//------------------------------//
// Ch. 3 Simplest Love 
// Story: Green Grass And High Tides 
// by Closer-To-The-Sun 
//------------------------------//

Chapter 3: Simplest Love

Rarity and Big Mac began their walk over to Sugarcube Corner. The white unicorn was surprised to take note of herself being bashful around the stallion. Never before had she been so flustered around anypony before, in fact, she was used to it being the other way around. However, she managed to keep a level head as they made their way to the bakery.

Upon arriving, it was apparent that other ponies had the same idea of stopping in for a treat. A blue unicorn with a wavy mane took their order and offered them a place to sit. Before Rarity could get a chance to sit on the stool, Big Mac pulled it out for her.

"Oh, why thank you, Big Mac! You are such the gentlecolt," Rarity stated as she sat down upon the stool.

Big Mac lightly blushed at her words as he seated himself.

The two began to chat amongst each other as their food came. While it was just small talk, Rarity found that it was one of the most pleasant conversations that she had ever had with anypony. She also noticed that Big Mac seemed to be enjoying himself as well. As they talked, Rarity's mind wandered, 'I must say, Big Mac is quite a sociable colt once somepony gets past his rough and quiet exterior. And I must say, his exterior is quite attractive….wait! Get hold of yourself, Rarity! While, yes, he is quite good-looking, you mustn't be so forward with him! I mean….he's honestly what you've wanted in your prince, Rarity. And more….'

"Miss Rarity?" a low voice called to the thinking unicorn.

Suddenly hurled back into reality, Rarity replied, "Wha- huh?"

Big Mac smiled, finding her small panic amusing, "I was sayin' that my first impressions 'bout ya were wrong."

Rarity was quick to calm herself back to her normal, elegant demeanor, "How so?"

"Well," Big Mac began, "fer starters, you showed ya can hold yer own on the farm. Ah was might impressed with yer hard work an' all.  And seein' ya be quite independent with yer help around the farm, not askin' fer help. And, after all of that, still be as lovely and charmin' as ever."

The last words from Big Mac caused Rarity's face to turn a bold pink, "Oh, dahling, your just saying that."

Big Mac shook his head with a smile, "Eenope."

The blue unicorn that took their order had returned with their check. Before Rarity could get to her money, Big Mac had already got out his money, which was enough to cover for the both of them.

"Big Mac, you really didn't have to do that, dear," Rarity stated.

"It's nothin', Miss Rarity," Big Mac smiled to the unicorn, "Ah should get back to the farm before Applejack puts me on pig duty again." He joked and nodded toward Rarity, "Have a pleasant afternoon, Miss Rarity, and thank you fer yer help."

Rarity watched Big Mac walk out the door of Sugarcube Corner toward his home. She continued to watch him out from the window until he disappeared out of her view. She then slouched on the table, her head resting on the surface. She finally came to a conclusion in her mind, 'It's simple: I'm in love with Applejack's brother.'