Shy Kisses

by SonicRainboomGirl

Rating: teen
Tags: Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Comedy, Romance, Fluttershy, Big Macintosh, Slice of Life
Length: 5236

Fluttershy's social anxiety has always prevented her from finding the stallion of her dreams. That is, until, she becomes fully acquainted with Big Macintosh, who shows a more sensitive side to him than any other pony she's met. Could he be

Fluttershy's social anxiety has always prevented her from finding the stallion of her dreams. That is, until she becomes fully acquainted with Big Macintosh, who shows a more sensitive side to him than any other pony she's met. Could he be the one? Told in a series of one-shots, readers catch a glimpse into their relationship.

Published 2012-10-10 15:00:01 UTC
Last updated 2012-10-10 15:00:01 UTC

The One and Only

Many thanks to everyone who read this story and helped me edit it.

SHY KISSES

Sunshine slowly crept into Fluttershy’s bedroom early in the morning, leaving slivers of warmth on the oak flooring. Angel Bunny continually followed the sunlight as it moved across the floor, enjoying the warmth on his pelt. Fluttershy could see it peeking through her eyelids, and she opened her bright blue eyes. She grinned, looking out her window to see the sunrise illuminate the forest where she lived, casting intriguing shadows through the leaves of trees. The pale Pegasus yawned, her silky voice making a high-pitched squeak which awoke Angel Bunny. She began to hum and bustle about, beginning a day.

Fluttershy stepped out of bed and stretched warmly, feeling pleasant tingles down to her hooves. She quietly made her bed, and checked the calendar on her wall. She froze, suddenly feeling nervous about the date. Another Hearts and Hooves Day without a very special somepony. Fluttershy could already feel the embarrassment of going out in public, and hearing things like “But you’re so pretty! How do you not have a very special somepony?”

In all truth, Fluttershy wanted a very special somepony more than words could ever say. But she kept her mouth shut so not to make anypony feel badly. That’s the last thing she wanted to do. She sighed as she gathered her saddlebag with a snack and went out for her morning walk.

“Good morning, Angel Bunny!” Fluttershy called, placing a container of fresh strawberries in her saddlebag. Angel glared and kicked his foot out, lying on a patch of floor.

“Have a wonderful day!” Fluttershy chirped, lifting Angel and giving him a kiss before heading out the door. Angel kicked and squirmed, but eventually accepted Fluttershy’s kiss on the cheek. He gave her a kiss back, but it was a quick one. Angel jumped to the floor in frustration and fell asleep once more. Fluttershy giggled, trotted downstairs, and left her cottage.

She could hear the chickens clucking loudly in their coop, crowing and dancing around. Fluttershy left her yard, hoofstep by hoofstep, taking a nice stroll as the sun rose.

She walked for miles, losing track of time. She observed nature peacefully, but was really thinking about Hearts and Hooves Day. Maybe it was time to start getting brave, meeting some stallions. After all, she didn’t want to live her life alone.

By this time, she had walked for a mile or two, and her hooves were beginning to get sore. She sighed; not wanting to go back to her cottage quite yet, for the day was beautiful.

Just then, she noticed that she was approaching Sweet Apple Acres, where her enthusiastic (sometimes a bit too much) friend Applejack lived and worked. She noticed no Applejack to be found, but Big Macintosh apple-bucking the nearest tree. His blonde mane swished in the gentle breeze, and a peaceful smile was on his face.

Fluttershy contemplated whether or not to ask him where Applejack was. It was very early morning, perhaps she was still asleep. Then again, Fluttershy remembered that Big Macintosh was a very gentle soul, and decided to spare a few words.

“G-Good morning, Big Macintosh.” She squeaked, her words barely a whisper. He acknowledged her right away, hearing her soft voice over the falling of apples.

“Howdy, Miss Fluttershy!”

Miss Fluttershy. The words stung at her like a fresh wasp bite. She didn’t want to be a “Miss” all of her life.

“I’m doing alright. It’s a lovely day; I’m just out for a nice morning walk.” She said, a little louder this time. Big Macintosh smiled a little wider, closing his eyes and taking a fresh breath of air.

“Eeyup.” He confirmed, obviously enjoying the crisp morning air.

There was a silence there, the two ponies simply breathing. It wasn’t awkward, just serene. Fluttershy quite liked it.

“So, is Applejack around anywhere?” Fluttershy asked, deciding to get back on topic.

“Eenope.” Big Macintosh said, shaking his head. He kicked the nearest tree, suddenly, with great speed and precision. Fluttershy yelped, not suspecting the sudden quick movement, and crouched to the ground with her hooves on her ears. Big Macintosh, realizing that he had startled the now shaking Fluttershy, took a seat next to her.

“Err, sorry about that, Fluttershy. Apples gotta be harvested, an' Ah’m sorry to say that Ah’ve a pretty strong kick there,” Big Macintosh chuckled lightly. “Eeyup!”

Fluttershy looked up, nervously. She had never heard Big Macintosh say so much in her entire life, and she had spent enough time around him. Although, she had never actually talked to him one-on-one before, and she found him to be quite likeable.

“W-Well then…um…” Fluttershy muttered, blushing.

“Oh, and Applejack is at Pinkie Pie’s, she’s throwin' some sort'a singles party for Hearts an' Hooves Day.”

Fluttershy was mortified. She hadn’t been invited.

“Ah suppose that means ya have a special somepony?” Big Macintosh asked, casually. Fluttershy’s eyes widened.

“Me? Oh no. I’m on my own…right…now.” Fluttershy whispered, barely audible. She could feel herself blushing in embarrassment, her eyes to the ground. How could Pinkie have forgotten her? Maybe she simply hadn't gotten an invitation, Pinkie never forgot these sorts of things! Or maybe Pinkie just didn't know that Fluttershy was alone.

“Hm. That’s a pickle, Ah thought you and uh- whatshisname were a couple?”

Fluttershy giggled, thinking that she had never even flirted with a stallion before.

“No, although I’m not sure exactly who you’re referring to. You and Cheerilee are, though, right?”

“Eenope.” Big Macintosh said, his eyes widening a bit. He chuckled lightly, shaking his head.

“Oh. I thought you were getting married.”

Big Macintosh laughed, quietly for Fluttershy’s sake. She seemed to be more comfortable, but easily startled.

“Apple Bloom an' her lil' friends put a love potion in my drink.” Big Macintosh admitted, shaking his head. Fluttershy began to laugh as well, for it sounded exactly like the kind of thing The Cutie Mark Crusaders would do. They were always getting themselves into trouble; they sure were a hassle when Fluttershy had them over for a night. Her chickens had been very startled!

Fluttershy looked across the vast apple orchard, which was gleaming as Celestia rose the sun. Its old fashioned, majestic beauty brought a song to her heart, and she quite liked the shade the trees provided. And she truly did enjoy the company of this stallion, even though they had never talked too much before. Fluttershy smiled and decided to ask him a question.

“So, um…got anything planned today?”

“Eenope.” Big Macintosh replied, casually.

“Do you want to uh....hang out today?” Fluttershy asked, blushing.

Big Macintosh nodded, an irresistibly adorable grin stretching across his face.

“Eeyup.”

Fluttershy arrived quietly at the biggest tree in Sweet Apple Acres, where Big Macintosh was waiting for her. She had dressed up, lipstick and mascara. Really, she felt awfully silly and embarrassed. But she found Big Macintosh dressed in his finest as well, and he looked equally as awkward.

“Um...hi, Big Mac.” She squeaked, the large stallion's head turning to see her approach.

“Ah. Ya made it!” He greeted, giving her a side hug. “Looks like we're off, then.”

“Yeah, I...I guess so.”

Fluttershy and Big Macintosh began to make their way towards town, walking at a slower but comfortable pace.

“So, where are we going today?” Fluttershy asked.

Big Macintosh winked, smiling at her.

“It's a secret.” He replied, giddy with excitement. Fluttershy smiled back.

“Well then. So...other than apple-bucking, what do you do for fun?”

“Apple-buckin' ain't what Ah do for fun,” Big Macintosh chuckled, “It's my line'a business. Ah actually paint in my free time.”

Fluttershy grinned at him, feeling special because he had been so honest right off the bat. She could already tell that Big Macintosh was a very sensitive stallion underneath his bulk.

“I like to sing in my free time.”

“Oh, really? Ah'd love t' hear ya sing somethin'.”

Fluttershy felt put on the spot, and wanted to crumble and disappear. But at the same time, she quite enjoyed the compliment and tried her best to fulfill his request.

“Well, there is this one song I like to sing...What is this place filled with so many wonders, casting it's spell that I am now under...”

The sun was setting on Sweet Apple Acres, and Big Macintosh held Fluttershy tightly in his forelegs. It had been a lovely day, the two talking over a long walk and then going to the art gallery to see what had been done by local artists. Then, to end the day, Fluttershy had taken a look at Big Macintosh's artwork. It was all deep, lovely scenery with rich colors. Though as vivid as his sunsets had been, Fluttershy could not compare them to the one she was watching.

She felt safe and warm with Big Macintosh's forelegs around her, and the two stared in silence watching the sunset. She could feel the stallion's breath against her skin, his chest rising and falling next to her. A warm breeze played with her mane, and the birds above were chirping for them. She would have to thank them later.

“Ah think...Ah love you, Fluttershy.”

Big Macintosh's sudden words filled her heart with warmth and surprise. It beat faster than ever.

“Really?” She whispered, delighted.

“Eeyup.” He replied, gently kissing her on the top of her head. She felt warm tingles down to the tips of her hooves.

"I think I love you too."

Fluttershy whispered, snuggling in closer to him, resting her head against chest and closing her eyes. She was listening to his slow and steady breathing. It was very soothing and lovely, something she had never really listened to before. Big Macintosh had a slow and steady pace to his heart beat, and Fluttershy wondered if she had even been that calm in her life.

Fluttershy anxiously knocked on Pinkie’s door. She could hear music blasting inside, and wondered if her knock would even be heard. But, almost as sure as the moon would rise every night, Pinkie swung the door open and poked her head out excitedly.

“HOORAY!! FLUTTERSHY, BIG MACINTOSH, YOU’RE HERE!!” Pinkie hollered, Fluttershy and Big Macintosh entering quietly.

The festivities were already going on, as the two had arrived fashionably late. Fluttershy blushed, thinking about the kissing that had allowed them to be so late to Pinkie Pie’s newest party. Big Macintosh was such a kind, gentle stallion and never went too far with her. This last session he had kissed her neck, which was quite something for Fluttershy. She couldn’t believe how deeply in love she was with this burgundy stallion.

Of course, she hadn’t told her friends yet, not even Applejack. So it was no surprise when the golden mare put her drink down and trotted over to the happy couple in surprise.

“Fluttershy? Big Macintosh? What in tarnation are ya doin’ together toni-" Applejack’s words were cut short by a gasp that escaped from mouth, a hoof reaching up to cover her lips in shock, “Fluttershy, were you an’ Big Macintosh kissin’?!”

Fluttershy, try as she might, couldn’t help but smile as Big Macintosh put and arm around her and gently kissed the top of her head.

“Eeyup.” He giggled.

“Wehell, that is one mighty fine hickey ya got there, Fluttershy. Do you plan on coverin' it up in any way?”

Fluttershy froze, exchanging a nervous look with Big Macintosh. She couldn't believe her mark was so visible!

“Is it really that....noticeable?” She whispered to Applejack. The orange mare nodded, and laughed. Suddenly Fluttershy felt a cloth touch her arm and turned to see Big Macintosh passing her his tie.

“Ah don’t need to look all that fancy anyways.” He said, helping Fluttershy adjust her new accessory properly.

“Thank you, Big Mac.” She whispered, planting a kiss on his cheek.

“Whoa nelly, you two seem to be pretty close! Why haven't Ah seen ya 'round the farm, Fluttershy? You've been stoppin' by, right?" Applejack asked, clearly very surprised.

Fluttershy nodded and explained herself bashfully.

“Well, you were usually busy and I didn't want to disturb you.”

Applejack nodded in understanding, then giggled.

“Ah think you two jus' wanted some alone time. Ya know, without a sister 'round. It's okay, Ah understand.”

“It's not like that, sis...” Big Macintosh muttered, his hooves scraping against the ground awkwardly.

“Ah think it is...” Applejack winked at the couple, “You two really are a good pair, both so shy and all. Hard workin’ too! Why didn’t ah introduce y’all in the first place?”

“Thanks AJ,” Fluttershy squeaked, “Big Mac and I bumped into each other on Hearts and Hooves Day and...well...um, we're a couple now.”

Fluttershy noticed a white hoof land on her shoulder, and realized the accompanying voice: Miss Rarity.

“Fluttershy, darling, you look absolutely adorable with that tie! You look just so modern my dear! And the stallion next to you isn’t so shabby either.”

“Thanks, Rarity. We're...kind of a couple now.”

Rarity gasped and summoned her fainting couch, revealing one of her most dramatic overreactions of all time.

“Oh my DEAR!! Why didn’t I know sooner?! Somebody! Anybody! Get a wet cloth! I'm going to faint! Oh my Celestia, how could I not have known that dear Fluttershy was COLTFRIENDED!!”

Noticing Rarity’s shriek, Fluttershy’s other friends seemed to gather around her. Rainbow Dash hovered above to get a good view, Pinkie Pie bounced in place, and Twilight Sparkle ran over to give Fluttershy a big hug.

“Aww, Fluttershy! You two are so adorable together! Like really really really really really cute!” Pinkie squealed, hugging Fluttershy a little close for comfort. Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle chimed in their approval as well.

“T-Thanks you guys.” Fluttershy stuttered, looking around at all her loving friends. “But there’s something you all should know. Big Macintosh and I….well, we’re getting married.”

Immediately, every mouth in the room gaped open in shock.

“Oh my goodness GRACIOUS!” Rarity whinnied, “I SIMPLY CANNOT BELIEVE IT!! Why are we all still standing here?! Fluttershy is going to be a bride! Oh my dear, you simply MUST let me make you a wedding dress!”

“And I’ll host the reception!” Pinkie Pie shouted her approval out loud and clear. “I mean, only if you WANT me to, but I LOVE parties, and weddings are like the best parties around! There’s dancing and cake and all kinds of crazy traditions and of COURSE all the fillies have to try and catch the bouquet! I mean-“

Rainbow Dash clasped a hoof over her friend’s mouth to shush her, but Pinkie continued to jabber on. Rainbow Dash kicked her gently, and the pink mare quickly became quiet.

“I’m super happy for you Fluttershy," Rainbow Dash expressed her approval, "that is SO awesome! What plans have you guys made?”

“Oh, well, obviously you five are my bridesmaids. Well, actually, I think Applejack is going to be our Mare of Honor, because she’s Big Mac’s sister and my good friend. If nopony minds, of course…”

“Of course nopony minds,” Twilight comforted Fluttershy’s embarrassment. “We completely understand!”

“Thanks, Twilight. You’re the best. Now, Apple Bloom is our flower girl, and Spike is going to be our ring bearer. And everypony in Ponyville is invited, of course, and the whole Apple Family.”

“Well that sounds jus' perfect, Fluttershy! And thank ya so much for lettin’ me be y’alls Maid Of Honor. Ah’ll sure do my best!”

Big Macintosh smiled at the mares around him, hugging Fluttershy a little tighter. She pressed into his pelt.

“We know this is all happenin' quickly, but Fluttershy and Ah have bonded so closely. Ah really do think she's the one for me.”

A chorus of “Aww”s from the surrounding ponies chimed in Fluttershy's ears, and never in her life had she felt so special. Not even amongst her friends. It felt wonderful to think that Big Macintosh cared for her so deeply, and that she had truly found “The One.”

“Now see here, Fluttershy, mah family is pretty darn rambunctious sometimes. Don't worry your pretty lil' head about them, Ah just don't want ya to feel too intimidated when ya meet 'em.” Big Macintosh told Fluttershy as the two approached Sweet Apple Acres. Today Fluttershy would meet his family at the annual Apple Family Reunion, and her heart was beating at unreasonable paces. Her usual social anxiety was battled by her dedication to Big Macintosh, a war she still couldn't seem to win.

As the two arrived on the farm, Fluttershy could make out a few familiar faces. Braeburn, Granny Smith, Apple Bloom, and Applejack were all waiting for her, and had saved a spot between them at the table.

“Howdy there, Fluttershy!” Apple Bloom greeted, trotting over and giving the yellow mare a tight hug.

“Oh, hi there, Apple Bloom."

“Hello Sonny, Flutter...somethin’…” Granny Smith tried to greet the two as friendly as she could, but had a lot of difficulty recovering Fluttershy's name from her memory.

“Big Mac!” Braeburn greeted, punching Big Macintosh lightly on the arm. Big Mac punched him back with a smile, the two obviously enjoying the rough-housing cousins shared.

“Y'all are finally here!” Applejack cheered, ushering the two ponies over to the table where two seats were waiting.

As soon as Fluttershy took a seat, the room quieted to hushed whispers. A mob of faces turned her way, and Fluttershy felt immediately unwelcome.

Big Macintosh stood.

“This is Fluttershy, everyone. She's my fiancée. She's quite shy, so if ya'll could tone it down a lil', we would appreciate it very much.”

Fluttershy smiled in thankfulness at Big Macintosh, who began to introduce his family.

“Okay, Fluttershy. See if you can remember this. Apple Brown Betty, Apple Fritter, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious...”

Fluttershy sobbed into Big Macintosh's shoulder. He had one foreleg around her, and they leaned against an apple tree in the orchard once more. It had always been their favorite peak, but today she didn't feel up to friendly chat. She felt too different from the other members of the Apple Family, and wasn't sure she could possibly go through with the ceremony.

“I just can't go through with this, Big Mac. I just can't. They all hate me. I'm not brave enough...” she cried, tears running from her cheeks and onto his pelt, dripping to the ground delicately. Big Macintosh sat up straighter and looked his bride to be straight in the eye.

“Now see here, Fluttershy. Ah love ya more than words could say. You're the reason Ah even get up in the mornin', and with everythin' Ah do Ah have ya in mind. And just because my family is large and wild doesn't mean they wont love ya either. Infact, Ah'm certain they already love ya.”

He looked her straight in the eye, penetrating deeply with emerald. Her tears ceased to exist, and she breathed in shakily.

“Do you really think they like me?”

“Ah think in time they will. They're rather high energy, and at first Ah didn't even fit in among 'em. All ah wanted to do was keep quiet and stare at the scenery, but that wouldn't fly. So Granny Smith kept a good eye on me, makin' sure Ah blossomed. Ah believe they will do the same with you, welcome you in like they did me. Ah know it.”

Fluttershy, overcome with strong emotions, felt suddenly bold. She pressed her body into the stallion and knocked him over, kissing his lips with all her might. She rolled over onto her back, leading Big Macintosh on top of her. She had never felt so passionate, blushing and sweating so. He truly did love her, and he saw the real Fluttershy. After Big Macintosh was over the surprise, he kissed back. But this was a new kind of kiss, the kind where neither held back anything. The only sound Fluttershy could hear was her own heartbeat ringing in her ears. She loved it.

Big Macintosh put a leg around her thin waist, holding her even closer against him. His hooves began to explore her, and Fluttershy shook with anticipation and excitement. Every now and then she whimpered, enjoying every second of this intense session. The grass was cool against her hot pelt, and soon the sun had set completely. The two were completely alone in their apple orchard, their only audience the stars above. Fluttershy kissed his hooves, his chest and his neck. She could feel him shake with pleasure, both their manes becoming more and more entangled with twigs and dirt. They were panting, their breath showing in the cool night air. Fluttershy squeaked, her hooves searching him a little bit lower.

"We should stop." Big Macintosh whispered, pushing away from Fluttershy slightly. Fluttershy stared, surprised at him, her large blue eyes staring intently into his as if searching for any traces of sarcasm.

"What?" She gasped, sincerely confused.

"See, we ain't married yet. It's jus' not the right thing ta do. Ah want ya t' be happy, and Ah couldn't watch you go through any unwanted pregnancies or somethin' like that. We're unprotected, it jus' ain't safe. Besides, its gettin' late. Ah ought to to take you back to your cottage. Aren't there animals to feed?"

The animals! How could she have forgotten them? Fluttershy nodded, understanding his actions and letting him lift her back to her hooves again. They began trot home, Fluttershy still leaning on him and Big Macintosh putting a foreleg around her once more. Fluttershy had never felt so safe in all of her life.

Fluttershy had never felt so nervous, which was saying a lot. As she approached the alter where Big Macintosh and her future was waiting for her, she couldn't help but grin. Already waiting were her friends; Spike, Angel Bunny, and The Cutie Mark Crusaders included! Everything had played out so perfectly; the dress Rarity made her was of a gorgeous silky fabric, the train long and flowing. Her pink mane was done up and pinned with posies and daisies.

She had invited everybody in town; all the Apple Family members sat on one side and all of the town's ponies sat on the other side. Lyra and Bon Bon were up in the front row holding hands, and next to them were Derpy and Doctor Whooves, with their two fillies Dinky and Sparkler. Behind them she could make out Lemon Hearts, Carrot Top, Mayor Mare, Cranky Doodle Donkey and Matilda, and many, many more ponies she could barely make out. It seemed everybody had turned up for their wedding, which of course was in a garden. Her dear friend Junebug had helped to make the flowers grow more beautiful, and as they bloomed fully she could smell their fragrant scents.

Butterflies lifted her train off the ground to keep the pale mare from tripping, and as she reached the altar she nearly burst into tears from joy. Wedding the two ponies was, of course, Princess Celestia’s responsibility.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join in union Miss Fluttershy and Big Macintosh. The two have shown dedication, faith, and real love in their relationship, and now they dedicate their hearts to one another, not to be two ponies anymore, but one. Fluttershy, let us recite your wedding vows. Repeat after me. I, Fluttershy...”

“I Fluttershy,”

“Promise to love this stallion with all of my heart.”

“Love this stallion with all of my heart.” Fluttershy, dealing with an overwhelming amount of happiness, began to tear up.

“I will love him, honor him, and treat him with all kindness and faith for the rest of my life. I will always be by his side, and I promise to...” Princess Celestia giggled a little before continuing, “treat him as I would one of my animal friends, only even better. Which is hard, because, I love my animal friends a lot.”

The members of the crowd laughed, and Fluttershy repeated the phrase.

“I will take care of you like I did Philomeena before she burned into ashes and was reborn.”

The crowd began to laugh again. Lyra, Cranky, and Mayor Mare began to tear up, Lyra wailing in the front row. She sat as she always did, in that strange way that Fluttershy couldn't quite understand. Nor anypony, really. Bon Bon comforted her, giving her a kiss on the cheek. Fluttershy repeated the phrase.

“I will trust you with my secrets and my heart forever and ever.” Princess Celestia said.

“I will trust you with my secrets and my heart forever and ever. I love you Big Mac.”

Fluttershy accidentally let the words slip from her mouth, but was not ashamed.

“Ah love you too, Flutters.”

Princess Celestia smiled warmly and turned to Big Macintosh.

“Repeat after me. I, Big Macintosh.”

“Ah, Big Macintosh.”

“Promise to love this mare with all of my heart.”

“Promise t' love this mare with all of my heart.”

“I will love her, honor her, and treat her with all kindness and faith for the rest of my life. I will always be by her side, and I promise never to desert her when times get hard.”

“Ah will love her, honor her, an’ treat her with all kindness an’ faith for the rest’a my life. Ah will always be by her side, and Ah promise never ever to desert her when times get hard.”

“I promise that I would never do anything to hurt you, and I will always be nearby when you need me,” Celestia continued.

“Eeyup,” Big Macintosh choked out, beginning to tear up. “Ah mean, uh, Ah promise not to hurt ya, and Ah will always be there.”

“You may now kiss the bride.” Celestia nodded at the two lovebirds, and they immediately embraced and kissed gently. The crowd broke into hearty applause.

The Apple Family catered the reception, which was at Sugar Cube Corner. First they ate a healthy dinner, and then came the toasts.

Pinkie Pie was up first.

“I've known Fluttershy since, like, ever. And it was really weird that she never had a stallion with her, like, ever. And I was always saying FLUTTERSHY, YOU'RE SO BEAUTIFUL! WHY DON'T YOU EVER GO OUT AND MEET STALLIONS! And it was really weird and strange and odd and out of the ordinary and...” Pinkie Pie glanced back at the table with the Bridal Party and smiled widely again, “But, anyways, what I was saying was I love this couple more than I love smiling and ice cream and mustaches and all that good stuff! Which, by the way is a lot. HAPPY WEDDING!” She shouted, and immediately confetti fell from the ceiling all around.

The next speech was from Rainbow Dash, who directed it straight to the couple.

“Hey guys. So um, I'm gonna keep this short. Have some good sex, okay?”

Dash winked, sticking her tongue out playfully.The entire crowd broke into hysterical laughter, knowing it was just the kind of thing Dash would say.

“What? I'm serious! Do it for me, okay? And have fun.”

The laughter was overwhelming, and no matter how embarrassed Fluttershy felt, she couldn't help but laugh along too.

The next speech was by Granny Smith, who seemed bewildered by the microphone. After a few minutes of trying to turn it on, even though it already was on, she started her speech.

“Big Macintosh, Ah’ve raised ya from just a young foal. Ah have found ya to be just the nicest little man there ever was. Ya never did nothin’ mean in your life. Except....you know...for that one thing ya did....what was that thing...oh yes! Back in primary school when ya accidentall apple-bucked your sister when you were tryin' t' hit a tree. Hit 'er right in the face too. Well, anyways, you’re such a sweet pony. That’s why Ah think Fluttershy is perfect for ya. Ah can’t wait to see more of you two.”

Granny Smith had finished her speech without too much forgetfulness, which warmed Fluttershy’s heart. Applejack went next, and was near tears.

“Ah gotta say y'all...Ah'm not sure where t' begin with this one. Big Macintosh, you're the best big brother a gal could ask for. And Fluttershy, you're the best...best...friend ever. Ah love you guys, and Ah think y'all will be good for each other. Ah know the Grand Gallopin’ Gala was s’posed t' be, but, thank y’all for making this the best day ever.”

Before Fluttershy could even say a word in thanks, the music started up again and she noticed Pinkie Pie had hired Vinyl Scratch (a locally notorious disk jockey) as the evening’s DJ. Fluttershy cringed at how loud she was, but Pinkie Pie really had tried hard so she couldn't really complain.

“HEYYA!! How’s everypony feelin’ tonight?

The crowd cheered in delight, nopony in the audience even slightly opposed to Vinyl Scratch deejaying. Fluttershy still cringed, but Big Macintosh coaxed her forward.

“Alrighty! It’s time for the BOUQUET TOSS!!”

Immediately, all of Ponyville’s eligible bachelorettes gathered on the dance floor Pinkie had somehow installed, and prepared for the bouquet to fly.

Fluttershy, who never had a very strong toss, nervously turned her back on the large group of ponies and threw the bouquet as hard as she could. The next thing she heard was a delighted scream, and she turned around to see Bon-Bon waving the pink bouquet in the air delightedly, hugging Lyra and then planting a kiss on her lips.

Fluttershy smiled, figuring it was about time the two got married. Only now was the moment she dreaded. The garter. Big Macintosh made his way over, and Pinkie Pie provided a chair excitedly. Fluttershy took a seat delicately and squeezed her eyes shut nervously. She felt ridiculous.

Big Macintosh delicately lifted her skirt and fetched the garter with a hoof instead of his mouth, realizing how embarrassed his bride was. He immediately tossed it, and it was caught by none other than Pony Joe.
Bon Bon took a seat in Fluttershy’s place and glared at Pony Joe defiantly. It was obvious Pony Joe felt awfully embarrassed about the entire ordeal.

“Do NOT put the garter up high,” Bon Bon threatened, “I have a girlfriend.”

Pony Joe rolled his eyes and placed the garter on her ankle as a gentleman would.

“There. I wouldn't do anything like that in a million years.”

“Good!” Bon Bon replied, returning to Lyra once more. Vinyl Scratch immediately began voicing over once more, to cover up the awkward feeling around.

“Alrighty then! Let’s have Fluttershy and Big Macintosh come and do their first dance together!”

Fluttershy and Big Macintosh reached the floor, and stood close to one another. As Octavia started playing a slow, romantic tune, the two closed their eyes and rocked back and forth.

“You are so beautiful, Fluttershy.” Big Macintosh whispered, hugging her close.

"Thank you. I must say, however, I couldn't have married a more handsome stallion."

Fluttershy couldn’t wait to spend the rest of her life with him by her side, and for once in her life she was completely certain of something. She could be herself with Big Macintosh, no nerves included in the bundle. And likewise, Big Macintosh had shown her his true self, something he seldom did.

Fluttershy leaned forward and presented him with a soft, delicate kiss.