Applejack trotted down the path leading to Ponyville Elementary, greeting Sweetie Belle and Rarity with a pleasant “howdy” as they passed.
“Apple Bloom,” she called out, “Let’s get back to the farm so we can get started on –”
Applejack stopped suddenly as Big Macintosh stepped out of the schoolhouse, with Apple Bloom trailing a few steps behind him.
Applejack raised an eyebrow at her brother. “Hey now, didn’t you do this yesterday?”
“Eeyup.”
“Sure you don’t mind takin’ care of Apple Bloom this afternoon, too?" Applejack said. "It’ll be an awful lot of work, teaching her how to fix up the–"
“Nope.”
The pair trotted off down the path without another word.
“Alright, so I’ll head on to the apple stand and take over for Granny Smith in just a minute,” she called out.
Applejack heard the “eeyup” fading in the distance as she entered the schoolhouse. Cheerilee was alone inside, cleaning some math off the chalkboard.
“Oh, good afternoon Applejack,” she said, beaming. “Big Macintosh has –”
Applejack interrupted, “Picked up Apple Bloom for the last four school days in a row.”
“I know! He’s such a hard-working, upstanding, young gentlecolt, looking after his family like that.”
“Yeah, but I worry about him sometimes,” Applejack said. “He works so much that he never has the chance to meet anypony.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t say that,” replied Cheerilee. “On the days he runs the apple stand he talks to ponies all the time.”
“No, I mean meet anypony.” Applejack sighed. “I worry that he’ll spend his whole life all alone, with nopony special to share it with.”
“Aww, he’s just a little shy. It’s sweet that you care about him, but don’t worry so much. He’ll take things at his own pace, and figure something out on his own,” Cheerilee responded confidently.
“I dunno about that,” Applejack said. She frowned, pausing to think. Cheerilee was about to speak up, when Applejack simply said, “I gotta get to the apple stand.”
She left without another word.
That evening, Applejack sat in the library, explaining her problem to Twilight Sparkle. Twilight listened attentively, nodding while slowly sipping herbal tea.
“And when he does leave the farm, he’s always on family business. Either he’s bringing barrels of apples to the stand, or he’s meeting Apple Bloom after school.”
Applejack paused briefly to swipe a teacup off the table, upending it and draining it all at once. Twilight Sparkle used this break to get a word in edgewise.
“You can’t force this kind of thing, Applejack. It can be tough for someone like Big Macintosh to make friends, let alone try dating. He meets and talks to ponies all the time; I’m sure he’ll warm up to one of them,” she lectured calmly.
“Yes, but he just doesn’t make friends like I do. Just look, I have all you good friends. Big Mac’s talked to y’all plenty of times, but he doesn’t really know any of you.” On saying this, Applejack paused for thought.
Twilight delicately levitated the teapot to pour more tea into Applejack’s cup.
“Thanks, Twi,” said Applejack, picking up the cup to gulp it all down.
Twilight hesitantly said, “So, you’re thinking one of your friends should …”
“Yes! That’s it!” blurted out Applejack, splattering a few drops of tea on Twilight’s saucer, teapot, and mane. “I’ve got all these good friends, and I’m sure my brother’ll love to, y’know, get to know y’all and have fun!”
“And you think I can help with that?” Twilight asked with a frown.
“Well sure! Isn’t there a book about setting up dates in here somewhere?” Applejack asked.
Twilight’s eyes lit up and her frown quickly faded. “Of course there is!” she exclaimed.
She cheerfully scanned the top shelf, and levitated down a colorful soft cover book. Humming to herself, she set it down on the table and flipped through the pages, forwards and backwards, before letting it settle closed. A happy mare and stallion, both with heart-shaped cutie marks decorated the cover, underneath the title 44 Fabulous First Dates.
“We just got it,” said Twilight proudly. “It’s from the editors of Cosmarepolitan magazine, so you know it’ll be full of really great stuff.”
Twilight’s eyes twinkled as she quickly read the first few pages. Applejack scooted up next to her.
“So, ummm,” Applejack said.
“According to Cosmare, a good first date should allow for plenty of conversation, be in a non-crowded place where there are nonetheless other ponies nearby. Hmm …”
“So, should we set him up with?” Applejack asked. “I reckon we could try tomorrow afternoon.”
A purple glow engulfed the pages, causing them to fly by as Twilight spoke. “Tomorrow afternoon? Rarity has big order of hats to work on, so she’ll be busy,” said Twilight, her eyes glued to 44 Fabulous First Dates. “Ooh, you can do it in a gazebo; that’s a smart idea. There’s a storm tomorrow night, and Rainbow Dash is heading to Cloudsdale to pick up some cumulonimbus clouds from the factory. Ooh, isn’t that outfit adorable? I think Pinkie Pie has tomorrow afternoon off. Ooh, I could never do that in public, no matter how handsome the stallion is!” Twilight blushed a little as she continued. “Here’s a good idea, a picnic!”
“Well, there is a nice park near Apple Bloom’s school,” Applejack ventured. “There’s a pond there where ducks like to swim around.”
“That’s perfect! Feeding the ducks is the perfect conversation starter, see?” said Twilight, pointing a hoof at an illustration of a laughing couple tossing crumbs to ducks. “So, I’ll just brew up tea for two –”
“Y’know that I really love your tea, but Big Mac isn’t much of a tea drinker,” said Applejack, punctuating her statement by picking up the tea pot and pouring the last couple swallows of tea directly into her mouth.
Twilight Sparkle’s mouth was wide open as she stared at Applejack, temporarily distracted from her book. 44 Fabulous First Dates flew shut and remained shut until Applejack put down the pot, licked her lips, and sighed contentedly.
Silence filled the room.
At last, Twilight broke the silence, saying “Okay, just bring a bottle of …”
“Apple juice,” suggested Applejack.
“Sure, and I’ll talk to Pinkie Pie in the morning. I’m sure she’ll pick out some great snacks from Sugar Cube Corner,” said Twilight.
“Okay, we’re all set. My brother and Pinkie Pie will have a first date that will be truly special,” Applejack proclaimed.
“I think you mean pleasant and relaxing,” corrected Twilight.
Applejack looked at Twilight quizzically.
Twilight Sparkle held up the book and continued. “The picnic in the park is one of the pleasant and relaxing dates, numbers 1 to 14. The truly special first date ideas are numbers 37 to 44.”
“Um, sure,” said Applejack tentatively. “I’m sure Pinkie Pie will show my brother a pleasant and relaxing afternoon.”
Twilight caught Pinkie Pie at Sugar Cube Corner, eating a midmorning snack during the lull that followed the breakfast rush. She was cheerful, and excited to help her in any way.
“Oh, I’m so excited!” she beamed. “Isn’t this exciting, Mrs. Cake?”
Mrs. Cake may have nodded once as she quietly continued to clean up the counter top.
Without pausing an instant, she continued, “Of course I’ll help you, Twilight! You know that I’m always ready to help you in any way!”
Twilight glanced down at 44 Fabulous First Dates, then back at Pinkie. She began, “Okay, we need –”
“So, watcha need?” Pinkie Pie interrupted, her face hovering over the book.
Twilight tightened her lips and took a deep breath. Pinkie Pie was actually remaining silent, and watching Twilight with bated breath. She continued, “Applejack and I are worried about Big Macintosh.”
She paused for a moment, prepared for Pinkie Pie to interject her observations on Big Macintosh. Instead, she took a bite off of a cherry Danish, her big gleaming eyes staying fixed on Twilight Sparkle.
“He’s been working too hard on family business, and not taking enough time for himself. We’re worried that he has nopony in his life outside of his family.” She paused again. “We’re getting him to take the afternoon off and take a break down at Duck Lake Park.”
Without expressing her feelings on ducks, lakes, or parks, Pinkie Pie popped the last bite of Danish in her mouth and nodded. A single crumb fell out of the corner of her mouth, landing on Cosmare's "Top Tips for Fun in the Sun."
Twilight blew the crumb away, and resumed warily, “We were hoping you could pack a snack for the two of you and meet him at the park. You know, eat, relax, chat, feed the ducks, that sort of thing.”
Pinkie Pie began shaking. She swallowed the last of her Danish, and then exploded into action.
“Oh wow! You bet I can do that sort of thing! If there’s one thing Pinkie Pie knows almost as good as parties, it’s picking quality baked goods for snacking! Isn’t that right, Mrs. Cake?” She took a big breath, and without even looking to see Mrs. Cake nod silently, she continued. “And can I get some two-day old bread to feed the ducks, and oh, I haven’t worn this bonnet of mine in forever; it’s perfect for the park!”
Pinkie Pie bounced all over Sugar Cube Corner, grabbing a little basket lined with frilly lace, and tossing in some old rolls, fresh pastries, an old-fashioned gray bonnet, and a variety of colored ribbons (“Because this bonnet’s so bland without them!” Pinkie exclaimed).
“Having a relaxing afternoon in the park is a wonderful idea,” she shouted gleefully, “This will be like a date for just the two of us! I’m so excited!”
Twilight Sparkle heaved a sigh of relief and turned her attention back to her book. “Now, there are a few ideas on what to do in the park. There’s a gazebo that overlooks Duck Lake, and something special can happen under the shelter of the gazebo.” She ran her eyes down the page and blushed a little.
“Sheltering gazebo? Great plan. Got it,” said Pinkie Pie, pulling her head out of a cabinet, knocking stacks of napkins and paper plates on the floor. “C’mon, keep ‘em coming.”
“Wow, Pinkie’s really into this,” Twilight said to herself, smiling. “I think it’ll actually work. Okay Pinkie, you need a blanket or tablecloth.”
“One step ahead of you, Twilight,” said Pinkie Pie, picking up a white tablecloth embroidered with pink and blue balloons, and stuffing it in the basket.
“Keep ‘em coming!”
That afternoon, Applejack trotted up to the family apple stand, and stopped, her mouth agape.
Big Macintosh was running the stand, eeyuping his way through many a transaction, wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat on his head.
Applejack stomped up to him. “Why the hay are you wearing that old thing?” she quizzed, staring daggers at the hat.
Big Macintosh rolled his eyes upward. The sky was perfectly clear, and the sun was shining brightly.
“Keepin’ the sun out of your eyes?” She said.
Big Macintosh looked blankly at Applejack, not even saying a single word to her.
“You know that makes you look like a hick, don’t you?” she advised.
“Eeyup.”
Applejack looked her brother straight in the eye. “You ought to take a break now.”
“Nope.”
“Consarn it, I have a friend who’s concerned about you working too hard. She’s got a nice snack ready for you, and you’re gonna eat it!” she proclaimed, still looking him in the eye.
Big Macintosh opened his mouth to say something, but thought better of it.
“She’s waiting in Duck Lake Park. You know where that is, right?” Without waiting for him to respond, she continued, “I’ll take over the apple stand. Just get over there, alright?”
Big Macintosh again opened his mouth to say something, and again thought better of it.
“G’wan! Skedaddle!” she said firmly.
Big Macintosh closed his mouth, raised an eyebrow at Applejack, and turned to leave.
“Take this apple juice with you,” she said, putting a bottle and a couple cups in his saddle pack. She also swiped the hat off his head, and unceremoniously stuffed it in his pack.
Big Macintosh sighed, and moseyed off toward the park.
When Big Macintosh arrived at the park, he heard a cheery “Yoo-hoo!” from near the lake.
There stood Pinkie Pie, wearing an old-fashioned light gray bonnet with blue ribbons. A cloth was spread out on the ground beside her, covered with sweet snacks.
Big Macintosh scanned the park, looking from left to right. The sun shone brightly on some ducks that were landing on the lake. A gray pegasus with a blonde mane was poking around a little round white building that was open on all sides. Pinkie Pie stood waving at him. A few ponies with musical instruments were talking to each other at the other end of the park.
Seeing no other options, Big Macintosh walked up to Pinkie Pie. From his pack, he produced a bottle with a drawing of an apple, and two cups. He set them gently on the cloth.
“Good afternoon, Mac!” she squealed.
“Eeyup.”
Pinkie Pie looked at him sternly, and approached very close to him. The edge of her bonnet brushed against his ear, causing it to twitch slightly.
“Oh, Macintosh, you big silly,” she said smirking, “Honestly, ‘eeyup?’ What kind of greeting is that? You can’t just say ‘eeyup’ when somepony says ‘good afternoon’ to you.”
“Nope?”
“Nope! Let’s try this again,” she said, again taking on a very serious expression. “I say, ‘Good afternoon, Mac!’ and you say …”
“Good … afternoon Pinkie?” said Big Macintosh, taking a step back.
Pinkie’s expression brightened. “Yay!” she beamed. Pinkie picked up a cupcake with pink and blue frosting, and held it in front of his face. “Here, have a bite!” she offered.
Big Macintosh again scanned the park. The ducks were swimming in circles on the pond. The band was approaching the building, as the gray pegasus set up some music stands inside. Nopony was paying any attention to them. He shrugged, and used his teeth to grab the cupcake out of her hoofs, putting it all in his mouth at once. He then swallowed it in one gulp.
Pinkie Pie sat down on her haunches right net to him, poured some apple juice, and sighed contentedly. “Oh, Macintosh, it’s such a beautiful day, isn’t it?”
“Eeyup,” he said. “It’s nice,” he added hastily.
The band filled up the little building, each member preparing a stringed or brass instrument. The gray pegasus produced her own trumpet and joined them. In front of them stood a dignified looking navy blue unicorn with white hair, and a conductor’s baton for a cutie mark. He levitated an identical-looking baton, tapped it on his music stand, and the band began to play.
When she heard the song, she perked up her ears, and hastily chewed and swallowed the rest off her muffin. “Oh, Macintosh!” she exclaimed, a few crumbs falling from the edges of her mouth. “I love this song!”
And in a bright and cheery voice, she began to sing:
Everpony loves somepony sometime Everypony falls in love somehow Something in your eyes just told me That sometime is now.
As the band launched into the refrain, Pinkie gushed, “Oh, this song is such a classic. Everypony loves it.”
“Eeyup.” Big Macintosh waited for Pinkie Pie to continue, but instead, she just raised an eyebrow at him. “Err … Everypony loves ‘Everypony Loves Somepony,’” he managed.
“You know this song too, don’t you?” she enthused.
“Eeyup.”
“So what are you waiting for?” she asked.
Big Macintosh rolled his eyes, and took a deep breath. In a rich bass voice, he sang:
Everypony finds somepony someplace There's no telling where love may appear Something all around is saying That someplace is here.
“Yay!” squealed Pinkie Pie. “Isn’t that just the dreamiest song that puts you in the loviest doviest mood?”
“Nope.”
Pinkie Pie didn’t hear his response, as she was looking around the park, eyeing every tree. “Twilight said something about taking shelter under a gazebo,” she murmured. “Hey Big Mac! What kind of tree is that?” she said, pointing a hoof at a large tree whose branches cast a shadow over the edge of lake.
“That’s an oak,” he said plainly.
“No, the one behind it,” she said, taking a couple steps toward it.
“That’s another oak,” he said, pulling out his hat, and putting it on his head.
“Aww …” she said, dejected. “And that one’s a pine, right?”
“Eeyup.”
“Are we ever going to find a nice gazebo to take shelter from the sun and maybe have a little bit of privacy?” she whined.
He picked up a big cookie and cast his eyes toward the band. They were still in the building, doing a rendition of “Boogie Woogie Bugle Colt.”
“Nope,” said Big Macintosh.
“Oh, phooey,” said Pinkie Pie. When she turned to face him, the edge of her bonnet brushed the brim of his hat. “Oh, a hat! What’s this for?”
Big Macintosh looked blankly at her for a full minute, but this did not diminish the eager look on her face. “Keeping the sun out of my eyes,” he finally said.
“Oh, it’s your own special shelter from the sun,” she said, nodding. Then, to herself, she said, “I got it! That’s what Twilight was talking about. The magic happens under his hat!”
She then undid her bonnet, and quickly darted under his hat. She planted a big kiss on his cheek, exclaiming “Mwah!”
The wind caught Pinkie’s bonnet, and it tumbled toward into lake. Big Macintosh sat stock-still, his eyes suddenly wide.
The gray pegasus flew on top of the building and launched into a solo. Her eyes shook wildly as her hooves tapped furiously, much to the consternation of the director. Big Macintosh’s eyes remained fixed straight ahead.
He dropped his cookie into his cup of apple juice, knocking it over, and spilling it all over Pinkie’s slice of cake. But Pinkie didn’t notice. She was refastening her bonnet, her hooves wet in the edge of the lake.
Big Macintosh watched in stunned silence (rather than his usual calm silence) as Pinkie gleefully ripped up some stale rolls and tossed the pieces near the lakeside. Ducks came up out of the water. They pecked greedily at the bread as Pinkie Pie crept up on them. One duck noticed her and pecked at her with an angry “quack!” Pinkie angrily quacked back, and stomped a hoof down on the ground, sending the ducks fleeing.
Pinkie Pie frolicked with the ducks, splashing muddy water all over the ducks, herself, and her nice bonnet. Big Macintosh regained his composure. He picked out half of the remaining snacks, stuffed them all into his mouth at once, and walked away, chewing slowly.
Soon, Big Macintosh arrived at the playground outside of the school. Apple Bloom and her two best friends were huddled together, whispering something. He paused near them for a moment.
“Oh, good afternoon Big Macintosh,” called Cheerilee from the entrance to the schoolhouse.
Big Macintosh automatically opened his mouth to say something, but stopped. After a moment’s thought, he smiled and said “Good afternoon, Miss Cheerilee.”
“I did it!” exclaimed Pinkie Pie. “I kissed Big Macintosh under his gazebo! Something special was buzzing in the air! It was so exciting!”
Applejack and Twilight Sparkle looked up from their herbal tea in shock.
“Pinkie,” Twilight finally said, “how did you get in here? I keep the library closed up this late in the evening.”
Just as Twilight said, the front door to the library was securely locked. All of the books were neatly put away. Even Spike was napping upstairs. Twilight’s tea set laid out on the table was the only sign that anypony was using the place.
“Oh, I couldn’t wait until morning, so I came over right after this evening’s storm broke. I also couldn’t wait for you to answer the door. I couldn’t even wait to say ‘Hi, Twilight! Hi, AJ!’ because I had to tell you right away that I did it!”
Applejack and Twilight looked at each other, looks of uncertainty painted across their faces, as Pinkie Pie paused to breathe.
“So, how’d you get in?” asked Applejack.
“Oh, that’s easy. I used the window,” said Pinkie Pie, pointing to the big, open, round hole overlooking the staircase.
“What!” shouted Twilight.
She galloped out the front door and around the side of the library, crying “Oh, no!”
“So, Pinkie,” said Applejack, “you kissed him in the gazebo?”
“Yup!” said Pinkie. “Or rather, he was in the gazebo, and I was poking my head under the gazebo. There wasn’t room for both of us under it.”
“Really?” said Applejack, confused. “That gazebo’s pretty big. Once I saw a whole jazz octet perform in it.”
“A jazz octet performing in a single gazebo?” she laughed. “You’re so silly Applejack. You can’t fit eight whole ponies in a single gazebo. Besides, a gazebo’s more of a folksy thing than a jazzy thing, you know?”
“Err, no, I don’t,” said Applejack hesitantly.
A round window frame rolled in the front door, covered in a purple glow. Twilight came in behind it with a tired expression on her face. She rolled the frame into a corner of the room, using her magic to gently set it down.
“Anyway, after I kissed Big Macintosh, I decided to play with the ducks. And I fed them some two-day old bread. And they loved it! Then I figured that if they liked two-day old bread, they would really like three-month old bread. But they wouldn’t eat that at all,” she said with a sigh.
“So, did Big Macintosh feed the ducks with you? Did you have a nice quiet heart-to-heart talk while enjoying the peace of nature?” asked Twilight, looking at 44 Fabulous First Dates out of the corner of her eye.
“Nope! He didn’t want to feed the ducks at all. But he really likes my snacks – he ate all the ones I picked out for him,” she said with glee.
Applejack leaned toward Twilight. “When Pinkie was feeding the ducks, he ditched her to pick up Apple Bloom at school,” she whispered with a frown.
“Ouch. Harsh,” opined Twilight.
“So, what happens now?” asked Pinkie Pie. “Do we have a second date right away, or should I first have a party to celebrate my date with Big Macintosh? Who do I invite to a party like that, anyway? Oh! Can the second date be a party to celebrate our first date?”
“We should hold off on the party for now,” suggested Twilight. “And the second date.”
“Hold off on the party?” asked Pinkie Pie, close to tears, her lower lip quivering. She took a deep breath. “Okey-dokey-lokey!” she said cheerfully.
“It’s alright, Pinkie,” Twilight said with a warm smile, “don’t feel so bad about …”
Twilight’s voiced trailed off as Pinkie Pie cheerfully bounced out of the window.
“Well, ain’t that something?” offered Applejack.
“You don’t know the half of it. She undid the nails on the window frame with a screwdriver,” said Twilight, levitating an oddly twisted nail in front of them.
They both sighed and turned back to their tea.
“What were we thinkin’ anyway? Pinkie Pie having a nice, quiet, duck-feeding trip to the park?” Applejack moaned.
“Really. That’s more of a Fluttershy thing,” replied Twilight with a smile.
“Yeah,” Applejack chuckled, “Nothin’ you can tell Fluttershy about how to feed ducks.”
Twilight flipped the book to date number 22 and cheerfully pointed a hoof at it, but she was interrupted by a quiet but insistent, “Excuse me.”
There, hovering just inside the window, was Fluttershy.
“Oh, hello Fluttershy,” said Twilight. “I didn’t see you there. Want some herbal tea?”
“Oh, no. I just came by to return this book on how to dress up your bunny,” Fluttershy said softly.
She landed next to the table, and set the stately How to Dress up Your Bunny (Volume 2, Ribbons, Hats, and Other Accessories) by the tea set.
“I would have come earlier,” she continued, “but I forgot that it was supposed to rain this evening, and I didn’t want to risk getting it wet. I’m sorry.”
“Not a problem, Fluttershy,” reassured Twilight Sparkle.
Fluttershy looked at the pair nervously.
“Anything else, sugarcube?” asked Applejack.
“Oh, it’s nothing, really. It’s just … were you talking about me? Did you need my help for anything? I know a lot about ducks, if that’s what you need. It wouldn’t be any trouble at all,” offered Fluttershy.
“No,” said Twilight. “Oh, wait, yes! Tomorrow afternoon, ‘Bubble ’n’ Pop’ is playing a free concert at Duck Lake Park. They’re a jazz band. It’s just some local amateurs having fun.”
Twilight surreptitiously slid the book back to Applejack, tapping date number 22 with a hoof.
“Are you worried that the ducks won’t like it? That would be a problem,” said Fluttershy, with a look of sincere concern. “Missus Quackeline in particular prefers classical music.”
“No, that’s not it,” interrupted Twilight.
“Oh, are you afraid the concertgoers might bother the ducks?” fretted Fluttershy. “Don’t worry, I’ll protect them.” Fluttershy punctuated this quiet proclamation by planting four hooves firmly on the floor, jutting out her chest, and shyly casting her eyes downward. “Or at least I’ll get them out of harm’s way,” she finished.
“No, that’s not it at all,” said Twilight. “I was just wondering if you’d like to go to the concert with Applejack’s brother. You know Big Macintosh, don’t you?”
“We’re … acquainted,” said Fluttershy.
“Well he just loves jazz. Isn’t that right, AJ?” she said with a conspiratorial wink.
“Huh?” said Applejack, looking up from the book with a start. “Oh, yeah, ever since he was a colt.”
Applejack produced a booklet of family photos. She flipped to a picture of a young Big Macintosh wearing a black beret and dark glasses, casually sitting next to a double bass.
Fluttershy and Twilight both looked at the photo and smirked, barely suppressing their laughter.
Without looking up from the book, Applejack asked “Somethin’ wrong?”
“Nope!” said Fluttershy and Twilight at the same time.
“Good,” said Applejack. “Now I reckon this concert will be a fun time for all. It will give the new couple – I mean both of y’all a chance to chat, or just relax and listen to music. It’s an opportunity for making some memories. Together.”
Applejack looked up from the book. “How’d I do?” she whispered to Twilight.
“Great!” she whispered back.
“Oh, I don’t know. I was hoping Angel and I could spend tomorrow afternoon…” Fluttershy said uncertainly. “No! You’re right. Big Macintosh’s duty to the family made him give up on his hope of living the bohemian lifestyle of a jazz musician. But he must hold on to this fondly-remembered dream!”
She boldly stepped up onto the table. Twilight scooted her tea set out of the way, while Applejack stashed the magazine under the table.
Fluttershy very softly stamped a hoof down and continued, “And if I must be the one who keeps a glimmer of hope alive …” Fluttershy trailed off. “Must I?” she asked softly.
“Umm –“started Twilight.
“Yes, I must!” continued Fluttershy. “I must be the one. Applejack, I will be at the park tomorrow afternoon. And I assure you, your brother’s childhood dream will not fade away!”
Twilight and Applejack gazed on with awe as Fluttershy floated up from the table, and gently flitted out the window, smiling brightly with a gentle squeal.
“Well, that was easier than I expected,” said Twilight. “Now you just have to get Big Macintosh to show up.”
“What, are you kidding me?” said Applejack. “He’ll show up for sure. Like I said, my brother loves jazz.”
Big Macintosh trotted down the path and into the park, cheerfully humming some barely-remembered song from his youth.
He scanned the park, looking from right to left.
The band was already deployed inside the gazebo with the exception of two gray pegasi with trumpets, arguing over who should perform from the roof. The unicorn conductor was frantically trying to wave them down to ground level.
A few dozen ponies were waiting nearby, chatting, eating, or just relaxing.
The lake itself was calm and nearly empty. The only creatures nearby were a single duck and a single pony. The duck let out a loud, unpleasant “quack” and took off.
“No, wait, Missus Quackeline!” cried Fluttershy. “I know classical music is good, but you should really broaden your horizons.”
Big Macintosh walked up to the lake, watching the duck fly away. Fluttershy jumped back with an “eep.”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” she said, “I didn’t mean for you to see me arguing with a duck like that. I hope you don’t think me rude for raising my voice …”
“Nope,” said Big Macintosh, as Fluttershy’s voice trailed off.
In the distance the two pegasi settled into the gazebo, casting wary glances at each other, as the conductor levitated his baton. The crowd’s conversations died down to whispers, and the band began to play “Sophisticated Filly.”
Fluttershy sat down next to Big Macintosh. He swayed slowly to the beat of the song, and tapped his hooves gently. Several times, he sighed a soft “eeyup,” causing Fluttershy to jump back a few inches with a start. By the time the song was over, she was sitting at the edge of the lake, staring at her reflection.
He let out one more contented sigh, and sat down beside her.
“I hear they’re going to do a couple standards by Colt-Rein,” he ventured.
“I …” Fluttershy started. “Umm …”
Big Macintosh continued, “I hope they play ‘Lazy Pegasus.’”
“Umm … or maybe ‘Stompin’ at the Savoy?’ Angel loves that one,” said Fluttershy. “Actually, I think he just likes stomping.”
“Nope,” said Big Macintosh. “That’s ‘The Prince of Swing,’ Benny Goodmane.”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” squeaked Fluttershy, “I don’t actually have many jazz records.”
Big Macintosh craned his neck to stare intently at the band. Fluttershy whimpered and backed away from him. He didn’t seem to notice.
The band began to play “Lover Stallion (Where Can You Be).” Big Macintosh again swayed slowly in time with the music.
Fluttershy stared at the ground for awhile, and then perked her ears up with a shy smile.
“Oh, I know this one,” she ventured. “It’s one of ‘Fillie’ Holiday’s famous songs.”
She took a couple steps toward Big Macintosh and sang softly to him:
Someday we'll meet And you'll dry all my tears Then whisper sweet Little things in my ears A-hugging and a-kissing Oh, what we've been missing Lover stallion, where can you be?
Big Macintosh smiled, tapped a hoof to Fluttershy’s singing, and sighed a soft “eeyup.”
“’Eeyup?’ Oh, good! Does that mean you really will …” Fluttershy stammered, “whisper sweet … umm … a-hugging and a- … oh dear. Did I just sing that?”
Fluttershy blushed a bright red as she slinked away from the lake to a nearby oak tree.
When the song ended, the two pegasus trumpet players began to argue over which song should come next. Big Macintosh slowly slid out of his reverie, and realized that he was alone. He looked around and saw Fluttershy under an oak tree, engaged in a hushed conversation.
“No, that hat doesn’t go with that outfit,” she chided. “You should wear this one instead. I’ve been reading up on it and – oh dear, I seem to have accidentally dropped it. And you seem to have accidentally kicked it away.”
Something tiny and white flew past Fluttershy and landed in front of Big Macintosh. He looked down and saw a sailor cap, smaller than his hoof. It had a black silk ribbon tied around it, neatly embroidered with the name “Angel.” He delicately picked it up between his teeth and approached the oak tree.
Standing on a gnarled root was a little bunny. He was wearing a white sailor’s suit with the traditional navy blue collar, paired with a less-than-traditional olive green soldier’s helmet. He held some neatly-folded camouflage clothing between his front paws.
Fluttershy swiped the sailor cap from Big Macintosh, startling him. She gave him a sly wink.
“Now Angel, sweetie,” she said in a sing-song voice, “I got you that soldier helmet so you could wear the whole soldier uniform later. Now be a good lil’ Angel and take off that hat.”
She reached toward the hat with an empty hoof, causing Angel to scurry back away from her. But Big Macintosh was already there. He took a deep breath, and – WOOSH – the helmet flew off of Angel’s head. Fluttershy quickly brought the sailor hat down on his head, produced a little strap, and tied it off under his chin.
“There we are. Isn’t my little Angel just adorable now?” she said in an excessively cute voice.
“Eeyup.”
Angel’s paws frantically pushed at the sailor hat, but the strap barely gave at all. Eventually, he just crossed his front paws in front of his chest and pouted as Fluttershy squealed with delight.
“So, did Rarity make that outfit for you?” Big Macintosh asked hesitantly.
“No, I just bought some dolly clothes and altered them to fit Angel. Twilight’s library was ever so helpful,” she replied cheerfully. “Rarity did embroider Angel’s name on the tally, but everything else was my own work.”
He picked up the little camouflage clothing and said, “I recognize the soldier outfit. That’s from Major Starbright.”
“A Real Equestrian Hero!” sang Fluttershy and Big Macintosh with a chuckle.
“I had to use a unicorn’s outfit. The earth ponies are much taller than Angel,” she said.
“And Angel doesn’t need pegasus wing holes,” said Big Macintosh.
Angel jumped up and grabbed the soldier’s outfit from Big Macintosh. He frantically jammed the jacket on over his sailor suit and tried to button it.
“Now Angel, what have I told you about mismatched clothes?” quizzed Fluttershy as she pulled the jacket off. “Mismatched clothes aren’t cool. You want to look cool, don’t you?”
Angel shook his head and frowned.
“I think he looks very cool,” said Big Macintosh.
Angel’s frown deepened.
“There, did you hear that? Everypony thinks you look great! Let’s go show you to everyone,” she said, beaming.
As Fluttershy reached for Angel, his eyes widened in panic. He scurried away from her. He ran through the crowd of ponies, eliciting several gasps of surprise. He stormed into the gazebo, and was quickly picked up by a glow emanating from the conductor. He levitated Angel slowly toward the crowd. Several ponies “aww”ed at him as he floated amongst them. A little pink filly tried to grab him, but he narrowly escaped, and bolted out of the park.
“Aww,” said Big Macintosh and Fluttershy as Angel hopped down the tree-lined path.
Fluttershy tore her eyes away from Angel and noticed that she was sitting so close to Big Macintosh that they were nearly touching. She self-consciously took a couple steps away.
“So, do you dress up any of your other animals?” asked Big Macintosh.
“Umm … no,” whispered Fluttershy, staring at the ground.
Back at the gazebo, the blonde-maned gray pegasus flew up on top of the gazebo. The conductor rolled his eyes, and with an exaggerated sigh led the band through “Boogie Woogie Bugle Colt.”
Big Macintosh tapped his hooves, easily keeping up with the frantic rhythm of the band.
“Oh, I know this one,” said Fluttershy,”umm …”
She took a deep breath and sang softly to Big Macintosh:
They made him blow a bugle for his Auntie ‘Tia, All the soldiers stomped and clopped their hooves with awe. He was the top colt in his craft, Until his number came up and he was gone to the draft.
Fluttershy gasped. “No wait,” she said hurriedly, “did I skip to the second verse in the middle of the first?”
Big Macintosh tapped his hooves, quietly singing, “Eeyup. Eeyup. A-eeyupityadd-eeyup.”
“Oh, you’re right,” she whimpered, “I don’t really know anything about this kind of music. My friends just wanted me to help you enjoy the music, and I’ve failed. I’m so sorry.”
Fluttershy flew away crying, as Big Macintosh continued to hum and tap his hooves.
Fluttershy flew straight for Sweet Apple Acres. She quickly spotted Applejack and Twilight Sparkle setting up a ping pong table inside the house. She flew inside, landed, and then froze, unable to think of what to say.
“Howdy, Fluttershy,” said Applejack. “Is the concert over already?”
Fluttershy just whimpered in response.
“It’s supposed to last another hour,” said Twilight. “Big Macintosh didn’t walk out did he?”
“I f…” whimpered Fluttershy.
“Beg pardon,” said Applejack.
“I fai…” Fluttershy said weakly.
“Did something go wrong? Did they cancel the show?” asked Twilight.
“I failed!” sobbed Fluttershy.
“What do you mean you failed? You failed to listen to the music with Big Macintosh?” said Twilight with concern.
“I’m not good enough to enjoy music with Big Macintosh. I’m a boogie-woogie-washout,” said Fluttershy.
“Sugarcube? What does that even mean?” queried Applejack.
“You need to talk about this?” said Twilight.
“No. I just need to go home and get my mind off it,” said Fluttershy wiping her tears away. “If you need me, I’ll be sewing handkerchiefs into bunny-sized pirate caps.”
Fluttershy sniffled as she flew away, her head hanging low. Applejack and Twilight Sparkle stared until she was just a speck on the horizon.
“So, where’s Big Macintosh?” asked Twilight.
“If I know my brother, no force short of a cyclone can pull him away from that concert,” said Applejack.
Back at the park, the band finished up their final number, “Lazy Pegasus.” Two reclining pegasus trumpeters slid off the top of the gazebo and onto the ground.
Big Macintosh stopped swaying his head, and sighed one final “eeyup.”
He said, “By the way, Fluttershy, I think you skipped the first verse of …”
His voice trailed off as he looked around. It was no surprise to him that Fluttershy was no longer at his side. But he was surprised that she was no longer near the lake, the oak tree, or indeed, anywhere in the park. The crowd was already dispersing; the park was emptying; Fluttershy was nowhere to be seen.
“Hmm …” he murmured to himself. “Am I really that …”
He stood under the oak tree and thought for awhile. By the time he left for home, the band was completely cleared out, the ducks had come back to the pond, and the sun had begun to set.
The next day, Big Macintosh walked down the path to the school, effortlessly hauling a large wagon full of pieces of wood.
“Good afternoon, Miss Cheerilee,” he said. “Howdy, kiddo.”
“Howdy, Mac!” said Apple Bloom, cheerfully.
“What have you got there?” asked Cheerilee, pointing at the wagon.
“It’s one of our market stalls,” said Apple Bloom, clambering up into the wagon. “This is our medium-sized one. It comes apart into six pieces for easy transport. See, this piece connects to this piece right here.”
Apple Bloom dug through the wagon, holding up pieces and pushing them together.
“We’ve been showing her how we put together the stalls,” said Big Macintosh.
“But y’all won’t let me fix it up myself!” complained Apple Bloom.
“I’m sure that when you’re a big pony, your family will give you more responsibilities,” said Cheerilee.
“I am so a big pony!” proclaimed Apple Bloom.
She dug up the sign and tried to demonstrate where it fit on top of the stall, until she realized that she was trying to attach it underneath the bottom piece.
“So why is the stall broken up already? It’s only mid-afternoon,” said Cheerilee.
“We sold out of today’s stock early!” announced Big Macintosh triumphantly.
“Yippee!” squealed Apple Bloom.
“So, y’all want a ride?” offered Big Macintosh. “I know you live near the farm, Miss Cheerilee; it’s not out of the way.”
“Are you sure it’s okay?” she responded. “I don’t want to be a burden.”
“I can haul the big market stall, and enough apples to stock the whole thing,” said Big Macintosh matter-of-factly. “I can haul the medium market stall and two ponies, no problem. Or even one and a half ponies.”
He smirked at Apple Bloom. After a few seconds, something dawned on her.
“Hey, whaddaya mean half pony!” she complained.
Cheerilee covered her mouth with a hoof, barely suppressing a giggle.
“Oh, okay,” said Cheerilee.
She sat down in the front of the wagon, directly behind Big Macintosh. She relaxed as Big Macintosh easily hauled the wagon away. Apple Bloom remained in the back, holding up pieces of the stall, and mumbling to herself about what goes where.
“Apple Bloom’s really something, isn’t she?” said Cheerilee.
As Big Macintosh pulled the wagon through the front gate of Sweet Apple Acres, Apple Bloom sat at the front, a look of concentration on her face.
“Dunno,” she finally said, “salads, I guess.”
“What about flowers?” asked Big Macintosh.
“Daisies. Definitely,” she said.
“Hmm.”
Twilight Sparkle’s face was visible in a front window of the farm house. A ping pong paddle was levitating an inch above her horn. She smiled excitedly and let the paddle clatter on the table.
A few seconds later, she came out the front door with Spike perched on her back and Applejack at her side. At the same time, the wagon came to a rest in front of the house.
“Sold out early today?” asked Applejack with a smile.
“Eeyup.”
Her smile broadened. “Well, I’ve got some more good news,” she said.
Big Macintosh’s eyes slowly shifted over to Twilight, and then returned to Applejack with a blank stare.
“You know the Canterlot Flower Fair is ending tomorrow, right?” Applejack said.
“Eeyup.”
“You know the twins, Golden and Red Delicious, had a food stand at the fair?” she continued.
“Eeyup.” He blinked, and said, “Wait, had?”
“They can’t make it tomorrow. Family emergency. They’re letting us use their spot for the last day of the fair,” she said.
A bell sounded in Big Macintosh’s head as his eyes slowly spun around, turning into dollar signs. He gently lifted Apple Bloom out of the cart and onto the ground. Then, he took off toward the shed.
“I’ll get the big market stall packed up,” he called out.
“See? Easy,” said Applejack. “You just need to get Rainbow Dash or Rarity to come to the fair tomorrow, and she can have a date with Big Macintosh.”
“Super! Cosmare says that a fair makes a wonderful first date. I wonder who I should invite?” Twilight mused.
“Well, I’ll trust you to get that set up. I gotta go help Granny Smith. She’s bakin’ up a storm in there, and we’ll need lots of pies, fritters, and pastries for the fairgoers,” said Applejack. “See y’all at the fair tomorrow. You just drop by the stand any time in the morning and we’ll hammer out the details. We’ll be just east of the Lily Pavilion.”
Twilight trotted out the front gate and back toward town.
“So, Spike,” she said with a smirk, “can you give me any reasons to set up Big Macintosh on a date with Rainbow Dash rather than Rarity?”
“Actually, I’ve got an even better idea,” said Spike, confidently.
“Oh, really? How did you get to be such a big expert on dating?” she teased.
“Well as it turns out, Rarity is more than just a ‘trendy mare with a hoof on the pulse of the fashion industry.’ She’s also a ‘fun fearless filly,’” Spike responded.
“She’s a what, now?” said Twilight quizzically.
“I mean she doesn’t just have fashion magazines around her shop. She also subscribes to Cosmarepolitan,” he said triumphantly.
“And she lets you read them?” she said.
“She doesn’t really care what I do, so long as I don’t get in her way, and do anything she asks when she needs my help,” Spike replied.
“And what dating tidbit did you learn in Cosmare?” Twilight asked, rolling her eyes.
“Double dating! We can set up a date where I go with Rarity, and Big Macintosh goes with Rainbow Dash, all together. Just think about it. If Rarity has her friend Rainbow Dash at her side, she’ll feel more confident, and have no reason to be afraid,” said Spike.
“Oh, sure,” said Twilight sarcastically, “Rarity being afraid of you is exactly the kind of problem we need to avoid.”
“You better believe it. I can be pretty fierce,” boasted Spike, flashing his claws.
“Still, that might be a good idea. The more ponies we have there, the more likely somepony will get Big Macintosh to say something other than ‘eeyup’ or ‘nope,’” said Twilight.
“Then it’s settled,” said Spike, standing dramatically on Twilight Sparkle’s back. “Tomorrow, love will surely blossom at the Canterlot Flower Fair.”
The Canterlot fairgrounds were full of birds, full of butterflies, full of color, and full of many a happy pony. The outer road encircling the grounds was adorned with colorful banners from the nobles that graciously sponsored the event. Eight roads led inward from the eight compass points, each lined with vendors, pavilions for growers’ associations, and gated entrances to grazing fields that were filled with colorful flowers. And in the center, the Grand Dome was the most colorful thing of all. Trellises with honeysuckle, morning glory, and wisteria covered the normally bare outer walls. The plain white dome was draped with eight massive paintings, each showing an individual flower.
Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Twilight Sparkle, and Spike all walked in the west entrance (under a painting of a red rose) and marveled at the displays. They included the flowers that had won this year’s prizes, wreaths patterned after those worn by conquering heroes of centuries past, and corsages and boutonnières designed to match latest fashions. Coming out of the east entrance (under a painting of an orange lily), they commented that the displays were “awesome,” “stylish,” and “mouthwatering.” (Twilight had woken up late, and had to skip breakfast.)
They walked past the lily grazing field and the Lily Grower’s Association Pavilion and found the apple stand. Big Macintosh and Applejack were both standing behind a wide counter, handing out apples and apple-filled baked goods, and dropping coins into their apple-adorned white aprons.
“Hey, AJ. Hey, Mac,” said Twilight. “How’s it going?”
“Bit slow,” said Big Macintosh with a slight sigh, as he picked up a single coin with his mouth and dropped it in his apron.
“Aww, don’t worry, it’s still midmorning. It’ll pick up around lunch time,” said Applejack, filling a paper bag with a half-dozen apple turnovers.
Applejack and Twilight Sparkle smiled at each other knowingly.
“So Twi, did you catch what the other food vendors were selling?” asked Applejack.
“Hmm … looked like flowers mostly. Nopony else selling apples. But we just got here; we haven’t even looked at a quarter of the stands,” replied Twilight.
“Hey, Macintosh,” said Applejack. “Could you take a quick look-see at what everypony else is selling to eat? And check out the prices, too. We need to know if a discount is what we need to get more sales.”
Rainbow Dash’s ears twitched at the sound of the word “quick.”
“Eeyup,” said Big Macintosh as he took off his apron and upended it, pouring coins into a wooden box.
“You’d better hurry,” said Twilight with a grin. “Applejack will need your help when the lunch crowd hits.”
Rainbow Dash’s eyes widened at the sound of the word “hurry.”
“Don’t worry ‘bout him,” reassured Applejack, “He’ll be back in a jiffy. He can be really speedy when he needs to be. He’ll just race on around, and be back in a flash.”
“Hey!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash, spreading her wings proudly. “What about me? I can be back in a flash. I’m speedy. Why, I’m the jiffiest pony around! I can scout this place out way faster than your brother here.”
“Nope.”
Big Macintosh took off at a gallop toward the Grand Dome.
“You call that fast?” said Rainbow Dash, galloping after him.
Upon reaching the Grand Dome, Big Macintosh slowed down a little, swerved, and started up the northeast path. Right behind him, Rainbow Dash took to the air and flew over a small cluster of rose bushes. She swiftly banked into a 270-degree turn and landed one length in front of him, going at full speed.
As Big Macintosh sped on, his eyes panned from left to right, pausing briefly on every stall and every gated grazing pasture.
“C’mon slowpoke,” said Rainbow Dash as she slowed slightly until Big Macintosh was even with her. “You think you’re gonna catch me with moves like that?”
“Eeyup.”
Near the end of the northeast path, Big Macintosh turned left and cut between two pavilions, and leaped over a coconut shy. He landed on a strength tester game, sending the puck up to the top with a loud “ding!” He emerged at the end of the north path, and started galloping to the south.
Rainbow Dash again took off, flying over pavilions and landing on the north path. With a slight burst of speed, she caught up to Big Macintosh. They were running neck and neck down the path, so close that they were nearly touching.
She poked out her tongue at Big Macintosh with a “nyeah!” He ignored her, and continued to look left and right at the food vendors, occasionally craning his neck to look over Rainbow Dash.
“Well, it’s been fun, but it’s time to leave you behind now,” said Rainbow dash, gently bumping Big Macintosh’s flank with her own.
“Nope,” replied Big Macintosh, gently bumping her flank with his own.
Rainbow Dash gently tumbled aside into a clump of hibiscus bushes.
Big Macintosh took another corner, and sped up the northwest path.
She emerged from the bushes, gritting her teeth, breathing heavily, her tail and mane dotted with yellow hibiscus flowers. She narrowed her eyes, and rounded the corner, heading up the northwest path.
For several minutes, the pair raced up and down each of the eight paths. Rainbow Dash kept one eye on him, made wry comments about his speed, and took to the air whenever she needed to switch paths. Big Macintosh leapt over bushes, stands, and even small tents, as he kept his eyes on the path and on the stalls, saying nothing more than the occasional “nope.”
In the end, Rainbow Dash arrived back at the apple stand just as Big Macintosh reached the east edge of the east path.
“I did it!” she said triumphantly.
“Great!” said Applejack. “Now how about those grazing pastures? What are they charging?”
“Well, they’re all having a last day special … I think,” said Rainbow Dash. “I didn’t see the prices, but they’re all doing an all you can eat thing. Err …”
Big Macintosh came to a stop in front of the stand.
“All the grazing pastures are doing all you can eat specials for the last day. You get a timed ticket. They’re all the same price as the lily pasture over there,” he reported.
Rainbow Dash said, “Uhh, yeah, that’s what I –“
Big Macintosh interrupted, “No other apple stands, but one pony’s selling big mixed fruit baskets. They’re not selling too well.”
“Not surprising. Anypony who wants lots of food can pig out at a pasture,” commented Applejack. “What about baked goods?”
“The Cherry Jubilee farm has the usual assortment at the usual prices. Also, lots of elephant ears, bear claws, and crème alicorn horns,” continued Big Macintosh.
“With the little chocolate wings?” asked Applejack.
“Eeyup.”
“Gotta get me one of those,” she said. “Okay, individual pricing on the apples. Filled pastries gonna be a big seller.”
“Whoa, hold it,” said Rainbow Dash, mouth wide open. “You got all that just by running past everything?”
“Eeyup.”
She shut her gaping mouth, walked up next to him, and whispered in his ear, “Don’t tell AJ I said this, but I’m impressed. You’re almost as quick as me. You’re really good.”
“Eeyup,” he whispered back.
At that moment, Rarity came trotting down the path with Spike resting on her back. Her mane was neatly braided, with daisies at the end of the braids. She cast a knowing smile at Rainbow Dash.
“Hey, lookin’ good there, Rarity,” said Rainbow Dash with a grin. “I didn’t notice anypony doing flower braiding.”
Big Macintosh let out a single snort.
“I did it myself, darling,” said Rarity. “Normally, I’d only use ribbons, but since Twilight and I were in the daisy pasture, I simply had to add a little something different.”
“Did you do Twilight? Ooh, can you do me?” asked Rainbow Dash.
“Twilight was so intent on eating her daisies; I didn’t think it wise to disturb her,” said Rarity. “I think she’s still eating. Now, you, on the other hand … hmm …”
Rarity carefully inspected Rainbow’s mane, magically picking out hibiscus flowers.
“These flowers won’t do at all. White would be a better color for you,” Rarity commented. “I got it! Lilies. We can get some right over there at the grazing pasture.”
“Cool!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash. “I’m a little hungry anyway.”
“Why don’t you join them?” suggested Applejack to Big Macintosh. “Grab yourself a bite right now. You won’t have time to eat when everypony comes to our stand for lunch.”
“Eeyup.”
The four of them were the only ones inside the gated lily pasture. The center of the pasture had been grazed down to nothing but stems, but the edges were carpeted with trumpet-shaped white flowers.
Rainbow Dash lay down, the wooden fence about a yard to her right, and casually chewed on some flowers. Rarity sat down on her left and floated a comb through Rainbows mane, smoothing it out and eventually separating the red stripe from the rest. She popped a mirror into Rainbow’s hoof and began.
“Now Rainbow, the most basic kind of braid starts with three strands. You put each strand over the last like so,” she said in a sing-song voice.
“Oh, I see,” said Rainbow Dash, with one eye on Rarity in the mirror, and the other eye on the nearby lilies, which she occasionally sneaked a bite of.
Spike was mesmerized. His gaze was fixed on Rarity, as her hooves and a glow emanating from her horn moved in a delicate dance through Rainbow’s hair.
Big Macintosh was also fascinated. He kept his eyes on Rainbow as her hair carefully fell into place. She noticed his gaze, blushed a little, and turned away from him as much as Rarity would allow.
“And we put in a flower as we tie the ribbon at the end!” said Rarity triumphantly. “Now we can pull out each strand a little to make it seem a little fuller.”
“Cool!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash. “You think you could mix the colors up a little?”
“Of course!” beamed Rarity. “Let’s do a four-strand braid.”
She combed some more, and separated out two strands of orange hair and two strands of yellow hair.
“Now this is a little trickier,” she said. “Each strand needs to go over one, and under another.”
Rarity hummed as she effortlessly wove Rainbow’s hair, intermingling the orange with the yellow. Rainbow watched in the mirror, trying to avoid the staring eyes of Spike and Big Macintosh. Finally, Rarity tied on a little ribbon, tucking in a large white lily as she did.
Rainbow scarcely had the chance to admire her braids when Rarity stood up and wedged herself between her and the fence.
“Now, we can do the other side. Same braids, but I’ll go a little faster this time. Keep your eyes open!” she sang.
Spike clambered up the fence and sat down, his eyes glued to Rarity’s hooves. Big Macintosh unceremoniously plopped down right in front of Rainbow Dash, and kept his eyes focused on her mane.
Rainbow Dash nervously said, “Hey, Big Mac, do you mind, err … you know.”
He continued to stare at her mane as Rarity separated out three strands of red.
“Oh, never mind,” she said.
She held up the mirror between her face and his, and tried to concentrate on Rarity’s work. Under the watchful eyes of Big Macintosh and Spike, Rarity braided the right side of Rainbow’s mane identically to the left.
Rainbow stood up and admired herself in the mirror. “Yeah, I look awesome!” she said. “You gotta teach me how to do that sometime.”
“Some time?” said Rarity. “Why not now?”
She walked around the edge of the pasture to a large uneaten patch of lilies. Rainbow Dash watched for a while, then grinned and joined her.
“Oh, Big Macintosh,” called out Rarity in an ever-so-sweet voice, “be a doll and come over here for us.”
“Eeyup.”
He walked over to them and lay down on the cool ground between them.
“So first, we separate out three strands, right?” said Rainbow Dash.
“No, first we smooth it out,” corrected Rarity.
“Hmm?” queried Rainbow.
Rarity levitated some combs and brushes between them, and sang “Brushie, brushie, brushie!”
With a wicked grin, Rainbow grabbed a brush, and said “Brushie, brushie, brushie!”
As they ran their combs and brushes through his rough mane, their giggles could be heard all the way over to the Rose Pavilion. Oddly enough, so could Big Macintosh’s stoic silence.
As Rainbow Dash inexpertly tied a lily to the end of Big Macintosh’s first braid, Rarity smoothed out more of his mane.
“Oh thank you, you are such a big sweetie. Rainbow just loves having the chance to practice on you; don’t you darling?” she said sweetly.
“Yeah, thanks. You’re a real good sport,” said Rainbow Dash, as she stuffed a second lily into the ribbon before tightening it.
The two leaned down and simultaneously kissed him on each cheek.
From the fence, Spike moaned, “Why, oh why, don’t dragons have manes?”
“So how’d I do?” asked Rainbow Dash.
“Very good for your first try,” said Rarity, tugging and tightening a little.
“Can we practice the four strand braid next?” asked Rainbow Dash eagerly.
“Oh certainly,” said Rarity. “Big Macintosh here has plenty of mane to practice on.”
Back at the apple stand, two long lines had already formed.
“Thanks for your help, Twilight,” Applejack said between customers. “I’m sure Big Macintosh’ll be back from lunch soon.”
“Not a problem,” said Twilight, floating a pile of coins into her apron. “I wonder how he and Rainbow are getting …”
“Cat got your tongue, sugarcube?” asked Applejack.
Twilight pointed between the two lines. Big Macintosh was making his way through the crowd. His mane was woven into three braids on the left side, and four on the right. All of the braids were decorated with white lilies, some with just a single lily at the end, and some with a bunch of lilies awkwardly stuffed in between the strands.
Twilight and Applejack both covered their mouths with a hoof, and suppressed a laugh. Big Macintosh reached the stand, accompanied by hushed whispers from the crowd.
“Ain’t I a pretty pony?” he deadpanned.
Applejack, Twilight Sparkle, and several customers broke out into laughter. As they laughed, Big Macintosh got behind the stand and lifted the apron off of Twilight Sparkle.
Twilight said, “If you still need my help, I can –“
“Nope.”
Applejack said, “C’mon, don’t –“
“Nope.”
Big Macintosh put some apples on the counter and swiped some coins into his apron.
Twilight Sparkle ventured, “So, umm, how’d the –“
Applejack shushed her and gently shook her head no.
“So, I’ll just go see more of the fair,” said Twilight nervously. “See you later!”
“Eeyup.”
That evening, Applejack and Big Macintosh hauled their nearly-empty wagons back to Ponyville. Twilight Sparkle and the two siblings made the trip in a stony silence. Spike was silently napping in Twilight’s saddle pouch. Rainbow Dash and Rarity, on the other hand, were chattering non-stop beside them.
“So I said, ‘Rainbow, dear, you can’t put the flowers in like that. They’ll all fall out!’ But did she listen to me?” chided Rarity.
“Nope!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash. “I put ‘em right on in! And when Big Macintosh stood up, all but one ‘em fell right on out. It looked so silly, all alone, right in the middle of the braid!”
“Of course, I couldn’t bear to pull it out, so I just tied on another flower properly at the end of the braid. You know, to keep it company,” said Rarity.
Big Macintosh shook his mane. He had undone all of the braids except for a neat and simple three-strand braid at the end. However, a few lilies remained lodged in his mane. One of them fell out onto the ground.
“So,” Twilight asked Applejack and Big Macintosh, “You do okay at the fair?”
“Sure thing!”
“Eeyup.”
They continued to pull their wagons without looking at each other, or Twilight.
“Well, duh,” said Rainbow, “Didn’t you notice? Their stock sold out just before sundown.”
“You better believe it!”
“Eeyup.”
“So, we still on for the doubles ping pong tournament in two days?” Twilight asked.
“You bet I’m –“
“Eey –“
“I mean, sure I am, sugarcube,” said Applejack. “Just give me tomorrow to wind down. I’ll be ready for sure.”
“Alright. I’ll just leave you two and get on home,” she said, staring daggers at Rainbow and Rarity.
“Oh, sure thing,” said Rainbow.
“See you later, darling,” sang Rarity.
“So anyway, I noticed we had to spend a lot more time brushing out his mane than mine,” said Rainbow Dash.
“Well, yes, I find that a colt’s hair is always a bit more rugged and unruly than a lady’s,” said Rarity. “And besides, he has so much more of it!”
Twilight Sparkle trotted ahead with a soft “ugh,” leaving Applejack and Big Macintosh behind with Rarity and Rainbow Dash.
Twilight Sparkle trotted into Sweet Apple Acres humming a happy tune. Her purple ping-pong paddle floated about a hoofbreadth in front of her horn, and a ping-pong ball was bouncing up and down on it with a steady rhythm. She walked up to the farmhouse, bounced the ball off the front door a couple times, and then hit the ball far up in the air. As the ball flew, she rapped on the door with the handle of her paddle.
Applejack opened the door. Twilight stood slack-jawed in astonishment. Her paddle fell to the ground, followed quickly by the ball.
Applejack’s front left hoof was encased in a white cast.
“Applejack, what happened?” gasped Twilight.
“Yesterday afternoon, I was clearing the rocks out of the northeast field,” she said, pointing her injured hoof at an overgrown patch of land.
“All by yourself?” asked Twilight.
“Yeah, my brother was off doing somethin’,” she said. “So there I was, chuckin’ the small rocks, buckin’ the medium-sized rocks, and draggin’ the big rocks. Turns out, if a big rock is half-buried, it looks like a medium-sized one.”
“You bucked a big half-buried … Ow. Does it still hurt?” asked Twilight.
“It’s a little tender. Doc filled up the crack, put a cast on it, and told me not to put much weight on it. I can still walk, but I can’t gallop,” said Applejack.
“And you can’t play ping-pong either! You put your weight on your front left when you serve,” said Twilight.
“Yeah, that’s about the size of it,” said Applejack matter-of-factly.
“Oh, and I was so looking forward to today’s ping-pong tournament,” she moaned.
“Aw, don’t worry about it Twi. I gotcha covered,” she said.
“What, you got Rainbow Dash to fill in for you?” asked Twilight.
“Not exactly,” replied Applejack.
Applejack stepped aside, and Big Macintosh filled the door in her place. He wore a saddle pack adorned with a drawing of a ping-pong paddle.
“Big Macintosh knows how much you were looking forward to this. He’s happy to help you out. And he’s a pretty good player,” said Applejack.
“Eeyup.”
“So, y’all have fun at the tournament for me,” said Applejack.
Big Macintosh walked outside, and Applejack closed the door behind him. Twilight looked nervously back and forth between Mac and the door. Finally, she floated her ball and paddle into her saddle pack and turned to leave.
“Don’t want to be late,” she said nervously.
“Nope.”
Big Macintosh trotted away, Twilight at her side. She cast nervous glances at him unsure of whether she should walk beside him or behind him.
“Does he think this is supposed to be a date with me?” thought Twilight. She swallowed hard. “Does Applejack think this is supposed to be a date? Sporting events are first date idea number 25, but that’s just spectator sports.”
She opened her saddle pack and peeked in. 44 Fabulous First Dates was still there, but she resisted the urge to flip through it in front of Big Macintosh.
“So, umm, you ever play ping-pong with a unicorn?” asked Twilight.
“Eeyup.”
“There are special rules for unicorns. I have to keep my paddle within two glimmers of my horn –” she said.
“And levitate your paddle and nothing else,” interrupted Big Macintosh.
“Umm, right,” said Twilight.
“My cousin Jonagold married a unicorn,” he said. “AJ and I played some of the in-laws at the reception.”
“Oh,” said Twilight.
“Oh, what if this is supposed to be a date? Rainbow Dash said he played a little rough with her in the bushes at the Flower Fair,” she thought. She took a long look at Big Macintosh, then blushed and looked down. “I don’t know if I could handle that. Oh, Big Macintosh, what kind of animal are you? What did you and Rainbow Dash do in the middle of the Canterlot fairgrounds?”
The new Ponyville recreation center was still under construction. At the moment, it was little more than a single big open area, with a few side rooms in varying degrees of not-quite-readiness. The open area was filled with rows of ping-pong tables. A large chalkboard was set up at the front, filled with a tournament bracket.
Twilight and Big Macintosh walked up to the registration desk. Standing behind the table was a skinny stallion with thick black glasses. He had a salmon pink coat, a goldenrod mane, and a roll of red tape for a cutie mark.
“Hey, Carbon Copy. We’re ‘Apple Sparkle.’ I pre-registered last week,” she said.
“Playing horn style?” he said in a dull monotone.
“That’s right,” she said.
He made a little mark on a form. “If you need to change to orthodox style, you can pick up a horn band here between matches,” he droned. “Table B-3, against team ‘Roseluck.’ First match begins in six minutes.”
“You know him?” asked Big Macintosh, as he headed for their table.
“He’s a city clerk. I see him all the time around the Mayor’s office. He seems a little dull, but when you get to know him, he’s truly a crushing bore,” said Twilight with a giggle.
“Hmm,” said Big Macintosh without a giggle.
Rose and Lily were already waiting at B-3. When they saw team Apple Sparkle, they gasped, whispered to themselves for a few seconds, and then turned and smiled.
“So Twilight,” said Rose, “you’re here with Big Macintosh instead of Applejack.”
“She cracked a hoof,” Twilight responded. “Big bro is filling in.”
The pair gasped and whispered some more.
“Have you been playing with him long?” inquired Lily.
“Nope.”
“No, this is our first time,” said Twilight hastily.
“Oh, mmhmm, I see. Sure,” said Rose and Lily, nodding and smirking.
Big Macintosh picked up his red paddle in his mouth and took a couple practice swings.
“Oh, Big Macintosh,” Rose gasped, “what a small paddle you have!”
“Umm … I don’t know what you’re getting at,” said Twilight, “but it’s a standard six by six, just like mine.” She floated her paddle up next to his, causing Rose and Lily to murmur. “See, same size. It just looks so small because Big Macintosh is so big.”
“Oh, sure he is. Just look at him,” said Rose, to which Lily nodded in agreement.
Big Macintosh set down his paddle. He turned to Twilight, and said, “I like to play aggressive, just like Applejack. But I’m a bit bigger than she is. So when you see me rear up to smash, stay out of my way. Don’t want my partner down on the floor.”
“Oooooh,” said Rose and Lily in unison.
Twilight Sparkle won the coin toss, and gave Big Macintosh the first serve. As expected, he played with a lot of power, hitting hard, fast, and accurate strokes, with little attention to finesse or spin. But neither his fast returns nor her tricky spin fazed team Roseluck. One of the ladies’ paddles was in place just in time, ready to apply just enough force and spin. Not even a tremendous smash from Big Macintosh rattled them. In fact, the sight of him rearing up right next to Twilight and the sound of him slamming to the ground unnerved her so much that she always missed Rose’s return shot. And so, Apple Sparkle lost the first game of the match by five points.
“Hold on a second, I need a little break before game two,” said Twilight Sparkle.
She stood right next to Big Macintosh, flank to flank. He eyed her warily, as Rose and Lily chatted and giggled, somehow understanding each other in spite of the paddles in their mouths.
She took a few steps away from him, and said, “Okay, rear up like you’re going to smash.”
He reared up on his hind legs, and then thundered to the ground. Twilight stood and watched him, flinching slightly when he landed.
She took a step in toward him, causing Rose to say something like “Oh, going back to him, is she?” and Lily to giggle even more.
“Okay, do it again,” she said.
He again reared up and slammed down. This time Twilight watched him, and gritted her teeth as he landed.
She walked around her side of the table a little, taking a look at the scuff marks Big Macintosh had left in the floor. She finally settled in, and levitated a ball toward him, saying, “Now smash this.”
He reared up and smashed the ball. It hit the table between Lily and Rose. Without even stopping their conversation, Rose whacked the ball back. Twilight kept her eyes on the ball, and didn’t react at all as he hit the ground.
“Got your distance,” she said as she stopped the ball with a smile. “Let’s play.”
The next round, Twilight was more aware of Big Macintosh’s movements. When she saw him start to rear up, she quickly checked her distance and kept her eye on the ball. She put plenty of topspin on the return, causing Lily’s lazy counter to inevitably fly high. This set up another smash for Big Macintosh. To Twilight’s delight, even Rose could be caught off-guard by two smashes in a row.
Team Apple Sparkle won their next two games by a four point margin. Rose and Lily left the rec center casting glances back at Twilight and Big Macintosh as they whispered things to each other and laughed.
Twilight Sparkle strained to listen to them as they left. Failing, she groaned, and dropped her paddle on the table.
“How about you tell Carbon Copy that we won,” she said. “I need to go clear my head.”
“Eeyup.”
She looked around the room. Most of the teams had finished their matches. However the match between Team Bubble and Team Pop, four members of the same jazz ensemble, was going at a snail’s pace. The players seemed to enjoy talking to each other as much as hitting the ball.
Twilight scanned the edges of the room and found an empty doorway. The room was nearly empty, having nothing inside but a few rows of lockers. There was a window with no glass, a doorway with no door, and some bare pipes with no plumbing fixtures attached. She found a spot between two rows of lockers that was out of view of the door and the window and sat down.
“I wonder what gossip Rose and Lily are spreading about us now,” she said to herself. “Maybe they’ll talk to Daisy first and she’ll be the voice of reason, and tell them not to talk about things they don’t really know. Ha! Right.”
“Twilight,” said Big Macintosh’s deep voice from the doorway.
She heard heavy footsteps behind her, and then felt his hot breath on the back of her neck. Now he, too, was out of view of the doorway and the window.
“Everypony in Ponyville knows not to give much mind to gossip from Lily, Daisy, and Rose,” he said. “Wait ‘till tomorrow. They’ll stop yakking about you and start yakking about something else.”
Twilight swallowed hard. “If I were to look at him right now, what would I see in his eyes? Hope? Desire? Disappointment?” She shivered as his breath touched her ear. “What would he see in my eyes? I’ve been thinking and planning so hard about his love life, that I haven’t even considered how I feel about it. How do I feel? For that matter, how does he feel?”
“And don’t worry about me either,” he continued. “I’ve lived here my whole life. Everything anypony can say about me has already been said.” He laid a comforting hoof on her shoulder.
She breathed deep and turned to look at him. The hoof on her shoulder suggested a personal connection and concern. But the look in his eyes showed nothing but calm, strength, and sincerity.
She let out a relieved sigh. “You’re right. Who cares what those busybodies say.”
She started to raise a hoof toward his, when a voice called out, “Next round begins in three minutes.”
His hoof left her shoulder. She heard his footsteps fade toward the doorway.
The main room was bustling with activity as everypony hurried to get to their assigned tables.
“Table A-2, Bubble versus Punchyshine. Table B-3, Apple Sparkle versus Sweetie and Stringy. Two minutes, everypony,” called out Carbon Copy.
Twilight returned to B-3. Her partner and opponents were already there.
“Sweetie and Stringy,” moaned Lyra Heartstrings. “Why do we have to be called that?”
“Because last tournament, I let you pick the name,” replied Bon Bon. “You chose ‘Hands of Fate.’ I think this one better reflects who we are.”
“Stringy? Me? Augh!” protested Lyra weakly.
Twilight regarded the aqua unicorn carefully. Lyra had a charcoal gray ribbon tied around her horn.
“You’ve got a horn band? You’re doing orthodox style? No magic?” queried Twilight.
“No way, Twilight. I’m not using magic, but I’ve got something way cooler than orthodox style,” said Lyra, giving Bon Bon a wink.
“Oh, you and your silly ‘style,’” said Bon Bon.
Lyra won the toss, but gave Apple Sparkle the serve. Big Macintosh served to Bon Bon, who easily returned it, then backed away from the table. The return had plenty of topspin, so in spite of Twilight’s best efforts, her shot went rather high.
Twilight looked up and saw why Bon Bon had backed away from the table. Lyra was reared up to smash. But instead of falling right back down, she remained perched on her hind legs. Her paddle was gripped, not in her mouth, but in her front right hoof. She hit the ball with an astonishingly accurate sideways smash. The ball flew across the table with an amazing amount speed. Big Macintosh stood stupefied by Lyra’s stance as much as the shot, as the ball whizzed past him.
“Yay,” cried Bon Bon. “Go Stringy!”
She rested her head against Lyra’s vertical chest. Lyra put a hoof on Bon Bon’s shoulder, and then gently pushed her away and dropped back down to all fours.
Lyra’s unorthodox style flummoxed Apple Sparkle. Her height and stability gave her powerful smashes, the added vertical mobility hooves over heads made vertical spin easier, and her extra height was a phenomenal defense against lob shots. Her only disadvantage was lack of mobility. So Lyra could only switch into the stance against slower shots or when the ball was coming right at her.
Even knowing this was not enough. Bon Bon put enough pressure on Twilight that she had no choice but to give Lyra a few easy shots. And although Twilight and Big Macintosh’s could occasionally coordinate smashes, Lyra’s odd stance loomed over the table multiple times in every rally.
Sweety and Stringy won two hard-fought victories, each by margin of two points.
Twilight left the rec center with a sigh, leaving Stringy on her hind legs, and Sweetie with one hoof around her.
She sat down on a bench and flipped through 44 Fabulous First Dates. “These were perfect first dates,” she said to herself. “Why did they make him so unhappy?”
“Twilight,” said Big Macintosh.
She hastily stuffed the book back in her pack.
“I know what you and Applejack have been up to,” he continued.
“I’m so sorry,” she said. “I’ve been running around setting these dates up behind your back. And I don’t even know what I’m doing.”
“You –“
“It’s just that Applejack needs my help, and since she’s my friend, I have to help her. I could’ve just told her not to worry about you,” said Twilight.
“Nope.”
“But I felt like I had to do something,” she continued. “I could have done it differently. I should have done it differently. I should have convinced Applejack –“
“I said, nope,” interrupted Big Macintosh.
“But –“
“You couldn’t get Applejack to do this differently. She’s been doing this since we were little. When my cousin Jonagold got married, Applejack made me dance with the bride’s big sister,” said Big Macintosh.
“I should’ve –“
“Applejack’s always been like this. And since she’s family, I know what she’s like, I love her with all my heart, and I always forgive her,” he said. “And she’s had much worse ideas on what makes a good date. I’m glad she had a smart friend like you to help her out this time.”
“But … but we were so …,” said Twilight on the verge of crying.
Big Macintosh walked up next to her and gave her a hug. She shook slightly as he held her close. She started to cry as she put her own forelimbs around him. Her regret welled up and flowed away as tears streamed down her cheeks.
Big Macintosh gently pulled away from her. “Twilight,” he said, “you said what you needed to, and I appreciate your honesty. Now it’s time you leave me be. There’s somewhere I oughta go now.”
“But, I,” stammered Twilight, blinking away the last of her tears. “Okay. You go and do whatever.”
“Eeyup.”
He left, pausing only at a flower salespony to buy a bouquet of daises. He idly chewed on one as he walked away.
Twilight went back to the library, and tossed 44 Fabulous First Dates on a table.
“Spike, file this away,” she said. “File it away somewhere I won’t see it for a long time.”
“Okay,” Spike replied. “Something wrong, Twilight? Anything I can do to help?”
“No, not really,” she said. “Actually … take a letter, Spike.”
Spike attentively produced a quill and page.
Dear Princess Celestia,
True love is a wonderful thing. But you can’t make somepony love somepony else. And you can’t make somepony fall in love if they aren’t ready.
I’ve tried so hard …
Twilight paused for a moment to think.
Applejack picked her pen up off of the bench and resumed writing.
I’ve tried so hard all my life to make sure my brother isn’t lonely. But maybe I’m doing it the wrong way. He already has his family to make sure he’s not lonely. And when he’s ready, he’ll find somepony to love. Maybe somepony I know, and maybe not. But it’ll be something that he does for himself, and not something I do for him.
Your faithful subject, Applejack
“I’ll give this to Spike next time I see him,” she said to herself.
She resumed her trip down the path to Ponyville Elementary School. With her hurt hoof, she was much slower than usual. By the time she arrived, Apple Bloom was the only pony waiting outside.
“No, she’s in there,” said Apple Bloom, pointing at the school. “She’s with Big Macintosh. They’ve been talking for an awful long time.”
Applejack walked up to the entrance. The front door was closed and locked, so she peeked in the window.
Cheerilee was sitting at the front of the classroom. The left side of her mane was woven into three braids, and adorned with daisies. Her face had an indescribable look of elation. Big Macintosh sat on her right side, slowly and carefully braiding her hair. As he finished the braid, he took a daisy from a bouquet resting on the desk, and attached it to the braid with a ribbon. When he completed the braid, he gave her a kiss on the cheek, softly saying “mwah.” Cheerilee giggled.
Big Macintosh looked up and saw Applejack in the window. He had the warmest smile on his face that she had ever seen. He smiled a little wider, and then turned his attention back to Cheerilee’s hair.
Applejack felt tears welling up in her eyes as she turned away from the window.
“Something wrong with Big Macintosh?” asked Apple Bloom innocently.
“Nope,” Applejack said. “Everything’s wonderful. C’mon sugarcube. I’ll walk you home today.”
“Okay,” said Apple Bloom, skeptically.
They walked home without another word. The only sounds in the air were a distant giggle and “eeyup.”
