So Buckin' Shyby FlutterJackChaptersThe First StepAnxietyA Wing and A PrayerSleepless Nights A Rude AwakeningSurpriseA Basketful of Apples and a Netful of ButterfliesFamily MattersLate NightI Love YouConfessions of the LovesickAt Last The First Step"Oh, Angel." A buttercup-yellow Pegasai plucked lettuce from the floor of her cottage. Angel, Fluttershy's white bunny, was a very picky eater and if he didn't like whatever meal was prepared for him, he had a habit off tossing it to the floor. Fluttershy's endless patience encouraged his behavior and even though Applejack had repetitively explained to Fluttershy that she owned Angel and Angel didn't own her, the timid pony still obeyed her precious pet's wishes. "Angel," Fluttershy prodded. "Please eat. Mommy would be so proud if you did." The bunny shook his head and pushed away the bowl. The door bell rang. Fluttershy sighed, leaving the bowl in front of Angel, she went to answer the door. Angel glared at the bowl of lettuce, as if wishing it to wilt. Fluttershy cracked the door open, just wide enough to peak outside. Her blue eyes falling on a big shadow. "Hello." A deep voice spoke. "Eep!" Fluttershy shut the door quickly and took a deep breath. 'Its Big Macintosh! Oh, goodness...oh goodness.' She panicked in her mind. Whenever she was around the apple pony, her heart struggled to stay calm and her mind scrambled for words. "Fluttershy." She told herself, "You can do this." She exhaled and opened the door fully. " Hello..um, Big Mac. Haven't seen you in a while." "Eeyup." Macintosh looked down on the mare, his green eyes studying her blue ones. He was quiet for a minute when Fluttershy turned so that her face was covered by her long pink hair. With Fluttershy looking away, Big Mac fixed his mane, he wasn't one for looks, but he'd make an exception for Fluttershy. He did want to impress the mare, but he wanted to be subtle about it. " Aj sent me up here to bring you a saddlebag of apples." He set the bag on the floor, Angel hopped over to it and dived in. Resurfacing with an apple in his mouth. Fluttershy looked to Big Mac and spoke just above a whisper. " Thank you." The stallion nodded his head, fiddling with the sliver of wheat that hung from his lips. Again, the two stood awkwardly. Neither of them uttering a word. It was a few minutes before Macintosh spoke. " I should be gettin' back to the farm." He turned to the door and left without saying another word, closing it behind him. "Fluttershy you are such a loudmouth." Fluttershy scolded herself quietly. -Outside- Big Mac sighed and with one more glance at the pink door, he shoved off down the hill. At the bottom Applebloom, his youngest sister, had been waiting. " One bag down, one more ta go!" Applebloom spoke, bouncing around her brother. He nodded his head, thoughts still on the Pegasus pony up in her cottage. "Then we can go home, right?" "Eeyup." -Inside- Fluttershy picked the saddlebag up with her teeth and set it on the table beside the lettuce bowl. Angel pawed his way out of the apples, something hanging from his mouth. "Angel?" Fluttershy looked at her pet. "What do you have?" A crumpled piece of something dangled from the bunny's mouth, the item growing increasingly soggy. Angel shook his head and hopped to a small couch with the item. Fluttershy followed Angel, her yellow wings lightly beating the air. "Angel, let me see." Angel shook his head and hopped away again. "Angel.." Fluttershy said and watched the rabbit, who stopped and glanced at the pegasus before springing off again. "Angel, please come back." She flew after her pet, who had knocked over a small lamp. "Oh, dear." Fluttershy uprighted the light and took off again after the bunny. After a minute or two, she lost track of Angel, who had disappeared somewhere in the upstairs bedroom. "Angel?" She called out as she stepped into the room. After a few steps forward, a small scuffling sound came from behind the nightstand. "Angel, is that you?" At her voice, the noise stopped. The mare walked over to the nightstand before pushing it aside slowly, a white face looked up at her, something dangling from it's mouth. "Angel...let Mommy see what you have." Fluttershy coaxed Angel, but the animal refused to let go. "Please show Mommy?" The bunny shook his fluffy little head. Fluttershy sighed, she hated to do this, but she looked at Angel. Her eyes like daggers; when Angel still refused to let go, her stare intensified, her blue eyes reading everything behind this tiny pupils. Shaking, Angel finally dropped the item, his heart quivering under his owner's stare. Fluttershy retrieved the item and her eyes returned to their gentle calmness. "Thank you, Angel." She said cheerfully. The bunny nodded and scampered away nervously to the kitchen, perhaps to snack on some apples. As her pet left down the stairs, Fluttershy looked over the item, which revealed itself to be a scrap of paper with something written on it. By the clumsy script, Fluttershy could tell it had been written by mouth and not by magic. She got past the technicalities and actually read the letter, when she put it down, her eyes widened as surprise and nervousness and anxiety and happiness rushed in all at once. The pegasus's heart felt faint and she panicked, flipping over onto her back with hooves in the air. Fluttershy spaced out for a while before her tiny voice squeaked out. "Big Mac...wants to go out....with....me?" Anxiety-The Next Day- Fluttershy paced about her living room, shaking her head. "Oh, no, no, no, no, no. He can't. I mean...He isn't...Ohhhhh..." Her stomach was in knots. 'How could Big Macintosh know?' 'How could he have found out?' 'How can he feel this way?' These questions whirled around her mind, twisting her thoughts and diverting her attention from the pouting bunny at her hooves. "Oh, Angel," Fluttershy confided in her pet. "I just don't know what to do. I could never face him after reading this, I mean, I'd be so nervous. So very nervous. I don't even know if I'll be able to be friends with AppleJack, I don't know if I can visit Sweet Apple Acres....Oh, Angel bunny..." Fluttershy cuddled her bunny, whose eyes softened and whose little paw began to stroke the mare's cheek. Although the soft touches were soothing, Fluttershy still felt awkward inside. Nervousness clawed at her belly, her flank shivered as she breathed. The mare wanted to go back in time, before she received the letter, before Big Mac confessed his feelings, before she confirmed them. She sighed, collected her emotions and picking herself off of the floor, Fluttershy set down a bowl of sliced apples for Angel and headed down from her home. The pegasus decided to set aside her emotions for now and to move through the day as if she'd never received the letter. -Sweet Apple Acres- "Hey there, brother!" AppleJack greeted Big Macintosh as he entered the orchard. Her orange legs bucked the hard bark of an apple tree that was rooted behind the mare. "Yee-haw, it's a fine pickin' today, Mac! Each of these baskets over here, they're perfect! Not a bruise on them!" Big Mac nodded. "Eeyup." His orange mane fell over his eyes when he reared up in joy. Macintosh had distracted himself with his other love, other than the shy Pegasus, apples. His hooves hit the ground with a soft crunch of the dirt. "Yep, brother! Now we should get back to buckin', 'tis fixin' to storm." "Says who?" Big Mac asked jokingly. "Says that there dark cloud." Aj tipped her hat toward a group of grey clouds that floated from Cloudsdale's weather factory. The mare bucked another apple tree before heaving the wicker baskets onto the wooden wagon that Big Macintosh had hitched to himself. After an hour or two of bucking, the wagon was full of apple baskets. The storm clouds had rolled in overhead, their noises spoke of thunder and lightning. "Come on now, Macintosh!" Applejack shouted over the wind that had risen. "We gotta get back to the house!" "Eeyup." Big Mac heaved the wagon over the hilly landscape of the orchard. The amount of baskets in the wagon was more than Mac was used to pulling, the weight straining on his neck. The apple pony would be fine, his muscular build is all he'd need to get the wagon to the orchard entrance, which was only a few hoovesteps away. Pony ville - When Fluttershy arrived in Ponyville Square, the storm clouds had just been released from Cloudsdale, but now they were hovering above the markets. The sales ponies and shopkeepers quickly withdrew their merchandise and closed up their booths. "Eeep!" The sound escaped from Fluttershy's throat as the clouds drew closer. The yellow mare's wings shot up in fright, her feathers rustling in the high winds. She tried to shy away from the wind, but it's ferocity grew and before she could do anything about it, Fluttershy was whisked into the air. "Oh, dear!" She squealed as her wings uselessly beat the razor sharp air. The saddlebags dropped from Fluttershy's side and were thrown somewhere outside the wind's reach. The storm tossed Fluttershy forth her wings catching a new gust every time she was dropped. If her wings had been stronger, she could have maneuvered herself to the ground below but instead they drew her upwards and away from Pony ville. Lightning had now began to flash in the storm, Fluttershy's heart was in her throat. Back in flight school, she'd been told stories of Pegasai being stuck down by lightning. She screamed at every sharp sound of the storm and whimpered as she tried to veer away from the flashes of light. Tears bundled up in the corners of her eyes. Fluttershy was sure this was the end, she had been carried to the orchard and a new fear rose in her - the fear of being thrown into a tree. -Below- The lightning flashed again and stuck down a giant tree, its heavy carcass crunched against the ground, resting in front of Big Mac and his wagon. The stallion reared up in surprise, the wagon bringing him back down. Applejack, who was already beside the barn shouted for her brother, but her call was lost in the howling wind. Big Mac tried pushing aside the tree, but to no avail. Then a sound pierced his ears, it was a high sound and it sounded familiar. Pushing the storms noises from his head, he realized the sound was his love. "Fluttershy!" He called, green eyes searching the darkening sky. Then he saw her, her yellow flank standing out from the black clouds. He watched helplessly as he saw the delicate body being twirled above his head. Then he heard it, a sickening scream as Fluttershy's body dropped from the air after a bolt of lightning lit the sky. "Fluttershy!" Big Macintosh unhitched himself and galloped into the orchard. A Wing and A PrayerLeaves clouded Fluttershy's vision as she plummeted toward the ground, her scream pierced the air. Whump! She hit the solid earth, her wing burning with pain. The howling wind and pouring rain filled her ears as she whited out. " Fluttershy!" Big Mac called out, his hooves beating the soil below. Blood roared in his ears and he ran. "Please let her be okay." He wished silently. His ears picked up a faint sound just ahead of him, the sound of something or some pony crying. Macintosh sped up, his green eyes locating a pony among a group of trees. He slowed and crouched beside the body, one hoof pushing a lock of pink, matted hair from the pony's face. His heart sank at what he saw. Tears trailed down the mare's face as she lay unconscious. The stallion carefully nudged the side of the mare, but she didn't stir. Macintosh lay close by Fluttershy, his body blocking hers from the stinging wind and freezing rain. The mare whimpered and moved closer to him, he lay his head on top of hers gently. There he stayed during the storm, keeping his love warm and protected. It was almost two hours before the storm had passed when Macintosh heard Rainbow dash calling his name from above. " Rainbow!" The stallion called upward. The blue pegasus stopped and looked below, her eyes falling on the red pony. She hovered above him. " Are you alright, Mac?" The apple pony moved his head, revealing Fluttershy laying beside him. Rainbow dash gasped and sped back to the farm, returning with Aj and an ambulance wagon. " Oh, Fluttershy." Applejack spoke quietly and looked down at the mare, an orange hoof wiped away a tear from the yellow cheek. Two ponies emerged from the wagon, one with an pink flank and red mane. Another with a white flank an pink mane. The gently enveloped Fluttershy in their magic and rested her on a soft bed of pillows, bringing a sheet up to the mare's chin. Macintosh broke away from a third doctor that had been looking him over and rushed to Fluttershy's side. He nuzzled the mare's limp hoof and then stepped away as the doctors sent away the wagon. One doctor stayed to speak to the Apples and and the mane six. " She should be fine. As of now we only know that she's twisted her wing and her head was hit pretty hard. We will know more once we've had her examined at the hospital." "When can we see her?" Twilight asked, comforting a sobbing Rarity. " I would advise waiting until tomorrow, she may wake then. Until then prepare yourselves, she's a weak pony." The doctor turned to follow the ambulance and took down the road. For a while the ponies stood in silence, each one dealing with grief. Then Aj spoke. "Standing here won't fix anything." The orange mare trotted into the house. Applebloom and Granny Smith followed. The mane six slowly dispersed, all going to Sugacube Corner to think about things. Only Big Macintosh remained. His gaze fixated on the now halved tree that had fallen. The red pony hung his head, and stared at the ground. Sleepless Nights Sleepless Nights Later that night, Mac found that he couldn't fall asleep. Every time he closed his eyes, all he saw was Fluttershy's limp body lying on the ground. He was anxious to see her, to be by her side. The feeling was so powerful that it provoked Macintosh to leave his room and tiptoe around the Apple household. He looked in on his sleeping sisters and his grandmother before quietly leaving the house. An hour had passed before he arrived at the hospital. The red pony walked up to the front door and peered inside. One nurse was sitting at the reception desk shuffling through papers and chewing on bubblegum. Mac sighed. The hospital would not be open for another couple hours. Big Mac had just leaned against the brick wall of the hospital when a night guard came from around the building. "Hey, big fella." The grey pony spoke to Mac. " The name's Badge, Tony Badge. Might I ask yours?" "Big Macintosh." " Well, I can see why they call you big. Sorry, Mac, Imma have to ask ya to leave. The doctors don't exactly appreciate night visitors." " I apologize, Mr. Badge. It's just...." Big Mac looked away from the guard as tears welled in his eyes. "It's a mare isn't it?" Mac looked up. " How-" " I've seen it a million times, and let me tell you Macintosh, love is a like a restless foal. You can play ball with it once or twice, but then it never wants to stop. You know what I mean?" "Im not dense or anything, but no, no I don't understand." The apple pony replied. " Love is not like a foal. With love, if its true, you won't want to stop. And this love....I don't want to quit on it." The guard looked at Mac and sighed. " Y'know what I'm going to do, just for you, Mac?" Macintosh shook his head no. "Imma let you in and take you up to your mare friend, but I need you to be silent. Hush, hush. You got that?" Macintosh nodded eagerly. "Alrighty, then." The guard lifted his keys with his magic and unlocked the door of the hospital, quietly he motioned Macintosh inside. The apple pony stepped into the reception room and the nurse looked up, with a reasurring nod from the guard she shrugged and went along with her own business. "What's your mare's name?" The guard whispered to Big Mac. "Fluttershy." Macintosh whispered back. "Lucky for you, I was on duty when she came in. Her room is just down this hallway, please follow me." The unicorn led Mac down to a door marked 1354. "Now, I'm going to warn you. She looked pretty roughed up when they wheeled her in. So prepare yourself." Big Macintosh nodded slowly and the guard eased open the door with his magic. Macintosh silently entered the room, it was a single room which were mostly reserved for more severe cases. Mac silently wished to Celestia that Fluttershy would pull through. A soft click ripped him from his thoughts as Tony Badge closed the door and left, presumably back to his duties. Macintosh, with one last glance at the door, turned and stepped towards Fluttershy's bed. He sat next to the bed, his large figure casting a shadow from the dim lamp that had been angled at his love's sleeping form. His eyes looked at her face, absorbing the picture. Her cheeks were pale and scratched. Her head had been wrapped and the few pink locks that escaped from the bandages had draped themselves over her closed eyes. Though smudged and scratched, her face looked so peaceful, so relaxed. Big Mac pet her cheek lovingly with his hoof, careful not to disturb the gauze covered scar. "Fluttershy," Macintosh whispered. "You remember the lullaby you sang to Applebloom and her friends? Of course you do, darlin'. Would you like to hear it?" Mac asked Fluttershy, who didn't stir. "Hush, now, quiet now. It time to lay your sleepy head." Mac stopped to blink away a few tears. "Hush, now, quiet now," he wiped a stray one away. "Its time to go to bed." A Rude Awakening"Big Mac." The red pony snorted in his dream. "Mac." His hooves twitched. "Big Macintosh!" "Huh?! Woah!" Mac awoke from his dreamless sleep and fell back in surprise. He looked up to find Applejack looming over him. " And what did ya think you were doin' up 'ere in Fluttershy's room?" Aj spoke angrily. "How's Fluttershy?" Mac started to get up but was pushed back to the ground by Applejack's orange hoof. "Fluttershy is fine, unlike somepony's big brother when I'm done wit him. You've got some explainin' ta do, Mac." "What is your problem, Aj?" Mac spoke softly and knocked his sisters hoof away from him. The pony got up from the ground and walked to the opposite side of Fluttershy's bed. Aj shook her head. "Well, you can tell your big brother." "Mac, last night, Applebloom woke with a nightmare and her racket woke Granny. I-I tried to help, but you know how the filly is- if she's frightened, there is no consoling her. Applebloom needed you Mac, but you weren't there." Applejack's eyes were filled with hurt. " You know its the first time she's seen any pony in this condition." Mac felt terrible, his green eyes fell to his hooves then over to Fluttershy. He scolded himself for caring about his own hearts worries instead of making sure that his kin was alright. "I'm sorry, Aj. I just....I just wanted to check on her." He placed a hoof on his beloved's sheet and looked over to Applejack. "Please forgive me." Applejack's eyes softened as she walked over to her brother. "Okay, Mac. We forgive ya." The orange pony put a hoof around her brother's neck. Big Mac pulled her into a hug and kissed the top of her head. "I'm sorry." "I know, Mac. I know." The two hugged in silence until Aj spoke. "Why don't we go to Sugarcube Corner and ask Pinkie to rustle us up a little somethin'?" Mac nodded and after resetting Fluttershy's blanket, he left with Applejack to get some food. The brother and sister duo entered the bakery and stepped up to the counter where Pinkie Pie was organizing cupcakes on a platter. "Hey, Apple folk!" The party pony called in he usual cheerfulness. " Hey there, Pinkie Pie. You mind fetchin' a little somethin' for Mac and I?" " How about one of these! Right out of the oven!" A pink hoof held up an orange cupcake with teal frosting. "Its a special one! Pinkie Pie's Perfected Pumpkin Patch Pastry!" Pinkie shoved one cupcake into Mac's mouth, the sweet taste filling his tongue. "How is it, brother?" Aj asked. "Is it good?" Pinkie followed. Macintosh nodded his head and swallowed. "Eeyup." Pinkie whooped and pulled out a tray of the cakes. Each of the three ponies took a cupcake and stood talking. "Have either of you been over to see Fluttershy yet?" Pinkie asked. "Yep." Applejack replied. "How's she doing?" "I talked the doc before goin' ta see her. Kind fella, anyway, he said that she'd slept peacefully most of the night." Applejack glanced at Big Macintosh then back at Pinkie. " He said she can leave when she wakes. But they don't know when she'll come around." "Oh." Pinkie looked a bit saddened but she gasped with an idea. "Let's go get some of her favorite things! I have a skeleton key!" Applejack looked confused and spoke. "Eh, Pinkie where did-" Then she stopped. "Where did what, Applejack?" "Eh, never mind. Let's go." The ponies boxed up a few of Pinkie's cupcakes and headed to Fluttershy's house. Pinkie Pie opened the door with her key and the trio stepped inside. Fluttershy's house looked pretty much the same except that Angel wasn't eating and looked saddened. Mac looked at the rabbit and got an idea. The apple pony picked up a small basket from beside the sofa and tucked a blanket inside. "Ere ya go." Mac nudged Angel into the basket and covered him with another blanket of the same color. "Um, Big Mac, they don't allow bunnies at the hospital." Pinkie Pie said while picking a couple of books for Fluttershy. "That ain't no bunny, that there is a bouquet of flowers." The apple pony tucked in just enough flowers to hide Angel. "Ohh, I get it." Aj replied through a mouth full of napkins. "I don't, but let's go see our friend!" Pinkie Pie bounded out the door with Aj and Mac in tow. After locking the door behind them, they started off to the hospital. SurpriseUpon arriving at the hospital, Pinkie Pie, Applejack and Big Macintosh found themselves in a flurry of rushing ponies. Careful, not to run into any pony, the three made their way to Fluttershy's room. Mac was praying that the commotion was not because of Fluttershy. He ran ahead of Applejack and Pinkie, fear seizing his mind. Angel bobbed in the basket that hung from his lips. "Mac!" Pinkie called after him, but he didn't respond. The red pony burst into Fluttershy' room and sighed with relief as he saw Fluttershy laying in her bed. Applejack and Pinkie Pie crashed into Big Macintosh, who didn't even flinch. "She's alright." He spoke quietly and calmly. "Big Mac, what the hay do you think...you're...do...in?" Applejack began to scold but was distracted as Macintosh started walking towards Fluttershy. The apple pony set Angel's basket before Fluttershy and Angel peeked out. Upon seeing his keeper's familiar face, the bunny climbed out of the blankets and wriggled himself under the pegasus's hoof. Mac smiled and stared at Fluttershy's face. Applejack broke from her distracted trance and joined Mac bedside. Pinkie was in tow. Still no pony spoke. "Hush now, quiet now." Mac sang quietly. Applejack looked over her brother. Then it hit her. Her big brother is in love. In love with one of her best friends-Fluttershy! Pinkie stood quietly on the opposite side of the bed. A small sound came from the Pegasus and Angel looked up. Her blue eyes opened and settled sleepily on the pony closest to her, Big Macintosh. "Fluttershy," Mac whispered with a smile. "Fluttershy, you're back!" Pinkie Pie gasped. "I've got to go tell the others!" The pink pony zoomed from the room. The yellow Pegasus blinked the sleep from her eyes and looked down. "Angel." She hugged the fluffy bunny close and the pet nuzzled its face into her pelt. Applejack was still standing quietly next to her brother. "Hello there, Sugar cube." Aj took off her hat. Fluttershy peeked up from her pet's fur and looked at the two ponies to the left of her. "Applejack...Big Mac?" "We're here, Fluttershy." Aj replied. That's when Pinkie returned with everypony else. "See, see, I told you she was awake." Pinkie spoke rapidly as the rest of the ponies filed in. "Fluttershy, how are you feeling?" Rarity asked. "Fine, I. I guess." Fluttershy replied shyly. "That was quite some tumble." Rainbow dash spoke up. "We're just glad you're okay." Said Twilight. Spike waved from beside her. "Th-thank you." Fluttershy replied. Rarity, feeling the tension in the air, herded every pony out. "Come along now, she just woke. Let her be." The mane six filed out and the white unicorn shut the door. "Do we really have to go home?" Spike asked. "Heavens no," replied Rarity. "Just listen." -Inside Fluttershy's Room Big Mac looked at Fluttershy, saying nothing. The two ponies were both unsure of what to say, so they stayed in silence until Fluttershy spoke up. "Do you really feel that way?" Big Mac's ears stood up. " Huh?" Fluttershy blushed. "What you wrote...about....me?" Pink hair fell over her eyes. The red pony, too, blushed even though the mare couldn't tell. "I...um..." Mac was quiet for a minute. "Eeyup." He said barely audible. "I-I didn't hear you." The mare whispered. Mac tried to speak again, but felt his throat tight. The mare before him began to look uncomfortable and tears came to her blue eyes. "I knew..." A single tear rolled down Fluttershy's cheek and she turned away from him. This tore Big Macintosh's heart in two.With a burst of courage, he turned Fluttershy's head with one hoof and kissed her passionately. Fluttershy blushed deeper in the kiss and Macintosh pulled away. Both ponies stayed there, inches apart, searching each other's eyes. "Big......Mac...I...." Fluttershy started but was quieted with another kiss from the stallion. They stopped kissing and Mac regained his composure. "Come on, let's get you out of here." He nuzzled Fluttershy's chin and Angel nuzzled his. -Outside- Outside the room, the mane six and Spike stood in shock. Rarity was the first to recover, a click bringing her out from surprise. Big Mac wheeled a blanketed Fluttershy from the room, pushing the chair lightly with his head. Angel curled up in Fluttershy's lap. "Ready to leave, Fluttershy?" Rarity asked her friend. "Yes." The Pegasus replied. A Basketful of Apples and a Netful of ButterfliesBig Mac and the rest of the group all walked Fluttershy home, each pony eager to help their friend. "I'll make you some dinner, Fluttershy." Rainbow Dash spoke, ready to zoom into the kitchen. "I'll clean up a bit in here," Twilight stated and picked up a duster with her magic. "Sure is dusty." Fluttershy blushed, her friends were so nice to her. "It's fine, you guys. Really." The pegasus tried to move her wings to lift herself from the wheelchair, but one stiffened with pain. "Oh..." Fluttershy sighed and fell back into the chair. "At least let us help you out of that wheelchair." Twilight said and made a comfortable spot for Fluttershy on the small couch the pegasus owned. "There." Macintosh looked down at his love. "Come on. Up and at 'em." The earth pony gently nudged Fluttershy from her chair and helped her stand once she regained her hooves. "There." "Um...thank you, Big Mac." "Eeyup." The two walked to the red couch, Fluttershy leaning on Macintosh as not to stumble. Once they made it, Fluttershy lay on the red cushions, her front half propped up on several pillows. "Thank you all." Fluttershy said quietly, looking at her friends. "You are all so kind." "You are welcome!" Pinkie Pie said, pushing another box of cupcakes towards Fluttershy. Fluttershy giggled and yawned. "Um...I hate to be rude but would you mind if I take a small cat nap?" Rarity replied. "Oh, none at all dear, in fact we'll take a stroll down to Sugarcube corner if you'd like some peace and quiet." "That would be wonderful. Thank you." The ponies all waved by to Fluttershy before leaving, all but Applejack and Big Macintosh. Macintosh looked at the couch. "I'll go look for more pillows...for comfort." The red pony walked upstairs to fetch more pillows, leaving the two fillies downstairs. When Macintosh's cutie mark disappeared upstairs, Applejack turned to face Fluttershy "Fluttershy, do you like Big Macintosh?" The pegasus blushed and shyed away from Aj's green gaze. "Uhm..." Fluttershy adusted herself awkwardly on the couch. Aj nudged her gently. "C'mon, you can tell me." Fluttershy sighed and muttered quietly. "Yes." "Huh?" "Yes." She repeated a bit louder. Applejack nodded and stepped toward the door, saying "Bye." as she exited. Fluttershy looked confused, but her attention was turned onto Big Mac, who had begun coming downstairs. "I found some pillows." He spoke through three pillows. "Thanks you.....uhm....Macintosh." Macintosh set the pillows on the couch before speaking again. "Where's Aj?" "I think she went back to the farm." "Oh. That's my sis. Always workin'." Mac said cheerfully. He nudged the pillows closer to Fluttershy and laid next to her on the couch. The two stayed there quietly, listening to the other's breathing. "I...love you Big Mac." Fluttershy said quietly after a while. She looked down at the red pony asleep beside her and smiled. She lay her own head atop his and drifted into her own sleep. Family MattersThe next morning, Mac woke before Fluttershy. He planted a kiss on the mare's head and left the house quietly. Today was another day of apple bucking and Mac was looking forward to it. He strolled through Ponyville, walking quickly to Sweet Apple Acres. Macintosh nodded to Pinkie and Rarity who were speaking outside Sugarcube Corner, undoubtedly speading gossip around the town, but Mac didn't care- he felt wonderful and he wasn't going to let anypony ruin it. Before long, he came upon Sweet Apple Acres and trotted up to the house. He was early. Applejack was still upstairs trying to wake up and Granny was catching a morning snooze in her rocking chair. Applebloom, in a mood contrary to the other two Apple family members, bounced over to Big Mac and hopped in circles around his hooves. "Big Mac, Big Mac, Big Mac, Big Mac.." she repeated over and over. The stallion put one hoove on the filly's head and rubbed it lovingly, leaving her mane ruffled. "Calm down now, Applebloom. Too early to be this hyper." "Alright, Mac" She laughed and rearranged her red mane. "Today is extended apple bucking day, remember?" Macintosh nodded. One day every season, the Apple family had to work double time in order to relieve every tree of it's apples. The massive apple farm required that the Apples work their hooves off in order to produce the expected amount of (pardon lack of words..)produce. All the hard work would pay off, the Apples knew, it would only be a matter of time. Applejack finally appeared at the bottom of the stairs, her hair tied in a loose red tie and her hat upon her head. "Hey there, Big Mac." She tipped her hat. "'Mornin, Aj. Ready to do some buckin'?" "Sure as sugar am!" She yeehawed and spoke again. "Double time today, gotta get our produce ready." Mac nodded and the two set out, leaving Granny Smith to her nap and Applebloom bouncing out the front door. -Entrance of the Orchard- Brother and sister entered the orchard, empty baskets filling the brown wagon that Mac pulled. "Where do you reckon we start?" Applejack asked her brother. "How 'bout there?" Mac pushed a hoof toward a nearby patch of trees that were filled with bright red apples. "Alrighty." Aj nodded and stepped toward the tree and peered up into it. Big Mac pulled the cart closer and unhitched himself. "21...22...23..." Applejack counted. "I reckon there's thirty in there...or more!" Mac had been setting the baskets under the tree, he looked at his sister. "Eeyup." "Alright, here we go....one, two, a-three!" Her hind legs shot at the tree, apples falling from the branches. Most of the fruit fell into the baskets, but some fell to the ground. Mac picked these up and tossed them into the surrounding baskets. "I'd say we've got a good haul, already." Macintosh said as Aj pushed the baskets onto the wagon. "Eeyup! It's gonna be a fine harvest this season!" His sister replied, eager to buck more trees. The two continued bucking and plucking until the wagon held full baskets- each piled to the top and some baskets on top of others. It was practically sundown when they had finished, still one tree was left to be bucked, then they could call it a night. Brother and sister stepped toward the tree, their green eyes studying it. "This here's the last one." Applejack said. "Well, let's get this done." She hopped aboard the wagon to grab a basket when Mac spoke. "Aj?" The orange mare looked up and at her brother. "What would you say if I told you that I wanted to stay with fluttershy....at her house.....o-only until she's healed because..I'd feel bad if her wing didn't...uh...mend straight." Mac spoke nervously. His green orbs looked into Applejack's and she laughed. "Well gaaaaleeee, Mac! I knew some mare would fall for you. But you are such a fast mover. Already wantin' to partner up." Aj spoke with a smile, but inside she felt a little heartbroken letting her brother have this little piece of freedom in his love-blurred mind. Macintosh blushed a furious pink. "Now, it ain't like that. I...uh..just want to spend some time with her, is all." "Big Mac, I know what you're thinkin'. You act as if us mares aren't properly educated in said action. I reckon you're all rallied up inside." The red pony blushed deeper. "Am not!" Applejack shot him a 'Oh Really' look and and laughed. "Whatever you say, brother. Now help me with this here tree." Mac stood ready to buck as Applejack stood underneath the tree with a basket atop her head. "Go!" At the word, Macintosh bucked the tree, sending apples toward his sister, who expertly caught them in the wicker basket. "Remember when we used to this all the time, Mac?" The stallion nodded. "Eeyup." As Applejack put the basket onto the wagon, she glanced at Mac who was hitching himself to the wagon. She trotted up beside him and they walked for a while. then the orange mare spoke. "Big Macintosh?" "Yup?" "I was thinkin'...since you've gone and found yourself a marefriend and all....are you still going to come to Sweet Apple Acres and be with me, Applebloom and Granny?" Mac stopped at her question. "Aj?" He looked at her. "You are family, of course I'll be here to see you and Granny and Applebloom." Mac blew a piece of stray mane from his eyes. "Whatever put that thought into your little pony head?" Applejack shrugged, blinking away tears. Mac started walking and his sister fell in line. "I promise you that, sis. I want to be there when Applebloom gets her cutie mark, I'll be there when you are crowned bet rodeo competitor. Haybales, I want to be here if those rotten Shim Sham-" "Flim Flam." Applejack corrected, now smiling. "Flim Flam brothers come back. Aj, I don't ever want you to think that I would abandon Sweet Apple Acres. Not for nopony, it's in my blood, its the family. Now do you understand me?" "Eeyup." "That's my sis." They both laughed and walked into the barn. Mac unhitched the wagon and helped Applejack to put away the full baskets. When Aj started for the door, Mac called to her. "Come here, Aj." She did and Mac enveloped her in a big hug. "I love you, little sis." "I love you too, big brother." "Now go on up to bed and I'll see you tomorrow." "Alrighty." Applejack broke away from Big Mac and trotted back to the Apple dwelling. Macintosh stayed in the barn, unloading the apple baskets and placing the apples where Granny would eventually get to them and look over each fruit. His work didn't take long, once finished, the apple pony closed the barn quietly and left to Fluttershy's house. He walked through Ponyville, his hooves the only ones beating the soft ground. The town was sure different at night. No shopkeepers stood beside stands, no gossipping mares lining the streets and it was spookily quiet. Until a loud 'boo' happened behind Macintosh. He whipped his head around to see what it was and there stood a white sheet, with a white horn protruding from the top, a pair of orange wings sprouting from the back and a red tail at the end. "I am the ghost of Ponyville Squarrre...." Somepony spoke from under the sheet. "Oooo..." came another voice. Big Mac hid a chuckle from the 'ghost' and acted the part. "Oh no, won't some pony help me?" He said in a faux-scared voice and took a step backward. "Ooooo..." The 'ghost' took a step forward but a stray orange hoof stepped on the sheet making the 'ghost' tip forward and lose it's flowing frame. Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom emerged form the fallen sheet, each of the the three friends were fine and had begun laughing at each other. Then Mac, too, began laughing. As they shared a good laugh, a panicked Twilight came around the corner of a building. "Oh, there you are!" She breathed a sigh of relief and approached the four laughing ponies. "I thought you promised no more sneaking off the last time I babysat you three." "Oh, golly, we're sorry Twilight. We were jus tryna get our cutie marks." Apple Bloom looked up at the purple unicorn. Twilight turned to Big Mac. "I apologize, I shouldn't have turned my back on them." She glanced at the Cutie Mark Crusaders. "Hey! Maybe we got our cutie marks!" Sweetie Belle shouted. "Yeah!" Agreed Scootaloo. The three fillies checked their flanks, but they were still a bare white, orange and yellow. The three sighed simultaneously. "It's alright Twilight." Mac drew her attention back. "No harm done. Apple Bloom!" The apple pony called for his youngest sister and she approached him. "Don't give Twilight here anymore trouble. You hear?" "Yep, siree, Macintosh, sir." Apple Bloom saluted. "Dismissed." Mac thrust his heavy head toward Apple Bloom's friends, motioning the filly to join them. The young pony hopped back to her waiting companions who welcomed her back with smiles. Mac looked back at Twilight and laughed. "Silly Fillies." Twilight giggled to. "Yeah...well I'll be seeing you, Mac." "Eeyup." The purple unicorn rounded up the Cutie Mark Crusaders and the trio plus one headed over to the library. Macintosh turned and continued on his way to Fluttershy's, smiling in adoration of his sister's ambitions. "They sure are silly fillies, but I love them." He chuckled. Late NightAfter a while, Big Macintosh finally came upon the tree cottage that his love resided in. He pushed open the door and let himself in. To his surprise, Fluttershy was in the kitchen, her hooves working busily at the sink. The yellow pegasus heard the door open behind her and turned her head. "Hello." She called out in her quiet voice. Big Macintosh nodded towards her and noticed her bandaged wing as she turned her head back to the sink. Then the red earth pony came up beside his love and looked at the bowl that Fluttershy was washing. He watched as her hooves worked at a piece of dryed up lettuce. Mac looked up at Fluttershy's face and planted a little kiss on her cheek and returned to the living room where he sat on the little red couch. In the kitchen, the yellow pegasus's face was a light shade of pink. A few moments passed before the mare left the kitchen and took a spot on the couch, an awkward distance from Big Mac. The earth pony looked at her as she sat, he noticed her big eyes buising themselves with some corner of the room. Eventually, the silence became too much and Big Mac spoke. "Fluttershy?" Her yellow heard turned. "Yes?" "What do you say we go out somewhere. Ummm..." Mac scratched the back of his head with one hoof. "How about the new place that just opened?" "The salad place?" "Um... if you want to, I mean we could stay here...or...something." The silence returned but this time Fluttershy's voice chased it away. "Big Mac?" The red pony looked over and to his surprise, Fluttershy's lips landed on his. The stallion didn't move, his limbs paralyzed with shock. Fluttershy felt this and quickly withdrew her face. "Oh! I'm sorry! Big Mac! I was ju-" Her panicky voice was interrupted by Mac's red lips upon hers. The stallion stopped and uttered. "Don't be." Big Macintosh lifted himself from the couch and extended a hoof to Fluttershy, who accepted it and still wincing from her injured wing, left the couch and walked with Mac out the door. Eventually, the two arrived at the little restaurant and each ordered their drinks, a glass of water for each. Not to be frugal but because Fluttershy didn't want to be a bother and Big Macintosh enjoyed the simpler things. When the light blue unicorn serving them had brought the beverages, each pony took a sip, almost simultaneously. A little paper menu was set before them and only a few seconds later, Big Mac and Fluttershy had ordered and were waiting the dinner's arrival. "So....are you having a good time?" Big Macintosh spoke, trying to start a conversation. "Oh, yes. I am." Fluttershy nodded and smiled. "Thank you, for bringing me to dinner." "It's alright." "Any thing for you." "No, really, thank you." Fluttershy put one yellow hoff on the table and Macintosh brought his own to hers. "Dinner's ready!" The waitress brought the plates to rest upon the table with her magic and the two ponies said their 'thank-yous'. As the unicorn left, the two began eating. Fluttershy started with the oranges that rested atop lettuce greens and little carrots mixed in. Big Mac preferred to begin with the tomatoes and croutons that lay scattered across his own salad. The pegasus pony looked up from her dinner. "Big Mac?" "Yup?" The earth pony asked not looking up from his dinner. "Um..I...is this our first date?" Big Mac looked up from his dinner, swallowed and blushed. "I...guess. Yep, kinda...." "Oh.....okay." Fluttershy resumed eating normally, but Big Macintosh didn't. "Fluttershy?" "Hm?" She looked up at her date. "I know that you're shy. And....I am too..." The stallion thought for a moment, reading Fluttershy's face which looked cute with a bit of lettuce dangling from her full mouth. Big Mac smiled and brushed the lettuce away with his hoof. "Fluttershy, we've known each other for a while, even if it wasn't as a couple. Even when we were....friends.....I've liked you. I need to know before I ask you this next question." He paused again as Fluttershy's eyes dropped. "Did you like me before this?" Fluttershy looked away, trembling. "Fluttershy?" Big Macintosh asked the mare's name and she whipped her head around, tears streaming down her face. "Yes, Big Macintosh! Yes, I did!" Fluttershy was yelling only in the way that Fluttershy can, which isn't very loud but the words reached Mac's ears easily. "I liked you ever since we were young and I saw you working at Sweet Apple Acres! I loved you then, and now you know that Fluttershy is a coward!" She excused herself from the table and ran from the restaurant, her pink hair in front of her face. Macintosh's jaw was hung open as he looked after Fluttershy. Only the voice of the waitress and the pressing stares of the other customers brought him back to reality. "What did you do to her?" The waitress's eyes were big and she looked shocked. "I-I need to go." Mac threw a few bits on the table and left the restaurant in a hurry. He ran as fast as he could, looking around every corner in Ponyville. "Fluttershy! Fluttershy, please!" His voice strained with worry. He was just about out of places to look when he heard a whimpering sound near a tree. "Fluttershy?" Macintosh approached the tree and looked to the other side, where Fluttershy lay with her head under her hooves. Tears wet the grass below. The yellow mare looked up at Big Macintosh and lifted herself to her hooves. She muttered something that was inaudible to Big Macintosh. "Fluttershy, I-" Big Mac was interrupted by Fluttershy hugging him and he put his own hooves around her tightly. "I'm so sorry, Big Mac." The mare cried as she said this. "I-I guess my nerves...just....." She hiccuped and Mac hugged her closer. "It's alright, Fluttershy." He kissed the top of her head. "Come on, let's go back to your house. It's late." The pegasus sniffed and nodded, she dried her eyes and the two walked home, heads pressed together. Author's Note *Anything in italics resemble thoughts. :) I Love YouThe next day, both stallion and mare woke to a late start. It was almost 11:00 in the PM before they woke. Fluttershy woke first and then shook Big Macintosh, trying to wake him up. "Big Mac." Her quiet voice entered his ears and Mac stretched before starting out of bed. "Don't you need to work today?" Mac shook his head. "Nope." The stallion rubbed his neck, it hurt more than usual this morning. "I'll be downstairs, Fluttershy." He told his marefriend, shaking away the neck pain. "Okay." The pegasus was brushing her mane, her long hair required much maintenance. Later that afternoon, the two lovers walked to the park in Ponyville. They walked with their flanks brushing and cutie marks touching. Big Mac carried a basket in his teeth, within the basket rest a few apples, a couple jars of apple cider and one of Pinkie Pie's Perfected Pumpkin Patch Pastries to share. "Big Mac, isn't today just beautiful?" Fluttershy asked. "Eeyup." Big Macintosh nodded and kept his stride. While Fluttershy admired the birds flying overhead, Big Mac lead her to a secluded spot. Trees surrounded the area and gaps were filled with little blackberry bushes. Mac unfolded a pink and green blanket that he'd packed and began to set out their lunch. He lay on a corner of the blanket and called for Fluttershy, whose attention had turned to a little bunny who was bouncing along. "Oh." The shy mare blushed lightly and approached her stallion. "Fluttershy, sit closer to me." Big Macintosh said in a quiet voice, it was on the verge of pleading. The mare shuffled closer to the stallion, but still stayed an awkward distance from him. "Closer Fluttershy, I know that you're shy, but if we're going to be mare and stallion...I want to be closer, not just when we are walking, but during moments like these." The mare stood. "Fluttershy, please don't leave again! I'm sorry if I offended you." Big Mac lay his head on his hooves. The yellow pegasus looked down at Big Macintosh's face and watched as a single tear fell down his cheek. Suddenly she felt really bad inside, guilty. She knew that Big Macintosh just wanted to hold her and cuddle. Last night he had tried, but the mare moved away and unfolded her wings so he had to keep his distance. Fluttershy knew that he'd never touch her unless she said yes but she also knew that she'd never be ready for that level of intimacy. Her personality wouldn't allow that sort of touch. "Big Mac, I have to go." Fluttershy said nervously. "Thank you for everything, but it just won't work out." The stallion stood quickly and approached Fluttershy. "Fluttershy, darlin', I love you." "And I, you." She turned around to meet Big Mac's face. "but it won't work!" Tears streamed her face. "Fluttershy, please, listen to me...I love you." Fluttershy went to open her mouth again, but Big Mac put a hoof up and closed it. "When I say I love somepony, I really do." Big Macintosh kissed Fluttershy passionately but the mare pulled away, her head shaking. "No, Big Mac! I'm too incompetent to accept love, I can't deal with this...these feelings." Her voice faded to sobs and hiccups. Big Mac moved his head away from hers. "I'm sorry." The stallion sat on the ground, his head hung low. "I love you, Big Mac." Fluttershy flapped her wings and flew slowly away, tears staining her yellow face. Big Mac looked up to watch her fly away. "I love you too." He said and then he let himself cry for his lost love. Confessions of the LovesickBig Macintosh lay in his own bed, in his own room, in his own house and he's never felt so lonely. He gazed at a bookshelf in the corner of his room. His green eyes scanned the book titles. 'Beauty and the Changeling', Romeo and Juliet', 'Snow White and the Seven Equines'. All stories he used to read to Applejack, stories he still reads to Applebloom, and stories that all ended with a happy couple. 'Why couldn't my own relationship end up like theirs?' He thought and sighed. A knock came on his bedroom door, it was his sister, Applejack. "Big Mac?" Her orange hoof pushed open the door and Big Mac lifted himself up from the upside down position he had been laying in. "Are you okay?" Applejack sat next to Big Macintosh on the bed. He sighed and spoke. "Yep." Applejack made a face that said 'really?'. "No, you're not, Big Mac." He nodded and brushed the bed covers with one hoof. "You want Fluttershy here with you, don't cha?" He nodded again. "Why don't you go and talk to her? I'm sure she'd listen." "Naw, she wouldn't want to see me." "And why the hay not?" "I just don't think she would." "Well, maybe, I should go talk to 'er." "Applejack, don't." Big Mac looked at his sister. "She don't want nothin' to do with me. I'm...I'm too clingy or somethin'." Applejack hugged her brother from the back. "It'll be fine, Big Mac. She just need a little talkin' to." "Aj, I know you want to help, but please. Leave Fluttershy alone. She says it wouldn't work and...maybe she's right." Big Mac felt the urge to cry again. Sweet Celestia, it hurt so much, rejection. "Look, just promise me you won't go to Fluttershy's." "Okay, Big Mac." She patted his back with a hoof. "I won't go to Fluttershy's." Applejack promised. "Alright." He lay down again and Applejack lay beside him, trying to comfort her older brother. From the doorway, Applebloom had been listening and heard everything. She turned and walked away from the door quietly. "Poor Big Mac." She thought as she walked down to the kitchen and made herself a cup of cider. She sat down and sipped her cider, thinking, until she finally came up with a plan. Applebloom rushed from the Apple property to find the other two Cutie Mark Crusaders. Once the filly had gathered Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, the three made their way to Fluttershy's cottage and Applebloom told them about her plan. Scootaloo had been the one to knock on the door, and it was a full minute before Fluttershy opened it. "Yes?" "Fluttershy, can we talk to you?" Applebloom asked. "Um...okay. Come in if you want." The yellow pegasus opened the door further and allowed the three fillies to enter her home. "Thanks." Sweetie Belle mentioned as they entered. The three asked Fluttershy to sit on the same sofa that her and Mac shared that one day. The mare prodded a pillow near her, it seemed like so long ago. "Fluttershy, you have to come and see my brother." Applebloom said. Fluttershy looked up. "Oh, no...we're over." There was awkward silence. "He's not over you." Sweetie Belle piped up. Fluttershy looked at the floor. "I can tell that you aren't over him." Scootaloo said. "No, I'm not, but I'm afraid it wouldn't work, girls. It's complicated." "Then tell us, mare to mare." Sweetie Belle thought for a moment. "Mares." Fluttershy sighed. "Alright." She began to tell the story of her and Big Mac. How he treated her and the way he's "polite and charming and so much like a gentlecolt." "Then why did you two call it off?" Applebloom asked. "It sounds like a fairy tale!" "That's...also complicated." "Fluttershy c'mon, Big Macintosh really likes you." Applebloom put a hoof on Fluttershy's own. "Please, just talk to 'im." Fluttershy thought for a moment and sighed. She really loved Big Mac, but she didn't want to hurt him. Then on the other hoof, she was dying to see him again. Her heart won out. "Okay. Take me to him." The Cutie Mark Crusaders beamed. Fluttershy allowed the three fillies to walk her to Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack was in the barn and didn't see the four ponies enter the property. Granny Smith nodded to Fluttershy as she passed by, the old mare already knew why Fluttershy was there. Big Mac had told Granny Smith everything since the beginning and she promoted her grandson's love for the shy mare. Applebloom led Fluttershy, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo up to Big Mac's room. She tossed her head toward the door and Fluttershy approached it. With a intake of air, Fluttershy pushed open the wooden door and spoke. "Hello?" Big Mac lifted his head to look at the door. He sat up fast when he saw that it was Fluttershy. "Hey." He stared at the mare as she approached his bed. "You mind if I sit here?" "Why did you come?" Fluttershy didn't answer and Big Mac turned the opposite direction. "Aj, sent ya, didn't she?" Fluttershy was quiet again. "No....she didn't." "Then why did you come?" "Big Mac...I....miss you." Fluttershy walked around to face Big Mac. "And....I love you." "I know," He replied, looking a different direction. "but that is exactly what you said before you left. You said it was over...." "I know....and I was wrong," Fluttershy spoke quietly and calmly although her body trembled with nervousness. "Please, just look at me! I'm sorry, Big Mac! Please!" Her voice had risen to a squeaky plea. With a trembling lip, Macintosh looked at Fluttershy, his green eyes welling up again. "Fluttershy, you said....you said that it'd never work." "Big Mac, I meant....I just..." Fluttershy looked into the green orbs before her and started crying. "I'm sorry." She kissed him, her yellow lips trembling against his, but she refused to leave their warm embrace, Fluttershy had pushed him backwards with the kiss. Mac had to break the moment. The two stared into each other's eyes, their breathing was the only sound in the room. "I love you, Big Mac, I love you....just...so much." Mac said nothing. "I understand your silence." Fluttershy said quietly. "It's just like before, except it's not me." Mac remained silent. "I'm sorry." Fluttershy let the stallion up and left his room. Mac couldn't say anything as his love disappeared from his sight and as her tail left his vision, he looked at his hooves and shook his head. The three fillies who had been listening in, followed Fluttershy as she left and noticing her expression, remained quiet although they were dying to ask about Big Mac and their relationship. "You girls go play, I'll be okay." Fluttershy told the fillies. "Okay, Fluttershy. Feel better, though." Sweetie Belle said. "I will." The pegasus watched as the schoolfillies ran off. Then she lowered her head and began the long walk home. At Last At Last That night, Fluttershy had just made a bowl of lettuce for Angel and had went upstairs to lay in her bed. The pegasus had just about worried herself to sleep when her door creaked open. "Darlin'?" The mare looked to her door, the familiar voice waking her from half-sleep. "Mac?" The stallion pushed the door open, and closed it behind him. "How, did you get in here?" "Angel-bunny." "Oh." The two were quiet for a very long time when Big Macintosh climbed into the bed beside Fluttershy and began to pet her mane with one hoof. He kissed her cheek and Fluttershy rolled over to meet his kisses with her lips. Big Mac put a hoof over Fluttershy's body and rest it on the bed. He kissed her from above and she put a hoof on his cheek, pulling him closer. Mac didn't cross over her full body, he didn't want to hurt her, just to be close. To her surprise, she didn't feel that she needed some space, she didn't want to distance herself. It felt right, being here with him in this moment. It was something that every mare fantasizes about. To be with their lover in quiet peace and embrace their love with open arms. Big Macintosh smiled down at the adorable mare below him, she looked up at him with her ocean blue eyes. "I love you, Fluttershy." "I love you, Big Macintosh." Mac's heart swelled. That was the first time Fluttershy had been able to say those words without shrinking away, crying or nervously laughing. "Oh, Celestia, I love you." He kissed her cheek and trailed the kisses down her neck. Fluttershy blushed, her body feeling warm suddenly. "Big Mac?" He stopped kissing her and looked up at her eyes. "I'm....okay with this." Mac sighed a happy sigh and smiled again. "I'm glad. Fluttershy, when you said you loved me...just now. I...I felt....like..." Mac laughed a little. "This is going to sound cliche, but...eeyup, I felt like I could fly." Fluttershy let out a whisper of a giggle. Macintosh hugged Fluttershy and laid with her, the two exchanging laughs and telling stories about everything. Friends, siblings, embarrassing moments, everything. Eventually, they fell asleep, holding each other close and smiling.
The First Step"Oh, Angel." A buttercup-yellow Pegasai plucked lettuce from the floor of her cottage. Angel, Fluttershy's white bunny, was a very picky eater and if he didn't like whatever meal was prepared for him, he had a habit off tossing it to the floor. Fluttershy's endless patience encouraged his behavior and even though Applejack had repetitively explained to Fluttershy that she owned Angel and Angel didn't own her, the timid pony still obeyed her precious pet's wishes. "Angel," Fluttershy prodded. "Please eat. Mommy would be so proud if you did." The bunny shook his head and pushed away the bowl. The door bell rang. Fluttershy sighed, leaving the bowl in front of Angel, she went to answer the door. Angel glared at the bowl of lettuce, as if wishing it to wilt. Fluttershy cracked the door open, just wide enough to peak outside. Her blue eyes falling on a big shadow. "Hello." A deep voice spoke. "Eep!" Fluttershy shut the door quickly and took a deep breath. 'Its Big Macintosh! Oh, goodness...oh goodness.' She panicked in her mind. Whenever she was around the apple pony, her heart struggled to stay calm and her mind scrambled for words. "Fluttershy." She told herself, "You can do this." She exhaled and opened the door fully. " Hello..um, Big Mac. Haven't seen you in a while." "Eeyup." Macintosh looked down on the mare, his green eyes studying her blue ones. He was quiet for a minute when Fluttershy turned so that her face was covered by her long pink hair. With Fluttershy looking away, Big Mac fixed his mane, he wasn't one for looks, but he'd make an exception for Fluttershy. He did want to impress the mare, but he wanted to be subtle about it. " Aj sent me up here to bring you a saddlebag of apples." He set the bag on the floor, Angel hopped over to it and dived in. Resurfacing with an apple in his mouth. Fluttershy looked to Big Mac and spoke just above a whisper. " Thank you." The stallion nodded his head, fiddling with the sliver of wheat that hung from his lips. Again, the two stood awkwardly. Neither of them uttering a word. It was a few minutes before Macintosh spoke. " I should be gettin' back to the farm." He turned to the door and left without saying another word, closing it behind him. "Fluttershy you are such a loudmouth." Fluttershy scolded herself quietly. -Outside- Big Mac sighed and with one more glance at the pink door, he shoved off down the hill. At the bottom Applebloom, his youngest sister, had been waiting. " One bag down, one more ta go!" Applebloom spoke, bouncing around her brother. He nodded his head, thoughts still on the Pegasus pony up in her cottage. "Then we can go home, right?" "Eeyup." -Inside- Fluttershy picked the saddlebag up with her teeth and set it on the table beside the lettuce bowl. Angel pawed his way out of the apples, something hanging from his mouth. "Angel?" Fluttershy looked at her pet. "What do you have?" A crumpled piece of something dangled from the bunny's mouth, the item growing increasingly soggy. Angel shook his head and hopped to a small couch with the item. Fluttershy followed Angel, her yellow wings lightly beating the air. "Angel, let me see." Angel shook his head and hopped away again. "Angel.." Fluttershy said and watched the rabbit, who stopped and glanced at the pegasus before springing off again. "Angel, please come back." She flew after her pet, who had knocked over a small lamp. "Oh, dear." Fluttershy uprighted the light and took off again after the bunny. After a minute or two, she lost track of Angel, who had disappeared somewhere in the upstairs bedroom. "Angel?" She called out as she stepped into the room. After a few steps forward, a small scuffling sound came from behind the nightstand. "Angel, is that you?" At her voice, the noise stopped. The mare walked over to the nightstand before pushing it aside slowly, a white face looked up at her, something dangling from it's mouth. "Angel...let Mommy see what you have." Fluttershy coaxed Angel, but the animal refused to let go. "Please show Mommy?" The bunny shook his fluffy little head. Fluttershy sighed, she hated to do this, but she looked at Angel. Her eyes like daggers; when Angel still refused to let go, her stare intensified, her blue eyes reading everything behind this tiny pupils. Shaking, Angel finally dropped the item, his heart quivering under his owner's stare. Fluttershy retrieved the item and her eyes returned to their gentle calmness. "Thank you, Angel." She said cheerfully. The bunny nodded and scampered away nervously to the kitchen, perhaps to snack on some apples. As her pet left down the stairs, Fluttershy looked over the item, which revealed itself to be a scrap of paper with something written on it. By the clumsy script, Fluttershy could tell it had been written by mouth and not by magic. She got past the technicalities and actually read the letter, when she put it down, her eyes widened as surprise and nervousness and anxiety and happiness rushed in all at once. The pegasus's heart felt faint and she panicked, flipping over onto her back with hooves in the air. Fluttershy spaced out for a while before her tiny voice squeaked out. "Big Mac...wants to go out....with....me?"
Anxiety-The Next Day- Fluttershy paced about her living room, shaking her head. "Oh, no, no, no, no, no. He can't. I mean...He isn't...Ohhhhh..." Her stomach was in knots. 'How could Big Macintosh know?' 'How could he have found out?' 'How can he feel this way?' These questions whirled around her mind, twisting her thoughts and diverting her attention from the pouting bunny at her hooves. "Oh, Angel," Fluttershy confided in her pet. "I just don't know what to do. I could never face him after reading this, I mean, I'd be so nervous. So very nervous. I don't even know if I'll be able to be friends with AppleJack, I don't know if I can visit Sweet Apple Acres....Oh, Angel bunny..." Fluttershy cuddled her bunny, whose eyes softened and whose little paw began to stroke the mare's cheek. Although the soft touches were soothing, Fluttershy still felt awkward inside. Nervousness clawed at her belly, her flank shivered as she breathed. The mare wanted to go back in time, before she received the letter, before Big Mac confessed his feelings, before she confirmed them. She sighed, collected her emotions and picking herself off of the floor, Fluttershy set down a bowl of sliced apples for Angel and headed down from her home. The pegasus decided to set aside her emotions for now and to move through the day as if she'd never received the letter. -Sweet Apple Acres- "Hey there, brother!" AppleJack greeted Big Macintosh as he entered the orchard. Her orange legs bucked the hard bark of an apple tree that was rooted behind the mare. "Yee-haw, it's a fine pickin' today, Mac! Each of these baskets over here, they're perfect! Not a bruise on them!" Big Mac nodded. "Eeyup." His orange mane fell over his eyes when he reared up in joy. Macintosh had distracted himself with his other love, other than the shy Pegasus, apples. His hooves hit the ground with a soft crunch of the dirt. "Yep, brother! Now we should get back to buckin', 'tis fixin' to storm." "Says who?" Big Mac asked jokingly. "Says that there dark cloud." Aj tipped her hat toward a group of grey clouds that floated from Cloudsdale's weather factory. The mare bucked another apple tree before heaving the wicker baskets onto the wooden wagon that Big Macintosh had hitched to himself. After an hour or two of bucking, the wagon was full of apple baskets. The storm clouds had rolled in overhead, their noises spoke of thunder and lightning. "Come on now, Macintosh!" Applejack shouted over the wind that had risen. "We gotta get back to the house!" "Eeyup." Big Mac heaved the wagon over the hilly landscape of the orchard. The amount of baskets in the wagon was more than Mac was used to pulling, the weight straining on his neck. The apple pony would be fine, his muscular build is all he'd need to get the wagon to the orchard entrance, which was only a few hoovesteps away. Pony ville - When Fluttershy arrived in Ponyville Square, the storm clouds had just been released from Cloudsdale, but now they were hovering above the markets. The sales ponies and shopkeepers quickly withdrew their merchandise and closed up their booths. "Eeep!" The sound escaped from Fluttershy's throat as the clouds drew closer. The yellow mare's wings shot up in fright, her feathers rustling in the high winds. She tried to shy away from the wind, but it's ferocity grew and before she could do anything about it, Fluttershy was whisked into the air. "Oh, dear!" She squealed as her wings uselessly beat the razor sharp air. The saddlebags dropped from Fluttershy's side and were thrown somewhere outside the wind's reach. The storm tossed Fluttershy forth her wings catching a new gust every time she was dropped. If her wings had been stronger, she could have maneuvered herself to the ground below but instead they drew her upwards and away from Pony ville. Lightning had now began to flash in the storm, Fluttershy's heart was in her throat. Back in flight school, she'd been told stories of Pegasai being stuck down by lightning. She screamed at every sharp sound of the storm and whimpered as she tried to veer away from the flashes of light. Tears bundled up in the corners of her eyes. Fluttershy was sure this was the end, she had been carried to the orchard and a new fear rose in her - the fear of being thrown into a tree. -Below- The lightning flashed again and stuck down a giant tree, its heavy carcass crunched against the ground, resting in front of Big Mac and his wagon. The stallion reared up in surprise, the wagon bringing him back down. Applejack, who was already beside the barn shouted for her brother, but her call was lost in the howling wind. Big Mac tried pushing aside the tree, but to no avail. Then a sound pierced his ears, it was a high sound and it sounded familiar. Pushing the storms noises from his head, he realized the sound was his love. "Fluttershy!" He called, green eyes searching the darkening sky. Then he saw her, her yellow flank standing out from the black clouds. He watched helplessly as he saw the delicate body being twirled above his head. Then he heard it, a sickening scream as Fluttershy's body dropped from the air after a bolt of lightning lit the sky. "Fluttershy!" Big Macintosh unhitched himself and galloped into the orchard.
A Wing and A PrayerLeaves clouded Fluttershy's vision as she plummeted toward the ground, her scream pierced the air. Whump! She hit the solid earth, her wing burning with pain. The howling wind and pouring rain filled her ears as she whited out. " Fluttershy!" Big Mac called out, his hooves beating the soil below. Blood roared in his ears and he ran. "Please let her be okay." He wished silently. His ears picked up a faint sound just ahead of him, the sound of something or some pony crying. Macintosh sped up, his green eyes locating a pony among a group of trees. He slowed and crouched beside the body, one hoof pushing a lock of pink, matted hair from the pony's face. His heart sank at what he saw. Tears trailed down the mare's face as she lay unconscious. The stallion carefully nudged the side of the mare, but she didn't stir. Macintosh lay close by Fluttershy, his body blocking hers from the stinging wind and freezing rain. The mare whimpered and moved closer to him, he lay his head on top of hers gently. There he stayed during the storm, keeping his love warm and protected. It was almost two hours before the storm had passed when Macintosh heard Rainbow dash calling his name from above. " Rainbow!" The stallion called upward. The blue pegasus stopped and looked below, her eyes falling on the red pony. She hovered above him. " Are you alright, Mac?" The apple pony moved his head, revealing Fluttershy laying beside him. Rainbow dash gasped and sped back to the farm, returning with Aj and an ambulance wagon. " Oh, Fluttershy." Applejack spoke quietly and looked down at the mare, an orange hoof wiped away a tear from the yellow cheek. Two ponies emerged from the wagon, one with an pink flank and red mane. Another with a white flank an pink mane. The gently enveloped Fluttershy in their magic and rested her on a soft bed of pillows, bringing a sheet up to the mare's chin. Macintosh broke away from a third doctor that had been looking him over and rushed to Fluttershy's side. He nuzzled the mare's limp hoof and then stepped away as the doctors sent away the wagon. One doctor stayed to speak to the Apples and and the mane six. " She should be fine. As of now we only know that she's twisted her wing and her head was hit pretty hard. We will know more once we've had her examined at the hospital." "When can we see her?" Twilight asked, comforting a sobbing Rarity. " I would advise waiting until tomorrow, she may wake then. Until then prepare yourselves, she's a weak pony." The doctor turned to follow the ambulance and took down the road. For a while the ponies stood in silence, each one dealing with grief. Then Aj spoke. "Standing here won't fix anything." The orange mare trotted into the house. Applebloom and Granny Smith followed. The mane six slowly dispersed, all going to Sugacube Corner to think about things. Only Big Macintosh remained. His gaze fixated on the now halved tree that had fallen. The red pony hung his head, and stared at the ground.
Sleepless Nights Sleepless Nights Later that night, Mac found that he couldn't fall asleep. Every time he closed his eyes, all he saw was Fluttershy's limp body lying on the ground. He was anxious to see her, to be by her side. The feeling was so powerful that it provoked Macintosh to leave his room and tiptoe around the Apple household. He looked in on his sleeping sisters and his grandmother before quietly leaving the house. An hour had passed before he arrived at the hospital. The red pony walked up to the front door and peered inside. One nurse was sitting at the reception desk shuffling through papers and chewing on bubblegum. Mac sighed. The hospital would not be open for another couple hours. Big Mac had just leaned against the brick wall of the hospital when a night guard came from around the building. "Hey, big fella." The grey pony spoke to Mac. " The name's Badge, Tony Badge. Might I ask yours?" "Big Macintosh." " Well, I can see why they call you big. Sorry, Mac, Imma have to ask ya to leave. The doctors don't exactly appreciate night visitors." " I apologize, Mr. Badge. It's just...." Big Mac looked away from the guard as tears welled in his eyes. "It's a mare isn't it?" Mac looked up. " How-" " I've seen it a million times, and let me tell you Macintosh, love is a like a restless foal. You can play ball with it once or twice, but then it never wants to stop. You know what I mean?" "Im not dense or anything, but no, no I don't understand." The apple pony replied. " Love is not like a foal. With love, if its true, you won't want to stop. And this love....I don't want to quit on it." The guard looked at Mac and sighed. " Y'know what I'm going to do, just for you, Mac?" Macintosh shook his head no. "Imma let you in and take you up to your mare friend, but I need you to be silent. Hush, hush. You got that?" Macintosh nodded eagerly. "Alrighty, then." The guard lifted his keys with his magic and unlocked the door of the hospital, quietly he motioned Macintosh inside. The apple pony stepped into the reception room and the nurse looked up, with a reasurring nod from the guard she shrugged and went along with her own business. "What's your mare's name?" The guard whispered to Big Mac. "Fluttershy." Macintosh whispered back. "Lucky for you, I was on duty when she came in. Her room is just down this hallway, please follow me." The unicorn led Mac down to a door marked 1354. "Now, I'm going to warn you. She looked pretty roughed up when they wheeled her in. So prepare yourself." Big Macintosh nodded slowly and the guard eased open the door with his magic. Macintosh silently entered the room, it was a single room which were mostly reserved for more severe cases. Mac silently wished to Celestia that Fluttershy would pull through. A soft click ripped him from his thoughts as Tony Badge closed the door and left, presumably back to his duties. Macintosh, with one last glance at the door, turned and stepped towards Fluttershy's bed. He sat next to the bed, his large figure casting a shadow from the dim lamp that had been angled at his love's sleeping form. His eyes looked at her face, absorbing the picture. Her cheeks were pale and scratched. Her head had been wrapped and the few pink locks that escaped from the bandages had draped themselves over her closed eyes. Though smudged and scratched, her face looked so peaceful, so relaxed. Big Mac pet her cheek lovingly with his hoof, careful not to disturb the gauze covered scar. "Fluttershy," Macintosh whispered. "You remember the lullaby you sang to Applebloom and her friends? Of course you do, darlin'. Would you like to hear it?" Mac asked Fluttershy, who didn't stir. "Hush, now, quiet now. It time to lay your sleepy head." Mac stopped to blink away a few tears. "Hush, now, quiet now," he wiped a stray one away. "Its time to go to bed."
A Rude Awakening"Big Mac." The red pony snorted in his dream. "Mac." His hooves twitched. "Big Macintosh!" "Huh?! Woah!" Mac awoke from his dreamless sleep and fell back in surprise. He looked up to find Applejack looming over him. " And what did ya think you were doin' up 'ere in Fluttershy's room?" Aj spoke angrily. "How's Fluttershy?" Mac started to get up but was pushed back to the ground by Applejack's orange hoof. "Fluttershy is fine, unlike somepony's big brother when I'm done wit him. You've got some explainin' ta do, Mac." "What is your problem, Aj?" Mac spoke softly and knocked his sisters hoof away from him. The pony got up from the ground and walked to the opposite side of Fluttershy's bed. Aj shook her head. "Well, you can tell your big brother." "Mac, last night, Applebloom woke with a nightmare and her racket woke Granny. I-I tried to help, but you know how the filly is- if she's frightened, there is no consoling her. Applebloom needed you Mac, but you weren't there." Applejack's eyes were filled with hurt. " You know its the first time she's seen any pony in this condition." Mac felt terrible, his green eyes fell to his hooves then over to Fluttershy. He scolded himself for caring about his own hearts worries instead of making sure that his kin was alright. "I'm sorry, Aj. I just....I just wanted to check on her." He placed a hoof on his beloved's sheet and looked over to Applejack. "Please forgive me." Applejack's eyes softened as she walked over to her brother. "Okay, Mac. We forgive ya." The orange pony put a hoof around her brother's neck. Big Mac pulled her into a hug and kissed the top of her head. "I'm sorry." "I know, Mac. I know." The two hugged in silence until Aj spoke. "Why don't we go to Sugarcube Corner and ask Pinkie to rustle us up a little somethin'?" Mac nodded and after resetting Fluttershy's blanket, he left with Applejack to get some food. The brother and sister duo entered the bakery and stepped up to the counter where Pinkie Pie was organizing cupcakes on a platter. "Hey, Apple folk!" The party pony called in he usual cheerfulness. " Hey there, Pinkie Pie. You mind fetchin' a little somethin' for Mac and I?" " How about one of these! Right out of the oven!" A pink hoof held up an orange cupcake with teal frosting. "Its a special one! Pinkie Pie's Perfected Pumpkin Patch Pastry!" Pinkie shoved one cupcake into Mac's mouth, the sweet taste filling his tongue. "How is it, brother?" Aj asked. "Is it good?" Pinkie followed. Macintosh nodded his head and swallowed. "Eeyup." Pinkie whooped and pulled out a tray of the cakes. Each of the three ponies took a cupcake and stood talking. "Have either of you been over to see Fluttershy yet?" Pinkie asked. "Yep." Applejack replied. "How's she doing?" "I talked the doc before goin' ta see her. Kind fella, anyway, he said that she'd slept peacefully most of the night." Applejack glanced at Big Macintosh then back at Pinkie. " He said she can leave when she wakes. But they don't know when she'll come around." "Oh." Pinkie looked a bit saddened but she gasped with an idea. "Let's go get some of her favorite things! I have a skeleton key!" Applejack looked confused and spoke. "Eh, Pinkie where did-" Then she stopped. "Where did what, Applejack?" "Eh, never mind. Let's go." The ponies boxed up a few of Pinkie's cupcakes and headed to Fluttershy's house. Pinkie Pie opened the door with her key and the trio stepped inside. Fluttershy's house looked pretty much the same except that Angel wasn't eating and looked saddened. Mac looked at the rabbit and got an idea. The apple pony picked up a small basket from beside the sofa and tucked a blanket inside. "Ere ya go." Mac nudged Angel into the basket and covered him with another blanket of the same color. "Um, Big Mac, they don't allow bunnies at the hospital." Pinkie Pie said while picking a couple of books for Fluttershy. "That ain't no bunny, that there is a bouquet of flowers." The apple pony tucked in just enough flowers to hide Angel. "Ohh, I get it." Aj replied through a mouth full of napkins. "I don't, but let's go see our friend!" Pinkie Pie bounded out the door with Aj and Mac in tow. After locking the door behind them, they started off to the hospital.
SurpriseUpon arriving at the hospital, Pinkie Pie, Applejack and Big Macintosh found themselves in a flurry of rushing ponies. Careful, not to run into any pony, the three made their way to Fluttershy's room. Mac was praying that the commotion was not because of Fluttershy. He ran ahead of Applejack and Pinkie, fear seizing his mind. Angel bobbed in the basket that hung from his lips. "Mac!" Pinkie called after him, but he didn't respond. The red pony burst into Fluttershy' room and sighed with relief as he saw Fluttershy laying in her bed. Applejack and Pinkie Pie crashed into Big Macintosh, who didn't even flinch. "She's alright." He spoke quietly and calmly. "Big Mac, what the hay do you think...you're...do...in?" Applejack began to scold but was distracted as Macintosh started walking towards Fluttershy. The apple pony set Angel's basket before Fluttershy and Angel peeked out. Upon seeing his keeper's familiar face, the bunny climbed out of the blankets and wriggled himself under the pegasus's hoof. Mac smiled and stared at Fluttershy's face. Applejack broke from her distracted trance and joined Mac bedside. Pinkie was in tow. Still no pony spoke. "Hush now, quiet now." Mac sang quietly. Applejack looked over her brother. Then it hit her. Her big brother is in love. In love with one of her best friends-Fluttershy! Pinkie stood quietly on the opposite side of the bed. A small sound came from the Pegasus and Angel looked up. Her blue eyes opened and settled sleepily on the pony closest to her, Big Macintosh. "Fluttershy," Mac whispered with a smile. "Fluttershy, you're back!" Pinkie Pie gasped. "I've got to go tell the others!" The pink pony zoomed from the room. The yellow Pegasus blinked the sleep from her eyes and looked down. "Angel." She hugged the fluffy bunny close and the pet nuzzled its face into her pelt. Applejack was still standing quietly next to her brother. "Hello there, Sugar cube." Aj took off her hat. Fluttershy peeked up from her pet's fur and looked at the two ponies to the left of her. "Applejack...Big Mac?" "We're here, Fluttershy." Aj replied. That's when Pinkie returned with everypony else. "See, see, I told you she was awake." Pinkie spoke rapidly as the rest of the ponies filed in. "Fluttershy, how are you feeling?" Rarity asked. "Fine, I. I guess." Fluttershy replied shyly. "That was quite some tumble." Rainbow dash spoke up. "We're just glad you're okay." Said Twilight. Spike waved from beside her. "Th-thank you." Fluttershy replied. Rarity, feeling the tension in the air, herded every pony out. "Come along now, she just woke. Let her be." The mane six filed out and the white unicorn shut the door. "Do we really have to go home?" Spike asked. "Heavens no," replied Rarity. "Just listen." -Inside Fluttershy's Room Big Mac looked at Fluttershy, saying nothing. The two ponies were both unsure of what to say, so they stayed in silence until Fluttershy spoke up. "Do you really feel that way?" Big Mac's ears stood up. " Huh?" Fluttershy blushed. "What you wrote...about....me?" Pink hair fell over her eyes. The red pony, too, blushed even though the mare couldn't tell. "I...um..." Mac was quiet for a minute. "Eeyup." He said barely audible. "I-I didn't hear you." The mare whispered. Mac tried to speak again, but felt his throat tight. The mare before him began to look uncomfortable and tears came to her blue eyes. "I knew..." A single tear rolled down Fluttershy's cheek and she turned away from him. This tore Big Macintosh's heart in two.With a burst of courage, he turned Fluttershy's head with one hoof and kissed her passionately. Fluttershy blushed deeper in the kiss and Macintosh pulled away. Both ponies stayed there, inches apart, searching each other's eyes. "Big......Mac...I...." Fluttershy started but was quieted with another kiss from the stallion. They stopped kissing and Mac regained his composure. "Come on, let's get you out of here." He nuzzled Fluttershy's chin and Angel nuzzled his. -Outside- Outside the room, the mane six and Spike stood in shock. Rarity was the first to recover, a click bringing her out from surprise. Big Mac wheeled a blanketed Fluttershy from the room, pushing the chair lightly with his head. Angel curled up in Fluttershy's lap. "Ready to leave, Fluttershy?" Rarity asked her friend. "Yes." The Pegasus replied.
A Basketful of Apples and a Netful of ButterfliesBig Mac and the rest of the group all walked Fluttershy home, each pony eager to help their friend. "I'll make you some dinner, Fluttershy." Rainbow Dash spoke, ready to zoom into the kitchen. "I'll clean up a bit in here," Twilight stated and picked up a duster with her magic. "Sure is dusty." Fluttershy blushed, her friends were so nice to her. "It's fine, you guys. Really." The pegasus tried to move her wings to lift herself from the wheelchair, but one stiffened with pain. "Oh..." Fluttershy sighed and fell back into the chair. "At least let us help you out of that wheelchair." Twilight said and made a comfortable spot for Fluttershy on the small couch the pegasus owned. "There." Macintosh looked down at his love. "Come on. Up and at 'em." The earth pony gently nudged Fluttershy from her chair and helped her stand once she regained her hooves. "There." "Um...thank you, Big Mac." "Eeyup." The two walked to the red couch, Fluttershy leaning on Macintosh as not to stumble. Once they made it, Fluttershy lay on the red cushions, her front half propped up on several pillows. "Thank you all." Fluttershy said quietly, looking at her friends. "You are all so kind." "You are welcome!" Pinkie Pie said, pushing another box of cupcakes towards Fluttershy. Fluttershy giggled and yawned. "Um...I hate to be rude but would you mind if I take a small cat nap?" Rarity replied. "Oh, none at all dear, in fact we'll take a stroll down to Sugarcube corner if you'd like some peace and quiet." "That would be wonderful. Thank you." The ponies all waved by to Fluttershy before leaving, all but Applejack and Big Macintosh. Macintosh looked at the couch. "I'll go look for more pillows...for comfort." The red pony walked upstairs to fetch more pillows, leaving the two fillies downstairs. When Macintosh's cutie mark disappeared upstairs, Applejack turned to face Fluttershy "Fluttershy, do you like Big Macintosh?" The pegasus blushed and shyed away from Aj's green gaze. "Uhm..." Fluttershy adusted herself awkwardly on the couch. Aj nudged her gently. "C'mon, you can tell me." Fluttershy sighed and muttered quietly. "Yes." "Huh?" "Yes." She repeated a bit louder. Applejack nodded and stepped toward the door, saying "Bye." as she exited. Fluttershy looked confused, but her attention was turned onto Big Mac, who had begun coming downstairs. "I found some pillows." He spoke through three pillows. "Thanks you.....uhm....Macintosh." Macintosh set the pillows on the couch before speaking again. "Where's Aj?" "I think she went back to the farm." "Oh. That's my sis. Always workin'." Mac said cheerfully. He nudged the pillows closer to Fluttershy and laid next to her on the couch. The two stayed there quietly, listening to the other's breathing. "I...love you Big Mac." Fluttershy said quietly after a while. She looked down at the red pony asleep beside her and smiled. She lay her own head atop his and drifted into her own sleep.
Family MattersThe next morning, Mac woke before Fluttershy. He planted a kiss on the mare's head and left the house quietly. Today was another day of apple bucking and Mac was looking forward to it. He strolled through Ponyville, walking quickly to Sweet Apple Acres. Macintosh nodded to Pinkie and Rarity who were speaking outside Sugarcube Corner, undoubtedly speading gossip around the town, but Mac didn't care- he felt wonderful and he wasn't going to let anypony ruin it. Before long, he came upon Sweet Apple Acres and trotted up to the house. He was early. Applejack was still upstairs trying to wake up and Granny was catching a morning snooze in her rocking chair. Applebloom, in a mood contrary to the other two Apple family members, bounced over to Big Mac and hopped in circles around his hooves. "Big Mac, Big Mac, Big Mac, Big Mac.." she repeated over and over. The stallion put one hoove on the filly's head and rubbed it lovingly, leaving her mane ruffled. "Calm down now, Applebloom. Too early to be this hyper." "Alright, Mac" She laughed and rearranged her red mane. "Today is extended apple bucking day, remember?" Macintosh nodded. One day every season, the Apple family had to work double time in order to relieve every tree of it's apples. The massive apple farm required that the Apples work their hooves off in order to produce the expected amount of (pardon lack of words..)produce. All the hard work would pay off, the Apples knew, it would only be a matter of time. Applejack finally appeared at the bottom of the stairs, her hair tied in a loose red tie and her hat upon her head. "Hey there, Big Mac." She tipped her hat. "'Mornin, Aj. Ready to do some buckin'?" "Sure as sugar am!" She yeehawed and spoke again. "Double time today, gotta get our produce ready." Mac nodded and the two set out, leaving Granny Smith to her nap and Applebloom bouncing out the front door. -Entrance of the Orchard- Brother and sister entered the orchard, empty baskets filling the brown wagon that Mac pulled. "Where do you reckon we start?" Applejack asked her brother. "How 'bout there?" Mac pushed a hoof toward a nearby patch of trees that were filled with bright red apples. "Alrighty." Aj nodded and stepped toward the tree and peered up into it. Big Mac pulled the cart closer and unhitched himself. "21...22...23..." Applejack counted. "I reckon there's thirty in there...or more!" Mac had been setting the baskets under the tree, he looked at his sister. "Eeyup." "Alright, here we go....one, two, a-three!" Her hind legs shot at the tree, apples falling from the branches. Most of the fruit fell into the baskets, but some fell to the ground. Mac picked these up and tossed them into the surrounding baskets. "I'd say we've got a good haul, already." Macintosh said as Aj pushed the baskets onto the wagon. "Eeyup! It's gonna be a fine harvest this season!" His sister replied, eager to buck more trees. The two continued bucking and plucking until the wagon held full baskets- each piled to the top and some baskets on top of others. It was practically sundown when they had finished, still one tree was left to be bucked, then they could call it a night. Brother and sister stepped toward the tree, their green eyes studying it. "This here's the last one." Applejack said. "Well, let's get this done." She hopped aboard the wagon to grab a basket when Mac spoke. "Aj?" The orange mare looked up and at her brother. "What would you say if I told you that I wanted to stay with fluttershy....at her house.....o-only until she's healed because..I'd feel bad if her wing didn't...uh...mend straight." Mac spoke nervously. His green orbs looked into Applejack's and she laughed. "Well gaaaaleeee, Mac! I knew some mare would fall for you. But you are such a fast mover. Already wantin' to partner up." Aj spoke with a smile, but inside she felt a little heartbroken letting her brother have this little piece of freedom in his love-blurred mind. Macintosh blushed a furious pink. "Now, it ain't like that. I...uh..just want to spend some time with her, is all." "Big Mac, I know what you're thinkin'. You act as if us mares aren't properly educated in said action. I reckon you're all rallied up inside." The red pony blushed deeper. "Am not!" Applejack shot him a 'Oh Really' look and and laughed. "Whatever you say, brother. Now help me with this here tree." Mac stood ready to buck as Applejack stood underneath the tree with a basket atop her head. "Go!" At the word, Macintosh bucked the tree, sending apples toward his sister, who expertly caught them in the wicker basket. "Remember when we used to this all the time, Mac?" The stallion nodded. "Eeyup." As Applejack put the basket onto the wagon, she glanced at Mac who was hitching himself to the wagon. She trotted up beside him and they walked for a while. then the orange mare spoke. "Big Macintosh?" "Yup?" "I was thinkin'...since you've gone and found yourself a marefriend and all....are you still going to come to Sweet Apple Acres and be with me, Applebloom and Granny?" Mac stopped at her question. "Aj?" He looked at her. "You are family, of course I'll be here to see you and Granny and Applebloom." Mac blew a piece of stray mane from his eyes. "Whatever put that thought into your little pony head?" Applejack shrugged, blinking away tears. Mac started walking and his sister fell in line. "I promise you that, sis. I want to be there when Applebloom gets her cutie mark, I'll be there when you are crowned bet rodeo competitor. Haybales, I want to be here if those rotten Shim Sham-" "Flim Flam." Applejack corrected, now smiling. "Flim Flam brothers come back. Aj, I don't ever want you to think that I would abandon Sweet Apple Acres. Not for nopony, it's in my blood, its the family. Now do you understand me?" "Eeyup." "That's my sis." They both laughed and walked into the barn. Mac unhitched the wagon and helped Applejack to put away the full baskets. When Aj started for the door, Mac called to her. "Come here, Aj." She did and Mac enveloped her in a big hug. "I love you, little sis." "I love you too, big brother." "Now go on up to bed and I'll see you tomorrow." "Alrighty." Applejack broke away from Big Mac and trotted back to the Apple dwelling. Macintosh stayed in the barn, unloading the apple baskets and placing the apples where Granny would eventually get to them and look over each fruit. His work didn't take long, once finished, the apple pony closed the barn quietly and left to Fluttershy's house. He walked through Ponyville, his hooves the only ones beating the soft ground. The town was sure different at night. No shopkeepers stood beside stands, no gossipping mares lining the streets and it was spookily quiet. Until a loud 'boo' happened behind Macintosh. He whipped his head around to see what it was and there stood a white sheet, with a white horn protruding from the top, a pair of orange wings sprouting from the back and a red tail at the end. "I am the ghost of Ponyville Squarrre...." Somepony spoke from under the sheet. "Oooo..." came another voice. Big Mac hid a chuckle from the 'ghost' and acted the part. "Oh no, won't some pony help me?" He said in a faux-scared voice and took a step backward. "Ooooo..." The 'ghost' took a step forward but a stray orange hoof stepped on the sheet making the 'ghost' tip forward and lose it's flowing frame. Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom emerged form the fallen sheet, each of the the three friends were fine and had begun laughing at each other. Then Mac, too, began laughing. As they shared a good laugh, a panicked Twilight came around the corner of a building. "Oh, there you are!" She breathed a sigh of relief and approached the four laughing ponies. "I thought you promised no more sneaking off the last time I babysat you three." "Oh, golly, we're sorry Twilight. We were jus tryna get our cutie marks." Apple Bloom looked up at the purple unicorn. Twilight turned to Big Mac. "I apologize, I shouldn't have turned my back on them." She glanced at the Cutie Mark Crusaders. "Hey! Maybe we got our cutie marks!" Sweetie Belle shouted. "Yeah!" Agreed Scootaloo. The three fillies checked their flanks, but they were still a bare white, orange and yellow. The three sighed simultaneously. "It's alright Twilight." Mac drew her attention back. "No harm done. Apple Bloom!" The apple pony called for his youngest sister and she approached him. "Don't give Twilight here anymore trouble. You hear?" "Yep, siree, Macintosh, sir." Apple Bloom saluted. "Dismissed." Mac thrust his heavy head toward Apple Bloom's friends, motioning the filly to join them. The young pony hopped back to her waiting companions who welcomed her back with smiles. Mac looked back at Twilight and laughed. "Silly Fillies." Twilight giggled to. "Yeah...well I'll be seeing you, Mac." "Eeyup." The purple unicorn rounded up the Cutie Mark Crusaders and the trio plus one headed over to the library. Macintosh turned and continued on his way to Fluttershy's, smiling in adoration of his sister's ambitions. "They sure are silly fillies, but I love them." He chuckled.
Late NightAfter a while, Big Macintosh finally came upon the tree cottage that his love resided in. He pushed open the door and let himself in. To his surprise, Fluttershy was in the kitchen, her hooves working busily at the sink. The yellow pegasus heard the door open behind her and turned her head. "Hello." She called out in her quiet voice. Big Macintosh nodded towards her and noticed her bandaged wing as she turned her head back to the sink. Then the red earth pony came up beside his love and looked at the bowl that Fluttershy was washing. He watched as her hooves worked at a piece of dryed up lettuce. Mac looked up at Fluttershy's face and planted a little kiss on her cheek and returned to the living room where he sat on the little red couch. In the kitchen, the yellow pegasus's face was a light shade of pink. A few moments passed before the mare left the kitchen and took a spot on the couch, an awkward distance from Big Mac. The earth pony looked at her as she sat, he noticed her big eyes buising themselves with some corner of the room. Eventually, the silence became too much and Big Mac spoke. "Fluttershy?" Her yellow heard turned. "Yes?" "What do you say we go out somewhere. Ummm..." Mac scratched the back of his head with one hoof. "How about the new place that just opened?" "The salad place?" "Um... if you want to, I mean we could stay here...or...something." The silence returned but this time Fluttershy's voice chased it away. "Big Mac?" The red pony looked over and to his surprise, Fluttershy's lips landed on his. The stallion didn't move, his limbs paralyzed with shock. Fluttershy felt this and quickly withdrew her face. "Oh! I'm sorry! Big Mac! I was ju-" Her panicky voice was interrupted by Mac's red lips upon hers. The stallion stopped and uttered. "Don't be." Big Macintosh lifted himself from the couch and extended a hoof to Fluttershy, who accepted it and still wincing from her injured wing, left the couch and walked with Mac out the door. Eventually, the two arrived at the little restaurant and each ordered their drinks, a glass of water for each. Not to be frugal but because Fluttershy didn't want to be a bother and Big Macintosh enjoyed the simpler things. When the light blue unicorn serving them had brought the beverages, each pony took a sip, almost simultaneously. A little paper menu was set before them and only a few seconds later, Big Mac and Fluttershy had ordered and were waiting the dinner's arrival. "So....are you having a good time?" Big Macintosh spoke, trying to start a conversation. "Oh, yes. I am." Fluttershy nodded and smiled. "Thank you, for bringing me to dinner." "It's alright." "Any thing for you." "No, really, thank you." Fluttershy put one yellow hoff on the table and Macintosh brought his own to hers. "Dinner's ready!" The waitress brought the plates to rest upon the table with her magic and the two ponies said their 'thank-yous'. As the unicorn left, the two began eating. Fluttershy started with the oranges that rested atop lettuce greens and little carrots mixed in. Big Mac preferred to begin with the tomatoes and croutons that lay scattered across his own salad. The pegasus pony looked up from her dinner. "Big Mac?" "Yup?" The earth pony asked not looking up from his dinner. "Um..I...is this our first date?" Big Mac looked up from his dinner, swallowed and blushed. "I...guess. Yep, kinda...." "Oh.....okay." Fluttershy resumed eating normally, but Big Macintosh didn't. "Fluttershy?" "Hm?" She looked up at her date. "I know that you're shy. And....I am too..." The stallion thought for a moment, reading Fluttershy's face which looked cute with a bit of lettuce dangling from her full mouth. Big Mac smiled and brushed the lettuce away with his hoof. "Fluttershy, we've known each other for a while, even if it wasn't as a couple. Even when we were....friends.....I've liked you. I need to know before I ask you this next question." He paused again as Fluttershy's eyes dropped. "Did you like me before this?" Fluttershy looked away, trembling. "Fluttershy?" Big Macintosh asked the mare's name and she whipped her head around, tears streaming down her face. "Yes, Big Macintosh! Yes, I did!" Fluttershy was yelling only in the way that Fluttershy can, which isn't very loud but the words reached Mac's ears easily. "I liked you ever since we were young and I saw you working at Sweet Apple Acres! I loved you then, and now you know that Fluttershy is a coward!" She excused herself from the table and ran from the restaurant, her pink hair in front of her face. Macintosh's jaw was hung open as he looked after Fluttershy. Only the voice of the waitress and the pressing stares of the other customers brought him back to reality. "What did you do to her?" The waitress's eyes were big and she looked shocked. "I-I need to go." Mac threw a few bits on the table and left the restaurant in a hurry. He ran as fast as he could, looking around every corner in Ponyville. "Fluttershy! Fluttershy, please!" His voice strained with worry. He was just about out of places to look when he heard a whimpering sound near a tree. "Fluttershy?" Macintosh approached the tree and looked to the other side, where Fluttershy lay with her head under her hooves. Tears wet the grass below. The yellow mare looked up at Big Macintosh and lifted herself to her hooves. She muttered something that was inaudible to Big Macintosh. "Fluttershy, I-" Big Mac was interrupted by Fluttershy hugging him and he put his own hooves around her tightly. "I'm so sorry, Big Mac." The mare cried as she said this. "I-I guess my nerves...just....." She hiccuped and Mac hugged her closer. "It's alright, Fluttershy." He kissed the top of her head. "Come on, let's go back to your house. It's late." The pegasus sniffed and nodded, she dried her eyes and the two walked home, heads pressed together. Author's Note *Anything in italics resemble thoughts. :)
I Love YouThe next day, both stallion and mare woke to a late start. It was almost 11:00 in the PM before they woke. Fluttershy woke first and then shook Big Macintosh, trying to wake him up. "Big Mac." Her quiet voice entered his ears and Mac stretched before starting out of bed. "Don't you need to work today?" Mac shook his head. "Nope." The stallion rubbed his neck, it hurt more than usual this morning. "I'll be downstairs, Fluttershy." He told his marefriend, shaking away the neck pain. "Okay." The pegasus was brushing her mane, her long hair required much maintenance. Later that afternoon, the two lovers walked to the park in Ponyville. They walked with their flanks brushing and cutie marks touching. Big Mac carried a basket in his teeth, within the basket rest a few apples, a couple jars of apple cider and one of Pinkie Pie's Perfected Pumpkin Patch Pastries to share. "Big Mac, isn't today just beautiful?" Fluttershy asked. "Eeyup." Big Macintosh nodded and kept his stride. While Fluttershy admired the birds flying overhead, Big Mac lead her to a secluded spot. Trees surrounded the area and gaps were filled with little blackberry bushes. Mac unfolded a pink and green blanket that he'd packed and began to set out their lunch. He lay on a corner of the blanket and called for Fluttershy, whose attention had turned to a little bunny who was bouncing along. "Oh." The shy mare blushed lightly and approached her stallion. "Fluttershy, sit closer to me." Big Macintosh said in a quiet voice, it was on the verge of pleading. The mare shuffled closer to the stallion, but still stayed an awkward distance from him. "Closer Fluttershy, I know that you're shy, but if we're going to be mare and stallion...I want to be closer, not just when we are walking, but during moments like these." The mare stood. "Fluttershy, please don't leave again! I'm sorry if I offended you." Big Mac lay his head on his hooves. The yellow pegasus looked down at Big Macintosh's face and watched as a single tear fell down his cheek. Suddenly she felt really bad inside, guilty. She knew that Big Macintosh just wanted to hold her and cuddle. Last night he had tried, but the mare moved away and unfolded her wings so he had to keep his distance. Fluttershy knew that he'd never touch her unless she said yes but she also knew that she'd never be ready for that level of intimacy. Her personality wouldn't allow that sort of touch. "Big Mac, I have to go." Fluttershy said nervously. "Thank you for everything, but it just won't work out." The stallion stood quickly and approached Fluttershy. "Fluttershy, darlin', I love you." "And I, you." She turned around to meet Big Mac's face. "but it won't work!" Tears streamed her face. "Fluttershy, please, listen to me...I love you." Fluttershy went to open her mouth again, but Big Mac put a hoof up and closed it. "When I say I love somepony, I really do." Big Macintosh kissed Fluttershy passionately but the mare pulled away, her head shaking. "No, Big Mac! I'm too incompetent to accept love, I can't deal with this...these feelings." Her voice faded to sobs and hiccups. Big Mac moved his head away from hers. "I'm sorry." The stallion sat on the ground, his head hung low. "I love you, Big Mac." Fluttershy flapped her wings and flew slowly away, tears staining her yellow face. Big Mac looked up to watch her fly away. "I love you too." He said and then he let himself cry for his lost love.
Confessions of the LovesickBig Macintosh lay in his own bed, in his own room, in his own house and he's never felt so lonely. He gazed at a bookshelf in the corner of his room. His green eyes scanned the book titles. 'Beauty and the Changeling', Romeo and Juliet', 'Snow White and the Seven Equines'. All stories he used to read to Applejack, stories he still reads to Applebloom, and stories that all ended with a happy couple. 'Why couldn't my own relationship end up like theirs?' He thought and sighed. A knock came on his bedroom door, it was his sister, Applejack. "Big Mac?" Her orange hoof pushed open the door and Big Mac lifted himself up from the upside down position he had been laying in. "Are you okay?" Applejack sat next to Big Macintosh on the bed. He sighed and spoke. "Yep." Applejack made a face that said 'really?'. "No, you're not, Big Mac." He nodded and brushed the bed covers with one hoof. "You want Fluttershy here with you, don't cha?" He nodded again. "Why don't you go and talk to her? I'm sure she'd listen." "Naw, she wouldn't want to see me." "And why the hay not?" "I just don't think she would." "Well, maybe, I should go talk to 'er." "Applejack, don't." Big Mac looked at his sister. "She don't want nothin' to do with me. I'm...I'm too clingy or somethin'." Applejack hugged her brother from the back. "It'll be fine, Big Mac. She just need a little talkin' to." "Aj, I know you want to help, but please. Leave Fluttershy alone. She says it wouldn't work and...maybe she's right." Big Mac felt the urge to cry again. Sweet Celestia, it hurt so much, rejection. "Look, just promise me you won't go to Fluttershy's." "Okay, Big Mac." She patted his back with a hoof. "I won't go to Fluttershy's." Applejack promised. "Alright." He lay down again and Applejack lay beside him, trying to comfort her older brother. From the doorway, Applebloom had been listening and heard everything. She turned and walked away from the door quietly. "Poor Big Mac." She thought as she walked down to the kitchen and made herself a cup of cider. She sat down and sipped her cider, thinking, until she finally came up with a plan. Applebloom rushed from the Apple property to find the other two Cutie Mark Crusaders. Once the filly had gathered Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, the three made their way to Fluttershy's cottage and Applebloom told them about her plan. Scootaloo had been the one to knock on the door, and it was a full minute before Fluttershy opened it. "Yes?" "Fluttershy, can we talk to you?" Applebloom asked. "Um...okay. Come in if you want." The yellow pegasus opened the door further and allowed the three fillies to enter her home. "Thanks." Sweetie Belle mentioned as they entered. The three asked Fluttershy to sit on the same sofa that her and Mac shared that one day. The mare prodded a pillow near her, it seemed like so long ago. "Fluttershy, you have to come and see my brother." Applebloom said. Fluttershy looked up. "Oh, no...we're over." There was awkward silence. "He's not over you." Sweetie Belle piped up. Fluttershy looked at the floor. "I can tell that you aren't over him." Scootaloo said. "No, I'm not, but I'm afraid it wouldn't work, girls. It's complicated." "Then tell us, mare to mare." Sweetie Belle thought for a moment. "Mares." Fluttershy sighed. "Alright." She began to tell the story of her and Big Mac. How he treated her and the way he's "polite and charming and so much like a gentlecolt." "Then why did you two call it off?" Applebloom asked. "It sounds like a fairy tale!" "That's...also complicated." "Fluttershy c'mon, Big Macintosh really likes you." Applebloom put a hoof on Fluttershy's own. "Please, just talk to 'im." Fluttershy thought for a moment and sighed. She really loved Big Mac, but she didn't want to hurt him. Then on the other hoof, she was dying to see him again. Her heart won out. "Okay. Take me to him." The Cutie Mark Crusaders beamed. Fluttershy allowed the three fillies to walk her to Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack was in the barn and didn't see the four ponies enter the property. Granny Smith nodded to Fluttershy as she passed by, the old mare already knew why Fluttershy was there. Big Mac had told Granny Smith everything since the beginning and she promoted her grandson's love for the shy mare. Applebloom led Fluttershy, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo up to Big Mac's room. She tossed her head toward the door and Fluttershy approached it. With a intake of air, Fluttershy pushed open the wooden door and spoke. "Hello?" Big Mac lifted his head to look at the door. He sat up fast when he saw that it was Fluttershy. "Hey." He stared at the mare as she approached his bed. "You mind if I sit here?" "Why did you come?" Fluttershy didn't answer and Big Mac turned the opposite direction. "Aj, sent ya, didn't she?" Fluttershy was quiet again. "No....she didn't." "Then why did you come?" "Big Mac...I....miss you." Fluttershy walked around to face Big Mac. "And....I love you." "I know," He replied, looking a different direction. "but that is exactly what you said before you left. You said it was over...." "I know....and I was wrong," Fluttershy spoke quietly and calmly although her body trembled with nervousness. "Please, just look at me! I'm sorry, Big Mac! Please!" Her voice had risen to a squeaky plea. With a trembling lip, Macintosh looked at Fluttershy, his green eyes welling up again. "Fluttershy, you said....you said that it'd never work." "Big Mac, I meant....I just..." Fluttershy looked into the green orbs before her and started crying. "I'm sorry." She kissed him, her yellow lips trembling against his, but she refused to leave their warm embrace, Fluttershy had pushed him backwards with the kiss. Mac had to break the moment. The two stared into each other's eyes, their breathing was the only sound in the room. "I love you, Big Mac, I love you....just...so much." Mac said nothing. "I understand your silence." Fluttershy said quietly. "It's just like before, except it's not me." Mac remained silent. "I'm sorry." Fluttershy let the stallion up and left his room. Mac couldn't say anything as his love disappeared from his sight and as her tail left his vision, he looked at his hooves and shook his head. The three fillies who had been listening in, followed Fluttershy as she left and noticing her expression, remained quiet although they were dying to ask about Big Mac and their relationship. "You girls go play, I'll be okay." Fluttershy told the fillies. "Okay, Fluttershy. Feel better, though." Sweetie Belle said. "I will." The pegasus watched as the schoolfillies ran off. Then she lowered her head and began the long walk home.
At Last At Last That night, Fluttershy had just made a bowl of lettuce for Angel and had went upstairs to lay in her bed. The pegasus had just about worried herself to sleep when her door creaked open. "Darlin'?" The mare looked to her door, the familiar voice waking her from half-sleep. "Mac?" The stallion pushed the door open, and closed it behind him. "How, did you get in here?" "Angel-bunny." "Oh." The two were quiet for a very long time when Big Macintosh climbed into the bed beside Fluttershy and began to pet her mane with one hoof. He kissed her cheek and Fluttershy rolled over to meet his kisses with her lips. Big Mac put a hoof over Fluttershy's body and rest it on the bed. He kissed her from above and she put a hoof on his cheek, pulling him closer. Mac didn't cross over her full body, he didn't want to hurt her, just to be close. To her surprise, she didn't feel that she needed some space, she didn't want to distance herself. It felt right, being here with him in this moment. It was something that every mare fantasizes about. To be with their lover in quiet peace and embrace their love with open arms. Big Macintosh smiled down at the adorable mare below him, she looked up at him with her ocean blue eyes. "I love you, Fluttershy." "I love you, Big Macintosh." Mac's heart swelled. That was the first time Fluttershy had been able to say those words without shrinking away, crying or nervously laughing. "Oh, Celestia, I love you." He kissed her cheek and trailed the kisses down her neck. Fluttershy blushed, her body feeling warm suddenly. "Big Mac?" He stopped kissing her and looked up at her eyes. "I'm....okay with this." Mac sighed a happy sigh and smiled again. "I'm glad. Fluttershy, when you said you loved me...just now. I...I felt....like..." Mac laughed a little. "This is going to sound cliche, but...eeyup, I felt like I could fly." Fluttershy let out a whisper of a giggle. Macintosh hugged Fluttershy and laid with her, the two exchanging laughs and telling stories about everything. Friends, siblings, embarrassing moments, everything. Eventually, they fell asleep, holding each other close and smiling.
