Pinkie The Match-Maker

Chapters

Chapter 2 - Box Factory
Chapter 3 - Sweet Apple Romance
Chapter 4 - From Doormat to Diva
Chapter 5 - Preparations
Chapter 6 - Operation Fluttermac!
Chapter 7 - The Calm After the Storm
Chapter 8 - And Then It's Gone
Chapter 9 - Whatever It Takes
Chapter 10 - Happy Ever After?
Chapter 11 - Merrily, Merrily
Chapter 12 - Best Laid Plans
Chapter 13 - Love and War (Part 1)
Chapter 14 - Love and War (Part 2)
Chapter 15 - Love and War (Part 3)
Chapter 1 - Loneliness and Marzipan Houses
Epilogue - Apple Family Reunion

Chapter 2 - Box Factory

Chapter 2 – Box Factory

“No, no, you should come ‘n’ see… Come ‘n’ see me play,” Octavia slurred, sipping her mojito. “It’s gonna be like… wow.”

“Oh I will, I will,” replied Twilight, propping herself up against the wall for support. “And I’ll cheer louder than everypony. I would love to watch you play.” Stumbling a little, she prodded the musician on the shoulder, almost sending her to the floor.

“I think maybe you should stop drinkin’,” Octavia said in a serious tone, before bursting into a fit of giggles, attempting to down her drink but spewing most of it across the room.

“Octavia! Say it, don’t spray it!” Twilight squealed, entering a fit of laughter herself.

“Hey! How’s everypony doing?” Pinkie piped up, appearing between the two mares. “You both seem to be having fun!”

“Pinkie, Pinkie, Pinkie,” Octavia muttered, embracing the pink party pony. “You’ve made me a very happy pony. You said to me… and you were right…” The chocolate-maned mare paused, wincing as if staring intently into her own memories. “Nope, I’ve forgotten. But thanks!”

“Glad to hear it!” Pinkie chimed, bouncing off and leaving Twilight to catch the inebriated cellist.

“All Ah’m sayin’ is there ain’t nothin’ wrong with it,” said Applejack, wolfing down another pretzel. “Ah never said you were into that. Ah just said that if you were, ain’t nothin’ would change between us.”

“I already told you!” cried Rainbow Dash, thumping her hoof down on the table. “I’m not a lesbian! Why is it so hard for you to understand that?”

“Listen, sugarcube. Ah know what yer sayin’, and Ah for one ain’t never suspected that you were, but all Ah meant was if you were—”

“Oh, can it!” Rainbow ordered grumpily, scrunching up another can of cider with her forehead. “How can I be that way inclined if I have the hots for your cousin, Braeburn? In fact, I’ve got a bar of soap with his name on it!”

“Now that is just disgustin’!” Applejack shot back. “Ain’t no reason to go talkin’ about mah family like that! Or any kind of sanitary product for that matter!”

Fluttershy sat to the side of the two mares, twiddling her hooves awkwardly as she waited for the heat between them to die down. She’d come to this party to get away from her personal problems, but even being in a crowded room, with ponies dancing and chattering, she felt so alone. Of course she was shy, but there had to be some other reason why she was always the first to fall from the group. Was she just not good enough for anypony? Regardless of whether they were a mare or a stallion? A friend or a lover?

The yellow pegasus never told anypony, but she somehow felt as if she was always in the background. She couldn’t help but feel like the rest of the world would get on fine without her, as if the only reason she had friends was because she just happened to be an Element of Harmony. Without that, she’d be nothing. Just a cowardly pegasus who didn’t even have the confidence to talk to anypony about her problems. It was contradictory, in a way. She was shy by name and shy by nature. Being the centre of attention was terrible, but being alone — completely alone — was worse.

“… isn’t that right, Fluttershy?” Rainbow Dash finished, waiting for an answer.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Could you repeat the question?”

The cyan pony rolled her eyes. “I said that everypony has the hots for someone at some point. Be honest, Fluttershy. Is there a stallion you’ve got your eye on?”

“Oh… um…” Fluttershy began to blush uncontrollably, scratching her head anxiously as she tried to think of a way out of the situation. “I don’t have my eye on anypony,” she said calmly.

“Oh come on, you can tell us!” Rainbow said slyly. “Don’t tell me your wings weren’t on the brink of popping off when we met Braeburn!”

“No... I don’t think that way about anypony,” she protested, becoming increasingly flustered.

“Not unless you have a crush that’s a little closer to home,” Dash said, her smile widening. “I wonder if—”

“Now Ah think that’s enough!” commanded Applejack. “Ain’t no need to go interrogatin’ the poor mare!”

The poor mare, Fluttershy thought to herself. You couldn’t have said it any better, AJ.

At the other end of the room, Vinyl Scratch had taken a short break from the decks to finish off ‘her’ bottle of rum, leaving the music on a pre-set track list. As Pinkie Pie bounced around, checking up on her guests, the white unicorn called her over.

“Isn’t this party just the best?” the excitable earth pony exclaimed, hoof-bumping the air.

“It’s great,” Vinyl responded with, a little unenthusiastically.

“Um, Scratchy? Is something up?” Pinkie asked, furrowing her brow with concern. “Are you not having a good time?”

The frizzy-maned unicorn sighed, summoning up the courage to say what needed to be said. “This party is great and all, but there’s something missing.”

“Animal crackers?”

“No, Pinkie. You throw great parties — that’s obvious — but I can’t help but feel this party is… Well, to put it bluntly, it’s a total fish market.”

“A what?”

“You know... a box factory.”

“Huh?”

“A clam bake?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Pinkie said confusedly.

Vinyl groaned, shaking her head. “Where’s the meat!?”

“But Scratchy, we’re ponies. We don’t eat meat!”

“Speak for yourself.” Vinyl sighed, taking another swig of rum. “What I’m trying to say is, this party needs guys. Food? Great. Drink? Great. Music? Well, it wouldn’t be anything less than amazing with me here. The eye candy? Not so great.”

“I never heard of candy for your eyes,” Pinkie commented, stroking her chin. “I’ll make sure to do some research for my next party! Thanks for the suggestion, Scratchy!”

Vinyl sighed once again, realising that she was fighting a losing battle. “Sure, whatever.”

“Um, excuse me,” Fluttershy asked quietly as she tried navigating her way through the crowd. “Pardon me.” She made her way past Derpy, whose eyes had almost completely straightened, thanks in part to alcohol. Lyra and Bon Bon were dancing, and Rarity was — to put it politely — trying to dance, but failing miserably.

The noise, the laughter, the smell, Fluttershy just wanted to get away. She wasn’t having a good time here. In fact, it only made her think of how much happier everypony else was than her. Even Applejack and Rainbow Dash, who had spent much of the night arguing, were still jolly and carefree. Twilight and Rarity appeared to have made new friends, and everypony was having a good time, just like they were supposed to. So why not her? Why? She’d enjoyed Pinkie’s parties before, but now, for some reason…

“What’cha up to, Fluttershy?” Pinkie chirped, appearing in front of her and blocking the way out. “You’re leaving already?”

“Oh, I’m sorry, Pinkie,” the pegasus replied. “It’s just that I promised to give Angel a bath before he goes to bed tonight. I really should get going. Thanks for the party, as always.”

“Thanks for coming, as always!” the pink pony replied, almost strangling Fluttershy with a hug. “And my next party will be even better! I just need to find some candy for eyes.”

“That’s nice,” she replied softly, breaking free from Pinkie’s vice grip. “Goodbye.”

Without waiting for another response, Fluttershy opened up the bakery door, stepped outside, slammed it shut, and took a deep breath. The cool evening air was admittedly refreshing, but not enough to quell her oncoming headache. It had all become simply too much. With her head hung low, she began the trek home. There, she would spend the night alone, day in, day out, for the rest of her days. All that was left was to find comfort in seclusion.

Not looking where she was going, the pegasus walked head-on into another pony, falling to the ground with a squeal of pain.

“Oh mah goodness, are you okay, Fluttershy? Ah’m awfully sorry.”

“It’s okay, I’m fine. I just…” The young mare trailed off as she looked up to see Big Macintosh’s enormous, caring green eyes staring deeply into her own. She felt her cheeks grow hotter as the stare continued, eventually forcing her to look away.

Inside Sugarcube corner, Vinyl Scratch called Pinkie over to the window. The party pony peered out curiously as the unicorn pointed to the two ponies just outside.

“That’s what I’m talking about,” the DJ said with a wry smile.

“You mean Big Mac?” Pinkie asked, furrowing her brow. “Does he know about eye candy?”

“It takes one to know one. Do you see what we’re missing out on if you don’t extend your guest list a little bit? I’m pretty sure every one of your friends would be grateful, too. Maybe not Rainbow Dash, but that’s beside the point. You know, he reminds me of this stallion I used to know at school. Woody, I think his name was. Anyway…”

As Vinyl scratch blabbered on, Pinkie barely listened. She simply kept her eyes fixed on the two ponies outside, her smile growing with every second.

“It’s alright, I should really have been watching where I was going,” Fluttershy mumbled, her legs feeling weak as Big Mac helped her up. Her heart raced as the stallion smiled politely, his face barely a foot away from hers. If she could only build up the courage to just lean forward…

“Don’t worry about it,” the red pony said dismissively. “Ah should have been payin’ attention too. You had a good time at the party?”

“Oh, yes,” Fluttershy lied, smiling weakly. “How… How did you know I was at a party?”

“Ah’m guessin’ it’s the same one mah stubborn sister is at,” he replied with a chuckle. “She’s supposed to be back home by now. The last time she stayed out late Ah had to drag her out of bed in the mornin’. Guess I’d better get to it. G’night, Fluttershy.”

“Oh, of course…” she whispered disappointedly, shifting her gaze away. “Good night.”

Big Mac nodded, pressing on to Sugarcube Corner. Fluttershy watched him for a few more seconds, her heart still pounding against her chest. As the stallion was welcomed inside, she turned away, continuing her journey home, not looking back. What point was there in looking back at something she would never have?

“Applejack!”

“What? Oh, for Pete’s sake!” Applejack glared angrily at her brother. “Ah’m fine to stay here, Big Mac.”

“That’s what you said last time,” he said matter-of-factly. “An’ we all know how that went.”

As the two siblings continued bickering, Applejack finally conceding to her brother’s wishes and going home, Pinkie was looking intently at Big Mac, rubbing her hooves together as she hatched a dastardly plan. She knew what she had to do.

“I just don’t know what it is, but sometimes, I get so lonely. I just want somepony to be there for me.”

Big Mac grinned, running a hoof through Fluttershy’s mane. “Ain’t no need for anypony to be lonely,” he whispered softly, pulling her closer. “Ah can’t let that happen, not on mah watch.”

“Oh, Big Mac…” Fluttershy wrapped her forelegs around him, embracing him as tightly as she could. “You don’t know how much this means to me.”

“It makes me happy, too.” Big Mac kissed her cheek tenderly, his chest expanding and contracting against hers. “You’re an amazing pony, you know that? Ah ain’t never seen such a beautiful mare in all my years.”

“Hold me,” she replied, tears of joy trickling down her face. “Hold me and don’t ever let go…”

“Ah wouldn’t dream of it.”

The two ponies locked eyes, running their hooves across each other’s necks. They locked lips in a passionate kiss, nothing else in the world mattering but the bond they shared. Their bodies entwined, Fluttershy beamed from ear to ear. She had never been this happy…

CRASH!

The bowl slipped from Fluttershy’s hooves, smashing into a thousand pieces on the floor. She groaned, reaching for a dustpan and brush as the daydream fizzled away into nothingness. I’m so pathetic, she cursed inwardly, shovelling the pieces into a waste bin. The events of the night before were still fresh in her mind as she carried on with her morning routine. Animals needed to be fed, whether or not she wanted to just lay in bed and imagine a better day.

Her feelings for Big Mac weren’t exactly new, but it wasn’t until the night before that she’d actually spoken to him alone. She’d always thought fondly of him, recognising his kindness and good-will, as well as his impressive physique. But any thoughts of being with him were cut short as she thought of how awkward things might get between herself and Applejack. Then there was the fact that if Big Mac could get practically any mare he wanted, why would he pick her? And yet, that moment outside Sugarcube Corner had changed something. Right now, what she wanted most was to be huddled up next to him. She wanted it so much; she thought her heart might burst.

With her pets fed, Fluttershy heard a knock at the door. Expecting the mail-pony, she put on a brave face and opened up. Just outside, Pinkie Pie was stood with a joyous expression on her face.

“Oh, hello Pinkie,” the pegasus greeted. “Can I help you with something?”

“Actually, I’m the one who’s going to help you,” Pinkie Pie said slyly, her grin expanding.

“Help me?” Fluttershy asked curiously. “What do I need help with?”

“I’ll tell you all about it!” she replied jubilantly. “As soon as we visit Sweet Apple Acres…”

Chapter 3 - Sweet Apple Romance

Chapter 3 – Sweet Apple Romance

“Pinkie, please tell me what we’re doing!” Fluttershy pleaded, reluctantly following her excitable friend.

“I have to show you something, first!” the pink mare replied. “Trust me, you’re gonna love it!”

“Are you sure? What do you want to show me?”

“I can’t tell you that. It’ll ruin the surprise! But believe me, you’ll be glad you left your cottage.”

Fluttershy was used to Pinkie’s eccentricity — the cheerful pony was notorious for crazy ideas that she liked to spring onto others — but for some reason this particular outing to Sweet Apple Acres made her feel uneasy. Pinkie still had the usual foalish grin splashed on her face, but her expression bore something else. Not ‘sinister’ per se, but she had a certain air of unruliness about her. Something strange was going on…

“Does Applejack need our help?” Fluttershy asked, trying to get to the bottom of things. “Is she pushing herself too hard again?”

“Applejack’s always pushing herself too hard,” Pinkie said matter-of-factly, making no obvious attempt to give a straight answer.

“So we’re not going there to speak to Applejack?”

“No. Oh wait, yes!” the mare corrected, leaping into the air with glee. “Good thinking, Fluttershy! I should speak with Applejack! Look at you, coming up with all the best ideas even though you haven’t got a clue as to why we’re heading there in the first place! That’s pretty impressive if you ask me.”

It was far from the answer that she had expected, and was even further from an answer that she’d have liked. It might have seemed dangerously suspicious, but this was Pinkie Pie, for Celestia’s sake. She’d never do anything… morally questionable, would she?

“Pinkie, is there something I should know?” Fluttershy asked timidly.

“All you need to know is that I have a surprise for you. Honestly, I’ve given away too much as it is.”

For the rest of the journey, the jolly earth pony remained oddly tight-lipped, which was difficult for Fluttershy to get used to when it came to one of the biggest chatterboxes in Ponyville. Even Pinkie’s trademark bounce appeared to be reined in, as if the mare was genuinely nervous or apprehensive. It was undeniably worrying, but the pegasus reminded herself that she could trust her friend completely, even if she was a bit kooky at times.

With that inner turmoil settled, Fluttershy began speculating on the reason for this in the first place. She knew that they were headed for Sweet Apple Acres, and that they apparently weren’t there to speak with Applejack. Or at least, she wasn’t there to speak with Applejack. Had Pinkie arranged some kind of surprise party? It was definitely plausible.

As they neared the farm, Pinkie brought her fore-hooves to her eyes in a pair of mock binoculars. “Hmm… Now where could you be?” she muttered to herself.

“What are you looking for?”

“Not looking for!” the earth pony replied cheerily, putting the pretend binoculars away into an invisible saddlebag. “Found! Now hurry up! You don’t want to miss your chance!”

Having come this far already, Fluttershy plodded along after the joyful mare, still trying to figure out what she was up to. Instead of heading for Applejack’s front door, Pinkie led her across the farm’s surrounding field, over the fence and out towards the orchard. Fluttershy was sure that she could hear apple-bucking up ahead — an Applejack trademark if there ever was one — and breathed a small sigh of relief. For a moment she was concerned that they were…

Just up ahead, Big Mac came into view. His back turned to them, he bucked hard against a tree, ridding it of every single apple in one fell swoop. Wiping the sweat from his forehead, he flicked back his mane. To anypony else, it would just be a stallion working under the sun. But to Fluttershy, she was witnessing something magnificent.

“I know, right?” Pinkie whispered into the pegasus’ ear, breaking the trance.

“Know… know what?”

Pinkie took a step back, glancing towards Big Mac and raising her eyebrows suggestively. “Those strong, muscular legs… He’s pretty hot, right?”

Fluttershy felt her entire face surge with heat. As much as she tried to keep her composure, it was impossible. “Um… I… I guess so. I don’t really—”

“Yes you do,” Pinkie interrupted with in a sultry voice. “I saw you after the party, Fluttershy.”

“You… you saw me?” the pegasus trembled, thinking back to her previous encounter with the stallion.

“Uh-huh!” the party pony answered with a sly grin. “Or I guess as Big Mac would say, eeyup.”

That last word made Fluttershy gulp with fear. Suddenly, it all made sense. This was the entire reason Pinkie had dragged her out here. “What are you going to do?” she asked worriedly.

“Me?” Pinkie asked, looking perplexed. “I’m not doing anything! Oh, except for distracting Applejack if she shows up. We wouldn’t want her to mess things up when you ask her brother out on a date, would we?”

Fluttershy gulped again. “D–Date!? But Pinkie Pie, I can’t do that!”

“Sure you can! Just go over there and ask if he wants to go out with you some time.”

“I… I couldn’t do that! I… I have to get home and give Angel another bath!”

The pegasus tried to make a break for it, but Pinkie had latched onto her tail, pulling the mare back to the ground. “Oh no you don’t,” Pinkie said, a serious expression on her face. It was enough to shock Fluttershy into staying still. “You like him, right?”

“I… I guess so.”

“You want to spend time with him, right?”

“I… Well, perhaps.”

“You want to kiss him, right?”

Fluttershy tried to speak, but her only response was a faint squeak followed by an exasperated sigh. Sweating all over and feeling more flustered than ever, she took another glance at the red stallion several metres away. She did like him, and she did want to be with him. She could go on merely fantasizing about kissing him, but what if there was a chance that it could happen for real?

“Well don’t just stand there!” Pinkie exclaimed. “Go on over and ask him out. You’re Fluttershy, and you’re cute as a button! What are you?”

“I’m… cute as a button?”

“Right! There’s no way Big Mac could say no to you!” The jolly mare paused, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. “In fact, I always had a feeling about you two.”

Fluttershy’s eyes widened in surprise. “You did?”

“Yep. At least, it was either you or Cheerilee. You’d better make your move before that naughty teacher snaps him up!”

“You’re right!” Fluttershy got to her hooves and took a deep breath. “I can do this. I think I can really do this!”

“What are you?”

“I’m cute as a button.”

“What are you!?”

“I’m cute as a button!”

Pinkie stomped her hooves down. “Now go out there and bag yourself a sexy stallion!”

Fluttershy took a deep breath and charged forward with a confident stride, her eyes focused on her target. This is it, she thought, psyching herself up. You have to do this.

“Well howdy!” came a recognisable voice, breaking the pegasus’ concentration. “What brings you here?”

“Oh, hi Applejack,” Fluttershy said meekly, downplaying the fact that she’d almost leapt away in fright. “I was just out for a stroll and—”

“There you are, Applejack!” Pinkie butted in with, appearing as if by magic between the two mares. “I wanted to speak you about, um… Oh, I remember! Could you show me how to make those awesomely delicious apple crumbles?”

Applejack sighed, curving the corners of her mouth into a half-smile. “Ah’d love to show you, but maybe later. There’s quite the workload needin’ to be done around the farm.”

“Oh, that’s a shame,” said Pinkie, her hair drooping slightly. “It’s just that, he doesn’t really have a sweet tooth, and none of my cakes have impressed him. I was hoping you could help me out.”

Applejack’s eyes widened, her grin broadening. “Well ah’ll be a tater’s grand-pappy. Are you tryin’ your hoof at wooin’ a stallion?”

Pinkie blushed, looking to the ground. “I’d really appreciate it if you’d help me.”

“That’s what friends are for, right?”

Pinkie turned momentarily towards Fluttershy, winking discreetly, before nodding energetically and putting a foreleg around Applejack. “Thanks, AJ! I’m so happy you could help me! Thanks for your help too, Fluttershy. You can go on now.” The pink pony directed her eyes towards Big Mac.

“I was glad to help!” Fluttershy piped up, playing her part in Pinkie Pie’s charade.

“Now, Ah have to ask who this mysterious stallion is,” questioned Applejack as the two earth ponies trotted side-by-side back to her house. “He must be somethin’ mighty special to hold your attention.”

“Oh, he’s just a dream!” said Pinkie with another secret wink, leading Applejack away from the strike-zone.

Fluttershy let out another deep breath, setting her sights on the whole reason she was even here. Applejack had made a good point. Friends were there for each other, right? They would help one another if they yearned for a relationship with somepony, right? Pinkie had taken it up on her own to help her like this, and she wasn’t about to throw such a gesture away. Then again, she wondered what Applejack would think. Would she approve of this? It was her brother, after all. While Fluttershy didn’t have any siblings, she considered how strange it might be if one of her friends were to become involved with them.

Thrusting those insecurities aside, the pegasus concluded that Applejack didn’t have a bad bone in her body. There was no way she would flip out over something like this, especially if Big Mac also insisted on it.

With that in mind, she crept towards the oblivious stallion, putting on as brave a face as she could muster. She was about to do something that she’d never done before, and she was petrified. I have to be strong! I have to be strong!

“Hello?” she whispered, not even loud enough to gain the pony’s attention as he tossed a few loose apples into baskets. Still determined, she repeated herself. “Hello?”

This time Big Mac did turn around, casting a glance that almost caused Fluttershy’s face to burst. Despite her quickening pulse and erratic breathing, she felt like she was holding it together pretty well, all things considered. He paused for a moment, startled out of his routine. As he looked into her eyes his cheeks rose, curving his muscular face into a welcoming grin.

“Hi,” Fluttershy said nervously, feeling a bead of sweat drop past her left eye.

“Well hello again,” the stallion greeted, giving a respectful nod. “What brings you out here?”

“Um, apples?” Fluttershy replied, wanting to hit herself over the face as soon as the words left her mouth.

“Well Ah guess you came to the right place,” he said with a chuckle, thankfully underplaying the mare’s awkward response. “Any particular kind?”

How about a tasty, red Macintosh, her mind dared her to say. “Um, no. I’m not here for apples, silly me.” Just ask him!

“Are ya okay?” the stallion asked, raising an eyebrow with concern.

Fluttershy smiled weakly and nodded, feeling her heartbeat quicken. “I’m fine, thanks. I was here to ask you… something.”

“Ask me what?”

“I wanted to know if you could… Um, I guess what I’m trying to say is…” Come on Fluttershy, just go ahead and say it! The worst he could possibly say is ‘no’. That’s not so bad, right? Oh, who am I kidding? If he said ‘no’ it would be awful! It’d be terrible! The young pegasus took a deep breath. “Date?”

Big Mac looked ponderously at her for a few moments, tilting his head like a puppy. “Eenope,” he finally said.

Fluttershy’s heart sank. Her smile dropped, and her eyes began to water. Lowering her head shamefully and hiding behind her mane, she sniffed sadly. “I understand. I’m sorry to have bothered you.”

“Ain’t no bother. Just a strange request is all.”

Fluttershy wiped her eyes. “What do you mean?”

“Ah’m pretty sure the name ‘Sweet Apple Acres’ is some kinda giveaway. If you want dates, you should go into the market. Ah’m sure there’s plenty on sale. Quite frankly, Ah can’t stand the things. But, each to their own.”

“Oh… oh,” the pegasus exclaimed, finally realising what Big Mac was talking about. “Yes, I should have realised that, shouldn’t I? It’s not called ‘Sweet Date Acres’ is it?” she said with a nervous laugh. “I… I should have just gone to the market in the first place.”

“Eeyup,” Big Mac remarked, bucking against another tree.

“There’s one more thing I need to say.” Come on now, no more beating around the bush! Tell him how you feel! “I, um… I really like—”

“Oh, shoot!” Big Mac blurted out, his eyes widening with anxiety. “Ah just remembered Ah was s’posed to help Cheerliee today! Sorry, Fluttershy. Until next time.”

“Sure…” The yellow pegasus stayed stock still, keeping up her enormous fake grin as Big Mac galloped off. Once he’d reached a fair distance away, Fluttershy collapsed into a heap, tears streaming down her face. I should have known that I had no chance, she thought to herself as she curled up underneath a tree and wept.

“You really need to loosen up,” Cheerilee said with a chuckle, pouring another cup of tea for Big Mac. “It’s hard to believe that you’re getting like this.”

The stallion sighed, leaning back into his friend’s sofa. “Ah know. Ah really like her, and Ah think she likes me. Ah saw her today and… to tell you the truth, Ah think perhaps she thought Ah was comin’ to see you ‘cause, well… you know. She was smilin’, but there was this look of disappointment on her face.”

Cheerlie shot her friend a condescending look. “And why would you let her think a thing like that? You didn’t have to tell her that you were coming to see me. Seriously, you could have at least made it clear that we’re not dating.”

Big Mac sighed, running a hoof across his temple. “Ah was scared. Ah worry that if we were together, it’d be weird ‘cause of how she’s friends with mah sister. What if somethin’ happened ‘tween us an’ they didn’t talk to each other no more? An’ there’s somethin’ about her — this kind of raw innocence to her — and Ah wonder if Ah’d be taintin’ that innocence by havin’ a relationship with her.”

“You can’t go wondering if things like that could happen. Instead, you should be wondering if you’ll find happiness.”

Big Mac smiled nervously. “Ah know, Ah know.”

“So the next time you get a chance to spend time with her, grab it by the hooves! Even if it means blowing me off, at least I know you’re doing it for the right reasons. Deal?”

The stallion chuckled to himself, nodding with acceptance. “Deal.”

Chapter 4 - From Doormat to Diva

Chapter 4 – From Doormat to Diva

Back at Fluttershy’s cottage, the distraught pegasus had bundled herself up on the sofa with a duvet wrapped around her, tears cascading from her bloodshot eyes as she sobbed in self-pity. Angel — the usually grumpy bunny — had taken it upon himself to comfort the poor mare, holding onto one of her hooves with his ears drooping behind him. I still love you, Fluttershy imagined him saying, but it did little to alleviate the crushing despair.

“I knew it was pointless,” she whispered to the pet rabbit, running a hoof across his head and holding him closer to her chest. “Why would anypony want a mare like me? He’s much better off with Cheerilee anyway. At least she’ll make him happy.” Saying this aloud only made her feel worse, and she wrapped herself up tighter, crying harder than before.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Angel looked up at his owner expectantly but Fluttershy shook her head. On a day like today, she didn’t want any visitors. She especially didn’t want anypony to see her like this.

There was another knock — louder this time — followed by a voice. “Fluttershy? It’s me, Pinkie.” The pink mare sounded far more reserved than her usual self.

“I’m sorry, Pinkie Pie,” the pegasus gave in response. “I could really do with some alone time.”

“How come?” the earth pony replied, sounding as if she definitely knew the answer.

“I give up. I’m done. Thank you for trying, Pinkie, but it’s a lost cause. Cheerilee won before I even had a chance.”

“Nuh-uh! It’s not over yet! He’s not dating Cheerliee, you silly-billy!”

Fluttershy’s eyes opened in shock. “He’s not!? But how… How do you know?”

“Well if you open up then I can tell you! Honestly, having a conversation with a door isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.”

Fluttershy gave a nod to Angel who quickly bounded over to the door and unlocked it. Pinkie sprang in, complete with her usual bounce and smile. Upon seeing her friend though, she gasped dramatically, leaping towards the emotional pegasus and hugging her tightly.

“Oh no, stop crying!” she pleaded. “I’ll make it all better, I promise!”

“I’ll be fine, Pinkie. You said that Big Mac isn’t dating Cheerilee. How did you even know that’s what I was upset about?”

“Oh, you see, while Applejack was showing me how to make apple crumble Big Mac zoomed past really quickly and came into the house looking for something and I said ‘Hey Big Mac!’ and he was all in a hurry and I wondered why he wasn’t still in the orchard with you and so I said ‘What’cha doin’?’ and he’s all like ‘Gotta visit Cheerilee and fix her pipes!’ and I’m all like ‘Oh, OK’ but then—”

“Slow down, Pinkie!” Fluttershy ordered, instantly clasping a hoof over her mouth as she realised how demanding she sounded. “I… I’m sorry. Could you take things a little slower?”

Pinkie gave a salute and continued. “As I was saying, after he said that to me I was afraid that he was dating Cheerilee too. Then I thought about you being left on that orchard all alone, and how sad you’d be because you’d be thinking the same thing. But I spoke with Applejack and she said she was absolutely certain that her brother didn’t have a special somepony, and that Cheerilee was nothing more than a friend! So he really did go there just to fix her pipes! And I mean in the literal sense, not the ‘naughty’ sense.”

Fluttershy wiped the last of her tears away. “So you’re sure that he’s single?”

“Absolutely! I asked Applejack over and over again just to be doubly sure, and since she’s the element of honesty and all that, she couldn’t lie about something, could she?”

Fluttershy pondered on this for a moment. “But even if he’s single, that doesn’t mean that he likes me. If he felt the same way I do, why would he go off to Cheerilee’s?”

“But he didn’t say ‘no’, did he?”

The pegasus paused, glancing at the floor nervously. “No…”

Pinkie clapped her hooves together jubilantly. “Great! If he didn’t say ‘no’, it means that he might say ‘yes’! Maybe he’s shy, just like you! Don’t give up now, Fluttershy. Just go back later and ask him out for real!”

“I… I don’t think I could do that,” Fluttershy trembled, shaking her head from side to side. “I’m so nervous! If he was so desperate to get to Cheerilee’s then… It wouldn’t have mattered anyway because even if I did ask him out he’d probably say ‘no’, and that would be awful…”

“Of course he’d wanna go out with you!” Pinkie cried.

“But how do you know that!?” Fluttershy retorted in a harsh tone. “I’m just ‘some pony’. I’m nothing special…”

“Fluttershy, you are so special, and I’m not giving up on you!” Pinkie gave her friend a stern look. “I’m going to do whatever it takes to make sure you get a chance at your ‘happy ever after’, and do you know why? Because you’re my friend! And do you know what friends do for each other?”

“Um… help each other?” Fluttershy whispered in reply.

“Right! Now stop getting all down in the dumps and follow me!”

Fluttershy huddled herself back into her duvet. “No! I can’t see him! I’m… I’m too afraid…”

“That’s not the plan!” said Pinkie, breaking out into a wide grin. “You’re right; maybe you’re not ready to ask him out just yet. So it’s time that you got a helping hoof…”

Pinkie rapped loudly on the door to the Carousel Boutique, an anxious-looking Fluttershy behind her.

“Just a moment!” called Rarity, opening up the door with her magic and spying her two friends. “Pinkie Pie? Fluttershy? What brings you two dears to my wonderful establishment?”

“Fluttershy needs a dress!” Pinkie chimed, trotting inside. “It’s for something special.”

“Oh really? That’s wonderful!” the unicorn exclaimed, striding up to Fluttershy and beaming from ear to ear. “So what’s the occasion?”

“If all goes as planned…” Pinkie began with a sly grin, “It’ll be a wedding.”

“A wedding? If all goes as planned?” Rarity raised an eyebrow suspiciously. “Whatever do you mean?”

“Come on, Fluttershy, tell her!”

The young pegasus blushed, staring intently at the floor as Rarity looked at her curiously. “It… it’s nothing, really. I just… wanted something to make me look nice.”

The unicorn blinked, taking a few moments to look back and forth between Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. Finally, the answer dawned on her, and a joyful smile crept onto her face. “Well this is just delightful! Fluttershy, I’m ever so touched that you would come to me for this kind of help. So who’s the lucky stallion?”

“I… I… um…” Fluttershy stuttered, becoming increasingly flustered. “It’s… it’s nothing like that…”

“So, a mare then?” Rarity asked confusedly. “I must admit, I never would’ve taken you for a filly-fooler. But I guess it would be crass of me to make such assumptions.”

“It’s Big Mac!” the pegasus belted out in exasperation, taking both Rarity and herself by surprise. Pinkie, however, still grinned much the same as she usually did. “I mean… um…”

Rarity’s eyes lit up, her expression morphing into one of foalish glee. “Big Mac? Oh, sweet heavens!”

“Is… is something wrong?”

“Not at all, darling! In fact, this is excellent news! Why, you two would make the most adorable couple. Just picture it! The timid young pegasus meets the stallion of her dreams, a stocky farm-pony with a kind heart. After winning over his affections you both gallop off into the sunset… Why, it’d be the greatest love story in Ponyville history!” Rarity fainted to the floor in a fit of giddiness, her eyes glazed over as she giggled to herself.

“Which is why we need your help!” Pinkie Pie piped up, bouncing back and forth over the grounded unicorn. “We need the most super-duper dress to make Fluttershy look super-duper pretty! We need something special — something that Big Mac could never ever say ‘no’ to.”

“Yes! Of course!” Rarity exclaimed, springing back into action. “Follow me, Fluttershy! First I need to take some measurements and… Oh, this is going to be so much fun!”

Fluttershy hesitantly slinked after the rejuvenated unicorn, receiving a friendly wink from Pinkie. Feeling a touch of the nerves, she took three deep breaths. Come on, you have to do this! You’re doing this to impress Big Mac, remember? Oh, but what if he thinks I’m acting too promiscuous? What if he hates me for it? I don’t want to try and look too… um… se— appealing…

“Do hurry up, Fluttershy!” Rarity called, gesturing towards the centre of the room and pulling out sheets of fabric with her magic. “Now, which colour undergarments would you prefer? Black or red?”

The pegasus merely sighed in response.

“Do hold still, darling,” Rarity instructed, sewing the dress into place. “This is delicate work, you know.”

“Sorry, Rarity,” said Fluttershy, feeling her heart rate flutter. “It’s just that I’m not used to having something so tight around my… Um…”

“Well it has to be tight around the crotch,” Rarity said matter-of-factly, rummaging through her drawers. “One must accentuate one’s assets accordingly if one is to impress the opposite sex. Now, loosen up a little. I feel like I’m dressing a stone statue.”

But you just told me to be still! Fluttershy thought to herself, trying to understand the fashionista’s logic. “OK, I’ll try.”

“Lookin’ good, Fluttershy!” Pinkie cheered from the other side of the room, taking another mouthful of popcorn that she’d unexplainably pulled from behind her back. “Big Mac is gonna love it!”

“Are you sure this isn’t a bit much?” the pegasus asked, taking a peek at the silky red dress flowing behind her.

“Nonsense, darling!” Rarity exclaimed proudly. “This might even be my finest work! I don’t know what it is, but knowing that I’ll be bringing together two star-crossed lovers fills me with a burning passion! Oh, to think that one day the two of you might have adorable little foals running about the place is just magical!”

Fluttershy was silent as she pondered over this, imagining what her life could be like ten years from now. Happily married to the stallion of her dreams… Children of her very own… Together, they’d be a family. Family… Such a wonderful word…

“Fluttershy? Are you alright?” Rarity asked, breaking the pegasus’ trance.

“Oh, sorry,” Fluttershy replied, blushing. “I kind of drifted off for a moment there.”

“There’ll be enough time for that later,” Rarity commented with a knowing smile. “As for now, I present to you, the new and improved Fluttershy!”

The cheerful unicorn pulled down a velvet cloth from in front of them to reveal a mirror, and Fluttershy caught her first glimpse of Rarity’s latest creation. The deep red fabric shimmered in the light, hugging at her midsection before spreading out into a meticulously woven skirt that billowed with her every movement. Fluttershy spent a few moments gawping at her own reflection, her smile slowly widening.

“I look so beautiful…” she said solemnly, running a hoof across the uncannily smooth fabric. “Thank you, Rarity. This… this is more than I could have imagined.”

“It has been a pleasure,” Rarity said cheerfully, standing beside her friend.

“How much do I owe you?”

“Owe me? Oh, Fluttershy, I couldn’t possibly charge you for this! All I ask in return is that if anypony asks about your dress you kindly direct them to the Carousel Boutique. Also, if you could keep me up to date on everything you and Big Mac get up to, that would be excellent. I’m off to Canterlot tomorrow for the Silverwing fashion show and I hope you’ve made some progress by the time I get back in a few days.”

“Well I… I can’t promise anything,” Fluttershy replied timidly, the reality of her current situation springing to mind. “But I’ll be sure to do my best. I’m just… a little nervous about all this. How can I just walk up to him dressed this way?”

“You leave that to me,” Pinkie said shrewdly, skipping over to the mare’s side. “I’ve been thinking about the best way to set you two up, and then I remembered something Scratchy said to me. Don’t worry, Fluttershy. I’ll have this all under control…”

Applejack couldn’t help but be curious. Something was up and she knew it. Big Mac was being awfully quiet. Not that he was much of a chatterbox, of course. And yet, there was something different about this particular brand of silence that her brother had fallen victim to. There were moments when she’d catch him smiling to himself, sometimes even twitching his lips like he was on the brink of speaking, but without making a sound.

Still, he was working as hard as ever and didn’t appear to be in any kind of distress. Perhaps he was just in a good mood? Maybe. But she knew her brother better than that. She had a sneaking suspicion that something — or possibly someone — was on his mind.

As the two siblings worked together to plant new seeds across the freshly ploughed soil, she stopped for a moment, a burning question on the tip of her tongue. Just as she’d opened her mouth, she watched as Big Mac trotted along, a veritable spring in his step. It was ever so subtle — no more than a slight hoof-movement — but it was still there. Applejack quickly shut her trap. For some reason, the question she wanted to ask felt like too much of an intrusion.

Big Mac smiled as he pushed soil over the seeds, thinking of how one day these tiny, insignificant droplets would grow into massive trees. And then, these trees would shed their own fruit — their own seeds — and the cycle would begin anew, ushering in a new generation.

It’s a beautiful world, he thought to himself.

Chapter 5 - Preparations

Chapter 5 – Preparations

“A party?” asked Fluttershy bewilderedly. “Pinkie, not every problem can be solved with a party.”

“True, very true,” the pink pony commented as she paced back and forth in Fluttershy’s cottage. “But this one can! Have a think, Fluttershy. What am I always missing from my parties?”

“I have absolutely no ide—”

“That’s right! Meat! I mean… stallions!” Pinkie leapt up onto Fluttershy’s coffee table. “When Scratchy was telling me about it I wasn’t really listening, but now I see exactly what she meant! What’s the easiest way to meet new ponies?”

“Um… parties?”

“Correct! Star prize! Ding, ding, ding!” Pinkie shouted as she rang imaginary bells. “Mares plus stallions plus parties plus dancing plus alcohol equals the absolute perfect way to find that very special somepony! I can’t believe I never even considered it before!”

Pinkie jumped down from the table, almost on top of poor Fluttershy. The timid pegasus was getting even more worried about her friend’s plan now that she thought of the crowds, the noise, the ponies staring at her, judging her… “I don’t know, Pinkie. This sounds kind of… scary.”

“But think about it, Fluttershy! You won’t have to go through all the worry of walking up to him all alone and feeling awkward. It’s a party, so everypony can just relax and have a good time. Not to mention that a bit of Paardian courage will go a long way.”

“Pardon?”

“No, Paardian. You know, alcohol.”

“But Pinkie, I’m not really much of a drinker.”

Pinkie Pie rolled her eyes. “That’s not the attitude I want to hear from you! Do you want a chance with Ponyville’s sexiest bachelor or not?”

I wish she’d stop using the ‘S’ word, Fluttershy thought to herself, feeling her cheeks burn. “Sure I do, but—”

“Terrific!” Pinkie bellowed, leaping into the air. “And I’ll be there to make sure everything goes smoothly. I’ll keep Big Mac occupied and take care of any pesky mares who make a move on him, and all you have to do is show up looking beautiful, then I’ll make sure you two get to spend some time together. I’ll keep everything under control, oh bestest pal o’ mine!”

“But how do you know he’ll even come to the party?”

Pinkie stopped jumping around and fell sharply to the floor, stroking her chin pensively. “Good point… Well, I guess we just need to invite him! He’s bound to want to come! I don’t expect he gets invited to parties all that much, and if he knows that you’ll be there, how could he possibly say ‘no’?”

“I… I guess…” Fluttershy sighed, her mind torn between the overwhelming fear and giddy excitement. “Pinkie, I just want to say something.”

“Oh yeah? What is it?”

A smile crept onto the pegasus’ face. “If you hadn’t tried to help me, I wouldn’t have accomplished anything. I’d still be doing the same thing every day, just wishing for some kind of romantic scenario to happen by magic. Now you’re doing all this for me and I… I wouldn’t have even tried asking him out on a date or anything like that if it weren’t for you. I guess what I’m trying to say is… thank you. Even if I fail, I want you to know how happy I am that you would do something so thoughtful and kind just for me.”

“Um… that’s okay, Fluttershy,” the now flustered party pony said in response, averting her friend’s gaze with embarrassment. “But… you don’t get to thank me yet! Not until you and Big Mac share your first kiss.”

“If you say so,” Fluttershy chuckled. “So what’s next for the plan? Wouldn’t it be a bit strange if Big Mac was the only stallion there?”

“A most impressive observation, Constable Flutter-Tree!” Pinkie exclaimed, quickly coming back to her usual self. “Keep that up and you’ll make Sergeant! We need the perfect guest list for this perfect party… Who knows? Maybe you won’t be the only one who ends up finding that special somepony…”

“This is for real? You’re not playin’ me just so I’ll bring my decks again?”

“No way!” Pinkie cried. “You were totally right about bringing stallions to the party. In fact, Fluttershy and I are gonna be asking some more along today!”

Vinyl Scratch nodded with approval as she leant against the door frame. “Sounds good. Hey, Tavia!” she called over her shoulder.

“Yes?” the earth pony called back from within the house.

“Pinkie’s having another party this Friday and it’s gonna be packin’ meat! You in?”

There was a moment’s pause before Octavia responded. “Will Twilight be there?”

Vinyl stifled a laugh, holding a hoof to her lips in an effort to hide her mirth. “Octavia’s totally been carpet-scouting the bookworm,” she whispered.

“Yup! Twilight’s gonna be there too!” Pinkie called back, seemingly oblivious to Vinyl’s comment.

“Okay, I was just wondering,” Octavia replied casually, still out of sight of the other three mares. “I’ll see if I have a gap in my schedule.”

“Well there you go!” Vinyl said cheerfully. “That’s another one for the beef brigade. You know, Pinkie, I’m so glad you’re finally taking my advice. This reminds me of the time I met my ex Woody at a party a couple years back. I swear, I can remember it like it was yesterday…”

“But Pinkie,” Fluttershy whispered with a fake grin as Vinyl continued to blabber on. “We haven’t invited any stallions yet.”

“Be quiet,” Pinkie whispered back, mimicking Fluttershy’s polite smile. “We’ll get to that soon.”

“… and by the end of it I could’ve been passed off as a plasterer’s radio. You know, ‘cause I play music and I was cov—”

“That’s really interesting, Scratchy, but we’ve gotta get to it!” Pinkie chimed, cutting off the unicorn in the nick of time. “See you at the party!”

After ‘escaping’ from the eccentric DJ, Pinkie and Fluttershy carried on through their tour of Ponyville, a basket of invites in wing and hoof. So far, however, only a few names were checked off the list, and they’d made no headway regarding the ‘stallion hunt.’ For some reason, Pinkie’s method of leaping out at strangers and shouting about cake was proving to be ineffective, and Fluttershy was having trouble getting anypony’s attention at all.

“Maybe we should split up,” Pinkie suggested as the two mares trotted along. “It’s gonna take too long otherwise, and the less time I have to spend inviting everypony the more time I can spend getting excited about the party!”

“But Pinkie, I’m no good at talking to strangers,” Fluttershy replied timidly.

“In that case, you can go invite Twilight and Rainbow Dash while I invite everyone else! Unless of course, you want to invite Big Mac yourself?” Pinkie said with a wry smile.

“I… I don’t know if I could do that…” Fluttershy mumbled. “Oh, gosh… I’m nervous all over again!”

“Don’t sweat it! I’ll make sure Romeo shows up.”

“You… you will?”

“Darn straight!” Pinkie said with an affirmative nod. “Now you take care of your last two invites and let your old pal Pinkie sort out the rest. I’ll meet you back at the cottage once I’m done, then we can plan out the perfect night together.”

Fluttershy smiled, feeling relieved that she wouldn’t yet have to face the object of her affections. As much as she wanted him to be there, her nerves would probably make for the most awkward party invite in Equestrian history. “Okay. Once again, thank you, Pinkie.”

“What did I say before?” Pinkie said as she stuck her tongue out, sprinting off towards Sweet Apple Acres with apparent glee.

Fluttershy sighed, setting her sights on Twilight’s library. She had faith in Pinkie, but she wasn’t sure if she had faith in herself. Going by her limited knowledge of romance stories, the idea of dazzling Big Mac with her beauty and being swept off her hooves just didn’t seem all that plausible. Neither of them were very talkative ponies, so long-winded confessions of feelings and poetic speeches were out of the question too. I hope it all goes okay, she thought to herself as she rapped on Twilight’s front door.

The purple unicorn quickly came to greet her with a wide grin. “Hi, Fluttershy. How can I help?”

“Hi, Twilight. I’m just inviting you to a party on Pinkie’s behalf. She’s busy at the moment setting things up and invi—”

“Will Octavia be there?” Twilight interrupted, an eyebrow raised. “No reason, I just… wondered.”

Pinkie galloped along to Sweet Apple Acres, the vision of her future party already invading her thoughts. So long as Big Mac was there, everything would be just fine. Fluttershy might be incredibly shy most of the time but when it came down it, she had more backbone and gusto than just about anypony. Who else could stand up to a fully grown dragon? Or a cockatrice? Or Iron Will?

Just imagining Fluttershy and Big Mac wrapped in a tender embrace warmed Pinkie’s heart. To think that she would be helping her friend find true happiness was just about the best feeling in the world, even more so than being drenched in chocolate rain. If they were happy, she was happy. All that was left to do was get the ball rolling!

She quickly spotted Applejack and Big Mac traipsing up and down the orchard, bucking trees as they went. Now’s my chance, she thought, and sped up into a full-powered sprint, effortlessly leaping over the fence and bounding over to the two siblings. It had crossed her mind that Applejack might have some kind of overreaction to all this, but as far as she was concerned, that would just make things a little more interesting.

“Howdy, sugarcubes!” Pinkie called in her best southern accent, gaining the attention of the two ponies. “How’s it going?”

“Hey, Pinkie!” Applejack called back, wiping sweat from her brow.

“Hey,” Big Mac replied, giving a respectful nod. He didn’t seem to understand that Pinkie was here to talk to him too, as he continued his work, merely flashing a friendly smile as he bucked against another tree.

“So, let me guess,” Applejack began, looking curiously at the basket of envelopes. “You’re givin’ out party invites?”

“That’s right!” the party pony said cheerfully. “But not for this afternoon, this afternoon. Friday at Sugarcube Corner? There should be an even bigger turn-out than last time!”

“Sounds good,” the peach-coated mare replied, taking the invitation and slipping it into a wicker basket half-filled with apples. Upon turning back to her friend, Pinkie had disappeared. “Pinkie, where are…”

Several yards away, Pinkie had bounced over to the unsuspecting stallion. “And here’s an invite for you!” she cried, startling Big Mac into misjudging his buck, the pony’s hind legs splaying out as they hit the tree trunk.

“Ow,” he said morosely, putting his hooves back down and wincing with pain. “What did you say, Pinkie?”

“I said… Here’s an invite for you!” she repeated, pushing the pink envelope practically into his face. “Party. Friday. Sugarcube Corner. You in?”

Big Mac opened up the envelope and blushed an even brighter shade of red than his coat. “Me? Come to a party?”

“What in tarnation?” Applejack interjected as she paced towards the two other ponies, sounding strangely displeased. “You’re invitin’ Mac?”

“Why not?” asked Pinkie with a shrug. “We all know each other, we’re all friends, and it’s high time Big Mac got to go to a party for once. Just about everypony is gonna be there! Scratchy, Octavia, Twilight…” Pinkie emitted a short cough. “And Fluttershy. So, what’s it gonna be? Come on, Big Mac. I have a feeling that somepony wants you to be there…”

The stallion glanced nervously between the written invite, the unfathomably cheerful mare in front of him and his apparently confused sister. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

“You can’t go in wondering if things like that could happen. Instead, you should be wondering if you’ll find happiness. So the next time you get a chance to spend time with her, grab it by the hooves! Deal?”

Well, looks like Ah finally got my chance, he thought to himself, a grin slowly emerging. Ah ain’t backed out on a deal before and Ah sure ain’t lookin’ to make a habit.

“Eeyup,” he answered simply, nodding to the pink mare. “Party. Friday. Sugarcube Corner. Ah’m in.”

“Wonderful!” Pinkie screamed, leaping almost the height of the apple tree they were stood beside. She wanted to leap onto Big Mac an give him the cuddle of a lifetime for agreeing to come, but considered that that might not be the best plan as of right now. He was reserved for Fluttershy, as far as she was concerned. He’d get more than enough hugs when the time came. “Thanks ever so much! I’ll see you Friday! Goodbye!” she shouted, bouncing back the way she’d come and off towards Fluttershy’s cottage.

“But wait a second,” Applejack muttered. “Ah didn’t even say if Ah was gonna be there.” She looked up at her brother, his attempt at hiding his mirth proving to be ineffective. “Would you just wipe that dumb grin off your face and get to it? We’ve got trees to buck!” she instructed sternly, hurling a basket at the stallion’s face.

“Sure,” he replied with a chuckle, batting the basket away and moving on to the next tree. He stopped for a moment to look at the invitation once again. For once, things were looking up.

“I’m back!” Pinkie cried as she battered on the door to Fluttershy’s cottage. “And you’ll never guess what happened!”

Fluttershy opened up the door, allowing her friend inside. “What? What happened? Is Big Mac going to be there?” she asked worriedly.

“You betcha! Told you I wouldn’t let you down.” Pinkie raised a single hoof triumphantly.

“Oh wow… Okay… This is really going to happen isn’t it?” Fluttershy said nervously, pacing back and forth across the living room. “I just need to take it easy and stay calm. That’s right, calm. I can do calm. I do calm all the time. It’s really easy... Oh, Pinkie, why can’t I stay calm!? What if he’s only coming out of politeness? What if—”

Pinkie grabbed the worry-ridden pegasus and threw her onto the sofa. “Don’t get your panties in a twist!” she instructed, holding the trembling pony still. “I’ll have you know that I happened to drop your name when I invited him and he looked pretty happy about it.”

Fluttershy clasped a hoof over her mouth. “Oh my gosh, really?” She closed her eyes and took a series of deep breaths before looking back up at her friend again, a tear rolling down her left cheek. “I’m scared, Pinkie. I’m happy, but… I’m so very scared.”

“There’s nothing to be afraid of,” Pinkie chirped as she patted Fluttershy on the head. “Every time you feel a little bit scared, just imagine Big Mac with his legs wrapped around you in a big cuddly cuddle. And also remember that your old pal Pinkie will do anything to help you reach that happy ever after.”

Fluttershy wiped a tear from her eye and smiled. “Thank you, Pinkie.” She pulled herself forward and gave her friend a warm embrace, one that was gladly accepted by the excitable earth pony. They sat there for a few moments, brimming with raw happiness for each other, when Fluttershy pulled back and shot Pinkie a confused look. “But wait… You said you invited Big Mac, but what about the other stallions?”

“Oh, don’t you worry about that,” Pinkie replied with a sly grin. “That’s being taken care of as we speak.”

Meanwhile, on the other side of Ponyville

“Oh, it would mean the world to have such a handsome chap come to my party,” Rarity said as she ran a hoof across the stallion’s left wing, causing him to sway giddily. “I dare say you might help liven things up a bit, including me.” She turned on her hoof, wafting her coiled tail across the young pony’s face.

“That… would be… nice,” the dumbstruck stallion replied between sharp breaths, his tongue hanging out.

“Oh, let me just grab you an invite. Let’s see here…” Rarity perched over the basket of envelopes, holding her posterior in the air and wiggling slightly as she pretended to sift through them. “Oh, here’s one!” she exclaimed, turning back to her new acquaintance and tucking it under his wing. “See you there, I hope…”

“Y-y-y-yes…” the stallion mumbled, pushing a hoof between his hind legs and smiling awkwardly.

“Great,” Rarity said softly, flashing a playful wink before prancing down the street.

The young pegasus — seemingly hypnotized — watched as Rarity trotted her way to the end of the street. Once she was out of sight, he immediately darted for home. Ignoring the front door, he flicked open his bedroom window, leapt inside and drew the curtains.

Two days later

Big Mac brushed his mane back as he stood in front of his bedroom mirror, trying desperately to tame his unruly hair. It was nothing like hers… That beautiful pink mane… How much Ah want to just run my hoof through it and see that sweet smile.

He’d missed two chances before. The first was when he’d collected Applejack from the previous party at Sugarcube Corner. All Ah had to do was ask her if she wanted to spend some time with me… Ah saw that face, that look in her eyes and Ah did nothing…

The second was two days ago at Sweet Apple Acres. Why did Ah say Ah was meeting Cheerilee? Why did Ah have to rush off like that and just leave her? Why didn’t Ah just… No… Ah’m not dwelling on the past no more. Ah’m not gonna let my nerves get a hold of me. Not today.

With his mind set, he walked slowly and deliberately out of his bedroom and up towards the front door. Applejack was busy putting some more logs onto the fire. She turned and smiled as her brother walked past. “You have fun, ya hear?”

“You sure yer not comin’?” Big Mac asked, feigning concern. In truth, he didn’t want his sister there at all.

Applejack shook her head. “Ah just don’t really feel like it. You go on ahead now.”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac nodded and headed outside, letting the cool, wintry air wash over him. Tonight would be a night to remember.

Inside the Apple family home, Applejack watched as her brother made his way down the dirt track that led to the rest of Ponyville. She sighed, taking a pew in front of the now roaring fire. She wanted to go, but she knew that she shouldn’t. Big Mac’s reasons for going to the party were obvious, and she knew that if she was there, she could ruin it all for him.

She knew that Big Mac had every right to date whoever he wanted, but for it to be one of her closest friends terrified her. No, she didn’t want any of her friends dating her big brother, no matter how well they might treat each other, no matter how happy they might be. It meant that she was a terrible, selfish pony. And that’s why she knew that she couldn’t go tonight. She had to let whatever might happen, happen. It was the right thing to do.

Just on the outskirts of the Everfree forest, a young pegasus had just finished putting on the beautiful red dress that Rarity had made. She paused for a moment, turning to a group of critters that had been helping her. They each gave a mixture of nods, smiles and chirps.

“You really think I look good?” Fluttershy said aloud, running her hoof across the smooth fabric. Wearing this made her feel more than just beautiful. She felt like a goddess.

Her heart was going crazy, her stomach lurched, her legs trembled and her breathing was erratic, but this all felt right. She was being fuelled by hope and adrenaline now. Yes, she was scared, but Pinkie’s advice was working. As she looked up at her reflection she imagined Big Mac stood at her side, gently nuzzling her cheek. Her very future was at stake, but instead of cowering away into a corner like a coward she was ready to face this head on, filled with a new-found confidence that she didn’t even know she had.

Thank you, Pinkie. I won’t let you down.

“Hey, Pinks. How’s it hanging?”

“Sweet as sugar,” Pinkie replied, allowing the frizzy-maned DJ inside.

“Octavia will be here as soon as she’s sorted her game-plan for the purple wonder,” Vinyl said as she hooked up her decks and speakers. “You know, it’s funny. That’s the first time I’ve been able to use that line when talking about a mare.”

Pinkie giggled at the unicorn’s comment and took a swig of Griffonian rum. She hadn’t been this happy — this carefree — in a long time. She smiled to herself, watching through the windows of Sugarcube Corner as more guests were about to arrive. This really would be the best party ever.

And so it begins, she thought to herself. Let operation Fluttermac commence!

Author's Note

Thank you for reading thus far, but it is with deep regret that I am to put all of my current projects on hold for an eight month hiatus as I am being sent to military boarding school.

Ha! Only joking! I'm not going anywhere! You should've seen the look on your face...

Don't miss the next exciting installment of Pinkie the Match-Maker!

Chapter 6 - Operation Fluttermac!

Chapter 6 – Operation Fluttermac!

“Welcome! Welcome!” Pinkie exclaimed, motioning for Octavia to come inside. “It’s great to see you again!”

“And you too, Pinkie Pie,” the earth pony replied with a smile. “The last time I was here was a pure breath of fresh air. I didn’t know how much I liked parties until…” The young mare trailed off as she spotted a certain unicorn from over Pinkie’s shoulder. “I’ll speak to you again later, Pinkie,” she said simply, slowly trotting away.

“Sure thing!” Pinkie called back, taking another moment to look through the window at the dimly lit streets of Ponyville. Where are they!? she pondered, frowning irritably. She had never been a patient pony at the best of times. What if something’s happened to them!? What if Fluttershy got blown away by the wind!? What if Big Mac fell into the sewers!? Wait, do we even have sewers in Ponyville? It’s never been made very clear, has it? Oh, what am I thinking? Where are they!?

Pinkie wasn’t the only one at the party who was acting restless. Five stallions had arrived, all dressed in dapper suits and waistcoats in the hopes of impressing the very mare that had enticed them here in the first place. However, Rarity was nowhere to be seen, and unbeknownst to them would not be making an appearance at all. Still, one young pegasus had found a suitable replacement in the form of a certain DJ. Or at least, so he thought.

Lyra, Bon-Bon, Berry Punch and Derpy had also arrived, which just left Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy and of course, Big Mac. Although it had only been around half an hour since the party had officially begun, Pinkie couldn’t help herself from getting overly worried. It was getting to the point where her overall party mood had been hampered somewhat.

“Hey, Pinks!” Vinyl Scratch called as she took a break from the decks. The pegasus stallion had been left standing, looking a little disheartened. “What’s goin’ on with you? You’re looking nervier than a paedophile in an orphanage.”

“Oh Scratchy, it’s this whole Fluttershy thing,” Pinkie replied disgruntledly. “I really want to get her and Big Mac together, and I had this whole party planned for it, and neither of them are even here!”

“Don’t sweat it, they’ll show,” Vinyl said with a shrug. “And even if they don’t, I’ve got a feeling that we’ll see some sparks flying tonight.” She pointed towards the corner of the room where Twilight and Octavia were sat, chattering animatedly. “See? Everything is looking up! Now bring the old Pinkie Pie back out, the one who has everypony laughing and cheering!”

Pinkie mulled over this for a moment and began to smile. “You know what? You’re right! I promised a party and I’m gonna give everypony a party!” She charged forward through the ponies milling about on the dance-floor and leapt up onto the table. “Okay, everypony! By the power invested in me as the Element of Laughter, I hereby decree shots for everypony!”

There was a cacophony of hoots and cheers as Pinkie grabbed several bottles of brightly coloured liquor and slammed them onto the table. Vinyl complied with the new order and levitated a stack of shot glasses and split them up for everypony that crowded round.

“Do you think we should?” Octavia asked, looking to Twilight uncomfortably. “I was hoping not to get quite so… inebriated as I did last time.”

“Come on,” the unicorn grinned, taking her place beside the rest of the partygoers. “We’ll just make sure not to drink too much after this. It’ll be fine!”

“Woo! Octavia!” Vinyl hollered, raising a hoof in the air. “Don’t be shy, small fry!”

Octavia grumbled something under her breath and took her place next to Twilight while the rest of the ponies cheered. Vinyl and Pinkie began doling out the shots and pretty soon, everyone present had a drink to hoof.

“I’d like to make a toast!” came an abrupt shout from none other than Derpy. “To… um… To the muffin man! May he make muffins forever and not die from bran poisoning! Amen!”

There was a series of chuckles around the table, but Pinkie quickly complied with the request and raised her glass. “To the muffin man!”

“To the muffin man!” the rest of the group chanted together, swiftly downing their drinks.

“Hey, what gives?” came a voice from the other side of the room. “You’re not even gonna wait for me before you get this thing started? I demand a shot!”

“Of course, Dashie!” Pinkie chimed, pouring one out for the cyan pegasus. It was then that she noticed who was standing behind her. Pinkie giggled to herself and smiled wider. “And how about you, Big Mac? We couldn’t leave you out, could we?”

The bulky stallion smiled. “Eenope!”

“Pinkie, this punch tastes kind of… strong,” Big Mac commented as he took another gulp from his glass.

“Oh, you’re just being silly!” Pinkie giggled, subtly nudging a large bottle of rum under the table behind her. She had a feeling that Big Mac needed a little ‘kick’ to help him along tonight. “Now, drink up!”

With but a moment’s thought, he knocked back the tear-inducing beverage. As potent as the concoction was, he wasn’t about to make himself look weak or pathetic, not when he was meant to be fearless and daring on a night like tonight. He needed to keep up that mind-set if he wanted everything to go as planned. For now, he had to wait.

One down, one to go! Pinkie thought as she bounced around Sugarcube Corner, checking on her guests and ensuring that spirits were high, and alcoholic spirits were almost as high. If anypony was going to fall in love tonight, they needed to be surrounded by as much happiness and good cheer as possible! Fluttershy was the only remaining missing piece. Oh, gosh! I hope everything’s okay. Come on, Fluttershy, don’t fail me now!

“Another one?” Twilight asked, floating another glass of punch towards Octavia.

“J-j-just one more then,” replied the swaying earth pony for the sixth time that evening, drunkenly grabbing the glass and trying to act as coolly as she possibly could. “I-I think I can maybe handle just the one more.”

“I’m sure… sure you can,” replied the equally sozzled unicorn, smiling to herself. She quickly downed her own drink, ignoring the urge to double over. “So… what sort of stuff d’you like to do? I mean, apart from playing the cello.” Twilight clutched a hoof to her chest and let out a small giggle.

“What is it? What’s so funny?”

“It’s nothing, just… I probably shouldn’t say it. You’ll get all weirded out and stuff.”

Octavia’s eyes grew wide and hopeful. She gingerly placed a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “N-n-no, now you have to tell me. Now that you’ve said that, I need to know.”

Twilight blushed, stroking her lips anxiously. “But… you might not like what you hear.”

“Please, Twilight, j-just say what you were about to say. I want to… want to know.”

Twilight looked over at her new ‘friend’, smiling sheepishly. “I was just gonna say…”

“Y-yes?”

“That cellos are just giant violins!” Twilight exclaimed, grinning uncontrollably.

Octavia’s face fell, her entire being crestfallen. “B-but… that’s not—”

“I’m sorry! I shouldn’t have said that!” Twilight wrapped her forelegs around Octavia, taking the mare completely by surprise. “I just thought it was funny, and I shouldn’t insult cellos! I’m sure they’re not j-just giant violins at all!”

Octavia blushed, trying her best to seem annoyed so that she’d gain some sympathy. “Well, yeah. Y-you should know that playing the cello and is all kinds different, and they’re not just oversized violins, and I’m a little upset that you said that, but—”

“Oh, Octavia...” Twilight whispered, pulling the earth pony closer and resting on her shoulder. “The l-last thing I ever wanted was to make you sad.”

“It’s f-fine, I’ve forgiven you,” the cellist replied, wrapping her own forelegs around the unicorn and stroking a hoof through her mane. “It was my fault for m-making you say it, anyway.”

“Scratchy? Are you crying?”

The DJ jumped in surprise, turning to see Pinkie Pie stood next to her. She smiled sheepishly, rubbing away a loose tear from her eyes. “M-me? Crying? What you smokin’ girl?”

“Scratchy, you’re not a very good liar,” Pinkie stated with a smirk. “If you’re upset about something, maybe you should tell me, and I can cheer you up!”

“Okay, fine, I was crying,” Vinyl admitted, blushing slightly. “But I’m not upset, far from it. Just… look.” She gestured towards Twilight and Octavia — who were now huddled up together in the corner of the room — and began to tear up once again. “I’m so proud of her. She’s been my best friend for so long and I always wanted her to find someone and be happy. And look. She’s so happy…”

Pinkie found it difficult not to well up with emotion as she saw the smile on Twilight and Octavia’s faces. She’s right. They look so happy, she thought to herself. I never even thought of helping Twilight find love, but I guess I didn’t need to. She’s managed it all on her own. It’s so sweet, even if I’m not a fan of lesbian shipping. But still…

Distracted by the sight before her, Pinkie Pie failed to notice something happen — something that she had been adamant about preventing.

“I’m going to do it,” Bon-Bon said with a burning resolve. “I’m serious, girls. I’m really gonna do it.”

“You’re totally serious, aren’t you?” Lyra asked, brimming with excitement. “You’re really gonna ask out Big Mac? I need to see this.”

“Oh, I’m gonna do it,” the cream-coated earth pony repeated. “Oh, I am so gonna do it.”

“Well go on, then!” encouraged Lyra. “Derpy and I will be cheering you on!”

“Oh, I’m doing it alright. I’m gonna start walking over… now!” Bon-Bon said without moving an inch. “Okay… now! And, how about now!?”

“Oh noes!” Derpy exclaimed, a worried expression on her face. “The voice-change pony has forgotten how to walk! I’ll help you, fair maiden!” With one swift movement, Derpy shunted Bon-Bon from the side, sending the horrified mare hurtling towards Big Mac. After a few seconds of tumbling and skidding, Bon-Bon managed to right herself just in front of where the red-coated stallion was standing.

“Hey,” she said as seductively as possible, batting her eyelashes and posing provocatively.

“Hey?” Big Mac responded with uncomfortably, torn somewhere between a smile and a frown.

A few moments of awkward silence passed as the two ponies merely stared at each other. This was followed by Bon-Bon unceremoniously vomiting across the floor in front of Big Mac’s hooves. An oily, lime-green mess now covered the floorboards, a collective series of wretches echoing throughout Sugarcube Corner. (With the exception of two ‘pre-occupied’ mares sat at the far wall) Bon-Bon and Big Mac looked from each other, to the floor, and back to each other, before Bon-Bon walked solemnly back to where Lyra and Derpy were standing.

“I messed it up, didn’t I?” she wailed.

“No… it wasn’t all bad,” Lyra replied with a strained smile. “You were doing totally awesome, right up until the point where you barfed everywhere. Apart from that, you were golden!”

The mess was quickly swept up by Pinkie, Vinyl and Lyra, the green-coated unicorn offering her deepest apologies as she sprayed air freshener across the room. Big Mac had shied away from the faint stain, the stench still clear in his nostrils. The night wasn’t supposed to be like this! He’d come here as a bold, dashing stallion. At no point had he expected to be wiping his hooves to rid them of regurgitated alcopops. Now how was he going to impress…

The front door of Sugarcube Corner opened slowly, revealing a canary-coated pegasus adorned with a flowing red dress. There was a collective moment of silence throughout the room as Fluttershy stepped inside — not timidly, but confidently. She was blushing from the sudden wave of emotion as she locked eyes with the stallion several metres directly in front of her, but she was undeterred. Her pulse was racing, her tail was twitching, her face had grown hot, but she was smiling a genuine smile, one that eclipsed even her beautiful dress. I’m ready, Fluttershy thought to herself. And I’m too happy to be scared.

“Scratchy! Music!” Pinkie said in a hushed shout, ushering Vinyl back to her decks. The party pony felt absolutely ecstatic. Everything had to be perfect.

“Sure thing!” Vinyl quickly twiddled a few dials and levitated another record into place. Within moments, a sweet — but slightly corny — melody began to play.

Pony… in red…

Fluttershy took a deep breath and slowly stepped forward. She flashed Pinkie a quick glance as a way of saying thank you, to which the party mare nodded. Taking a quick scan of the room, she noticed the looks she was getting from the various stallions. It should have made her uneasy, but it didn’t. For once, she felt truly and unabashedly beautiful, and it was nothing short of breath-taking. She could see Rainbow Dash splayed out over at the side of the room, looking rather worse for wear. She could see Twilight and Octavia holding hooves in the far corner. She noticed a peculiar and pungent smell… but none of that mattered. Putting her eyes forward, she delicately — but surely — trotted her way towards Big Mac. He was the only thing that mattered.

“I don’t know about you guys,” one of the other stallions commented. “But I call dibs on this one.” He cocked his head and began to approach Fluttershy.

“Oh no you don’t,” Pinkie whispered, appearing almost out of nowhere and bucking the stallion to the other side of the room. He slammed into the wall, narrowly missing Derpy’s head.

Another stallion got the same idea, readjusting his tie and swaggering towards the young pegasus. He didn’t get far though, as Pinkie leapt from inside a nearby plant pot and dragged him inside, popping out a moment later with a content grin as she dusted off her hooves and glared at the remaining stallions. Appearing to heed her warning, they each backed away from Fluttershy’s path with nervous grins. Go for it, Fluttershy, she said inwardly, feeling a sense of immense pride at the pegasus’ newfound poise and grace.

Big Mac’s jaw dropped. In all his wildest dreams he could never imagine Fluttershy to look so… amazing. It wasn’t just her meticulously woven clothing; it was her heart-melting smile, her determined, yet subdued gaze that bore into his retinas, and something else. There was no other word in Mac’s vocabulary that could describe it. Aura. The pegasus before him exuded some kind of unearthly force, something that he’d so rarely felt in the presence of other ponies. Now face to face, Big Mac snapped his jaw shut.

“Hey,” Fluttershy whispered, blushing a stark beetroot.

“Hey,” Big Mac replied softly, as if in a daze.

Vinyl switched the song back to something a little more upbeat, and the general mood in the room shifted to something far less awkward. As the stallions assumed their chances ruined with Fluttershy, their attention was drawn away from her. The other mares began chatting naturally as they’d done before, everything at Sugarcube Corner pretty much returning to normal. Except — of course — for a certain pair.

“Ah… Ah like your dress,” Big Mac said nervously.

“Why thank you,” Fluttershy replied, taking in a deep breath as she rolled a hoof over the fabric. “At first I didn’t think that red was my colour but…” She trailed off, pausing for a moment as she looked between her dress and the muscular stallion in front of her. “I think it’s grown on me.”

Big Mac gulped audibly. “Is… is that so? Hmm…” Damn it, Mac, what are you doing? the stallion said inwardly. Get your head in the game! You deliberately tryin’ to ruin your chances!?

Fluttershy smiled and began to pour herself some punch as she continued. “I’m not normally one for dresses at all, even if I did have that brief stint as a model.” Stop talking about yourself! she cursed in her mind. Are you honestly expecting some kind of miracle here? He’s right in front of you for Celestia’s sake! “So, how are you enjoying the party? It must feel nice to be invited for once.”

“Yeah, it sure does.”

“I’m really happy that you’re here, though. I never really got a chance to speak to you properly before now.” Fluttershy looked briefly in Pinkie’s direction. The excitable pink pony was beaming from ear to ear, attempting a thumbs-up, but realising that she didn’t have any thumbs.

So Pinkie’s been planning this? How did Ah not guess? “Ah… guess you’re right.” Big Mac took a quick breath. “Just to say Ah’m real sorry for ditchin’ you at the farm the other day, but—”

“It’s okay, really. You were in a hurry, and looking back on it now it was pretty stupid of me to get upset. I know you’re not dating Cheerilee and…” Fluttershy stroked a hoof through her mane nervously. It was out in the open now. “And that makes me happy, because it means that I might get to be your very special somepony.”

Big Mac’s heart raced as Fluttershy inched closer, a few strands from her swirling pink mane brushing against his chest. He was meant to be strong, meant to be tough, but in the presence of this kind, loving, beautiful creature who longed for him, meaning just wasn’t enough. He couldn’t even make himself smile. He just stared in awe. He could hardly believe that Fluttershy was being so bold, that merely staring into her eyes made him tremble like a leaf. It wasn’t how he’d envisioned the night to go, but it was… something. An opportunity that many a stallion might kill for. He wasn’t sure if it was just the effects of alcohol consumption, but standing there in that moment was like a dream. A dream come true?

“So tell me a little bit about yourself,” Fluttershy said, overpowered by the immense happiness of finally saying what she’d wanted to say. “I’d love to get to know you better.”

Pinkie was overjoyed. They’re talking. Talking! Sure, it doesn’t sound like the most riveting and natural conversation in the world, but it’s not like I ever expected them to sit back and joke around. They look so perfect together! And Fluttershy looks so happy, and Big Mac looks like he’s fighting the urge to grab her in his hooves and wrestle with her tongue! Keep fighting it for just a little while longer, Maccy my boy!

Fluttershy was thrilled. It’s going even better than I imagined! And he’s so amazing… That charming smile, that unkempt mane, that voice… Every time he speaks I just want to leap onto him and… Oh, wow. Did I just think that? What’s come over me!? Just gotta take things slow and act natural. Oh, Mac, just take me…

Big Mac was dazzled. Eeyup.

“Now that is sweet as sugar,” Vinyl commented as she watched the ensuing romance between the new couple. Taking note of them both — as well as the unicorn and earth pony mare pair nuzzling each other a few feet away — an idea popped into her head. Flicking through her playlist, past Skillrex and D3adPon3, she came across a select few tracks worthy of this moment.

DING! DONG! THE PRINCE IS DEAD! THE MERRY OLD PRINCE IS DEAD!

“No, not that one!” she muttered under her breath as she received a few confused looks from around the room. She dropped the bass and volume just a tad and smiled to herself. “This one.”

Suddenly, the barrage of wubs fell silent as a melodious piano tune trickled from the speakers. Vinyl levitated a disco ball (of which she had many stashed around Ponyville in case of rave emergency) to the ceiling, letting the light bounce across it, a cascade of twinkles dancing across the room in perfect harmony. Then came the softly spoken words of Eric Clopton.

With this love…

The pony race shall run free!

Big Mac instantly noticed Fluttershy perk up as the mood changed. “Y-you want to dance?” he asked aloud, accidentally slurring his words.

Fluttershy blushed harder and brighter, but still kept her eyes locked to his. Without a word, she nodded, walking slowly to the centre of the room. To her surprise, Derpy and another pegasus stallion had already begun to dance. She hadn’t imagined the mail-mare to find herself a partner with such ease.

“You mean it?” Derpy asked her new companion. “You can really take me to the south pole? Oh, joy!”

“H-how about a dance?” Octavia asked, gesturing to the rest of the group.

“Okay, b-but, hang on,” Twilight answered, untangling her limbs from the other mare. “I just gotta… gotta get up. I can still walk j-just fine.”

The two ponies stumbled to their hooves, leaning on one another to keep their balance. Just as they managed to rise into a standing position, they both toppled backwards and collapsed to the floor.

“I’ve got another… a new plan,” Octavia announced, lolling her head groggily. “We dance… but, we dance on the floor.”

“That s-sounds like a good plan,” Twilight replied. Together, the two mares began wafting their legs in the air in some kind of attempt at dancing, all the while singing along — completely out of tune and using the wrong words.

Fluttershy and Big Mac were together now — their necks pressed to each other’s — swaying gently to the music. The pink-haired pegasus sighed deeply as wave after wave of emotion swept over her. She could feel the anxiety of the past few days drift away into the ether, the feelings in her heart leaping to the forefront. The earthy aroma of Big Mac’s pelt was soothing, but that wasn’t what comforted her the most. Being this close to him she could feel every breath, feel his pulse run through the veins in his neck. It’s as if we’re together as one. Hearts beating together. Lungs breathing together. Together…

“This is just the way I imagined it,” she said softly, tilting her head to fully rest it against his body. “I’m not even afraid anymore. I can say whatever I want now, and still be okay. I’ve always thought you were handsome, but… I never knew you could be so gentle.”

Big Mac let out a small chuckle and dipped his head closer to hers. He stayed quiet, the only noise escaping from him being long, deep breaths.

“What… what are you thinking about?” Fluttershy asked.

The bulky stallion stayed silent for a few moments before speaking. “Just thinkin’ that… you’re beautiful.”

Fluttershy couldn’t stop herself. The tears were already flowing the moment his words were spoken. “Thank you,” she whispered, allowing herself to cry joyfully against his frame. To hear him say something like that… It stirred up something inside her. She thought of every moment of sadness that she’d felt, every time she’d wished for a companion — a soul-mate — and had to come back to reality, that somepony like her could never find someone else, never find true happiness. That was all over now. Her dreams were the new reality; that much was clear.

“I just can’t get over it,” Pinkie whispered to Vinyl. “She’s so happy that she’s…” Before Pinkie could even say the word she started crying herself.

“I know what you mean,” Vinyl replied, tears rolling down her own cheeks as she watched Octavia and Twilight whispering to each other.

“It’s l-like I told you,” Twilight stuttered, stroking through Octavia’s mane. “I never even thought I liked mares, but y-you’re just… You’re something special. It’s like I don’t even care that w-we’re the same gender. I like you for being you.”

Octavia shuffled closer, their faces now but inches apart. “I always kind of liked mares but… I was so ash-ashamed.” Her face grew solemn as she relived past experiences. “I tried to tell myself that I l-liked stallions, that I w-wasn’t a filly-fooler. I tried to c-convince myself—”

“Octavia?” Twilight gasped.

“I tried to tell myself that I didn’t feel that way, and those f-feelings got pushed deep down. I thought there was something wr-wrong with me. But… But now that I’m here with you, I don’t w-want to pretend anymore. I really like you, Twilight Sparkle, and I’m not ashamed to say it. You just—”

The chocolate-haired earth pony was swiftly cut off.

“There it is!” Vinyl exclaimed, tugging on Pinkie’s head and forcing her to look where she was pointing. “Her first kiss. I don’t believe it.” Vinyl fought valiantly, but the intense waterworks were inevitable. “I’m so proud of her,” she sobbed, pulling herself into Pinkie’s chest.

“Oh, Scratchy, I’m so happy for you.” The pink partygoer wrapped a hoof around Vinyl’s head. She too was crying just as much as the eccentric unicorn. “I think everypony is happy tonight, and that makes me even more happy.”

“You’re right. You’re totally right.” Vinyl wiped away her tears and brought herself to Pinkie’s level. “Hey, I don’t mean to weird you out or anything, but d’you wanna dance?”

“You know what, Scratchy? It’d be my pleasure.”

In all of the years that Pinkie had been throwing parties, nothing could quite match what she’d managed here tonight. She’d always aspired to throw the ‘best party ever’, and sure, she’d thrown some absolute crackers in her time. However, none of them could even hold a candle to this. It wasn’t even the concept of her pals hooking up that made it so important. She could make her friends laugh and smile just about any day of the week, but what she couldn’t always do was make them feel the kind of deep, soulful happiness that they felt now.

Pinkie kept her eye on Fluttershy — the nervy, timid mare who always had to struggle to find her confidence — as she wrapped a hoof around Big Mac’s neck. As much as she had helped her friend, it was Fluttershy who had pulled through and found happiness for herself. It was something truly magical to behold.

Fluttershy sighed once again, running a hoof across Big Mac’s shoulder. He was a stallion of few words — there was no doubt about that — but he didn’t need to say much. Somepony once said that actions spoke louder than words, and she could see why they were right.

With…

This…

Love…

The song was slowly petering out, soon to reach its end. It wasn’t even a song Fluttershy particularly liked, but that had changed. For now, it was their song. As the vocals faded into soft, drawn out string and piano notes, she dropped her hoof to the floor. Slowly, she brought her head back, coming face to face with her very special somepony. Without words, without inner turmoil and without hesitation, she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his.

It was such a simple kiss. There was no passionate combing through his mane or slapping of tongues in a game of tonsil tennis, but it was good. Fluttershy felt content, but perhaps most incredibly of all, she felt loved. Loved, perhaps, by the one stallion who could have possibly stolen her heart.

Their lips parted, and Big Mac stared into the adorable mare’s eyes. Everything was… Everything was…

“No.”

Fluttershy couldn’t understand what she’d just heard. “What… what is it?”

Big Mac shook his head gently side to side. “This wasn’t meant to happen.”

Fluttershy felt an instinctive lurching in her midsection. She held her breath without realising. “I don’t understand what you—”

“Ah’m so sorry, Fluttershy.”

The young pegasus could only watch in astonishment and horror as Big Mac trotted away from her with his head hung low, opened up the door and left without another word. A sinking feeling swept over her, an immense pressure building from the tip of her nose and moving down, throughout the rest of her body. “What did I do wrong?” she whispered. “What did I do—” And so she fell to the floor, emitting nothing but heart-wrenching wails and sobs.

What just happened!? Pinkie thought in utter shock. One moment she was watching her friend’s first kiss and the next… How dare he make Fluttershy cry! How dare he ditch her like this! What the hell is his problem!?

As much as Pinkie wanted to comfort the distraught mare, what took over her sense was a pulsing fury. She bolted from the scene, crashing through the front door and out onto the street. She knew the way to Sweet Apple Acres and there was no way she was about to let Mac get away from her! Running as fast as she could, she soon spotted the galloping stallion out in the darkness.

“Hey!” she bellowed, not stopping for even a second. “Just where do you think you’re going!?”

Big Mac didn’t answer; he speeded up, trying to outrun her.

“Oh no you don’t!” Pinkie cried, expending every ounce of energy to catch up. He was fast, but not fast enough. Pinkie soon got behind him grabbed his tail between her teeth, sending them both skidding into the dirt. Before Big Mac had a chance to get up, Pinkie had his head pinned to the ground, her teeth bared. “What are you doing!?” she screamed.

“Ah’m sorry,” Big Mac trembled, looking terrified. “Ah can’t—”

“You can’t what!?” Pinkie interrupted, fighting the urge to bash his face in. “You can’t act like a proper stallion!? You can’t be nice to Fluttershy!? Do you have any idea how much you mean to her!? Do you have any idea how much you’ve made her cry!? Do you!?”

“Ah really am sorry, but—”

“But what!? This was your one chance to be together and you blew it! Why did you do this!? Give me one good reason!”

~~~

“You really need to loosen up…”

“Ah really like her, and Ah think she likes me. Ah saw her today and…”

“But I spoke with Applejack and she said she was absolutely certain that her brother didn’t have a special somepony…”

"She was smilin’, but there was this look of disappointment…”

“And why would you let her think a thing like that?”

“…and so I said ‘What’cha doin’?”

“An’ there’s somethin’ about her…”

“Instead, you should be wondering if you’ll find happiness…”

“You’re invitin’ Mac?”

“This kind of raw innocence…”

“So the next time you get a chance to spend time with her…”

“Here’s an invite for you!”

Ah saw that face, that look in her eyes…

“Grab it by the hooves!”

“But wait a second…”

…see that sweet smile…

“Deal?”

“He looked pretty happy…”

…beautiful…

“Are you tryin’ your hoof at wooin…”

“Happy ever after…”

…pink mane…

~~~

Big Mac thrust himself forward, planting a kiss on Pinkie’s left cheek. Her anger turned to confusion as the stallion solemnly got to his hooves, a lone tear crawling down his face. The heavens opened, bathing them both in an icy cold downpour.

“It was you,” Big Mac croaked, drawing in shallow breaths. “It was always you.”

Pinkie stayed glued to the ground as Big Mac left, trotting sadly through the mud. She couldn’t move; she couldn’t speak. She could only watch silently as the gentle stallion slinked his way over the hill and out of sight, leaving her in the company of nothing else but the pouring rain.

This wasn’t meant to happen. This wasn’t meant…

Pinkie started to cry.

Author's Note

Don't raise your pitch forks just yet. This story isn't over.

Chapter 7 - The Calm After the Storm

Chapter 7 – The Calm After the Storm

Three days later

“Applebloom! Ah won’t say it again!”

“Ah’m comin’, Ah’m comin’,” the filly groaned, trotting down the stairs. “It’s not like Ah want to miss dinner.”

Applejack sighed. “Well, sorry little sis. Ah’ve just been a mite stressed is all.” The farm pony trotted from chair to chair, placing down a steaming apple pie in front of each one. Granny Smith was already sat at the table, (which was only because she’d fallen asleep while reading the newspaper) and Applebloom had just jumped up to her seat. That only left one more…

“Applebloom, have you seen your brother?”

“Sure haven’t,” the young filly answered, already delving into her meal. “Unless you count seein’ him mope off up the fields this mornin’. What is up with him, anyway? Ah knew he might be nervous ‘cause of his upcomin’ duties, but what gives?”

“Ah’m not entirely sure,” Applejack replied. In fairness, it wasn’t a complete lie. The Element of Honesty was too good for that. Big Mac had been awfully quiet ever since the night of the party, and every attempt at an inquiry was met with either stone cold silence or some casual comment about ‘being fine’. She could assume that things didn’t go quite so well with Pinkie Pie, but that only answered half of the question. Just what happened on that night?

She could try visiting Pinkie herself, but that wasn’t something she was willing to do right now. All things considered, she was actually relieved that the two of them hadn’t gotten together. To think that her friend would… No. It was too weird to even imagine.

Still, Applejack couldn’t help but be worried. She’d never seen her brother like this. Even when their parents died, her brother had at least talked to her about his pain. Why wasn’t he doing the same thing now? What would it take to lift his spirits back up? Surely a friendly pat on the back and “better luck next time,” would solve the problem? It didn’t seem that way, though. And if she was honest, (which she almost always was) she didn’t know if she wanted to hear about his problems. Heck, he had more important things to be thinking about, like...

There was a knock at the door.

“Well it’s about time,” Applejack called as she left the dining room, leaving her sister and grandmother to scoff their dinner. “Ah don’t so much appreciate you runnin’ off all the time. It’s hardly nice for us if we don’t know where in the hay you are.” Applejack unbolted the front door and opened it. “Now come on in. Your dinner is… Oh my…”

“Is Big Mac home?” the other mare asked nervously. “I… I was hoping I could speak with him.”

Two days earlier

The first thing she noticed that morning was the pain. Fierce, throbbing pain across her forehead. Fluttering her eyelids open and feeling the oppressive burn of sunlight, Twilight recoiled, holding both fore-hooves to her temple.

“My head...” she groaned, trying to force the pain into submission by burying herself into her pillow.

“I know. I feel like I’ve been run over by a chariot.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean. Wait, what!?” Twilight sprung up, startled by the familiar voice. It was then that she saw who was lying next to her. “Octavia!?”

“Twilight!? How did I…? Oh, gooseberries,” the hung-over cellist responded with, mirroring Twilight’s actions and clasping a hoof around her forehead. After a few moments, she locked eyes with the unicorn once again. “Where am I? Is this… Am I in your bed?” she asked, her cheeks glowing. “Does that mean…? Did we…?”

Twilight rested back onto the pillow. “I honestly don’t know. The last thing I remember is being at the party and having a round of shots, and then talking to you. Everything after that is just a blur. How about you?”

Octavia exhaled deeply, making some kind of effort to rack her brains but wincing with each attempt at thought. “Pretty much the same. I remember having a few drinks with you, but after that it’s all fuzzy.” She sighed disappointedly. “I think I kissed you, but… I can’t really recall whether it was real or just a dream. I… I hope it was real.”

Twilight smiled sheepishly and gave the mare a brief peck on the lips. “Did that feel like a dream?”

Octavia blushed, bringing a hoof to her mouth and brushing over where Twilight had just kissed her. “I… I’m not sure. Maybe we should try again?”

Without another word, the pair entered one another’s warm embrace, indulging in an uninhibited, wholly passionate smooch. Their bodies entwined and their tongues wrapped around each other’s, Twilight could feel Octavia’s heartbeat against her own chest. She knew then that whatever had happened the previous night, the two of them were now far beyond the reaches of ‘just friends.’

“I think we can establish that that was totally real,” Octavia whispered as she pulled back, unable to resist the temptation to lock lips once again and run a hoof through the unicorn’s luscious mane. “I can’t believe we’re actually together. Before I went to the party I was so nervous. I practiced lines to myself in front of the mirror and everything.”

“Well it worked,” Twilight replied with a chuckle. “And if I’m completely honest, I was so close to bringing a bunch of roses along, but about five minutes before leaving I freaked and threw them away.”

“That’s… a shame,” Octavia said, looking downhearted. “I’ve never been given a bunch of flowers before, and it’s such a sweet gesture. Were they red roses?”

“The reddest of the red,” Twilight declared proudly. “They’re probably not in the greatest condition anymore, being at the bottom of a waste bin. I’ll have to surprise you with some fresh ones once I get the chance. At least now I won’t have anything to hide when I go to Roseluck’s place again.”

“So I guess we’re officially together then, right?” Octavia asked despite knowing the answer.

“Of course we are,” Twilight replied cheekily, shuffling a few inches closer.

“Well my luck definitely seems to have taken a rather welcome turn. I just hope that… that we—”

“That we what?”

“I hope we didn’t… you know. Do anything beyond kissing,” Octavia said nervously, her face glowing red. “I wouldn’t have wanted my first time — especially with such an amazing pony like you — to slip by as a forgotten memory.”

“I… guess you’re right,” Twilight agreed glumly, not having thought of it until that point. “I wouldn’t want that either. But… if neither of us know, and neither of us could possibly remember, can we really consider it to have happened?”

The earth pony mare mulled this over, a small smile creeping across her face. “Perhaps not,” she noted cheerfully. “So, for all intents and purposes, it never happened?”

“Right! Though talking about it when we’re both huddled up together like this is a little weird,” the unicorn chuckled.

“Well I’m afraid that we’re both in a position to use the old ‘headache’ excuse at this moment in time.”

“No kidding. We’re hardly in the best of conditions. Not to mention the fact that Spike would—” Twilight sat bolt upright, a sudden wave of fear washing over her. “Spike would… oh buck.”

“What? What is it?”

Twilight leapt out of bed, taking one glance towards the other end of the room and another towards an antique clock. “Oh buck,” she repeated, this time with a more worried expression.

“Would you please tell me what’s going on?” Octavia asked, rubbing her eyes and clambering to her hooves.

“This is bad. Then again, maybe it’s not so bad. Spike’s a pretty heavy sleeper, so maybe he just slept through everything. Yeah, that’s right! Everything’s fine!” Twilight exclaimed, a nervous grin on her face.

“OK, now you’re scaring me.”

“Nothing to be afraid of! Nothing at all!” Twilight replied unconvincingly, making her way towards the staircase. “Would you care for some tea? Light refreshments?”

“Well, I guess we could both use a little pick-me-up,” Octavia said with a nod, trying to ignore her filly-friend’s apparent hysteria. “I don’t suppose you have any Earl Hay tea?”

“Sure! Of course! Nothing but the finest!”

Twilight trotted cautiously down the stairs, looking to every corner of the library. There didn’t seem to be anypony else around, so she sighed with relief and walked over to the kitchen. She opened up one of the cupboards, grabbed two ceramic mugs and closed the cupboard door shut. Just as she did so, a figure appeared as if from nowhere on the worktop.

“Sleep well?” Spike snarled.

“Spike!?” Twilight shrieked in surprise, losing her telekinetic grip on the mugs and letting them drop to the floor with a smash.

“Twilight? What happened?” Octavia asked as she turned the corner. “Did you drop something? Oh—”

“Well, well, well,” Spike continued, hopping to the floor and shooting a menacing glare at the two mares. “If it isn’t Twilight’s new friend.”

Twilight was blushing uncontrollably, finding it difficult to even keep eye contact with her faithful assistant. “Spike, there you are! I, um… was just wondering where you were, and here you are! All safe and sound!”

“Me? I’ve been better,” the young dragon shot back, plumes of hot steam escaping his nostrils. “Had a little trouble sleeping last night, you see. There were these two ponies who kept making noises throughout the night.”

Both mares were now dumbstruck under Spike’s gaze, their cheeks glowing red. Twilight gulped nervously, wanting nothing more than to just get away. Under normal circumstances she could have activated some kind of teleportation spell and bolted from the library, but under such immense pressure she could barely even think straight, let alone cast that kind of magic. “Spike… we’re sor—”

“For over an hour, all I heard was high-pitched moaning.”

At that word, the jaws of the two mares dropped, rendering them completely speechless.

“How’s a dragon supposed to sleep when all he can hear is moaning?” Spike continued, taking a step towards them. “I don’t know of any way. Do you? I mean, it’s bad enough to hear you two crash through the door and come bumbling up the stairs, but the moaning…” Spike shook his head angrily. “I don’t want to hear that, do I?”

“I’m… sorry,” Octavia whispered, trying her best to give a friendly smile.

“Oh, I’m sure you are,” he snapped back, turning his attention to Twilight. The usually calm unicorn looked as if she was going to melt into the floorboards. “As for you,” he growled, pointing a lone claw towards her face. “When I heard you saying my name over and over...”

Twilight’s jaw somehow dropped even further, sweat pouring from her forehead. She wanted nothing more than to just disappear out of existence. Nothing could possibly rectify the intense shame and embarrassment that she felt in that moment. I will never live this down, she thought. I’ll have to change my name to Sunset Shimmer and move to Manehattan, never to be heard from again. Goodbye, Ponyville. Goodbye, friends.

“It hurt my feelings, you know?” Spike finally said, now looking more upset than furious. “I don’t go moaning to everypony about your mistakes, so to hear you moaning about all the things that I get wrong was just painful! I’m your number one assistant, and that’s how you repay me!?”

Twilight blinked, taking a moment to register what Spike had just said. “S-so… when you said we were moaning you meant—”

“—that we were complaining about things,” Octavia finished.

“What else would I mean!?” Spike fumed. “Anyway, where was I? Oh, yeah. I was just talking about you saying all kinds of bad things about me to your new sleepover buddy! Take them back right now!”

“Sure!” Twilight replied cheerily, winking to Octavia. “It was wrong of me to say things about you behind your back, and even though I was drunk I had absolutely no excuse. You have my sincerest apologies, oh greatest assistant of mine.” Twilight bowed gracefully to the young dragon.

“Laying it on a little thick, but I guess it’s better than nothing,” Spike huffed, strutting past with an air of defiance. “And I think I deserve a little nap time for once. You can dust your own shelves.”

“Absolutely. You deserve a nice rest after we kept you up so late,” Twilight called back, barely able to keep a straight face.

The two mares watched as Spike paced up the stairs. Once he was out of sight, their eyes met each other’s once more.

“Moaning,” Octavia whispered, and the pair fell about in fits of laughter.

“Darn it!” Rainbow Dash cussed under her breath after another failed attempt at building up speed. So much for fresh air and the wind in your wings curing a hangover, she thought as she soared above the village. Why did I even get so drunk? What happened last night? I remember chatting with Big Mac on the way to the party. I was surprised to see him there. Then Twilight started hooking up with that musical snob. And I’m the one who gets ripped on for being a lesbian! Then there was something about dings, dongs and the prince being dead, but what else?

It was no use. Every attempt to remember anything else just made Rainbow Dash’s head hurt. As if trying to zoom through the skies wasn’t accomplishing that by itself. Normally, she’d just try and sleep off her hangover, but the last time she did that she ended up sleeping through the entire day and spending the night wide awake, bored out of her brains. Flying aimlessly was doing an excellent job of keeping her awake, but without the energy to do any kind of awesome tricks, it wasn’t much fun either.

She sighed, finding herself looking down over Ponyville. Pony watching was a kind of secret hobby of Rainbow Dash’s, and she couldn’t help but silently judge others as they went about their day. It wasn’t perverted… at least, most of the time it wasn’t.

Spotting Fluttershy’s cottage, the cyan pegasus considered dropping by. At least she’d be able to find out what horribly embarrassing things she’d done while under the influence, and since Fluttershy could barely even finish a single glass of wine she’d at least be getting her information from a sober source. That, and Fluttershy was the last pony who would lash out at her for whatever stupid stuff she might have done. Though the bruise from Rarity’s hoof had long since healed, the phantom pain remained.

Hopefully, her yellow friend might still have a batch of that herbal tea. It wasn’t something that Rainbow Dash found particularly appetising, but it just might be the quick fix that she needed to beat back the headaches. For a moment, she thought she could remember something about Fluttershy from the previous night, but her memory was hazy. It wouldn’t matter, though. She could find out right now.

Rainbow Dash landed just shy of the doorstep, taking a moment to comb back her mane. She knocked lightly on the door and stood back, trying not to look as dishevelled as she felt.

No response.

She tried again, this time calling through the keyhole. “Hey, Fluttershy. It’s me, your pal Rainbow Dash!”

Still no response.

Well, great. The impatient pegasus was almost about to fly away in annoyance when a terrible thought crossed her mind. Fluttershy always answers her door… What if she didn’t make it home last night!? What if she was attacked!?

“Fluttershy! Are you in there!?” she hollered worriedly, banging loudly once more. She placed her ear to the door but couldn’t make out any voices or hoof-steps. “Right, that does it!”

Rainbow Dash darted backwards, lining up a straight path to the door. Pumping her wing muscles, she barrelled forward, ready to bust her way into the cottage. However, just a moment after setting off the door began to creak open. Taken by surprise, the pegasus mare tried to slow herself down, screeching her hooves across the ground. Unable to keep herself upright, she tumbled her way across the path, eventually planting herself on Fluttershy’s doorstep chin first.

“Son of a gelding!” she screamed. Thanks to her little stunt, her headache was now even worse than it already had been. “Fluttershy, can you…”

Strangely, it wasn’t Fluttershy who stood in the doorway. Angel the bunny peered out, looking even more displeased than normal. He paused, taking a moment to look Rainbow Dash over.

“Hey Angel, can you ask Flut—” The disgruntled rabbit shook his head solemnly and slammed the door in Dash’s face. She got to her hooves, sighing deeply. “Wow. I must’ve done something really bad if even Fluttershy won’t speak to me,” she said aloud, some part of her hoping that her friend would hear her plea and grant some sympathy. It didn’t work, however, and Rainbow Dash simply flew away, already making plans for apologies to whatever she may have done. “I’m never drinking again,” she muttered for the third time that month.

“Not much of a sweet-talker then, are you?” Octavia taunted, taking a sip of tea. The pair were slumped down on Twilight’s kitchen floor, leant against some cupboards. “Getting a mare into bed just so you can talk about your dragon-sitting problems.”

“Don’t,” Twilight pleaded, covering her face with shame. “Somehow I think I’d have preferred it if we’d bucked each other’s brains out. At least that wouldn’t have been as embarrassing.”

Octavia frowned. “That’s… a rather crude way of putting it, but I see your point.”

“I wonder what my friends will think of this,” Twilight said with a sigh. “I can’t help but imagine Rarity yelling ‘eww!’ at the sight of two mares kissing. Rainbow Dash would probably be the first to crack jokes, and Applejack’s kind of old-fashioned in that regard. Heaven knows what Spike is gonna think once I tell him the truth.”

“It’ll be difficult for the both of us, but if our friends are truly our friends they would support us no matter what we do.” Octavia wrapped a foreleg around Twilight’s left hoof. “After spending so many years trying to convince myself that I was straight, and now sitting here with you…” The earth pony rested her head on Twilight’s shoulder. “I could get used to this.”

“You’re not wrong there,” Twilight grinned bashfully. “But I’d rather not risk falling into temptation, especially not right here on the kitchen floor. I’ve not even talked to Spike about the birds and the bees, so I don’t think he’s ready for a first-hoof showing of the birds and the… um, birds.”

“Then perhaps we should go for a little stroll,” Octavia suggested, perking up.

“Actually, that’s not a bad idea. We could grab a bite to eat at Sugarcube Corner. They do the most amazing blueberry muffins, and it’d be nice to see Pinkie Pie again. We do kind of owe it to her that we even hooked up in the first place.”

“That sounds positively wonderful,” Octavia replied, the two smitten mares trotting gleefully out into the streets of Ponyville.

Vinyl Scratch stretched out her limbs and yawned. She slipped her signature sunglasses on and looked over at the clock by her bedside. “Half twelve?” she said aloud. I guess it’ll do me good to have an early start once in a while. Up an’ at ‘em!

The pearly white unicorn dragged herself out of bed, shaking her unkempt mane back to its usual frazzled self. She was perkier than normal after a night’s partying, though it hadn’t exactly been the most usual of experiences.

Plodding into the kitchen, she poured herself a glass of apple juice and grabbed a cress sandwich from the sideboard. Something’s missing, she thought as she walked back through the house, accompanied by nothing but silence. Or maybe someone…

Without knocking, she waltzed into Octavia’s room to find it completely empty. “Tavia!” she called. “You here?” Taking another look around the house yielded no sign of the musical mare. In fact, everything looked as it had been since Vinyl had left for the party.

Well I’ll be a walking trough, she mused, smiling to herself. That posh little prude sure doesn’t hang about. Tavia and Twilight? Spelunking already? Buck me, it feels weird just thinking that, but I’d better get used to it. Can’t say I’m not proud of her, though.

Vinyl took a minute to look back on the night just passed. It had been fun for the most part, and seeing her best friend find what seemed to be the perfect filly-friend was just amazing. She could almost feel herself begin to tear up again just by thinking about it. But then her daydream carried her forward, towards the end of the night. The party had been cut short…

“Poor Fluttershy,” she muttered, shaking her head solemnly. It didn’t matter if she didn’t know the mare personally; seeing that angelic beauty fall into the depths of despair was almost heart-breaking.

After both Pinkie and Big Mac had left, Fluttershy was all on her lonesome, curled up into a ball with tears streaming down her cheeks. Vinyl had rushed to comfort her, and the distraught pegasus latched onto her, bawling loudly into her shoulder. “It’s OK,” the DJ had whispered. “It’s alright.” But it wasn’t alright and she knew it. She knew all too well just how much damage heartbreak could do to a pony.

The party ended shortly after, Vinyl shutting off the music and tending to the poor mare. Everypony else stumbled out of Sugarcube Corner, Twilight and Octavia having to use each other for balance to even make it out the door. She was left stroking through the mane of this innocent pony, wishing that she could make everything better. But she couldn’t.

In the end, Fluttershy walked home, refusing to accept any more assistance. Despite waiting for another half an hour, Pinkie never showed up, so Vinyl had been forced to simply close the door behind her and walk home. Not the greatest end to a party by any means.

“It’s all bucked up,” she muttered, relaxing into a leather chair.

“Twilight, I can see it in your eyes. Stop trying to pretend.”

“I’m not buying you roses today,” the unicorn affirmed. “It won’t be special if I don’t make it a surprise.”

The pair cantered on past the florists and towards the village centre. In truth, they were both struggling with anxiety as they walked side by side. For Twilight, the prospect of being the first of her friends to find a partner (not counting Rarity’s ‘encounters’) was a little daunting, and she considered just how much her life could change. For Octavia, the simple idea of being ‘together’ with another pony – and a beautiful mare like Twilight, no less – both excited and terrified her. As much as she just wanted to run her hooves over the unicorn’s soft fur and hold her close all day and night, she knew that they could have something more, something deeper than just affection. But when would that time come? Baby steps, baby steps, she told herself.

As they reached Sugarcube Corner, Twilight opened up the door with her magic and gestured with one hoof. “After you, pudding.”

Octavia blushed as she walked into the bakery. “Um… Pudding? ”

Twilight slapped a hoof over her face. “What was I thinking!?” she exclaimed, pottering on alongside her new filly-friend. “Sorry. I was trying to think of cute little pet names, and… It sounded a lot better in my head than it did out loud, really. I’ll… I’ll stick to calling you Octavia from now on.”

“That’s alright,” the flustered earth pony replied with a chuckle. “I can be your pudding if you really want me to.”

Twilight’s face turned a stark beetroot as she joined the queue of customers. No, don’t you dare do that, brain, Twilight scolded in thought. The queue lurched forward, taking them closer to the main desk. Stop thinking of all the connotations, and definitely stop thinking all those lewd thoughts. Only one more pony in front. Almost time to be served. Octavia deserves to be respected, and you should treat her as such. Front of the queue. Just relax, and don’t say anything stupid.

“Hello!” Mrs Cake beamed. “What can I get for you today?”

“Hello, I’d like a fish pudding…”

Oh, why oh why oh why!?

“Twilight? It… it’s alright. It’s kind of funny when you think about it.”

The purple unicorn slumped her head to the table. Ha ha ha. My sides. Oh how they’re splitting. Oh, what in the name of Equestria is wrong with me?

“Twilight? Would you please just say something?” Octavia asked, taking a small bite from her blueberry muffin. She’d been half-tempted to ask for a ring doughnut, but that joke probably wouldn’t have gone down very well.

“If you could just dig a hole somewhere and bury me that would be great.”

Octavia snickered and leant over to the other mare, brushing back her mane. “I have to be honest; you’re ever so cute when you’re embarrassed.”

“I’m glad you find it funny,” Twilight said sarcastically, but quickly changed her tone as she noticed Octavia’s pained expression. “Sorry! Sorry… Gosh, I really am bad at this, aren’t I? I just wanted everything to be perfect but now… Hang on, wait a second, what’s that behind you!?”

Octavia quickly turned, but couldn’t see anything out of place. “What? What is it? I don’t know what I’m supposed to be looking at. Twilight, whatever d—”

“Surprise!” Twilight exclaimed, looking as cheerful as ever. Octavia was stunned. Led on the table was a bouquet of five, thin, red roses wrapped in a pink bow. A small note read: ‘For you, pudding!’

“How did you…?” The earth pony took the flowers in her hooves, feeling her heart throb with emotion. Not even the stares from various customers (and Mrs Cake) could ruin the moment. She took a deep breath and cradled the bouquet against her face. “They’re so beautiful. But… where did they come from?”

Twilight tenderly placed a hoof on her lover’s foreleg, beaming from ear to ear. “I’ve been preparing them secretly this whole time. Any time I was using my horn to open doors or lift objects I was doing a little something to get them ready. While I didn’t technically buy them from Roseluck per se, I did leave a stack of bits on her desk. Getting the roses together was easy. The hard part was writing the note without you noticing and teleporting them into the room.”

“You can do that!?” Octavia gasped in surprise. “I knew you were good with magic, but… My goodness, you’re simply wonderful.”

Twilight smirked. “I know you are, but what am I?”

The once awkward atmosphere was completely gone and the two mares soon began chatting excitedly, discussing their lives, hobbies, likes and dislikes among other things. Strangely enough, they’d already covered most of the topics the night before, but simply couldn’t remember. It wasn’t long before they were laughing and joking amongst themselves, feeling much more at ease.

“For a first date, this really hasn’t turned out all that bad,” Octavia sighed sleepily. She couldn’t help but think about hopping back into bed and cuddling for the rest of the afternoon.

“I guess not!” Twilight chimed, blushing slightly. “Though perhaps next time I can treat you to somewhere a bit…” The unicorn leant closer. “A bit nicer,” she whispered.

“If you’re planning on spoiling me, I must warn you, Twilight Sparkle. I happen to be rather susceptible to candlelit dinners, flattery, and constant attention.”

“I’ll make a note of it,” Twilight chuckled, refraining to mention her plans to actually make notes once the date was over. “Oh, there’s something we’ve forgotten though, isn’t there? We were going to thank Pinkie Pie.”

“Oh yes, I’m afraid I swiftly forgot about that after the whole ‘pudding’ drama. I do agree that she’s earned our thanks. Where would she be?”

Twilight furrowed her brow. “I’m not so sure, actually. She’s usually either at the desk or flurrying about in the kitchen making cakes. I was honestly expecting her to pounce on us as soon as we got inside. Mrs Cake?”

“Yes, how can I help you, Twilight?” the sky blue earth pony replied.

“Is Pinkie on break or something? We were hoping to stop by and say hello.”

Mrs Cake forced a pained grin as her face turned sour. “Actually… I didn’t want to say anything before and risk ruining your little outing, but you wouldn’t mind seeing to her, would you? She said this morning that she felt awfully ill and I haven’t seen her all day. It’s just not like her, you know?”

“Really? Oh, goodness,” Twilight exclaimed, receiving an equally worried look from Octavia. “Of course we’ll see how she is. I do hope she’s OK…”

The pair took Mrs Cake’s directions and trotted up the stairs behind the main desk, passing through a hallway plastered in an array of family photographs. Never one to act ‘normal’, Pinkie could be seen jumping, somersaulting, or just plain popping up out of nowhere. Even in still image form she looked as though she might leap out of the picture. She was always so lively and energetic, so for her to not even leave her room…

Twilight knocked gently on a brightly coloured pink door marked ‘Pinkie Pie’. “Pinkie? It’s Twilight and Octavia. We just wanted to see how you were.”

The pair stood together, waiting for a response. But it never came. Sharing another nervous glance, Octavia decided to call through. “Pinkie? We wanted to thank you for the party last night.”

No response.

Twilight took a quick look down the hallway, wondering if her friend might be hiding somewhere. This isn’t like her. This isn’t like her at all. She knocked on the door once again, this time twisting the door handle. The door wouldn’t budge.

“Pinkie!” she called once again. “Pinkie, this isn’t funny!” A chill crept down her spine as she had a horrible thought spring to mind. Charging her horn, she sent a bolt of purple lightning at the door handle, wrenching the lock until it pried open and splintering the wooden frame.

The two of them barged in, stopping dead in their tracks after just a few steps.

What they saw shook them to their very core.

Chapter 8 - And Then It's Gone

Chapter 8 – And Then It’s Gone

Two days later

Applejack stood in the doorway, almost speechless at the sight of the troubled mare before her. She wanted to wrap a hoof around her and explain that everything was alright, but she could only stare blankly.

“Is Big Mac home?” the other mare repeated, an emotion somewhere between desperation and sadness in her voice.

Applejack placed a hoof to her mouth. Never had she seen her friend quite like this. “Ah don’t know where he is but—”

“Then I should come back later.” With that, the pink-maned pony turned away.

Her brain suddenly jolting into gear, Applejack leapt after her. “Wait!” she cried, clamping a foreleg around her friend’s shoulder. “Maybe y-you should come inside. Ah can fix you up somethin’ if you’re hungry.” She looked over the sullen mare, feeling her heart sink into her chest.

There was no response at first, but eventually the other mare nodded in agreement and trotted slowly back to the Apple family home. She was led into a large room with a crackling fire and instructed to take a seat. After a few moments of family chit-chat, Applejack shut the dining room door behind her and took a seat next to her friend. She cut to the chase.

“Big Mac’s been actin’ awful strangely too,” she whispered softly, trying to be as caring as possible. “Somethin’ happened at the party, didn’t it?”

Fluttershy took a deep breath before answering. “Something like that.”

Two days earlier

Twilight was lost for words. Before her, the usually lively, cheerful and fun-loving mare was led face down on her bed in a pool of her own tears. But there was no sound of sniffling. No wails. No cries. Pinkie wasn’t making a sound…

Octavia could only look on, mortified. The unicorn charged breathlessly towards the pink mare and pulled her up. “Pinkie!” she cried, lifting up the pony’s head and pulling it towards her. “Pinkie, what’s—”

“I just wanted to make her happy…”

Twilight remained still for a moment, both her mind and breath caught by some invisible force.

“I just… w-wanted to…”

The pink-coated earth pony threw her forelegs around Twilight, a cascade of tears streaming down her face. He voice came out as a series of bleak, muffled sobs. “I promised her a h-happy ever after, and now she… I’ve broken a promise, and she’s gonna hate me because… because…” She finally opened her eyes, the dazzling blue overshadowed by the oppressive red of overworked blood vessels. “Because Big Mac, he… he kissed me. I think… I think he loves me.”

Octavia had managed to break from her stupor and joined her filly-friend in comforting the poor mare. This wasn’t anything like the usual, comical Pinkie cry. This was something much more heart-wrenching, something indescribable beyond the sheer pain that even listening to it caused. To even bear witness to it was almost too much for Twilight to handle, so for Pinkie…

“Shhh… It’s going to be okay,” Twilight whispered, running a hoof through the mare’s mane. She didn’t know exactly what had set her off, but Pinkie’s previous words had given her a few ideas. Oh goodness, Pinkie, what have you done? “I need to know what happened, Pinkie. You said something about Big Mac.”

Pinkie took a few deep breaths, trying desperately to piece her words together in a way that wouldn’t overload her with sorrow once again. It didn’t seem all that plausible, though, so she did what she always tried to do when she was down in the dumps. She smiled, and tried to look on the bright side of life.

“I see you two are getting along together,” she said with a forced grin, her bottom lip quivering uncontrollably. “At least I did something right.”

Twilight pressed her forehead to Pinkie’s, trying her best to keep herself calm, lest she worsen the state of the troubled mare. She noticed Octavia turn her head, unable to resist cracking under pressure.

“Take it slow, Pinkie,” the unicorn instructed. “Tell me what’s going on.”

And so, Pinkie did. It took longer than expected and was broken up by the occasional bout of spilt tears, but she managed to explain her match-making plans, Fluttershy’s feelings for Big Mac, and finally, Big Mac’s revelation to her amidst the downpour. Once she finished, she hung her head limply, taking deep, deliberate breaths.

Twilight took a few moments to go over each detail in her mind, trying not to let either pure rationality or bubbling emotion get the better of her. She could hardly believe that while she and Octavia had been getting to know each other, a whole other world of hopes and dreams had crumbled. Pinkie, Fluttershy, Big Mac… It had gone so horribly wrong for all of them.

“Okay, Pinkie. Now listen to me. Fluttershy isn’t going to hate you.”

“But I got her hopes up so much, told her that she could be happy! I just wanted what was best for her, and I really thought Big Mac would…” She trailed off, shaking her head slowly. “I never thought that he’d like me.”

“It is how it is,” Twilight said softly, sitting herself next to the mare. Octavia did the same, most of her tears now brushed away. “But like I said, Fluttershy won’t hate you.”

“Well maybe she should. I hate me.”

Twilight physically recoiled at Pinkie’s words. “You don’t mean that, Pinkie. And even if you did, you shouldn’t feel that way. You’re a great friend, and I’m sure Fluttershy knows it too. Don’t forget, you planned everything for her. You didn’t have to do that, you did it because you care about her, you want her to be happy.”

Pinkie nodded sadly in response.

“And it’s not like you went off with Big Mac behind her back. Believe me when I say that if you had, we’d be having a very different conversation right now.”

Pinkie broke into a nervous giggle, smiling for the first time that day. “I guess you’re right.” She stared off into the distance for a short while, stuck in deep thought. “You girls can leave me alone now,” she said simply. “You two want to be spending some quality time together I bet, and I can’t be all selfish by making you stay here.”

“If… If you’re absolutely sure,” Twilight replied, looking worriedly to her filly-friend. “We can stay for a while if you want.”

“No, it’s fine,” Pinkie assured, prodding the unicorn’s nose playfully. “Don’t you worry about little old me. I’m Pinkie Pie, remember? Smile, smile, smile and all that?” The pink mare wasn’t sure who she was trying to convince more, Twilight or herself.

“Okay, I understand,” Twilight replied with a half-grin. “You need some alone time for a while. Just remember that your friends are here for you, should you ever need us.” She ran her hoof through Pinkie’s straightened mane, secretly wondering when she would see its usual bounciness return. “Though I think there’s one pony who needs you.”

Pinkie sighed, wiping away the tears from her face. “Fluttershy.”

Twilight nodded. “Right. When you start feeling a bit better, I think you should go pay her a visit. You know more about Fluttershy’s situation than anypony, and I bet she could really use your support.”

Pinkie sniffed, forcing another short-lived smile. “You’re right. I just… I just need some time.”

Twilight gave her friend one last hug and crept slowly towards the door. She paused for a moment, one last thing on her mind. “And Pinkie?”

“Yeah?”

“Just don’t… do anything that you might regret.” The poisonous undertones of her seemingly innocent advice left a bitter taste in Twilight’s mouth, making her wish she hadn’t said anything at all.

Pinkie gave a small nod in response and the two other mares left the room. Their hoof-steps growing more distant, Pinkie led back onto her pillow and sighed deeply. Sorry, Twilight. Too late for that, she thought, grabbing a distressed-looking Gummy from atop her chest of drawers and pulling him into a tight cuddle.

“Stupid Pinkie…”

“Ah’m fine.”

“No ya ain’t!” Applejack shot back in annoyance, becoming frustrated by her brother’s incessant lies. Being the Element of Honesty gave her a decidedly keen sense of whether somepony was telling the truth, and right now, every alarm bell inside her head was ringing without abandon. With all the work that had to be done, she wanted things resolved as quickly as possible. “Ah don’t mean to get angry with you, but if you’d just tell me… Now where in the hay are you goin’?”

Big Mac mumbled something in response and kept on walking aimlessly through the orchard.

“What? Can you speak up?”

“Ah said Ah’m going to the far-fields!” he yelled, the usually stoic stallion clenching his teeth and glaring at her. “Ah could do with the walk.”

Applejack’s stubbornness faltered as she stared back into his eyes, a lone tear crawling down his cheek. Never before had he spoken to her like this. In fact, in all the years that she’d known him, and despite being the closest pair of siblings this side of Equestria, she’d never seen him like this.

Without another word he turned and began pacing rapidly towards the far side of Sweet Apple Acres, grabbing a wooden basket in one swift movement along the way. He’d gone from unabashed cheerfulness to… this, in just one day. Applejack wanted to run up to him and find out what was wrong, to talk him through his problems like they’d always done since they were foals. And yet, she was scared. So very scared. With a nervous sigh, she turned on her hoof and got to work.

Oh, how he wished he could talk. Oh, how he wished he wasn’t some pitiful little bunny. In his own mind, Angel imagined himself cradling Fluttershy’s head and stroking through her mane, holding her close as she wept into his shoulder. And then he’d tell her that everything would be alright, that he would help her through this. She’d smile back at him, and he’d remind her of all the good things in life. He’d tell her to forget that nasty Big Mac. After all, running out on her like that was completely out of order. He’d do everything in his power to make sure that she was never hurt again. He’d offer the most sagely of advice, and maybe she’d thank him, a small glimmer of happiness in her eyes. Of course, if only he could talk. If only he wasn’t a bunny.

Fluttershy hadn’t moved from her bed, her mane splayed messily across the headboard. She hugged her duvet cover tightly as Angel and a host of other critters crowded around, many with their heads hung solemnly. Her cries had died down to mere whimpers now, but she was in no condition to live out a normal day. The beautiful red dress that Rarity had made was now crumpled into an old wardrobe, out of sight.

“Ah’m so sorry, Fluttershy.”

Big Mac’s fateful words played over and over again in her mind. How could he have left her there like that? Didn’t he like her? Or maybe… Maybe he really was in a relationship with Cheerilee, but he was keeping it a secret from everypony, even Applejack. And so when Pinkie asked her… It would explain everything. He didn’t freak out until the moment I kissed him, and now…

“I’m going to die alone,” Fluttershy mumbled.

No you won’t, Angel wished he could say, tears now rolling down his own cheeks. No you won’t…

The next day

It was around two in the afternoon when Fluttershy finally found the strength to pull herself out of bed. She smiled to Angel — who had been curled up at the foot of her bed — and the ever loyal bunny followed, looking decidedly pleased that his owner was finally up and about. She was still far from happy though, as he quickly noticed.

“Are you hungry?” Fluttershy asked. “We could share a bowl of lettuce if you wanted.”

Angel nodded cheerfully as the two of them plodded on into the kitchen. Fluttershy quickly whipped up the meagre meal and took a look outside. I haven’t fed the chickens today, she thought. Taking just a few bites from a lettuce leaf, she soldiered on, tending to the rest of her animals. It was an odd experience doing it in the afternoon as opposed to early morning, but it kept her mind busy as she greeted the rest of her critter friends. They all greeted her with beaming smiles and harmonious chirps. And so, she smiled back, willing herself to feel even a fraction of the happiness that they felt. What was it that Pinkie always said? That if you give a smile, you get a smile? Yes… There was some truth in that, she supposed.

And so she continued on with what would be any normal day. The cottage wasn’t going to clean itself. She had her precious animals, the ones who doted on her more than anyone. She could at least comfort herself with that, but…

Isn’t that what got me depressed in the first place? That I’m not good enough for anypony? That I’m best left out of the way while everypony else socialises and lives their lives in a normal way? Just so that strange little Fluttershy can live all alone while Big Mac marries Cheerilee and lives a happy life. And they’ll have foals, not like unlikeable Fluttershy. Nopony to care for her, nopony to be part of a family with. No family. No Big Macintosh…

Fluttershy hadn’t even realised that she’d been crying until she was snapped back to reality by a distressed bunny clutching at her fore-hoof.

“I can’t do it, Angel,” she whispered. “I just… I don’t know what to—”

There was a knock at the door.

Fluttershy made no attempt to answer it, instead slinking quietly over to her couch and curling herself up. She knew her friends would want to speak to her some time. Probably out of pity, she cursed inwardly. Poor little Fluttershy, so pathetic and helpless.

There was another knock followed by a familiar voice. “Fluttershy? It’s me. I know you probably don’t want to see me right now, but I at least want to talk to you.”

Fluttershy perked up, wanting to call back but unsure what to even say.

“I just wanted you to know that I’m sorry. About… About everything. I got your hopes up and then I…” The voice was followed by a series of muffled sobs. “And I ruined everything…”

Fluttershy raced to the door, swung it open and wrapped her hooves around Pinkie, the two mares locking into a tearful embrace. As if to echo their emotions, a light drizzle fell from the sky, dousing their coats with a thin layer of water droplets. Without any words, Fluttershy pulled her friend inside and out of the rain.

“It’s a lot warmer in here,” Pinkie remarked, forcing a smile. “Fluttershy, I’m so—”

“You have nothing to be sorry for,” Fluttershy affirmed, pulling Pinkie into another tight hug. “You did what you thought was right. You were trying to make me happy. I… I’m thankful that you tried.”

“But I failed,” Pinkie muttered, her smile gone in an instant. “I was so sure that he liked you. I thought you two would make such a lovely couple and I… I didn’t even realise that he—”

“It’s okay, it’s okay. I shouldn’t have gotten my hopes up so much. For all I know, Cheerilee deserves to be with him more than I do.”

“Cheerilee?” Pinkie asked, her voice receding to little more than a whimper. “No, Fluttershy. It was never about Cheerilee.”

“It wasn’t?”

Pinkie took a deep breath and gazed wearily into Fluttershy’s eyes. “Take a seat, Fluttershy. I’ll… I’ll tell you everything.”

Chapter 9 - Whatever It Takes

Chapter 9 – Whatever It Takes

One day later

Applejack planted a bowl of hot soup onto the table in front of Fluttershy. The poor pegasus looked practically famished, but a portion of Granny’s famous apple, pecan and spring vegetable soup was just a hair short of an elixir in those circumstances. Fluttershy thanked her for the meal and slurped it down, but not without peering outside at the first sign of noise. Without a doubt, she was desperate to speak to Mac.

“You feelin’ better now, sugarcube?”

Fluttershy nodded, giving a small smile. “Yes. Thank you, Applejack.”

The farm pony sat herself next to her and placed a hoof on her shoulder. “You want to tell me what’s goin’ on? Ah gotta be honest, you’ve got me mighty worried.”

“Big Mac hasn’t told you?”

Applejack shook her head. “Not a word. But Ah know it must be somethin’ big to get old iron chest to go mopin’ around the place.”

Fluttershy sighed. “I guess you deserve to know. It all started when…”

Three days earlier

“It was you,” Big Mac croaked, drawing in shallow breaths. “It was always you.”

This wasn’t meant to happen. This wasn’t meant…

Pinkie started to cry. Everything she’d worked for, everything she’d done to try and make her friend happy had gone so terribly wrong. I should have realised it sooner, I should have… But did everything rest on what she should have done? Was everything lost? Pinkie pulled herself up from the mud and broke into another gallop. No. I can still… I can still try… I need to know for certain if…

“Mac!” she hollered into the night, spotting his silhouette in the distance, his form obscured by the thick, wintry fog. She paced ahead, tears still streaming from her eyes. “Wait!”

Big Mac stopped and turned towards her voice. If there was any chance, any chance at all… He had to stay. He couldn’t leave things the way they were. “Pinkie…?”

Pinkie soon appeared a few steps in front of him, her mane dripping wet from the rain. She caught her breath and wiped the tears from her eyes. “Why, Mac? Why couldn’t you have just…? If only you knew how much Fluttershy thought of you.”

“That’s why Ah couldn’t,” he said glumly, sighing deeply. “Seein’ her just now in the pretty red dress, holdin’ onto me… Ah thought for a moment — just a moment — that Ah could just dance with her and be done with it, chalk it up to the alcohol. Ah didn’t mean—”

“But didn’t you think she was beautiful? Don’t you think she’s amazing? C-couldn’t you have made it work?” Pinkie pleaded. “Y-you don’t know how hard she’s been trying.”

“Of course she’s beautiful. But if she likes me so much, Ah just can’t go any further.” Big Mac hung his head in shame, unable to fight his own tears anymore. “If Ah did, Ah’d only be doin’ it to make you jealous. Ain’t nothin’ noble about that.”

“Why… Why couldn’t you just…” Pinkie fell to the ground and began beating her hooves into the dirt, expelling her anger and sadness. “Why!? Why!? Why!? It’s not fair! It’s just not—”

Big Mac brought his hooves around her upper body and cradled her. Pinkie submitted, resting her forehead into his chest and bawling. He ran a hoof through her mane — something he had dreamed of doing for so long — and wrapped his forelegs around her.

“Do you remember that day?” he whispered, feeling her tears accompany the raindrops as they trickled over his fur. “When you started singing a song that got everypony smiling?”

“Smile… smile… smile…” Pinkie muttered under her breath, letting her body fall limply against him in exhaustion.

“You found those two little fillies who were down in the dumps, and you made them smile, just like that. And then you hopped into mah cart, and somethin’ took over. You managed to make us happy so easily, so quickly.”

“I… I remember…”

Big Mac brought her head up gently. “Ah don’t think you realise how happy you made me that day. How happy you still make me.”

“But… I just—”

Big Mac pressed his lips to hers, running a hoof across her shoulder. He wanted this moment to last forever. After all the pain he’d felt, after all the pain he’d caused… Something had to give. Something good had to come of all this. As bad as he felt for Fluttershy, he had to fight for what he wanted. He had to—

After no more than two seconds, Mac felt something strike him across the face. He barely recoiled, but brought a hoof to his cheek in shock, feeling the pain ripple across his skin. Pinkie stood before him, looking at her hoof with a terrified expression.

“Pinkie, Ah—”

“No!” she bellowed, stomping her hoof down. “Don’t say another word! Just stay away from me! I… I don’t love you and I never will! You hear me!? Stay away!”

“Pinkie, don’t go…”

But it was too late. Pinkie had already sped off into the distance. As she neared Sugarcube Corner, she paused. Trembling at the knees and feeling the need to physically vomit, she crawled out of the rain and collapsed underneath a large oak tree. She brought her right hoof to her face again, still feeling the impact of battering Big Mac. Here she was, The Element of Laughter, reduced to violence that wasn’t even deserved. She thought of Fluttershy, crying in the middle of the dance-floor. How could she go back to her now, after what she’d done? Fluttershy was the sweetest, most innocent creature in all of Ponyville. She’ll never forgive me. She’ll hate me.

With her will spent, she curled up against the trunk, shivering in the cold. It would be another three hours before she was awoken by a horrible nightmare and sent crawling back home, Big Mac’s cries echoing in her mind.

Two days later

“So that’s what happened,” Pinkie said sadly, her mouth and throat getting inexplicably drier. She hung her head down, not wanting to look at Fluttershy. Or at least, she didn’t want to see Fluttershy looking at her.

“I see,” the trembling pegasus whispered, relaying Pinkie’s tale over and over in her mind.

“You must hate me,” Pinkie muttered, a fresh batch of tears appearing. “If you want me to go, just say the word. I’ll… I’ll understand.”

“Pinkie, I don’t hate you,” Fluttershy sighed, scooting across to the other side of the sofa and resting her head on the quivering mare’s back. “I’m just… It’s a lot to take in. A lot to think about.”

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry about everything.” Pinkie finally turned back to her friend and the pair locked themselves into a tight cuddle, desperate to find some comfort at a time like this. “You mean so much to me, Fluttershy. I wanted to repay you for how happy you make me, how much of a good friend you are.”

“I know.”

“And when I saw you with Big Mac on that night, I saw this look on your face, and I just thought—”

“Pinkie, can we not talk about that for just a minute?”

Pinkie was startled by her friend’s harsh tone. Coming to the conclusion that she’d hurt Fluttershy more than she could have ever expected, she wrapped her forelegs around her even tighter and ran a hoof across her back, something to show — without any more hurtful words — just how sorry she was. But the yellow pegasus stayed silent.

Finally, after about ten minutes without a word being said between them, Fluttershy spoke up. “Thank you.”

“F-for what?” Pinkie stammered.

“For thinking of me.” Fluttershy pulled herself away from Pinkie’s embrace to reveal a smile. “You saw a chance for me to be happy and you did whatever you could to make it come true. You’re more than just a funny, friendly mare who throws parties. You’re a truly… A truly amazing pony.” She paused, her gaze shifting awkwardly to the floor. “It’s no wonder Big Mac has feelings for you. You bring more happiness to this world than anyone I know.”

“Don’t say that!” Pinkie exclaimed, grabbing hold of her friend once again. “Don’t put yourself down below me, of all ponies. Not after what I’ve done… Not just to you, but to Mac as well.”

Fluttershy was about to dismiss Pinkie’s statement without a second thought, when something stopped her. She thought back on what Pinkie had told her — the events that transpired while she was drowning in tears in the middle of Sugarcube Corner, clinging onto Vinyl Scratch as her world fell apart and her heart split in two.

I’m jealous, she said inwardly, feeling her heart stretch and strain at this new revelation. She felt awful for even thinking it, but the mental image of Pinkie and Mac sharing a kiss under the stars made her stomach lurch. It seemed so unfair. She was the one who’d tried her best to impress Big Mac; she was the one who’d spent hours on end plagued by bitter anxiety. And she was the one who’d spent her time at night — huddled up with her duvet covers in bed — wishing for that magical moment when she could hold Mac close. The kiss they’d shared on the dance-floor meant nothing to him. And yet, the kiss he’d shared with Pinkie…

“Fluttershy, what’s wrong?” Pinkie asked, looking into her eyes with confused worry. “You’re… You’re mad at me, aren’t you?” The pink earth pony shuffled herself away slightly, appearing strangely content. A weak smile came across her face. “It’s okay. I… I don’t blame you. I deserve it.”

“No, Pinkie. You don’t deserve it,” Fluttershy said firmly. “And that’s the problem.”

“I don’t understand. What do you mean?”

Just imagine it, a voice at the back of Fluttershy’s mind teased. Big Mac pushing Pinkie Pie up against a tree and running his hooves all over her body, his tongue weaving its way across her neck. Then as she kisses his cheek he begs for more, wanting her more than anything in the world. Not even so much as a distant thought about pathetic little Fluttershy…

“I’m jealous of you,” she croaked. “But… I know I shouldn’t be. Pinkie, you did nothing wrong. And yet, I’m still jealous of you.” She sniffed, wiping away at her eyes. “I’m supposed to be the Element of Kindness, and look at me!”

“And I’m supposed to be the Element of Laughter,” Pinkie muttered sadly. “But I can’t even cheer up one of my bestest friends when she needs me the most. All I’ve done since I got here is make things worse. Maybe… Maybe I should go.”

“No! Don’t go! Please!” Fluttershy jumped forward and grabbed Pinkie by the hoof. “I shouldn’t have even said anything. You… You shouldn’t feel guilty at all about—” She kissed him, didn’t she? She didn’t have to let that happen. What was her excuse? Fluttershy shook her head briefly in an attempt to cast away her damning thoughts. “Just don’t leave, okay? I… I don’t want to be alone.”

Pinkie smiled, gently running a hoof across Fluttershy’s shoulder. “It’s alright, Fluttershy. I don’t want to be alone either.”

Feeling the onset of hunger, Fluttershy agreed to fetch them both some tea and scones. Rather than wolf the food down as per usual, Pinkie stayed much more reserved, nibbling at her meal and politely sipping from her mug. She wished she could crack a joke and get raise her friend’s spirits again, but she just couldn’t. Her mere company would have to be enough as she complimented her friend’s herbal tea and engaged in meagre small talk about the animals scurrying around the house. Fluttershy was at least beyond the realms of sulking in silence, but that wasn’t enough. And yet for all her experience cheering ponies up as the Element of Laughter, nothing sprang to mind. All she could think about was how much pain Fluttershy had been put through, and how much she was responsible for it.

Fluttershy slowly chomped through her scone, offering a piece to Angel, who had snuggled up to her with a deflated expression. Her mind was abuzz as she relived everything that had happened over the last few weeks. But most of all, she thought about Pinkie and Mac together in the rain, the stallion exposing his true feelings for her. She didn’t think her friend was lying. Pinkie had literally struggled to get the information out, her words chained down by guilt and regret. Pinkie could quite easily have made something up so that she wasn’t in any way incriminated, but she chose not to lie. At least, that’s what Fluttershy told herself to believe. Still, there was something Pinkie had said that brought other things to mind, things that she’d never even considered before now…

She’s jealous of me, Pinkie thought to herself. Of course she is! Another voice at the back of her mind rasped. And she’s so angry at you, too! You’ve messed everything up for everyone, all because you were stupid, all because you stopped putting other ponies first. Pinkie lowered her head for a moment, recollecting herself. She knew that she had to make this all better somehow. Fluttershy’s happiness was her top priority.

But then there was also the case of Big Mac. For all intents and purposes, she’d broken his heart with utmost brutality. She didn’t let him down gently like she should have. How must he feel right now? She would have to say sorry to him, but then what would Fluttershy think if she was to speak to him again? Would she suspect that something was going on between them? After all, the moment she lashed out at him and swore that she could never love him, he wasn’t the one she was trying to convince.

After finishing their meal, Fluttershy began tending to more of her animals, placing out plastic bowls filled with treats around the cottage. Pinkie offered to help, and did so with the utmost care. It was surprisingly therapeutic for the pair of them, and many of the animals warmed up to Pinkie in an instant, which helped cheer her up.

Maybe we can just forget about it, Pinkie said inwardly. Maybe we can just take a deep breath, never talk about it ever again and let life carry on. It was a pleasant thought, and it didn’t seem to have a downside. Except, perhaps, for her friendship with Big Mac and possibly Applejack. But if everyone could just play along and pretend everything was fine, maybe it could work. Pinkie’s spirits had begun to creep higher and higher when Fluttershy broke the silence between them.

“Pinkie, I’ve been thinking,” she sighed, taking a seat. “And I want to make sure of something.”

Pinkie nodded. She had a feeling that Fluttershy might have issues with her story, or might not even believe her, but that was fine. So long as she could put her adorable friend’s mind at rest then everything would be just peachy. She hadn’t lied to her, so there was nothing to worry about.

“It’s about some of the things you’ve said. And… I need you to be honest with me.”

“It’s okay, Fluttershy. Ask away.”

“Right.” Fluttershy pursed her lips, appearing increasingly anxious. “Do you remember when you first planned all this? You know, when you took me up to Sweet Apple Acres, and then later you took me to Rarity’s for that dress?”

Pinkie looked back confusedly. Why is she asking me about that? “Um… I sure do,” she replied.

“I never really thought about it before, but…” Fluttershy steeled herself, taking a deep breath. “The way you spoke about Mac — I’d never heard you speak about anypony that way before.”

Pinkie felt a lump form in her throat. “I… I’m not sure what you mean.”

“You called him Ponyville’s sexiest bachelor,” Fluttershy said, stone-faced. “Even when you first took me to him, you said something like—”

“He’s pretty hot, right?” Pinkie quoted nervously, her cheeks growing red. “I… I was just… I don’t know why I said that, I mean, I was just trying to… Um…”

“Is that really all?” Fluttershy asked, staring deep into Pinkie’s eyes. “You just said those things because you were trying to make me feel better about liking him?”

Pinkie opened her mouth to speak, but quickly hung her head dejectedly. “What does it matter? This isn’t about how I feel about him, this is about you. I’m here to help you.”

Fluttershy slinked her way over to Pinkie and grasped her in gentle hug. “So it is true. Pinkie, if you really felt that way, why did you do everything to help me be with him? Why didn’t you—”

“Because who would’ve expected him to like me!?” Pinkie exclaimed. “Be serious, Fluttershy. Who could’ve possibly predicted the quiet farm colt would’ve wanted somepony like me? I’m loud, I’m obnoxious, I’m annoying…” She wrapped her hooves around Fluttershy’s neck and pressed her chin into her shoulder. “I never thought in a million years that he’d feel this way. It doesn’t matter, anyway.”

“What doesn’t matter? Pinkie, if ‘d known you had feelings for him, things could’ve been different.”

“Like what?” Pinkie sniffed. “Like some sort of challenge where we both try to win him over? I wouldn’t even want to imagine something like that.”

“No, that’s not what I meant,” Fluttershy whispered. “But Pinkie, why do all this for me? To not go after him is one thing but, why help me?”

Pinkie took a deep breath in an effort to steady her nerves. “Because when I saw you through the window, I could tell right away that you liked him. And then it clicked. Fluttershy and Big Mac — the perfect couple. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought of it sooner. And so I thought that if I got you two together, I could forget all about him. I… I thought I could move on.”

Pinkie felt exhausted, but somehow relieved. Her secret crush had been exposed, and it felt both right and wrong in equal measure. But one thing was for sure. She couldn’t let this affect her friendship with Fluttershy. If anything, for them to both sit in the realms of failure would be better. At least then she could be there for her. She’d accepted having no chance with Big Mac, and no matter how he felt, it would have to make no difference. Fluttershy was what she’d fought for all this time, and that wasn’t about to change.

Fluttershy held onto her friend as tightly as she could, not even stopping to wipe away at her own tears. She could hardly believe it. All of her crying and moping around, her refusal to look at things in a positive light… I really am pathetic, she cursed inwardly. And yet Pinkie had been willing to forego her own feelings just to help her. If she’d noticed Pinkie taking a shine to Big Mac she’d have hid herself away, secretly hoping that her friend would fail. So what does that make me? It sure doesn’t sound like something the Element of Kindness would do… No. I have to make it up to her. No matter how much it hurts and how much I cry, I’m not about to forsake my friend for my own selfish needs!

“Pinkie, I want you to know something,” Fluttershy began, loosening the hug just a little. “If you and Mac have a chance together, you can’t let—”

“No! No!” Pinkie cried, shaking her head wildly. “I’d never do it, not in a million, bazillion years! I couldn’t dream of doing that!”

“But I can’t stop you,” Fluttershy continued. “You wouldn’t be doing anything wrong.”

“Yes I would!” Pinkie exclaimed, throwing her hooves up in the air. “I’d be making you sad, and on purpose! And I’d have to stop seeing you or things would get awkward! No. No! I’m not going to let that happen!”

“But I’d be okay!” Fluttershy argued. “I’d get over it!”

“That’s not good enough!” Pinkie shrieked. She paused for a moment, bringing her erratic breathing back into control and calming herself down. Beginning again, she spoke quietly and steadily. “You know what means more to me than anything else in the world? Seeing my friends smile. You know what I hate more than anything else in the world? Seeing my friends not smile. And even if I didn’t have to see you not smiling, I’d still hate that a lot. So please, Fluttershy. Can’t we just forget about all this and pretend like it never happened? Please.”

Fluttershy was shocked. She knew that Pinkie might have been opposed to the idea, but her reaction was far more defensive than she’d expected. She could understand where Pinkie was coming from, but… If they pretended like it never happened; if things really did go back to the way things were, would it be any better? She was still lonely little Fluttershy, wishing for a life that seemed impossible. Still so alone…

“Okay, Pinkie,” Fluttershy said hesitantly. “We’ll stop talking about it.”

“Stop talking about what?” Pinkie chirped, a cheeky smile creeping onto her face.

Fluttershy smiled back, the oppressive atmosphere lifting. “I have no idea,” she said with a smirk, eliciting a small giggle from Pinkie.

The pink earth pony took a brief look outside. “It’s getting pretty late,” she remarked, gazing at the maroon-coloured evening sky. Time had passed a lot quicker than she’d anticipated. “I guess I’d better get going. It’d be rude of me to outstay my welcome, even though I have made a habit out of it in the past.”

“Or… you could stay,” Fluttershy suggested, blushing a little. “I’ve heard about these ‘slumber parties’ before, but I’ve never had one myself.”

“Slumber party!?” Pinkie cried out, leaping into the air and hovering momentarily. “I love slumber parties! At least, I must love slumber parties. I love all kinds of parties!”

“Then it’s settled,” Fluttershy chuckled, watching as Pinkie bounded about the room, her demeanour returning to its original, kooky splendour. It was difficult not to crack a smile when Pinkie got like this. In fact, it was exactly what she needed — a reason to smile. If she was being honest, the idea for having a slumber party just came out, but it seemed appropriate, not to mention a lot less needy-sounding than the truth. She didn’t want to be alone tonight. If anything, she would feel abandoned again. Not only that, but there was something else. While Pinkie didn’t want Big Mac brought up again, something still didn’t add up. She wasn’t sure, but she had a niggling feeling that Pinkie needed support more than she was letting on. As for why that might be… It pained her to think about it. “So what should we do first?”

Soon enough, the two friends began getting everything ready. While they didn’t have marshmallows to toast over the fire (and the fact that it was too late for anywhere that would sell them to be open) they soon found that cherries made an adequate substitute. Even Angel got in on the action, but was soon disallowed after accidentally setting fire to his stick and dropping it on the rug. There was no damage — and the two ponies got a laugh out of it after their frantic scramble to put the fire out — so at least that didn’t end in more misery.

As for telling ghost stories, despite Fluttershy’s sweetly voiced delivery and barely frightening tale of a gingerbread man coming to life and destroying sweet shops, Pinkie hung on her every word, eventually gripping Angel like a stuffed teddy and letting out a terrified shriek upon Fluttershy’s finishing line, “And the candy canes were never seen again!” Suffice to say, Angel soon tired of this treatment and bounded off in a huff. As soon as he’d left the room Pinkie pulled the grumpiest face she could manage and hopped around on her hind legs, causing Fluttershy to fall about in a fit of giggles at such a perfect impersonation of her beloved pet.

Eventually, night fell, and the two friends snuggled up beside one another in Fluttershy’s bed. On any other occasion this might have been somewhat awkward, but for some reason it all felt natural, as if their previous ordeal had suddenly broken down a barrier that prevented them from showing their care and affection for one another. And given their fragile emotional states, this kind of comfort meant a lot.

“Nighty night!” Pinkie said excitedly before wrapping her hooves around Fluttershy and pulling her close. Though initially taken off guard, Fluttershy found herself growing warmer and more comfortable by the second, a nice alternative on these cold winter nights.

“Good night, Pinkie,” she whispered back, blowing out the oil lamp and flopping her head onto the pillow. Her feelings of jealousy and contempt were subsiding, if only gradually. And yet, she couldn’t help but feel guilty for all of this. As right as it felt to be there in that moment, something was missing. In fact, something felt wholly wrong. But as two days of exhaustion caught up with her, she soon succumbed to a deep sleep.

Pinkie was awake for a while longer. Being as excitable as she was, she always found it difficult to drift off, though Fluttershy’s hypnotic breathing alleviated that somewhat. Sensing that the pegasus had fallen asleep, she smiled to herself. All that time spent crying into her pillow — afraid that Fluttershy might hate her — and she’d finally managed to make the young mare smile again. She wasn’t going to win any happiness awards, but it still meant everything to her. And yet as she let her body go limp and allowed the land of nod to finally take over, for a moment — just a moment — she wished that it wasn’t Fluttershy who lay beside her. Still smiling, a tear escaped and dripped down her cheek as she finally fell into a world of dreams.

“How could Ah be so stupid?” Big Mac muttered, wiping away his newly formed tears.

Cheerilee patted his neck caringly, silently cursing Pinkie Pie for doing what she’d done to him. I guess she finally showed her true colours. All that crap about making ponies smile and she does this? What a heartless bitch…

“Don’t go blaming yourself,” she cooed, still shocked by the sight of such a hulking stallion reduced to tears. She’d tended to young foals who’d been bullied or those who’d lost something of value, but this was different. “If that’s the way she treats you then you don’t need her,” Cheerilee said affirmatively. “You deserve somepony better.”

“But what if Ah don’t want somepony else?” Big Mac asked, shaking his head solemnly.

“After the way she treated you? Kicking you in the face is the last straw, Mac. There’s no way in Equestria you should stand for that. In a way, you’re lucky you found this out sooner. Could you imagine dating her and then finding out she was like this?” As much as Cheerilee wanted to break into a full-blown rant, she knew that she needed to stay calm for Mac’s sake. He was the one who was hurting the most, and he was the one who needed all the support he could get.

“Ah guess Ah forgive her for that,” Mac said sadly. “Ah mean, Ah did kind of up ‘n’ kiss her out of the blue. “

“That doesn’t make what she did any better. Mac, I know it hurts to hear this but you need to let her go. There’s plenty of other mares out there who’d jump at the chance to be with you.”

“Ah know what you’re sayin’. And Ah know how Ah’ve been wastin’ mah time chasin’ after her. Well, not so much chasin’ as just wishin’.” Big Mac rested his head against the sofa and looked up to the ceiling, his mind wandering. “Ah had these crazy ideas about us getting’ married an’ goin’ on all sorts of trips around Equestria. With her around, nothin’ would be boring. It’d be excitin’.” He lowered his head back down. “Ah ain’t had much o’ that since mah folks passed. An’ she’s just so… Ah ain’t even got the words for it.”

Cheerilee rested her head on his shoulder, feeling every ounce of regret and loneliness drip from his words. She’d felt this way many years ago. Back when a pony called Tour-De Force swept her off her hooves, only for her to find out that the supposed saint already had a filly-friend. She had moved on from him, just as Mac would move on from Pinkie. But it was never an easy thing to do. Sometimes, ponies just needed a helping hoof.

“Thanks for listenin’ to me,” Big Mac sighed, his eyes closed as he tried relaxing his mind. “Ah don’t mean to burden you with all mah prob—”

Cheerilee pressed her lips to Mac’s mouth and held there for just a moment, her left hoof running through his mane. Slowly, she brought her head back and stared deeply into his eyes.

“W-hat are ya doing?” Big Mac asked in shock, his heart pounding at the inside of his chest.

“I’m trying to help you,” Cheerilee whispered back, craning her hind leg over Mac’s torso and pulling herself onto him. “Don’t pretend you’ve never thought about it.”

“But—”

“Don’t you go worrying,” Cheerilee said softly, a smile coming to her face. “It can mean as much or as little to you as you want. You don’t need to commit to anything, Mac. I’m doing this for you.”

Big Mac stared at his friend in awe, not even sure what to make of anything. “You really mean it, don’t you?”

“Of course I do,” she replied, running a hoof slowly down his chest and feeling it contract against her touch. “I want to make you feel better, feel loved.” She pulled her hips towards him, her body quivering with anticipation. “Whatever it takes.”

Chapter 10 - Happy Ever After?

Chapter 10 – Happy Ever After?

Big Mac sighed to himself once again as he plodded along the dirt track leading to Sweet Apple Acres. So much had happened in just a few short days and despite his best efforts to work past them, so far he’d only managed to dig himself deeper into the trench.

He was the stallion of the house, the one who needed to be strong for the rest of them. But now, he was stuck acting like a downtrodden colt pushing his family away from him. Applebloom would be too young to hear about his ordeal. He didn’t even want to hear what advice Granny Smith might dump on him, and Applejack… It just seemed wrong to go telling his sister tales about her best friends. And so he’d unloaded his problems onto Cheerilee. An’ look how that turned out, he mused regrettably.

Were they still friends, or had things been changed forever? Was there any way of going back? Did he want to go back? All in all, just trying to make sense of his feelings gave him a headache. He was hungry, too. On any other day he might consider stopping off at Sugarcube Corner for a bite to eat, but that would probably be the stupidest thing possible. In actual fact, he’d purposely taken an alternate route from Cheerilee’s house in order to steer well clear of there.

Big Mac swung open the wooden gate and trotted along the path up to his front door. If he was lucky, he’d have still made it in time for breakfast. Taking a deep breath, he opened the door slowly with an annoyingly loud creeeeak signifying his return. Much to his expectation, he heard Applejack mutter something about his arrival and come pottering on through. The door to the living room opened and out she walked, looking a little dishevelled.

“Mac?” she remarked, wearing a half-smile.

“Eeyup. Breakfast ready?”

To his surprise, Applejack crept forward and wrapped a hoof around his neck caringly. “You coulda told me, ya big lout,” she said with a nervous chuckle. “What did ya think Ah was gonna do? Flip mah lid?”

“What do ya mean?” Mac asked anxiously.

“Ah know what’s been goin’ on,” Applejack replied, her smile fading as she regarded the state of her brother. “You forget Ah’m here to support you? Ya need to talk, we can talk.”

“How did you find out?”

“Ya got a visitor.” Applejack gestured towards the living room doorway. “Ah wouldn’t keep her waitin’ if Ah were you.” With that said, Applejack stood back, waiting expectantly for him to comply.

Pinkie came here? Oh, darn it… Mac thought to himself. His head was already screwed up, and seeing Pinkie again would surely make things worse. Then again, given that he’d run out of places to escape to, there wasn’t much of a choice. Realising it was probably for the best that he did as his sister told him, he hesitantly moved into the other room. To his surprise, Fluttershy greeted him with a warm smile.

“Hey,” she said softly, just as Applejack closed the door behind him.

“Hey,” he echoed, mimicking the mare’s smile as best he could. He knew that it was fake for the both of them, but perhaps things could get better. “Didn’t expect to see you here. How ya been?” Darn it, what kinda question is that? How do ya think she’s been?

“Well, not so great,” Fluttershy muttered predictably, her grin fading. “And I can’t imagine you’ve been doing so great either.”

Big Mac sighed, awkwardly brushing a hoof through his mane. “Eeyup,” he agreed glumly. “Listen, Fluttershy. Ah’m real sorry about what happened. Ah shouldn’t have just run off like that an’ Ah… Ah can’t apologise enough.”

“It’s alright,” Fluttershy replied sweetly, smiling once again. “You can’t control the way you feel just like I can’t control how I feel.”

Big Mac took the seat next to her, feeling guiltier than ever at the sight of such a beautiful, innocent creature in the throes of heartbreak at his own hoof. The desire to comfort her with a hug sprung up, but he didn’t want to do any more harm than good. Her emotions had been toyed with enough.

“Pinkie told me what happened,” Fluttershy muttered, twiddling her hooves awkwardly. “She told me a lot of things. In fact, that’s… why I’m here.”

Earlier that day

Fluttershy’s eyelids creaked open. She drifted in a semi-dreamlike state for a few seconds, trying to make sense of her surroundings. The first thing she became aware of was the mare led beside her, sleeping soundly. Fluttershy noticed that her hoof was wrapped around Pinkie’s midsection, and she couldn’t help but smile. She’d never felt close to any of her friends before. Does this mean that Pinkie is now my best friend? she thought. She realised that she’d never had a ‘best’ friend before, and considered that Pinkie had more in common with her than she’d ever realised.

Straining her eyes, Fluttershy looked around the room, confused by how dark it was. It never mattered from which direction the sun rose; the cottage’s open plan and numerous windows practically made it glow whenever light was introduced.

It’s not morning yet, she realised, peering out of the window at the twinkling stars above. It was odd for her to wake up so early, but she guessed that given the circumstances, sleeping soundly wasn’t as easy as usual. She took a deep breath and sidled up to Pinkie again, grateful to have someone with her at such a time.

Seeing Pinkie at such a peaceful rest reminded Fluttershy of how much she had wrongly assumed of her friend. Pinkie was always so energetic, excitable and over-the-top friendly that it was often difficult to remember she was just like every other pony. She could feel happy, sad or guilty, even if it didn’t always show. She was capable of truly altruistic acts of kindness, putting others needs before her. As much as it might not seem it, she also knew when she’d gone too far, when her behaviour was just too much for other ponies to bear. And she had her own dreams and desires…

Fluttershy sighed. It was an awkward situation to be in, but maybe Pinkie was right. Maybe pretending that none of this had happened was the right thing to do. If Pinkie really had such strong feelings for Mac, why would she have gone to so much effort to set her up with a friend? Pinkie said that she didn’t think Big Mac could ever like her, but surely even then Pinkie would have made an effort to impress him. This was Pinkie Pie for Celestia’s sake — the most extrovert, confident mare around. There was no way she’d hold back if she really liked him. If all she’d done was compliment his looks it was probably just a fleeting crush or natural attraction to a handsome, well-built stallion. There was nothing wrong with appreciating the attractiveness of other ponies, so that was probably all it was.

Fluttershy spent a few minutes trying to fall back asleep but failed miserably. Admitting defeat, she sat upright. Her mind was swimming with thoughts, and drifting off just didn’t seem possible. With nothing better to do, Fluttershy crept out of bed and downstairs, grabbing a glass of water from the kitchen. Passing the mantelpiece clock she saw that it was barely four o’ clock in the morning, not nearly late enough to start the day.

She sat down on her sofa, taking a sip from her drink. What am I even doing? she asked herself. I should be happy right now. All that time I was depressed because I was alone, and now Pinkie’s proved that I’m not alone at all. A family of my own? I have that already. My friends are like a family to me. They’re closer than I ever knew, especially Pinkie. Fluttershy rubbed her forehead, feeling an aching pain resonate through her. So why do I feel like something’s wrong? Why am I not content?

Sitting alone in the dark, Fluttershy watched as the sky outside slowly started to brighten, nothing but the steady tick-tock amidst the overwhelming silence. She wondered how different things could have been. Would she have been better off if she’d never made a move on Big Mac in the first place? Pinkie was the one who’d instilled her with hope that she had a chance. Before any of that, the idea of being with Big Mac was a ridiculous fantasy that seemed impossible. Was it enough to know that she’d given it her best shot but failed, or would it have been better to never make the attempt in the first place?

All these thoughts swam in Fluttershy’s mind until finally, she remembered something. She got up and slowly paced her way back upstairs, moving as quietly as she could. She slinked up to Pinkie’s side of the bed, brushing the mare’s mane away from her face. As soon as she’d done this, Fluttershy clutched a hoof to her heart.

She’d remembered that Pinkie had felt just the way she had. They’d both believed that Big Mac could never love them, that they weren’t good enough for him. Believing that you were doomed to fail was awful. Finding out for definite that you were doomed to fail was terrible. But discovering that you could’ve succeeded all along if only you hadn’t believed in failure was even worse.

Pinkie had the duvet held tightly to her chest, two thin lines leading down from her eyes. Her face bore no smile, just a look of despair. Fluttershy’s eyes began to water. Gently, she kissed Pinkie’s forehead, the mare squirming slightly in her sleep. It’s okay. You don’t have to cry again. I’m going to do the right thing, Pinkie.

For the both of us.

“No, Ah can’t.”

“Why not?” Cheerilee whispered, stroking a hoof through Mac’s mane. “I know how you feel, Mac. I’ve been through it myself. You’re rejected by the one you want most and you feel unloved, maybe even unlovable. You don’t deserve to feel that way, Mac.” Cheerilee kissed his left cheek, bringing her mouth to his ear. “Just let me be there for you. It’s the least I can do.”

“This ain’t right,” Big Mac protested. “Don’t make this harder for me. Ah just can’t… Ah can’t deal with…”

“Can’t deal with what?”

Mac lowered his head. “Ah can’t deal with breakin’ another heart. ‘Specially not one that belongs to mah best friend.”

Cheerilee bit her lips, feeling the onset of tears. “I can still be your best friend. I can be anything you want. Just… please. I want to make you feel better.”

“Well this ain’t the way to do it,” Mac replied matter-of-factly. “This ain’t what Ah want at all. No good could ever come o’ this. If Ah’ve already screwed with your emotions there ain’t no point takin’ it any further. Ah’m sorry.”

“I figured as much,” Cheerilee muttered, forcing a smile. “It was worth a try though, right?”

“Ah didn’t want it to be this way. If Ah’d have known—”

“If you’d known we wouldn’t have become friends in the first place.” Cheerilee laughed nervously, resting her head on Mac’s shoulder. “And I still am your friend, regardless of my feelings for you. You know that, right?”

Big Mac nodded, feeling every tremble in the mare’s body as she held him close. “Ah know it.”

“But if you ever change your mind,” Cheerilee said softly, “You just let me know, okay? I’ll still be here if you need me.”

“Ah’m sure you will,” Mac uttered in response. “But Ah only need you as a friend.” Carefully, he lifted the sullen mare’s hooves from his shoulders and picked himself up off the sofa. He gazed deeply into her eyes, seeing clear as day just how much she yearned for him. “If doin’ that is too painful for you, Ah’ll understand. Ah won’t bother you again. Ah hope you can find a way past it so that we can go back to bein’ the best friends we once were, but… You can’t do it for me. You gotta do it for yourself.”

Cheerilee, wiped away at her eyes, struggling to keep herself composed. “I’ll let you know,” she said solemnly. “I just need to figure it out for myself.”

“Take as much time as you need. Ah hope you make the right choice.”

Cheerilee smiled. “Me too, Mac. Me too…”

Big Mac said his goodbye and closed the door behind him, leaving Cheerilee alone once again. She stepped towards the window, watching the one she loved most trace his steps back towards Sweet Apple Acres. Without warning the floodgates opened, and Cheerilee fell to the floor in a crumpled heap, clutching at her chest. “I just wanted you to be happy,” she sobbed. “That’s all I ever wanted...”

Pinkie opened her eyes and let out a weary yawn. Noticing that her hair was poking every which way she shook her head madly, her mane springing back to its usual bouncing curls. Clicking her neck for good measure, the energetic earth pony leapt out of bed.

“I don’t know about you, Fluttershy, but I slept like a…”

Pinkie trailed off as she noticed the empty bed. Somehow unconvinced, she threw back the covers and dived under the pillows. Once that proved fruitless, she crawled under the bed, almost sending it sky-high with a sneeze from the surrounding dust.

“So it’s a game of hide and seek, is it!?” Pinkie called out playfully, pulling a set of goggles from behind her back marked with the word ‘X-RAY’. “I hope you’re ready! They don’t call me Pinkamena Diane Find-You-Quick Pie for nothing!”

In a flash, Pinkie had searched through all of the drawers, the wardrobes, behind the curtains and even under the mat of Fluttershy’s room. Satisfied that she’d left no stone unturned she crept downstairs as quietly as possible, keeping a keen eye out for any wings or tail that might be sticking out from somewhere. In a sudden move she leapt towards the sofa and pulled back the cushions, only to find nothing.

She’s good at this, Pinkie thought to herself, flicking the switch on her x-ray specs. I’ve gotta hand it to her. Or should it be ‘hoof it’ to her? I’m not physically giving something, but I’m certainly not using any hands since I don’t have any, but saying I ‘hoof it’ to her sounds kind of weird. Maybe I should have studied more in English class. Or would that be Equestrian class? I don’t live in England, so wouldn’t it be… Wait, where was I? Oh yeah!

Pinkie searched every corner, cupboard, shelf, closet, nook and cranny for her beloved friend but turned up empty hooved. Needing some time to come up with a new strategy she plopped herself onto the sofa and brought a hoof to her chin, mulling over what possible places she could have missed. After a few moments she was approached by Angel holding out a slip of paper eagerly.

“A letter? For me!? Thanks, Angel!” she cried, grabbing the note and reading through.

Good morning, Pinkie.

Sorry for not telling you this but I didn’t want to wake you. I have some important things that I need to take care of in town. Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon enough. However, I don’t suppose you could do me a favour and feed my animals? I’m sure Angel will be willing to help, and you can have some of my chocolate truffle as thanks.

“Way ahead of you there!” Pinkie exclaimed, cramming the last piece into her mouth and licking chocolate from her lips. The rest of the letter comprised of feeding instructions for Fluttershy’s many critters, starting with the chickens. “Well, this’ll be a walk in the bwark, right Angel? Get it? Because that’s the noise chickens make! Bwark!”

After a moment’s face-pawing Angel followed after Pinkie, who was now bouncing along with a sack of grain.

Upon reaching the chicken coop Pinkie gave a silent salute and combed back her mane, quickly restyling it to resemble Fluttershy’s. As far as she was concerned, if she wanted to act like Fluttershy she needed to do everything in her power to ‘be’ Fluttershy. With a pair of paper wings tied to her midsection, Pinkie set out to follow her friend’s instructions down to the wire, carefully measuring out the contents of each food bowl with obsessive accuracy. When the chickens gave each other a confused look at the sight of their new ‘owner’ Pinkie did her best to employ Fluttershy’s famous stare tactic, but this didn’t do much except cause the chickens to back away warily. Thankfully, they soon chowed down on their breakfast and Pinkie breathed a sigh of relief.

Next on the list were the ducks, to which Angel helped out considerably. Considering how lazy and grumpy the bunny usually was it came as a surprise to Pinkie, who hadn’t really seen him act this way. He didn’t make an effort to communicate as such, but stayed at her side, dishing out the necessary meals before hopping off to the next animal. In a sense, Pinkie found it somewhat unnerving, but she was appreciative of his help.

Feeding Fluttershy’s animals was harder and took far longer than Pinkie had anticipated. It didn’t help that many of them were caught off guard by the pseudo-Fluttershy (since Pinkie was adamant about keeping up the pegasus’ appearance) though Angel did enough to bring them around. While filling up seed dispensers for a group of songbirds Pinkie’s curiosity got the better of her.

“So… Angel? Do you always help Fluttershy with this stuff?”

The white rabbit shifted his gaze away, shaking his head solemnly before looking to the next item on the list. Pinkie put the list to one side, however, and brought his attention to her.

“You don’t need to worry about all this, you know. Take a seat! Relax! Auntie Pinkie has this all under control! Haven’t you eaten yet?”

Angel shook his head and eagerly leapt back to the list, grabbing it in his paw. Without turning back to Pinkie he bounded away angrily, making a quiet ‘humph’ sound as he left.

“It’s okay, Angel,” Pinkie said, raising her voice as he hopped further away. “You want to help her any way you can, don’t you?”

Angel stopped in his tracks and looked to the ground, his ears drooping behind his head. As Pinkie approached he slowly looked up and nodded sadly.

“And you are,” Pinkie assured, running a hoof across his back. He held onto her hoof, appearing to be on the verge of tears. “And things will get better. You’ll see! The worst is over for Fluttershy. From here, things can only get better!”

Things can only get better, Pinkie repeated to herself mentally. It’ll all go back to normal soon and this will all be just a distant memory. In time… In time…

As Angel continued to stare into the dirt, Pinkie grabbed him and placed him on her back. “Come on,” she said, a little more reservedly this time. “We’re nearly finished. We wouldn’t want to disappoint Fluttershy by doing half a job, would we?”

Soon enough, the rest of the work was done. It had taken roughly two hours from start to finish, which had even managed to take its toll on the usually energetic party mare. Pinkie breathed a sigh of relief and slumped into the sofa as Angel sat next to her, slowly munching on a ripe, orange carrot. Pinkie shook her head, returning her mane back to its usual state in mere seconds.

“What I want to know is, how does Fluttershy even afford to keep all these animals? Flying lessons?” Angel rolled his eyes in response. “Ooh, tough crowd! Okay, I’ve got a good one! Did you hear Rainbow Dash went on a cider diet? She’s lost three days already!”

Angel merely stared back blankly.

“Alright…” Pinkie said awkwardly. “I’ve got a better one! I went to the travel agents last week about my holidays and saw this big poster of the Crystal Empire. I said to the receptionist, ‘I wanna go there’, so she pinned me to the wall!”

Angel buried his face into his paw.

“Ooh! Ooh! How about this one? Last week I went to the doctor and told him that I’d broken my leg in several places. He said, ‘well you shouldn’t go to those places!’ Oh, and how about—”

Pinkie was cut off by the front door opening to reveal Fluttershy. Angel threw his paws into the air as if to say ‘finally’, and eagerly hopped to greet his owner. Fluttershy gave him a quick hug, shooting Pinkie a cheerful grin. “Sorry I left without saying goodbye. Did you manage to feed them alright?”

“You betcha!” Pinkie exclaimed. “And don’t forget Angel, he helped too. So… What super-important errand did you have to run? If you’re trying to organise another surprise birthday party for me you’re about seven months early, you know.”

“I know that, Pinkie. I went to see Big Mac.”

Pinkie’s smile immediately faded into a confused expression. “You… went to see Mac?”

“That’s right,” Fluttershy affirmed, still grinning. “I know you said we should just pretend nothing ever happened, but I don’t feel that way, Pinkie. Things being left unsaid… Well, that’s partly the reason any of this happened in the first place. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Pinkie hesitated to answer, instead taken aback by Fluttershy’s revelation. “Is everything okay, Fluttershy? You’re smiling, so does that mean… You two…?”

“No, Pinkie. That’s not why I even visited him.” Fluttershy took a seat next to Pinkie, taking a deep breath before continuing. Her smile remained present. “I refuse to let you do this to yourself.”

“Do what?” Pinkie asked nervously.

Fluttershy placed a caring hoof on Pinkie’s shoulder. “I know you’re doing it for my sake but… Maybe you shouldn’t.”

“But Fluttershy, I thought we said—”

“I know what we said,” Fluttershy interrupted with, shaking her head. “But what if I disagree? Pinkie, you tried so hard to bring Mac and I together, despite having feelings for him yourself. And now you can finally be with him. There’s nothing stopping you anymore.”

Pinkie’s ears drooped. “But what about you?”

“Me? I’m just some silly mare with a crush. Nothing more.” Fluttershy sighed and moved closer to her friend, who now appeared at a loss for words. “You should’ve heard the way he talked about you, Pinkie. He’s hurting too, more than you might expect. You could be there for him.”

“But what if I don’t want to?” Pinkie whispered, holding back the tears. This wasn’t what she’d expected. The last thing she wanted to do was cause any more pain, especially for Fluttershy.

“Then that’s up to you,” Fluttershy answered softly. “But you should still at least give him an apology. After what happened the other night he’s in a really bad state. I’ve already said you’d meet him tonight.”

“What!?” Pinkie cried out. “But… why?”

“Because it’s the right thing to do. You owe yourself this, Pinkie. If not for Big Mac or even yourself, then for me.”

“But it’ll upset you,” Pinkie retorted weakly.

“Do I look upset?” Fluttershy shot back, that same sweet Fluttershy smile plastered on her face. “No, Pinkie. What upsets me is the thought that I’m getting in the way of two ponies who want to be with each other.” To the pegasus’ surprise, Angel grasped onto her hoof, looking up to her caringly. “I mean it,” she reaffirmed, stroking Angel’s ears back. “I know I’ve cried. I know I’ve been through tough times, and I’m not saying everything has gone perfectly, but I’d feel a whole lot worse if I didn’t let you have at least a chance.”

Pinkie sighed deeply, wrapping her forelegs around Fluttershy in a warm embrace. “I guess I should at least tell him I’m sorry,” she muttered, burying her head into the pegasus’ shoulder. “What I did was really mean.”

“That’s good, Pinkie. That’s good.”

“But this is… I don’t know. After everything that’s happened, it’s all gone wrong, hasn’t it?”

“Then make it right again,” Fluttershy whispered. “Whatever you want to say to him, and whatever he wants to say to you, it needs to happen. I said you’d meet him on Wicker Hill tonight at nine o’ clock, so you’d better not be late. You’ll be free by that time, right?”

Pinkie paused for a moment, staring deeply into Fluttershy’s eyes. “You’re doing all this, Fluttershy. You didn’t have to, and I even said not to. Why? I… I don’t even know what to say.”

“You can say ‘thank you’, if it makes you feel any better,” Fluttershy replied. “And things will still be the same between us, maybe even better. And whatever happens between you and Mac? Well, that’s none of my business.” Fluttershy glanced over to the clock on the mantelpiece. “You might want to check back with Mr and Mrs Cake; I’d imagine they’re worried sick about you.”

“I guess you’re right,” Pinkie half-agreed, bringing her hooves to the floor. “They’ve got some big orders to fill today and they probably need my help. You know how it is.”

“Oh, but of course.”

The two mares trotted towards the door, Pinkie hesitantly so. She couldn’t help but feel something was wrong with what Fluttershy had said. And yet, the yellow pegasus might really be telling the truth. She was the Element of Kindness, so it was only natural that she would find joy in being nice to others. Pinkie stopped at the doorstep and turned to her friend.

“Thank you, Fluttershy. And… I really do mean that.”

“I know you do,” Fluttershy replied, giving Pinkie one last hug. “And it means a lot. Good luck for tonight, by the way. Not that I think you’ll need it, but… It feels right to say that.”

“Thanks, again. I guess I’ll see you around soon,” said Pinkie, finally breaking into her usual smile.

“Take care.”

Pinkie trotted down the path, turning back as she reached the small bridge to wave goodbye. Fluttershy waved back, and stepped back inside her home, shutting the door behind her and breathing a sigh of relief. She stopped for a moment to tend to Angel, who had been looking up at her expectantly since she’d arrived back. He smiled cheerfully at her, glad to finally see Fluttershy with her spirits lifted. However, his smile soon faded as the tears began to flow.

Fluttershy walked back to the sofa, visibly trembling with each step. She wiped at her eyes with one hoof and turned back to Angel, keeping her smile intact with the best of efforts. “I did the right thing,” she said under her breath, pulling Angel into a tight cuddle, her tears spilling across his coat. “And that’s what matters most.”

Later that evening

Big Mac sat alone at the dining room table, rolling the last few drops of cider around the base of his tankard. He’d been clock-watching for the past hour, unable to put his mind to anything useful. It didn’t help that there was so much he could be doing, but his earlier conversation with Fluttershy had given him too much to think about.

Tick, tock. Tick, tock.

Mac sighed, downing the last of his drink. It wasn’t long now before he’d have to make his way over to Wicker Hill. He struggled to consider that Fluttershy might be right. Pinkie might just have had feelings for him all along. But if that were true, why had all of this happened? She’d sworn that she could never love him to his face. Merely relaying that memory sent a chill running down his spine.

As Mac set the tankard aside, Applejack gently creaked open the door and took to the chair opposite. “How ya holdin’ up, Mac?”

“Fine, Ah guess,” he replied, rubbing his sleep-deprived eyes. “You?”

“Well Applebloom’s finally got herself to bed after the third darn story reading,” Applejack said with a chuckle. “Ah guess part o’ me wants her to grow up, but then Ah also guess part o’ me wants her to stay just the way she is.”

Mac nodded silently in response, not having looked up to his sister since she’d entered. Applejack startled him by bringing her hoof down onto the table.

“Ah think it’s high time Ah came out an’ said it,” Applejack said with a sigh. “Seems the best time as any.” The mare lay back into her chair as Mac finally gave her notice. “Ya know, Ah kind of thought all this was gonna happen. You an’ one of mah friends hitchin’ up. Seems obvious all things considered.”

Big Mac shrugged, feeling put on the spot. This was exactly the kind of conversation he didn’t want to be having with his sister.

“An’ yet, Ah never wanted it to happen,” Applejack continued. “Ah had a hunch you liked Pinkie, an’ it just made me angry, for no reason whatsoever!”

Mac furrowed his brow. “Angry?”

“Angry, annoyed… Heck, Ah don’t quite know what it is. It makes no sense, right? Why should any o’ that matter to me at all? But Ah guess the point is… Ah’m jealous.”

“Jealous?”

“Of you. Of everypony. Of the idea that you an’ mah friends can find love.” Applejack let out a weary sigh. “Ah ain’t got even the faintest idea of how to find that special somepony. Some days Ah feel like it’ll never happen. There ain’t nopony Ah like, nopony Ah could even think of likin’. But at the same time Ah want somepony. An’ seein’ this happen with you an’ mah friends… It’s as if everypony else is livin’ a life Ah’ll never have. And it hurts.”

“But AJ, you—” Big Mac was cut off as Applejack held up a hoof to him. Obediently, he shut his mouth once again.

“Ah know what you’re gonna say, but please, let me finish,” Applejack said sadly. “An’ so Ah started to think selfishly. When things didn’t go your way a few nights ago Ah was actually glad. Ah wanted you to fail since the beginnin’. That ain’t right, ya know.”

Applejack dropped down from her seat and trotted over to Mac, wrapping a foreleg around his neck. “But seein’ you the way you’ve been, how could Ah ever want that? It don’t matter how weird it might be for me, if bein’ with Pinkie is gonna make you happy, then that’s what Ah want for you.”

“Thanks,” Mac muttered, returning his sister’s hug. “Ah appreciate it.”

“Ain’t nothin’ to it,” Applejack said cheerfully, giving him a pat on the back. “Now you go out there an’ be the best darn stallion you can be. Ah’m expectin’ plenty o’ little nieces an’ nephews down the line, big brother!”

Big Mac blushed uncontrollably, averting his gaze away. “A b-bit too soon to b-be thinkin’ of th-that, ain’t it?”

Applejack let out a hearty chuckle and patted his back harder than before, almost winding the flustered stallion. “Ah’ll let you be the judge of that!” she said with a wink, and left the room, still laughing to herself.

No pressure then, Big Mac thought as he went back to staring at the clock. He considered that at least he could talk to Applejack about his worries and woes concerning Pinkie from now on. Before that, the only one who’d be truly willing to listen was Cheerilee, and after what happened that morning it just didn’t seem like an option anymore.

After a few minutes passed, Big Mac pushed himself back from the table and plodded towards the door. This would be it. Things could very well be different by the time he came back this way. Steeling himself, he opened up the door and trotted out into the night, not looking back. As far as he knew, this could very well be the beginning of his happy ever after.

Big Mac trudged his way up the side of Wicker Hill, wondering for a moment if he’d arrived too early. And yet sure enough, Pinkie Pie was sitting patiently at its summit, staring pensively at the night sky. Mac’s heart skipped a beat as she turned to him, that same sweet smile, dazzling blue eyes and beautiful pink mane. After spending the last two days feeling sorry for himself he remembered just what had drawn him to her in the first place.

“Hi,” Pinkie said softly, blushing. “Long time no see.”

Big Mac took to a patch of grass a respectable distance away and smiled back. “Eeyup.”

“First of all, I just wanna say how sorry I am.” Pinkie’s smile fell for a moment and she looked to the ground. “What I said to you after the party… I can only imagine how much that hurt you. I was angry and scared. And even when you poured your heart out to me and I just… I should never have said those things. And I should never have resorted to violence, no matter how I felt.”

“Ah’m sorry things ain’t worked out,” Mac replied, shuffling a little closer.

“You’re not the one who’s at fault here,” Pinkie said with a nervous chuckle. “If anything this is all my fault. If I hadn’t played match-maker nopony would have gotten hurt.”

Mac shuffled closer still and put a friendly hoof on Pinkie’s shoulder. “We all make mistakes. Ain’t nothing wrong with that. An’ as far as Ah’m concerned, apology accepted.”

“Thanks,” Pinkie muttered. “That’s what I was afraid of most, you know. You never forgiving me. I don’t know if I could forgive me.”

Big Mac brushed a hoof through Pinkie’s mane, watching her blush as he did so. Seeing Pinkie in such a state made his heart melt. He always knew there was more to her than the outlandish party mare; she was a mindful, kind saint in her own right. And the way she looked in the faint moonlight… Mac was putting every ounce of effort into controlling himself. “You look beautiful, ya know.”

“You’re such a charmer,” Pinkie replied, giggling nervously and leaning into his outstretched hoof. “You always were kind of a mystery. I guess that’s why I got interested in you in the first place.”

“An’ you were always so happy an’ full o’ life. There ain’t much excitement to be had on the farm, truth be told. But when you’re around, all Ah wanna do is smile and jump around like a little foal.” Mac let out a sigh, wrapping his foreleg around Pinkie’s neck. “This could work. You an’ me, Ah mean.”

“I know…” Pinkie whispered, gazing away for a moment. “But it’s… It’s hard.”

“Sorry about that,” Mac said with a wink.

“No, silly!” Pinkie exclaimed bashfully. “I mean, it’ll never be easy. I just don’t know if I can… I keep thinking about Fluttershy. She’s been hurting so much over this.”

“She made as much clear this mornin’. But… She was also the one to get us seein’ each other. She did this for us.”

“But maybe I want something else,” Pinkie murmured.

Big Mac’s heart sank. “Somethin’… else?”

“You’re right. It could work. And I really do like you, Mac. I have for a while now. And maybe if none of this had happened I’d want to be with you more than anything, but…”

“But?” Big Mac felt a tugging at his heart.

“But maybe it’s for the best if it doesn’t.” Pinkie pulled herself into Mac’s warm embrace, resting her head against his chest. “I don’t know if I could deal with it. Seeing you on one hoof, hanging out with Fluttershy on the other, not while I’m doing the one thing that’d be hurting her the most. She may have said she wants us to have a chance, but it’s still too much for me to bear, Mac. I can’t do it to her. She… She means too much to me.”

Big Mac held Pinkie close, just barely averting a tearful outbreak. “Ah’ll still be thinkin’ of you.”

“Such a charmer,” Pinkie whispered, circling a hoof across his back. “I wish things could’ve been different. And maybe… Maybe someday they will be. But Fluttershy needs me right now. And I kinda need her.”

Before Mac could reply, Pinkie leant in and planted a kiss squarely on his left cheek. He rubbed against it with his hoof, wishing he could hold onto that kiss forever. “Ah understand.”

“I knew you would,” Pinkie said, staring up at him. “I... Goodbye.”

With that, Pinkie turned on her hoof and galloped off into the distance, leaving Big Mac alone once again. He toyed with the idea of racing after her for a brief second, but instead silently admitted his loss. And yet, it was neither a victory nor a defeat. At a loss for words, and even actions, Big Mac sat for a while atop Wicker Hill, trying to put his mind in order.

He’d been rejected. Again. That still hurt, no question about it. But there was still that glimmer of hope. It was like Pinkie said, maybe someday things would be different. Fluttershy meant more to her now, but maybe that would change.

How? Mac asked himself inwardly, laying back on the grass. What was to say Pinkie wouldn’t lose interest in him? She wouldn’t be hurting Fluttershy by dating any other stallions, so she could do so all she wanted. Mac slapped a hoof over his face, wishing that he could’ve convinced her otherwise. He could’ve kissed her passionately on the lips, held her close and begged for her to stay, begged for her to follow her heart. She could be with him and still show kindness towards Fluttershy. He could’ve told her that, letting loose just how much he needed her, how much he yearned for her.

Mac pounded at the ground angrily, annoyed at himself for not having the guts to do such things. He trudged back home, hanging his head in shame. Going for long walks in winter often did wonders when it came to easing his mind, but that didn’t hold much truth anymore. His sadness had been replaced by anger, at himself, at the world.

Upon reaching Sweet Apple Acres he pushed the door open quietly and crept up to his bedroom, not wanting to tell Applejack the bad news. At least, not yet. Right now, he wanted to curl up into his covers and let the day come to an end. There were events that needed organizing, chores that needed doing, and important tasks to carry out on the farm. They would become his main concerns from now on. Eventually, despite tossing and turning for a short while, Big Mac finally managed to drift off.

Big Mac opened up the door to Sugarcube Corner and stepped inside. Vinyl Scratch stood beside her decks, music blaring, while a disco ball spun from the ceiling. Strangely, the room was almost completely empty. In fact, besides him and Vinyl, there was no-one else. Confused, Mac trotted over to the table near the far wall and poured himself a drink. With nothing else to do he knocked it back. For something so brightly-coloured it was strangely bland and tasteless.

“Where is everypony!?” he called out, his voice sounding all too quiet.

“Don’t worry! They’ll be here soon!” Vinyl called back, seemingly too busy bopping her head to the beat.

Mac sighed, taking a look from one side of the room to the other. For somepony who was revered at planning the best parties, Pinkie’s current effort was far off the mark. Finishing his drink, he slammed the glass to the table and peered over towards what appeared to be a dimly lit kitchen area.

“Pinkie? You there?” he called.

Suddenly, the music stopped. Mac turned back to where Vinyl Scratch had been standing and found that the DJ had vanished. Confused, he trotted over to the turntable, but there was still no sign of her. Realising that he was alone, he turned on his hoof and walked back to the door, ready to leave. Just as he touched the handle, he heard a voice behind him.

“Don’t go yet!”

Big Mac turned around to see Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy stood back at the table, both smiling. He smiled back and began to trot over. “Hey.”

“Hello, Mac,” Fluttershy said bashfully. “We’re glad you could make it.”

“Well thanks.”

“No, Mac,” Pinkie grinned, letting out a giggle. “I mean we’re really glad you could make it.”

“Ah don’t get what you… mean…”

Big Mac trailed off as the two mares swaggered towards him seductively, their eyes half-lidded. He froze as Fluttershy leaned towards him and pecked his left cheek, her cheeks glowing red. Pinkie wrapped a foreleg around his neck and kissed his right cheek, staring deeply into his eyes.

“W-what’s g-going on here?” Mac trembled, taken aback by the mares’ actions.

“Oh, you’ll see,” Pinkie whispered, and pushed him away with one hoof. Despite his tremendous body-strength he toppled backwards, bracing himself for impact against the hard, tiled floor. However, something soft cushioned his fall. Looking around, he saw that he’d landed on a silky, white mattress. The two flirtatious mares loomed over him from either side of the bed.

“Look, Pinkie,” said Fluttershy, carefully examining Mac’s body from head to hoof. “I think I’ve read about this kind of behaviour in animals. It looks like he’s… presenting.”

“Oh, really?” Pinkie exclaimed, licking her lips. “Is there any cure for this condition?”

“Just one,” Fluttershy stated, shuffling on her hooves. “But I can’t possibly treat this poor beast with my best dress on. Why, I’m practically sweltering to death.” With a stomp of her hoof, Fluttershy’s silk red dress fell apart at the seams, nothing but strands of red ribbons falling to the floor. “Oh, that’s so much better,” she gasped with relief, flicking her tail from side to side.

Big Mac tried to say something, but no sound came out. He merely stared in disbelief as the two mares clambered up onto the bed, their eyes never leaving his. The disco ball began to spin again, a cascade of tiny pink hearts dancing across the walls.

Pinkie leapt forward suddenly, pulling her face close to his. Winking cheekily, she pressed her lips to his as they indulged in a deep, passionate kiss. Big Mac combed through her mane and proceeded to run a hoof along her spine. She giggled foalishly, breaking the kiss and resting her head against his chest.

“Is it my turn yet?” Fluttershy asked timidly, creeping towards him, her long, flowing mane spreading across his torso. “I’m the expert on taming animals, after all. In fact, I’m especially good at taming snakes...”

Big Mac gritted his teeth — his muscles tensing involuntarily — as Fluttershy moved in, looking at him with the eyes of a lost puppy dog. She smiled — pausing momentarily — and brought her mouth to his. She let out a quiet moan as their lips smacked against one another, her hoof meandering across his chest. Mac ran his hoof in circles across her back, relishing her uncannily soft fur.

“Sorry!” Pinkie called from down below, wiping sweat from her forehead. Somehow she’d managed to adorn a school-filly’s outfit in the few seconds Mac had been looking away. She ruffled a hoof across her skirt teasingly. “All this unnecessary foreplay is driving me nuts. Any objections to kicking this up a notch?”

Big Mac shook his head without hesitation.

“Okie dokie lokie!” Pinkie gave a salute, beaming from ear to ear. “Now let’s see here, where are those instructions?” Mac heard the shuffling of paper as Fluttershy’s tongue danced around his mouth. “Aha! Here they are! It says: Insert rod ‘A’ into slot ‘B’? Well I guess that makes sense! I hope you’re ready!”

Mac grunted in affirmation, his mind bereft of rational thought. Nothing made any sense at all but he sure wasn’t going to argue against it. Everything was just so…

“Damn it, Mac!”

Big Mac recoiled, turning his head towards the voice’s origin. His heart leapt audibly in his chest as he noticed Applejack at his bedside, wearing a frown powerful enough to tear down a brick wall.

“Ah know what it looks like,” he began nervously, his mind running through all kinds of elaborate and implausible excuses. “Ah was just feelin’ a little tensed up from workin’ on the farm and they just offered…”

As he looked back around, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy were gone. In fact, the entire bed was gone.

“Dang it, Applejack!” Mac cried out in frustration, clambering to his hooves. “Ain’t ya got somepony else you could be cock-blockin’ instead?”

Applejack was now over by the table with Rainbow Dash, downing a shot of rum. “What? Oh, for Pete’s sake!” She shot him another stony glare. “Ah’m fine to stay here, Big Mac!”

“That’s what you said last time,” he said matter-of-factly. “An’ we all know how that went.”

“Alright… Alright!” Applejack slammed down her drink, rolling her eyes at Rainbow Dash. “Ah ain’t even drunk, but alright,” she said as she stumbled towards him.

Big Mac shook his head and followed her outside, briefly catching a glimpse of Pinkie Pie smiling cheerfully at him. He wished for a moment that he could stay and maybe have a drink with her, but he had to get his sister home. The two siblings began their trek, Applejack acting the right honourable drunken chatterbox.

“Ah don’t see why she don’t just up an’ say it! Darn it, ain’t none of us gonna care if she’s a lesbian. But oh no, Rainbow Dash has it in her head that she’ll be cast out, called a failure an’ beaten to death by the Wonderbolts. She don’t seem to realise that Ah can see right through her fibs! Ah ain’t the Element of Honesty for nothin’.”

“Mm-hmm,” Big Mac mumbled, only half-listening.

“An’ Fluttershy? Boy, has she got issues. Ah feel real sorry for the poor mare. You know when we was discussin’—”

Cock-a-doodle-do

“—which Ah kinda had a feelin’ about before. Maybe she’d—“

Cock-a-doodle-do

“—seems to think Ah wouldn’t notice somethin’—“

Cock-a-doodle-do

“—enough o’ that. It ain’t mah business to pry. Anyway, you got duties this time around. Time’s a tickin’, Mac. When are you gonna…”

The dream slowly faded, the cottages and cobbled pathways of Ponyville disappearing before Mac’s eyes. He sat up, relaying what had just happened. It was all so vivid, memories from the past meshing with nonsensical, outlandish desires. And yet, something stuck out to him. Determined not to let the dream fizzle into the mental ether, Mac replayed it over and over in his mind. Was it a false memory, or did Applejack really say that? What was it she told me? There was somethin’ about mah duties and then…

“That’s it,” he said aloud, the answer finally dawning on him. “That’s it!” Not wasting another moment, he barrelled downstairs and got to work.

Applejack let out a yawn and pulled herself out of bed. She arched her back and stretched out her limbs, grabbing her Stetson from atop the chest of drawers. After straightening it and checking herself in the mirror, she deemed herself presentable and began trotting downstairs. To her surprise, Applebloom and Granny Smith stood in the hallway, looking confused.

“Well howdy,” Applejack greeted. “What’s goin’ on here?”

“Oh, Applejack!” exclaimed Applebloom. “Somethin’s up with Mac! He’s actin’ all crazy like. He won’t even take a moment to talk to us!”

Applejack raised her eyebrow and trotted on into the living room. “Mac? What in the hay is all this!?” she cried out.

Big Mac was scribbling furiously on a length of parchment with all manner of letters, envelopes, stationery, books and pictures strewn about. As Applejack stepped towards him he lifted his head up, a dumb grin plastered on his face. “AJ! Good mornin’!”

“Mornin’…” Applejack replied warily, taking a look at the mess before her. “So, uh… how did things go with you an’—”

“They didn’t,” Mac interrupted with, tossing the parchment aside and sifting through a book with worn edges.

“Well Ah’m sorry to hear that but—”

“S’alright,” Mac shot back. “Ah’ve got it all under control.”

Applejack frowned. “You sure everythin’s alright?”

“Eeyup. Ah’ve got a plan, AJ. A plan to straighten everythin’ out.” Mac chuckled to himself, looking to Applejack with a devilish expression. “An’ you’re gonna help me.”

Chapter 11 - Merrily, Merrily

Chapter 11 – Merrily, Merrily

Two weeks later

Fluttershy carefully broke off a few pieces of bread and placed them at the edge of the pond. “Here you are,” she said cheerfully as a family of ducks approached, the four ducklings paddling excitedly as they tackled each other to reach their meal. She couldn’t help but smile as the mother and father ducks quacked in thanks for her offering.

Splash!

“There you are!” Pinkie exclaimed as her entire loaf hit the water’s surface. “How about that? I bet it’s the biggest piece of bread you little ducks have ever seen!” The duck family looked between themselves confusedly before turning away.

“Sorry Pinkie,” Fluttershy advised, flapping to her friend’s side. “I think maybe that’s a little too big.”

“But I just thought it’d be so impressive! Just imagine if somepony baked a loaf of bread bigger than a pony! Wouldn’t that be cool? I just thought it’d be nice to give the ducks that kind of experience!”

“Well I’m afraid the ducks would probably prefer it in itty-bitty pieces.” Fluttershy glided across the lake, picked up the loaf and returned it to dry land.

Pinkie smiled sheepishly and tore off a few decently-sized pieces. “Like this?”

“That’s much better,” Fluttershy said with a nod, giving Pinkie a congratulatory pat on the back. “Though I do have to admit, a pony-sized loaf of bread would be really cool.”

“Wouldn’t it!?” Pinkie exclaimed, perking up considerably. “In fact, I should ask Mr and Mrs Cake if I can make one. I don’t know if the ovens are big enough, but maybe I can work around that… I have pretty good secret techniques for that sort of thing. Hey, maybe I could make you one for your birthday! But now I’ll have ruined the surprise!”

“It’s up to you, Pinkie,” Fluttershy said with a chuckle. “But I’m still not even sure something like that is possible.”

“Since when have I been constrained by things that are possible?” Pinkie shot back, sticking her tongue out foalishly.

The two ponies waved goodbye to their feathered friends and trotted back towards Fluttershy’s cottage, breathing in the crisp, clean air. It was a beautiful day, and so it only made sense for them to make the absolute most of it. They’d planned a picnic with Twilight and Octavia, who had only recently made it apparent to everypony that they were dating. While they did often keep themselves to their own devices and hadn’t been particularly sociable with other ponies as of late, that was mostly due to their insistence on learning about each other’s passions, which were hardly outdoor activities.

In a strange way, Pinkie and Fluttershy’s friendship had taken on a similar guise, even if they weren’t actually dating. The entire idea of ‘best friend’ was rather alien to the both of them, especially Pinkie. Neither of them had actually uttered the term itself, but they knew it all too well. Despite everything they’d been through and all the pain they’d endured, this reward seemed somehow worthwhile. Whether it was a new level of respect or simply a newfound realisation that they had more in common than they’d realised didn’t matter. What mattered was that the simple act of being there for each other held more weight than ever before.

Neither of them had even so much as mentioned Big Mac in the past two weeks. Neither of them wanted to. For all intents and purposes, Pinkie’s idea of pretending like it never happened was actually working quite well. They were happy. No more emotional outbursts, no bouts of crying…

Things were better.

“Oh… I’ve been asked about it so often but I couldn’t even imagine how it would work.” Octavia took a sip of orange juice before continuing. “I’ve never understood the fascination if I’m perfectly honest.”

“But it would be so cool!” Pinkie exclaimed, jamming another cream cake down her gullet. “Classical meets dub-step? It’s genius! Don’t they have electric cellos? You could use one of those, touring Equestria! Scratchy and Tavia, live in concert!”

“With all due respect to Vinyl, I wouldn’t feel comforting associating my music with that… noise. Besides, I wouldn’t want to go on tour when I have everything I need right here in Ponyville.” Octavia gave Twilight a knowing glance.

“Ooh! Get a room, you two!” Pinkie cried, nudging Twilight playfully.

“Bringing things back on topic,” Twilight began, trying to forcefully brush her embarrassment away. “I actually think yours and Vinyl’s music could accompany each other very well. There’s a certain science with music, and provided the correct rhythm, complimentary notes and a well-woven tone, you could surely strike a chord with the audience, if you’ll pardon the pun.”

“There’s more to music than just science, Twilight. No scientist could come up with any of Beethooven’s symphonies using a mathematical equation. Then there’s the fact that these ‘wubs’ as ponies call them hold no interest to me. I’m strictly classical to the bitter end.”

“I’m much the same,” Fluttershy said softly. “If I must say, the one time I heard you play always stuck out in my mind. It’s often the violinists that take precedence over other string players, but you’re in a whole other league. It kind of makes me want to take up a musical instrument, but I don’t know if I’d be good enough…”

“It takes time,” Octavia replied. “You’d really have to give it your all. It’s not necessarily a question of innate skill but moreover a question of dedication. I guess you’d need to decide for yourself if that’s what you’d want.”

Fluttershy looked to Pinkie for a moment, almost as if the two were sharing a silent conversation. “Maybe not. I do kind of have other… important things that I’d have to sacrifice. Besides, I could never deal with the pressure of performing on-stage. It’s just not me.”

The four ponies continued chatting away for another hour or so, basking in the sun and enjoying the various foodstuffs provided by both parties. Pinkie’s selection of cream cakes stole the show, but Twilight’s home-baked cinnamon buns were surprisingly good. Pinkie’s little comedy routine was an all-round hit, sending Octavia into a breathless fit of giggles, which was far better than the reaction she’d gotten from Angel, at least. Octavia was more outspoken than anypony had expected, and despite only being a part of the group for such a short amount of time, Pinkie and Fluttershy could already feel a new and welcome friendship forming. Twilight seemed reserved, but more from contentment than depression. All in all, everypony was in high spirits. As the sun slowly drifted below the horizon they decided to go their separate ways.

Once at a fair distance, Pinkie couldn’t help but blab about Twilight’s obvious changes, to which Fluttershy hastily agreed. ‘New Twilight’ as Pinkie had dubbed her placed far less emphasis on studying. She was perkier, more energetic, and most importantly of all, she was happier. The way she smiled with such overwhelming honesty said more than words possibly could. Somewhat ironic then, that as that very conversation was going on, Twilight spoke at great length to Octavia about similar changes to some friends of her own.

“So you’ve added the eggs?”

Fluttershy nodded. “Mm-hm.”

“And you’ve added the flour?”

Fluttershy nodded again. “Yes.”

“And you’ve stirred it and stirred it until it’s mixed up nice and gloopy?”

Fluttershy whipped the wooden spoon around the ceramic bowl once more for good measure. “Done.”

“Now we just need a dash of salt!” Pinkie exclaimed, rapidly crushing up some salt rocks with her mortar and pestle before sliding it across the kitchen side.

“How much is a dash?”

Pinkie scratched her head. “Well… A dash is bigger than a pinch, but smaller than a sprinkle. Since a sprinkle is equal to five and a half pinches and two point two dashes equals a sprinkle; that means a dash is about two and a half pinches!”

Fluttershy furrowed her brow nervously for a moment and scraped a small amount of salt granules into the bowl. “There.”

“That was more like two and a third pinches, but we’ll let that slide since you’re a beginner.” Pinkie fumbled through some cupboards and dropped a plethora of new ingredients onto the workbench. “Good work. Now you’ll just need a splash of golden syrup.”

Fluttershy rolled her eyes mirthfully. “And how much is a splash?”

“A splash? Oh, just however much you want. It’s not like it’s a defined measurement or anything.”

Fluttershy looked on confusedly for a moment, but a smile quickly came to her face. “But I thought a splash was equal to ten drops, or four smidges if we’re getting technical.”

“Now that’s just crazy talk!” Pinkie said with a wink, dipping a spoon into the pot of syrup and adding a totally nondescript amount. “It’s three drops to a smidge, so that can’t possibly be right.”

The two mares started giggling as they added the final ingredients to the ‘Cakes of Ultimate Natural Taste’, (to which Fluttershy insisted the word ‘of’ be included as part of the acronym for reasons that Pinkie didn’t appear to be aware of) doled out equal portions into a cake tin which was then placed into the oven.

“You know, you’re doing pretty well!” Pinkie said, giving Fluttershy a congratulatory pat on the back. Such a gesture had become sort of a ‘thing’ between them. “Much better than Gummy, anyway. You can borrow my patented Pinkie Pie recipe book if you want.” Pinkie reached to the top shelf and brought down a ring-bound scrapbook. The cover had a crudely drawn crayon picture of a flag bearing Pinkie’s face placed atop a mountain of cakes. “It has all my secrets. Well, apart from my really secret recipes that I shall take to the grave!” Pinkie adopted a morbidly stern expression that quickly diminished. “You want it?”

Fluttershy smiled, taking the book from Pinkie’s hooves and opening to a random page entitled Honey-Nut Crisp Cakes. There was an extremely detailed description of various ingredients and cooking steps, along with tiny pictures of Pinkie Pie toying with the oven and gorging on the cakes in question. “Wow,” Fluttershy muttered, flicking through another few pages with her mouth agape. “There’s so much in here. You worked really hard on this.”

“Oh, it’s nothing,” Pinkie said dismissively. “So, do you want it?”

“Are you sure?”

“It’s all yours! I don’t need it anyway. I have a spare copy kept in a very safe place.” Pinkie tapped her forehead with a hoof.

Fluttershy blushed lightly. “Thanks, Pinkie. I’m betting Angel would love some carrot cake. I tried baking him some before, but… They didn’t turn out so well.”

“Well we’d better get back to our own cakes now! Time is of the essence!”

Using her custom fluffy pink oven gloves, Pinkie opened up the oven and pulled out the cake tray, an irresistible aroma wafting throughout the entire kitchen in a matter of seconds. The two friends each took a deep breath, their senses overpowered by the heavenly scent. A spiral of smoke emanated from each delicious-looking golden brown cake, teasing the ponies’ taste-buds.

Within a few minutes Pinkie declared the cakes ready to eat, and dived right in. “This is good,” she muttered between loud chomps. “You’re a real natural!”

Fluttershy took a small bite of her own cake and immediately smiled. “I can’t believe it. I always thought my cooking was awful. Thank you so much for teaching me, Pinkie.”

“Aw, don’t be so silly! You did all the hard work; I just stood around and acted important. In fact, I’m not even sure you needed my help at all!”

“I don’t know about that,” Fluttershy said bashfully, taking one last bite. “Besides… It’s a lot more fun baking with you than it is doing it alone.”

Pinkie wrapped her friend in a tight cuddle, almost squeezing every last breath out of the poor pegasus. “I know! It’s so true!” she cried joyfully. “Does that mean we can be baking buddies forever and ever and ever? Oh, please say yes! Please! With cherries on top!”

“Of… course…” Fluttershy squeaked, inhaling deeply as Pinkie finally loosened her grip. “With cherries on top.”

In truth, both Pinkie and Fluttershy knew that they didn’t even need to discuss such prospects. Neither needed to wonder if they would be ‘baking buddies’ or ‘critter-feeding friends’. They were whatever they needed to be to spend time together. It wasn’t out of a compulsion to please or even a desperation to reach out for fear of being alone. It was akin to the interlocking of two puzzle pieces. Together, they were something more.

Fluttershy had often been confused by the phrase ‘like two peas in a pod’, but now it was more apparent than ever. Who knew something so painful and tragic could bring two ponies so close? Those days felt like a distant memory. In fact, there wasn’t such a thing as those days. There was only the now, and it was glorious.

As the sun fell beyond the horizon the two ponies parted ways, sharing a goodbye hug before Fluttershy slipped Pinkie’s cookbook into her saddlebag and trotted home. She half expected Pinkie to leap out from behind the hedge at the end of the street in a surprise tackuddle, (a portmanteau word Pinkie had coined from ‘tackle’ and ‘cuddle’) but no such thing happened. Then again, it would hardly be a surprise if she was expecting it, which would go against Pinkie’s entire philosophy.

Once she arrived home Fluttershy had to deal with a sleepy-eyed Angel who refused to go to bed, but eventually passed out in front of the roaring fire. Yep, he was back to his usual defiant self. That was good, she supposed. It meant he didn’t need to show his ultra-sympathetic side. Not anymore.

With little more than the occasional chirps of birds and the hum of buzzing insects to break the silence, Fluttershy crept into bed, wrapping herself tightly in her duvet cover. For a while she just lay there, mulling over the day’s events. Sure, it had been a far cry from staring down a dragon or going on wild adventures across Equestria, but that didn’t make it any less important.

But then… There was still something that lingered in the back of her mind. Of course she hadn’t forgotten Big Mac. Meeting up with Applejack was more than enough to remind her of everything, and she wasn’t about to ignore or avoid her friend over such petty reasons. That said, the orange farm pony did seem to act a little cagey around her, almost as if she was hiding something, probably related to whatever Mac had said to her. She was his sister and closest companion, so it only made sense that he’d told her everything. Whatever it was, Fluttershy wasn’t going to pry. They were still friends, and that was all that mattered.

She wasn’t sure how much her other friends had been told, but they certainly made no effort to mention anything. That was good. If everyone treated it as if it’d never happened, then effectively, it hadn’t. If anything, Twilight’s relationship with Octavia had taken the spotlight. There were the obligatory lewd jokes from Rainbow Dash and some rather coerced acceptance on Rarity’s part, but nothing much had changed between them.

Things weren’t back to ‘normal’ per se, but that was a good thing. Fluttershy didn’t feel worthless anymore. Sure, Big Mac hadn’t accepted her feelings, but that wasn’t the point. The idea that she was merely a placement in the background while her friends actually led lives had been swept away. Pinkie’s newfound companionship was proof enough of that.

Pinkie…

Fluttershy’s smile faded. Everything was perfect now. Pinkie was the best friend she could have ever asked for. But why? Was it just because she was wracked with guilt and was doing everything in her power to stay friends? Was it all a charade? Was she overcompensating for her past mistakes? Was she really being honest?

“It’s kind of weird,” Pinkie’s words echoed in Fluttershy’s mind. “Sometimes you want something so much, but when you finally have it, it just doesn’t seem that great anymore.”

Perhaps Pinkie was telling the truth. Maybe spending some alone time with Mac made her realise how little they actually had in common, or that her feelings were only ever skin deep. Maybe she’d already come to that conclusion before meeting him, but went to see him anyway just to apologise and set things straight.

Deep down, Fluttershy wanted to probe further, to ask Pinkie for an absolute explanation. But then what? What if she didn’t like what she heard? No matter what Pinkie said, there would always be a lingering doubt about something, so it might not even be worthwhile. In fact, what positive outcome could there possibly be? Things were better now than ever, and bringing up the past could only serve to ruin it all. So then, it was better to simply do nothing.

Fluttershy would be lying if she said she’d lost all interest in Big Mac, (it was difficult to resist that chiselled physique and thick country accent, among other things) but she no longer wasted her hours away daydreaming about him. The odd thought of him snuggled up next to her might cross her mind, but she would quickly shake it away, reminding herself that it was just some foalish crush. She hadn’t missed out on the love of her life, that was for sure.

So all in all, what was there to complain about? Nothing, Fluttershy concluded. There were other, much nicer things to think about. Winter wrap-up wasn’t far off, and it was always a pleasure to wake the cute little animals from their burrows. Pinkie was preparing another party (as always) and she could hardly wait to try out some of Pinkie’s wacky and wonderful recipes. Slowly but surely, her smile returned and she drifted off into a deep sleep. Life was great.

Pinkie waved energetically from the doorstep of Sugarcube Corner, closing the door behind her as Fluttershy trotted out of sight. She quietly packed away the remaining cupcakes and spent an hour or so playing with Pumpkin and Pound. They were barely even a year old now, but Pinkie still marvelled at how fast they were growing up.

As Mr and Mrs Cake tucked their children in for the night, Pinkie decided to hit the hay as well. Not so much because she was tired, but because she could hardly wait for tomorrow to come. It wasn’t exactly going to be the most magnificent of days; more work, perhaps an opportunity for experimental cooking, or even a chance to make new friends. But the sun shone brighter now than it ever had before. Not even her famous ‘Pinkie sense’ could accurately describe it.

Gummy was looking unusually vacant, so she gave him a quick cuddle before placing him in his basket. With that done, she rearranged her stuffed toys at the end of her bed and slipped beneath the covers, flicking off the light and flopping onto her pillow with a sigh.

Life was good. In fact, life was great. Before, the idea of spending so much time with Fluttershy gave way to visions of eventless tea-parties and trips to the spa. In a way, Pinkie felt bad for even thinking such things. She wished she could express how much Fluttershy had come to mean to her, but putting it into words was difficult. ‘Best friends’ was as close as Pinkie could manage, and even that felt like it was missing something important. As to what, she couldn’t put her hoof on it.

Fluttershy…

Pinkie scrunched up her face as darkness fell, pulling herself tighter into the bedcovers. The sadness she’d felt just over two weeks ago couldn’t be swept away so easily. Even remembering to ‘smile, smile, smile’ couldn’t solve everything. Alone with nothing but her thoughts, memories of that fateful night were destined to rear their ugly head.

In truth, Pinkie’s decision to turn Mac down wasn’t made until the last moment. She’d gotten to Wicker Hill half an hour before their designated meet-up time, debating what she wanted to do next. She eventually considered that simply saying no was the easiest choice for everyone, but…

“This could work. You an’ me, Ah mean.”

Those words alone almost changed Pinkie’s mind in an instant. She thought back to a comment her mother had made many years ago after discovering an entire ‘zoo’ of balloon animals hidden in Pinkie’s room. “Pinkamena? Remind yourself to find a stallion who’s either mad as a flannel or cool as a cucumber when you’re older. Ain’t nopony else could handle you,” she’d said with a smirk, shaking her head as a helium-filled balloon in the shape of a parrot floated to the ceiling.

Pinkie hadn’t taken note of her mother’s words at the time; stallions were barely even an interest, even in her teenage years. Hearts and Hooves day was just another excuse to give presents, hugs, and cards covered in pink glitter. The idea of ‘being’ with somepony hadn’t crossed her mind. Why be with one pony when she could be friends with everypony? It simply made no sense.

However, things did change. While Pinkie had always been remotely aware of Big Macintosh since her arrival in Ponyville, it wasn’t until Twilight showed up and she found herself spending more time around Applejack that feelings began to surface. She didn’t know what to make of things at first, chalking it up to a new Pinkie-sense that she hadn’t experienced before. She could at least admit to herself that Big Mac was interesting, and definitely possessed an impressive physique. But it was more than that. He was always so calm and collected, barely saying a word but when he did, it mattered. Just a quiet, contented stallion who cared for his family and smiled politely. What thoughts he did have he kept to himself. He was such a mystery. And that, Pinkie supposed, had started the snowball tumbling. A pony that even she couldn’t work out. So fascinating…

And that was all it took. Of course, he was nothing but an infatuation and Pinkie knew that. She had the occasional foalish daydream about cuddling up with him to stave away the winter chills. That wasn’t love. She barely even knew him on a personal level. In the few times she’d gotten to speak with him he was tight-lipped to the extreme. If he could get through life with just ‘eeyup’ and ‘eenope’ then he would. So… What was the point? They didn’t have a connection, no matter how much she envisioned one. There were so many fun things to do in life besides chasing non-descript stallions in the vain hope of something more. And the idea that he liked her back was impossible.

“It was you. It was always you.”

But of course, it wasn’t impossible. Pinkie couldn’t help but trawl through her memories, trying to recount events that might have let on to Mac’s true feelings. A faint smile, a dreamy gaze, a light blush… Nothing sprang to mind. He really was a mystery, even to this day.

But that was all beside the point. It didn’t matter if they shared feelings for each other. It didn’t matter if they could’ve been a happy couple in years gone past. Things were the way there were, and things were great. Fluttershy was her very special somepony now. Not that there was anything romantic between them, but they were without a doubt ‘special’ to one another. As for Big Mac? He at least learned that mares would happily throw themselves at him left, right and centre, so it wasn’t all bad for him either. Maybe one day they’d even look back on all this and just laugh. Laughter is, and always has been the best medicine, Pinkie mused to herself.

She settled into bed with a broad smile on her face, pushing those negative thoughts aside. All things considered, it could’ve ended up a lot worse. And yet, it couldn’t have ended up a lot better. Not for all three of them, at least. Why wish for it to be different? Pulling her duvet into a tight bundle, Pinkie soon found residence in the land of nod. Life was great.

“So that’s the plan.” Big Mac leaned back into his chair and pressed his hooves together like an antsy foal. He looked across to his sister who wore an emotionless expression. “What do ya think?”

Applejack let out a weary sigh. “Ah gotta admit, Ah’m surprised.”

“Surprised Ah could come up with such a great idea?”

“No, ya brain-dead idiot!” Applejack chided, banging a hoof down on the table beside them, scattering the papers that Big Mac had meticulously trawled over for what seemed like an eternity. “You’ve lost it, Mac. You’ve just lost it. Ah can’t believe Ah agreed to help ya…”

Big Mac raised an eyebrow, seemingly unfazed by his sister’s outburst. “But ya did agree to help.”

“’Cause Ah thought you’d let this go! Ah had this crazy thought that you’d come to yer senses! Ya really think Fluttershy would—”

“Eeyup.”

“And Pinkie would just—”

“Eeyup.”

Applejack slumped into her seat and let out a sigh. “And here ya go again, countin’ yer chickens ‘fore they’ve hatched. If all this gets in the way of what’s s’posed to happen… Well, Ah don’t know what Ah’ll do, but you won’t like it!”

“Don’t worry, little sis,” Mac replied with a wave of his hoof. He gestured to a wad of papers clamped to a clipboard. “It’s all taken care of.”

“An’ when your plan fails?” Applejack said with a piercing glare.

Big Mac rolled his eyes. “Aw, come on. Ya told me yourself that—”

“An’ Ah’m regrettin’ that already,” Applejack interrupted, burying her face in her hoof. “Me an’ mah big mouth. But whatever. So long as the whole darn event don’t go plots up Ah ain’t got a care in the world. We’ll play your little charade an’ Ah’ll be there to say ‘Ah told ya so’ when it all goes wrong.”

“Ain’t gonna happen,” Big Mac said with a grin, staring dreamily into the ether. “Ah’ve just got a good feelin’ about this. Matter o’ fact, this is the best plan ever.”

A few days later

“Order… up!”

Pinkie whisked the newly baked batch of muffins from the oven. With one swift hoof strike she sent them flying into the air, and then caught them with a plastic tray clutched between her teeth. The small group of school-colts and fillies clapped their hooves and cheered at the display, some almost forgetting that they’d wanted food in the first place.

Sugarcube Corner was always abuzz just after the final school-bell had rung out, and today was no exception. Pinkie was up to her usual tricks, putting on quite the show as she served hungry little foals and parents alike. You give a smile and get a smile was the main order of the day.

In the far corner sat Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and Rarity, fussing over the mini buffet that Pinkie (and to a minor extent, Fluttershy) had prepared. No special occasion. Pinkie suddenly came up with an idea so her friends went along with it as per usual. Twilight had politely declined, hinting at spending some quiet time with Octavia now that Spike was handily “out of the way.” Applejack was… somewhere. Probably far too busy with farmy, appley stuff. But hey, Pinkie thought, four out of six isn’t bad. It was no secret that Rarity had taken full advantage of the occasion to escape from her troublesome sister, (of which she couldn’t help but complain about) while Rainbow Dash took full advantage of the opportunity to stuff her face.

“Mm…” she exclaimed in delight, licking her hoof in an oh-so-unladylike way that made Rarity cringe. “These are good. You seriously made these, Fluttershy?”

“Um… kinda,” Fluttershy replied, smiling to herself. “Pinkie did all the difficult stuff like the icing swirls and decorating. My hooves just aren’t steady enough for that kind of thing.”

“Don’t be so hard on yourself,” Rainbow Dash said, rolling her eyes. “I’ll bet you did more than your fair share.” She slipped another cupcake into her mouth and chomped her way to its messy destruction.

Rarity subtly shifted her seat away from the ‘brutish’ pegasus and cleared her throat. “So Fluttershy. I was considering another trip to the spa this Saturday. I was thinking of splashing out a little and going for the deluxe treatment. Midday, perhaps?”

“Well, I’ll have to wait and see. Pinkie and I have plans this weekend. We might be going on a trip and, if you don’t mind…”

“Oh, no no no no, it’s no bother. It was just an offer, you know. Merely a thought. A passing suggestion, if you will.”

Fluttershy smiled and nodded before delving back into the sugary treats in front of her. The group fell silent for a few minutes as Rainbow Dash continued her confectionary onslaught and Fluttershy carefully picked her way through a muffin, keeping to herself in her usual way. Rarity, on the other hoof, was deep in thought, stuck somewhere between concern and curiosity. The three ponies were pulled from their respective reveries as Pinkie hopped to the table, mouth agape in a wide (and arguably terrifying) grin.

“Wow! You guys were hungry! There’s barely anything left!”

“You can thank the wannabe Wonderbolt for that,” Rarity said, having already pushed away a half-eaten cake thanks to losing her appetite for obvious reasons. “I must say, Rainbow Dash. I thought athletes were supposed to be on a strict diet?”

“Maybe for wimpy athletes. It doesn’t matter what I eat; it all becomes fuel for flying in the end, and I can’t get enough of that.”

“Eat as much as you like, Rainbow Dash!” Pinkie beamed. “There’s plenty more where that came from! Oh Fluttershy, could you lend a hoof for just a minute? I was about to make some black diamond truffles and I thought you might want to join me.”

“Oh of course,” Fluttershy said, stepping down from her seat. “I was so confused by the recipes. Are they hard to make or is it just me?”

“They’re tricky customers alright.” Pinkie quickly turned to the line of ponies queuing up to the main counter. “Not you guys! You’re not tricky at all! You’re all positively delightful! Say Fluttershy, why is there cake in your mane? Storing it away for later?” Pinkie said with a wink.

“Really?” Fluttershy said with a faint gasp, brushing a hoof through her mane as the both walked towards the kitchen. “That was probably Rainbow Dash. I must not have realised just how much mess she was making.”

“No worries! In fact it’s quite handy having it within reach.” Pinkie sent her tongue across Fluttershy’s mane in a twisted lick, somehow picking up all manner of crumbs and icing. Fluttershy blushed, but couldn’t help but giggle at Pinkie’s foalish demeanour as she licked her lips joyfully. “That’s lunch for me out of the way! So how about we get started on those truffles? First of all, you need to…”

Rarity kept her eyes fixed on her two friends until they dropped out of sight, just beyond the door at the store’s back-end. She shook her head and sighed dramatically. “I hope Twilight’s escapades haven’t started a new trend amongst our friends,” she huffed disappointedly.

“What are you talking about?” Rainbow Dash said, letting out a crude burp. “Now Twilight’s hooked up you think we’re all gonna find ourselves somepony? What would be the problem with that?”

“That’s not quite what I was getting at,” Rarity said, gesturing to the other side of the room with her eyebrows.

“Who? Pinks and Fluttershy?” Rainbow Dash let loose a hearty chuckle. “They’re hanging out more, sure, but it ain’t ‘cause of that. It’s just after the whole…” She took a moment to check her surroundings, as if expecting certain ponies to magically appear within earshot. “…Big Mac thing. Not sure what happened there, but they seem happy enough. Probably lost interest in him or something.”

“You really think?”

“Sure. Eh, maybe. What do I know? But I’m tellin’ ya, it’s not because they’re doing it. And even if they were, what’s the problem with that?”

“It’s unruly, I know,” Rarity said, looking a little ashamed. “I’m happy for Twilight. Really, I am. It’s just… going to take some getting used to. I’m not against mares being with mares and stallions being with stallions. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t just a little weirded out by it.”

Rainbow Dash shrugged. “I guess I can understand that. So what, you were worried that ‘cause of Twilight, Pinks and Fluttershy have caught ‘the gay’?”

“Silly of me, I know. Maybe I’m reading into things the wrong way, or perhaps part of me is still disappointed that Fluttershy and Big Mac never got together. I made her a dress and everything!”

“That red one?” Rainbow Dash asked, grinning. “Oh yeah! I remember that! All silk and flowing and pretty? She looked so…” She trailed off, clearing her throat with a slight blush on her cheeks. “…cool. The dress was alright as far as girly dresses go, anyhow.”

“I don’t understand how it never worked. I’ve not been told every detail, but to my knowledge Big Mac was the one who rejected her. Maybe he already had a special somepony, but surely we’d have heard about it by now. We all know the Apple family breeds like rabbits; I could imagine Applejack shouting from the rooftops over possible nephews and nieces. But alas, Fluttershy may find love yet. Maybe we’ll all find love yet.” Rarity slumped to the table, looking a little disheartened.

“I’m sure she’s in no rush,” Rainbow Dash said casually, not seeming to notice her friend’s glum expression. “If she wants to spend her time with Pinkie Pie instead of chasing stallions, I don’t see a problem. She might not even want a special somepony.”

“Yes. Maybe that’s the case after all.”

I don’t need a special somepony, Fluttershy told herself. I’ve never had one before, so why would I need one now? It was a common train of thought for her ever since the incident. By her logic, if she kept telling herself that over and over, eventually it would become the truth. She’d have no lingering doubts, no sense of emptiness, no little questions popping up in the back of her mind, and no feelings for Big Mac. None whatsoever. I have my friends, I have Pinkie, and that’s more than I could ever ask for. I don’t need anypony I don’t need anypony I don’t need anypony I don’t need…

“I don’t need this kind of attitude,” she said sternly as she pushed a bowl of salad towards Angel. The ever moody bunny was being as stubborn as ever. “I promise you it’s delicious. Now eat up.”

Angel sat back and folded his paws defiantly, to which Fluttershy let out a short sigh. The batch of black diamond truffles that she’d attempted to make without Pinkie’s help had gone awfully wrong, much to her dismay. She definitely lacked the magic touch that Pinkie seemed to have when it came to cooking. Angel was furious, especially since he’d been promised some. And so he’d continue his little sulk for a little while before caving in and eating the snack she’d prepared, just like always.

It was just approaching the evening, and with the animals all seen to and fed Fluttershy thought she’d top off the usual pleasant day with a few chapters from Daring Do and The Silver Scales. The series was fairly new to her. She could barely believe that innocent little foals would read such tales of horror and treachery, as it even scared her on occasion. Still, it gave her something to talk about with Pinkie, as well as keeping her mind off other things.

Just as Daring Do ambled around a Saddle Arabian village seeking out a shady merchant there was a knock at the door. “Just a moment,” Fluttershy called out, marking her page and setting the book down. She opened the door, ready to greet her guest. She might have expected Pinkie to stop by, armed with a paper bag of leftover treats and a smile. Or perhaps even Rainbow Dash or Applejack. What she didn’t expect was…

“Howdy, Fluttershy. Ah hope it’s alright, but Ah could really use your help with somethin’…”

Fluttershy felt an involuntary shiver pass along her spine, hairs prickling up at the back of her neck. “Help? Help with… what?”

Chapter 12 - Best Laid Plans

Chapter 12 – Best Laid Plans

“Well we got a few new animals at the farm, an’ Ah thought maybe ya could look after ‘em. Some of ‘em are actin’ a little… tricky. Me an’ Applejack ‘d be mighty grateful.”

Fluttershy’s heat skipped a beat as she locked eyes with the pony stood before her. Tentatively, she spoke. “Well I don’t know, Applebloom.”

“Huh? Why not?”

Fluttershy knew exactly why not. She’d heard all about the Hearts and Hooves Day incident, whereby Applebloom and her friends had tricked Big Mac and Cheerilee into drinking a love potion. That attempt to pair them off had failed, but the Cutie Mark Crusaders were never ones to give up on crazy schemes. Rarity would have undoubtedly blabbed to Sweetie Belle about the red dress she’d made, and even if she hadn’t explicitly said that it was to catch Big Mac’s eye, it wouldn’t be difficult for Sweetie Belle to pass on the information and for Applebloom to put two and two together. Animals at the farm? It had all the trappings of a plan to get her and Big Mac together. If the animals were a real issue, why wasn’t Applejack the one asking for help? It had to be a setup.

“Does Applejack know about this?” Fluttershy asked, ensuring the most sincere tone of voice she could manage.

Applebloom nodded cheerfully. “She sure does. Matter o’ fact, she was the one that suggested you in the first place.”

“So why didn’t she ask me in person?”

Applebloom shrugged. “Ah dunno. Busy with stuff Ah guess.”

“I see…” Fluttershy thought for a moment. Would Applebloom really lie about something like that? It seemed like quite a tall tale for the little filly to include her sister in all of this. However, the worry was still there. Applejack sending Applebloom on an errand was unlikely, but understandable. But Applejack having trouble with animals? She was hardly a zoologist, but she was more than capable of looking after a few critters. She’d even steered a stampeding gang of cattle away from Ponyville at one point.

“So will ya do it?” Applebloom asked, cutting through the silence.

“That depends,” Fluttershy replied. “I still don’t know what you’re asking me to do, exactly. Why do you need me to look after the animals? Also, what kind of animals do you mean?”

“Oh. Sorry, Ah kinda forgot t’ tell all that stuff. We just need ya keepin’ an eye on some piglets an’ lambs in our pettin’ zoo this Saturday. It’s for the family reunion.”

“Family reunion?” Fluttershy parroted. If that was the case, Big Mac would definitely be there. It didn’t matter if Applebloom was planning to pair them up or not; she couldn’t bring herself to face him either way. Even so much as thinking about him was painful. “I… I don’t know about that, Applebloom.”

The young filly scrunched up her face in confusion. “Why not?”

“I just don’t think it’s a good idea. Plus, I have plans for the weekend already.”

“Ooh! Ah almost forgot!” Applebloom exclaimed, raising a hoof in Fluttershy’s direction. “Ah heard from Applejack ya might not wanna see mah brother.”

Fluttershy gulped. Now this really didn’t sound like something Applebloom would lie about. “Oh?” was all she could mumble.

“Yeah, Ah heard somethin’ like that. Is it true?”

Fluttershy took a deep breath and cleared her throat. “Yes, something like that. It’s complicated.”

“That’s what Applejack said!” Applebloom cried, staring irritably into the dirt. However, her frown quickly faded as she looked up at Fluttershy, sadness plastered all over her face. “Ah sure hope nothin’ bad happened ‘tween y’all. You don’t hate him, do ya?”

In an instant, every ounce of suspicion in Fluttershy’s mind vanished. She pulled her most convincing smile and stroked Applebloom’s mane. “There’s no need to worry yourself about that. It’s true that something happened between me and Mac, and we both got upset. But I don’t hate him, and I’m sure he doesn’t hate me. I’m also sure that one day we’ll be able to talk to each other like nothing ever happened. We might even become good friends.” Fluttershy closed her eyes for a moment, not even sure if what she’d said could ever come to pass. What would it take? Months? Years? A lifetime? She pushed those thoughts away and looked to Applebloom once more. “Doesn’t that sound okay?”

Applebloom sniffed and nodded. “Ah guess.”

“Everything will be alright,” Fluttershy cooed. “Now, you said you needed my help at a family reunion?”

“That’s right. Applejack said ya were the best pony around when it came to animals. An’ if ya don’t want Mac there with ya, Applejack said ya won’t have to see ‘im.” Applebloom sighed sadly, pawing at the ground. It was almost enough to melt Fluttershy’s heart. “But if you’re busy with somethin’ else, that’s alright. We’ll manage.”

Fluttershy mulled over her options for a moment. She surely did not want to disappoint an already sullen little filly. If what Applebloom said was true, (and she had no remaining reasons to believe otherwise) it meant Big Mac wanted to be as considerate as possible given the situation. Perhaps the Apple family had hoped for her involvement for a while but had put off asking for help after everything that had happened. Or maybe Applejack wanted to spend some quality fun time with her to break the ice, and the family reunion provided the perfect occasion. Nopony else outside the Apple family had even been invited to her knowledge, so in a way it was kind of an honour. In that sense, maybe taking part wasthe right thing to do.

“You know what? I think I will help out,” Fluttershy said with a warm smile.

Applebloom immediately perked up. “Really?”

“Really.”

“Well that’s great! Ten in the mornin’ on Saturday, alright?”

“I’ll be there,” Fluttershy answered, all anxiety and apprehension fading away. Truthfully, she was actually looking forward to spending some quality time with Applejack. There was no way she would let past events mar their friendship, and if this was an invitation to show that everything was fine between them, then all the more reason to go. Sure, she’d already made plans, but Pinkie would understand. She was her best friend, after all. She would definitely understand.

Earlier that day

“This is the worst plan ever!”

Big Mac slumped into his seat and was quickly met by a hoof bashing him painfully across the back of the head.

“What have Ah been sayin’ this whole dang time!?” Applejack scolded, pounding her other hoof into the arm of Mac’s chair. “Only now ya realise?”

Mac rubbed his head, wincing. “Ah thought it’d all work out.”

“Really!?” Applejack blasted, burying her head into her hooves. “The reunion is almost here an’ ya ain’t even found a way for Fluttershy to show up. What kinda plan is that? Ah say you drop all o’ this an’ focus on organisin’ the reunion like you was s’posed to be doin’ this whole time.”

“It could still work,” Mac said in a hushed tone, secretly bracing himself for another battering at his sister’s hooves. “You sure ya can’t just tell Fluttershy somethin’ an’ get—”

“Do what? Lie to one of mah best friends!?” Applejack seethed.

“No need to lie, just… don’t tell her everythin’.” Mac gulped nervously. “You did say you’d help.”

“For the record, Ah said Ah’d help but Ah never said nothin’ ‘bout lyin’. If Fluttershy starts askin’ me questions then Ah’m gonna have to answer ‘em. Ah happen to be called the Element o’ Honesty, an’ Ah respect the truth. Ah also respect mah friends. Even helpin’ ya as much as Ah’ve said is cuttin’ it mighty fine.”

Mac twiddled his hooves like an antsy foal, watching as Applejack paced back and forth in the family living room. “An’ what if mah plan works? They’d be happy, right?”

Applejack shot back a disgruntled glare. “Quit turnin’ it around like that. Sure, they’d be happy if everythin’ in that warped little mind o’ yours goes to plan.”

“So then it’s worth tryin’?”

Applejack sighed heavily and took to a seat of her own. “Whatever. Ah don’t even know anymore.” She shook her head, silently begging for a way to get back the brother she used to know. He was more intolerable now than on any of his days spent skulking around. “But mah gut says you’ve got it all wrong. Life don’t fall into place just ‘cause ya want it to. If you’re dead set with goin’ ahead, Ah’ll still help. But when it all fails, don’t come cryin’ to me.”

Mac stayed silent for a moment, readying his response. “Then let’s do it,” he said matter-of-factly. “It’s prob’ly gonna fail, but it might not. Ah gotta try.”

“Knew you’d say that,” Applejack said grumpily.

“An’ even if it don’t go to plan with Pinkie, surely ya gotta believe it will for Fluttershy. Ah mean, you were the one who told me—”

Mac was abruptly cut off as the front door was slammed wide open. “Howdy!” Applebloom called.

Applejack made a zipping motion against her lips and left the living room to meet her sister in the hallway. “Well howdy to you too. Have a good day at school?”

“Sure did! Miss Cheerilee gave me an ‘A’ for mah paintin’ of a sunflower!”

Mac recoiled at the sound of Cheerilee’s name. If there was one thing he couldn’t plan, it was how to rekindle their friendship. After her confession of love, he wasn’t even sure what to think of her anymore. Did that make him a bad friend? He didn’t know. But he did know that things might never be the same ever again. And he couldn’t blame her for expressing her feelings, just like he had to Pinkie. It just didn’t help to know that Applebloom spent nearly every day with her.

Mac’s eyes grew wide as a revelation occurred to him. Applebloom… Applebloom!

“... an’ that’s when Scootaloo sneezed glitter all across the classroom! So then we—”

“Howdy, Applebloom!” Mac interrupted with, unsubtly grabbing Applejack to one side.

“Mac, what in the hay?” Applejack gasped, her mouth quickly being covered by Mac’s hoof.

“Ah just need to speak to Applejack for one second,” he said, dragging her into the living room. “Treat yourself to some apple pie!” With that, he slammed the door behind him, leaving a very perplexed Applebloom standing in the hallway.

“What apple pie?” she wondered aloud, looking around the kitchen.

“Mac, what’re you playin’ at!?” Applejack scowled.

“Don’t ya see?” he replied with a grin. “You don’t have to get Fluttershy to come along after all.”

Applejack shot him a confused look, but quickly came to realise what he meant. “Applebloom? Oh no, no, no, no ya ain’t. Don’t tell me ya wanna get her involved in this stupid plan o’ yours.”

“Why not? Ah can’t ask Fluttershy along, an’ you can’t lie to her. This way, that don’t have to happen! An’ how could Fluttershy not trust Applebloom? An’ she don’t even have to know mah plan! We just tell her the truth, that we want Fluttershy at the reunion, plus a couple other things.” Mac smiled proudly as he mulled over his own statement. “Perfect idea in mah book.”

Applejack let out a throaty grumble and rolled her eyes. “Ah’m gonna regret this, aren’t Ah?”

The next day

“I’ll be with you in just a few thousand nanoseconds!” Pinkie called out as she heard the entrance bell to Sugarcube Corner ring out. She quickly closed the oven door and turned to her next customer. “Fluttershy! It’s good you dropped by. Did you know there’s something called a nanosecond? It’s like, a whole millionth of a second! I’ve been trying to count in nanoseconds, but it’s not going so well. It just makes my head all spinny. Anyway, how are you on this fine day?”

“I’m doing well, thanks,” Fluttershy replied, stepping up next to the counter. “It’s just, I have someth—”

“Oh! Oh! I have a surprise for you!” Pinkie exclaimed, diving into the kitchen and prancing back with a metal tray between her teeth. She grabbed it in her hooves and tilted it towards Fluttershy, a large, flat biscuit in the shape of a dragon resting on the greaseproof paper, decorated with colourful swirls of icing and gem-shaped candy pieces “So, what do you think?”

“Why, it looks amazing,” Fluttershy commented. “Is that gingerbread?”

“Sure is!” Pinkie said with a nod. “I had some spare time this morning so I thought I’d get creative. And who knows? Maybe I’ll make more and get some more consumer interest! Gingerbread ponies have been done about a bajillion times before, so why not a gingerbread dragon?” She slid the tray onto a nearby table. “I’ll make some more ready for Saturday. Oh! I should make one with your colour scheme! I could even give it a butterfly cutie-mark! And then I’ll make a dragon version of me! Then we could eat each other… Oh wait, that’s kind of weird, isn’t it? Or is it weirder to eat ourselves? What do you think?”

Fluttershy cleared her throat, feeling unnecessarily flustered. “Actually, that’ll have to wait for another time. I… I’m going to be a little busy on Saturday.”

“Really? Is it something I can help with? You know what they say! Two heads are better than one!”

“It’s not really something you can help with,” Fluttershy replied nervously. She took a moment to steel herself. “I’m going to the Apple family reunion. But it’s not what you think!”

Pinkie’s face grew serious. A near-tangible silence hung in the air, both friends locking eyes with one another. Finally, Pinkie shrugged, her smile returning. “It wouldn’t matter if it was.”

That’s not true, Fluttershy wanted to say. You’re just saying that to be nice. However, she wanted to get away from the subject of Mac in its entirety. “Well… it’s not. Applejack has this petting zoo for the colts and fillies, and said she needed my help. Except, it was Applebloom who said Applejack wanted some help, and she already knows about… you know… And I didn’t want to disappoint them, and I thought it’d be nice to see Applejack again, and…”

Fluttershy trailed off into hyperventilation, trying desperately to read Pinkie’s blank expression. She could almost hear the stream of questions about to spurt from Pinkie’s mouth. What do you mean Applejack wasn’t the one to ask you for help? Why send Applebloom? If she knows about Mac, why bring it up? Is it because you’re going there to meet him? Is there anyone else going to the family reunion that isn’t part of the family? Why were you invited, but not me? Does Applejack have something against me for what happened to Mac? Why would she need you there? With a family as big as the Apples, couldn’t somepony else work with the animals instead? Is it because you’ll soon be a part of their family? Explain, Fluttershy! Explain!

However, Pinkie said none of those things. Instead, she cocked her head confusedly. “Um, Fluttershy? No need to go overboard on the explanation. I got your message loud and clear. We can always hang out some other time.”

Fluttershy bit her bottom lip, her cheeks burning. “Oh, of course! I just wanted to make sure you knew everything, and that I wasn’t planning to—”

“Like I said, we can do something another time,” Pinkie reaffirmed, still grinning. “There’s plenty of time in the world! Like… maybe a bajillion nanoseconds! But you have to Pinkie promise me one little thing…”

Fluttershy gulped loudly. “W-what?”

“Promise me you’ll have fun!”

There was a brief moment of silence before Fluttershy let out a giggle, mentally wiping her brow with relief. “Cross my heart and hope to fly,” she began, putting her hooves through the motions, “Stick a cupcake in my eye.”

“There we go!” Pinkie cheered, clapping her hooves together. “Now, can I get you anything to eat?”

With the subject dropped, the two friends continued conversing much like they always had, chatting about their day as Fluttershy nibbled on a fresh scone caked in raspberry jam. A few friendly faces stopped by — namely Twilight and Octavia, who were now even more open and proud of their relationship — giving them much to talk about.

Slowly but surely, Fluttershy began to understand the biggest change in her friendship with Pinkie, something beyond just spending more time with one another. There was a new degree of trust, unhindered by insecurities. She knew that deep down, she could trust Pinkie not to go behind her back and do anything… unsavoury. At the same time, Pinkie would do the same for her. Was that the true meaning of friendship? Despite being involved in Twilight’s studies, it felt like they all had so much to learn, even when it came to ponies they’d known for years. It was both a daunting and endearing prospect in equal measure.

It wasn’t long before both mares said their goodbyes and Fluttershy sauntered home, her mind flitting to her plans for the day, and whether she wanted to bring something to the Apple family reunion as thanks for her invitation. She was sure she could find some apple-related recipes in Pinkie’s cookbook. An apple tart, maybe? Compared to other desserts, it shouldn’t be too difficult. As for acquiring the ingredients, she would still have to visit Applejack, which always ran the risk of her bumping into Big Mac. Never mind, she thought. I’m sure a strawberry cheesecake will do just fine.

She hoped that by visiting the reunion, there was a chance she could organise another meet-up with Applejack, just to dissolve any anxieties that might still exist between them. It would be a cruel twist of fate if the events of the infamous ‘Operation FlutterMac’ party led to them drifting apart as friends. Aside from one or two fleeting moments, (and an awkward exchange the day she’d gone to see Mac after Pinkie’s confession) the last time they’d properly spoken together was at the party before that, which brought back even more painful memories. She’d felt so out of place while Applejack and Rainbow Dash talked about stallions, and left to get away from all that only to bump into Mac and start the emotional snowball rolling. She did wonder why Applejack hadn’t properly visited her since that day, but it must’ve been difficult to deal with considering Pinkie was also involved.

Fluttershy came to a halt. A question that had lingered at the back of her mind jumped to the forefront. Why wasn’t Pinkie being invited? Surely if Mac was going to be absent, or at least not show his face as Applebloom had said, wouldn’t it make sense to invite them both? Either she was being invited for the sole reason of watching over the petting zoo, or the Apples simply didn’t want Pinkie there. In either case, it was somewhat of an insult. Then again, maybe they just hadn’t invited Pinkie yet? That seemed more likely. After all, why would they not—

—invite me? Pinkie thought as she waved goodbye to the last customer of the day. The same question sprung up again and again. She didn’t want to be jealous or mopey, especially not when it came to Fluttershy, and she certainly didn’t want another re-tread of her birthday freak-out just over a year ago, but she couldn’t help but be suspicious.

Fluttershy wouldn’t be up to something. Even if she wanted to meet with Big Mac again, why would she do it this way? If she was hoping to see Mac again she’d have come out and said so outright. Pinkie was sure of it.

So then, was it Applejack? Had she sided with Fluttershy over the whole ordeal? It wouldn’t be too big a stretch; she could understand anypony who got angry over their brother being kicked in the face. She felt guiltier about that than anything. Pinkie had wanted to apologise to Applejack about it, but was too wrapped up in her own emotional turmoil to find the right moment. She’d at least seen Applejack in Ponyville once or twice, but the farm pony had acted a little reserved. Cagey, almost. Pinkie had also acted the same way, too afraid to say or do something out of place. But she’d at least assumed the two of them were still good friends. Wouldn’t Applejack have said something if they weren’t? Or maybe she’d rather say nothing, Pinkie thought sadly as she ran a damp cloth across one of the tables.

Pinkie shook her head. Applejack was stubborn, but she wasn’t spiteful. She wouldn’t do something like this to deliberately hurt somepony’s feelings. Maybe she really did just need Fluttershy to assist with the petting zoo. In any case, Pinkie would have to find out from Applejack herself if anything was amiss. But then again, maybe it wasn’t anything to do with Applejack? Maybe it was…

Big Mac, Pinkie mouthed silently, staring into the empty air for answers. If it wasn’t Applejack herself who passed on the message to Fluttershy, maybe Mac was behind it. Whatever it was, she could only guess. Considering how she’d effectively rejected Mac atop Wicker Hill, there was nothing stopping him from making a move on Fluttershy. He was a stallion, and stallions liked attention from mares. He knew Fluttershy liked him, so what was there to stop him from trying to…

Pinkie gagged involuntarily, a sickly feeling in the pit of her stomach. Just when she thought she had her emotions in check, the fear of Big Mac coaxing Fluttershy with a few ciders and having his way — because that’s all stallions ever want just like mother said just like mother said — made her lips dry and her spine twitch. But would Mac really do that, after everything that had happened? She couldn’t be sure.

Calm yourself, Pinkie said inwardly, rubbing a hoof across her forehead. You’re just being paranoid. Stop it. Even if Big Mac was planning something along those lines, there was no way Fluttershy would reciprocate his advances.

Is that really the truth? Another voice at the back of her mind asked. Imagine if you’d had a few drinks and Big Mac walked up to you right now, stroking your mane and kissing your neck. You’d want him so badly, wouldn’t you? What’s to say Fluttershy wouldn’t do the same?

“Shut up,” Pinkie mumbled under her breath, her face dripping with sweat. “Just shut—”

Pinkie felt a hoof grab her shoulder and recoiled at the touch, her heart skipping a beat as she imagined Big Mac stood there, drawn by the power of her own thoughts. Instead, she saw Mr Cake.

“Pinkie, are you alright?” he asked with concern, putting a hoof up to her temple. “You’re a little warm. Do you feel sick?”

“Kinda,” Pinkie replied bashfully. She realised just how dazed she must have been to not notice Mr Cake’s approaching hoof-steps. “But I think I’ll be alright. A good night’s sleep should do the trick!” she exclaimed with mock happiness.

“Well okay,” Mr Cake said worriedly. “You hit the hay early and I’ll finish cleaning up. Don’t work yourself too hard now.”

“Right.”

Pinkie power-walked up to her bedroom and slammed the door behind her, emitting an exasperated sigh as she flopped into bed. “Okay, so I’m overreacting,” she whispered to herself, trying to drown out the horrible images that her mind spewed forth. Nothing seemed to make any sense. All this time she’d done everything to get Fluttershy and Big Mac together, and had even given up a sure-fire chance to be with him because she valued their friendship. But things were different. The situation for all three of them was different. And it was all because of those eight little words…

“This could work. You an’ me, Ah mean.”

If Mac could just prey on Fluttershy after everything he said, after every word caked in pent up emotion that came from his lips, had he merely played a part? Had she really not meant anything to him, even after he’d confessed his so-called feelings? Was her heart-wrenching decision of rejection just a minor grievance for him until he could prowl on some other mare? If he made advances and Fluttershy accepted them, couldn’t she just say the old ‘love and war’ line and be done with it? And since I once strived to bring them together, I could never object. They’d wonder why I was acting out when I was the one who said ‘no.’ And if I wanted to be Fluttershy’s best friend, would that mean supporting her in everything she did?

No. Pinkie steeled her resolve. No. You’re not doing this to yourself. Fluttershy is helping out at the petting zoo and you think this is all part of some ridiculous plan. Not only would Big Mac never do something like that, Applejack would stop anything at the first sign of trouble and Fluttershy would honour our friendship to the hilt. With that conclusion reached, Pinkie finally found a way to drift off to sleep. She dreamed of Big Mac holding her as she wept.

The day of the reunion

The sunlight crept precariously along Fluttershy’s bed until it reached the bridge of her nose, her eyes creaking open as morning made itself known. She let out a yawn and stretched. Letting her eyes adjust to the light, she set about getting breakfast for all the critters and creatures that she tended to day by day. Thinking ahead, she put aside some hay and assorted animal feed into a satchel for the petting zoo.

Keeping an eye on the clock as she worked, Fluttershy found herself becoming surprisingly excited. Sure, the idea of being introduced to a collection of Applejack’s distant relatives was rather daunting, and there was no getting away from her shyness in that regard, but from what she could imagine it seemed all the more appealing than a cramped disco party full of drunken ponies shouting to be heard over the loud music and vomiting in fifty different colours. That, and it would be nice to spend some one-on-one time with Applejack, at the expense of looking after animals and foals, both of which she excelled at. Or at least, she’d handled the cutie-mark crusaders, and other foals couldn’t be any more difficult to handle, could they? Whatever the case, she wasn’t worried about any of that. The one thing that worried her…

Pinkie. Even if it was far from the truth, Fluttershy still felt a pang of guilt from ‘ditching’ her best friend. It was also a wonder as to why Applejack hadn’t invited the pair of them, but her reasons were likely innocent. Regardless, Fluttershy made a mental reminder to mention it as soon as she got the chance. Pinkie may have made her share of mistakes, but none of them were worth losing a friendship over.

Fluttershy looked at the strawberry cheesecake she’d made, or at least, the remains of what she’d attempted to make. It was perfectly edible and probably tasted great, but the crumpled base and uneven toppings left much to be desired. Angel looked up expectantly, and Fluttershy gave in, cutting him a small slice. At least it was good practice, she thought.

She checked the clock. Ten minutes past nine. That left plenty of time before she needed to be at Sweet Apple Acres, but something else needed to be done. “Goodbye Angel,” she said to her pet bunny as he wolfed down another bite of cake, patting his belly gleefully. “I should be back before evening. Make sure you behave.” Angel waved nonchalantly in response. Fluttershy slung the satchel over her back and went on her way, heading directly for Sugarcube Corner. She had to pass on one little message, to assure both Pinkie and herself.

After just a ten minute walk Fluttershy reached Sugarcube Corner and tapped lightly on the front door. Surprisingly, it was neither Mr or Mrs Cake, but Pinkie herself who answered. Fluttershy couldn’t be certain, but she swore she could see a hint of distress on her friend’s face before her lips spread into a wide smile.

“Fluttershy!” the pink mare cheered, pulling her into a tight hug. “You’ve come to visit me! Wait, aren’t you supposed to be seeing Applejack?”

“Actually, yes,” Fluttershy answered, gesturing towards her satchel. “I’m on my way there now, but I just had to check up on you first.”

“Check up on me?” Pinkie said worriedly. “Why?”

Fluttershy took a deep breath. “Because Applejack didn’t invite you.”

Something inside of Pinkie snapped, and her attempts at hiding her emotions faltered. Her smile dropped and her ears folded. “Okay, so maybe I wondered about that just a little bit.”

“Listen, please don’t get upset,” Fluttershy cooed, placing a hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “I’m going to ask Applejack about that myself.”

“You will?”

Fluttershy nodded confidently. “It’s probably nothing, of course, but I wanted to let you know before I left. To tell you the truth, I wish you could come along too, but I don’t know if that’d be a good idea. Applejack might—”

Fluttershy was cut off swiftly by her friend’s hoof. Pinkie let out a brief sigh, and then smiled. “You don’t need to explain, silly. But thanks.” She paused, nibbling anxiously at her bottom lip. “I’m glad I have you as a best friend. This calls for another hug!”

Before Fluttershy could speak, Pinkie’s fore-hooves were wrapped around her ribcage in a vice-grip. “Thanks… Pinkie…” she gasped, feeling herself blush as a few ponies walked by giving them odd looks. Thankfully, she was released within just a few seconds.

“Don’t mention it! And tell Applejack she’s gonna miss out on the biggest hug ever if she doesn’t stop by soon!”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Fluttershy said between shallow breaths. “Like I said, it’s probably nothing.”

“Banjo quartet? Check. Fancy buffet? Check. Flat pack barn to raise in case o’ emergency?” Applejack flipped over a page attached to a clipboard. “Check. We good for supplies, Mac?”

“Eeyup,” Big Mac answered from the living room.

Applejack peered out of the window, watching as Granny Smith and Applebloom directed carts driven by various family members into a specially marked bay. “Y’know, you should really be doin’ all that.”

“But Ah can’t—”

“Ah know, Ah know,” Applejack said, rolling her eyes. “The plan. But it was your turn to organise everythin’ this time around. Anyway, you sure we got enough drink?”

“Ah checked earlier, we’re fine.”

Applejack raised an eyebrow, somewhat unconvinced. “Alright, Ah’ll take your word for it.” Quietly, she pulled on the handle that led down to the cellar, trying as hard as she could to minimise every creak and click as she opened the door and tiptoed down the stairs. Pulling on the studded metal cord against the right-hand wall, a small light bulb illuminated the cellar. A set of shelves were bolted to the wall opposite, rows of paint pots, woodwork tools, tinned food and wine bottles stacked up in an orderly fashion. To the side were two cider kegs, resting in a wooden brace. Everything was covered in a thin layer of dust. Everything except for one thing. Something had been removed, and very recently…

“Mac!” Applejack shouted, charging back up the stairs and into the living room where her brother sat, a look of fear across his face. “Where’s the rest o’ the cider? An’ don’t say it’s in the barn ‘cause Ah came from there not long ago.”

Mac shrugged unconvincingly, wearing a nervous expression. “How should Ah know?”

“Mac,” Applejack said forcefully, wearing that all too powerful frown that all mares from the Apple family were blessed with. “Answer the question.”

Sweat dripped from Mac’s forehead as he realised his number was up. “Ah didn’t tell ya but…”

“But!?”

“But Ah needed that keg o’ cider.” He gulped audibly, rendered powerless under his sister’s piercing glare. “It-It’s part of the plan.”

Applejack face-hoofed hard enough to leave a mark. “Well where is it!?” she bellowed. “What d’you mean, part of the plan!? What ain’t ya told me? Ah have a right mind to… Darn it.”

“What?”

Applejack pointed out of the window as a certain yellow pegasus appeared over the horizon. “Fluttershy’s almost here. Ah’ll go talk to her. You get outta sight, d’you hear? It’s a darn shame ya can’t just enjoy a family reunion for what it is, ya gotta play puppet master.”

“Just do what Ah told ya,” Mac instructed as he scampered upstairs. “Ah have high hopes!”

“Wish Ah could feel the same,” Applejack muttered as Mac slammed a door behind him. She took a deep breath and ventured out into the orchard. “May Celestia forgive me for this…”

Fluttershy continued on the path towards the Apple’s farmhouse with caution, watching as carriages and carts approached from a dirt track that led to other nearby settlements. She scoured ahead. She could see Applebloom and Granny Smith, as well as small groups of other Apple family members. She recognised ponies like Babs Seed, Braeburn, Apple Fritter, Peachy Sweet and Golden Delicious, but the names of the others eluded her. Considering how massive the extended Apple family was, (and the fact that it grew with each passing year) there was no way she’d come to learn them all. She took one last good look all around. Big Mac was indeed nowhere to be seen. Uttering a sigh of relief, Fluttershy picked up the pace.

With that cause for anxiety put to rest, Fluttershy managed to get a good look at the decorations. The farmhouse had a multi-coloured banner that stretched across each wall, the word ‘WELCOME’ flapping in the wind just above the front door. Several marquee style tents had been set up in the yard, with a couple still being erected by a stallion and two colts. The oft destroyed barn had its doors splayed wide open, with a few ponies chatting at the entrance, one of which carried a violin and bore an uncanny resemblance to a certain cellist living in Ponyville. The promise of a friendly, outdoor atmosphere grew more enticing by the second, and with the sun shining and literally only one cloud in the entire sky above Sweet Apple Acres, it felt like a beautiful start to a great day. If only Pinkie could be here.

“Fluttershy!” Applebloom cried, the excitable filly racing towards her with a big smile. “Ya came!”

“Well of course, I’m glad to be here. By the way, is Applejack around?”

“Right here!” the orange farm pony called, stepping towards them and adjusting her Stetson. “Nice to see ya, Fluttershy. Sorry for the short notice an’ all. That kinda happens with so much to organise.”

“Oh it’s no worry at all,” Fluttershy replied, her spirits lifted by Applejack’s smile. “It’s so nice to see an Apple family reunion up close like this.”

“Well Ah hope ya enjoy it while you’re here,” Applejack remarked, swinging a hoof enthusiastically. “Brought some tasty treats for the critters Ah see. You prob’ly won’t need to stay stuck with ‘em for too long today an’ Ah’m sure—”

Applejack fell silent as one of the marquee tents collapsed, an embarrassed stallion and two hysterical foals crawling out from underneath.

“Need a hand, partner?” Applejack asked, to which the stallion nodded bashfully. “Always somethin’ to do around here,” she said with a smirk. “Say Fluttershy, why don’t Applebloom take ya up to the pettin’ zoo right now? Ah’ll be over real soon.”

“Aye-aye, Captain Applejack!” Applebloom said with a salute. “First mate Applebloom reportin’ for duty!” Applejack mouthed the words ‘crusader pirates’ to Fluttershy before turning around and pulling the distressed stallion to his hooves. “Come on, Fluttershy! It’s this way!”

Fluttershy followed Applebloom through the sparse crowd, nodding to a few ponies who paid her heed, tipping their hats or spouting “mornin’.” The Apples might have fit squarely into the ‘country bumpkin’ stereotype, but Fluttershy couldn’t deny their unabashed friendliness. She did however feel a little out of place being the only pegasus at the gathering, even though she was perfectly aware how silly it was to even care about such a thing. Still, considering her attachment to nature she often wondered if she should’ve been born an earth pony.

“Well here we are!” Applebloom announced grandly, gesturing with one hoof towards a small, fenced off animal pen. “The pettin’ zoo! Or as Ah like to call it, the poop deck. C’mon, Ah’ll introduce you!”

Two piglets chased each other excitedly, emitting a series of happy oinks. “That there’s Piggy an’ Porky,” Applebloom said. “Then there’s Sheepy an’ Lamby!” She pointed to two lambs munching away on a patch of grass, seemingly disinterested by either pony’s presence. “Ain’t they cute? Ah named ‘em mahself!”

“Oh they are so cute,” Fluttershy commented, her attention being drawn to a single goat sat in the far corner of the pen, its head held high. “And who’s this?”

“That’s Matilda!” Applebloom answered, hopping over to the goat. “We found her wanderin’ out beyond the Farfields one day, just lookin’ for some much needed love an’ attention. Why, she’s almost like family!”

Fluttershy glanced between Applebloom and Matilda a few times, growing rather confused. “Um… Applebloom? I don’t know if you realise this, but Matilda is male.”

The goat’s eyes shot open and it glared furiously at Fluttershy, letting out an angry snort. “Fluttershy! How could you!?” Applebloom objected, running an affectionate hoof over the goat’s back. “Don’t say that about Matilda! It don’t matter about nopony’s genitals, it’s what they feel on the inside that counts. You’re gonna hurt her feelin’s sayin’ otherwise.”

Fluttershy stood stock still, at a complete loss for words. She wasn’t sure what shocked her the most; the fact that Applebloom had so quickly and confidently spouted such an explanation, the fact that she’d referred to an animal’s genitals so casually, or that they were in the grand presence of the only known transgender goat in all of Equestria. Either way, it took her completely by surprise. She shot Matilda a nervous grin. “Sorry.”

Matilda grunted. “Apology accepted!” Applebloom cheered. “Ah can tell you’re all gonna be good friends!”

Fluttershy spent the next few minutes introducing herself to the lambs and piglets while Applebloom regaled her with tales of their escapades, most of which consisted of Piggy chasing Porky into the far reaches of Ponyville. The animals were pleasant and well-behaved, except for Matilda, who remained planted in the same spot, frowning brutishly at Fluttershy while he/she chewed on some hay. The grossly intimidated pegasus could only hope that Matilda was better-mannered in front of the colts and fillies that would soon be lining up to pet him/her.

Just as Fluttershy was doling out some animal feed to the two piglets, Applejack strode up, wiping a line of sweat from her brow. “Ah see you’re gettin’ along with ‘em real swell. An’ Applebloom? Babs is over yonder waitin’ for ya. Somethin’ about a super-secret mission.”

“Of course!” Applebloom exclaimed, quickly clambering over the fence. “We’re sure to get our cutie-marks in treasure huntin’! Yah-har!”

“You young’uns be careful now,” Applejack said as her sister sped off. She turned her attention to Fluttershy. “Sorry Ah couldn’t give ya the proper welcome an’ all. Ah’m so glad ya could make it anyway.”

“I’m glad I could be here. It’s not often somepony outside the Apple family gets to be here, right?”

“True. Only a half dozen times or so from what Ah can remember. But don’t worry ‘bout thankin’ me for that. Ah wanna remind ya that things are still the same between us, an’ Ah hope nothin’ ever changes that.”

“I’m glad,” Fluttershy said with a nod. “But I… I was just wondering about something, Applejack…”

“Oh, there ain’t no need to worry about mah brother showin’ up. He knows full well not to make things awkward for ya. Iff’n you’re worried in future, Ah can always arrange—”

“Actually, no,” Fluttershy interrupted, her cheeks glowing. She looked away for a second, not wanting to ruin the pleasant reunion with Applejack, but not having much choice but to keep the promise she’d made to Pinkie. “I’m happy that you invited me here, and I’m touched that you and Mac would do everything to make me feel comfortable. And I’m looking forward to having fun, really I am, but…” She took a deep breath. “I’m not the only victim here. After everything that’s happened, is there a reason you didn’t invite Pinkie?”

Applejack’s expression faded, quickly replaced by a sombre, pensive demeanour. She sighed. “Yeah… about that…”

Pinkie was bored. More to the point, nothing she could think of doing removed her overbearing anxieties about the Apple family reunion. She’d willingly helped the Cakes with a few choice errands and tidied up the store cupboard just for something to do. With that done, she decided to visit some of her friends, which hadn’t gone as well as she’d hoped. Twilight was being taught by Octavia how to play the cello, which, judging by the plumes of smoke coming from the unicorn’s ears, hadn’t been going so well. She was, however, adamant about continuing, and didn’t want any distractions. Rarity was busy making a new line of designer tuxedos (while also fawning over a nervous-looking stallion) and Rainbow Dash was seemingly nowhere to be found. Probably nursing a hangover, Pinkie assumed. That left Applejack and Fluttershy. As utterly tempting as it was to join them, there was a chance that doing so would result in disaster. She could try spying on them, but she quickly pushed that thought from her mind. What would that make me? An untrustworthy, peeping Tom? Seemingly with nothing better to do, she decided to take Gummy for a walk around Ponyville, hopeful that saying hello to the local denizens would help take her mind off other matters.

The town square was practically buzzing, as was typical for the weekend. Foals ran through the streets, playing games and laughing with each other. A few market stalls were open, selling anything from jewellery to fresh vegetables. With a few exceptions, just about everypony was happy. Just about everypony was smiling. That, in turn, helped Pinkie to feel a little better, to feel like she hadn’t a care in the world, to feel at peace. That is, until she strolled past Ponyville park and felt two hooves clamp over her eyes. Her heart skipped a beat and her tail twitched as a low voice spoke into her ear.

“Guess who?”

Chapter 13 - Love and War (Part 1)

Chapter 13 – Love and War - Part 1

Fluttershy listened intently, Applejack’s silence somehow drowning out the distant chortles and chatters of Apple family members. A subtle tremble in the country mare’s eye almost made Fluttershy wish she’d not even mentioned Pinkie, but she made no effort to disperse the heavy atmosphere with a wave of a hoof and a dismissive tone of voice. In the end, considering all that had happened, she wanted some answers, even if they weren’t to her liking. As several seconds passed, Applejack finally spoke.

“Alright, Ah admit it might not seem fair on her, but Ah have mah reasons.” Applejack smiled nervously. “First off, Ah’m still none too happy about her hittin’ mah brother. Sure, he’s shrugged it off okay, but still, it ain’t right.”

“Well I can understand that,” Fluttershy replied. “So why don’t you talk to her about it?”

“Not happenin’ anytime soon,” Applejack said, looking awkwardly to the ground. “After everythin’ that’s gone on it ain’t seemed like a good idea. Truth be told Ah didn’t find out until a little while after it happened. Mac can be a real stubborn mule when he wants to. Ah was actually plannin’ on bringin’ it up sooner, but every time Ah saw Pinkie she was with you, an’ you two seemed pretty happy. An’ since it seemed like this whole… thing as it were was put behind y’all it didn’t seem right to bring it all up again. Even if Ah am holdin’ it against her for now. Ah can see clear as day you an’ Pinkie have grown closer, an’ that’s a good thing for the pair o’ ya. Doesn’t seem fair to cut in by bringin’ up bad memories, Ah guess.”

“So you figured it best to leave things alone?”

“Well there’s that, an’ Ah’m still havin’ a hard time tryin’ to imagine Pinkie doin’ such a thing in the first place. Since Mac ain’t said too much Ah’m wonderin’ if there’s more to it than Ah’ve been told.” Applejack paused for a moment, regarding Fluttershy with a light blush. “Sorry. Guess you’d rather not talk about that, huh?”

Fluttershy hesitated for a second before nodding curtly. She hadn’t attended the gathering to talk about Mac, after all. Though Applejack did raise a good point about Pinkie; it really wasn’t like her to be violent. With emotions running high Fluttershy hadn’t stopped to think about such things. But still, now wasn’t the time either. “So, is that all?”

“Well Ah guess there’s another reason. If ya don’t mind me sayin’, Pinkie can be a little… well, overwhelmin’ at times. Much as Ah’m sure she’d get on fine with the family, havin’ her here might waste an opportunity Ah have with you.”

“What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked curiously.

“Ah dunno whether Ah’ve just been worried that somethin’ might have changed between us ‘cause of everythin’, so Ah kinda wanna make it up to ya. An’ Ah also thought it’d serve as a reminder that we don’t need to keep distance from each other for whatever reason.” Applejack placed a hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder, a small grin on her face. “An’ maybe Ah just wanna hang out an’ have a good time with one of mah closest friends. An’ this seems as good a chance as any!”

Fluttershy smiled. “And I’m happy to be here.”

“Glad to hear it. Now Ah know what you’re thinkin’, an’ believe me, Ah do plan to make amends with Pinkie when the time is right. You just tell her Ah’m plannin’ a nice surprise for her an’ Ah’m sure she’ll be thrilled. Now Ah’ve honestly not even thought what that surprise is gonna be just yet, but Ah’ll think of somethin’. Probably somethin’ to do with pie. Clue’s in the name, right?”

“Or cider,” Fluttershy suggested. “She’s quite the fan of your family’s brew. Not quite as big a fan as Rainbow Dash I guess, but I know she’d really appreciate some.”

“Cider… right…” Applejack’s face grew pensive. She tapped a hoof against her jaw, glancing momentarily to the farmhouse. “Oh, right!” she exclaimed, seemingly startled out of her train of thought. “Ah’ll certainly keep that in mind.”

“I think she knows you’re both still friends, though she was a little upset she wasn’t invited today. But I’m sure she’ll understand.”

“Ah do feel bad if Ah’ve caused any trouble but Ah just wanted you to have fun today. Ah’m not expectin’ you to stay glued to this pen the whole time. Though they all seem to have warmed up to ya nicely.” Applejack watched as the two piglets trotted towards Fluttershy playfully. Her eyes then moved to Matilda who was still munching a mouthful of hay, glaring irately. “Well… almost all of ‘em. But these critters can mostly keep to themselves, an’ most of mah folks are pretty well versed anyway.”

Fluttershy furrowed her brow. “So… you never really needed me to take care of the animals?”

“Yes an’ no,” Applejack replied, looking slightly embarrassed. “Ah’m sure we’d have managed without you, but Ah thought you might appreciate somethin’ to do if you got tired of everythin’ else we got here. Mah family can be a little rowdy at times and Ah’d hate to think you were bein’ forced to join in on stuff you didn’t want to.”

“I see,” Fluttershy said, going over everything she’d been told. Nothing seemed too out of place with Applejack’s story. Of course not! Fluttershy thought, mentally scolding herself. This is Applejack we’re talking about. “Sorry about all the questions. I guess after everything that’s happened part of me was still paranoid that something was…” She trailed off, unsure what to even say to her friend. Anything she could think of just seemed disrespectful.

“Ah understand,” Applejack said with a nod, leaving Fluttershy to sigh with relief. “Especially with Applebloom askin’ you an’ all, Ah bet you thought she was tryin’ to hook you up with some love potion.”

Fluttershy couldn’t help but let out a hearty chuckle. “That’s so close to the truth it’s scary.”

“Well Ah’d like to think Ah know mah friends well,” Applejack quipped, winking cheekily. “Now Ah have a few things to do. Takin’ charge of the proceedin’s gives me some big horseshoes to fill but Ah’ll be back here real soon. Then we can let our manes down an’ have a good time.” Applejack passed through the gateway, swinging the gate back into place as she trod off.

“Oh, um… Applejack?” Fluttershy said timidly.

Applejack quickly turned back around, a warm smile on her face. “Yup?”

Fluttershy opened her mouth to say something but quickly clamped it shut. Questions teetered on the tip of her tongue and even more hung at the back of her mind. She wanted to know about Mac. In spite of everything that she and Pinkie had gained in putting past experiences aside, those pesky feelings remained. Mac should be with his family at the reunion. That made sense, and yet he was nowhere to be found.

The only reason he’s not around is because I’m here, and I’m only here because Applejack wanted to spend some time with me. Why would he give up a chance to be with his own family? And why didn’t Applejack just organise a different meet-up? There was no need for Mac to miss out if I didn’t need to be here in the first place. So what if he’s waiting in the wings, ready to make a move on me? What if he’s changed his mind? What if he wants to be with me? I could never betray Pinkie’s trust, unless maybe I’d had too much to drink… But what if he’s tricked me into coming here so he can sneak off with Pinkie instead? Is that it?

“Um, sugarcube?” Applejack said concernedly, waving her hoof to get Fluttershy’s attention. “You still with us?”

Fluttershy quickly snapped back to reality, her face growing warm as she realised how strange she must’ve looked. “Oh, sorry.”

“Was… there somethin’ you needed?” Applejack asked, stepping towards Fluttershy warily.

In the end, Fluttershy decided to let her anxieties slide. There was no point being paranoid about every little detail, and thinking about Mac was always going to end in disaster. It just didn’t help that she was on his turf, not far from the spot where she’d first tried to ask him out on a date. If only I’d gotten my answer there and then things would have been so much simpler.

Regrets aside, Fluttershy couldn’t see any reason to interrogate Applejack for information. Firstly, it would only prove to her friend that she was obsessed with Mac, and that wouldn’t be good for anyone. Secondly, the idea that Applejack was part of some conspiracy to secure Mac some time with the mare of his choice was ridiculous. Her brother was important to her, but not so important that she’d concoct a devious scheme to screw with her friends just to make him happy.

“Sorry,” Fluttershy said, shaking her head. “I forgot what I was going to say. It must not have been important.”

“Well if your memory returns, just gimme a holler.”

“I will.”

“Bye!”

Fluttershy waved off her friend and turned back to the five animals in the pen. The two lambs peered up at her curiously. “Well aren’t you the most adorable little things?” she cooed, gently stroking their chins. She knew now to just focus on having a good time. Applejack was in control here, and as such, she had nothing to worry about.

Applejack strode off towards the marquee, her heart thumping hard inside her chest. Mac’s plan would be put into motion shortly and she was at the helm. If all went smoothly then it’d be smiles for everyone. But if it all went wrong…

Applejack sighed deeply, taking a moment to gather her thoughts. Either Fluttershy was acting nervously simply because being here reminded her of Mac, or she was half-expecting some kind of wild set-up. As much as Applejack wanted to believe the former, the latter seemed all too possible. She hadn’t lied to her. Spending some quality time with Fluttershy was indeed what she wanted at this reunion. But she’d also refrained from giving out a few details.

Simply knowing that a love triangle had sprouted between her brother and two of her best friends was awkward enough, but the fact that it had led to this moment was something else. If there was no such situation then Mac’s plan wouldn’t have felt out of place. Whether it failed or succeeded wouldn’t have mattered. But there were feelings on the line, and as much as Applejack hated to admit it, the thing she feared most wasn’t if it failed. It was whether her friends found out that she was responsible for it.

Don’t go worryin’ yourself. Mac won’t be here to force anythin’ that ain’t gonna happen. An’ if the plan works out then everypony ‘ll be happy an’ this whole thing can just end. But that’s easier said than done. An’ what if it starts a whole new load of problems? But maybe Ah really am just overthinkin’ it all. Ah just hope… Applejack looked up to the farmhouse, her mind running back to her discovery in the cellar less than an hour previously. Darn it, Mac. What haven’t you told me?

But Applejack was neither in the mood or the right situation to go interrogating her brother, instead left to simply hope that whatever else he’d been up to wouldn’t put everyone in jeopardy.

“My, my, you’re rather affectionate, aren’t you?” Fluttershy said to one of the lambs as it curled up against her forelegs. The other lamb finished its mouthful of grass and followed suit. Fluttershy took a good look around her, feeling more at peace with the backdrop of chirps and tweets from birds circling the nearby apple trees. Members of the Apple family stayed huddled about twenty or so metres downhill, chatting, bickering and laughing. Despite being perfectly aware of how large Applejack’s family was, Fluttershy still found herself taken aback by the sight of them all.

Family. It was a word Fluttershy rarely considered in day to day life. She never had ‘family visiting.’ In a way she supposed that might explain why she sometimes wished for a family of her own, but there was more to it than that. Sitting on the ground with two little lambs nestled against her served to remind her of the motherly instinct lying beneath the surface, and that same instinct could have spurred on her love for animals right from the start.

Don’t go getting yourself depressed, Fluttershy said inwardly. It wouldn’t be fair on Applejack if you’re down in the dumps.

A few minutes passed and a trio of fillies stopped by the petting zoo, all eager to play with the animals. They were all reasonably polite, addressing Fluttershy as ‘Miss’ and asking for help before petting. Matilda seemed more than happy to spend time with the youngsters, not even flinching at being called a ‘he’ by them, much to Fluttershy’s annoyance. From what she could gather after a few minutes of idle chatter, the three of them were sisters.

“Miss?” One of the fillies — a lime-green earth pony — piped up with as she retired from fussing over the piglets. “I was just wondering, ‘cause I’ve never seen you before. Did you come here from Manehattan?”

“Oh no, I live right here in Ponyville,” Fluttershy replied. “I’m not actually an ‘Apple’, you see.”

“So are you like… Aunty Applejack’s animal helper?”

“Well for today I guess you could say that, but not usually.”

“Oh,” the filly said plainly in response, looking confused. “So why are you at the reunion? Are you, like, Big Mac’s filly-friend?”

One of the other fillies immediately perked up. “Oh that’s so sweet! Our family’s gonna get even bigger!” The trio let out a conclusive cheer in unison.

Fluttershy could feel her cheeks glowing red but managed to remain calm. “No, that’s not it. I’m just a friend of Applejack’s. She invited me along, you see.”

The three foals’ smiles quickly dropped and they looked at each other awkwardly. The green filly was the first to speak. “So you’re just a friend?”

“Ye… Yes,” Fluttershy replied timidly, shaken up by the fillies’ sudden change in demeanour.

“So why do you get an invite?” the green filly asked. “I thought this was s’posed to be a family reunion day.”

“Well maybe I’m so close to Applejack that I’m almost like a sister,” Fluttershy said hurriedly, finishing with a nervous chuckle. Anything to get the conversation on a different track.

“Then why haven’t we seen you before?” The three fillies looked up at her curiously. “I’m sure I’d remember a pegasus, s’pecially one with a pink mane like yours.”

You’re too intelligent for your own good, Fluttershy thought to herself, feeling a bead of sweat drip down her forehead. It wasn’t everyday an adult pony could be interrogated into submission by three youngsters. “Well that’s because this is the first reunion I’ve been to.” Fluttershy racked her brains for something to tilt the conversation in her favour. “It’s like when my friend Twilight first came to Ponyville. She said the Apple family let her stay for a while and eat lots of food. So… It’s not really that strange after all! I didn’t have anything to do today and Applejack thought I’d like to look after the animals.”

“Then why didn’t my folks let my friend tag along last year?” The tan-coloured filly exclaimed.

Fluttershy sighed, trying to think of a suitable response before the third filly — who bore a light-brown coat and auburn mane — spoke up. “You mean Speed Stacks?” she said with a mischievous grin. “You only wanted him to come because you love him.”

“Do not!”

“Do too!” the brown filly chirped. She held her fore-hooves across her chest in a mock hug. “Oh Speed Stacks, show me again! The way you stack those cups and slam them down is so cool.” She opened one eye to see the other filly grinding her teeth and blushing profusely. “Oh you’re so handsome and brave. Come to my family reunion, Speed Stacks. Won’t you puh-lease be part of the family?”

“That’s it!”

In an instant, the tan-coated filly leapt at her sister, just narrowly missing and planting her chin on the grass. She then gave chase, letting out a high-pitched growl as her other sister sat laughing. The piglets seemed to think that there was a new game in play and also started running in circles around the pen. Despite Fluttershy spending a few moments being thankful for a reprieve from the inquisitive youngsters’ questions, she quickly came to her senses and sprang into action.

“Girls, please!” she said firmly. “You shouldn’t be running around like that in a petting zoo. What if you injured one of these defenceless little animals?”

The two speeding fillies slowed down and offered an apologetic “Sorry, Miss,” in unison.

“That’s better.”

Instead of stopping completely as Fluttershy assumed, the two siblings shared a determined look between each other and leapt over the fence as the chase continued, the cries of “Toffee loves Speed Stacks!” and “Do not!” fading into the distance.

“Everythin’ alright up here?” said a familiar voice. “My little nieces not causin’ ya too much trouble, Ah hope.”

“Oh no, they’re no trouble at all. I just told them no running in the pen—”

“So they up an’ started runnin’ outside the pen.” Applejack chuckled. “Sounds like typical Apples to me.” She looked down at the remaining pony stroking one of the lambs. “You’d best go look after your sisters. Fluttershy an’ Ah got some things to do.”

“Oh, okay. Goodbye Miss Fluttershy!” The filly said, waving her hoof.

“Goodbye, erm… Sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”

“It’s Bramley. Nice to meet you!” With that, the little pony tore off down the hill.

“They’re some energetic little tykes,” Applejack commented.

“Did you say they were your nieces?” Fluttershy asked. “Am I… missing something?”

“Well Ah did say that, but they’re more like… what’s the word? First cousin once removed? They’re mah cousin Gala’s kids. Anyhow, they know me as Aunty Applejack so kinda seemed natural to call ‘em ‘niece.’ These things happen with big families like our own, plus where’s the love in sayin’ ‘once removed.’ Sounds kinda nasty.” Applejack propped the gate open. “Anyway, you comin’? Thought you could finally mingle now the proceedin’s are movin’ along.”

Fluttershy nodded, slinging her satchel over her shoulder. “You look after your friends, Matilda,” she called out. The transgender goat appeared to be pondering things over as she headed towards the sea of ponies and wooden carts.

“Don’t worry, she takes a little time warmin’ up to us all,” Applejack said with a wink as soon as they’d passed out of Matilda’s hearing range.

“Yes, I noticed.” Fluttershy took a moment to look out over the scattered Apple family. She could hear a faint melodious tune and the rhythmic stomping of hooves emanating from the barn.

“If you wanna sling that by the old oak, you can,” Applejack offered, motioning to Fluttershy’s satchel. “Can’t have that gettin’ in the way when you’re dancin’.”

“Oh, thank you. In hindsight I didn’t need it after all, but I thought I should be prepared for anything.” Fluttershy removed the satchel and placed it by the tree Applejack had pointed out. “Wait, did you say dancing?”

“Sure did. Mah folks go crazy for the ol’ hoe down.” Applejack spied Fluttershy looking worried. “Come on, sugarcube. Don’t gimme that look. It’s all a bit of fun! An’ help yourself to as much cider as you like, so long as you’re safe to walk home at the end of it.”

Fluttershy looked over at the enormous tapped cider barrel, a group of teenage colts eyeing it from just a few yards away, one with a tankard held in a trembling hoof as the others goaded him towards it. “I’m not really much of a drinker,” she finally said.

“Well the option’s always there,” Applejack replied cheerfully. “This batch is prob’ly the best Granny has ever managed. Ah should know.”

Fluttershy nodded curtly. The pair continued wandering towards a crowd stood by a marquee stall, an elderly mare and stallion (presumably husband and wife) giving a speech about their patented apple treats, a smattering of bite-sized cube-shaped cakes led out on different platters on the table in front of them. More and more Apple family members had begun to gather around, though Fluttershy kept a tentative distance. The paranoid feeling of being an outsider still lingered at the back of her mind, not helped, in part, by the verbal battering from Bramley and her sisters. But she couldn’t deny the feeling of warmth in mingling with such a tight-knit family who would usually be lands apart.

“That’s mah Great Uncle Crumble an’ Great Aunt Chutney,” Applejack said, pointing to the old couple. “Them’s the business-headed ones of the family, inventors of the famous ‘Pie on a bone.’”

“Pie on a… bone?”

“You never had any? Ah’ll have to ask if they brought some. It’s like a fruit pie, but it’s coiled around a bone-shaped piece o’ ceramic. You cook it over an open fire, turnin’ on a spit, an’ you eat it off the bone once it’s toasted through. It’s a bit strange at first, but worth a try. But Ah can think of one invention they could use even more.” Applejack chuckled. “A pair o’ dentures that snap shut soon as they go to say somethin’ racist. Though they get away with it at their age!”

Fluttershy smiled meekly, suddenly all too paranoid about having the only set of wings in a sea of earth ponies, with supposed racist grandmas in their midst. It occurred to her that no pegasi or unicorns had been married into the family, at least from what she could tell by the reunion’s turnout.

Which is why Big Mac likes Pinkie instead, a voice at the back of her mind said sadly. Earth ponies want to be with their own kind. Shaking her head at that thought, Fluttershy tried changing the conversation. “It must take some of your family so long to come all the way to Ponyville. I think it’s wonderful that they’d make the effort.”

“We ain’t too widely scattered,” Applejack replied. “There’s a few who swear to travellin’ by cart even if they got a train station nearby. That old Apple family stubbornness at work. Though not everypony can make it every time, but this is maybe the best turnout in a good long while.”

And because of me Big Mac can’t be here to enjoy it, Fluttershy mused. “Is every reunion held in Ponyville?”

“Mostly. Ah guess we’ve got the room for this kinda stuff. Ah think the trend kinda bloomed after mah folks passed away. Perhaps this is their way of payin’ their respects.”

Fluttershy looked awkwardly to the floor. “Oh… I, um… I didn’t mean to—”

“Oh, pay that no mind,” Applejack said with a playful nudge. “An’ loosen up a little! Ah thought the plan was to have fun today, right?”

“Right… So where do we start?”

Applejack tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Ah may have somethin’ in mind.”

After rounding up a few family members for assistance, Applejack co-ordinated the clearing of an area just outside the barn and the construction of a sizable bonfire using logs and kindling from a shed outside the farmhouse. Once that was done, swathes of Apple family members — young and old alike — huddled around the fire as wooden skewers were passed around by a few of the stallions, followed by several bowls of marshmallows which were then dipped into the flames.

Fluttershy couldn’t help but marvel at the efficiency and synchronisation of those around her as they wordlessly split into groups and completed the circle within the space of a few minutes. There were a few moments where she felt like a bystander watching an orchestrated display, only to quickly realise that she was in the middle of it, so to speak. Applejack had secured her a place close to the fire, which had quickly grown into an intimidating inferno, the tips of its flames reaching nearly twelve feet into the air. Amidst the ensuing banter, relaxing warmth, contagious smiles from those around her and the hypnotic tumbling of branches as they turned into ash, Fluttershy began to feel a sense of wondrous belonging.

As she reached forward to toast the trio of marshmallows that Applejack had given her, she thought of how much Pinkie would have loved to have been there with her, and indeed, how much she would’ve liked Pinkie’s company. That wasn’t to say that Applejack was being a poor host — far from it. She spent a fair amount of time conversing with relatives, mostly with a “long time no see” or “haven’t you grown somethin’ fierce?” and appeared to have her mind on making sure the proceedings occurred smoothly, but still gave Fluttershy some attention, regaling her with tid-bits about family members and their occasionally odd habits. But still, it wasn’t quite the same. There were no lingering doubts or moments of awkwardness with Pinkie, even if there might have been before (all this). Fluttershy could best describe it as being like a puppy and a fawn playing games — one excitable and one gentle — compensating for each other in a way that both could appreciate, in a way that they both could feel responsible for one another. She let out a silent sigh. I hope Pinkie’s okay.

As the fire died down and ponies grew tired of roasted marshmallows, a middle-aged stallion wearing a straw hat stepped up with a banjo tied around his nape and began strumming a gentle melody. By this point most eyes had fallen on him, and so he took his cue.

“Now does anypony here know the story of the one and only Archer Flynn?” He pointed his banjo to a group of colts.

“Who?” one of them asked.

“Archer Flynn!” the stallion repeated, playing the tune again, this time with added tempo. He began traipsing a slow circle around the bonfire. “I do say everypony should know the story of Archer Flynn. What do ya say I share it with y’all?” A collection of hoots and whistles gave him his answer. “Well okay, I guess I got no choice.”

What came next was the story of a brave pony who travelled across Equestria, fighting off goblins and climbing mountains in the search for his long lost brother. Most scenes were punctuated by appropriately timed banjo strums including a cleverly played country ‘waltz.’ Despite obviously being targeted towards a younger audience Fluttershy couldn’t help but be drawn in by the stallion’s charismatic telling, which, alongside the crackling fire and hushed whispers, created a pleasantly tranquil atmosphere.

“Hey, Fluttershy,” Applejack said quietly, tapping the mare’s shoulder. “Just on mah way up to grab a drink. Now Ah do insist you have some. Ain’t takin’ no for an answer,” she said with a friendly wink.

“Alright,” Fluttershy said with a nod, too relaxed to even consider refusing the offer. And as she thought about it, she supposed a small tipple might actually go down well for the situation.

“Then Ah’ll be back in a jiffy.”

Applejack plodded along, heart racing as the weight of her actions dawned on her. At any other time, on any other day, what she was doing would be perfectly normal. Indeed, they arguably were normal, even now. But paranoia was a fiendish agent. With every tiny step of misdirection, Applejack feared the worst. She had always been good at perceiving a pony’s emotions and making judgements based on their reactions, especially when it came to honesty. But the way Fluttershy was acting left her with a jumble of possibilities. Mac’s plan had always been a gamble, but Applejack at least wished she could determine how the dice would roll. Sadly, the instincts she’d learned to trust weren’t giving any answers. The temptation was there to call everything off, even if it meant incurring Mac’s wrath and being forced to admit to everything that had happened thus far. But the plan could very well succeed, and so stopping it would be an enormous mistake. Nothing could happen, or everything could happen.

Applejack’s mind jolted back to earlier that day and her discovery that one of the cider kegs had gone missing. Wherever it was, it had to have been removed within the last few days, and Mac was almost certainly behind its disappearance. Whatever his plans, he’d kept it to himself. And that was a worry. After everything he’d laid out and explained clearly, keeping one thing a secret wasn’t exactly a confidence booster. Not to mention the amount of hard work that went into making that amount of cider, but there were other, more disastrous possibilities to consider, none of which Applejack could care to think about. He hadn’t told her for a reason; that was for sure.

Applejack sighed and slung the two tankards underneath the cider tap. You worry too darn much, like always. She could hear the hoofsteps of an approaching stallion and already knew what was coming next. Finishing off both freshly poured drinks, Applejack turned towards him.

“Hey, how’re you doin’?” she asked.

“Just swell. So far this reunion is lookin’ to outclass our last one. As for Fluttershy, I’m a little nervous I guess, but confident all the same.”

Applejack nodded. “Listen, Braeburn. Go easy on her. Ah don’t want Fluttershy gettin’ intimidated or anythin’. She’s a little fragile.” Applejack paused. “An’ she’s mah friend.”

“Right, understood.” Braeburn gave a light chuckle. “I can’t say this is helpin’ the nerves at all.”

“Well Ah’m only sayin’ what Ah think needs to be said.”

“Alright, alright. Calm your little hooves, cousin. You’re not thinkin’ I’m some kind of womaniser, are you?”

“That’s not what Ah mean.” Applejack rolled her eyes. “Ah’m just… worried. She’s been through a lot with Mac rejectin’ her an’ all.”

Braeburn frowned. “I’m not sure I get why that’s such a problem. It’s not like the same thing is gonna happen again.”

“It’s complicated,” Applejack said with a sigh.

“Alright, I’ll take your word for it.” Braeburn looked over his shoulder at the circle of ponies around the bonfire. “Speakin’ of which, is Mac gonna make an appearance? I know Fluttershy wouldn’t wanna see him, but it just seems strange to have a family reunion without vistin’ the family.”

“Mac is doin’ his own thing right now. Ah just pray he ain’t up to anythin’ Ah ain’t aware of.” Applejack gave Braeburn a discerning look. “An’ another thing. You ain’t to tell Fluttershy about any of Mac’s or mah involvement in all o’ this. Matter o’ fact, even talkin’ to me alone like this is enough to rouse suspicion.” Applejack grasped the two tankards in one hoof and began the slow trek back towards Fluttershy. “If she finds out what’s been goin’ on there’ll be heck to pay.”

Fluttershy thanked Applejack as she took the tankard from her hoof, taking a small sip. The cider was pleasantly sweet, but not as sharp or tangy as she’d come to expect. Applejack began waffling on about the intricacies of cider making and how their family produced the best in the business, to which Fluttershy remained attentive, but not wholly interested. Still, she could at least appreciate the hard work and effort that went into it, and could understand why Applejack had insisted on sharing it with her.

As the fire fizzled out and the old stallion’s tale came to a fitting end — complete with an impressive banjo solo and catchy song about Archer Flynn’s life after settling in Appleoosa — ponies began to fan out into their own groups, leaving Applejack to beckon Fluttershy to a round of apple-bobbing.
She was fairly apprehensive at first — her mane being considerably long and thus prone to getting drenched — but the surrounding populous appeared carefree enough that being mindful of one’s appearance didn’t matter all that much.

Fluttershy soon got to chatting with a chirpy young mare named Apple Fritter (whom she assumed was Applejack’s cousin, but it was difficult to tell) about animals after the mare inquired about her cutie-mark. The mare then talked at length about her plans to open up a bakery all on her own, to which Fluttershy got to talking about Sugarcube Corner and the success that the Cakes (I wonder what Pinkie is up to) had seen over the years, and wishing her luck in her endeavours. There was the slight nagging feeling that Apple Fritter thought she was ‘with’ Applejack in the romantic sense, but Fluttershy decided not to press the issue. Going out of her way to deny such a thing would only seem more suspicious.

Just as she’d finished her first tankard of cider Applejack was already tapping her shoulder, a replacement in hoof. Already in a good mood, Fluttershy politely obliged. She was wary of how strong it could be, but couldn’t deny the great taste beckoning her to have just one more sip. And with the sun shining down on them, it felt right to do so.

“Listen, Ah’ll be back soon,” Applejack said out of the blue. “Just got a few things Ah need to check up on here an’ there. Feel free to help yourself to whatever you like.”

“Oh that’s fine,” Fluttershy replied. “Maybe I should go check on the animals again.”

“No, now don’t you worry about them,” Applejack said, looking flustered all of a sudden. “You should stay here an’ enjoy yourself! Those critters ‘ll be fine, an’ Ah won’t be long.”

“Okay…” Fluttershy said uneasily, watching as Applejack trotted off to speak with a younger stallion, supposedly setting up his wagon for an upcoming activity. The pegasus took a glance up the hill towards the petting zoo out of curiosity. Nothing seemed out of place; in fact there was nopony there at all, just the piglets, lambs and goat from before. But something about the way Applejack had told her not to go back concerned her.

You’re just being paranoid again, Fluttershy reminded herself. You always do this! Applejack already said she just wanted an excuse to spend some time with you and have fun. With this in mind, Fluttershy took a good look around her at the surrounding attractions. Granny Smith and a few other elderly ponies were huddled around a massive patchwork quilt, hard at work sewing new patterns. That had little appeal. Another group were busy making what looked like cinnamon rolls. While Fluttershy had garnered a slight fondness for cooking after Pinkie donated her precious recipe book, what she saw here looked more like hard work than fun. And so her eyes wandered to a row of four blue and white stripy marquees housing a selection of different carnival games. The majority that gathered around were foals and teenagers, aside from a mother helping her young daughter throw a series of coloured hoops as the ponies running each stall whooped in encouragement. Foalish, yes, but Fluttershy found herself strangely drawn to it, memories of a night long ago spent at the fair with her father flashing by. And with nothing better to do besides standing around and looking out of place, it was more than inviting.

She walked up to the tent furthest on the right as a slender yellow filly — somewhere between ten and thirteen years old — hurled a small rubber ball over the counter, narrowly missing three coconuts balanced on wooden rods. The pony running the stall — a young stallion wearing a grey cap — let out a whistle as the ball struck the sheet of chipboard placed against the back of the tent. He picked it up and began nonchalantly tossing it in one hoof.

“You were real close that time, Parma,” he said with a grin. “You’ve got the power, just not the precision. How about one more try?”

Parma huffed indignantly, stomping her hoof in frustration. “No, I ain’t gonna fail all over again.”

“Now don’t be like that,” the stallion said, placing the ball back on the counter next to two others. “Who says you’ll fail this time?”

Parma shot him an annoyed look before snatching one of the balls and hurling it will all her might. It struck one of the poles, but the coconut on top barely wobbled. Her next throw sailed over the coconuts while the third veered off course completely, sending the stallion ducking for cover as it just barely missed his nose. The filly let out a brief sigh. “See? I’m useless.”

Fluttershy stepped towards her tentatively. “Oh, don’t be so disappointed in yourself.” She went to place a hoof on Parma’s shoulder but withdrew as the filly turned to her with a face like thunder. “W-what I mean is… You can’t base your worth just on how well you can throw a ball. I’m pretty sure most ponies your age would have the same trouble.”

“But my sister Violet did it!” Parma fumed. “An’ she won one of those teddy bears!”

“You can have one if you really want,” the stallion offered, gesturing to a makeshift shelf with all manner of toys lined up. “So long as you don’t tell everypony.”

Parma shook her head. “No! That’s just cheating!”

The stallion rolled his eyes. “Well, that’s me out of suggestions.”

“What if I won one for you?” Fluttershy asked.

“But that’d be the same as cheating,” Parma said matter-of-factly.

“Well I don’t think it is. For me to give you my prize, well… That would be a gift from one friend to another.”

Parma scrunched up her face in confusion. “Really?”

“Well of course. I can see you really want one of those toys, just like your sister, so I’ll do my best so you can get one. And I for one would be really upset if a friend of mine refused to accept my gift.”

Another befuddled expression. “Seriously?”

“Absolutely.” Fluttershy picked up one of the rubber balls, staring down her prey with newfound determination. Despite the filly’s cold stubbornness, Fluttershy couldn’t bear to see her in any worse a state, and from the looks of it Parma was already holding back tears. Taking a deep breath, Fluttershy hurled the ball over the counter, striking one of the coconuts with perfect accuracy. It didn’t fall.

The stallion smirked. “Miss, you might wanna try throwing a little harder than that.”

Unfazed, Fluttershy threw another, only to meet the same result. Her third and final attempt flew past all three targets and fell unceremoniously to the ground. With a sigh, she turned back to the little filly she’d tried to help, her cheeks glowing with embarrassment. Sure enough, Parma had a hoof held to her mouth, surely on the verge of storming off in disappointment.

“I’m… I’m so sorry. I can keep trying until—”

Then something happened that Fluttershy hadn’t expected. Parma began to smile. The smile quickly morphed into a wide grin. And then she started giggling, a hoof held to her chest. “That… That was…” She let out a mighty chortle before continuing. “After that whole speech thing… And I thought I was bad at that game.”

The filly’s laughter was soon joined by that of the stallion, leaving Fluttershy somewhere between puzzlement and humiliation. But Parma was smiling, at least, which in turn got Fluttershy smiling too. “You see? It’s just like I said. Not everypony can be good at everything, right?”

“In that case, Miss…” The stallion reached up to the shelf and grabbed a stuffed rabbit. “You can have one of these on the house so long as you don’t tell anypony. Some might say it’s cheating, but I’ll keep schtum if you do.”

Fluttershy gave her thanks and passed the toy over to Parma. “This is for you. I hope you take real good care of her.”

“I will!” Parma chimed. “Thank you, Miss…”

“Fluttershy.”

“Right! Thank you, Miss Fluttershy!” With a wave of her hoof, Parma cheerfully bounded off into the crowd.

“Well that was mighty sweet of ya.”

“Well I was just doing my—” Fluttershy turned her head, quickly recognising the face of an approaching stallion wearing a wide-rimmed Stetson. “Braeburn? Oh, it’s been such a long time.”

“Sure has,” Braeburn replied, nodding. “About a year an’ a half by my count.”

“Well it’s a pleasure to see you again. How are things going with the buffalo tribe?”

“Just swell. At least… for the most part. There ain’t no more disputes over land an’ such, though the chief was none too happy at rumours of somepony gettin’ frisky with his daughter.” Braeburn rubbed the back of his neck, chuckling. “Suffice to say, somepony in our little town is keepin’ tabs on the shadows day an’ night, scared he’ll be trampled by a stampede.”

Fluttershy simply smiled back as Braeburn chuckled some more, a little unsure why she’d been told such a fact. The idea of somepony living in fear wasn’t something she found funny on any level, especially since she could easily relate to such crippling paranoia. If this was Braeburn’s attempt at a light-hearted ice-breaker, it had failed miserably. And apparently, he quickly realised this himself.

“Er… Sorry about that,” Braeburn said, looking a little flustered. “I guess it’s… You kinda had to be there. All in all, well, life back in Appleoosa is just fine. Business is growin’, Ma an’ Pa are doin’ just fine, my little sister’s just moved out an’ got her own place, an’ me? Well I’ve been doin’ same old, same old. How’re things with you?”

Somewhere off the coast of soul-crushing and on the borderline of contentedness. But today is better than most; I’ve not come close to bursting into tears and I’m still yet to slip into and episode of agonising depression and self-loathing. So all in all, great. “Oh, I’ve been fine. Doing the same old, same old just like you, I guess. Except maybe for today. This is the first time Applejack has invited me to a family reunion.”

“Well then I guess this is a pretty special occasion. It’s not often anypony outside the family is really allowed, but I think we can let this one slide,” Braeburn said with a wink. “You must be a real special friend of AJ if she’s brought you here.”

Or maybe she just pities me so much she wants to make amends in any way possible. Which is fine, really. At least she cares. “I guess so. It’s interesting to see what goes on at these reunions after hearing about them so much.” Fluttershy paused, taking another look around, wondering for a moment where her farm pony friend had gotten to. “I’d imagine there’s a lot of cleaning up to do at the end.”

“So long as the barn don’t collapse again I don’t think it’ll be too much trouble.” Braeburn took a moment to eye the coconut stall behind them. “You a fan of old timey carnival games, I see?”

“Well no, not really. I was just curious, is all. It’s been years since I’ve actually seen any like this.”

“Well, shoot. I was gonna say we’ve got all kinds of things like this back in Appleoosa. Guess that’s out of the question now.” Braeburn walked over to the counter, tipped his hat to the stallion and threw one of the balls straight at the middle coconut, knocking it from its perch in one swift strike. The other two fell in quick succession.

“Now you’re just showin’ off,” the stallion behind the counter said. “Though I’d expect nothing less from you, cousin.”

So he’s one of Applejack’s cousins too? Fluttershy thought. Or maybe he’s a second cousin? This family tree gets more complicated by the minute.

“You call it showin’ off, I call it winnin’,” Braeburn quipped.

“Sure, sure. Call it whatever you want.”

The two stallions bickered playfully for a minute or so, light jabs being thrown at one another. Fluttershy had stopped paying them much attention, instead wondering what she should do next. Still no sign of Applejack. The sensation of being out of place was starting to crawl its way back into her subconscious. Whatever Braeburn and his cousin were talking about, there didn’t seem to be any apparent need for her in the conversation. Well it is a family reunion, after all. That’s the whole point, isn’t it? Just as this thought passed through her mind she realised that the stallions’ chatter grew quiet.

“Oh, where are my manners?” Braeburn said apologetically. “Sorry for cuttin’ you out for a minute there. You didn’t want my prize, did you?”

“Not really. Unless I give it to Applebloom, but I’m not sure if she’d like those kinds of toys. Maybe one of the other fillies or colts would want one, but I wouldn’t know who to choose.”

“Oh… Um, right.” Braeburn made a quick gesture with his hoof to the other stallion. “Well how’s about I keep you company for a little while, maybe show you a few things I brought from Appleoosa? You look a little lost, if you don’t mind me sayin’.”

“It’s really that obvious?” Fluttershy asked, blushing slightly. “I’m just not accustomed these kinds of meet-ups, especially when I hardly know anypony.”

“But you know me, right?”

“Right.” Fluttershy mulled things over for a brief moment. To Braeburn’s credit, he had a point. While neither of them had actually spoken to each other on many occasions, she at least knew he was the kind to lend a helping hoof at any given opportunity. And it would be considerably easier to mingle and have fun if she was with somepony she knew and was comfortable being around. Anything would beat being ‘lost’ as he quite rightly put it, and spending time by herself would only serve to summon thoughts about (Mac) things she’d rather not dwell on. “Maybe you could keep me company for just a little while. So long as it’s not too much trouble.”

“Trouble? ‘Course not,” Braeburn said, tipping his hat courteously. “Ain’t no pride in leavin’ a lady all by herself.”

Fluttershy quickly learned that talking to Braeburn was easy — mainly because he did most of the talking. He was clearly passionate about his hometown and heritage, but still managed to speak of Ponyville with an air of admiration.

After passing a few relatives and partaking in some small talk, Braeburn invited Fluttershy to try some of his apple and currant flapjacks. She ate one, secretly wondering if every member of the Apple family had the appetite of a grizzly bear. Wherever she looked there were ponies lining up for servings of various treats, which could have classed as full-blown feasts compared to the lighter meals Fluttershy was used to having. If only her strawberry cheesecake hadn’t been ruined, she was sure that it would’ve been reduced to crumbs by this point.

Time pressed on, and eventually the conversation turned to what Fluttershy did for a living. ‘Caring for animals’ pretty much covered it, but Braeburn seemed genuinely intrigued to know more, remarking at how impressive it was to look after such a wide array of creatures. Whether it was flattery for the sake of carrying on the conversation, Fluttershy didn’t mind. It was hard to think negatively in the company of such an overtly cheerful pony, which perhaps explained her close friendship with Pinkie as of late.

Despite being thankful for somepony to talk to, Fluttershy had become increasingly wary of Applejack’s disappearance. She had reason to be busy, of course, but having seen neither hide nor hair of her friend was suspect, to say the least. There was always the possibility that she was talking to Mac, and as such, could only do so in the farmhouse. Fluttershy considered that Mac wouldn’t have taken too kindly to the prospect of missing out on a family reunion, so it was entirely plausible that Applejack was busy trying to involve him in whatever small way she could.

He’s so close, Fluttershy thought, looking to the upper floor of the Apple family home. And yet he’s totally out of my reach. It’s all for my own benefit, but it doesn’t feel that way. I just wish I could see him, even if I know it’ll hurt. Pretending he doesn’t exist is too hard if I know he’s right there, probably resenting me for muscling in on his family gathering and ruining his chances with Pinkie. I wish I could say I just want to be friends, but that would be too painful. How long until we can all look back on this and laugh? I don’t think it’s funny. I don’t think it’ll ever be funny. I curse myself every time I think about kissing him and wrapping my hooves around his neck. Because it’s impossible, and it makes no sense to still have feelings for him but I can’t—

“Um… Fluttershy? Everythin’ okay?”

“Huh?” Fluttershy turned her head, Braeburn staring down at her with a worried frown. “Sorry, did you say something?”

“We were talkin’ about Canterlot an’ I asked you about the Grand Gallopin’ Gala.” He pawed at the ground nervously, looking somewhat disheartened. “Is this… Am I borin’ you?”

“No, no, of course not,” Fluttershy insisted, putting aside the fact that she was barely aware that the subject of Canterlot had even come up. She immediately felt guilty for being ignorant, especially when he was making such an effort to be nice to her. Having one’s acts of kindness snubbed was painful to say the least. Fluttershy took a deep breath, mustering as polite a grin as she could manage. “Sorry Braeburn. I was in a world of my own for a moment there.”

Braeburn shrugged. “Happens to the best of us. But, uh, If there’s somethin’ on your mind…”

“It nothing, really.” Even as the words came out Fluttershy knew it was a horribly unconvincing lie, but Braeburn thankfully took the hint that it wasn’t something she wanted to disclose. “I was just wondering where Applejack was.”

“I’m sure she’s around, probably gettin’ caught up in some heated conversation about the best way to lasso a crow outta mid –air, or perhaps she’s doin’ one of her cross country races to settle a score. Either way, she won’t have gone far.”

As if on cue, Fluttershy spotted Applejack stroll out from behind one of the barn doors, bring a hoof to her teeth and let loose a shrill whistle that seemed to echo perpetually throughout Sweet Apple Acres. With seconds, the chattering crowd had been reduced to mere murmurs. As silence took over, Applejack cleared her throat and spoke.

“Okay, everypony! Ah do declare that the hoe-down officially starts now! Yee-haw!” Applejack backed onto her hind legs and flailed her front hooves excitedly, which was immediately met with a chorus of cheers from other family members.

“Well it’s about time!” Braeburn remarked, springing into an energetic trot. “Come on, Fluttershy! We don’t wanna miss this!”

Fluttershy followed, happy to know that Applejack was indeed around, and admittedly curious to see the hoe-down, even if she wasn’t particularly keen on joining in.

A light-coated mare with a violin stood up against one of the barn doors and began playing a fast, joyful tune which was quickly followed by the timely stomping of hooves. Around half of the surrounding ponies ventured into the barn while the rest (mostly elderly ponies or young foals and their parents) stood adjacent to the entrance, nodding their heads to the beat.

“Fluttershy! Come on!” Braeburn called, eagerly waving a hoof.

I wish I could share your enthusiasm, Fluttershy thought as she slowly — but diligently — made her way towards the ecstatic stallion. It was sweet of him to try and get her involved, but dancing had never been her forte, especially not in the company of a crowd of strangers. But she was willing to try new things, and it could be seen as rather impolite to completely abstain from getting involved. Like Applejack had said, she was here to have fun, and standing to one side did hold much interest either.

The singular pony with a violin was now accompanied by another mare with a guitar and the stallion who’d told the story of Archer Flynn around the bonfire, playing along on his banjo once more. Tankards clashed, hooves were clapped together, and a select few ponies (who held their forelegs around each other drunkenly and swayed to the music) sang along incoherently.

After reaching Braeburn, Fluttershy quickly found herself being whisked into the fray before she could even think of stringing a sentence together, in a way that felt oddly reminiscent of her first visit to Appleoosa. While she wasn’t exactly pushed along as per the previous experience, with Braeburn’s hoof on her shoulder and the barging of other ponies around her, Fluttershy somehow ended up unwillingly rushing headlong into the sea of dancers.

A little disoriented, Fluttershy clocked her surroundings. Despite the dense crowd, she could see Applejack standing at the far end of the barn, whooping encouragement to one of the more flamboyant dancers. Applebloom was instead close by, bouncing around next to Babs Seed, both grinning like cheshire cats. Everypony seemed to be in a state of controlled disorder. By themselves, most ponies’ movements were made up of haphazard hoof stomps and head banging, but there was a semblance of synchronisation with the rest of the group.

“What’s wrong?” Braeburn half-yelled, the stallion retracing dance steps as he spoke.

“Nothing’s wrong,” Fluttershy replied automatically. In truth, the surrounding cacophony was a little overbearing. This would be so much easier if Pinkie was here.

“Listen, I know you might be feelin’ a tad self-conscious right now, but ain’t nopony here gonna judge you on your dancin’ skills. The rule here is for everypony to let loose!” Braeburn thrashed his forelegs in the air for added effect.

“Uh… okay,” Fluttershy replied, smiling awkwardly. She wasn’t even sure what ‘letting loose’ would even be like. It surely assumed the pony in question would let go of their inhibitions and act as they secretly desired. But Fluttershy never yearned to dance around madly and without abandon or chug cider like it was the nectar of life. (As one stallion was currently doing.)

Okay, be honest with yourself, Fluttershy thought as she began shifting on her hooves in a series of dance steps. Dancing isn’t so bad. It’s even pretty fun sometimes. A vision of her brief dance with Big Mac flashed by but she quickly banished it. The music is nice, and none of these other ponies could possibly make fun of you, especially given how out of rowdy they’re being right now. What’s that old saying? Dance like nopony’s watching?

It took a little while (as well as a few deep breaths and some self-coaxing) but Fluttershy actually began to enjoy herself. Whether due in part to the two ciders she’d had, she wasn’t sure, but her anxieties were slowly slipping away. She felt great in one sense, because she didn’t feel the need to shy away as she often had in similar situations. But once her subconscious took over the use of her legs and dancing alongside Braeburn and Applebloom became thoughtless, her mind invariably closed in on itself. She contemplated the state of her life, the things that were, the things that could have been, the things she had, and the things she wanted. And despite everything that had happened over the past few weeks, little had changed in that regard. She still yearned for something (someone) more. And that certain something (someone) was always out of reach. But the difference between then and now, from what Fluttershy could understand, was that she knew secluding herself out of pity wasn’t the answer. And once that had been decided, her thoughts returned to the real world.

It looked like Applejack was moving systematically throughout the crowd, still greeting the never-ending plethora of family members. As much as Fluttershy would’ve liked to spend more time with her friend, she understood the mare’s responsibilities. All things considered, it must’ve taken a great deal of organisational skills to pull everything off without a hitch, so she couldn’t exactly be blamed for that. And regardless, Braeburn had coincidentally taken over the reins and given Fluttershy some much needed company.

It could’ve been the case that Braeburn simply wanted a welcome change to the usual family faces, but even so, Fluttershy didn’t think such a thing should undermine his kindness. Without his words of encouragement, she would probably be stood outside the barn, too nervous to get involved in the hoe-down. And even before that, he’d eliminated the terrifying prospect of conversing with strangers and pottering about aimlessly. Unknowingly, then, he’d made a considerable difference in Fluttershy’s day. And as he danced alongside her, smiling, she could feel a sense of…

Fluttershy’s heart skipped a beat. Suddenly, everything made sense. Braeburn was, in all likelihood, hitting on her. All along, she’d been too wrapped up with inner turmoil to notice. Why didn’t I realise? It was so obvious! Everyone else here is his family; I’m the only mare here that he could possibly make a move on. And what’s stopping him? I should just tell him that—

Tell him what?

Fluttershy thought for a moment. Nothing was actually wrong with what was happening. Braeburn wasn’t exactly forcing himself upon her or spouting cheesy pick-up lines. And he certainly hadn’t been making suggestive comments or touching her inappropriately. All he’d done was strike up a conversation and be friendly towards her. He was just a stallion being nice to a mare he found attractive, and could hardly be blamed considering that she was the only viable mare present. And he couldn’t possibly have known about the previous hardships she’d faced after Mac’s rejection. In a sense, Fluttershy thought it was a real shame. If it wasn’t for the heart-breaking ordeal she’d gone through, getting this kind of attention would’ve been welcome. Braeburn was, after all, a handsome stallion in his own right. But Fluttershy couldn’t consider him to be anything more than that. After weeks of having her emotions jolted around like a roller coaster ride, anything beyond friendship would be too much to handle. Feelings for Mac weren’t just going to disappear at the drop of a hat, despite how much as she’d prayed and hoped that they would.

I wonder how Pinkie is dealing with her own feelings. Probably better than me, I guess. I wish I could just ask, but we promised not to talk about it. And how would talking about it even help either of us? It’d just make things harder. No… We need to both work through this on our own and in our own time.

“You’re a real good dancer, you know that?” Braeburn commented as the music reached a quiet segment.

Fluttershy smiled, having barely been aware of what her body had been doing for the past few minutes. “Thanks,” was all she could manage.

“No, I mean it. It’s like you’re a natural.” The stallion shuffled closer. “I have to admit, I didn’t know what to expect.”

“Oh, right.”

“Not that I mean any offense!” Braeburn said concernedly, his eyes darting around the barn. “I’m just surprised that you’re, I mean, I wasn’t sure if you danced before…”

“Please, you don’t need to explain yourself. You didn’t offend me at all. Really, you don’t need to worry so much about hurting my feelings.”

“Ah… Sorry, Fluttershy. Sometimes my mouth runs away with me.” Braeburn rubbed the back of his neck bashfully. “Typical o’ me to get tongue-tied talkin’ to a pretty lady.”

“Well I’m… uh… very flattered.” Okay, this is still fine. He’s just complimenting you for looking nice. So long as you don’t give him any possible signals that’s all it’ll come to. Stay calm, and keep the conversation innocent.

Braeburn grinned nervously and fell silent as the next song started up again. He looked to be deep in thought, probably a little disappointed that his compliment wasn’t returned, from what Fluttershy could assume. She hoped it might deter him completely, but had a feeling that he was merely articulating his next move.

They danced together for a while longer, Fluttershy being unable to shake loose the thought that she might be forced to dole out her first ever rejection. She’d once been the object of one colt’s affection at Cloudsdale High, but even then she never had to make a conceited effort to stop somepony in their tracks. In fact, it was a friend of hers who’d done the talking for her. Saying the word ‘no’ to somepoony whose feelings you didn’t want to hurt and who only meant for the best was a difficult thing for her to consider.

It took Big Mac until the moment he’d kissed her to finally say the dreaded word. Don’t think about that now, don’t think about it, you shouldn’t— What had taken him so long? Was it just the alcohol running the show until he came to his senses? They’d been dancing together, centre of the crowd. Just like now, and I don’t want that to happen. Was it all just in the heat of the moment? Or his reluctance to express his true feelings just to play the part without hurting anypony? Or was the fact that the mare he truly desired was egging on the proceedings messing with his head? I don’t know, I don’t know… Was life as unfair as it seemed? Were ponies doomed to pray for the planets to align before anypony might find their soul-mate? So many feelings left unrequited and unheard… I want to forget it all, I just…

“Hey, did you want another cider?” Braeburn asked. “I was thinkin’ of grabbin’ one.”

“No thank you,” Fluttershy replied, breaking free of her reverie just in time.

“Are you sure?”

Fluttershy nodded politely. “I’m sure.”

“It’s no bother, I mean, I’m not tryin’ to get you drunk or anythin’. I just thought… never mind.” Braeburn’s forehead seemed to suddenly spawn a blanket of sweat, which he deftly disposed of with a hoof.

Fluttershy began to panic. And as she did so, she cursed herself for panicking over what was essentially nothing. And this made her paranoid. And this, in turn, made her feel pathetic. A snowball of emotion passed over her as she envisioned the possible turns of events. But she wouldn’t, couldn’t make a scene, especially not when Applejack had been so kind as to—

And that’s when Fluttershy breathed an internal sigh of relief. Applejack was still there to lend a helping hoof. Simply having Applejack by her side would make her feel a lot more comfortable in general, and even if Applejack couldn’t forcefully pry Braeburn out of the equation she could still at least act as a knowing deterrent. She was her friend, and she knew better than most just how much of an impact had been made a few weeks prior.

“Oh, there’s Applejack,” Fluttershy said aloud, doing her best to appear surprised despite spending the best part of a few minutes scouring the barn for her. “I just remembered I need to speak to her about something. That is, if you don’t mind.”

“Say no more,” Braeburn replied, tipping his hat.

Fluttershy smiled back before bearing through the crowd, almost meeting flank with face as a rather energetic mare bumped into her, until she reached Applejack. The farm pony had a tankard in one hoof, (how many she’d drunk by that point was anypony’s guess, but she was clearly far from being sober) which she finished in one gulp and tossed aside.

“Fluttershy!” Applejack exclaimed, wrapping a hoof around the pegasus’ neck. “Great to see ya! You havin’ fun, sugarcube?”

“Yes, I’ve had a really great time.”

“Oh Ah’ll bet,” Applejack said with a wink.

“Well, yes…” What in Equestria did she mean by that? Fluttershy asked inwardly.

“So what’cha been up to?”

“Well, I failed miserably at the coconut shy, which was actually more fun than it sounds. Then after that your cousin Braeburn kept me company for a while.” She smiled nervously. “Which, actually, I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Ah knew it!” Applejack cried exuberantly, pointing a hoof in Fluttershy’s face. “So how’s it been goin’? You been able to keep these ol’ things from poppin’ up like springboards?” Applejack ruffled Fluttershy’s wings playfully.

“What!?” Fluttershy yelled in shock, her cheeks bursting with colour in an instant. “Applejack! That’s not… No, that hasn’t happened!”

“Looks like you’re doin’ better ‘n Ah thought, at least.” The farm pony let out a hearty chuckle. “Aw c’mon, sugarcube. Ah’m only messin’! Now from what Ah’ve seen you two ‘ve barely moved past nods ‘n’ smiles. You—”

Fluttershy was too flabbergasted to even speak. She just stood completely still, her jaw hung wide open as Applejack carried on talking. What’s going on? Why is she saying these things? Does she think I’ve fallen for Breaburn just because I’ve been spending time with him? Dancing in the spot next to him doesn’t mean anything!

“—an’ from what Ah know, he’s more than a little susceptible to the ol’ tail across the face. You know, like Rarity does!”

“Applejack, no, really, I’m not—”

“Oh of course ya are! Don’t let it get to ya. As a matter o’ fact, as the stallion here he should be pullin’ his weight more ‘n this.” Applejack waved her hoof in the air. “Braeburn! Over here!”

Fluttershy was lost in shock once more. This isn’t happening. This is absolutely not happening. But it was. Braeburn was indeed heading towards them, and with a big dumb grin plastered on his face. And that’s when Fluttershy found herself and Braeburn being pushed together, the stallion quickly reacting by catching her in one of his forelegs.

“Now that’s more like it, wouldn’t ya say?” Applejack said cockily as the pair blushed a deep shade of crimson. “Now just one more thing…” Applejack walked to one of the musicians and whispered something in her ear. The mare nodded, and Applejack quickly hopped back. “Ah’m sure you can take it from here.”

Braeburn nodded hesitantly. Fluttershy stared blankly. Applejack took that as her cue and trotted away into some other corner of the barn, looking all too pleased with herself. Still with one of Braeburn’s forelegs draped on her shoulder, Fluttershy slowly looked up, readying the words that she needed to say. But before she could even attempt to speak her mind, Braeburn spoke first.

“I’m… sorry I’m not so good at all this. I guess I could blame lack of experience, but that seems like a poor excuse.” He straightened himself up, stroking his hoof through Fluttershy’s mane for a brief moment. “I’m here to have a good time, an’ if I can do that while I’m makin’ sure you have a good time an’ all, then that’s great. Don’t you agree?”

There was no time to give an answer. The mare that Applejack had previously spoken to signalled the music to die down and bellowed out the words: “Okay Apples! Time to find yourselves a partner as we have ourselves a dosey-doe! Yee-haw!” There was a chorus of woops and cheers, followed by the shuffling of hooves as ponies sorted themselves into pairs. The music started up again. Then came the singing. Braeburn took a bow, as did many of the surrounding ponies. Fluttershy could only manage a deep breath before being led into a dance routine.

“Now, everypony take a step to the left! Now let’s all take a step to the right! Swing your tail to and fro an’ swing your partner dosey doe!”

With forelegs interlocked, Braeburn whisked her around. I shouldn’t be doing this. It’s only leading him on.

“Reach for the skies an’ stomp your hooves! Time to bust out all your moves!”

Copying the dance with mixed success, Fluttershy locked eyes with Applejack, the drunken earth pony hollering approval in her direction. What were you thinking, Applejack!? Since when did I say I wanted this!? Her gaze turned to Braeburn, his smile still as large as ever, his eyes boring into hers with an empowered expression. No! No! I can’t let this happen to me! I have to get out! I can’t take it anymore!

“Braeburn…” Fluttershy croaked, just barely audible above the surrounding clatter of hooves. He looked hopeful for a brief moment, but his face quickly fell. “I’m sorry, Braeburn. I just… I need to go!”

“Go? Go where?”

But Fluttershy was already on her way outside, head throbbing and heart pounding. She thought she could hear Applejack’s voice somewhere behind her, followed by Braeburn’s. Maybe they were calling after her? It didn’t matter. She just wanted to get outside, get away from the noise, the laughter, the judgemental stares, the stress…

Trotting out onto the patch of grass next to the Apple’s farmhouse, Fluttershy took several deep breaths, trying to steady her trembling hooves. She turned towards the barn, half-expecting to see Applejack barrelling after her, a stream of questions at the ready. But after a minute or so, she saw neither Applejack nor Braeburn emerge from the crowd. Not wanting to wait any longer, she picked up her satchel from its resting place under the old oak tree and slowly made her way towards the petting pen. She dearly wanted to just leave without further notice — home seemed the most desirable place — but that would be rude of her. Applejack had the best of intentions bringing her here, so scarpering would surely cause a massive upset. Some quiet time spent with the critters would have to suffice. Alone with the animals. Just like always.

Minutes passed of near silence, the nearest chatter of ponies far off down the hill. The piglets had tired themselves out from all the running around earlier that day and were led in a patch of daisies, their eyelids fluttering as they tried to stay awake. Matilda appeared less hostile, at least from the outset, and the two lambs were pretty much as they’d been left.

Fluttershy tried clearing her mind, letting nothing but the light breeze, distant chatter, sunshine and nearby grazing stir her thoughts. Despite her best efforts, the feelings of tranquillity were short-lived as she fell prey to dwelling on the day’s events. In the grand scheme of things they hadn’t been entirely unpleasant, and what was left could be made better by discussing them with Pinkie. She’d been a beacon of hope during far worse times. What happened with Braeburn wasn’t much more than an awkward inconvenience, but Fluttershy could still do with somepony to talk to and let off some steam. Leaning against the side of the fence with the two piglets nestled by her hooves, she breathed a sigh of relief and closed her eyes. However, no sooner had she done so that she heard faint voices growing louder.

“You really think she’ll read it?”

“Hey look, it’s Fluttershy! Ah told ya she’d be here!”

“You know her?”

“Sure!”

“Me too! She helped me win Mr Fluffles!”

“Miss Fluttershy! Can we ask you a favour?”

The pegasus’ eyes slowly opened to see a group of young fillies and colts trotting towards her. Applebloom was at the front, a colourful book grasped in her mouth. Just behind her was Babs Seed, Parma, Bramley and her sisters who’d paid her a visit earlier that day, as well as another filly and two colts whose names she couldn’t place. They all looked incredibly eager to see her.

“Oh, were you sleeping, Miss Fluttershy?” Bramley asked. “Sorry to disturb you.”

“That’s quite alright. I shouldn’t really be falling asleep at this time of day anyway. Why aren’t you all having fun at the hoe-down?”

“Oh that thing got old fast,” said Parma, rolling her eyes. “Who wants to find a partner an’ do old-timey dances?”

“I see,” Fluttershy replied. “So, did you all need my help with something?”

Applebloom took a seat and spat the book into her hooves. “Well ya see, Uncle Orange got me this here book on account o’ never buyin’ me a birthday or Hearth’s Warmin’ present before.”

“And he’s rich so it was about time!” Babs Seed piped up.

“Babs!” Applebloom scolded. “Anyway, Ah thought since not everypony here got any presents it’d be nice to all read it together, ‘cept mah readin’ ain’t too good. Ah think Uncle Orange was expectin’ too much from an eight year old if ya ask me. It’s got all sorts o’ words Ah ain’t never seen before. Shoulda come with a diction’ry. But then, readin’ wouldn’t be too fun if ya gotta stop all the time an’ read somethin’ else. Maybe instead—”

“Ahem!” Babs said loudly, tapping Applebloom on the shoulder.

“What? Oh right! Long story short, would ya be able to read some of it to us? Nopony else is interested.”

“Pretty please, Miss Fluttershy?” Bramley chimed in. “With an apple on top?”

“You have such a nice voice,” Parma interjected. “It’d be super-duper if you could!”

Guess I don’t have much of a choice, Fluttershy thought to herself as the group of foals pleaded silently, their hooves pressed together in anticipation. “Alright, but—” She was immediately cut off by a chorus of cheers. “But only for a short while, and you have to promise me not to complain once I stop.”

“We promise!” The group cried in almost perfect unison.

“Alright.” Fluttershy pulled her satchel down from her shoulder and picked up Applebloom’s book entitled ‘The Wanderer.’ The front cover depicted a watercolour city at night time with a lone white earth pony filly staring up into the sky. With the foals sitting attentively, their ears pricked up, Fluttershy turned to the first page and began reading.

“What in the heck did ya say to her!?” Applejack blasted after pulling Braeburn to the barn’s outer wall.

“I… I don’t know,” Braeburn said glumly, his ears folded back. “Last thing I remember sayin’ was somethin’ about us both havin’ a good time. That was all.”

“Well ya done scared her off whatever ya said,” Applejack grumbled.

“She up an’ left?”

“Well no, not entirely. Ah just seen her headin’ t’wards the pettin’ zoo.” Applejack sighed and shook her head. “It’s alright, Ah shouldn’t be gettin’ annoyed with ya. You’re prob’ly feelin’ a tad upset right now as it is.”

“I’m fine, really. I’m more worried about Fluttershy.” Braeburn took a quick peek around the corner, spotting the yellow pegasus in the distance. “I feel like I should say sorry to her.”

“Well she prob’ly wants to be alone for now so if Ah were you Ah’d leave it for a little while. An’ Ah think Ah owe her a little apology mahself. We’ll go over later. How about a cider ‘til then?”

Braeburn smirked. “I’d love one, but I think you’ve had enough.”

“Always a smart-alec,” Applejack said, rolling her eyes. “Just like mah darn brother. Celestia knows what he’ll do after all this…”

“His breath quickening, Nightshade leapt into the shadows to avoid being seen. He knew now that the legends were true; there truly was a creature that dwelled along the riverside at night. He felt half-tempted to run straight home and never look back, but his curiosity got the better of him. He wanted so much to know what the creature was. If he could prove that the legend was true, he would be the talk of the town. Slowly and tentatively, he peeked he head around the corner… and saw a pair of eyes staring back at him!”

The colts and fillies uttered a collective gasp.

“Nightshade froze on the spot, terrified that he was about to be hunted down and gobbled up by some terrible beast,” Fluttershy continued. “But to his surprise, the creature itself ducked behind a wall. Could it be, Nightshade wondered, that the creature was afraid of him? It seemed crazy, but it could also be true. Otherwise, why hadn’t the creature chased after him while he was in plain sight?”

As Fluttershy carried on with the reading, her thoughts were subdued and her heartbeat slowed. Despite having trouble with public speaking, she felt right at home reading an intriguing story to a group of foals. Stress from her earlier encounter — while not entirely dissipated — was beginning to fade.

“Nightshade raised his right hoof. ‘Hi, I’m Nightshade. What’s your name?’ The filly remained silent. Nightshade wondered whether she couldn’t talk at all, or whether this was all some hallucination. ‘Flora’ she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. ‘My name is Flora.’”

Fluttershy set the book down, and was surprised to see Braeburn approaching them. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt,” he said, flashing a half-hearted grin. “I can come back later if you’d like. I just wanted to talk.” Applejack wasn’t far behind him, looking somewhat dejected.

“No, it’s… fine.” Fluttershy closed the book and handed it over to Applebloom. “I’d just reached the end of the chapter, anyway.”

The colts and fillies protested at first but eventually accepted Fluttershy’s wishes and thanked her for the reading. Parma and Bramley even gave her a hug goodbye before barrelling off down the hill with the others. It was a nice reminder that she’d made some friends that day; things weren’t all bad, as it so happened.

Braeburn stepped forward first, taking Applejack’s cue as she made a not so subtle gesture. “Fluttershy, I think I owe you an apology.”

The situation was going in a good direction. Already, Fluttershy could sense that everything that had happened thus far could be swept under the carpet. “Well… okay. I’m not sure you do, but I’ll hear what you have to say.”

“Thank you.” Braeburn cleared his throat. “I just wanted to say I’m sorry for makin’ you feel uncomfortable today. You came here to have a good time, an’ well… I get the feelin’ I ruined it for ya.”

“Ah’m sorry too,” Applejack piped up. “Pushin’ you two together like that ‘fore Ah even listened to what ya had to say. Ah just though ‘cause you two were dancin’ together, an’ you looked like you were havin’ fun, Ah just assumed an’ tried to lend a helpin’ hoof an’ then, you know the rest. Ah blame the alcohol,” she said with a chuckle.

“Apologies accepted,” Fluttershy said, smiling. The atmosphere seemed to lift in mere seconds.

“Well thanks,” Braeburn replied. “And I hope we can still be friends. I shouldn’t have been like I was today, especially after everythin’ you went through with Mac…”

Fluttershy’s heart leapt into her throat. She looked to Applejack, who stood stock still, face bright red, unable to stutter a word out. But Fluttershy thought for a moment, and wandered up to her friend, placing a hoof on her shoulder. “It’s okay, Applejack. I understand. After I ran off you didn’t have much choice but to explain the situation.” Applejack still looked distressed, so Fluttershy continued. “I’m totally fine with it, honestly. Otherwise Braeburn wouldn’t know why I acted like that. I mean, it’s not like he already knew about it, right?”

And that’s when the penny dropped. Her eyes locked with Applejack’s, the farm pony’s face crumbled like a cliff edge. Teardrops slowly formed as Applejack broke eye contact, overrun with guilt, her lips trembling.

“Say something,” Fluttershy thought out loud, hoping for some other explanation. Every ounce of crippling paranoia she’d felt earlier that day came screeching back. “Applejack, t-tell me you didn’t… Tell me this wasn’t all part of some plan. Tell me you didn’t bring me here just for this. Tell me this wasn’t all so Mac could…”

Applejack’s eyes burst. “Fluttershy… Ah’m so… Ah just wanted…”

Fluttershy didn’t wait to hear what else she had to say. Her heart wrenched in two as every bad memory resurfaced at break-neck speed. She ran. She could hear Braeburn calling her and Applejack sobbing loudly, pleading for forgiveness, but she didn’t stop to look back. Tears streaming down her cheeks, Fluttershy ran as fast as she could through the orchard. As the countless trees blurred from her watering eyes, Fluttershy screamed in rage and anguish, grinding to a halt and pounding at the earth in frustration. As her emotions swirled like a maelstrom, she knew she needed someone to talk to, someone she held dear, someone she could trust from the bottom of her heart and bear the brunt of all the grief and suffering. Someone who would do anything for her.

Pinkie.

Chapter 14 - Love and War (Part 2)

Chapter 14 – Love and War - Part 2

Pinkie leapt from one apple tree to the next, pulling her mane and tail as close to her body as possible to hide herself. She took a brief glance from behind the tree. Confident that she hadn’t been spotted, she leapt to the next one in line, imagining that she was a secret agent on a life threatening assassination mission. She had already taken down the criminal mastermind of Sweet Apple Acres, a devilish temptress known to some as ‘La manzana de la morte,’ real name: Applejack. The next target was her brutish henchpony, a colt by the name of Macintosh. Known to many for his lucrative apple laundering business, he would surely stop at nothing until his family ruled Ponyville with an iron hoof!

Pinkie was close enough now, perched between the branches of a tree that he’d just bucked. He was casually picking up a few stray apples that had toppled from their baskets. He hadn’t seen her. Good… Poised and tensed like a coiled spring, Pinkie took her chance and threw herself to the ground. Her hooves thudded against the soil, but before Macintosh could take a look around him, Pinkie had already jumped forward in a fraction of a second and wrapped her hooves around his eyes to finally deliver the killing blow.

“Guess who!?”

Macintosh tensed up in surprise, lifting his head as if he could somehow peer over that which had obscured his vision. “Uh…” he murmured.

“I said guess who!” Pinkie repeated.

Macintosh stood for a moment in silence. “Pinkie?”

“Dingdingding! We have a winner!” Pinkie cried, removing her hooves from his eyes and finally revealing herself to him. “Your prize is… well… I don’t actually have anything,” she said, tapping her chin. “Oh! Except for this! Victory hug!”

And with that, she threw her forelegs around his neck, causing the colt’s breath to catch in his throat. After a second or two of near suffocation, he was released.

“So what gave me away, huh? Do you have like a super-secret sixth sense? I think I might have one of those. So how did you know?”

Macintosh shot her a confused look. “Ya did this last week.”

“Not to mention ya did it to me just a minute ago,” said a somewhat irritated Applejack, who was working not ten yards away.

“Well yeah, but I didn’t want anypony feeling left out,” Pinkie said matter-of-factly. “I could’ve hurt your brother’s feelings if I hadn’t included him, and we wouldn’t want that, would we?” She turned to Macintosh, who responded with little more than a blank stare.

“Well that’s all well an’ good,” Applejack said, wiping the sweat from her brow, “but me an’ Mac are workin’ an’ we ain’t gonna get our work done if we’re gettin’ distracted.”

“Oh don’t worry, I understand,” Pinkie replied, giving a quick salute. “Which is why I planned for this to last for no longer than two minutes. Goodbye for now! And if you’re planning on something fun, don’t forget about your pal Pinkie Pie! And if not, I’ll see you at school on Monday!”

“Will do,” Applejack replied, quickly turning to her work.

Pinkie nodded and turned to Macintosh. “And you too!”

“Uh, yeah.” The colt managed a small smile. “Bye fer now.”

Pinkie beamed back and began her journey across the orchard. She still had a few more friends that she wanted to say hi to before she needed to get back before Mr and Mrs Cake’s curfew. She glanced back over her shoulder at the two ponies who were now lifting baskets of apples onto a wagon. She’d desperately wanted to be friends with them ever since she found out about their parents. Anypony that had to deal with something so terrible needed as many reasons to smile as possible, so Pinkie had taken it upon herself to make that happen. Even if she failed sometimes, that was no reason to give up completely.

She’d spent a decent amount of time with Applejack, but the same could not be said for Macintosh. He wasn’t in the mood for fun stuff very often, although that might have been because he’s a colt, and colts tend to hang out with other colts. From what Pinkie could understand, that was just how things worked. But it was such a shame! Who said that fillies and colts couldn’t be friends, anyway? He was a lot nicer than most colts she knew, too. He never had a bad thing to say, and he didn’t act all awkward around her. And knowing that he went through something so terrible, Pinkie just wanted to cuddle him until all those bad thoughts went away. She’d just need to hang out with him alone and not have Applejack butting in all the time, but that was hard since the two siblings were together a lot of the time. But maybe one day…

“Guess who?”

Pinkie let out a faint chuckle. “You’re going to have to do better than that, Dashie.”

Rainbow Dash groaned and lifted her hooves from Pinkie’s eyes. “Aw, come on! I totally worked on that voice for like, five whole minutes. What gave me away?”

Pinkie cleared her throat and took a deep breath. “Well first of all, I knew it had to be a pegasus, since I didn’t hear any hoof-steps or collisions with the ground before you grabbed me, and there was no flash of light that might come from a unicorn’s teleportation spell. That, and the sound of your beating wings was a giveaway. It definitely wouldn’t have been Celestia or Luna ‘cause they’re far too busy for silly games. I knew it couldn’t be Fluttershy, ‘cause she’s at Sweet Apple Acres right now, and anyway, she wouldn’t do something like that. If it was somepony that I didn’t know very well they wouldn’t try masking their voice as much as you did, and it would be super rude and super unfair to do that if they barely knew me, so I didn’t think there was much chance of that happening. Therefore by process of elimination, the evidence points to the one and only Rainbow Dash.” Pinkie clapped her hooves together as she finished her long-winded explanation.

Rainbow Dash simply stared at her friend for a few seconds before sighing. “Okay, at least your logic makes sense this time around.”

Pinkie nodded cheerfully. “So what’s my prize for guessing correctly?”

“Well, um… I guess this is kind of a prize,” Rainbow Dash replied, rubbing the back of her neck. “I need you to follow me, okay?”

Pinkie cocked her head. “Follow you where?”

“That’s a surprise,” Rainbow Dash answered.

“Dashie, you and the girls aren’t throwing me a super-secret surprise birthday party, are you? My birthday is still months away.”

“No, nopony’s throwing you a party.”

Pinkie gasped. “But that would’ve been a great surprise! Oh… Now I don’t know what it could be.”

“No, Pinkie, it’s something else, okay. Just follow me and you’ll find out.”

“Is Gummy allowed to come with us?” Pinkie asked, planting her ever stoic pet atop her head. “I’d have to hold you accountable if this surprise of yours is unsuitable for baby crocodiles.”

“Yes, it’s fine. Now are you coming or not?” Rainbow Dash asked hurriedly, gesturing with one hoof.

Pinkie nodded enthusiastically. “Lead the way!”

“Right. Sure.” Rainbow Dash began flying just a few feet above her friend, at the pace of a brisk jog, which Pinkie easily kept up with while Gummy kept a grip on her mane.

“Is it far away?” Pinkie asked. “My surprise isn’t in Canterlot, is it? That would be super tiring, even for me! And Gummy would need to take a nap.”

“Pinkie, stop trying to guess!” Rainbow Dash said irately.

“Okay, okay, sheesh!”

Pinkie followed Rainbow Dash for the next minute or so in silence, feeling more than a little pleased that her day was to be injected with some excitement. She was still a mite upset that Applejack hadn’t invited her to the family reunion while Fluttershy had been asked to come. Was Applejack angry with her? That was probably the most likely reason, and it was completely understandable. But the fact that Applejack wasn’t storming up to her house demanding an apology probably meant that she just needed some time to cool off. In truth, everypony needed some time to cool off after everything that had happened.

Maybe, she thought, Rainbow Dash heard about me not being invited and it just trying to cheer me up. It wasn’t often that others went out of the way to bring a smile to her face. In a way, it felt like it was her job to do that for everypony else. But today was a day when she could definitely do with having the favour returned.

Pinkie looked up to Dashie, wondering what she could possibly have planned. She said it wasn’t a party, but that made sense. Fluttershy and Applejack were at the reunion, and from Pinkie’s visits that very morning it seemed that Twilight and Rarity were busy doing their own thing. Normally, if it was something Rainbow Dash was excited to show off, she wouldn’t keep quiet about it. The one time she got a signed picture from the Womderbolts team she didn’t stop talking about it for a whole day, and carried it around with her in a frame that even Rarity would consider ‘fancy.’ But Rainbow Dash didn’t appear particularly excited, which was odd. It could be that she was simply putting on an act, but it wasn’t like her to pretend that she was disinterested. In fact, the way she looked and the way she flew along at much slower than her usual pace, it was almost as if…

Pinkie stopped in her tracks, leaving a long groove across the dirt path. “Dash-ie!” she called, her forelegs folded grumpily.

Rainbow Dash groaned and swooped to the ground, shooting Pinkie an annoyed glare. “What is it now?” she scolded, rubbing her forehead. “Look, Pinkie, we don’t have time for a game of twenty questions.”

Pinkie trotted up to her friend with a curious expression until their noses were barely a few inches apart, staring intently into Rainbow’s eyes. She took in a deep breath through her nose and frowned.

“Pinkie, what in the hay?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, backing away.

“Dashie, have you been drinking?”

The question shattered Rainbow’s brash demeanour in an instant and her cheeks exploded with red. “Uh… no.”

“Yes you have,” Pinkie affirmed, harrumphing dramatically. “Even Gummy can tell,” she added, pointing to her pet which was staring off into the distance, not even looking in Dash’s direction.

Rainbow Dash sighed deeply and pulled her hoof down her face. “Okay, so I’ve had a little, tiny bit of cider today. Is that a crime? I’m not working today.”

Pinkie merely raised an eyebrow.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. “Okay, so maybe a bit more than just a tiny bit. But where’s the problem?” Rainbow snapped back, almost stumbling as she pointed an angry hoof.

“It’s a problem because it’s not very healthy to be drinking alone in the morning on such a beautiful day, Dashie,” Pinkie retorted. “And the fact that you lied about it tells me that I have something to worry about.”

“Look, can you just drop it? You’re making a scene! There’s nothing to worry about, okay? Can we get a move on?”

Pinkie shook her head. “I’m sorry, Dash. I’m afraid I can’t do that. As your friend, it’s my job to make sure you’re okay. I care about your well-being. So tell me, why shouldn’t I be worried?”

Rainbow Dash slumped to the ground and hung her head in defeat. “Okay, so I know it’s not healthy, and I probably shouldn’t have drunk as much as I did.”

Pinkie’s anger disappeared from her face within seconds, and the pink mare placed a hoof on Dash’s shoulder, offering a friendly smile. “That’s okay, Dashie. The first step is admitting to the problem.”

“Weren’t you just…? Nevermind.” The pegasus got to her hooves again, looking thankful that Pinkie’s ‘bad cop’ had decided to go into hiding for the time being. “But it isn’t a problem, Pinkie. It’s not like this has been happening for a long time. This is like, the first day since ‘that one time.’ I promise!”

“Huh.” Pinkie furrowed her brow. “So then, why today?”

“A friend of mine just happened to give me a whole load of cider as a… gift, okay? And I was so excited by it that I got carried away and had some this morning.”

“But then wh—” Pinkie was quickly cut off by Rainbow Dash’s hoof.

“No more questions, please!” the pegasus pleaded. “I’m supposed to be taking you to your surprise, remember? Can’t you just let it go?”

“Mm-kmm,” came Pinkie’s muffled reply.

“Good.” Rainbow Dash took to the air once more, wiping her saliva-soaked hoof on her flank with mild disgust. “Now come on!”

“Okie dokie lokie!”

Pinkie followed once again, breathing a silent sigh of relief that Rainbow Dash hadn’t fallen victim to alcoholism. But I’ll still keep an eye on her, just in case. As the pair left Ponyville Proper, Pinkie began to wonder who the mystery gift-giver could possibly be.

Fluttershy kept running through the orchard as fast as she could. She just wanted to get away, to escape from the world that seemed so intent on ripping out her heart and spitting on its remains. Tears streamed down her face as she cried out in anguish, blurring her vision into a watercolour mess of green and brown. She didn’t want anypony to see her like this. She didn’t want Ponyville to see ‘poor, pathetic Fluttershy’ blubbering like a foal. How could Applejack do this to me? I thought we were friends! But Pinkie would understand… She wouldn’t judge her.

All of a sudden, Fluttershy tripped over a loose branch poking up from the soil and skidded to the dirt. She landed hard on her back, knocking the wind out of her, and tumbled head-first into a tree. With the world spinning violently, she held her hooves over her eyes, curled into a ball and took deep breaths. Her head throbbed, her legs ached, her eyes stung, and she felt sick to her stomach. Her left wing was pulsing with what felt like a sprain, so she held it as tightly to her body as possible. Everything was in pain, but what hurt most was the cruel trick that life had played on her. All she wanted was to have a pleasant day with a good friend. All she wanted…

“Fluttershy…”

No. Don’t find me. Don’t tell me you’re sorry. I don’t want to hear it. I just want this day to end.

“Fluttershy!”

I was an idiot. I should’ve listened to my paranoia all along. This shouldn’t have happened. What did I do to deserve this? I thought things would get better.

“Fluttershy?”

Just go away. I can’t take it anymore. I can’t take another second…

The voice that had been calling the pegasus’ name fell silent. As Fluttershy sobbed into her mane, her heart threatening to leap into her throat at any moment, she heard the steady plodding of hoof-steps approaching. And then for a moment or two, they fell silent.

“Miss Fluttershy? Oh my gosh, are you okay?”

Fluttershy slowly opened her eyes to see Braeburn sat to her side, his face plastered with worry. “What’re you doing here?” she whimpered, turning away.

“I… You left your satchel.” There was a light thud on the ground.

“Thanks,” Fluttershy said in a voice barely above a whisper, not wanting to meet the stallion’s gaze. “You can go now.”

“I’m not leavin’ you like this,” the stallion replied softly, placing a hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder, causing her to flinch. “You look hurt. Do you want me to take you to a hospital?”

“No. I’m fine.”

“Okay, but maybe it might be worth getting’ checked over, don’t ya think?”

Fluttershy shook her head. “I just want to be alone…”

Braeburn let out an exasperated sigh. “I couldn’t possibly just leave you here, not like this.” The stallion took a seat on the grass beside her, leaving a gap of about a foot between them.

Nothing else was said for the next few minutes. All that could be heard was the steady breeze, the rustling of the leaves, the odd chirps and tweets from wild birds, and Fluttershy’s heavy breathing as she reigned in the tears.

The pegasus had thought about simply flying away so she didn’t have to deal with Braeburn, or indeed anypony else that might’ve thought to follow her. However, her left wing didn’t feel like it would be up to the task, and even if she could make it to town, taking a brief respite to calm down and let the pain subside made sense.

Whatever was happening at Sweet Apple Acres, Fluttershy could only imagine. Applejack had never looked so guilty, not in all the years that they’d known each other. But as cruel as it made Fluttershy feel, she wanted Applejack to drown in guilt and pay for her betrayal. Not very kind of me, but then that wasn’t very honest of her. How could she manipulate me like that? How could she take my trust and use me because of it? I hope she’s hurting right now.

Fluttershy clamped her eyes shut. No. I can’t hate her. I know Applejack. She’s not vindictive. She was probably doing what she thought was best. She doesn’t know what it’s like to feel for somepony the way I feel about Mac. She just didn’t understand. But then why didn’t she want me to find out? Why hide it? Was she… Oh, I don’t know what to think. I’m just… lost.

“Hey, Fluttershy,” Braeburn said quietly. “I was thinkin’, maybe we should go back and see Applejack. I’m sure if you two talk things over, you can work somethin’ out.”

“I can’t,” Fluttershy replied, wiping away at her cheeks. “Not right now. I’m… I’m too angry at her. I’m afraid of what I’ll say.”

“Okay, that’s fair enough.” The stallion paused for a few seconds before leaning in closer. “D’you wanna talk about it?”

“It’s… complicated.”

“It has somethin’ to do with Mac, right?”

Fluttershy nodded, feeling a conflicting whirlpool of emotions at hearing his name. She took a deep breath, straightened herself up and began to survey the damage that had been done by the fall. A bruise on each of her hind legs, one on her flank, and a smattering of dirt across her torso. Not as bad as it could’ve been, she supposed. However, trying to extend her left wing made her wince. That was almost certainly a sprain. No leaving in a hurry, then.

Braeburn shot her another worried glance and shook his head as if to say, ‘stay put,’ which Fluttershy made no effort to disobey. “I guess it was pretty serious,” he said, staring into the sky. “I wish I’d known before… well, you know. Applejack didn’t exactly fill me in with all the info.”

Fluttershy couldn’t help but blush at Braeburn’s first comment. It hardly helped to stake her case considering the most she and Mac shared was a dance and a kiss, and he wasn’t the one to initiate either of those. Not wanting to correct Braeburn about that, Fluttershy could only think to respond to his other comment. “So what did Applejack tell you?”

“As far as your situation goes, pretty much nothin’. I didn’t even know Mac had any involvement until this mornin’ when she pulled me aside. Somethin’ about you two havin’ a thing, or whatever. All I knew was that Mac wasn’t even gonna be spendin’ time with us folks or it’d be too awkward. O’ course, that made me all the warier about this whole set-up.” Braeburn chuckled nervously. “Applejack did seem weird about it, like she didn’t want it to happen, but at the same time she was pushin’ it, I dunno.”

Fluttershy mulled this over for a few moments. “That means Applejack might’ve just been doing what Mac asked her to do.” It wasn’t enough to completely absolve Applejack’s actions, but it did infer that she was just put into a difficult situation, and happened to make a bad choice. “But how did you get involved?”

Braeburn sighed. “Probably ‘cause this is what the family’s been tryin’ to do with me for years – set me up with a mare.”

Fluttershy’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really? But I… So this was just…”

“Seems to be,” Braeburn said with a nod. “Just another in a long line of tryin’ to pair me off. But don’t take any offence when I say that, o’ course. You’re a nice mare, and actually, I didn’t feel like I was talkin’ to you just for the sake of pleasin’ the family. I enjoyed our time together, even if I felt a little awkward at times. I couldn’t just be myself, could I? I’ve got to keep makin’ moves, even if it ain’t me, just ‘cause I’m put in front of a pretty mare who likes me, and if I screw up then it just gives the family more to talk about, like how I might be—” The stallion looked to Fluttershy, and quickly cut himself off. “Sorry. You’ve got more than enough problems to deal with. Forget I said anything.”

“No, it’s… It’s fine.” Fluttershy twiddled her hooves awkwardly. “It’s kind of a relief, actually.”

“Hm?”

“We were both put into a similar situation, except for me, it was about trying to make me…” You can say it. You know it’s the truth, “… get over my feelings for Mac, after he… he rejected me.” A new bout of tears began trickling their way down Fluttershy’s cheeks. “I guess they thought putting another stallion in front of me would just change my mind. And I mean no offence to you, Braeburn. You’re a nice, good-looking stallion, and you treated me really well today, but that’s not… That’s not the same as having feelings for somepony. I j-just thought they might’ve underst-t-t-t—”

Despite every effort to contain it, the waterworks started once more. As Braeburn leant forward to comfort her, Fluttershy buried her head into his nape and wept. As she closed her eyes she could see Big Mac and Applejack sat in their family home, plotting away the lives of others, all so Mac could be with Pinkie, ignoring all the pain and suffering that had come before today. How could he care about feelings? Did he view them as silly little phases that ponies forgot about as soon as another hunk of meat showed up? Was that how he viewed mares? Pinkie and I went through all this heartbreak over a heartless beast, Fluttershy said inwardly. If only I could bring myself to hate him.

With every step, Pinkie became more and more suspicious of whatever Rainbow Dash was planning. While the two of them weren’t taking the most direct path via the walkways, possibly because Rainbow was so used to flying to her destination, but they were definitely going in the general direction to reach…

Sweet Apple Acres.

Rainbow Dash was looking antsy, too, and it wasn’t just her drunkenness, which was still a worry as they pressed on. But then again, it could be a good thing. Maybe Applejack had a change of heart and sent Rainbow Dash out to get her so she could join the party! Or even if the reunion was coming to a close, Applejack might’ve just wanted to speak with her anyway, to clear the air. That would explain why Rainbow Dash might not have outright explained what was going on. Pinkie considered that if they thought she was avoiding Applejack, that she’d make an excuse not to see her, and they wanted to get around that.

But then why would Rainbow Dash be involved? Pinkie asked herself, switching to a three-legged trot as she scratched her head. It was possible that Rainbow Dash could’ve just come from the family reunion, which would have also given her a reason to be drunk that didn’t require some mystery pony giving her a strange (if welcome) gift. It would also explain why she couldn’t be found earlier that day. But even still, it seemed odd that Rainbow Dash would be invited unless…

Unless I was the only one who wasn’t invited. Pinkie’s heart dropped as she considered that possibility. Twilight and Rarity could have been invited, but simply declined. After all, they were both busy with other, perfectly reasonable things. But then, why would they all get invited to an Apple Family Reunion, when that had never happened before? Sure, Fluttershy had been invited, but she’d said it was because Applejack wanted to spend some time with her specifically. But could that be believed? Everything was beginning to make sense. Applejack hated her, and planned to have the entire group there, except for her, to spite her. And then Fluttershy would have spoken up and asked Rainbow to grab her. But then if that was the case, why dress it up as a surprise? Why not just come out and explain the situation!? There were too many variables, too many possibilities…

“Yo, Pinks? You okay?”

Pinkie came to her senses and looked to where Rainbow Dash was hovering a short distance away. Unknowingly, she’d begun making her way down a different path from the one she was being guided towards. “Uh… sure,” she answered bashfully, still trying to make sense of the situation.

“You zoned out for a second there,” the pegasus replied, swooping in closer. “We’ve gotta go this way.”

Not wanting to argue, Pinkie did as she was told. After all, the sooner they got to their destination, the sooner she’d find out the truth. Even if she was better off not knowing.

Two days earlier

There was a moment of silence as Rainbow Dash mulled over the proposal. Having been personally asked out to a spot just north of Sweet Apple Acres, next to an old, batten down shelter, she was highly suspicious of what might come next, especially considering the pony in question and the fact it was late in the evening. It might have even been a tad creepy, if Big Mac hadn’t come across like a desperate puppy begging to be let outside.

“This is crazy,” she finally answered. “You know that, right?”

Big Mac hung his head shamefully. “Yup.”

“Then it ain’t worth doing,” Rainbow Dash said dismissively. “I’ll keep quiet about this, but only ‘cause I’m not a tattle-tale. But you can forget about getting any help from me.”

“No, please!” Mac pleaded. “Ah… Ah have more t’ say!”

“Wow, don’t get all plot-hurt. You started this mess, y’know. You need to stop playing games with my friends and just get over it! You failed, big deal, move on. You’re just embarrassing yourself!”

“Rainbo—”

“No!” Rainbow Dash bellowed, stomping her hoof on the ground. “This is just pathetic, is what it is. I don’t know what’s up with you, but you need to grow up.” Rainbow blinked and smiled to herself smugly. “Wow, that’s gotta be the first time I’ve been on the other side of that comment.”

Mac sighed and walked past Rainbow wordlessly, opening up the creaky door to the shelter. He gestured inside it with a serious expression. “You do it, it’s yours.”

The pegasus peered inside confusedly. “Some old work tools? A barrel? Or are you talking about this flimsy, dusty old shack?” She let out an almighty growl and angrily stuck a hoof in Mac’s face. “I’m not homeless, you dolt! Just because I sometimes sleep on clouds doesn’t mean I don’t have a home! Dearest Celestia, you’re even stupider than I thought.”

Big Mac face-hoofed. “No, not the shack!” he exclaimed, pointing at the barrel. “That.”

“What about it?” Rainbow asked with a shrug.

Mac raised an eyebrow and smiled conceitedly. “What do ya think’s in it?”

It took all of five seconds before Rainbow Dash’s eyes grew wide and frantic. “Y-you mean…?”

Big Mac nodded.

“And is t-there m-much…?”

Big Mac grinned. “Full t’ the brim.”

Rainbow Dash started breathing heavily. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead. Her mouth became dry. She ran her hoof across the ridges of the barrel, trying to quantify just how much was inside. Involuntarily, she began to lick her lips. “And… This is just a totally unrelated question, since I’m of course not even slightly tempted by this,” she said coolly, “but… how long is it until the next cider festival?”

Big Mac shrugged nonchalantly. “’bout five months.”

“F-f-f-f-five m-m-m-months!?” Rainbow Dash spluttered. She stared intently at the barrel, grinding her teeth, almost on the verge of hyperventilating. One of her rear legs began to twitch. She could all but manage a crooked, sinister smile. “T-t-that s-soon, huh?”

“But since ya ain’t helpin’,” Mac said, pulling Rainbow from the shack by the tail as she reached out towards the barrel frantically. He slammed the door closed and pulled the latch into place. “Ah guess Ah’d better dispose of it.”

“I’ll do it! I’ll do it!” Rainbow Dash wailed, almost snapping the latch in two as she pried the door open. “I promise! Just let me have it! I’ll do anything!”

“All yours,” Mac declared, not even phased by the pegasus who was now kissing the barrel and whispering to it. At this rate, his plan just might work.

Fluttershy stared at her reflection and her brand new red dress, unsure how she felt, or even how she should feel. She could see her life leaping forward into new territory, an unprecedented, scary, but all too enticing place. Her dreams just might be coming true, and all because she’d been forced into something against her will. But for once, she was thankful for it.

Rarity still hadn’t recovered from the ‘shock’ of how amazing her latest creation was, and had already started sketching a similar design while muttering to herself about how good she’d look in it when it was completed. Pinkie had finished explaining her plan on how to arrange the perfect party for Fluttershy and Big Mac to have a romantic evening and was now casually flicking through one of Rarity’s glamour magazines, humming a tune to herself and occasionally remarking at how she could ‘throw a hundred parties for the price of this scarf!’

“It’s a shame you couldn’t wear that dress twenty-four hours a day,” Rarity said, smiling wistfully. “Not that you aren’t beautiful just the way you are, darling. I’m sure Big Macintosh would agree.”

“Please, Rarity,” Fluttershy said sheepishly, her cheeks glowing redder after each and every compliment. “I’m shaking like a leaf just thinking about it.”

“Fluttershy, my dear, you haven’t any reason to be so nervous! I know a thing or two about stallions, and this really couldn’t be any more perfect.”

“But Rarity,” Pinkie piped up. “If you know so much about them, why don’t you have a stallion of your own?”

The fashionista’s face fell like a rock. She shot Pinkie a disgruntled glare and turned her nose up. “Because maybe I haven’t met the right one for me,” she said haughtily. “And who’s to say that I can’t draw from my past experiences? Not that that’s any of your business, Pinkie.”

“Whoops, sorry,” Pinkie replied apologetically. “I’ll keep my mouth shut then, shall I?” She pulled a hoof across her mouth and mimicked it being zipped up.

“That’s better,” Rarity said, dropping her frown. “But on that subject, Fluttershy, I wouldn’t worry about the problems I’ve faced. I’m not sure I could imagine a better fit for you than Big Mac.”

Fluttershy nodded nervously, feeling somewhat put off by Mac being deemed a ‘good fit,’ though that was likely just Rarity leaning on her description of clothing. “I’m still a little worried about Applejack, though. Do you think I should talk to her first?”

Rarity rolled her eyes. “Applejack isn’t her brother’s keeper. It’s not like you need permission to dance with him.”

“But won’t she get mad?”

“Not unless you start dating him in secret or go all the way after the dance,” Rarity said casually, failing to notice Fluttershy’s wide-eyed expression. “Just let her know after you hit it off. We’re all adults, here. Besides, what reason would she have to get between two ponies who deserve to be with each other? Unless she wants to preserve the family’s earth pony lineage, but frankly, that’s been in need of disrupting for quite some time. Sometimes I think the Apples have less of a gene pool and more of a gene puddle.”

Fluttershy remained silent, the same recurring thought pushing its way to the forefront once again. That maybe, this was the first step towards the rest of her life, to the family unit, to the foals, to having someone who loved her, and that she loved in return, to having the deathly black void in her heart finally being filled. No longer would she feel so alone, even while surrounded by friends. Mac could be the one to finally make her whole.

“What are you daydreaming about?” Rarity asked, raising her eyebrows suggestively. “It must’ve been good or you wouldn’t be smiling.”

Fluttershy chuckled timidly. “I was thinking about my future.”

“Well,” Rarity began with a sly grin, “I think you’ve got a lot to look forward to.”

Not a word had been said for at least ten minutes. Fluttershy could only relive the days gone by, with Braeburn’s shoulder to cry on. She’d been led to believe that everything she wanted was just around the corner. Oh, how cruel fate had been. I should’ve known it wouldn’t be so easy. And now that promise of happiness looked further away than it had ever been. Of course, she knew that she had no chance with Mac. And the experience had allowed her to grow closer to Pinkie, a mare who she now trusted more than any friend she’d ever had. But somehow, somewhere in the deepest recesses of her mind, she’d hoped for something to change, hoped for the world to keep turning until a time would come when Mac would extend a hoof to her. Despite the fact that every logical, sane thought told her the same story, that it was a lost cause, that she was to accept this new life, that she should be thankful for what she’d learned, that she was growing and becoming stronger… The void remained.

Out of the blue, Braeburn started speaking. His voice was just above a whisper. “Listen, don’t be too harsh on AJ an’ Mac. I know you’re mad, but take it from me. Sometimes ponies do dumb things because they’re stubborn enough to think they can solve all the world’s problem by ‘emselves, an’ ya can’t get much more stubborn than the Apple family. An’ then you have stallions, who are famous for makin’ fools of themselves whenever mares are involved. They get crazy ideas about how they’re gonna make it up to ‘em, and end up makin’ things worse. So I know you’re angry an’ upset, an’ you have every right to be, but I think it’s worth keepin’ in mind that they didn’t do this to spite you. Maybe they thought we were bound to hit it off.”

Fluttershy slowly pried herself from Braeburn’s embrace and wiped her eyes. She shook her head. “So what if they though that? Did they really expect me to just hook up with any old stallion they put in front of me?”

“Well… I don’t know,” Braeburn replied uneasily.

“It’s just so infuriating!” Fluttershy exclaimed, putting a hoof to her forehead. “They knew my feelings for Mac and how much he means to me.”

“But maybe they didn’t, Fluttershy. Especially if they’ve not felt somethin’ like that themselves. Or maybe they thought you were over it.”

“That’s not the point! They knew what happened, they knew about the tension between me and Pinkie. How could I get over it all so easily!?” Fluttershy’s emotional see-saw tipped back from sadness to full-blown rage. “Why would I blindly accept another stallion in his place? Do other ponies think I’m so simple-minded? Do they think I’d just move to somepony else if they happen to be handsome? Don’t they realise who I am!?”

Mac could be the one.

could be

“I… I’m not… what they think…”

No pitter-patter of a foal’s hooves.

lonely

“I just wanted…”

The empty cottage. The lonely cottage.

completely alone

“My feelings for him… they…”

“I just don’t know what it is, but sometimes, I get so lonely. I just want somepony to be there for me.”

Big Mac

somepony to be there

“I want him… so much…”

Big Mac nodded, pressing on to Sugarcube Corner. Fluttershy watched him for a few more seconds, her heart still pounding against her chest.

heart

And yet, that moment outside Sugarcube Corner had changed something. Right now, what she wanted most was to be huddled up next to him. She wanted it so much; she thought her heart might burst.

that moment

As the stallion was welcomed inside, she turned away, continuing her journey home, not looking back. What point was there in looking back at something she would never have?

never have

“I…”

…

that moment

…

could be the one

…

Mac

…

“…”

“Um, Fluttershy?” Braeburn gazed at the pegasus concernedly. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

“I get it now,” Fluttershy said softly, staring blankly into the distance, her eyes flooding with tears. “It’s been staring me in the face this whole time. I… I think I finally understand.”

Rainbow Dash dropped down to Pinkie’s level and slowed her to a halt. “Um, okay, Pinks. I need you to wait here for a sec. No following me, alright?”

Pinkie smiled nervously, feeling completely unable to return to her usual, fun-loving demeanour. “Okay,” she said, feeling anything but okay with the situation. Rainbow Dash darted over the hill, and Pinkie took the moment of solace to exhale deeply and let the falsity drop. Now she was on edge.

Just beyond the path ahead was Sweet Apple Acres. Pinkie could just about see the very tip of the Apple family home, as well as the rolling hills with acres and acres of orchards and crops stretched across them. Looking up, a singular cloud hovered in the sky. That was unusual. If her instincts were correct, that cloud belonged to Rainbow Dash. For one reason or another, the pegasus must have brought it with her. Why? It was just another question to add to the mystery. Pinkie wanted to simply see it as Rainbow Dash getting ready to present something amazing to her, a nice surprise after everything that had happened. But she couldn’t. It didn’t take Pinkie sense to know that something was wrong.

Two minutes or so had passed, and Rainbow Dash hadn’t returned. In a moment of trepidation, Pinkie couldn’t bear to be left in the dark any longer. She padded onwards up the path. Sweet Apple Acres came into view. Wagons and carriages were lined up outside, with some on the fields beside the farmhouse, with a line of tents adjacent to them. There were crowds of ponies — undoubtedly the extended Apple family — dotted across the grass, but she couldn’t make out anypony in particular. Pinkie ventured closer. She could hear lively chatter. The ponies appeared to be having fun, by all means. The closer she got, the more it seemed like this was a normal, family get-together in full swing. No sign of Fluttershy, or Mac…

Suddenly, Rainbow Dash appeared in the sky and zoomed towards her. “Pinkie!” she cried. “I told you to—”

“Rainbow Dash!” Pinkie interrupted anxiously. “What is going on!? What are you doing here!? Tell me!”

“Well there’s been a slight change of plan…” the pegasus answered tentatively. “There’s kinda been a bit of a… thing that’s gone wrong.”

“Please just tell me!”

Rainbow Dash sighed. “Oh man, I promised Mac and everything. Look, Pinkie, I’m sorry I dragged you out here, but the surprise kind of got ruined while I was gone, so why don’t we go back into Ponyville and I’ll buy you something real nice, maybe that giant plushie you saw a while back.”

Pinkie was seething with anger. Ignoring Rainbow Dash completely, she sprinted towards Sweet Apple Acres and leapt over the fence, the pegasus’ calls for her fading into the background. Whatever secrets were hiding here (could Fluttershy and Mac be…? All this time, this was their plan?) she refused to ignore it any longer. She received a mixture of annoyed and bemused glares as she ploughed on through the crowds, storming her way towards the farmhouse.

“Pinkie!” Rainbow Dash bellowed, darting to the ground in front of her. “Pinkie, slow down! You don’t know what you’re doing!”

“Then tell me!” Pinkie demanded, pushing her hoof in Rainbow Dash’s face. It was the first time she’d seen her friend look so terrified of her, but in that moment, she didn’t care. “I want answers! What’s going on!?”

“Okay! Okay! Just calm yourself for one second.” Rainbow Dash took continuous deep breaths. “I promised Mac I’d bring you here. But Fluttershy… The plan didn’t work out and she… She ran off. Applejack spoke to her just before she left but I… I don’t know what happened.”

“Applejack!?” Pinkie questioned furiously. All the thoughts of her friend conspiring against her sprung instantly to mind. “What’s she been up to?”

“She’s over there,” Rainbow Dash said, pointing further up the hill. Pinkie spotted the mare instantly. “But she’s not in a good way right now. Pinkie, she’s—”

Pinkie had already gone. She barrelled towards Applejack, towards the mare she’d called ‘friend,’ but was part of some conspiracy. Mac had convinced Rainbow Dash to get involved. And Fluttershy… she’d run off? Where? And with who? With Mac? Who else was left to conspire against her? Who else could she trust?

Applejack didn’t respond to Pinkie’s presence at first. She looked downtrodden, bleary-eyed and at the end of her tether. This was enough for Pinkie to lend just an ounce of sympathy as she approached her. The farm pony looked up, and with a distraught expression, managed five words.

“Ah’m sorry. Ah’m so sorry.”

“Applejack, what happened?” Pinkie asked, unsure what to make of her friend’s state.

“It’s all mah fault,” the mare blubbered. “Fluttershy, she…”

Pinkie stepped closer, and looked desperately into Applejack’s eyes. “Where is Fluttershy?”

Applejack shook her head sadly. “Ah don’t know.”

Pinkie took a few moments to steady her nerves. Her emotions were a raging storm, threatening to break the bough into a torrent of anger, despair, frustration, or all of the above. But she knew she couldn’t jump to any conclusions, not until she had all the answers. Everything so far was failing to add up. So she said the only thing that made any sense.

“Then we’d better go find her, right? Isn’t that what friends do?”

Applejack winced at those words. “Ah’m not sure Ah can call myself a friend, not after what Ah did.”

That revelation didn’t make Pinkie feel any better, but she tried to ignore it and move on. “Then you’ll have to make it up to her, okay?”

Wordlessly, Applejack complied. Rainbow Dash joined them a few moments later, and Pinkie explained that they needed to look for Fluttershy. Applejack directed them to where she’d last seen her, and the search began. Pinkie could only hope that whatever had happened here today, the wounds would heal. But hope was in short supply. Fear, on the other hoof, was plentiful.

Mac… What have you done?

Chapter 15 - Love and War (Part 3)

Chapter 15 – Love and War Part III

“Pinkie?” Macintosh repeated, squinting confusedly, bringing the wagon to a stop as he eyed the usually talkative mare, her face turned away from his. He looked towards the hedgerow Pinkie’s eyeline was directed at, wondering if she’d been distracted by a wild bird or squirrel. Nothing appeared to be moving and Pinkie’s gaze still eluded him. “Ah say, what’cha lookin’ at, Pinkie?”

Pinkie turned towards him momentarily before clenching her eyes shut with a panicked expression and turning away, shivering and muttering to herself.

Macintosh stood for a while, trying to process the situation. “Pinkie, have Ah upset you somehow?” He unhooked himself from the wagon and made his approach, curiosity getting the better of him. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing! Hello Mac! Good day!” Pinkie cried back, still facing the opposite direction.

Macintosh furrowed his brow, about to return to his duties when Applejack cantered out the farmhouse door. “Hey there, Pinkie.”

“Oh, hi Applejack,” Pinkie chirped in her usual cheery voice, bouncing up to the other mare and greeting her with a hug that more resembled a rugby tackle. “Are you ready for a day of fun and excitement!? Did you know the traveling circus is here!?” she beamed.

“Well ‘course,” Applejack replied, chuckling as she pried herself free of Pinkie’s grip. Her eyes rose up. “You okay there, big brother? You’re lookin’ more bamboozled than a hedgehog in a hay maze.”

Normally, Macintosh would’ve brushed his sister’s comment aside and gotten back to the task at hoof, chalking Pinkie’s attitude up to some game that he was unaware of being involved in, but he was tired, dehydrated, and had been genuinely pleased to see a friendly face standing in the pathway as he dragged this month’s harvest of carrots to their destination. Being ignored was a little too much for him that day, and he managed to speak up. “Just that Pinkie’s been awful quiet just now. You okay there, Pinkie?”

“I’m fine! So Applejack, which act d’you wanna watch first? I hear they have a bat that can juggle! Isn’t that amazing!?”

“That’s… somethin’ alright,” Applejack replied, stoking her chin with a hoof. “Pinkie, you’re not ignorin’ Mac, are ya?”

“Yes, I mean no, I mean, shouldn’t we get to the circus right about now? If we’re late they might stop serving the–”

“Pinkie,” Applejack said sternly, planting a hoof on Pinkie’s shoulder. The mare gasped under the farm pony’s gaze. “You’re bein’ a little rude to Mac, don’t ya think?” She inspected the shivering mare with a discerning eye. “Has somethin’ happened Ah should know about?”

Macintosh shrugged in response, looking back and forth between Pinkie and his sister with a bemused expression.

“Nothing!” Pinkie cried, stretching her mouth in a massive grin. “Nothing at all, my good friend Applejack! I didn’t even look at Big Mac, and I made sure to plan our day out like a good friend should, not like that Rosemary girl, and I knew you needed cheering up, and the circus is in town, and I know you wanted to–”

Applejack placed a hoof over the mare’s mouth, cutting her off. “Did you say…?” She mulled it over, eventually rolling her eyes and emitting a faint chuckle. “Ah see what it is.” She turned to Macintosh. “Go on, now. Ah’ll explain later.”

Macintosh raised an eyebrow, wondering what it was he could’ve missed, but Applejack’s honest smile told him enough and he trudged onwards with his wagon until he was out of earshot of the two mares.

Applejack sighed mirthfully, releasing Pinkie from her grasp. “Ya gone an’ took what Ah said way outta context, didn’t you?”

“About what?”

“Rosemary,” Applejack said, shaking her head and chuckling again.

“Oh yes, I know all about that!” Pinkie jabbered, nodding furiously. “I can’t believe such a mean old mare would do that to you when you considered her your good friend! Such evil! And wickedness! And evil!”

“Pinkie.” Applejack once again shushed her friend. “The reason Ah stopped talkin’ to Rosemary was ‘cause she lied to me. She only pretended to be mah friend ‘cause she was crushin’ on Mac an’ tried usin’ me as a way o’ gettin’ close to him. That much became obvious soon as she started comin’ to visit, an’ she didn’t even wanna talk to me! An’ Mac was gettin’ real uncomfortable around her, started avoidin’ her, an’ even still she kept pesterin’ me at school, pretendin’ to be mah friend. Ah told her to take a hike.”

“Uh-huh, you told me before,” Pinkie replied. “And as your loyal friend and companion, I would never do such things. A friend to the end!” Pinkie placed a hoof on her chest and raised the other in salute.

Applejack laughed, shaking her head. “That don’t mean ya have to ignore him, ya dolt. He’s gonna think he’s upset you.”

“You mean…” Pinkie tapped her chin, deep in thought. “I don’t need to keep myself at a ten-yard distance at all times, avoid making eye contact for more than a second, exchange as few words as equinely possible and pretend he doesn’t exist if there’s no-one around but the two of us?”

“Fer land’s sakes, ‘course not,” Applejack said, giving her friend a jovial slap on the shoulder. “What’s gotten into you?”

“Well, I was really worried because you told me about Rosemary, and I was like, what if Applejack doesn’t want to be my friend anymore because she thinks I’m only in it to be with her brother? And then I got all sad, because you’re such a good friend, and if we stopped being friends I’d just want to bash my head against a tree over and over again for being such a bad, bad pony!”

“Ya darn fruitcake,” Applejack chided. “You’ve known Mac for years! Ya talk to him all the time! It ain’t like Rosemary who only came to see me ‘cause she wanted to crawl all over him.”

“Oh, but I’ve jumped on him before during a game of tag!” Pinkie cried fearfully, raising her hooves as if she was about to be struck. “I’ve even hugged him! Multiple times!”

“Ah know,” Applejack replied flatly. “Ah’ve seen it.”

“And you’re not mad?”

Applejack sighed and rubbed between her eyes. “Ya really think Ah’d stop bein’ friends with you over that? Ah’d rather you be friends with Mac than have to avoid him like the plague! An’ you hug everypony. That’s just who ya are! D’you really think Ah’m stupid enough to have a misunderstandin’ like that?”

Pinkie sniffed. “No.”

“Alright. You’re a good friend, Pinkie Pie. Ya just need to stop worryin’ so much.”

“I’m sorry,” Pinkie said, wiping away a lone tear and smiling once again.

“That’s better. Now let’s head on over to the circus like we planned.”

Pinkie’s spirits returned in a flash and she bounced along the path, thankful to whatever force on Equus had given her such an amazing friend like Applejack. The thought of losing her had been crushing, but now Pinkie knew she had nothing to worry about.

While Rainbow Dash had darted back to Fluttershy’s cottage, Applejack and Pinkie trudged along the dirt paths and sprawling expanse that surrounded Sweet Apple Acres, having not shared a word between them. Despite the glorious sunshine and cloudless sky, the atmosphere felt thick and foggy. The light breeze, distant harmonic chirps of birds and trotting of hooves was like a deafening orchestra, primed to send one of them into fit of rage.

Fluttershy’s trail had proved difficult to follow. Though a few obvious hoof-prints could be seen here and there, the dry, arid grass and dusty dirt roads offered little in the way of help, and the fact that many from the Apple family had left their own tracks threw them off Fluttershy’s path. Even taking to the skies, Rainbow Dash couldn’t make out her form, and for all anyone knew, the mare could’ve flown her way out of the village and escaped to the mountains.

Pinkie and Applejack galloped along at a steady pace. The silence between them seemed to drag on, each mare bottling up a maelstrom of emotions but having no idea how to express them. Applejack grimaced and made the first move. “Ah’m sorry for this, Pinkie.”

Pinkie didn’t reply, merely sighing and checking around for signs of Fluttershy.

Applejack felt a lump in her throat and steeled herself for another attempt. “Ah shouldn’t have gone along with Mac’s stupid plan. Ah knew it was crazy, but…” She looked to Pinkie for sympathy but found none. “Ah could never have expected this.”

Pinkie slowed to a trot, finally turning to face her friend. “What plan?”

“It’s gonna sound stupid,” Applejack replied, her face aflush. “He thought we could set Fluttershy up with Braeburn an’ this whole mess would sort itself out. Ah wasn’t keen on it, but… He can be pretty persuasive when he wants to be. Ah thought the worst that could happen was Fluttershy said ‘no’ an’ we could all just move on. Ah guess that makes me a real lug, right?”

Pinkie gradually slowed until finally coming to a complete stop at the summit of a hill. After gazing across the landscape, she sighed, wiping away some rogue tears that had formed. “No, not really,” she replied sadly. “I made the same mistake, remember? Trying to get Fluttershy and Big Mac together in the first place. I thought I could make them both happy, but all I did was cause this mess.” She clutched at her chest. “I wish everything was simple.”

“Me too, sugarcube,” Applejack replied, putting a hoof on her friend’s shoulder.

“But Mac’s plan… Why Braeburn?”

“Oh, that?” Applejack remarked, scratching the back of her neck bashfully. “Well accordin’ to Mac Ah ran mah mouth a bit after your last party. Not the – you know – but the one Ah last saw ya at. Rainbow Dash was tryin’ to tease me by sayin’ she had the hots for Braeburn an’ got Fluttershy involved. Thing is, Fluttershy turned fifty shades o’ scarlet soon as Rainbow brought up that time we all visited Appleoosa. Seems Ah wasn’t the only one to notice her wings’d shot up like flagpoles way back then. Ah don’t remember it but Ah must’ve said a bunch o’ that stuff to Mac on the way home. He said he heard it in a dream or some such, got it into his head that Fluttershy would just fall for Braeburn an’ everythin’ would sort itself out. Darn fool.”

Pinkie inhaled and exhaled deeply. “And I was supposed to see it happen so I’d jump into Mac’s hooves, or at least have some kind of leverage over Fluttershy so she’d let me do it.”

“Pretty much sums it up.”

“And Rainbow Dash helped because–”

“Cider,” Applejack finished. “A whole big barrel of it. Now don’t look at me for that one, ‘cause Mac already did the deal before Ah had any say.”

Pinkie smiled mirthfully and broke out into a chuckle. “It’s all so ridiculous.”

“Yeah.” Applejack let out a small laugh of her own. “Ain’t that true.”

There was a brief moment of well needed, comfortable silence. “Well,” Pinkie began, pulling herself onto her hooves. “We’d better get going. I hope Fluttershy’s okay.”

“Wait, just a second,” Applejack called, biting her lip. “Ah need to ask ya somethin’. Ah have a pretty good idea what’s been goin’ on, but… Ah need to know. D’you feel the same way? For Mac, Ah mean.”

Pinkie looked over her shoulder, gazing pensively, the wind swaying her mane across her eyes. “Does that really matter?”

“Pinkie.” Applejack exhaled. “It matters. Ya did all that for Fluttershy an’ yet… How long has it been?”

“Since what?”

Applejack gulped away an imaginary stone. “Since ya felt that way about him.” She stepped a little closer, feeling a sudden chill in the pit of her stomach. “Has it… Can it really have been ever since–”

“We should go,” Pinkie said abruptly, trotting away. “Fluttershy needs us.”

“Yeah.” Applejack licked absentmindedly at her lips, trying desperately to quell her frail, unsteady heart and quivering chest. Blinking hard a few times, she returned to searching for her friend.

“You’d better run on home soon,” the pegasus stallion called out, taking a quick moment to gesture to his colleagues. “It’s gonna be a big one. You’ll be soaked through if you’re not careful!”

“I’ll be okay!” Pinkie chimed back, peering up at the mass of greyish clouds that the weather team were collating across the skyline. She knew she had ample time to make it back to Sugarcube Corner, and being in the rain wasn’t all that bad, actually making for a most satisfying hot bath upon her return.

Trotting cheerily around the outskirts of Ponyville, Pinkie skimmed past the rolling hills and crop patches beside Sweet Apple Acres. It was always a visually pleasing trail, different sizes, shapes and colors of trees and sprouting shrubs that changed and shifted over the months, a veritable diorama over time that Pinkie had grown to appreciate.

On the cusp of turning a corner towards the town proper, Pinkie spotted something unusual close to the horizon. A large metal plough shone in the descending sun, barely moving an inch. A lone red stallion busied himself around it. Rather than deftly pulling it through the ground, churning up the grass and dirt, he pawed at the ground in an odd fashion. Pinkie’s curiosity was piqued.

Trudging over the fields – making sure not to stamp out any budding crops – Pinkie approached Macintosh, who was digging into the ground with his hooves in a panic, his coat stained with soil. “Hey there!” Pinkie greeted, the stallion jumping with a start at Pinkie’s sudden voice. “What’cha doing?”

Taking a moment to steady himself after a mini heart attack, Macintosh dusted himself off. “Tryin’ to get the plough through but there’s a whole pile o’ rocks.” He gestured towards some weighty stones caught against the plough’s vast blade. “Ah thought it was all cleared out but now Ah’m stuck.”

“Looks like you’re in a jam! But have no fear, Pinkie is here!” Pinkie leapt into the dirt and began whirring her hooves like a windmill, soil cascading behind her like a fountain. “I know a bit about rocks, too. Like, did you know, bigger rocks tend to be much heavier? Look at this one! It’s huge!”

“We can roll it out the way over here,” Macintosh instructed. “So long’s Ah can get the plough down the line ain’t no worry.”

“Aye-aye, Captain plough!” Pinkie cheered with a quick salute.

A few minutes of work later and the pair had managed to shift the offending rocks out of the way. Macintosh wiped the sweat from his brow, a motion that Pinkie copied in unison. “Thanks a bunch, Pinkie,” the stallion said. “Ya didn’t need to go an’ get yourself dirty just for me.”

“Heh-heh.” Pinkie rubbed the back of her neck, blushing slightly. “I’m just happy to help! I didn’t want to see you struggling, especially since it’s just about to–” The heavens above emptied themselves, drenching the two ponies almost immediately in a heavy shower. “–rain.”

“Ah, darn,” Macintosh said. “Let’s get outta the rain; there’s a shack just up here.”

Pinkie knew she could get back to the Cakes soon enough, and with a hot bath waiting for her, mug of cocoa, and the fact the rain would probably last for an hour or so, it made plenty of sense to shrug off the invitation and say goodbye. But curiosity – or something else – made her do otherwise. “Uh, okay!”

The shack was only a thirty second walk away, and quickly the sensation of cold droplets crashing down onto Pinkie’s coat and mane was replaced by the soothing pitter-patter against the wooden roof, and the crunch of hay scattered across the stone slabs beneath her hooves. The two ponies sat two yards apart, watching the landscape get drenched through the doorway.

“Wow, it’s really coming down, isn’t it?” Pinkie remarked, gazing over Sweet Apple Acres as the view grew hazy under the blanket of water. “I suppose that’s good for you though, right? It means your apple trees will grow and grow to the size of a castle!”

Macintosh chuckled. “Somethin’ like that.”

Pinkie nodded contently, imagining vines and branches sprouting from the ground and forming luscious fields of bright green grass and enormous trees bearing brightly colored apples that glistened in the sun. Like something from a fairytale. Minutes carried on until Pinkie remembered something important. “So, um… it’s your last year at school, isn’t it?”

Macintosh nodded. “Eeyup.”

“Wow! Time sure does fly by, doesn’t it!? Only a couple weeks away! What’re you gonna do once it’s over? Take over half the land and start your own rival farm called Mac’s Mean Green Apples, and go to war against Applejack?”

“Don’t know. Ah might be movin’ away.”

“O-oh,” Pinkie remarked, feeling a slight twinge in her chest. “That sounds exciting! Where will you be going?”

“Appleoosa, maybe.” Macintosh shrugged. “Or Manehattan. Not sure yet.”

“A-ha! Traveling the world, are we? In search of bigger and brighter things? That sounds so awesome! You know, I moved away from my hometown too, and I was really nervous at first, but I came to Ponyville and met Mr. and Mrs. Cake, and got to bake muffins and eclairs and peach and apricot pies, and it was great! Maybe the same thing will happen to you?”

“Eeyup,” Macintosh said quietly, smiling to himself.

“But you better promise to come back and visit, okay? I’ll really miss you!”

“You will?” Macintosh asked curiously.

Pinkie gulped, pulling an even bigger smile. “Of course! I miss all my friends from far and wide! But I know no matter how far apart we get, we’re still connected, and that’s what really matters.”

Macintosh smiled back before returning his gaze to the downpour. “It might not happen, anyway. If it’s just Applejack an’ Granny runnin’ the farm, might run into some problems. Applebloom still needs carin’ for, o’course.”

“Ooh! But I can help!” Pinkie chirped excitedly. “And I can persuade all the other ponies to help too! Whatever the task, all you need to do is ask.”

“Mm.”

The conversation ended there, nothing but the rainfall and their own breathing to break the silence. Pinkie scratched absentmindedly at her hooves, scraping away flecks of dirt, before ruffling her coat and twisting her tail to rid it of moisture. It was peaceful. Serene. Letting herself relax, Pinkie’s shoulders slumped a little. Thoughts of a scorching bath to cleanse her soul faded – merely living in this moment was refreshing in its own right. She felt content. Sated. Almost as if she wanted the rain to carry on for an eternity. She shook slightly, pulling her forelegs closer to her body.

“You cold?” Macintosh asked.

“No, I’m fine.”

“You’re shiverin’.”

“No, I’m really not,” Pinkie retorted. “I’m fine, honest.”

Macintosh rose to his hooves and approached. Pinkie clenched her eyes shut as she heard his slow movement towards her – slow, deliberate hoof-steps to her side, closing in. Her heart leapt into her throat as she envisioned the stallion wrapping his hooves around her, pulling her close, running a hoof along her spine and warming her body and spirit. His hoof-steps reached behind her. Pinkie held her breath, steeling herself for his embrace, clenching her teeth as her mind raced with thoughts of right and wrong, Mac’s plans to leave, the haunting beauty of the raindrops against the backdrop of rolling hills, the burning in her chest…

Macintosh passed her by, reaching the edge of the shack and rooting around an assortment of boxes and tools. Finishing up, he brought forth a large piece of cloth made from sack. Flicking it like a whip to remove dust and hay, he made his return, draping the coarse fabric over Pinkie’s shoulders like a blanket. “There.”

Pinkie jolted as the cloth enveloped her, instinctively drawing it close and pulling her forelegs around herself. “Uh-um, th-thanks,” she stammered.

“Don’t mention it.”

Time passed on and the clouds performed their duty, fading into a light drizzle before stopping entirely, the sounds of nature returning to its usual symphony of distant chirps and buzzes from the local fauna. Unwrapping herself and stepping outside, the pair said their goodbyes.

“Let me know where you end up travelling to!” Pinkie hollered. “I’ll look after Applejack while you’re gone, not to worry! Maybe I’ll see you around school!”

The two waved to each other and went their separate ways. Pinkie enjoyed her hot bath in the end, and went to sleep soon after, holding her pillow close as she drifted off to the land of nod.

Braeburn cocked his head. “What d’you understand?”

Fluttershy took a long, deep breath, trying to force a smile, but failing. She felt light-headed, and yet entirely focused, more so than she’d ever been before. The swirling mess of thoughts that plagued her finally began fitting themselves into a neatly ordered puzzle, painting a picture that Fluttershy couldn’t bear to see, but also couldn’t deny. Without even realizing it, her plight began to pour out of her with untold vigor.

“This is the first I’ve told anyone about it but… for the past few months I’ve been feeling an intense longing. I was doing the same as I always did, caring for my animals, spending time with friends, living life like I always did. I was happy before. I had my place in the world and that was that. But then out of nowhere I started feeling something else. I was lonely. I was afraid. I saw my life flashing before my eyes with nothing to show for it. But more than that, I wanted someone who could be there for me, not just as a friend, but as a true companion.

“I spent hours on end lost in my own imagination, dreaming up fantastical scenarios. I saw this other life, one I was missing out on, but one that others around me had managed to find. I thought of coming back to my cottage after a busy day to find a loving stallion poking at the fire, smiling at me, welcoming me into my – no, our – home. Then we’d embrace, share a kiss, eat dinner together, then fall asleep in each other’s hooves. But that was all make-believe. I’d wake up back in the real world and feel pathetic, worthless.

“The yearning I felt grew more intense by the day. Couples I’d seen around Ponyville a hundred times suddenly made me feel oppressed and distant any time they showed the tiniest modicum of affection. A brush through the mane, a hoof on their shoulder, a peck on the cheek… It all fell into the pit of my stomach. I should’ve felt happy to be surrounded by such love and compassion, but I didn’t. I wasn’t me.

“It was as if there was a pane of glass that stretched from horizon to horizon, and infinitely up into the sky, unbreakable and impossible to fly around. I stood on one side, and on the other was everyone else in the world. They could all mingle amongst themselves, find one another and form relationships with relative ease. I could talk to them, make friends with them, laugh with them, but I’d always be on my side of the of the glass, never less than an inch away, unable to touch or feel, left alone to my world with my things.

“Then everything changed. I was at one of Pinkie’s parties, my anxiety growing as my friends started talking about relationships and love-life. I felt so out of place, being surrounded by so many who cared about me but still feeling all alone. I ran from the party and… he was there. I stumbled right into him, and everything clicked. All those daydreams about faceless, colorless, imaginary stallions were replaced by Big Mac. Memories I had that seemed entirely benign grew into stepping-stones for my feelings for him. The smallest of greetings, the tiniest of exchanges… I began to think of all the good he had done, every act of strength and kindness spilling over into my fantasies. He had made them whole.

“Of course, I didn’t think there was any chance, but Pinkie… She did everything she could to make it work. She instilled me with hope. The pane of endless glass was starting to fall. I could feel myself reaching out to the other side, Big Mac calling out to me, ready to welcome me into the rest of our lives. When we finally met again, with all the support from my friends, I felt so happy. We danced together, my body against his, and I truly thought that was it. But when the spell broke, I broke with it.

“It hurt. It still hurts. I still think about him, wishing for the life I’d told myself was just around the corner. Then I found out Pinkie had feelings for him too, and I thought we were the same. But Pinkie, she…” Fluttershy took several deep breaths before continuing. “Not only had she done all that for me, but she threw away her chance to be with him so I wouldn’t fall even deeper into despair. We grew a lot closer through that, and I truly believed it was all for the best. But now…” A tear trickled down Fluttershy’s cheek. “I wonder what would’ve happened if it hadn’t been Mac. What if it had been anyone else? What if it had been you?”

“Me?” Braeburn said confusedly. “I don’t know what you mean.”

Fluttershy smiled sadly. “I kept thinking about it. What if, on that night, after running out from the party, I had crashed into someone else? Would I have been struck with the same feelings? Would the blank slate that made up my daydreams have been taken over by that one stallion? Would I have trawled over scant memories finding all I could to rebuild my fantasy?” Fluttershy paused, rubbing at her eyes. “I tried to deny it, but if I’m truly honest with myself, I think it would’ve been the same. If, for example, you had showed up at that same time, I think those feelings would’ve been piled onto you instead. I was in love with a dream, with a future I so desperately craved, and all that dream needed was someone to play the starring role. It just so happened to be Mac.

“But Pinkie? It’s completely different for her. She never spent her days pining for marriage and foals. She was happy to just be around others who were happy, not writhing in envy because they had things she didn’t. She had feelings for Mac. Strong feelings. She did her best to hide them from the world, not thinking for a moment that the two of them could’ve had a chance. She did everything she could to make me happy, seeing a chance for my dream to come true. But if I hadn’t bumped into Mac on the way home, and Pinkie had made a move, none of this would’ve happened.”

Fluttershy wiped at her leaking eyes, trembling as the realization careened through one edge of her heart and out the other side. “I wish I could go back. I wish I could stop feeling the way I do. But there’s no way back, and now I’m stuck here…” Fluttershy clutched at her chest, taking deep, labored breaths. “I’m so pathetic.”

Braeburn furrowed his brow, gazing over the troubled mare pensively, his own heart quivering at this revelation. Sighing deeply, he sat down next to her, resting his back against the tree. “I don’t understand what you’re goin’ through. I’m not sure I can even relate. But from what you’ve told me, I’d never think for a second that you’re pathetic.”

“You’re just saying that,” Fluttershy croaked.

“No, I mean what I say,” Braeburn said sternly. “I’ve met pathetic mares, believe me. You’re nothin’ like them. Your biggest crime here is bein’ equine, nothin’ more. An’ more than that, you’ve admitted all this to yourself all on your own. You didn’t need someone tellin’ you what to do to come to that cold, hard truth. I don’t think even I would figure that out for myself, not for a long, long time.”

Fluttershy sat for a moment in silence. “Thank you. I’m glad that I’ve finally done something right. But it doesn’t matter anyway. I can’t solve this.”

“Solve? What do you mean?”

“Where can I even go from here? Even if I lay it bare and realize how stupid it is, I still have feelings for Mac, and I can’t just wish those away. And Pinkie… She chose not to be with Mac because she thought it was the right thing to do, and I thought maybe it was. I could be standing in the way of their happiness, and that hurts, but thinking of them both together hurts too. But then if Pinkie shared his feelings, it would’ve hurt her to pair me with him, and she still gave him up.”

“Would you let them be together?” Braeburn asked.

“I have no reason to stop her. Big Mac chose her, not me, and my feelings for him are just…” Fluttershy sighed, closing her eyes in an attempt at meditation. “Pinkie won’t do it though. I told her once before, let her know she had every right to pursue him, and she talked herself out of it, not wanting to ruin our friendship. And I just let it happen because it was easier for me. I could accept them being together, but I know Pinkie. She won’t change her mind just because I ask nicely. And… I don’t know what to do.”

Braeburn pondered on this for a moment, wiping at his brow. “What if you already had a stallion of your own? Surely she couldn’t talk herself out of it.”

“I suppose.”

“Then how about we let that happen?” Braeburn’s expression grew somber. “I’m sick and tired of bein’ hounded by my family. I’m sick and tired of havin’ all these expectations on me, bein’ paired up with mares I’m supposed to fall over myself to be with, but endin’ up by myself again and facin’ the same judgmental stares. What if we go on a date?”

“You’re saying we fake a relationship?” Fluttershy muttered, shaking her head disapprovingly. “That’s not a solution, that’s a problem, and Pinkie wouldn’t fall for something like that anyway.”

Braeburn’s eyes narrowed, his jaw clenching slightly. “Pardon my rudeness, Miss Fluttershy, you may be very kind but you’re also a tad naïve.”

Fluttershy’s eyes jumped open, shocked to hear such an accusation. “N-naïve? How?”

“It’s not about faking it.” Braeburn stared intently for a few seconds. “You and I may hardly know each other, and there’s no way we could suddenly sprout feelin’s for each other just to solve some grand problem, but Fluttershy, what do you actually think a date is?”

Fluttershy’s mouth opened but no response came. She had no idea what answer to give.

“Look, I’ll be honest with you. When I first showed up to this reunion and got told, once again, I was bein’ paired up with someone, I was dreading it. And when we met on the dancefloor, all I was doing was what others told and expected of me. I wasn’t bein’ myself, and I just wanted it to end. But talking to you here, I feel like I’ve learned a lot. I can tell that you’re a kind mare, and you’ve been put into a real tough situation.

“We don’t need to jump into each other’s hooves and profess our undyin’ love. What if we were to spend a day together, just for the sake of it? A date don’t have to mean anythin’ else, Fluttershy. I’ve been on dates, so many, and there’s this horrible pressure to do the right thing, make a good impression, follow the rules so that I’m a perfect gentleman who also has to flirt just the right amount to some standard set by someone else. What if there was none of that, and we just talked and did somethin’ fun?”

“I… I don’t know,” Fluttershy said, her face downcast. “It sounds like you’re just pretending.”

“If you don’t want my company, that’s fine,” Braeburn replied. “You can forget I ever said anythin’, and I won’t take offence. But after what I’ve done, and how much this has hurt you, I feel like I owe you somethin’. I could see you weren’t enjoyin’ yourself at the dance but I kept goin’, playin’ up the act. I was pretendin’ then, but not now.

“I’m not askin’ ‘cause I think there’s some fairytale in store for us, and I’m not tryin’ to make a move on you so I can wear you like a badge of pride.” Braeburn shook his head, exhaling sharply. “I rarely have a chance to be honest like this with anyone. I feel like we shared a lot, and I feel better for it. Maybe nothin’ will come of it and we’ll just decide to stay friends. Maybe even that won’t happen. Maybe we’ll realize we just don’t get along, then part ways and never speak again. But at least–”

“At least we’ll be doing something,” Fluttershy finished.

The wind picked up, sending a breeze rolling past them, rustling the leaves on the surrounding trees and disturbing thin layers of dust that blew up into miniature clouds floating just above the ground. A lone squirrel scampered up ahead, grabbing onto a small berry and fleeing. The world was quiet and hazy, washing over Fluttershy like an airborne relaxant, lulling her into a drowsy stupor. Her left wing throbbed, but that barely even registered. Fluttershy felt clean, detoxified, as if a heavenly force had pulsed through her body, leaving her weightless and floating. The anger and sorrow she’d felt were still present, but had dissipated – dissolved, almost – into her psyche. The fibrous bark of the tree she was leaning against seemed all the comfier.

“That’s what normal ponies do, isn’t it?” Fluttershy mused after the long pause between them. “I guess I never really saw it that way. It’s not romantic or heart-warming. If I’m honest, I looked down on others who would do such things, thinking they were shallow or promiscuous. As if I had any say in how relationships are supposed to work, having never been in one myself.” Fluttershy smiled sadly. “And I spent all that time expecting a fairytale. You’re right. I am naïve.”

“Maybe so,” Braeburn said, “but you’re more than willin’ to be a better pony. Everythin’ we’ve discussed so far has led me to believe that. You should be proud of yourself.”

Fluttershy smiled and raised an eyebrow. “With flattery like that, are you really sure you’re not just coming onto me?”

Braeburn chuckled. “Hey, you’re the one who said you could’ve fallen for me.”

Fluttershy emitted a faint giggle. “Yeah. I suppose I did say that.” She sighed, raising to her hooves and stepping beyond the shade of the tree into the crisp, afternoon sun. “You know, I used to think there was no rhyme or reason for bad things to happen, but maybe something like this was simply meant to be.” She took a deep breath. “Okay.”

“Okay what?”

“I’ve figured out what I have to do next.” Fluttershy began walking back up the path. “Perhaps you could join me? I’ll need your help.”

“Ah feel like we’ve been goin’ in circles,” Applejack muttered, momentarily removing her Stetson and wiping sweat from her brow. “Ain’t there a chance she’s gone to your place?”

Pinkie nodded concernedly. “But if Fluttershy went looking for me, the Cakes wouldn’t know where I am and neither would Twilight or Rarity. If I were in her position, I know what I’d assume.”

Applejack gulped worriedly. “Shoot, Ah hope she don’t do somethin’ silly like leave Ponyville. What a royal mess Ah’ve made.”

The thought of Fluttershy wallowing in utter despair flashed through Pinkie’s mind but she shook it away. “Rainbow Dash is helping us too,” she said determinedly. “She already knows the best places to look. We should have faith in her.”

“Havin’ faith in friends,” Applejack mused, her eyes downcast. “An’ Ah don’t even deserve that mahself.”

“Applejack, just stop,” Pinkie said with a hint of irritation. “Feeling sorry for yourself isn’t going to help us find Fluttershy.”

“Hey! You guys!”

Pinkie and Applejack turned around at the call, an exasperated Rainbow Dash dexterously swooping in for a landing.

“Rainbow!” Applejack exclaimed. “Did ya find her? Is everythin’ okay!?”

“Everything–” Deep breath. “All–” Deep breath. “Fine–” A bout of desperate panting. Rainbow rose and cleared her throat. “Fluttershy’s over this way,” she said, pointing south-east. “You two went off in completely the wrong direction. Lucky I spotted her from way up there.”

“So Fluttershy’s okay!?” Applejack cried, shaking Rainbow Dash by the shoulders.

“Calm down! Sheesh!” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, pushing Applejack away. “You can stop your panicking, alright? I spoke to Fluttershy not two minutes ago.”

“Really?” Pinkie asked.

“Yeah, she’s doing pretty great, actually.” Rainbow Dash blushed a little, scratching absentmindedly at her left foreleg. “She… said she wants to talk to you both. Come on, we’d better get going.”

Pinkie and Applejack shared a confused glance before chasing after the cyan pegasus, galloping through fields and orchards. The dark, heavy atmosphere should have dissipated at Rainbow Dash’s news, but Pinkie still felt a weight on her heart, a lingering dread that no matter how hard she and her friends would run from it, there was a breakdown ready to occur behind every corner, that no matter how hard they might try, things would never be the same again.

“Look, there they are,” Rainbow Dash pointed out.

The moment Fluttershy came into view – waiting expectantly, a smile on her face – Pinkie felt a sudden burst of emotion. Barreling along like a freight train, she leapt onto her friend, wrapping her forelegs around her neck, a line of tears down each cheek, spouting a string of comforting words as Fluttershy brushed a caring hoof through Pinkie’s mane.

“Pinkie,” Fluttershy whispered. “You can let go of me now.”

Pinkie tentatively obliged, surprised by Fluttershy’s straight-forward demeanor. “O-okay.”

“Look, sugarcube,” Applejack began, rubbing the back of her neck guiltily. “Ah’m so sorry for gettin’ you involved in all this. Ah should’ve realized you were hurtin’, an’ Ah went an’–”

“Shh,” Fluttershy hushed, shaking her head. “You don’t need to say any more. I forgive you.”

“Well,” Applejack replied bashfully, planting a hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder. “Ah’m just glad you’re okay. Coaxin’ ya along, tryin’ to pair you up with Braeburn, all ‘cause of Mac’s crazy scheme… Please, let me make it up to ya somehow.”

“Oh, there’s no need for that,” Fluttershy replied. “I actually have some news I’d like to share with you all.” She took a deep breath. “As of right now, I’m dating Braeburn.” The three other mares’ jaws dropped in unison, Rainbow Dash spluttering a question that failed to escape her lips while Pinkie cried out in shock. Braeburn himself even looked taken aback by the statement.

“Wait, hold on!” Applejack balked. “Lemme get this straight – Mac’s hair-brained scheme actually worked!?”

“Not exactly,” Fluttershy said, tapping her chin with a hoof. “I wouldn’t have made the decision if Braeburn hadn’t convinced me.”

“You maniac!” Rainbow Dash screamed, storming up to Braeburn and holding a hoof to his neck. “You’re telling me you managed to charm the flank off her just like that!? If you used a love potion, I’ll rip your tail clean off and force it down your throat!”

Pinkie slammed a hoof down angrily. “Yeah! I’m not buying it! Is this some stunt you’re trying to pull!?”

“It… it’s not what y’all think,” Braeburn said anxiously, instinctively pulling his neck inwards. “Fluttershy, I don’t think you’re doin’ a great, erm, job of explainin’ the situation.”

“All of you, back off,” Fluttershy said sternly. “How dare you accuse Braeburn of such terrible things?”

“Because it doesn’t make sense!” Pinkie cried, marching towards them. “Fluttershy, I’ve seen better than anyone else here what you’ve been going through because of Big Mac, and I know for a fact you wouldn’t be able to just forget all that and jump into bed with the first stallion who comes along!”

“What bed!?” Braeburn exclaimed, looking as if a hoard of muggers were about to bludgeon him into a pulp. “Y-you’ve got it all wrong!”

“You hear that!?” Rainbow Dash cried, her teeth bared. “What bed? He’d rather just pin her against an apple tree and… Well, that actually sounds kind of…” She shook her head vigorously. “I mean… you’re a monster!”

“I told you both to stop it!” Fluttershy demanded. “You’re making this out to be something it’s not! Braeburn offered to take me out on a date and I complied of my own free will. Is there something wrong with that?”

“Yes!” Pinkie exclaimed, putting her hooves on Fluttershy’s shoulders. Pinkie took a deep breath and clenched her eyes shut for a moment. She knew that no matter what, even if Fluttershy was going to be upset, or even furious with her, the right thing had to be done. That’s was what friends were for. “Fluttershy, you’re confused right now. You’re dealing with all this stress, and you think maybe you can just forget about Mac by replacing him with someone else.” Be strong, Pinkie. Tell her what she needs to hear, no matter how much she doesn’t want to hear it. This is the right thing to do. “You need some more time out to think about all this. You’ve never even been in a relationship and now you’re rushing into one. That’s not normal, and it’s not who you are. Come on, let’s go back into town. I’ll… get you a bottle of that wine you like.” Pinkie put on her best smile. “What do you say?”

Fluttershy stayed silent for a moment, her lips pulled in tightly, eyes slightly glazed over. She sighed, casting her gaze aside. “Pinkie, I know you’re trying to do the right thing right now, but the truth is, you’re not.”

The world stopped. Pinkie’s heart caught in her throat. “But I…”

Fluttershy slowly brought Pinkie’s hooves to the ground. “I’ve not gone crazy, Pinkie. In fact, I… I think I’m seeing things clearer than I ever have before. I didn’t come to this decision out of desperation, and I’ve not deluded myself into thinking I no longer have feelings for Mac. I still think about him, and no doubt I’ll still think about him from time to time.”

Pinkie shook her head. “Then don’t do it.”

“Don’t do what?” Fluttershy asked. “Carry on with my life?”

“No,” Pinkie muttered, everything she expected and knew falling apart like a house of cards. “That’s not the same, and you know it!”

“Pinkie, how is it any different from what you tried to do for me? You saw me share a single moment with Mac, one that he barely even registered, and decided you had to bring us together.”

“Th-that was different,” Pinkie sniffed. “You weren’t going through all this emotional stuff, and–”

“Yes I was,” Fluttershy interrupted with. Her eyes grew wide and sorrowful, but a smile appeared on her face. “But thanks to you, and thanks to everything that’s happened, I’ve finally come to terms with it. I need to overcome these hurdles myself, and I’m going to make the decisions I think are for the best.”

Pinkie was almost speechless. However, one question burned in her mind. “Don’t tell me, you had feelings for Braeburn too?”

“No,” Fluttershy said simply. “Can’t say I ever have, or even now, for that matter. But he’s been kind to me today, and I think we’ve come to an understanding. Plus, he knows all about what happened with Mac, so I have nothing to hide or feel awkward about. It could work out.”

“If I may,” Braeburn cut in with, having managed to pull himself away from a perplexed, but still visibly irate Rainbow Dash. “We’re not tryin’ to force anythin’, here. We’ll spend the day together and see what happens.”

“You say that,” Pinkie said, remaining indignant, refusing to back down, “but it sounds like a setup. You live in Appleoosa! That’s hours and hours away!”

“About that,” Braeburn said, chuckling. “I was already plannin’ on hepin’ my cousins here in Ponyville for a while. I’m not exactly tied down, and makin’ a train ride or two ain’t nothin’ at all.”

“Excuses!” Pinkie chided, pointing an accusatory hoof, a wry smile on her face. Her inner detective was springing forth, ready to bust the case wide open! “You could just be saying that! And what a coincidence it is that you just so happen to have a chance to stay when Big Mac makes his plans. What are you gonna tell your family, huh?”

“Well that’s the thing,” Braeburn replied with a shrug. “My family’s been on my case not findin’ a mare at my age for over a year, now. If I tell them I have a date planned, shoot, they’d tell me not to come back.”

“A very clever ploy!” Pinkie exclaimed smugly. “But I can see the puzzle pieces fitting together! This is all just a conspiracy to set me up with Mac, isn’t it? Some rather excellent acting on all of your parts,” Pinkie continued, gesturing to Applejack and Rainbow Dash, “but I’ve found you out! So let’s all go back to the way things were. Show’s over, everypony!”

“Pinkie,” Applejack said in a hushed voice. “You can stop now.”

“Stop what?”

“Ain’t none of us been in on anythin’. You’re overreactin’ right now, an’ Ah think we should respect what Fluttershy an’ Braeburn just said.”

“Oh?” Pinkie remarked with a mock gasp. “What a surprising thing to hear you say, dear Applejack! I know you wouldn’t purposely try hooking up your friends with you family members, am I right?” Pinkie began jovially nudging Applejack’s ribs. “Not to worry! Say, Rainbow Dash, how’s about sharing some of that cider you got?”

“Pinks,” Rainbow Dash said, looking on morosely. “Are… you okay? Is this a joke, or something?”

“J-joke? Oh no, I’d really like s-some of that, um…” Pinkie struggled to force the words out. “Cider! Th-that’s it!” Everyone was staring at her. “B-because…” They weren’t laughing. They weren’t even smiling anymore. “Y-you know, we c-could all have a picnic!” Even in this open space, grass under hoof, surrounded by glistening trees, the walls were closing in. “I just thought…” She knew it wasn’t true. Deep down, she knew it was all make-believe. “Maybe…” Her friends wouldn’t lie to her, not like this. “It just…” And now she was the center of attention, the fool in the king’s court. “…” Just trying to do the right thing.

“Pinkie,” Applejack said worriedly, reaching to place a hoof on her back, but refraining in the last second. “Why aren’t ya acceptin’ this?”

Pinkie didn’t respond. She didn’t know how.

“Look,” Applejack continued. “Ya might be right in a sense with what ya said. Truth be told, Ah can’t say Ah relish the thought of mah friends hookin’ up with close family members. Ah struggled to accept this back when Mac was goin’ to that party, an’ Ah wasn’t keen on pullin’ this whole stunt off. But that… is somethin’ Ah know Ah have to deal with on a personal level, because Ah also know it’d be wrong to get in the way an’ stop y’all from doin’ what is well within your right. If Ah feel weird about it, then, well, that’s mah own problem.”

“Not to mention,” Rainbow Dash cut in with, approaching Pinkie, “what you said doesn’t make any sense, Pinks. You knew Applejack was in on this whole thing, and if there was actually some problem with it, you’re the one who tried hooking Fluttershy up with Big Mac in the first place. So… I don’t get it. Am I missing something?”

“B-but…” Pinkie stammered, her heart pounding like a drum. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. “Fluttershy’s only doing this as an excuse for me to be with Big Mac.”

Fluttershy frowned, not with anger, but with disappointment. “Pinkie, it’s true that I’d like you to be happy, and if getting between you and Mac is going to prevent that, it’s only right of me to step aside. Like Applejack said, it hurts, but it’s my problem that I need to deal with. More to the point, I’m not just doing this for you, but for myself. Is… that really so hard for you to believe?”

“Wow,” Rainbow Dash remarked, raising her eyebrows. “This is getting pretty heavy. But Pinks, I think what they’re saying is, you can date Mac now if you want.” She snorted mirthfully. “Fluttershy won’t exactly have grounds for complaint if she’s just bagged Braeburn, can she? Why not–”

“No.”

Everyone was shocked into silence. Applejack was the first to speak. “Sugarcube? Ah… Ah don’t understand.”

“I said no.”

“Pinkie?” Fluttershy said, shaking her head in confusion. “How can you say that? I know you have feelings for him. We all know it, and he’s tried everything to be with you. Why would you give up on that?”

“Because!” Pinkie yelled, tears appearing at the edge of her eyes. “That’s what I’m supposed to do! I’m here for all of you, to help my friends, to make them smile! We had such a good thing going, Fluttershy. No worries, no drama, everything was getting better. We’ve gotten even closer! I was finally making it up to you after ruining it all at the party!”

“And you’ve been great,” Fluttershy replied, forcing an uncertain smile. “But I don’t see what your point is.”

“Look what can happen!” Pinkie cried, flinging her hooves up as if gesturing to the world itself. “Everyone getting upset, nopony knowing what to do. How many tears has all this caused!? But I can fix that! I already had it fixed before, and I won’t let it happen again!”

“Sugarcube,” Applejack whispered. “What are ya afraid of?”

“What am I afraid of!?” Pinkie exclaimed. “Isn’t it obvious!? What happens if Mac and I don’t get along!? What if we split up!? That means all this fuss and all this hurt was for nothing! How could I look Fluttershy in the eye after dating the stallion she wants to be with, only to say ‘nah, didn’t work out. Waste of time, oh and now we’re not speaking to each other again.’ And Applejack! What if things go really wrong!? What if we end up getting a divorce and it tears your family apart!? What if we can’t be friends anymore!? No more smiles, no more laughter… How could I let any of that happen!?” Pinkie’s breathing grew sharp and rapid. Tears streamed down her face. “Why do you think I never made my move when I had the chance!? Because I didn’t like him? Every single day, I couldn’t stop thinking about him. I wanted to be with him more than you could ever know, but I didn’t let it happen! I held back, for my friends! So none of those horrible things could ever come to be! So I wouldn’t hurt anypony! Now can we all go back to the way things were, have a round of cupcakes and just forget I ever said anything!?” Pinkie descended into a myriad of sobs, wiping over her eyes with a foreleg and coughing weakly. She had said it. She had finally said it. What she feared more than ever. What she couldn’t bear to let happen. I’m doing the right thing…

As Pinkie continued to cry, her chest contracting and expanding with an almost searing pain, she felt a warmth envelop her. Then, a slight matting of her coat, just above her nape. She began to hear soft whimpers aside from her own. Slowly, after several deliberate blinks, the blur of the world grew solid again through her bloodshot eyes, and she could see the truth for herself.

“Ya darn fruitcake,” Applejack blubbered, resting her forehead against Pinkie’s own. “That ain’t how it goes, sugarcube.”

“Pinks,” Rainbow Dash muttered, wiping at her eyes as she griped Pinkie’s midsection. “You can’t do that to yourself. I won’t let it happen.”

Fluttershy nuzzled her nose against Pinkie’s cheek. Though all were tearful, she was the only one who wore a genuine smile. “I’m so happy you were honest with us. Now we can finally help you.”

Pinkie chuckled awkwardly, letting her body completely relax against the other mares. “Look at this awful mess I’ve made. I made my friends cry.”

And then came another torrent of tears, more ferocious than the last, and the four friends wept together in a loving embrace as the sun dipped behind the tress, basking them in a soft glow.

Three Weeks Later

“Oh, and there’s this one!” Twilight exclaimed, flipping to another page in the scrapbook. “This is me and Octavia at the entrance to the Griffstonian museum.” She turned to the next page. “And this is me and Octavia buying the tickets to get inside.” Another turn of the page. “And this is the two of us in the lobby just beyond the entrance!”

“This sure is a lot of pictures,” Pinkie remarked cheerfully, taking the makeshift photo album into her hooves and gazing over picture upon picture of the two mares stood next to various exhibits, smiling giddily. Pinkie pulled a hoof in close to her chest, blushing a little. “These are so sweet. You guys look like you had a lot of fun.”

“You bet we did!” Twilight affirmed. “I just wish we could’ve stayed there a bit longer. They have the most incredible collection of pre-Chevalian war memorabilia. Just turn a few pages in and you’ll see all the pictures I took. Oh, would you like another drink, by the way?”

“Another Earl Hay, please,” Pinkie replied.

“You can have some wine if you like,” Octavia offered, brandishing a ruby-colored bottle from under the table. “It’s not too dry and incredibly sweet. It’s rather lovely.”

“I know you are but what am I?” Twilight said coyly, wrapping her forelegs around Octavia and kissing her on the neck.

“You’re a sneaky little pony who wants a very special cuddle,” Octavia replied, responding with a playful nuzzle.

Just behind them, Spike was making intense retching noises, a claw pointed down his throat.

“Thanks for the offer,” Pinkie said, “but an Earl Hay will do just fine.”

“Coming right up,” Twilight announced, retracting herself from Octavia and trotting off towards the kitchen. “Spike, I thought you were going to dust these shelves?”

Spike rolled his eyes and returned his attention to the rows of books that lined the library. “Alright, I’m on it,” he said, continuing to mutter under his breath.

“Wow, you two really went on some adventure, huh?” Pinkie said, flicking through various photographs.

“It’s always an adventure when I’m with Twilight.” Octavia smiled to herself. “There’s a few photos we took she wouldn’t let me put in there.”

“Oh.” Pinkie raised her eyebrows, sheepishly avoiding Octavia’s gaze.

“Nothing like that,” Octavia said, chuckling. “In fact I think Twilight might send me to the moon if I took any secret photos while we’re… ahem. No, Twilight has this habit of embarrassing herself in public and glowing as red as a tomato. It’s so adorable, and I know she hates me taking photos of her like it, but I just can’t help myself. She tries so hard to make the best impression even though she keeps failing, but that’s one of the reasons I love her so much.” Octavia’s eyes sprung open. “Oh, but please don’t use the ‘L’ word in front of Twilight. We… haven’t gotten that far yet.”

“You haven’t?” Pinkie asked. “I should think it’s pretty obvious.”

“You say that,” Octavia continued, checking over her shoulder as Twilight moved about in the kitchen, clinking crockery and humming to herself. “But it’s just one of those things. I’m scared that it’ll shock her if I say it, and she won’t know what to say. I don’t know if she really loves me back, and I wouldn’t want her to feel awkward.” She sighed. “I spent so much of my life without a special somepony, not even caring about being single, and now I can’t imagine life without her. The last thing I want is to ruin what we have.”

Pinkie smiled pensively. “I can relate to that.”

“Drinks, anypony?” Twilight called, marching in with a silver tray hovering over her head, a white teapot and china mugs resting on top.

“Thanks, Twilight,” Pinkie said, carefully blowing into her newly poured, piping hot drink.

“It’s really great of you to come by,” Twilight said, pouring the other two drinks. “Maybe we should organize an outing somewhere? Nothing too distant or expensive though.”

“Oh, please,” Octavia said, rolling her eyes. “Princess Celestia’s prized pet surely couldn’t amass some free time and funds for a little excursion.”

“That’s not…” Twilight began to say, turning red. “You know it’s not that simple! I can’t just ask Celestia for a sack full of coins to go gallivanting across the globe!”

“What about the trips we’ve been on these past two weeks?”

“That’s different,” Twilight replied indignantly.

“You have told Princess Celestia about me, haven’t you?”

“Yes. Kind of. A little bit. Maybe.” Twilight’s blush grew even brighter.

“You told me she needed very detailed reports about all you’ve learned in the friendships and relationships you’ve made.” Octavia sidled up to Twilight, a sadistic grin on her face. “So I’m sure you’ve been sharing every last, tiny detail in those letters you send.”

Looking as if she was either on the verge of exploding or passing out, Twilight emitted a half-scream, her teeth clenched and bared, before falling to the floor with a groan. “Octavia! You’re so mean!”

“See?” Octavia said with a smirk, nonchalantly sipping tea. “Isn’t she cute when she’s like this?”

Twilight jumped to her hooves, glaring with exaggerated ire. “You’re such a terror! A demon! A scourge upon this planet!”

Octavia moved in close and planted a kiss on Twilight’s lips, the unicorn losing her spine in an instant and flopping helplessly into Octavia’s hooves. “I liked it better when you called me ‘pudding.’”

Pinkie began giggling violently, clutching at her chest. Managing to calm down, she wiped a tear from her eye. “I’m so happy for you both. I really am. Seeing you like this…” Pinkie spent a moment in thought before readying herself. “It’s really awesome.”

Twilight and Octavia exchanged glances, quickly mimicking Pinkie’s smile. Spike made further fake vomiting gestures, shooting Pinkie a furious glare as if to say ‘not you too.’

“Thanks,” Twilight replied, appearing a lot more composed. “It means a lot.”

The trio talked for a while longer, reminiscing on stories from their past, laughing and joking, even managing to involve Spike, (who remained incredibly stubborn) until Pinkie announced it was time for her to leave.

“I’m glad you could visit,” Twilight said at the door, giving Pinkie a hug. She looked away for a moment. “I… may have an inkling what you have planned tonight. I really hope it works out for you.”

“Yeah,” Pinkie replied. “Me too.”

A flurry of goodbyes and Pinkie left the sanctity of Twilight’s library. She looked to the skies, the sun onward to its descent below the horizon. Taking a deep breath, she trotted on towards Fluttershy’s cottage.

Big Mac knocked tentatively on the door in front of him, a breeze delivering the slightest chill against his chest. He was tense, anxious, unsure if he should even be here, but something inside told him it needed to be done. A few seconds later and the door creaked open, the head of a mare appearing in the crack. Her smile swiftly dropped, replaced with an expression of pure alarm. “Mac? What are you doing here?”

“Hey,” Mac greeted feebly. “Ah don’t suppose we could talk? Ah won’t be long.”

Cheerilee mulled over this for a short while, appearing distressed. Mac was on the cusp of taking his leave and apologizing, when Cheerilee pulled the door open, gesturing to the hallway. “Sure.”

Mac traipsed his way through the cottage, everything so familiar yet so distant, like retracing steps in a dream. He took his usual place on the sofa while Cheerilee brewed some coffee. The ticking of the mantlepiece clock was almost deafening amongst the silence. Cheerilee returned, Mac readying himself for what was to come.

“Ah hope Ah’m not intrudin’.”

“Not at all,” Cheerilee said with a sigh, cradling her mug.

“Ah was worried it’d be too soon, an’ you’d have wanted to make contact first.”

“Oh, that.” Cheerilee chuckled sardonically. “I suppose there was never going to be a good time. And if I was to sit here waiting for my feelings to fade before talking to you again…” She stared into the depths of her coffee, as if waiting for an answer to come bubbling to the surface. “No, I’m happy you came to see me. If you’d just forgotten all about our friendship, that would’ve hurt the most.”

“Mm.” Mac fidgeted in his seat. “Cheerilee, Ah don’t know how you’re feelin’ right now, about us. Ah mean, Ah can kinda relate, but… Ah want us to stay friends, but Ah don’t wanna just cause you more pain.”

“The fact you even thought of that means a lot. I don’t know what I want next, but we’ll figure it out. Though perhaps next time I should be the one to decide when to meet.”

Mac nodded. “It’s true Ah have missed our time together.” He took a deep breath. “Cheerilee, Ah have to be honest, there’s also another reason Ah stopped by.” He looked up at his companion, expecting confusion or apprehension, but she stared back with an air of understanding and acceptance. “Ah wanted to let ya know, that, um, tonight, Ah’m, uh…”

“Seeing Pinkie Pie?”

Mac recoiled for a moment before nodding. “Yup.”

“I thought as much. You didn’t have to tell me that.”

“Ah’m sorry! Ah just, didn’t want it to be like this secret Ah was keepin’ from you, an’ then ya go an’ hear it from somepony else. Ah just wanted–”

“No, that’s not what I meant. I’m actually grateful, in a way. Not that you’re actually planning on going out with that basket-case who messed with your heart,” Cheerilee huffed, quickly composing herself once more. “But you told me when you didn’t need to. It would’ve been entirely within your right to see anypony you wanted without letting me know. I’m not your keeper, never have been.”

“But you are mah friend. Mah best friend.”

Cheerilee leaned back into her seat, wiping her eyes. “You see how easy you make it for mares to fall for you?” She sipped at her coffee. “Though I’m glad you still see me that way. You’re still my best friend too.”

The pair sat together for a few minutes in silence as the sun began to set and darkness creeped around Ponyville. It was clear beyond words that their relationship had changed, that things would never be as easy as they were, that pain was inevitable, that there was no cure for suffering, but Mac was determined to set things right no matter what it took. Even if it was only wishful thinking, he saw a bright future just up ahead that was worth fighting for.

“One thing, Mac,” Cheerilee finally said. “Promise me you won’t let her hurt you. I know that sounds like I’m trying to split you up with the hopes I can jump in and take her place, but that’s not it. I know there’s no hope of that happening now. I just… want things to go right for you, and if she ends up destroying you, I’m warning you, I’ll probably end up doing something crazy.” She quickly put on a smile. “Sorry. I shouldn’t be acting all scary like that.”

“O-oh, nah, you aren’t,” Mac replied, doing his best not to display an ounce of fear, as if he was staring down an enraged beast. “Um, Ah should really be goin’.”

“Alright.” Cheerilee leaned in for a quick hug. “You behave yourself, okay? And don’t go messing this up.”

“Yup.” Mac nodded, more to himself than to Cheerilee. “Ah know.”

“It was a nice surprise,” Fluttershy continued, nibbling away on her carrot cake, resting her head in one hoof with Pinkie sat at the other side of the table. “I did try to tell him it wasn’t necessary, but I think he was a little disappointed in the choice of restaurants in Ponyville. It’s not like we have much else here, either.”

“You could’ve come on over to Sugarcube Corner,” Pinkie suggested, lapping at the last of her drink. “I’d have whipped you up a special treat and gotten the party cannon a-firing!”

“Um, thanks for the idea. Maybe we’ll come on over sometime. Oh, did you want another drink? I can offer you some of my Earl Hay tea if you’d like.”

“No thanks. Another wine, if you please!” Pinkie replied jubilantly.

“Of course.” Fluttershy poured out the next set of drinks. “I have to admit, the two of us stuck out like a sore hoof in Canterlot. I’m not sure he noticed the looks he was getting just for being friendly.”

“Yeah, they can be pretty stuck up over there,” Pinkie replied, giggling. “So, did you do anything else after the meal?”

“We went on a boat trip along the canal that runs through the south side. It was really peaceful, and we got to see all the amazing architecture throughout Canterlot. The streams were filled to the brim with fish, too. Watching them swim around, all different shapes and colors, bobbing in and out of the crisp, clean water… I was so excited I almost wanted to jump in with them. Is that strange?”

“Very,” Pinkie said with a shrug. “But that’s our Fluttershy!”

Fluttershy chuckled. “You know, before boat left the port, Braeburn got into this big argument with the ticket seller, thinking he was trying to overcharge us. He was saying ‘just because we’re from out of town you think you can swindle us!’ It turns out he’d read the sign wrong and took the entry fee for foals instead of adults. He was so embarrassed when he realized the truth, he looked like he wanted to jump in the river himself.” Fluttershy began giggling incessantly, spewing crumbs over the table.

“Well I’m glad you had fun. Where’s the next trip gonna take you?”

“Oh, I don’t think we’ll be going on any trips for a while. I think that was maybe the last straw for our budget. Look.” Fluttershy reached for a brown paper bag nestled under the table and reached inside. “He got me this lovely scarf ready for the winter months.” She unraveled the long piece of pinkish fabric – the silhouettes of deer plastered throughout – and slung it around her neck. “One hundred percent cotton, and it looks so adorable. I think it’s really sweet of him.”

Pinkie observed Angel bunny stood just behind Fluttershy, pointing a paw down his throat, making soft retching sounds. “Huh. Déjà vu.”

“What’s that?”

“Nothing, just a glitch in the matrix,” Pinkie said dismissively. “So if you’re not heading off on any trips, what’s next?”

“Oh, that’s right. I was planning to cook dinner for him next week, something to repay him for spoiling me. I mean I’ve helped pay for things before, but Braeburn is pretty stubborn when it comes to that. Family tradition I guess.”

“Oh, ho, ho!” Pinkie exclaimed, smiling mischievously. “Coaxing him into your seductive clutches, I see! Bringing home the bacon!”

“What!?” Fluttershy yelped, clasping her hooves over her mouth. “No, no, no, that’s not true! I j-j-just wanted to treat him!”

“I bet you do!”

“No, Pinkie!” Fluttershy gasped, turning a shade of crimson deep enough to make a vampire bat faint. “We’re not like that! Oh gooseberries, you don’t think that’s what he’ll think I’m after!?”

Pinkie began giggling away once again, thumping at the table. “I’m sorry, Fluttershy, but… A-ha-ha-ha-ha!” She brought her breathing under control, wiping a tear from her eye. “I was only teasing you, Fluttershy. Just a little joke!”

Fluttershy was hyperventilating into the brown bag exasperatedly, until with one big breath the bag exploded, Fluttershy fainting onto the table, threads of steam hissing from her forehead. “Of course… I knew that…”

“But in all seriousness,” Pinkie said, her expression growing solemn, “are things with Braeburn going okay?”

Fluttershy raised her head and mulled it over. “Well, I suppose they are. We’ve only been on a few dates.” Fluttershy scratched at her mane. “It still feels really strange to say that. I guess technically that makes him my boyfriend. In a way, I don’t even believe it.”

“But you sound like you get along really well.”

“We do. It’s never awkward between us, and I can just be myself without worrying. He’s kind, he’s polite, and somehow, we always find something to talk about. I was worried it would all fall apart, but I do enjoy being with him. How do I describe it?” Fluttershy tapped at her chin. “It’s like I’m riding on a train, and I’m looking out the window, watching everything pass me by. I’m not stressed, I’m not thinking about where I’m going to end up, I’m just sitting quietly to myself, waiting to see what happens next.

“It’s strange. I don’t know if I’d call it romance. He doesn’t shower me with flowers and affection, but I always look forward to being with him. It’s like I’m taking a day off from life, just riding on a train, gazing out on the hills. I don’t even have to try; I just stay where I am, and I get taken on this journey.”

“So, do you like him?”

Fluttershy slipped into a subtle grin. “He makes me smile. And I doubt there are many stallions who I’d feel as comfortable around. This is… very personal, by the way,” Fluttershy buried her hooves into her lap, “but there are times when he touches me.”

Pinkie instinctively gulped an entire mouthful to stop herself from spurting wine across the room like a sprinkler, releasing a trio of coughs. Angel bunny looked as if he’d been petrified by a burst of dark magic, collapsing to the floor with his face contorted in horrific agony, foaming at the mouth.

“He nudges me on the shoulder,” Fluttershy continued. “Sometimes our hooves come into contact when we sit down next to each other, and he hugged me after our trip to Canterlot. It just felt like… that was the most normal thing in the world, and I didn’t even have to think about it. And I want to return that gesture. Am I… Am I making any sense?”

“Perfect sense,” Pinkie replied, smiling proudly. “You sound like you’re having a wonderful time with him.”

“Yeah. I think so.”

“And you totally think he’s a handsome stud?” Pinkie added, raising her eyebrows suggestively.

Fluttershy giggled. “Well, I’ll admit he is pleasant to look at.”

Pinkie quickly finished up her wine. “I’m really glad things are going well. So, um… I had another reason for stopping by.”

“Oh? What is it?”

Pinkie nervously rubbed her hooves together. “I wanted to let you know that I’m planning on meeting Mac. Tonight. And… I just wanted to make sure that was okay.”

Fluttershy smiled, stepping around the table and wrapping a foreleg around her friend. “Did you really think you needed to ask for permission?”

“No, I know that, but I–”

“Pinkie.” Fluttershy drew their eyelines together. “I’m not going to deny that deep down, I still have feelings for Mac. I’m not going to pretend that he means nothing to me, or that the thought of him being with another mare – even you – doesn’t make my heart ache. But I have no excuses anymore, and neither do you. It’s up to you if you go and see him. It’s well within your right. Like we all told you before, you don’t need to cater to me or to anyone else. If you’re meeting him tonight, I wish you the best of luck. You deserve all the happiness you can get.”

Pinkie exhaled deeply, biting her lip and gazing out of the window. The sky bore a dull, reddish hue. Nighttime was steadily approaching. The meeting Applejack had helped plan was just around the corner. It had been almost an entire month since she’d met Big Mac, pleading with him not to pursue her, pledging her allegiance to Fluttershy. It now seemed so long ago.

“I’m scared,” Pinkie whispered.

“That’s okay,” Fluttershy said, pulling Pinkie into a cuddle. “I have faith in you. We all do.”

Pinkie left the cottage a short while later, cheerfully waving goodbye before trotting lightly down the stone path. She heard the door close behind her and slowed her walk, taking small, deliberate steps. Her grin faded. Butterflies billowed about in her stomach. Her pulse rang in her ears. What came next was up to her. Nothing had to be inevitable. She could turn tail, make her way back to Sugarcube Corner, and bury her head into her pillow, shrug off that future, letting it become just another ‘what could’ve been.’

Stopping at a fork in the path, Pinkie glanced to her right, the streetlamps of Ponyville proper being lit up, one by one, the community slowing to a gentle crawl, distant windows lighting up as ponies retired to their homes. Their families. To her left lay a very different path, one bearing towards the countryside, past woods and farmland, to a small lake that marked the designated meeting place.

Pinkie stood stock still for a minute or so, peering down each path, as if she was bearing witness to two separate dimensions vying for control over reality. Trembling, she took two steps towards Ponyville. In her mind, this was a test of spirit. The warm glow of the town was comforting and dependable. It would be so easy to just wander home.

Pinkie took a tentative step back. Then another, her eyes still looking ahead, down the path she realized she would be abandoning. Then another. Until finally, she clenched her eyes shut, grit her teeth, pulled a hoof across her face and turned on her heel, running, sprinting down the path to the unknown, eyes watering in the autumn breeze, refusing to look back, getting as far away from that world as possible, as if a ravenous beast lie in wait, ready to tear her up. She was afraid. So very afraid. It was almost too much, but a burning desire spurred her on. A desire to see what was on the other side of the curtain, no matter what might happen. Not for her friends, but for herself.

The lake stirred, basked in pale moonlight. A pond-skater shimmied itself through a shrub of reeds, causing a series of weak ripples to emanate across the water. An owl hooted from the nearby woods. Fireflies buzzed, partaking in their silent ballet. The nearest streetlamp sat between a pair of sycamores a fair distance away, just barely enough to keep the scene from descending into a hazy gray.

Pinkie sat expectantly with her back to the pathway, remaining as calm and collected as possible, remaining in the same spot, simply watching the small ecosystem run its nightly course. A million things ran through her head, but at the same time, she felt an air of peace. There was no turning back now. To accept it was to move forward, and that was worth a great deal. No regrets, Pinkie said inwardly.

There was the sound of distant shuffling off to her left, building to slow and steady hoof-steps, followed by the rustling of fallen leaves, soft thuds against the patches of green that surrounded the lake until finally, the creature stopped two yards away and sighed, taking his place next to her. There was a moment of silence, both ponies’ eyes to the ground.

“Ah’m glad you came,” Big Mac said in a hushed voice.

Pinkie looked up. The stallion before her was tall and bulky, his face sunken and sorrowful, eyes shining like saucers under the pale light. Her heart leapt into her throat. “Yeah.” She took a deep breath. “I see you didn’t bring me any flowers.”

“Ah!” Mac gasped. “Sorry, should Ah have brought some? Ah didn’t even think–”

“No, it’s okay, really,” Pinkie replied. “I didn’t want any flowers. I’m not sure what I’d even do with them. In fact, it would’ve been awkward if you’d handed me a bunch, expecting a response. I don’t know why I even brought it up, I’m just…” Pinkie furrowed her brow, a dull pain in her forehead. “I’m confused. About you, about myself. I just wish I understood.

“You know Twilight? She’s happier now than I’ve ever seen her, all because she’s been going out with Octavia since the party. Well, more than going out, I guess. They can’t get enough of each other. You’d need some kind of giant crowbar to pry them apart! They gel together just right, like they were born to be together, like everything that came before it was nothing. And it all just happened to them. They met at my party and hit it off, just like that! No worries, no stress, just started talking, and it’s like they’re already a couple. Twilight wasn’t even looking for a partner, didn’t even seem to care because she was too busy doing her studies with her nose in a book. Then Octavia shows up and everything changed. They just clicked, and that was it. They had to be with each other no matter what.

“Then there’s Fluttershy. She’s been seeing Braeburn from time to time, eating out, going to Canterlot. She obviously likes being with him, but they’re taking it really slow. Not even on purpose, just letting it happen as it goes. Anyone might look in from the outside and think, ‘well, they could just be friends,’ and they could be. But I see something in Fluttershy I don’t think she’s realized, that she’s growing, that her feelings for him are just a small seed right now, but it’s beginning to sprout, and Fluttershy is enjoying the ride. She doesn’t have to worry about watching some stallion from afar, fantasizing about some better life taken out of some romance novel, when she can just feel comfortable being with someone. She’s the kind of mare to scream in fright over the thought of spending the day with a stallion, always worrying, putting on a brave face, but with Braeburn, it’s nothing like that. She just enjoys being with him, and she can’t stop smiling about it.”

“Ah’m glad to hear that,” Mac cut in with. “They’re… findin’ happiness.”

“But where does that leave us!?” Pinkie exclaimed. “I don’t know what we’re supposed to do! I can’t imagine just… going on a date and everything working out like it has for them. After everything that’s happened, my brain is all jumbled up, like someone’s been shaking it over and over like a snow-globe. My friends told me I had to take a risk, but what if it doesn’t work out? Are we supposed to be together?” Pinkie took several deep breaths, managing to hold back the waterworks. “What do you like about me?”

“Ah’m sorry?”

“I mean it!” Pinkie said with exasperation. “We’re such different ponies, aren’t we? We’re… hardly anything alike. So I want to know. What do you like about me?”

Mac stood for a moment, eyes shifting left and right. Then he swallowed, took a quick breath and began his answer. “Ah suppose… ‘cause you’re always happy. Any time Ah seen ya, you’ve got a smile on your face, doin’ everythin’ ya can to cheer everyone up. An’ when Ah’m around you, Ah feel mah spirits liftin’ along with yours.

“Back when mah ma and pa passed on, Ah was crushed. Ah was keepin’ mah head high, tryin’ to be the stallion o’ the family, but it was real hard. An’ then you popped up, bein’ friendly, not bein’ awkward or worryin’ that Ah’d get upset, an’ it was like Ah’d been pulled outta this horrible place in mah head. Ya made me wanna enjoy life, an’ at the same time Ah knew if Ah ever broke down in front of ya, you’d still be there for me. An’ even after Ah dealt with it, ya were still the same. Ya weren’t just actin’ that way for the time bein’, that was just who ya are. D’you remember singin’ that song about smilin’ all through Ponyville?”

“Yeah,” Pinkie replied. “When I jumped in the back of your cart and you pulled me through the streets?”

“Ah wouldn’t normally do anythin’ like that, not just on a whim, but it’s like…” Mac’s lips twitched as he searched for the right words. “It’s like there’s this aura around you. An’ when Ah get close enough, Ah wanna be like you. Ah’m not the biggest party pony out there, Ah’m sure ya know, but when you’re around, Ah feel like Ah wanna let loose, do somethin’ a little crazy, try things Ah ain’t tried before. Ah look at you, an’ Ah see somepony Ah can count on to make me happy, no matter what. An’ you’ll always surprise me, an’ Ah’d wanna see what that surprise is. An’ you’re smarter than ya let on, too. Ah just… wanted to know more about ya. An’ from there, Ah wanted to be with you, more than anythin’. Is that a good enough answer?”

Pinkie’s head was dipped, tears threatening to burst forth any moment. She nodded her head.

“An’ what about you?” Mac asked shakily. “What d’you like about me?”

“I don’t know, it’s… complicated.” Pinkie shuffled on the spot, scratching at her foreleg. “I always admired how strong you were. Not… like, muscles strong. You were just always there, like this great pillar nopony could topple over. You cared so much for your family, worked so hard, pushing yourself so they’d be alright. You never slowed down or hung back. Most ponies couldn’t be like that, especially not after what happened with your folks.

“You’re not like most other stallions. You keep to yourself, but you’re also loving and caring. I feel like, you couldn’t treat a mare badly even if you tried, and you’re always polite and respectful, and I’d think to myself, ‘wow, this guy is no-nonsense, he just keeps charging ahead.’ Though you did kind of lose your head with your recent scheme.” Pinkie chuckled a little. “But I still saw that in you then, and I realized, there’s a real fire inside you that I barely caught glimpses of before.

“You’re just so… stable. I can be wacky, dress up like a clown, but around you I felt like it wasn’t so bad being down to Equus. I could be myself, and you wouldn’t judge me, and instead of racing around all the time I wanted to slow down a little, just so I could join you. That if I was with you, everything would be okay, and maybe there were other fun things I’d not seen before, but you could teach me.” Pinkie’s cheeks flushed. “And I thought you’d make a wonderful Dad. Those foals wouldn’t know how lucky they were. And I think that’s it. That’s the best way I can describe it.”

Mac blinked several times. “Wow. Ah… never thought you’d see me that way.”

“Same to you. So… It looks like we’re both a couple of freaks who got way in over our heads right?”

“Nope. Ah think it means there’s hope.”

Pinkie closed her eyes, bringing a hoof to her quaking chest, desperately trying to temper it. “I just don’t know how we’re supposed to begin this. Twilight and Octavia basically fell into each other and never tried to break free. Fluttershy and Braeburn… they’re just paddling along, not a care in the world, one tiny step at a time. But how do we fit in all of this!? I’ve felt things for you for so long, and then everything happened, and I’m completely lost. I just want to do what’s right, and I don’t want to screw it up. How can we even–”

A brisk breeze rolled in, whistling through the trees as it passed. Pinkie pulled both her forelegs close to her chest, closing them around herself as a chill ran up her spine.

“You cold?” Mac asked.

“No, I’m fine.”

“You’re shiverin’.”

Pinkie’s head throbbed. “N-no.” She gasped for air. “I’m really…”

Pinkie was shocked into immobility as Mac’s hooves wrapped themselves around her, pulling her against his chest. She took several deep breaths, trying to gain a grip on reality. She looked up at the stallion, his mane blowing limply in the wind, his eyes giant and deep, piercing the very depths of her soul. “Mac,” she croaked. But he didn’t need to say a word. He knew. She was sure of it. In an instant they were young again, huddled together in the toolshed on Sweet Apple Acres, the rain clattering down outside, the two of them alone, cut off from the rest of the world.

“Ya know back then,” Mac whispered, running a hoof through her mane. “Ah was talkin’ about leavin’ Ponyville.” He paused, leaning in closer. Pinkie could hear his heartbeat accelerate. “Ah never told anyone why Ah decided to stay.”

There was the striking of thunder in Pinkie’s mind as the whole world went quiet. Then the dam finally burst, a swirling maelstrom of emotions spilling out of her, like a flood gushing over a riverbank. Tears spilled down her face as the years flashed by, memory upon memory, times she didn’t even know she’d kept locked away in her heart, all spewing forth. Moments spent at school, catching a passing glimpse, meeting him out on the farm, every smile flashing by, every shared hug compounding together, the moments of levity, of sadness, each gaze into his gentle eyes, every wish she’d had to be with him, every moment spent envisioning a life with him, huddled up with her duvets, relishing the fantasy as just another story to make her smile. Years and years rushed by, snapshots of times wasted and chances lost. She held on for dear life, grasping Mac’s chest with everything she had, sobbing at the top of her lungs into the cool autumn night. It kept flowing, and flowing, no chance of reprieve, every nerve in Pinkie’s body firing off like cannons. Tears spilled out like a fountain against Mac’s soft, warm coat, his loving embrace, no signs of stopping until the burst dam was finally empty, not a drop left behind. Amidst the chaos of sorrow and regret, as Mac kissed her gently on the neck and caressed the ridges along her back, she realized he was crying too.

The night grew darker, the moon rising in the sky, growing full and bright. There was little else besides the scurrying of nocturnal creatures and fish bobbing just above the surface of the lake, distorting the moon’s reflection. The wind began to pick up, casting a chill over Ponyville as its denizens yawned beside the fireplace, soon to retire and sleep until morning.

It was the end to a normal day.

Author's Note

Epilogue coming soon.

Chapter 1 - Loneliness and Marzipan Houses

Chapter 1 – Loneliness and Marzipan Houses

It was a frosty evening in the middle of winter and Fluttershy was by the lake with a loaf of bread, kindly offering pieces to a family of pleased ducks that quacked happily upon her arrival. She smiled cheerfully and broke off several bite-sized portions, dropping them gently into the edge of the lake. The young ducks ate their meal and quacked a small ‘thank you’ in return.

This was where Fluttershy felt the most comfortable, when she was helping animals and basking in the glory of mother-nature. As fascinating as the natural world was, she knew that it could be cruel and terrifying. She’d witnessed poor, defenceless creatures die in her hooves and would often find the remains of a once cute, furry little animal strewn across the forest floor. When she first discovered her love for animals; the stark realisation of the circle of life and all that it entailed had scarred her. It took her many years to get over her fears, instead remembering that it’s the joy that you can bring animals while they’re alive that matters most.

As she dished out the last of the bread, the younglings paddled their way to their parents. The duck couple waved with one wing and Fluttershy waved back. “Don’t forget to keep warm this winter!” she called out. The ducks nodded and went on their way, the family huddling together and looking as happy as could be.

The yellow pegasus watched them, feeling a hint of sadness grasp at her heart. She had tended to so many animal families over the years, and in a sense she felt that the animals she kept as pets were her family, but she knew that it was stupid to think in such a way. She yearned to have a family of her own. Ponies had often made comments about how she’d make a great mother, and while she’d taken the compliment with a smile, part of her just wanted to break down and cry.

She’d never been romantically involved with a stallion before. In fact, she’d barely spoken to stallions at all, and especially not in an effort to pursue a relationship. She had never really spoken to her friends about meeting a stallion either. Rarity had once offered to set her up with a client of hers, but she was far too embarrassed to even talk about it. She simply didn’t know how she could ever form a bond with a male pony, and the idea of physical intimacy made her feel weak. It seemed like a lost cause. Sighing to herself, she trotted away from the lake with her head held low, ready for another night spent alone.

“No peeking, now! You wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise!”

“Uh… sure thing Pinkie…”

Pinkie had blindfolded Mr and Mrs Cake and was shuffling them towards Sugarcube Corner’s kitchen. It was something that they’d grown used to over the years, but they were never really sure what to expect. Ever since she’d revealed the infamous ‘exploding donuts’ they had been especially wary. Pinkie’s heart was always in the right place, but it didn’t mean she couldn’t cause unwanted misery.

“Okay, just a little further… Now stop!”

Mr and Mrs Cake stopped in their tracks. Pinkie whipped off their blindfolds and gestured towards her crowning achievement. The Cake couple smiled weakly in unison as they looked over what lay before them.

“Wow, Pinkie,” Mr Cake said uneasily, not quite believing his eyes. “You’ve built a gingerbread house. A really, really big one.”

“Oh, no, no, no!” Pinkie chirped excitedly, hopping over to the colourful house that took up almost half of the entire kitchen. “This isn’t just gingerbread. It’s everything! I used marzipan for the roof tiles, icing for the window frames, taffy for the doorframe, milk chocolate for the walls, even cotton candy for the smoke coming from the chimney! And look!” The pink mare pulled open the house’s door. “Rock candy for door hinges!”

“But Pinkie,” Mrs Cake trembled, taking a closer look at the sugary behemoth. “Where are we going to put this? And how did you get all the ingredients for something this big?”

“You can leave it right here! As for the ingredients, you may need to restock the cupboards. Anyway, I thought this would be a great playhouse for Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake! They can play in it, and if they get hungry, they don’t even need to get out!”

As the speechless couple shared a sigh in unison, their will to argue spent, Pinkie skipped past them and began sorting through a stash of streamers, balloons, banners and various other bits and bobs in the clearly marked, ‘Pinkie’s Party Pantry’. She decided on cool, wintery colours like blue and silver to line the edges of the room, setting aside some glittery tinsel. She wouldn’t be able to start decorating until the following evening, but she wanted to have everything planned to the finest detail because this would be her best party ever! Of course, this is what she always strived for with each new party, but this time was going to be different.

Pinkie glanced over her guest list, a picture of each pony next to a ticked box to signify that she’d delivered their invitation. There was of course: Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, Applejack and Rarity. Spike had been invited, but she didn’t expect him to be there. Twilight had only said that he would feel uncomfortable being there and nothing more, but Pinkie knew that it must have something to do with Rarity. It always had something to do with Rarity where Spike was concerned. There was also Derpy Hooves, Colgate, Lyra, Bon Bon, Berry Punch, Vinyl Scratch and Octavia. Pinkie felt that in order to make her parties even better she had to expand her horizons beyond the other elements of harmony. Also, she was curious about Bon Bon’s ‘voices’ and what Derpy would be like after a few drinks. Vinyl Scratch would take care of the music, which meant one less thing for her to worry about.

Pinkie finished categorizing her party decorations, ended her night with a mug of hot chocolate and went to bed. As much as she wanted to sleep so that she could see tomorrow sooner, she fidgeted in her bed for nearly two hours, gleefully imagining the amazingness that her party would achieve. She could see Twilight and Octavia chatting intelligently about scientific music and musical science. She could see Vinyl Scratch teaching Rainbow Dash how to be a DJ, and Rainbow failing miserably. She just knew that this party would be her greatest achievement, even better than the marzipan playhouse she’d made! Eventually, the hyped-up mare drifted off to sleep, dreaming of all the fun that they were bound to have.

“Cock-a-doodle-doo!”

Fluttershy was awoken by her pet cockerel that stood proudly atop the roof of her house. She rubbed her eyes and stretched. Normally, she was the type of mare who could get up and go without any trouble, but today that wasn’t the case. Dwelling on her misfortune had only exhausted her. She began to wonder if every morning for the rest of her life would be like this – No pitter-patter of a foal’s hooves against the wood flooring and no handsome stallion led next to her, whispering “Good morning,” into her ear with each new day. Instead, she only heard the loud thumping of an impatient rabbit with a growling stomach.

“Okay, Angel. I’ll make breakfast right away.”

It was a pleasant enough morning, with a virtually cloudless sky and the harmonious chirping of birds beyond the window. Fluttershy diligently whipped up a salad for both Angel and herself, then got to work on feeding the rest of her animals. It was an arduous, time-consuming task, but after so many years she was used to it.

With the animals fed, she slumped onto her sofa gracelessly. There was plenty of housework to do; she’d promised to help Rainbow Dash with her pet tortoise, Tank, and there was Pinkie’s evening party to look forward to. None of these things were particularly note-worthy as far as her life was concerned. As much as she loved helping animals and partying with Pinkie, the unwavering routine of her life was beginning to get her down. It had been a long time since she’d had any kind of crazy adventure with her friends. It had been far too long. Even though she was shy, timid and often cowardly, it didn’t mean that she didn’t crave excitement. If she was busy saving the world or travelling to faraway places then she wouldn’t be left mulling over her pathetic existence. The pegasus sighed and grabbed a duster. The house wasn’t going to clean itself.

“Now Pinkie, make sure you don’t let anypony go anywhere but the main shop floor and the bathroom.”

“You’ve got it Mr C!”

“And don’t be too loud.”

“Understood!”

“And make sure the party is over by eleven at the latest. I don’t want Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake getting disturbed.”

“You betcha!”

“And… and Pinkie?”

“Yuh-huh?”

“Could you not balance a cupcake on your nose while I’m talking to you?”

Pinkie flipped the cupcake into the air and caught it in her mouth with ease. “Mmm hmmm!”

Mr Cake sighed and muttered something under his breath before wandering upstairs. Pinkie quickly gobbled up her cupcake and began pacing up and down the room in anticipation of her friends’ arrival. There was a buffet already laid out with cupcakes, muffins, sweet-rolls, punch, salad, cheesecake, trifle, jelly, crisps, pretzels and an assortment of other snacks. Most of the cooking had been done by Pinkie herself, with a few things that were bought with the money she’d earned from pulling extra shifts.

It was nearing 6 o’ clock, and Pinkie was beginning to get anxious. “Where could they be?!” she said aloud, pulling back the curtains and peering out the window. Just as she did so, there was a knock at the door. Feeling a sudden burst of energy, she leapt to the door and opened it excitedly. Stood outside was white unicorn with a spiky blue mane.

“Wazzup, Pinkie Pie!” Vinyl Scratch cheered as she entered, levitating a portable turntable and some records.

“Welcome! Oh, and nothing’s up. Oh wait, you mean my party! In that case, everything is um… up!”

“Sweet as sugar,” Vinyl replied casually as she set up her decks at the side of the room. “Octavia will be here later. She’s just spending the best part of a decade sprucing herself up with makeup. Hey, do you have anything to drink? Something strong would be awesome.”

“Oh, Mr Cake has a secret stash of rum in the kitchen. I could get some of that if you wanted.”

“Sounds good. It’s been way too long since I got hammered. It’s been… like… a week.”

Pinkie rummaged through the compartment at the back of one of the cupboards and presented a bottle of Griffonian rum to Vinyl Scratch. As the eccentric DJ roguishly took a swig straight from the bottle, the party pony danced giddily as she saw Twilight and Rarity approach the bakery. This would be the best party, ever!

Fluttershy clicked off the lights, sighing weakly as her silhouette was cast across the cottage floor. The empty cottage. The lonely cottage. She stroked back her mane and took a deep breath, curving the corners of her mouth into a smile, the same smile she’d practiced in front of the mirror for the past few years. Vaguely satisfied, she closed the door and began her flight to Sugarcube Corner. Hopefully, being with her friends tonight would take her mind off things.

Epilogue - Apple Family Reunion

Epilogue – Apple Family Reunion

Six years later

“Come an’ get it!” Applejack called over the cacophony of voices, pushing a decorated food cart through the center of the main seating area, the surrounding wooden benches lined up into two massive rows that stretched between the barn and the farmhouse. Members of the Apple family, as well as a few from the Pear and Orange families had packed themselves along, almost every seat taken. The bench-tables were covered with all manner of treats while Applejack kept her guests sated with new offerings, the particular food cart she now pushed out bearing an enormous, rectangular apple strudel, as well as a host of cinnamon buns, cream cakes and apple tarts. Ponies all around brought a momentary halt to their conversations, letting out cheers and hollers as they approached the cart, refilling their plates and offering thanks.

“Applejack, why don’t you take a breather?” Apple Fritter suggested. “You’ve barely gotten a chance to sit down. Red Gala and I can see to the last of the desserts.”

“Well thank ya kindly,” Applejack replied, wiping thick beads of sweat from her brow. “That’d be most appreciated.”

After grabbing herself a tankard of cider, Applejack made her way to the far end of the benches, letting her eyes wander. Fillies and colts were bouncing around on stacks of hay bales, laughing and chasing one another. Mares and stallions young and old talked animatedly, regaling cousins, uncles and aunts with various stories. Darn family keeps gettin’ bigger, Applejack mused.

“Yo, AJ!” Rainbow Dash called, swaying side to side and guzzling the last of her tankard. “Get your flank over here! Golden. Golden!” she said to the stallion sitting beside her. “You couldn’t get your wonderful darling a drink, could you?”

“Another?” Golden Delicious asked worriedly. “Haven’t you had enough?”

“Well then,” Rainbow Dash said with a melodramatic shrug. “I suppose you’ve had enough of something else.”

Golden Delicious rolled his eyes and smirked. “Alright, but you owe me.”

“You’ll get plenty!” Rainbow Dash said with a wink, playfully slapping her boyfriend on the flank as he got up, making space for Applejack.

“Rainbow,” Applejack said with an air of annoyance, her eyebrow twitching. “There’re foals present.”

“Ah, whatever,” Rainbow Dash said, shaking her head. “It’ll be fine. And can any of you blame me? His flank is golden and he sure is delicious.”

Applejack gave her friend a thump on the shoulder. “What did Ah just say? Ya know how embarrassin’ it is havin’ mah friends make fools o’ themselves in front of mah family?”

“Well who knows?” Rainbow Dash replied, rubbing her belly suggestively. “After tonight I might – hic! – become a part of your family after all!”

“Ew! D-don’t say stuff like that!” Applejack exclaimed, wincing. “What is it with you? Ain’t none of mah other friends actin’ like a… Rarity!” A few meters away on the next set of benches, the pearly white fashionista was practically sprawled out, swooning into the forelegs of two young stallions from the Pear family, stroking their chins and laughing haughtily as they drowned her in attention. “Rarity, Ah can see what you’re doin’ over there!”

Rarity waved back excitedly, beaming from ear to ear. “I can see you too, darling! Fabulous what you’ve done with your mane, by the way!” The mare promptly went back to giggling like a school-filly.

“Land sakes,” Applejack muttered. “Ah only invited her ‘cause y’all were comin’ too, and now look! Ain’t there a single one of mah friends who ain’t tryin’ to hook up with mah family!?”

“Don’t look at me,” Twilight said, hooves locked with a very sleepy-looking Octavia. “The thought never crossed my mind.”

“Oh, sorry Applejack,” Fluttershy said sheepishly.

“It ain’t you, Fluttershy,” Applejack replied, gesturing to the pegasus at her side.

“You know, that’s a good point,” Rainbow Dash thought aloud. “Your family’s so big, and there’s all these big, hunky – hic! – stallions around, so it’s like, what did you expect? But, but, but, it’s not a surprise Twilight’s the odd one out. Ask anyone, I’ve always said, out of the six of us, Twilight was the least likely to shack up with an Apple.”

“Guess that makes some sense,” Applejack said wearily. “Twilight’s always been a scholarly type, an’ us Apples tend to be more… wait, whadda ya mean, outta the six of us!?”

Fluttershy and Braeburn snorted into their drinks in unison, causing Rainbow Dash to break down into incessant giggles. Twilight had her jaw clenched and lips pressed tightly together to prevent herself from laughing while Applejack slumped onto the table with her head in her hoof.

“Um, can I just say,” Fluttershy began, trying to change the subject. “That you’ve done a wonderful job with this family reunion. You know Braeburn and I would’ve been more than happy to help.”

“Ya’ll don’t need to concern yourselves, what with the weddin’ bein’ only a couple months away. Ah’ll bet you’re up to your neck in forms an’ figurin’ out finances an’ such. But hey, next year ya can both have a crack at it.”

“Speaking of cracks,” Rainbow Dash interrupted with, having finally stopped laughing.

“Rainbow…” Applejack hissed, glowering furiously.

“No, no, not what I was gonna say.” Rainbow Dash pulled her head up and cleared her throat. “Fluttershy, you were saying you had trouble with – hic! – cracks in your walls. Golden was talking and he knows a guy who knows a guy who’d be willing to do some renovace… renomation… removate… he can help you out and won’t charge much, promise.”

“Well thank you kindly,” Braeburn said. “With the weddin’ comin’ up we’ve had nary a second to think about sortin’ the cottage.”

“And it just made me think,” Rainbow Dash continued, as if she hadn’t heard him, “about all the little critters you’ve got running around, clawing these holes in the wall, and I have – hic! – to ask, do your animals watch you two when you’re, you know, doing it?”

“That’s the last straw!” Applejack exclaimed, pounding on the table and startling some of the nearby guests. “Learn to behave yourself, will ya!?”

Rainbow Dash’s expression was blank and nonchalant. Fluttershy had turned a stark shade of crimson and was attempting to hide herself behind her mane. Braeburn peered off into the distance. Meanwhile, Twilight had huddled herself up to her half-sleeping wife, cheeks tensed and chest shaking as she did everything she could not to laugh.

There was a bout of silence for a short while until everyone tucked into the mounds of sugary food. Braeburn cleared his throat. “Well actually, some of ‘em have watched us.”

“Braeburn!” Fluttershy cried. “You don’t need to tell them that!”

“I knew it!” Rainbow Dash chimed in with, like a detective having uncovered some ancient mystery.

Twilight’s attempts at staying quiet broke down and she began laughing hysterically, clutching onto Octavia as if for dear life, tears streaming down her face with absolute, unfettered joy.

“What’s going on?” the sleepy mare remarked, emitting a yawn and coming to her senses. “Twilight, did you win at another board game, or something?”

“Course it ain’t too long now ‘til Applebloom finishes school,” Applejack explained. “She seems to be doin’ well, despite missin’ her old teacher.”

“I heard about that,” Fluttershy said sadly. “Applebloom and Cheerilee were really close.”

“Yup.” Applejack nodded pensively. “Mah darn sister scared the acorns outta me when she came home with the news. Ah ask how school was an’ she slumps down on the floor, starts cryin’, says ‘Miss Cheerilee ain’t no longer with us.’ Ah’m shocked, Ah pull her into a hug while she’s gettin’ all emotional, Ah go an’ put on a hotpot to make her feel better. Ain’t ‘til an hour later she says what she meant was Cheerilee was leavin’ her job an’ goin’ on tour with some darn guitar player! Ah was actually gettin’ panicked she’d passed away!”

“Dee Flat’s a pretty big name,” Rainbow Dash commented. “DIdn’t he used to – hic! – be one of Cheerilee’s classmates?”

“So Ah heard.” Applejack sighed and got to her hooves. “Well, it was fun talkin’ to y’all, but Ah’d better finish mah duties. Ain’t none of ya seen Mac around?”

“I think I saw him back at the farmhouse,” Golden Delicious replied.

“Alright. See y’all later.”

Applejack waved as she left her friends, trudging back up the path and gazing at the beautiful reddish orange sky, a smattering of cloud wisps glowing like hot coals. The festivities were winding down a little now, the roaring ruckus from earlier brought to a soothing murmur as tuckered out colts and fillies sat lazily after their time spent bounding around. There was still more to do before the cleanup though, and Applejack headed to the farmhouse in search of her brother, ready for the family toast. Passing through into the kitchen, Applejack was soon accosted by an unknown attacker placing their hooves over her eyes.

“Guess who!?”

“The great Duke of Flankfurt,” Applejack said mirthfully. “Hey, Pinkie. Wasn’t sure ya were still around. Havin’ a good time?”

“Oh, it’s been swell!” Pinkie replied jubilantly, clapping her hooves together. “Though I think I ate so many pies I might burst like a big balloon!”

“That’s… a horrifyin’ thought,” Applejack said. “Any chance ya know where Mac is? He’s s’posed to be lendin’ a hoof right about now.”

“He’ll be here real soon! He got caught by somepony from the Orange family while I escaped! Last I heard they were comparing apples with oranges, which I tried once, and my brain got stuck for hours.”

“Ain’t that the truth,” Applejack remarked. “Say, ya wanna try some of mah keepsake Eden cider? So long as ya don’t mention it to Rainbow Dash or it’ll suspiciously go missin’.”

“No thanks,” Pinkie said with a shrug.

“Oh, come on,” Applejack said, rooting around one of the cupboards. “Ya ain’t tried nothin’ like it, seriously, an’ Ah kinda owe ya for your help with everythin’.”

“Um… no thanks. I very much appreciate the offer, but I’ll go without.”

“Don’t go bein’ polite,” Applejack said, rolling her eyes and pulling an enormous jug filled with bubbling, golden liquid. “It’s a special occasion, Ah insist.”

“It’s fine, really,” Pinkie replied cheerfully. “But you go on ahead, Auntie Applejack. You deserve a treat!”

“Well okay, but some other time ya need to try it,” Applejack said, placing the jug back. “In fact we’ll have it for dinner some time, get you an’ Mac over, have a little more…” Applejack stopped in her tracks, her face frozen in absolute shock. “Did you… just call me Auntie Applejack?”

Pinkie smiled thoughtfully, her cheeks flushing red. “Yeah. I did.”

Applejack brought a hoof to her mouth, a tear trickling down each cheek. She rushed forward and locked her hooves around Pinkie’s neck. “Oh Pinkie! Ah’m so happy! Ah never even thought! Ah can’t believe it…” Applejack blubbered into Pinkie’s mane and emitted a faint chuckle. “Ah wasn’t ready for this.”

“I can understand that. I’d be pretty shocked, too.”

“Ya darn fruitcake,” Applejack said mirthfully, wiping at her eyes. “Ah can’t even imagine how ya feel. Darn it, where the hay is Mac!? Ah need to see him right now! Darn it, Ah can hardly believe he’s gonna be a daddy.”

“Mac?” Pinkie said, her face scrunched up in confusion. “Whoever said anything about Mac?”

Not a second later, Applebloom came cantering into the kitchen, hoof-in-hoof with Featherweight, both ponies beaming from ear to ear. “Applejack!” the filly cried jubilantly. “Me an’ Featherweight have the most excitin’ news!”

Applejack looked over to Applebloom. Then back to Pinkie. Then over to Applebloom. Then back to Pinkie. Then over to Applebloom. Then her head became light as a feather and she collapsed to the floor, a stream of froth bubbling from her mouth as her brain spun on repeat like a broken slot machine. There was only chaos and darkness stretching out forever and ever.

“Oh, Applebloom!” Pinkie exclaimed jubilantly. “You’ve got such great comedic timing!”

“Applejack?” Applebloom said worriedly as her sister convulsed on the floor. “What’s wrong? Darn it, Ah just wanted to say me an’ Featherweight won the talent contest.”

Big Mac wandered in, his face pulled into a frown as he regarded his sister laying spread eagle on the kitchen floor, muscles twitching, her eyes spinning. “Applejack? Ya alright?”

“She’ll be fine,” Pinkie remarked, granting the stallion a kiss on the lips. “Just give her five more minutes to recover. Or maybe twenty.” Sidling up to the stallion, Pinkie felt the warm embrace of her husband, a hoof cupping the tiny lifeform below her stomach, every bone in her body swelling with pride, waiting to spread the greatest news she’d ever known.

Author's Note

Thank you ever so much for your support. I'm sorry it took so long for me to finish the story after I left it on a cliffhanger for over four years, but I'm hoping you enjoyed what I had to offer. This was one of the first fanfic ideas I ever had, and to see it completed gives me such a strange feeling. Thank you for staying along with the ride. I have another fanfic in the works that I'm planning to start uploading within a few months. Whether you stay or go, I'm just grateful you decided to stick with my story all this way. It was a pleasure.