It was a bright, sunny day in Ponyville. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky as the Pegasi ponies scheduled it to be nice, every so often a cloud would float in from the Everfree Forest. A second after one did Rainbow Dash would speed into the sky and kick it away.
On the ground a shy, pink-mane pegasus watched Dash longingly. Fluttershy admired Rainbow Dash’s courage and strength, while she was shy and not as strong as she would like. But Fluttershy didn’t mind not being as strong and outgoing at Rainbow Dash, she enjoyed being quiet and calm as it helped her communicate with animals. It was only when she needed to get everypony’s attention it became a problem.
Fluttershy decided to try and cheer herself up. So she trotted over to Sweet Apple Acres, looking at all of the trees before finding her usual tree. She opened her wings and soared over and landed on a branch, making sure she couldn’t be seen. She waited a few minutes before the barn door opened, out came a red stallion. Fluttershy automatically smiled.
This was Fluttershy’s favourite pastime. She always watched Big McIntosh when there wasn’t much to do, when the shy pony first realised her feelings for the placid pony she didn't know what to do. She found the only thing she could do was watch him from a distance, not having enough courage to say ‘hi’.
The shy pony watched Big Mac for half an hour before deciding it was time to leave. She glided down from the tree and glanced around to see if anypony was around, satisfied no one was around, Fluttershy started trotting through the apple trees until…
“Heya, Fluttershy!” Pinkie Pie greeted in her usual random manner. Poor Fluttershy jumped so high into the air she had grabbed onto a branch of a tree, she looked down at Pinkie Pie with wide eyes as she hung there.
“O-oh…” Fluttershy sighed gently before calming, “Hello Pinkie Pie…” the shy pegasus floated to the ground landing softly.
Pinkie Pie giggled, “Did I surprise you?” the hyper, pink pony hopped up and down, waiting for Fluttershy’s answer.
“Y-yes,” Fluttershy answered quietly, “very surprising.”
Pinkie grinned, “So, what are you doing? I bet you were visiting Applejack, right?” Fluttershy gulped, she had to think fast. She didn’t want to lie to her friend, but if she told the truth Pinkie Pie might suspect, or worse. Realise the truth.
“U-um,” Fluttershy lowered her head, “I was…I was just walking through the apple trees… That’s all.”
“Oh! Hey, wanna come with me to see Applejack?” Pinkie asked, completely disregarding Fluttershy’s answer. “I came to get some yummy, tasty, delicious apples!” she exclaimed.
“Ah, yes… Do you need help carrying them?” Fluttershy asked.
Pinkie Pie smiled at her friend’s helpfulness, “Yes please! Come on! Let’s go, go, go! Those apples aren’t going to move by themselves!” Pinkie dragged Fluttershy all the way back to Apple Acres. She bounced over to Applejack who was carrying a bucket of apples.
“Howdy there Pinkie, Fluttershy,” Applejack greeted, “you here to get them apples?”
“Indeedy,” Pinkie answered happily, “I can’t wait to bake them into cakes and treats! Of course you’re having one on the house for giving me the apples. Oh! And Fluttershy, you too! For helping me carry them back to Sugar Cube Corner!”
“Aw, shucks.” Applejack laughed, “Thanks Pinkie Pie!”
“Yes, thank you.” Fluttershy added.
“An’ Big Mac too,” Applejack said, “he helped me find the best apples that are ripe for cookin’.”
“Eeyup,” Big Mac nodded, standing by Applejack. Fluttershy froze, how long had he been there? She hid her face behind her mane quickly, this went unnoticed by Applejack but Pinkie Pie and Big Mac could tell something was wrong.
“Welp, we’d better be off!” Pinkie Pie stated, “Better get these apples back while they’re at their best.” Fluttershy gave a slight nod.
“Alrigh’” Applejack said, “I’ll share these into two smaller buckets for y’all to carry.” While Applejack and Big Mac separated the content of the large bucket into two smaller buckets, Pinkie Pie looked at Fluttershy at winked before trotting over to try and ‘help’. Fluttershy’s eyes widened, she couldn’t…how could she? Fluttershy realised she must have made her reaction too obvious, if Pinkie Pie could notice then there’s no doubt Applejack or Big Mac would have noticed too.
Applejack and Big Mac successfully separated the apples into the two buckets. Applejack lifted one of the buckets with ease and placed it on Pinkie’s back gently, Big Mac did the same with Fluttershy and added, “Y’all be careful now.” Fluttershy hid her now bright red face and nodded.
“Th-thank you…” she thanked him in an extremely quiet voice.
“Let’s go!” Pinkie exclaimed and trotted away from Applejack and Big Mac, “Thanks again you guys!” Fluttershy followed her as fast as she could.
“Yer welcome!” Applejack called, “You make some delicious treats now!”
Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy trotted through the apple trees and entered the main area of the town. Greeting other ponies along the way, at one point Pinkie had stopped to tell jokes to some young fillies. Fluttershy smiled and laughed at a couple, after a while of trying to convince Pinkie Pie that they needed to be on their way the two ponies were finally at Sugar Cube Corner.
“All right, time to prepare for baking!” Pinkie exclaimed as soon as they trotted through the door. Fluttershy set down her bucket of apples and watched the hyper pony trot into the kitchen.
“Um… Well, I guess I should…” Fluttershy was cut off by Pinkie Pie shoving her hoof in the pegasus’ mouth.
“I think its sooo cute!” Pinkie exclaimed suddenly, Fluttershy widened her eyes and cowered away. Pinkie removed her hoof from Fluttershy’s mouth, “You know! Your hearts for Big Mac, it’s cute!”
Fluttershy blushed brightly and hid behind her mane. She squeaked something inaudible in embarrassment; Pinkie Pie couldn’t help but laugh.
“Come on, Fluttershy.” Pinkie said encouragingly, “No need to be embarrassed! You should be proud, you should…!” Pinkie Pie gasped, “You should tell him!”
Fluttershy looked at Pinkie as if she was crazy, “N-no way, he can’t know! He mustn’t know! If he did, I don’t know what I would do! I’d have to stay in my house for the rest of my life and ask my animals to go out to get the food! Th-that’s if they want to…”
“Fluttershy, you need to have more confidence in yourself.” Pinkie said, “What you need is spirit! Wait, no…um, what you need is passion! No…no, ah-ha! What you need is courage!”
“Courage…?” Fluttershy repeated sceptically.
“That’s right!” Pinkie chimed, “A flutter of courage!” Fluttershy couldn’t hold back her laughter, she found her friend’s seriousness and silliness mixed together hilarious. Pinkie Pie blinked before laughing with her, they spent the next minute laughing until their sides hurt.
“Th-thank you, Pinkie Pie,” Fluttershy said between giggles, “I feel much better now.”
Pinkie smiled with happiness, “You’re welcome! So, are you going to tell him?”
“U-um… I don’t know.” The shy pony said uncertainly, “I mean… What if Applejack doesn’t like it? What if Big McIntosh already has a Special Pony? What if…”
“Fluttershy,” Pinkie interjected, Fluttershy realised what she was doing and immediately stopped. “Remember, confidence and courage!”
Fluttershy nodded, “I know…”
Suddenly Pinkie gasped and bounced around excitedly, “I know! I have the best idea ever!” she exclaimed, “Practice on me!”
Fluttershy frowned in confusion, “What?”
Pinkie Pie rolled her eyes, “Practice on me, say what you want to say to Big Mac to me! Pretend I’m Big Mac!” The shy pony widened her eyes, was she allowed to do that?
“I-I don’t know, Pinkie Pie…” Fluttershy mumbled.
“Come on, Fluttershy!” Pinkie said in a whiney sort of voice, “Just try, pleeeeaaaaaase?”
Fluttershy sighed softly, “Okay, but if I don’t get it right… I might not tell him. Can you promise not to tell anypony?”
Pinkie Pie nodded, “I Pinkie Promise! Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!”
Fluttershy took a deep breath and so began the four hours of practice. The first few, er, twenty times Fluttershy tried to start her sentences with a casual ‘hello’, but ended up doing a high pitch squeak. Soon enough the yellow pegasus became comfortable and started forming words and sentences, and then came the time to try and confess. Fluttershy mumbled and got her words mixed up before cowering behind her pink mane.
“It’s no use, Pinkie Pie…” Fluttershy said in defeat, “I just don’t have enough courage… I can’t even say it to you.”
“Fluttershy, you can’t give up!” Pinkie encouraged, “You want to tell him really bad, don’t you?” Fluttershy gave a hesitant nod, “Well then! Keep trying, and trying, and trying until you get it right!”
Fluttershy smiled, “Yes, you’re right. I will, let’s do it this time.” Pinkie nodded and ran outside. She strode back in, copying perfectly how Big McIntosh walks. Fluttershy’s heart started thudding even more because she didn’t see the pony as Pinkie Pie pretending to be Big Mac, she properly saw Big Mac.
“Howdy Fluttershy,” Pinkie said in a brilliant Big Mac voice, “How are y’all doin’?”
Fluttershy gulped, “Um, h-hello Big McIntosh… I’m very well, thank you…um… What about you?”
Pinkie chuckled in the way Big Mac chuckles, “Am good, just comin’ ‘ere to get some treats for Applebloom. That lil’ filly always wants some treats for ‘er friends.”
Fluttershy began to feel more confident, “Is that so? Well, um, Pinkie Pie isn’t here at the moment… I could serve you, I’m sure she wouldn’t mind. That is…if you don’t mind…”
“Would yer, why thanks, Fluttershy.” Pinkie said. Fluttershy trotted behind the counter and pretended to get a paper bag out.
“So what will it be?” Fluttershy asked politely.
“Some o’ those sweet apple cupcakes,” Pinkie answered, “Applebloom’s always talkin’ about ‘em. She says she can’t decide between Applejack or Pinkie Pie’s cupcakes.”
Fluttershy laughed quietly, “Neither can I, they’re both delicious. Maybe they should have a contest one day.” Fluttershy gave the imaginary paper back to ‘Big Mac’, “Are these okay?”
“Eeyup,” Pinkie answered, managing to not laugh. “Thanks Fluttershy, see yer soon.” Pinkie turned and starting trotting towards the door. Fluttershy widened her eyes, she almost forgot about the confession!
“U-um, Big McIntosh!” she called after Pinkie, ‘he’ stopped and looked at Fluttershy. The yellow pegasus gulped, she could feel her heart pounding against her ribcage. What was she supposed to say? She glanced around and realised this wasn’t the best place to confess feelings, an idea formed in her mind. “U-um…well, if you want to… Maybe we could meet at the park…later… Th-that’s only if you want to.”
Pinkie Pie immediately broke out of character and did her signature gasp. “That’s PERFECT!”
Fluttershy blinked in confusion, “What?”
“Asking him to meet in the park to confess, it’s perfect!” Pinkie squealed, “You can have a picnic under the gazebo and watch the sun set! Oh! And you’ll both look into each other’s eyes and confess! It’s so romantic!”
Fluttershy thought about this, maybe Pinkie Pie was right. It would be pretty romantic, and she may just be able to confess.
“Yes, I’ll do my best.” Fluttershy smiled and blushed, “I love him very much.”
Pinkie’s eyes went wide and sparkly, “Aaaaw! That’s sooo cute!” Fluttershy giggled and hugged Pinkie Pie.
“Thank you, Pinkie Pie.” Fluttershy said sincerely, “I wouldn’t even be attempting to think this if it wasn’t for you…”
The pink pony hugged Fluttershy back, “It’s fine, Fluttershy! Just do your best, and remember courage!”
The yellow pegasus nodded, “A flutter of courage.”
The next day Fluttershy trotted over to Sweet Apple Acres. She had helped Pinkie Pie bake the apple cupcakes and treats and was now going to deliver them to Applejack and, or Big McIntosh. She took a deep breath and continued to walk down the path of apple trees; she glanced up as juicy red apples hung on the trees. Fluttershy guessed it must be near to Apple Bucking Season.
“Howdy Fluttershy!” an orange mare greeted, Applejack trotted over to Fluttershy. “How are y’all?”
Fluttershy gave a small smile, “Hello Applejack. I’m very well, thank you. What about you?”
“Busy,” Applejack sighed, “it’s almost Apple Buckin’ Season and I need to get started. So, what can I do for yer?”
“Oh, yes.” Fluttershy showed Applejack the basket on her back, “This is from Pinkie Pie. It’s the treats she promised yesterday.”
The orange mare’s eyes lightened up, “Really? Well, thanks for bringin’ them Fluttershy. Could yer give ‘em to Big Mac? He ain’t as busy as I am, he’s at the barn.”
Fluttershy gulped and nodded, “Okay, thanks Applejack.” Fluttershy trotted over to the barn mustering all of her courage, she needed to be confident. She stood outside the barn, looking up at the building. This was the time to be brave, she had to be
confident. “Come on, Fluttershy! You can do this!” Fluttershy encouraged herself and trotted over to the barn, she raised a hoof to open the barn door when it swung open almost hitting the yellow pegasus.
“Huh?” Big McIntosh stepped out; he had strands of hay in his light gamboge mane. His eyes widen slightly as he sees Fluttershy, “Sorry Fluttershy! I didn’t hurt y’all, did I?”
Fluttershy shook her head and gave a small smile, “N-no, I’m fine.”
Big Mac sighed with relief, “That’s good, so what are yer here for?”
“Oh! Yes!” Fluttershy beamed and showed the red stallion the basket on her back, “The apple treats and cupcakes Pinkie Pie promised. Applejack said you weren’t as busy as her, but if you are…”
Big Mac shook his head and smiled happily, “Nnope, I’m not as busy as usual. I’ll take those treats off yer hooves. Better me than Applebloom; she’d jus’ eat the whole lot.”
Fluttershy allowed him to take the basket off of her back. She stretched her wings, glad to feel the weight off her body. She realised that she was getting side-tracked and shook her head.
“U-um, Big McIntosh?” she asked.
“Eeyup?” Big Mac replied.
“W-well, if you don’t mind, um…” Fluttershy took a deep breath, now or never… “W-would you like to come with me to the park? I-I mean, I’m not forcing you to…you don’t have to, it’s just…” a light blush dusted across Fluttershy’s cheeks, “It’s just that… I’d like you to…”
Big McIntosh found Fluttershy absolutely adorable, how cute can one pony be? “Of course, Fluttershy,” Big Mac said, “I’d love to you go with you.”
Fluttershy’s eyes widened, “R-really?” she couldn’t believe it.
Big Mac chuckled, “Eeyup, shall we go now? We can take these treats, I’m sure Applejack won’t mind…much.” Fluttershy laughed quietly.
“Yes,” Fluttershy grinned, “I hope Applejack doesn’t mind you leaving now of all times.”
“She’ll understand,” Big Mac said earning a puzzled look from Fluttershy, “Don’t yer worry. She won’t mind.” The red stallion trotted towards the entrance of Sweet Apple Acres, the basket in his mouth. Fluttershy smiled brightly and breathed before trotted after him.
Ponyville’s park was as beautiful as always. The flowers were in full bloom, showering the park in colours from red, blue, green and yellow. Other ponies were in the park, playing, racing, some were on dates. Fluttershy stood beside Big McIntosh and began to wonder if this was a good idea.
“How about the gazebo?” Big Mac asked.
“The gazebo?” Pinkie’s words floated into Fluttershy’s mind. It’s so romantic! Fluttershy nodded, “Let’s go!”
The two ponies trotted over to the white gazebo. Flowers of white and red were planted around it beautifully, Fluttershy smiled to herself as she looked at it. Big Mac opened the basket to find a large red and white checked cloth. The stallion gently laid it out on the ground before taking out two plates and putting on down in front of Fluttershy and himself. The two ponies say down and helped themselves to the delicious treats that were inside the basket. Fluttershy licked her lips at the cakes and treats Pinkie Pie had made.
“Pinkie Pie is the best at making cupcakes,” Fluttershy commented before eating one.
“Eeyup,” Big Mac replied, also eating a cupcake.
The two ponies ate the snacks and started talking. Talking about anything they could think of, whether it was about the last Summer Sun Celebration, or the Canterlot Wedding, or even Nightmare Night. The two talked for hours, Fluttershy wasn’t even nervous anymore. It felt natural to talk to Big McIntosh like this, and she was glad. If it weren’t for Pinkie Pie she wouldn’t have been able to get this far.
Fluttershy realised the sun was setting. Other ponies had left the park a good hour or so ago, everything was shaded in a deep pretty pink. Fluttershy smiled to herself as she looked out at the sunset, everything was perfect. The pegasus took a deep breath and looked at Big Mac, now was the perfect time.
“Um, Big McIntosh, can I ask you something?” Fluttershy asked bravely.
“Eeyup,” Big Mac replied and looked back at her.
A faint blush dusted over Fluttershy’s cheeks, “What do you think of me? I-I mean…do you like me? I-I mean…um… L-like…like…” Fluttershy just couldn’t finish the question; her face had turned bright red as she hid behind her mane.
Big McIntosh understood what Fluttershy was trying to say. He walked over to the yellow pegasus and sat down beside her before putting a hoof around her shoulder. Fluttershy looked up at Big Mac who was beaming down at her, Fluttershy felt truly happy. She leant into him and sighed in contempt.
“Big Mac?”
“Yes, Fluttershy?”
“I love you.”
-~-~-~-~-~
Author’s Note: Aaaand! That’s my first story. Yeah, half way through this I had a bit of the lazy bug. But thanks to Adam’s constant encouragement, I got it done! Woohoo!
Thank you for da reads.
It pleases Pinkie to no end.