It was a hot day for mid-spring, and with the hum of bees hard at work pollinating the apple blossoms, it was hard to stay awake. Big Macintosh yawned, the strand of hay in his mouth quivering with the passing air. The peace and quiet was helped by the fact he was alone on the farm today. Applejack and Granny were out at the market, and Apple Bloom was off with the Crusaders.
Letting out a satisfied "Eeyup", he sat out on the front porch. A pitcher of apple tea and a Farmer's Almanac sat on a table at his side. Today, he could afford to relax for once. He shut his eyes, letting the drone wash over him.
"Excuse me... Um sorry... Are you awake? I can come back later..."
The farm-pony opened one eye to see a certain yellow pegasus hovering nervously in front of him.
"Good morning Fluttershy."
The mare jumped at the reply but didn't retreat. She put her hooves on the ground and looked down, embarrassed.
"Good morning Big Macintosh. Applejack asked me to come check with you on something. If it's not too much trouble..."
Big Mac would have sighed, if he wasn't sure Fluttershy would have thought it was directed towards her. Dangit AJ, he thought. The one day off I've had in a dog's age gone.
"Won't know if it's too much trouble until you ask," He finally said.
Fluttershy flushed in embarrassment, which Mac would have to admit was cute as a newborn piglet and twice as pink.
"Well, um... I used up all my apples I had saved feeding all the newborn bunnies. They really like my applesauce and not all of them got some..."
Big Mac couldn't help but give a grin at the sheepish pony before him.
"So, you need some of ours for another batch?"
Fluttershy nodded, blushing deeper.
"I can pay if you want, Big Macintosh."
Big Mac shook his head. It's too much, she must know no pony is going to say no to such a cute face.
"No friend of my sister is paying for such a thing. You sit here and have some of this sweet tea, sugarcube, while I load up some of our best stock."
Fluttershy blushed deeper, but gladly took the chance to sit as Big Mac went to the storeroom. He took a little while, trying to find the best sauce apples possible, and soon had a whole cart loaded. He even tossed in a jar of Granny Smith's Spices.
He looked it over and mentally chided himself. The cart was overflowing with produce. No way was that little filly going to be able to carry all this, and the hope of returning to his seat was lost as he hitched himself up.
Walking back to the front, he was treated to the sight of Fluttershy snoozing, curled up with her nose under her wing. The image was so adorable, he couldn't help but leave her be. Still, the apples would go bad just sitting out in this heat, and it would be a hassle to unharness and re-harness when she woke up. And so he delivered the apples to her home, that one rabbit, Angie or something, begrudgingly letting him inside to put them away. The hot morning had turned into a scorching noon when the last apple was put in its place.
Big Mac was about to leave, when he noticed the rabbits gathering around. He gave a strained look back towards his home, his tea, and his peace. The look in the rabbits' eyes made it clear he wasn't going to be enjoying them any time soon. With a sigh, he dragged out a big cast iron cauldron Fluttershy used for this sort of thing.
It should come as no surprise that Big Macintosh could cook applesauce just as well as Fluttershy. The bunnies were enthralled as he crushed apples underhoof. Then, when the pot was nearly full of apple chunks, he filled it with water, sugar, honey, and cinnamon, then set the whole thing to boil. He made sure the chickens were fed, and handled a few other chores for her while the apples softened.
About half an hour later, he took a masher to the mush and ladled the now completed sauce into several mixing bowls so the little ones could eat their fill. Stomach rumbling, Big Mac spooned a small bowl for himself, to-go, as the sun was beginning to hide beyond the horizon. Hitching himself back to the cart, he set off. The lingering heat of the day, along with the effects of the stove's fire, quickly wore the tired colt down to a sweating mess.
By the time he walked back home, unharnessed himself, and put away the cart, he was sweating like he was trying to water the orchard by perspiration. Surprisingly, Fluttershy was still asleep on the shaded porch. Big Macintosh walked over to the near full pitcher and gave a small laugh, which woke her without his knowing. He drank long and deep, putting down an empty pitcher.
"Oh my, I'm sorry. If the storeroom was so hot I shouldn't have asked you to go in there."
Fluttershy was already flushed, but by the time he explained he'd loaded up, saw her sleeping, delivered the apples, and came back, she was a pony-shaped Red Delicious. He'd let her have his bowl of applesauce, figuring so little would have only whetted his appetite anyway. He couldn't help but note how cute she was when she was enjoying something she thought was tasty. Of course, he was equally proud she enjoyed the cooking. But what she said when she finally spoke caught him off guard.
"You thought I was too cute to wake?"
For once, Macintosh was glad of his crimson hair.
"Aw shucks, I didn't mean anythi-"
He stopped talking when Fluttershy gave him a small peck on the cheek.
"Thank you for everything today. I have to go home, I'm sure Angel is wondering where in Equestria I went off to. I can give you company the next time you're left here alone... If you want me to."
Fluttershy took off, leaving a confused, but faintly smiling stallion.
"Eeyup."
Big Macintosh watched the yellow filly fly off home. It'd been a long day, between one thing and another, and now he wanted to just sit back and relax. Too dark to be outside, and hungry to boot, the stallion went into the kitchen and lit the propane stove. As he put water on to boil, he let his thoughts wander. He felt oddly content with the way things had ended, despite the pain in the flank the afternoon had been.
The rabbits, typically apple-stealing varmints in his opinion, were stuffed to the point of immobility. If he was lucky, they'll be too sick of apples to bother for a while, or so grateful it would be rude. While he wasn't a cruel colt, and would never deny a body food, it was a drain on the coffers to have apple thieves around. If one cart load today meant another five were safeguarded, so be it.
Fluttershy seemed to appreciate the effort at least. Big Mac's face warmed from the memory of the little kiss. While it wasn't much, it was quite forward for a pony like her. He was grateful she hadn't the nerve for a proper smooch. She'd have probably fainted from her own audacity, poor soul.
Pouring into the pot oats, dried apples, raisins, sugar and some nutmeg, Big Mac let the mix percolate while his mind did the same. Was Fluttershy the kind of filly who gave a clue, then would need him to act the rest of the way? Should he have invited her to stay the night, and Angel be damned? She's a grown pegasus after all, she shouldn't answer to a little lagomorph.
This was shoved out of mind when there was a knock at the door. Macintosh turned the stove top off and opened the door to find her standing there. She tensed but seemed a lot less likely to bolt than when she had earlier.
"Um, I know this is rude of me, but could I spend the night here? Angel wouldn't let me inside. He seemed annoyed, which he has every right to be. I shouldn't have forced you to deliver the apples, and if you want me to go that's fine."
Big Macintosh snorted in irritation, cursing Angel. Blasted bunny, this is the sort of thing I meant! Not let into her own house and... She came here, to me. Despite the fact Sweet Apple Acres is on the opposite end of Ponyville and she MUST have passed by all her friends houses on the way.
He switched his hay from one side of his mouth to the other. Applebloom seemed to be spending the night with the Crusaders, and Celestia knows when the older females will get home. Granny Smith hunts bargains like a pig for truffles. She says it's because it's such a long trip deserves a long stay, but sometimes you gotta wonder why the hay they need more decorated blankets and throw pillows.
Still, as the filly in front of him glanced nervously around, he felt like things had gone too easily. As if there was some force actively hoping for him to have a night alone to get to know her better. And maybe I could get another tiny peck. That gave him a small smile as he stared into the vacant space above her, before he shook his head and smiled sheepishly.
"Aw hay, come in. I just finished making some supper. I know you liked the applesauce but it doesn't stick to yer ribs as well as a good bowl of oatmeal does."
Fluttershy hid behind her hair, hoping the pink mane was enough to hide the self-conscious blush. She hoped she wouldn't sound so silly this time. Her nerves were shot as it was, thoughts racing through her mind as Big Mac spooned them each a bowl.
What am I doing? I told Angel I was staying at Applejack's and was just checking up before I left to come back here. That's technically true, but he assumes Applejack is here too. And Rarity is watching his little sister, so it's just us two, alone, in his home. She nodded a thanks as he put a serving in front of her. Looking into it, she gave a small smile. He put more fruit in the shape of a happy face. That's... amazingly sweet of him.
They ate in silence, though Fluttershy gave the occasional hum of enjoyment. Big Mac ate like it was business, having gone the whole day without so much as a spoonful of the sauce he'd made. While there was no wild gulping spectacle, it was slightly messy. Fluttershy giggled, seeing a stray glob of the meal fly up onto his ear tip. He stopped eating, confused.
"What's so funny?"
Fluttershy took a napkin and wiped it off his ear. Her breath was so soft he could just barely feel it. She could smell his coat, thick with the tart scent of apples and the heady musk of a day's sweat. The closeness made them both heat up and look away. Big Mac was the first to break the awkward silence.
"Sorry 'bout that. I tend to eat like a parasprite when I do a hard day's bucking, and today wasn't much easier and, you're sittin' mighty close."
Fluttershy jumped from the realization and scooted away. Macintosh waved his hooves frantically.
"Not that I mind! But after I get these dishes washed and cleared away,"
She went to pick one up only to have him shake his head.
"Oh no little missy. A guest in the Apple family home does not clean. Now if you stole something, we might make you work it off. You just go put your hooves up in the living room. Turn the radio on if you like."
They shared a small exchange of smiles as Fluttershy left for the living room. It was a cozy place, decorated by Granny Smith. Blankets, pillows, knick-knacks, framed pictures of the extended Apple family, and in the corner, an antique tube radio. She turned it on and though the music was distorted, filtered through aged speakers, a soft country song from years gone by filled the room.
"I love you because you understand dear
Every single thing I try to do"
Fluttershy smiled softly, and hummed along to the tune. Big Macintosh walked up beside her, surprising her, but she wasn't scared. Big Mac and silence went together like chickens and eggs. They were always producing it. He smiled gently at her, and offed a hoof to dance.
"You're always there to lend a helping hand dear
I love you most of all because you're you"
Turning nearly as red as the stallion, Fluttershy declined. Don't ask me to dance. Not to this song. If you do I'll certainly fall. Still he offered again. She gave in, and the pair were swaying gently together as the tune carried on.
"No matter what the world may say about me
I know your love will always see me through
I love you for the way you never doubt me,
But most of all I love you cause you're you "
Big Mac wasn't a marvelous dancer, being a big solid pony. But he was careful, watching his hooves to make sure he didn't step on hers. Their necks pressed together, Fluttershy tried not to breath. Even still, his comforting scent relaxed her.
"I love you because my heart is lighter
Every time you're walking by my side
I love you because the future's brighter
The door to happiness you've opened wide."
Even still, her mind was filled with one though. Big Macintosh, please stop dancing. Please, if we keep doing this, I'll fall. I'll fall longer and harder than I ever have before. Stop dancing, or I'll fall...
"No matter what may be the style or season
I know your heart will always be true
I love you for a hundred thousand reasons
But, most of all I love you 'cause you're you."
I'll fall in love.
The song ended and the two stayed close. The radio went into an advertisement but they ignored it. For them, the outside world was nothing but a silent void, neither seeing beyond their partner's eyes. Fluttershy leaned up, and pressed her lips to his. They stayed like that, seconds growing to minutes until they finally pulled away reluctantly. Fluttershy looked away, too ashamed to look him in the eye.
"I'm sorry Big Mac, that was... out of character for me."
He could only grin in his subtle, patient way.
"Eeyup."
"But it felt so nice, I didn't want to stop and it went on for so long..."
"Eeeyup."
"And... And... I think I... Want you to be my special somepony..."
Fluttershy looked up, afraid to be rejected, but saw only a kind smile and a pair of accepting green eyes. He kissed her gently and gave a small laugh at how she reacted. The heat of embarrassment was strong enough to bake with. Fluttershy gave a hopeful smile through the mask of hair she'd given herself once more.
"And you feel the same way?"
"Eeyup. Now, it's been a long day. Let's get some sleep shall we?"
Fluttershy kicked the floor timidly. The radio was shifting to another slow song.
"Could we.. dance, a little longer?"
Macintosh held out his hoof, which Fluttershy took with a smile so warm it could have melted the harshest winter snow. And they danced, long into the night until they fell asleep in each other's embrace, using those same blankets and pillows Mac had thought so useless.
