//------------------------------// // Valentines // Story: Us Against the World // by Chelis //------------------------------// It was a tough time for Big Macintosh. Fluttershy leaving for a week was bad enough, and he would have to find someone else to talk to, which would fall solely upon his family. There was also the part where she would return valentine's day, probably expecting a kiss and a present... or nothing at all. That was Big Macintosh's first Valentine's Day with someone to call his Valentine, so he was treading in uncharted water. He had a week, so he had time to find something, anything. Originally, he was planning to find hints or clues to find out what she desired, usually an impulsive second look at a store when they met up at Sugar Cube Corner at least once a week or even when they talked. He couldn't do it since she was going to be gone, and asking her outright was taboo in his mind, so he would have to take a risk. That risk would be her friends, who still did not know about their relationship. The first one was an easy one to come up to. "Ahm gonna miss Fluttershy, but I know it's for a good cause! That oil spill ain't gonna clean itself after all," Applejack answered as she was tossing bales of hay to Big Macintosh from the back of a pickup truck. Big Mac placed them in a cart to throw them to the animals, and the rest were to be placed in the barn for storage. "Eeyup. hey Applejack, what do you think I should get Fluttershy for Valentine’s?" He asked, making it sound more of a casual question than anything. "Why, you two dating yet?" Applejack asked. She stopped to study her brother's body language with a smug grin. "N-nope, just that that we are friends and it is a day about friendship as well...." "Uh-huh, I say have Granny Smith whip you up an apple bouquet. Just remember to use protection when you two have a go at it. Ah am a farmer, not a babysitter." Applejack joked. *** The apple bouquet was good ‘n all in Big Macintosh's mind, but this was his first Valentine, and for the perfect girl, the gift had to be perfect. Well, there was Fluttershy's first friend and closest confidant. He knew where to find her in her free time: in the schools gym, pushing and training the younger classmen, not to flash them her abs screaming that if she can get them, they have no excuse. She was hard to them but fair. She never played favorites, and graded all of them with the same standard. She was a better coach to those students than some of the paid coaches themselves. "So you want to give Fluttershy a gift huh?" Rainbow asked between grunts. He was standing over her as she did her bench presses during class, spotting her in case she couldn't rack the weighted bar back over her head. "You two finally going out?" "Ee-nope, just something nice for a friend," Big Mac said, trying his hardest not to sound defensive. "Alright, personally I would get new running shorts and wireless headphones, but Fluttershy isn't into working out. Just... don't do anything lewd. I know for a fact Fluttershy wants a family.... just not during high school," Rainbow said. "Now, put on three hundred pounds, I'm feeling like breaking the school record today," *** Mac knew that although they were close, they didn't have the same interests. Luckily, he knew who had somewhat the same interests as her. She was a lady and had an eye for fashion. "Do you think this is fine?" Rarity asked as she walked out of the dressing room in a revealing blue, veil-like transparent dress. Her more intimate parts were covered by thicker cloth. "So?" Rarity asked. Big Macintosh blushed and looked away. "Isn't that too much for a girl your age?" "Oh yes, but it's for a client, not for me! Valentine's Day is one of my most busiest times!" She said as she walked back into the changing room. As soon as he concentrated on what he was there for he went for it. "What should I get Fluttershy?" He asked Rarity. He didn't even have to ask for what, Rarity knew. She always knew. "Well, if you have the coin I can make you a dress for her! I've used her for experiments, so I have her measurements by memory! But, Big Mac if you two-” She cleared throat, “-get it on, just don't use protection. It's not as fun." Big Mac froze. The last part of her suggestion made him do a double-take. "Rarity, y’er just a freshman! Are you...?" he asked. "Oh! Goodness no! I just read a lot of Cosmopolitan magazine! They’re always giving tips about that sort of thing!" Big Macintosh took a defeated sigh and got up. His mind was so wrapped around what to give Fluttershy that he forgot to give Rarity a proper goodbye, or even let her know that he left. Rarity did not hear the bell go off, meaning someone had entered or left the store, so she kept on talking, the empty room unbeknownst to her. "So, anyway darling, did you hear about Pinkie's new plan for a...." From then on, nothing. Pinkie was too busy with her part-time job at Sugar Cube Corner to talk to, and all the good gifts were taken off the store shelves already. Big Macintosh was stuck, and he only had himself to blame for it. *** It was high noon at the town's bus station during Valentine's Day. Big Macintosh called in sick that day to be the only one to welcome Fluttershy home. He had his best clothes on, a rose, and a box of chocolate. He looked like a fool, or at least that’s what was he thought about himself. But to his relief, there was no one else around, which was the norm for the sleepy little bus stop. He was sitting on the only bench at the station, nearly falling asleep. What jolted him back to life was the sound of a familiar diesel engine that was getting louder. He stood to attention as the bus slowed down next to him and came to a complete stop. The sliding door opened and out came Fluttershy, who collapsed in Big Macintosh's arms. She and her bags’ momentum were enough to knock Big Macintosh over with her. Fluttershy's clothes, face, and hair were dirty and disheveled. She had bags under her eyes. "Big Macintosh?" She asked. "Yes?" "All I want for Valentine's Day this year is a hot bath and something clean to wear." She mumbled. "I think I can do that." Big Macintosh said with a wide grin, enjoying the fact his girlfriend was resting on his chest. It would’ve be better if it was somewhere not in public.