//------------------------------//
// Ch. 2 Little Lovers So Polite 
// Story: Green Grass And High Tides 
// by Closer-To-The-Sun 
//------------------------------//

Chapter 2: Little Lover's So Polite

The next day, Rarity joined her friends to pay a visit to Applejack at Sweet Apple Acres. Upon arriving, they surprised their friend. The earth pony was busy with the apple harvesting and looked tired.

"Howdy, ya'll. What brings ya around to these parts?" the orange mare said slightly out of breath.

Twilight Sparkle was the first to speak, "Well, we realized it was applebucking season and we felt we could a hoof for you."

"Yeah, figured we should stop by and help since you are too stubborn to just ask," Rainbow Dash added.

"And we don't want you turn have yourself get hurt or anything," Fluttershy meekly spoke.

"Well, shucks, that's mighty nice of ya'll to do such a thing," Applejack was impressed with her friends offering their time, "Even you Rarity?"

The white unicorn was slightly taken back by Applejack's comment, "What's that exactly supposed to mean? I certainly can hold my own with labor!"

Applejack laughed, "Ah'm just pullin' yer reigns, gal. I really am thankful fer all of ya to help around the farm. C'mon, ah'll show ya what needs ta be done."

All the ponies followed Applejack, though Rarity was still a bit annoyed at Applejack and the comment she made. The orange pony showed her friends what there was that needed to be done for the day's work. Rarity, who was taking her time behind the group, paused when a red stallion in the distance caught her eye. It was Big Macintosh working in the barn. The unicorn was feeling the way she did the day before. Looking to see that her friends had continued on without her, she trotted over Big Mac.

"H-Hello, Big Macintosh," Rarity spoke as she drew close. She cursed herself in her mind for tripping over her words.

Big Mac turned to see the familiar purple mane, "Afternoon, Miss Rarity," he gave a small smile to her, "What brings ya 'round here?"

Rarity tried carefully to not trip over her words like last time, "Oh, well, my friends and I figured we would stop by to help Applejack out. Then I saw you over here by your lonesome and….I thought I'd stop by and thank you again for your help yesterday in my shop."

Big Mac nodded, "T'was nothing, Miss Rarity."

Rarity shook her head, "Nevertheless, it was very kind of you and quite helpful to me," the white unicorn paused and noticed she had interrupted Big Mac in his barreling, "Oh dear, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt your work!"

"It's quite alright," Big Mac reassured her.

Rarity still felt a bit guilty, "Still though, shall I assist you?"

"Beg pardon?" the stallion wasn't sure that he heard her correctly.

"Would you like me to help you, Big Mac?"

The red stallion gave a small laugh. While Rarity had to admit he did look charming while he chuckled, it was the same reaction that his sister had when she offered to help.

"Big Mac! Why are you laughing?" Rarity was annoyed again, but was trying to not be angry.

"I'm sorry, Miss Rarity, but it just seems yer not the type of pony who would get their hooves dirty," Big Mac apologized. 

"I'll have you know that I can work just as well as your sister here!" the unicorn was becoming defensive.

Big Mac smiled at her statement, "Alright then, you can help me move these barrels of apples inside the barn, if ya want."

Rarity nodded with a determined look, "Very well."

The two ponies worked together to move the barrels inside. Rarity surprised herself as well as Big Mac with the fact that she did not use her magic once. She had to admit that she wasn't exactly fond of her body getting sweaty, but once they had finished, the satisfaction that she got from her manual work was quite unique.

"I must say, Miss Rarity, I didn't think you had it in ya," Big Mac confessed as the finished.

Rarity, who was exhausted and whose coat seemed to have a slightly warmer shade of color to it, gave a smile, "I told you I could hold my own, dahling." 

"Ya certainly can," Big Mac nodded.

Almost without thinking, Rarity began to speak, "Say Big Mac, would you by chance like to stop by Sugarcube Corner for some refreshment?" It wasn't until after she finished that she realized she somewhat asked Big Mac out.

Taking a second to think, Big Mac replied, "That actually sounds like a fine idea, Miss Rarity."