Apples or Lightning

Chapters

Over Pie
Awkward Silence is the Best Medicine
Oh, Wait... Wasn't It Laughter?
Successful date; Unsuccessful Walk Home
If it's Thunder's Advice: Take it.
Surely It Wouldn't Hurt..
Not To Be Ashamed Of
The Innocent Spa Date
Truth

Over Pie

Fluttershy yawned, rubbing her eye with a hoof. She had been woken early when Angel bunny pounded the floor with his feet. The butter-colored mare gave Angel some food and clopped drowsily into her bathroom, taking a long bath and combing her mane. Shy made her way to Sweet Apple Acres, longing for some of Apple Jack's pie.

Fluttershy trotted along the edge of Everfree forest, humming a soft tune as she went. A whoosh sound passed her quickly, pulling her pink mane forward and almost making her tumble. The mare expected Rainbow Dash, but when she looked, there was a different trail, cloudy with some small static charges.

Who was that? Fluttershy wondered, when Rainbow shot by with a colorful trace behind her. Are they racing?

"Ahah!" Came a stallion voice from a distant cloud.

"You had a head start, Soarin!" A familiar voice called after him.

"Oh, hey Rainbow Dash." Fluttershy called softly as she came closer. "Wanna go eat some pie with me? I have some extra bits and I was on my way to Apple Jack's."

"Really?" Rainbow's head appeared over the cloud they were on. "I could go for some pie. Can Soarin tag along?"

"Sure."

"Cool! Thanks, Fluttershy." Rainbow cooed.

"Yeah, thanks!" A pale blue face popped up next to the cyan Pegasus. "I love pie!"

Fluttershy squeaked at his sudden appearance.

Soarin laughed and fell off the cloud. "That was both funny," He gasped, writhing with laughter on the ground, "and cute!"

He didn't seem to notice Fluttershy hide nervously behind her mane, her cheeks twinged with squeaky pink.

The stallion draped a hoof over Shy's shoulder. "Fluttershy, was it?" He pondered casually, "You're pretty cool!"

Rainbow landed sloppily beside them, laughing. "Are you freakin' high?" She chuckled, punching his shoulder.

"Maybe!" He purposely slurred his words, and staggered about with Fluttershy as his support. "It's none of your freakin' business!"

Fluttershy trotted stiffly along, trying to ignore the foreleg over her shoulder. Her cheeks were bright pink, and she forced out a quiet laugh at Soarin's "acting."

Rainbow Dash came to her other side, now also acting drunk, and put her hoof over Soarin's. "Well, join the party!"

"Did somepony say 'party??'" A pink pony called from the back of a streamer cannon, blasting decorations into the air as she passed on the rolling cannon.

The trio stared after them, eyes wide.

"Well, that was completely expected!" Soarin said sarcastically, casting a side glance at Fluttershy and pulling his lips back in a smile.

Shy smiled sheepishly back, blue eyes glancing at Rainbow in a cry for help.

Rainbow Dash was stifling a laugh. "We're here!" She called, probably trying to change the subject- not that there was much of a subject in the first place.

Rows of apple trees were scattered ahead of them, with the barn and Apple Jack's house to the left of the three ponies.

"Is Apple Jack here?" Fluttershy said softly, trotting up to Big Macintosh as he carried a barrel of apple cider on his back.

"Eyup." He pointed with his nose to the barn. "She's a bit occupied right now. Is there somethin' you might need?"

"We were gonna have some pie." Soarin said, trotting up behind her. "This uh.. Apple Jack is known for her pies."

"Mah sister is a might busy; I could fix ya'll up somethin' if ya'll don't mind none." Mac offered with a small smile.

"Oh, that's fine with me, Big Mac." Fluttershy said, "You're not too busy, are you?" She fretted suddenly.

All the while Rainbow dash watched curiously.

"You're so cute, how you do that!" Soarin chuckled, ruffling her mane with a hoof. He didn't seem intent on flirting, but Fluttershy had to stop herself from flinching away from the contact.

Big Mac gave Soarin a suspicious stare, then said with only the slightest edge, "I'm not busy at all.." He turned and clopped into the apple family house to start on the pie, while Soarin smiled like a foal watching a kitten sneeze as Fluttershy fixed her mane.

"You're soo drunk." Rainbow Dash observed as Soarin sat down at a picnic table. She sat next to him while Shy sat across from them both.

"Yeah, yeah." He retorted with a chuckle.

"So Soarin.." Fluttershy started nervously.

He looked at her and tilted his head questioningly.

"Why are you down here when you have a team of Wonderbolts in Cloudsdale to work with?" She murmured.

"I'm just on vacation, and I decided to come down here and hang out with Dashie here."

"DASHIE?!??" Rainbow Dash spat.

Soarin laughed. "I just love poking fun at you... DASHIE." He sneered jokingly.

Dash tackled him from the table; "Don't you call me 'Dashie!'" she snarled as they tumbled about.

"Hey, Dashie, could you clear that cloud for me?" Fluttershy giggled.

Eventually, the Pegasuses separated, laughing and sputtering as Fluttershy watched from the table.

Big Macintosh clopped up to the table with three steaming pies, setting them on it with a satisfied look on his face.

"Oh, here's your nine..." Fluttershy murmured. She became flushed. "Oh, I only have eight bits! I'm so so sorry, I didn't know. I.. I don't know what I can do, I just--"

"It's alright, one lil' ol bit don't matter." Big Mac assured her.

"I'll pay you back, I swear, I'll just go sell some old jewelry or something.."

"Nah, Fluttershy, you ain't got to pay me back none." He replied with a smile.

"Oh... Ok.." Shy murmured, then looked up at him. "Thanks, Big Macintosh."

"No need to thank me." Mac rubbed a hoof over the back of his neck, smiling nervously.

"Come eat with us, Mac!" Rainbow intercepted, holding up a pie.

"Oh, I donno.."

"Oh, yes, you should!" Shy added to the offer.

"Ok, then. I guess I could eat some."

They all gathered at the table, Soarin and Mac across form Rainbow and Shy, and they all dug in.

Author's Note

I'm so noob with MLP stories... Please, forgive me! eAe

Awkward Silence is the Best Medicine

The four ponies finished eating, bulging bellies and laughter.

"I'm stuffed!" Rainbow Dash chuckled.

"I couldn't eat another bite." Soarin's murmur came.

"Are you sure 'bout that?" Rainbow took a hoof full of leftover pie and aimed to stuff it into his mouth from across the table, but the pale Pegasus dodged. He took another pile of pie and shoved it in Dash's face.

Rainbow Dash moved aside and slapped his hoof, causing pie to spatter on to Fluttershy and Mac.

Mac chuckled and picked up an apple, throwing it at Rainbow.

Soarin threw a pile of pie at Fluttershy, who squealed and ducked out of the way.

Rainbow dash wiped apple essence from her mane, and put on a game face. She chucked at Mac two apples, while Fluttershy threw Dash a pile of pie and soarin an apple at the cyan Pegasus.

When the food fight had finished, apple and pie eminence was scattered about in the soft green grass.

Big Macintosh's eyes glowed.

Rainbow Dash still chuckled while wiping apple from her shoulder.

Fluttershy blushed slightly, giggling quietly and glancing from pony to pony.

Soarin gazed at Fluttershy's pink mane that covered half her face elegantly, her forelegs on the bench in front of her with her shoulders pushed forward. He admired her butter yellow pelt, which shimmered vibrantly from the afternoon rays. Her shy little smile as she giggled at the day's events, her cutie mark practically glowed. He couldn't help but grin warmly to himself, averting his emerald gaze just before she looked at him. She's not even my marefriend. Why am I so drawn to her, when I just met her today?

"Well, it's getting a bit late." Rainbow Dash yawned, the setting sun barely above the Everfree forest. "Let's get going, Soarin."

Big Macintosh noticed him frown slightly with a glance at Fluttershy, then Soarin nodded hesitantly and hovered above the picnic table, waiting for Dash to gather her bearings.

"Ok, we're off!" Rainbow Dash said abruptly. "Bye Big Mac, see ya Fluttershy!"

"Goodbye, Rainbow. It was nice to meet you, Soarin." Shy replied.

"Bye, Fluttershy!" He called as they took off to fly away.

Big Macintosh called after them; "See y'all later."

There was a silent pause after they left. "Oh, well, I should get home now. Angel is gonna need food soon, and Celestia knows he won't wait." Fluttershy murmured, breaking the awkward silence.

"Now, you can't go walkin' home all by your self!" Big Mac intercepted. "It's all too late to be out alone, and Ah'm sure y'all know that."

"I'm fine, I can go myself." Fluttershy replied quietly.

"Now, Ah could walk y'all home if'n y'all let me."

"Oh, no no no, I wouldn't want to be a bother.."

"It's alright, Fluttershy, I don't mind none." The crimson stallion insisted with a small smile.

"Well... Oh, alright."

He stepped back to give Fluttershy room to pass.

She plotted past with a sheepish smile.

The pair trotted slowly at an equal pace, Fluttershy studying the ground in front of her while Big Mac watched the sky.

"So, uh, Fluttershy..?" He murmured, not exactly used to starting a conversation.

"Yes?" She looked up at him with those round, blue eyes...

"Umm..." Why did I get her attention just to stutter and stumble? He thought indignantly, forcing himself to make eye contact.

He realized after a few seconds he was gazing absently into her beautiful blue gaze. "Ah was just wondering, uh, what's been goin' on lately with yer.. eh.. critters?"

"Oh, that's very kind of you to ask!" She replied with a smile, as if forgetting she wasn't called Fluttershy for nothing. "Angel bunny's still as spoiled as ever, and the owls have laid eggs. I can't wait until they hatch; cute little owl babies with those big eyes and downy feathers..."

Her voice trailed off according to Mac's mind. Fluttershy was so passionate about her animals, the glow in her eyes when she talked about them, the determination to protect them.. He admired her for that. Her eyes stared unwaveringly into his, as if it didn't matter anymore that he was a tall stallion who she barely knew.

"...and the blue jay chicks are really coming along. One of them tried to fly yesterday, but it wasn't me who saved him. Angel bunny caught him just in time. I guess he isn't just a spoiled little bunny after all, huh? He can be sweet, sometimes." She finished with a smile, then added; "So, how have you been lately, Mac?"

Big Mac saved himself just in time, as he'd been gazing wordlessly into her eyes, "Ah've been fine, thanks." He replied. If he weren't already red, his blushing would be clearly visible. "Nothin' much has been happenin' on the farm."

As if his voice had snapped her into the reality, Fluttershy abruptly averted her gaze toward the ground and murmured; "That's nice.."

The red stallion almost clipped his hoof on the ground in disappointment. He loved just listening to her talk; her voice was so soft and soothing. "Who was this eh.. Soarin pony y'all and Rainbow were hangin' out with?" He asked semi-casually, keeping his voice from wavering with suspicion.

"One of Rainbow Dash's old friends." The butter-yellow Pegasus uttered softly. "I invited her for pie and said he could come, too."

"Hmmm." Big Macintosh murmured back.

They carried on in their canter for a few minutes, silence gripping the air tensely.

When he finally looked at Fluttershy, a bead of sweat was forming at her hairline, and she panted quietly. Mac inhaled sharply, remembering that him and his family were quite athletic. He slowed to a stop and put a hoof on her wing, feeling her stiffen. Oops..

"Would y'all like to slow down? Seems yer a bit worn out, and uh.."

"I don't mind at all. I need some exercise anyways." She muttered; "Besides, I wouldn't want to be a burden, after all.."

Mac could tell she was uncomfortable with him touching her wing. Must be a Pegasus thing.. He thought, lowering his hoof. Apple jack was talkin' bout what Rainbow told her bout wings.. They're sensitive, right? But how... He stiffened at another thought; he realized just why they were. That is awkward...

"Now, Ah think you've had enough, judgin' by how tired you seem." He felt as if he'd talked more to Fluttershy in one day then he had to any pony else in a week.

Her wings were strained, as if she was struggling to keep them from flaring out. Her eyes glittered with a bitter-sweet look. "I'm sure I'll be fine.." Fluttershy insisted.

He had the sudden ebbing thought; what if he just up and kissed her, right then? He felt the urge pushing him, trying to send him closer to Shy, rooting for an embrace with the mare. He lingered at the image in his mind blissfully, then pushed the thought away.

Big Macintosh twitched his shortened tail as a twinge knotted his lower stomach. Not now...

He forced a shrug and clopped on, intentionally slower than before.

At last, a small shed teeming with animals came into view. "That your house?" Mac asked, receiving a nod from the yellow Pegasus.

Big Mac cantered up to the door, opening it and holding it for Fluttershy. "I'll see y'all another time." He said with a small smile.

Despite how nervous she looked and how obviously uncomfortable she was with Mac, she said; "Won't you come in? I'm sure you're tired from the walk here, and I wouldn't want you to freeze out there without some sort of rest at least.." Fluttershy said softly as she passed and stood in the doorway. "I could make some tea."

"Ah'm alright, Fluttershy." He replied, though he could go for some tea, Mac knew that his urges would make him do, or at least try to do something he'd regret. "Ah'll be plenty fine on my way home."

Both relief and disappointment flickered through Shy's blue gaze for a moment, but she nodded and murmured a goodbye.

"Ah'll see y'all later, Fluttershy." He said with slight remorse that he didn't accept her offer. Big Macintosh started home at a steady canter, then sped to a pounding gallop as Luna's moon rose from the horizon to greet the stars.

Fluttershy stared blissfully after him, watching his muscles ripple beneath a crimson pelt. She finally closed her door, feeding all her animals, before going up to her bedroom with a weary sigh.

She closed the bedroom door behind her, relaxing to let her wings flare out stiffly. When Big Macintosh put a hoof on her wing, the sensation of his gentle touch lingered long afterward.

Fluttershy sighed heavily, stroking the wing he'd touched with a hoof, the same sensation twinging, but not exactly like before.

She flopped into her bed, stiffness slowly ebbing away, until sleep dragged her deep into its comforting depths.

Author's Note

Man, this chapter makes it sound like I favor Macintosh... Well, at least it's something! The tables will turn, or at least even out, by next chapter!

Oh, Wait... Wasn't It Laughter?

Fluttershy was making tea. She had woken up at eight o'clock, and was surprisingly well-rested. She let the tea pot steam and boil, opening her door and leaving to care for her animals. The shy Pegasus fed them, checked on the Owl eggs, talked to the jays.

Fluttershy peered upward as a shadow passed above her, blocking out the sun momentarily. She squinted, furrowing her brow, until she recognized the pale blue coat and dark mane. Her stomach did a flip, and her heart pounded in her chest so that she thought the stallion might hear it.

"Hey, Fluttershy!" Soarin called as he circled her like a vulture until he lit upon the ground with a soft thud. "What's up?"

She scuffed her hoof in the soft grass, studying the ground. "Nothing, really. You didn't have to check on me or anything, I'm fine on my own.."

"I just wanted to hang out with you, Flutters!" He chimed, ruffling her mane with a hoof.

Whistling interrupted them, coming from inside.

"My tea!" Fluttershy gasped, cantering quickly into her home and taking the pot off of the stove. She set it carefully on a table, then called softly out to Soarin. "Would you like some?"

"Sure, thanks!"

Shy fixed two cups of tea and re-fixed her mane, returning to the garden to have Soarin bump into her, as he was walking by the door.

She squeaked, shrinking back. "Sorry!"

Soarin smiled. "It's alright." He assured her gently. "Now, how about that tea?"

"Oh, yes, come in." Fluttershy said, backing into her house and sitting on the sofa with a cup of tea between her hooves.

Soarin picked up his cup and smiled. "It smells awesome!"

"Yeah, I love tea so much that I know how to make it home made instead buying tea bags at the market." The butter yellow mare replied with a sigh.

Soarin almost suppressed a laugh, but couldn't hold it back. "That's adorable." He thought out loud. Why do I keep doing that!?

He watched as Fluttershy hid behind her mane, and just spotted a tinge of squeaky pink blush warming her cheeks.

"So, Fluttershy, what's going on with that red guy?" He asked, a note of suspicion souring his tone only slightly.

"I don't know him very well.." Fluttershy replied nervously. "He's my friend's older brother."

Soarin nodded and sipped from his tea with a satisfied sigh as the sweet liquid rolled over his tongue and warmed his throat.

"So, I have a question.." Dang it! No no no nonono no not yet, not yeeeet! He cringed in his mind, wishing to take it back. No turning back now.. "Do you want to go with me to Sugarcube Corner?" He spoke rapidly, rolling the words off of his tongue. "I'll pay and everything, so you won't have to worry, and uh..."

Fluttershy looked up at him, appearing genuinely shocked, but then her face softened. "I-I guess I could.." She murmured softly, her cheeks cherry red.

Soarin hopped up; "Great! You won't regret it, I promise!"

A giggle escaped Fluttershy's lips, and she cupped a hoof over her mouth to hold it back.

Soarin smiled and picked up his tea again. "I don't know how to thank you, Flutters." He sipped the rest of his tea and put it back down.

"Well first," She mused softly, "stop calling me 'Flutters'"

Soarin laughed, gazing warmly at his new friend. Well... Maybe marefriend... He added silently. Let's pick it up a bit..

Soarin leaned forward and planted a kiss on Fluttershy's cheek. Not necessarily her mouth.. But I think that's a bit too fast. Before the dazed Pegasus had a chance to react, Soarin flew out the door and glided upwards, calling over his shoulder; "I'll pick you up at six!"

Fluttershy watched him leave from the doorway, closing her eyes as she remembered his lips against her cheek. She pursed her lip as she thought about what was going on. Big Macintosh liked her, but Soarin obviously did as well. What am I going to do?? "This is awful," she muttered, "Just awful!"

* * *

Fluttershy paced in her room. Five thirty.. It's five thirty! She'd forgotten about her date with soarin, and had only half an hour to get ready. Ok, shower first.

She closed the bathroom door behind herself, stepping into the shower and turning on the water and carefully testing the heat. She let the water stream down her neck, slicking her coat, weighing down her pink mane and darkening it to a purplish fuchsia.

Soarin stood at her door. Five thirty two... Alright, I just can't wait any longer! He knocked on the door. After a minute, there was still no reply. The pale Pegasus furrowed his brow and pushed the door open. He plotted into the shack, glancing around carefully. He went upstairs cautiously, peering into a room with a queen sized bed. He heard a gentle song being hummed softly from behind a door on the other side of the room, and was drawn to the beautiful voice.

Soarin stood at the door ear pressed to the side of it, the sound of showering water slightly drowned out by Fluttershy's voice. He accidentally let his weight fall onto the door, and it suddenly flung open unexpectedly. He staggered, dazed into the unfamiliar bathroom, looking up just in time to have a shampoo bottle hit him in the face.

Fluttershy squealed, picking up the first thing she found and hurling it at the intruder. She opened the curtain to see Soarin stumbling back, holding a hoof to his nose. She let out a shocked yelp, rearing onto two hooves and holding one hoof over her chest and the other covered... other places-not like she originally had clothes to cover them.-

Soarin looked up again, then averted his gaze immediately nervously staring at the ground, holding back the temptation to look at the exposed mare. "Sorry! I didn't mean to open the door, I just.. just.. I was listening to your singing and.. and I.. I uh.."

Fluttershy put a towel around herself and stepped gingerly out of the shower, eying Soarin carefully.

He looked up with a sheepish smile. "Uh... Sorry." He gave up on an explanation, watching her leave with her face behind her mane. When she was going out the door, Soarin flickered his gaze to her flank and then to the floor, shuffling his hooves on the tiles. This date is turning out juuust perfect. Soarin thought indignantly.

Author's Note

Sure... It's the "voice" he was drawn too.. XD

Successful date; Unsuccessful Walk Home

After a long and awkward walk to Sugarcube Corner, Soarin opened the door to let Fluttershy through.

He closed it behind her and followed her to the counter, on the other side of which Pinkie Pie was counting truffles.

"Um.. Pinkie?" Fluttershy murmured.

"Fluttershy? Oh, hi fluttershy!" the party pony replied. "What's up?" She bounced once behind the counter and smiled broadly.

"Um... Saorin and I are.. are.. uh.. we're having a bite to eat and.. and uh.. w-what would you like, Soarin?"

Soarin was scowling to himself, and snapped out of his self-hatred. "A slice of carrot cake, please." He said, stepping up to stand next to her.

"A small pack of cherry truffles would be nice." Fluttershy murmured.

"Oh, and a chocolate milk shake." Soarin added. He plucked up the courage to flash her a grin, and she smiled sheepishly back.

"Here ya go, one slice of carrot cake, a small pack of cherry truffles and a large chocolate shake!" Pinkie handed Fluttershy their order. "Twelve bits, please!"

"Ok, t-thank you. Here you go, Pinkie Pie." Fluttershy took the sweets, pulling a bit sack out of her saddlebags, and opened it tentatively. "Twelve bi-"

Soarin held her hooves down with a wing. "I asked you to go with me; I'll pay." He said kindly.

"Oh, uh, t-thank you." she murmured, pulling back shyly.

"No problem." He handed Pinkie Pie the money and nudged Fluttershy's cheek with his muzzle to direct her toward a table next to the window. "Let's sit over there."

She blushed cherry red. "O-ok."

They sat down and distributed the sweets between them.

As Fluttershy fidgeted her wings and held up a truffle with a hoof, looking at it, Soarin nudged the milkshake into the middle of the table with a smile. "I got this so we could share." He said, putting in a second straw.

"A-are you sure? You're the one who bought it, and.. and.."

"It's fine, I want to."

Fluttershy blushed slightly. "Ok."

* * *

After an uneventful dessert, with a few laughs here and there, Fluttershy appeared to be warming up to Soarin. He smiled and took the two bendy straws from the empty glass. The Pegasus put one on each side of his mouth and dipped below the table. "Imma crab!" He exclaimed, the straws sticking up and the bent parts pointing at Fluttershy.

The yellow mare laughed quietly and blushed, then peered under the table.

"Nuu! My true identity!" The "crab" exclaimed.

Fluttershy laughed and sat up. She turned and gazed out of the window, where the clouds were thickened and grey.

"I guess we should get going." Soarin suggested, standing from his seat.

Fluttershy nodded and followed him out the door. "Bye Pinkie Pie." She called softly.

"Bye guys!"

"Bye." Soarin added.

They trotted side-by-side as rain sprinkled lightly onto them, passing the spa.

A drizzle of rain escalated to a massive downpour, battering Soarin's wings harshly. The pale Pegasus extended one wing over Fluttershy to shelter her, and she squeaked in surprise before murmuring her thanks. As the two ponies were approaching the Carousel Boutique, Soarin looked down at his yellow companion with a smile. "Do you want to go inside and wait out the weather?" He suggested lightly.

"U-um, that would be nice, yes." Fluttershy replied, trotting ahead toward the Boutique. She lifted a hoof and knocked on the door, then entered sheepishly.

"Come in, Fluttershy, darling!" A voice chimed from inside, and Soarin followed the butter-yellow Pegasus indoors. "What brings you here?"

"Oh, um, we were just going to wait for the rain to stop before going home.."

The white unicorn looked up from her sewing. "We?" She then saw Soarin and smiled knowingly. "Stay as long as you like, dear."

After half an hour of sitting on Rarity's sofa, Soarin got up and trotted toward a window, looking out to see the rain still battering the ground. He sighed, then turned to see Fluttershy behind him. "You bored, too?" He presumed.

The mare nodded and sat on her haunches. Soarin glanced at the front door, then the doorway to Rarity's work room behind him, and sighed.

The doorbell rang next to them. "Oh, my silk!" Rarity's voice rang unexpectedly close behind him as he stood. He started and fell forward, toppling over Fluttershy with a surprised yelp. He had a hoof on each side of her and he had himself propped up so that he didn't flatten her with his weight. Soarin gazed at her for a moment. "Uh- S-sorry, I didn't mean to-"

The door opened and a hauntingly familiar voice sounded. "Rarity, Ah see why you wouldn't want Derpy delivering this, but Ah can't understand why y'all asked me to..." Big Macintosh's voice trailed off as he saw the situation in front of him.

Big Mac stared at what was displayed in the small living room; Fluttershy was pinned to the ground by a pale Pegasus who crouched savagely over her.

The red stallion dropped the parcel he had on his back and darted forward with a furious fire in his eyes. "Jus' what da y'all think yer doin' to poor Fluttershy??! This is not how you are meant to treat a mare!" Mac bellowed as he dragged the Pegasus away. When he planted a firm hoof on the stallion's chest, he recognized him with a snarl. "Soarin! I jus' knew you some punk with no manners!"

"What are you doing here, ya prick!" Soarin sneered under him as Fluttershy stood up in a panic.

"I'm doin' a favor for Rarity! Y'all don't need to tell me what yer doin', 'cause I can see that y'all was forcin' Fluttershy to the ground!"

"Um.. B-Big Macintosh, we-"

"No need to defend the punk, we both know what he was doin' to ya!"

"B-Big Mac, h-he fell and.."

Soarin shoved the red stallion away and stood up. "I didn't mean to fall on her, you big red bastard!"

Fluttershy glanced between them. "Soarin, you don't need to-"

"Oh, sure! Y'all just happened to fall on top of her!" Big Macintosh towered over him, and Soarin flared his wings and flapped so that they were at eye level. "I saw with mah own eyes, she was helpless!" He jabbed the pale Pegasus in the chest with a hoof.

"Um.. Uh.. g-guys, I-"

"Finally, the uneducated hillbilly got something right!" Soarin jeered.

"Why you scrawny little-"

Fluttershy closed her eyes tightly, then inhaled. "Guys!" She shouted, nudging her way between them. She pulled Soarin to the ground and forced Big Macintosh backwards. "Why are you fighting?" Her voice shook with anger, but her eyes brimmed with tears. "Soarin wasn't doing anything! He just fell on top of me when the doorbell scared him!" The mare explained. "You don't need to assume the worst!"

She then turned to Soarin. "You don't need to start looking for a fight! You could have been a bit more sensible, and less violent!" Fluttershy whipped around and cantered toward the door, tears streaming down her cheeks as she turned back to them. "I'm going home." She whipped open the door and galloped toward the Everfree in the rain.

"Fluttershy, wait!" Soarin called to her, but he was ignored as she disappeared. He turned back and gave Big Macintosh a glare, then spread his wings and took off after the yellow Pegasus.

Big Macintosh stared after them, shocked, then sat down and studied his hooves, ashamed. He'd lost his sense in the anger of what he'd seen. He cantered out of the door to leave Rarity, bewildered, watching him leave.

If it's Thunder's Advice: Take it.

Fluttershy galloped at her fastest speed, pushing through the crowds of Ponyville's streets. Her muscles screamed for a break, lungs burning for air. Her breath came in ragged gasps between snuffles and stifled sobs and the rain battered her stinging face. The cream pegasus bumped into a familiar gray stallion with golden eyes. "Sorry!" She mewled, brushing past a bewildered pegasus with a sniffle.

Soarin glided at a low altitude, swooping through the streets of Ponyville in search of his anguished crush. He glimpsed her passing a gray pegasus, but then she disappeared into the crowd. "Hey, you!" Soarin barked, skidding to a stop in front of the confused pony. "Which way did she go?"

"You'd have to be more specific, dear boy. I've seen many mare-flanks going in many directions and you'd have to inform me which one you're speaking of." The pegasus declared, his voice laced with smug cleverness.

"I swear, if you don't tell me which way 'Shy went, I'm gonna-"

"Jeez, don't get your panties in a bunch. The specific mare you seek to chase down in alley went that-a-way." He flicked his head back to indicate the road behind him. "But from what I can tell, she seems to need some time alone. Let her blow off some steam." The stallion shrugged and started to trot away.

"How do you know all these complicated mare-things." Soarin grumbled, kicking a stone irritably. "Some big red douche came in lookin' for a fight and she yelled at both of us; I was just trying to defend myself. I don't see what I did wrong. " The pale pegasus plopped onto his haunches, poking at the wet, rain-penetrated ground with his hoof.

"Mares don't like colts that fight all the time." The gray pony shrugged, stopping to turn back to him. "They don't like all that violence and shiz. Just give er some time to cool off and apologize another day."

Soarin sighed, looking down at his hooves with his shoulders slumped. "I guess that could work.." He mumbled. Then, the wonderbolt looked up. "Hay, what's your name, anyways?"

"I'm Thunder Lane." He said.

Before the pale stallion could reply, Thunder Lane lifted his hoof to pause him. "Soarin, I know. Nopony around here recognizes you without the suit. But, hay, who says I can't." He extended the same hoof with a smile and had it shaken by Soarin.

"Thanks, Thunder." He said.

Fluttershy galloped down a small dirt path as her cottage came into view. Her eyes stung from crying as she pushed further, breaking from her gallop into a slower saunter. She darted into her small home and locked the door behind her, leaping onto her couch with a sniffle. Shy buried her face into her decorative cushion, trying to bury her sobs and labored breathing.

Angel bunny appeared on the armrest in front of her. His usually stern expression was soft, his ears flattened back. He leaned forward with a foreleg out to paw at his owner's ruffled mane.

What happened? His eyes questioned when Fluttershy's wet face came out of her pillow.

"Oh, it was awful!" She sobbed, sitting up weakly at the protest of her screeching muscles. "I ruined my date with Soarin! It's all my fault! I just know it is. I shouldn't have yelled at Big Mac for trying to protect me when he thought I was in danger and I shouldn't have yelled at Soarin for defending his honor and-and.. " Fluttershy sniffled, wiping her face with a hoof.

Angel bunny patted her head, motioning for her to go on.

After explaining what happened at the Carousel Boutique, Fluttershy ended with, "-and it's all my fault!!" Fluttershy buried her face in her hooves. "I wouldn't be surprised if they hate me forever. If they never, ever want to speak to me again, ever see me again! I'm such a horrible pony for raising my voice at them!"

Her mind whirled with thoughts about if what happened was told to other ponies. What would all of her friends think? Rarity saw what happened; she could tell everypony else! What if they hated her, too? What if they were angry at her?

A worse thought struck her. She could hide from anger, but what about disappointment?

If her friends were disappointed in her, what could she ever do?

Fluttershy imagined Rainbow Dash's reaction. 'Not cool, Fluttershy. Not cool.' The cyan pegasus glared at her ex-friend, tilting her muzzle up to walk away.

'How could I be friends with someone who screams at ponies?' Twilight scoffed, recoiling.

'I expected more from you, Fluttershy.' Rarity glowered at her, eyes smoldering.

Fluttershy put her hooves over her ears, closing her eyes tightly in an attempt to shut out the voices in her head.

'Not fun!' Pinkie's hateful tone singed her thoughts.

Fluttershy whimpered, putting a foreleg up to her mouth and gripping her flesh in her teeth.

'Honestly Fluttershy! Ya'll should know better!' The orange mare's voice dripped with scorn as it echoed in Fluttershy's thoughts.

Blood trickled down her foreleg and tainted her tongue.

Angel Bunny thumped his foot on the top of her head and scowled, shaking his.

Fluttershy sniffled, looking at the scarlet liquid pulsing from her wrist. "You're right angel. This isn't how I'm supposed to deal with my problems. I'll just.. I'll just apologize a-and hope for the best." She smiled, patting his head. "Thanks, Angel. Goodnight."

Suddenly realizing how exhausted she was, Fluttershy let sleep drag her into its peaceful darkness without bothering with her bedroom.

The sun peered over the horizon, sending slanted rays down into sweet apple acres. Big Macintosh stared out at the sunrise with exhausted eyes. He'd barely slept all night.

Today, he was going to head down to Fluttershy's and apologize for how irrationally he'd acted.

Big Mac began at a saunter toward the yellow pegasus's house. He remembered the moment when he'd put a hoof on her wing, the other day, and shivered at the way she'd stiffened with pleasure. He shook his head. Don't think that way about yer.. He stopped himself from calling her his marefriend. Ladyfriend he completed his thought carefully.

He still couldn't help but let his mind wander toward her enticing flanks. He stiffened. "Stop that!" He cursed himself aloud, speeding up.

As he sauntered quickly toward his destination, Big Macintosh passed by a gray pegasus with a pale blue mane. He called out to the red stallion, causing an irritated sigh.

"What is it?"

The gray stallion tossed a rubber ball up and down in one hoof. "Where ya off to?"

"Why would y'all wanna know that?"

"Just curious."

"If y'all must know, I'm goin' to my ma-" He paused. "My friend's house."

"Fluttershy?"

"How in tarnation did y'all know that?" Big Macintosh huffed.

"Just a wild guess." He glanced up from the bouncy ball, then tossed it to the other hoof and back.

"Leave me alone.." Mac grumbled.

"I'd restrict myself if I were you." He called as Big Macintosh turned to continue on his way with a grunt of irritation.

"Yeah, yeah.." He muttered. "Buck off.."

The gray pegasus shrugged, tossing his ball in the air once more before Mac began to gallop away.

Surely It Wouldn't Hurt..

Fluttershy was deep into a ragged, unceremonious sleep. She was splayed out on the sofa with her mane messily tossed about. Her face was sticky with dried tears. Although the slumber was sloppy, it was deep, and in her dreamless sleep she felt wonderfully rested. She half woke up for a moment, disappointed, and then decided to go back to sleep for just a little bit longer.

Big Mac arrived at Fluttershy's cottage, panting lightly. He was worried. Did she hate him now? What will she say?

The red stallion then plotted carefully to the door and knocked. Nopony answered for a moment, until Angel stood before him, tapping a foot on the ground. He pointed away, glaring sternly at the stallion who hurt his pony. He wanted Big Mac to leave, and soon.

Mac looked at him for a second. "C'mon, please?" He begged the bunny. Then he hesitated for a moment. This was a bunny. He didn't need to ask.

So, the pony pushed the door open the rest of the way, to the distress of the small white animal, to see Shy asleep on the couch. She looked so peaceful.

He then noticed that her face was messy with dried tears. He almost teared up himself. How could he be so crude?

He plotted carefully up to her, feeling his heartbeat rapidly get louder. He thought the sound would awaken her slumber. Sitting quietly in front of Fluttershy, he stared at her, absolutely smitten. He felt himself lean closer. Her gentle breath warmed his neck. His muzzle brushed hers. He felt her soft lips touch his for only a second.

Fluttershy felt something press gently against her neck. She felt somepony's lips brush hers. Her eyes blinked open, shocked to see the emerald ones of Big Mac in front of her. She squealed in shock, falling onto the floor and staring up at him with a scared expression. She then calmed down as Macintosh put one foreleg around her back and helped her up. She looked up at him and blushed.

Big Mac expected her to yell at him or scold him or, his most terrifying nightmare, not speak at all. He stared at the floor, refusing eye contact. He was surprised when she burst into tears. "I'm so sorry!" She sobbed quietly, not looking into his eyes. She leaped forward and wrapped her forelegs around his neck. "Please.. Please forgive me! Don't hate me! I didn't mean it!"

He was indeed shocked by this. He let the embrace go on for as long as he could, squeezing her tightly like a stuffed animal. "Shy.. Shy, why are ya apologizin'? Ah'm the one who jumped to conclusions.. Ah thought you'd.. that you'd hate me.."

Fluttershy burried her tear-moistened muzzle in his neck and sighed in relief. "I was afraid that you would be mad at me because I yelled at you. You and Soarin."

He stiffened at the mention of the other stallion's name. "Wh-what now?"

"I yelled at Soarin, too." She murmured, releasing Mac, who was resentful of their separation. "Oh, I hope he's not mad.."

"Ah'm sure.. that he's fine.." Mac forced out. As Fluttershy sat back on the couch, she gestured for him to sit too. "Would you like some tea?" She asked shyly.

"No, no.. Ah'm alright Fluttershy." He replied, sitting down. He gazed at her dreamily. Surely it wouldn't hurt.. He thought, leaning forward. Fluttershy's eyes widened, and she let out a small nervous squeak.

Big Macintosh let his forelegs wrap around Fluttershy's torso. He stroked her wings once or twice, drawing out a small squeak. He nuzzled beneath her chin and pressed the tip of his nose to hers.

Fluttershy pushed at his shoulders, squeaking in fear. She turned her head away so that she could not be kissed and scrambled backwards on the couch. "Wh.. what are you d-..?" She began to say before closing her eyes and mumbling, "I think that you should.. you should probably go.." She kept her eyes closed, fearing what she may see.

Shy heard Big Mac's heavy hoofsteps slowly approaching the door. She tightened her eyes and let her head dip lower as the stallion paused in the doorway and looked back wistfully.

"Goodbye.." His choked up, regretful voice called back to her, who shamefully covered her face with her hooves.

Okay.. I guess it would hurt. Big Mac plotted with heavy hooves down the dirt trail. It was still pouring rain and his mane soaked quickly through. His eyes only followed the ground in front of him. "Why.. why did I do that?!" He cursed himself aloud. "I just couldn't resist.." his strong, disciplinary voice weakened to a soft mumble. "I ruined everything.."

Author's Note

I'm baaack! Sorry this took so long. Really, really long. But I lost access to the internet when my computer broke and now it's not necessarily fixed but it kind of works but we got rid of comcast. Now all I have is my phone, which is what I wrote this entire chapter with. Yaaaay!

At least I made it though. There may be a few typos that I cannot fix with this crappy phone, so bare with me!

Anyways, I hope you like this chapter, even if it may be poorly written. :P

Not To Be Ashamed Of

Fluttershy stared at the red stallion as he advanced toward her. His forelegs slowly pulled her in and he touched her wings tenderly, gently. His nose pressed into her neck under her jawline and he moved up, pushing his muzzle close.

She wasn't ready. She's not ready for this. It was too much. Too fast. She couldn't handle it. She pushed him away. She rejected his affection.

The small pegasus thought horrifically about what she'd done. Mac's confidence must be shattered. He must feel heartbroken right now.

Shy pulled her head out of her hooves and grimaced. She looked down at the self-inflicted bite wound on her foreleg. She blinked with a blank stare as the open wound started bleeding again, freshening the dried stream of blood that had remained.

The mare put herself erect with everything she could muster and finally stood on four hooves to take care of her animals, all the while straining her wings to keep them folded at her sides.

Macintosh sat down under a large apple tree, an older one of the orchard. He felt his eyes sting and immediately rubbed them of any moisture, feeling his pride slowly deflating.

"Woah, haven't seen this since Ah was borderin' four years old, Mackie." Aj's teasing voice chimed. "Ah thought 'real stallions didn't shed tears'?" She added, standing in front of him with an actually concerned look in her eyes.

"Ah ain't shed nothin'.." he denied, "It ain't tears if it don't leave.." he sniffed pitifully after that statement, provoking question from his three year younger sister.

"What kinda celestia forbidden death has you so worked up?" The orange mare asked, sitting down next to him with a frown.

"Ah tried ta.." he went silent. "It's nothin'. Ah had it comin'.. Ah was out ah line and it was foolish of me to expect her to return the gesture.."

"Wait.. what?" Apple Jack exclaimed. "It ain't like ya ta be flirtin with some mare. Even excludin', not to be snivelin' 'bout crashin' it."

"It ain't just some mare." He said, his deep voice breaking uncharacteristically. "Actually, she's.. one ah your friends if Ah 'member correctly." Before Aj could guess or question, he continued. "Ah shouldn't've done that.. she was probably so scared.. it must ah been terrifying.. and it happened so fast. Of course she wouldn't've expected.. She's so shy an' fragile.. How could Ah be so.. so selfish a-and forceful." He flung his head back onto the bark of the tree, causing a couple of apples to fall into his lap.

"Hey.. are we talkin' 'bout the same yellow an' pink pegasus Ah figure we're talkin' 'bout??" Aj looked frightened, hoping it wasn't true.

"Fluttershy.."

"Eyup.. that's what Ah was worried about." She responded, clapping a hoof to her face. "What happened. Tell me every detail, Mac." She said.

Big Macintosh then proceeded to start from when he made her pie, putting extra special effort into making it perfect just for her, to the scene at the boutique, and at Shy's home, with everything in between.

Aj listened carefully, quietly. When he explained what happened most recently, seeming reluctant at the .. personal details, her face drained of its orange color. "Y'all did that.. ta Fluttershy..?"

He nodded shamefully.

"Innocent, untouched, timid Fluttershy??"

"Ah get it, Ah get it, Ah shouldn't 'ave done what Ah did." He laid himself forward with his head on his forelegs. "What am Ah gonna do Aj?" He murmured, sniffling once. "What am Ah gonna do..?"

Fluttershy finished up topping off Angel's salad bowl with a satisfied sigh. She had almost forgotten about what happened when caring for her animals. Although, the first half of that time was spent with wings outspread stiffly. Now they were tender and more sensitive from the sudden sensual stimulation.

The butter colored mare sat back on the sofa with some fresh tea and sighed again, inwardly fighting her memory.

After a while, she finished her tea and decided to treat herself to some hay fries. What better way to drown your sorrows than in a fat plate of greasy goodness. So, the yellow pony grabbed her saddlebags and made sure she had enough money in her little burlap bit sack before returning it to its place in the bag. She took off on her way to Ponyville, trying her best to look happy. She decided to fly there in order to loosen up her wings and help them recover.

After arriving and ordering her meal, she sat at an outdoor table and looked over at sugarcube corner not far away. She remembered crab Soarin. Sipping from the same shake and gazing wistfully into the eyes of the other pony from across the mound of frozen goodness. Carefree. That's what she wanted.

Conveniently, the crab has returned. Soarin was sitting at a table nearby. He looked crestfallen. He was poking miserably at a daisy sandwich with his head resting in the propped up foreleg of the non-prodding hoof. The front of his dark, messy mane fell over his face as he stared blankly down at the table.

Fluttershy tensed up. She wanted so badly to go and to apologize to him. Curse her and her ever so accurate name. Luckily for her, Soarin finally looked up and saw her. His green eyes widened and he sat up straight. He thought she hadn't seen him. He pushed his hair back, licking his hoof to keep its unkempt strands in place. The stallion tapped his table a couple of times, hoping to work up the courage to move. He smiled, then rethought his approach and tried acting cool, scowling. He shook his head and rubbed each cheek with his hooves to relax his face. It didn't work, but it definitely succeeded in drawing out a quiet giggle from the yellow mare a few tables away.

Soarin looked up, his face still squished between his hooves in an awkward looking face, blinking in the realization that Fluttershy knew he was there.

He immediately stood up, bumping the table and scrambling the sandwich on it. He limped for a moment from the impact, cursing quietly to himself. He clumsily made his way over to Flutters, who waited patiently, concealing a grin.

When he made it to her table, she was standing and looking up at him. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes.

"I'm sorry." They both said at the same time. "What? But you didn't.." they both said, pausing awkwardly.

"Fluttershy.. I shouldn't have been so angry and violent at that boutique. I didn't mean to upset you.. please give me another chance..?"

Her mouth gaped. "But I was so.. mean.. why are you apologizing when I yelled at you.."

"You had every right to. I was out of line." He said, lowering his head. He waited silently for a response.

She didn't say anything. Fluttershy looked at him with teary eyes and nodded, trying not to make a scene. The yellow pegasus let her mane fall over her face.

"Oh, don't do that..." Soarin cooed. "Your eyes need to be shown off, not hidden."

She blushed beet red and brushed it out of her face.

"I feel like pie. Do you feel like pie?"

Fluttershy tensed up. Big Mac would almost certainly be at the farm. "I.. I don't think.."

Soarin narrowed his eyes. "Is it that red guy again? It is him, isn't it Shy? What did he do to you?" He questioned, noticing how uncomfortable she looked. "Did he hurt you? I swear, I'm gonna.."

"No! Soarin he didn't hurt me." She said quietly. "It's just.. hard to explain. I got nervous and asked him to leave after.."

"What? After what?"

"I.. I.. nothing, he just.. misinterpreted what I was ready for.. and.. he kind of.."

Soarin's wings flared and his eyes glowed angrily. "Did he try to-??"

"No, no not like that.." she mewled, then blinked in thought for a moment. "Was he..?" She thought aloud, no longer sure of Macintosh's intentions.

"That does it, I'm going down there and I'm gonna straighten that hillbilly out.."

Fluttershy, horrified at the idea of another fight, lurched forward and wrapped her hooves around the base of his neck, where his shoulders were. She managed to cry out, "No!" In her barely audible yell. She squeezed as tightly as she could. "Don't fight. Please. Please, Soarin. Don't do it." She whispered, her voice choking.

Soarin thought back to that pale-maned pony who told him that mares hate when stallions fight. He stared down at Fluttershy. He never wanted her to let go. "I won't, Flutters.. not if you don't want me to."

She sighed in relief, blushing as her grip loosened. She let go and stared down at her hooves.

A waiter came to the table with a plate of hay fries and set the heavy plate down expertly.

"Oh, my hay fries." She said, sitting down. "You sit too, Soarin." She proffered the empty seat across from her and smiled sheepishly.

He nodded and sat down, putting his hooves on the edge of the table. He stared at her across it with longing in his green eyes.

A familiar voice chimed behind him. "I see.. so you followed my advice!"

He turned to see Thunder Lane sitting backwards in a chair with a leg on each side. "Hey.. thanks for the tip and all but d-don't be ruining this, please!" Soarin pleaded quietly so that Shy didn't hear.

Thunder shrugged. "No problem here." He said.

Soarin nodded briefly and turned to Shy carefully. "Can you e-excuse me for a second?" He said, slowly getting up. He and Thunder Lane began to talk near the original table Soarin was sitting at.

"What should I do?" He asked, panicked. He didn't want to mess up now.

"I don't know." The other pegasus replied. "Based on what I know of Fluttershy, you need to be very.. gentle. Don't come on too strong."

"Okay, got it. What else?"

"What am I, an advice pump you can just turn on and off??"

Soarin looked at him for a moment.

"Wings. She doesn't fly very much or have much physical contact using them. They'll be extra sensitive. More than yours or mine." He added.

"Okay. Thanks." He was about to turn around when something hit him. "How do you know so much about Fluttershy?"

"Uhhm.. Iee.. we did that tornado thingy a while back..?"

"You weren't there." Soarin narrowed his eyes.

"Details, details! .. Training! We were training. There. Now get!"

Soarin nodded, still suspicious, and turned around. He plotted quietly over to Fluttershy's table and sat down. Wait.. does that mean don't touch her wings or do..? he mused, gazing at the blushing pony across from him. She glanced away nervously, pink heating up her yellow cheeks.

After a small while of eating the hay fries that Fluttershy insisted on sharing and Soarin insisted on paying for, Soarin stood up. "Let's go someplace." He said, holding out a hoof to his romantic interest, who blushed profusely in taking the hoof and standing up. "Where do you want to go?" She murmured.

"I want to treat you to that spa day you told me you wanted at Sugarcube Corner." He decided after some careful thought.

"Won't you feel uncomfortable at the spa..?" She asked quietly. "And.. and I wouldn't want to be a burden.. You already paid for the hay fries.." the butter yellow mare fretted.

Soarin shook his head, smiling. "It's worth a few bits helping you relax." He said, resting his muzzle on her forehead and taking in every last bit of the scent of her homemade wildflower shampoos.

Fluttershy blinked, adjusting her wings carefully.

Soarin looked at her wings and smiled at himself. So she enjoys this.. contact.. but why would she pretend she doesn't? Maybe she's embarrassed... he thought, musing over what to say.

"There's no need to feel embarrassed about it." He said gently as he led the way to the spa. He was sure to stay close by her side as they trotted along.

"Huh..?" She mewed, looking at him.

"Flirting is a normal thing. Along with kissing and hugging and- .. well, you know. You don't need to hide from it."

Fluttershy then stared down at the ground in front of her, letting her ears go back a little bit. "Sorry.." she mewed.

"Don't apologize.." he said quietly, brushing her ear with his muzzle. "I know that you can't help it because I'm just so sexy." He jested, "but just know that it's not anything to be ashamed of." He smiled at her, extending his wing and brushing his feathers over her neck.

Fluttershy remained silent, feeling the ticklish sensation that made the coat of hair on her neck stand on end.

They both stopped at the doors of the spa a few moments later. Fluttershy looked up at him, considering what he said. She leaned in slightly.. maybe just..

Nopenopenopenopenope! She changed her mind. I can't do that.. The yellow mare averted her gaze quickly and opened the door to the spa, provoking a small jingle of a bell.

The pale blue stallion came behind her, thinking about what she had likely been about to do. Was she really going to..? Soarin stared after her, an innocent, sensitive mare. How was this going to work?

Author's Note

Longest chapter in this story so far. I am happy with how it turned out.

Don't worry though, faithful FlutterMacs, Big Red ain't done yet.

Sorry again for any typos, mistakes etc. and all that. You know, writing this entirely with my phone and all. I'm not dropping this. You know that, right? No one will forget. No one.

Anyways, comment on this chapter! Give me some feedback and stuffs, cuz you know I love dat stuff.

The Innocent Spa Date

Big Macintosh had continued laying there with his head on his hooves for a long while. He contemplated what happened, replaying it in his head over and over. Apple Jack had left, telling him that perhaps she could give him advice later, but right now he needed some time to think. Mac kind of agreed.

As he thought, a certain dark grey pegasus came to mind. The one that had stopped him on the way to Fluttershy's. If he'd done what the other stallion had said, restricted himself, he wouldn't be in this situation. He would probably still be with Fluttershy.

Macintosh considered this possibility for a while. What if this pony could give him further advice. He could even fix this whole thing.

The red stallion then decided he would find this grey pegasus and ask him for advice about what to do in order to convince the butter colored mare to forgive him for his actions.

As Soarin followed Fluttershy into the spa, he felt oddly comfortable. He looked at the two mares that greeted them. "Hey, can I get some sort of private spa day for two?" He said, unsure of how spas worked. "Or.. something.. like.. that."

"We have just the thing." One said. "That'll be seventy bits, sir."

"Oh my, Soarin, you don't need to spend so much!" Fluttershy exclaimed, "Goodness, no, I don't want to be such a burden."

"It's alright, Flutters. I can afford it." He chided, taking out a bit sack from Celestia knows where. Let's not go into detail.

He counted the coins he had and set seventy bits in the hoof of one of the mares. "There ya go!" He said, smiling.

"Right this way, sir."

They were led into a large room, clearly for the private use of individuals. It had a massage table, a mud bath, a hot tub, a steam room and sauna, everything a pony could hope for.

They were left alone and Soarin looked around. "How about.. hmm.. steam room sounds nice." He mused, looking at Shy with a smile and leading her over to the small room.

Inside, it was very hot and more humid than a sauna. The misty air fogged up the room, giving it a cloud-like, whitish glow. Soarin sat down and watched Fluttershy sit at the other side. "Don't be shy, come on! You've sat next to me before." He teased, waving her over.

Shy nodded and scooted on the bench over to him with a squeaky pink tint on her cheeks and her mane hiding some of her face.

Soarin gazed for a moment at the mare's smooth yellow coat, which was glistening with the moisture of the room and her own sweat from the heat. She had let her head rest on the wall behind her and was smiling softly.

Soarin realised that she was dozing off and smiled, knowing that she must've been stressed out and tired.

He tried his very best not to allow his eyes to drift downward or explore. Apparently, this whole time that was what kept him from noticing a scar on her foreleg.

Soarin looked closer, seeing what definitely looked like teeth marks. He looked at her face and frowned. What happened to her?

The pale pegasus blinked worriedly, but decided not to wake her up or bother her about it. Sitting back against the wall, he sighed. This was nice.

The stallion heard a light, quiet snore coming from the pegasus next to him. He grinned. Even her snoring was cute.

As Soarin sat there, savoring the knowledge of where he was and who he was with, he felt a light thump on his shoulder. He looked down at Fluttershy, who wss still dozing but now with her head resting on his shoulder.

The stallion blushed and shifted slightly, carefully, sure not to wake her up, and let her head rest on his chest with a hoof lightly holding the mare's head close.

He admired her, not believing his luck. He was in a spa with the most adorable, most beautiful mare he'd ever laid eyes on. Soarin wanted so badly just to squeeze her and hug her until the end of his days.

Fluttershy began to stir slightly, letting herself fall so that her head was cradled in the pale pegasus's lap. "Mm.. " she murmured, dreaming about Soarin, which he wasn't aware of. "Soa...rin.. h... hold me.."

He had no idea she was still asleep. Thinking that she was actually taking to him - well, technically she was, but the point is across - he blushed beet red. "Okay.." he whispered, awkwardly sliding his other hoof under her and pulling her to his chest. He held her there, wondering why she was so quiet and.. kind of limp.

"Mmm..." her voice was quiet, but there. "Ju...jus like.. that..." She let out a small, muffled giggle.

Soarin blushed redder. "Wha..?" He was confused. Definitely confused. Why was she suddenly so.. different? Clearly, he had no objections though, as his wings wouldn't quite stay closed, wanting to extend stiffly. He looked at her face after moving her so that he could. Her eyes were still closed..?

As he began to realize what just happened with an embarrassed smile, an other small snore escaped the mare's lips. Soarin slowly let her relax again, pulling his hooves back. Her head rested in his lap again, and he continued to blush and look away.

Fluttershy began to doze off where she sat. The warmth of the steam room relaxed her.

Soarin took her hoof and pulled her toward him in the seat. His hooves rested at her hips and his ravenous eyes stared deeply into hers.

The handsome stallion placed a hoof on each side of her face and pressed his lips passionately into hers.

"Mmfph.." she sighed into his mouth.

When he broke the kiss, he pulled her close with his hooves back at her back.

"Oh, Soarin.. hold me.." she begged.

He turned her in her seat and wrapped his forelegs around her waist. After nuzzling the back of her neck for a while, he let go, moving his hooves slowly to her wings.

"Soarin.. gentle.." she whispered

He nodded, smiling, and took one wing in his hooves, guiding it out into an extended position. He ran his hoof over the limb, gently drawing out a muffled sigh as Fluttershy held her hoof to her mouth.

"Mmmrphf" her voice was quiet and low.

Soarin grinned, clearly satisfied with the result of his efforts. He moved to the other wing, stroking it carefully and then nuzzling a sensitive spot he found with considerable pressure.

"Just.. like.. that..." she urged him, closing her eyes. "Don't stop.. please.." the mare added.

He reached forward and pressed his muzzle to the side of her neck in a kiss.

Fluttershy's eyes blinked open. The world was sideways. She felt what she thought was Soarin's kiss on the side of her neck, but soon realized she was laying on his legs. She slowly sat up, not looking at him. It was a dream. She was relieved in a sense, but also disappointed.

"W..what in the world were you dreaming about?" Soarin's face was red. Very, very red.

He heard.. I was talking in my sleep! she thought back to what she was saying in the dream. Goodness, it must've sounded like we were.. oh gosh.. oh no.. Fluttershy looked at him. "Definitely not about you or anything.." her lie was oh so convincing.

He laughed. "So it was about another Soarin? I see, so in you dream, you and this other soarin were hav-"

Fluttershy shook her head quickly. "No, no! We were.. you were.. I.." She groped for a non-obscene way to explain.

"Oh, so it was me." He said, teasing the mare.

She let her head dip low. "Y-yes.." Fluttershy then looked at him. "But we weren't.. we didn't do.. that.. in the dream. You.. you uhm.."

Soarin smiled, putting a hoof on her shoulder. "It's fine, it waas only a dream. You don't have to worry about it." His eyes then showed a mischievous glint.

"But I'm still gonna try and figure out what we were doing." He purred. "And I'm gonna keep doing different things until I get the reaction I was being practically molested with while you were asleep." Soarin joked, grinning playfully. However, maybe he was serious..

Author's Note

Totally not doing this because I've been wanting to write something romantic. This is DEFINITELY a part of the plot from the beginning. Yup.

Don't judge me! I have writing needs as a female! XD

Aaanyways, hope you guys liked this chapter! 7:26 in the morning and still alive! :D

Give me all dem feedbacks. ALL OF THEM.

Truth

Big Macintosh was exploring around town, half looking for Fluttershy, half for the grey pegasus. He frowned as he passed the spa and then sugarcube corner. He noticed a waiter was grumbling as he was cleaning up the mess of a daisy sandwich that was spilled over an outdoor table at another place. He soon found himself at the library, where he knocked on the door three times and waited patiently.

An aura of unicorn magic opened the door and Princess Twilight Sparkle stood before him. "Oh, hello. What brings you here Big Macintosh?" She said, tilting her head to one side.

"Uhhm.. Well.." In sparing words as he usually did, the red earth pony asked if she knew where Fluttershy was.

"No, I don't. I'm sorry." She said, shaking her head.

He nodded and turned around.

"Why do you need to know where Fluttershy is? Well, if you don't mind my asking."

Mac thought for a moment, blinking. Then, in his need to talk to somepony, he entered the library and began explaining the situation. He spent a small while sitting and talking about his experience with Fluttershy and the light blue maned pegasus.

"Well, maybe you should wait for a while and see if you can find either of them..?" Twilight suggested, unsure herself of the situation.

He nodded, standing up from his seated position on a cushion. That was slightly pointless..

"Sorry I couldn't help." She added.

"It's quite alright. Ah should be dealin with mah problems by mahself, anyways."

Twilight sighed, staring at the floor. "See you, then.."

"Eeyup." Macintosh exited the tree, leaving Twilight now shuffling through a book that she really didn't care to read.

Twilight could barely stand watching him leave, but considering he no longer had a valid reason to stay, she decided not to try and make him. Why would he ever like her, anyways? He liked Fluttershy, the cute, shy pony. Not Twilight, the egghead, the nerd, booklover...

The lavender allicorn distracted herself by rereading the first book of Daring Doo for about the twelfth time and sipped halfheartedly at a cup of hot cocoa that Spike brought her upon a request. The small dragon watched her, confused by her suddenly depressed nature.

Fluttershy tensed up, the words from the other pony sinking in.

Soarin, meanwhile, felt a rock in the pit of his stomach. He definitely regretted saying that. Oh how he regretted it. He cleared his throat and looked away, the steamy room hiding the blush that would be clearly visible on his face otherwise.

He bit his tongue and turned his head to the ceiling.

Fluttershy blinked a few times, adjusting her position. Her wings twitched a little while she tried to restrict them. She looked at Soarin again and finally, changing the subject as best as she could, she said "I.. I think that maybe we should get out of the.. the steam room.. it's getting too.. t-too hot.. uhm... Unless you don't want to.. we can stay if that.. that's what you prefer."

Soarin smiled. Somehow, in her own little way that only Fluttershy can, her adorable awkwardness had broken the ice.

The pale stallion nodded, rising from his seat and opening the door for the butter yellow mare.

She smiled, visibly relieved as she went through the door, and looked around.

After a trip to the hot tub and a few amusing conversations, Fluttershy made a daring move.

"I bet I can stay in the mud bath longer than you can." She said, clearly more comfortable and less awkward.

"Oh really?" Ugh.. that gross slop pool? "Try me!" He laughed, really hoping his companion had a lower tolerance for such things.

They each climbed into the large tub, which was basically the same size as the hot tub.

Soarin cringed as the lukewarm slop closed around his hooves and body as he sank deeper in. He shivered as his most.. private of areas.. were covered in a mixture of different mud and herbs.

Fluttershy, however, didn't seem to mind, as she did come here regularly with Rarity, as far as he knew.

"This was a trap, wasn't it?" He said, grinning "You enjoy this slop."

She giggled as she watched him squirm. "Yup."

As Soarin got used to it, however, it started to feel sort of tolerable. Maybe just kind of, a little bit good.. like heaven.

As the spa date went on, Soarin didn't really keep his promise. He didn't do anything, really. It turns out Thunder Lane did mean not to touch Fluttershy's wings. They received massages from the two sisters and they enjoyed a few minutes in the sauna, and one more dip in the hot tub for good measure.

"That was really nice." Fluttershy commented as they were leaving. "With Rarity, it's not quite as.. fancy. Not as much stuff. B-but I still like my dates with Rarity. They're fun too. We get to talk and everything.

Soarin chuckled. "I'm glad you enjoyed it." He replied, his dopey grin staying on his face as they walked.

"S-speaking of Rarity, uhm, she asked me if I wanted to visit her today and I.. uh.. I should go to the boutique." Fluttershy murmured.

He nodded. "I'll take you there."

Fluttershy smiled appreciatively and they made their way to Carousel Boutique.

Rarity was carefully stitching an indigo-violet colored silk accent onto a dress of pistachio and yellow-green. When she heard the little bell at her door tinkle and a soft voice call out she looked up. "Oh, come in, Fluttershy darling." The white unicorn welcomed her friend. When she saw, again, the pale pegasus with her, she smiled.

"And Soarin, hello dear."

He nodded quietly and looked to Fluttershy. "I have to go." He said, and he nuzzled her ear carefully before leaving.

"Oh Fluttershy!" Rarity exploded as he was gone. "You've got yourself a special somepony! And a wonderbolt, at that!" She rushed over and gave the little mare a tight, proud hug.

"Uhm.. thanks.. Rar.. ity.. I.... I can't .. hnng! .. Breathe!"

"Oh, terribly sorry, darling." Rarity muttered as she let go. "I'm so proud of you though! Oooh you two are so cute!" Rarity squeed, grinning ear to ear.

"Uhm.. Rarity.. that's not completely.."

"What is it, darling?"

Fluttershy then proceeded to explain her situation, from the first meet with Soarin and the pie from Big Mac, all the way up to the spa date. "I just don't know what to do because.. because I like them both, they're both great, great ponies, but... I don't know.. I like Soarin, I like Macintosh, but.. oh, Rarity, what am I going to do about all this?"

The white unicorn pursed her lip. "Do you really like both of them? Equally?"

"Y-yes, they're both wonderful and nice to me and-"

"I mean really, really like them? Physically attracted to both of them?"

"Well.. I mean, I haven't thought about it that way."

Rarity put a hoof to her chin as they sat on the sofa. "Have either of them asked you what you want?"

"You mean.. who I wanted to be with?"

"Exactly, darling. They should be considering what you have to say about the matter. From my perspective, it appears that they seem to each assume you like them."

"Well.. that makes them sound.. mean.. but they're not mean, Rarity, I know they're not."

The unicorn hugged her friend, careful this time not to suffocate her. "Even if a stallion isn't mean, if he really is a gentlecolt toward you, it doesn't always mean he's right for you. Sometimes, you need to have your opinion considered by them. Now, if neither of them are asking you about it, it seems to make the decision harder for you."

Shy thought carefully about what her friend was saying. "I.. I guess you're right, Rarity." she looked at the other mare for a second. "But.. but I can't make any decision that wouldn't hurt somepony though.."

The unicorn patted her friend's shoulder comfortingly. "It's an inevitable outcome, dear. Ponies get hurt, but they will heal."

Fluttershy nodded carefully, smiling at her friend. "Thank you."

Author's Note

Whoo, new chapter time! :D

Anyways, thanks for supporting me all this way through this story. I don't think I would have gotten this far without you guys behind me! :)

As always, give me some feedback, comment the typos, mistakes, things you don't understand, all that!

This chapter was almost entirely written on a relative's computer. It was real nice to use an actual keyboard for once! :P