershy wanted to say is, 'she will like to be part of your family.' You know what that means, don't you?" Applejack honestly informed.

Big Mac's face lightened up in a second, as he happily giggled.

"See? Big Mac wants the same thing," Applejack told the pegasus.

Seeing how happy Big Mac really was, Fluttershy smiled, "He does, he really does, I can see it in his eyes!"

"Now that you know you both wanted to be family, shouldn't one of you be going to the jewelry store?" Applejack then asked.

"Uh..." Big Mac began, before Fluttershy interfered.

"Jewelry store? No thanks, Applejack. I don't need really any jewelry. But what I do need, is to know that Big Mac and I were right for each other."

Fluttershy and Big Mac nuzzled each other after the former's sentence was finished, while Applejack commented, "Well...I suppose a proposal without the ring might do...since our parents did not have any rings...oh, well. Whatever."

Not so long after, wedding bells were heard coming from Sweet Apple Acres. Princess Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Spike and Starlight Glimmer were all in front row among the guests, while Applejack got to be best mare for her contribution to making the wedding possible, and being a helpful friend/family member of the bride and groom. The Cutie Mark Crusaders got t be flower girls, sprinkling the flowers on the path before the newly-weds.

Once Fluttershy and Big Mac reached the Mayor Mare, who was the chief witness, the mayor began her speech.

"It is my sincere pleasure to say, for my second Apple Family wedding, I pronounce you husband and wife, for as long as you both accept."

"We do," Fluttershy and Big Mac said politely in unison.

"Then you may kiss the bride." the mayor announced.

After Fluttershy and Big Mac kissed, one of the guests, Rarity could not help but dramatically cry tears of joy out of her eyes, causing her friends to look at her.

"You okay?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Yes...it's tears of joy..." Rarity cried out as she continued to have tears flowing from her eyes.

At the reception, Pinkie Pe got the party started by starting the music, while tossing a microphone to Princess Twilight Sparkle, who began sining.

"Love is in Bloom,
A beautiful bride, a handsome groom,
Two hearts becoming one
A bond that cannot be undone because

Love is in bloom
A beautiful bride, a handsome groom
I said love is in bloom
You're starting a life and making room
For us (For us, For us...)

Your special day
We celebrate now, the pony way
Your friends are all right here
Won't let these moments disappear because

Love is in bloom
A beautiful bride, a handsome groom
I said love is in bloom
You're starting a life and making room
For us, (For us... For us... Aah...)"

Back in the present day in the alternate reality, the married Fluttershy and Big Mac finished remembering their love story, and were commenting about it.

"That was just so wonderful...and it still is..." Fluttershy began.

"Eeyup. I couldn't agree more, Fluttershy." Big Mac supported, before the two headed outside the Barn after finishing their special dinner.

Once the couple stepped hoof outside, they were surprised to see the Apple Family, Pear Family and Pie Family releasing fireworks into the sky.

"Happy wedding anniversary!" Pinkie Pie cheered, popping right in front of Fluttershy and Big Mac.

"Thanks, Pinkie Pie. And every creature..." Fluttershy thanked in her usual soft voice.

"Mum and Dad, do you like your anniversary this year? We've tried really hard to make it very special." Flutter Macintosh asked his parents.

he parents looked at each other for a second before Big Mac replied, "It sure is a special anniversary, son."

"And we can't wait for the next," Fluttershy agreed.

In the actual reality, Sunset Shimmer saw and heard everything with the exception of what was in the flashback.

"I may not be able to see what they were recalling, but this is still interesting to see!" Sunset commented, just before there was a knock on the Castle Library door.

"Good morning, Miss Sunset Shimmer." Luster Dawn greeted, levitating a tray of food with her magic, as she continued, "Just giving you your dinner/breakfast and to see how you're doing with your new book."

"Thanks, Luster..for the meal and...thinking about giving me that book." Sunset replied.

"You got to thank Xian Zhe too, I mean, the book came from him. And...if you wat to return it..." Luster began, before Sunset Shimmer cut her off.

"Actually, I can get used to having it with me...as long as I don't get too distracted and not notice what time it is..."

"Sure. Wait, distracted?" Luster asked.

"Spent the whole night looking at one of its pages, it really is extraordinary." Sunset Shimmer stated.

"Alright...you can keep it...as long as you can still make sure no creature in either worlds pass through the Mirror, like you are supposed to..." Luster responded.

"Don't worry, I've learnt to control magic in the other world, so there's no way I can't control myself." Sunset Shimmer assured.

Author's Note

Since this is a chapter that I have to complete before submitting, I did not ask for any suggestions nor help. I hope that this solo work is still satisfying for readers, especially shippers.

Also, I used the extended version of the Love is in Bloom song, the lyrics can be found on the My Little Pony Friendship is Magic Wiki. https://mlp.fandom.com/wiki/Love_Is_In_Bloom