Chapter 2: Eavesdropping Ponies

Fluttershy flies over to Sweet Apple Acres and sees Rarity talking to Big Macintosh.

"Hey Miss Fluttershy," Big Mac chimes with a smile.

"Hi Big Mac," Fluttershy chimes back softly.

"What brings you here darling? Do you need him to fix something as well?" Rarity asks smiling widely.

"Actually I came looking for you Rarity, and the girls told me you were here," Fluttershy says happily.

"I just came to ask Big Macintosh to expand the stage I have in the boutique. I have a big fashion show planned and the small stage just isn't working!" Rarity exclaims dramatically.

"There they are," Pinkie Pie whispers as the group hides behind the apple trees.

"So I'll see you this afternoon Big Mac?" Rarity asks. Twilight gets wide eyes looking at the group, and Applebloom mouths, "I told ya so."

"Eyup!" Big Mac chimes happily.

"That is fantastic news! I am so excited! Fluttershy and I must run, but I will definitely be waiting for you at the boutique!" Rarity exclaims clapping her hooves together. Rarity smiles at Fluttershy and they trot off towards the shop.

"Now Fluttershy, I'm sure you're extremely busy today, but I was wondering if you could help me with my project. Flitter is breathing down my neck for her party gown! I have the most brilliant design but I cannot for the life of me get the colors right! Your eye for color is greater than mine, so will you help me finish her dress for tomorrow?" Rarity pleads as they walk.

"Oh Rarity I'd be honored to help you on your dress," Fluttershy chimes opening up the boutique door. They trot inside and Rarity immediately throws her papers on the table. Fluttershy peeks over her shoulder looking at the dress design. Rarity glances at her then uses her magic to bring a box of colored markers to the table as well. Rarity steps aside and let's Fluttershy examine the drawing. The paper is soon erupted in brilliant colors. The once plain drawing was stunning with a dark navel blue with coral contrast and deep yellow details. Rarity sat speechless.

"I knew you were the proper pony for this!" Rarity exclaims happily. "Now, would you like to help me sew it? Your handiwork is always flawless," Rarity compliments. Fluttershy blushes at the praise, and the shop soon erupts in hard work.

"I can't believe they're actually going on a date!" Sweetie Belle chimes excitedly. Her sister was actually dating Big Mac! She was so excited she could chant again. She opened her mouth widely to chant but Twilight quickly shushed her. Sweetie Belle was confused until she saw Big Mac walking past them straight into the dress shop. Every pony in the group looks at each other then quickly makes it to the back door to listen.

"Thank you ever so much Big Macintosh! You really are the sweetest Stallion in town!" Rarity chimes happily.

Big Mac coughs slightly blushing. "Anytime Miss Rarity, it's always a pleasure to see you and Miss Fluttershy." Fluttershy giggles as a light pink covers her cheeks.

"Now now Big Mac, you don't need to be flirting! Fluttershy is off the market!" Rarity teases. All three ponies laugh at the comment.

"Off the market?" Rainbow Dash asks softly. Everypony looks at her, and sees her looking at the ground.

"Are you okay Rainbow?" Twilight whispers. Rainbow quickly shakes thoughts out of her head sighing. She quickly gives an approving nod and smiles.

"Let me fetch you a glass of lemonade darling!" Rarity proclaims heading to the kitchen.

"Alright we know they're on a date, so I think that's enough listening in for now. We can ask her about it tomorrow afternoon when we have our weekly pet picnic," Twilight says softly smiling at Rainbow Dash. The group all smiles at each other then take off in all directions to get ready for their plans.

"I don't see how you don't have tools for your cutie mark Big Mac! You can simply work wonders!" Rarity says in awe. He gives her a big smile then takes a sip of his drink.

"This is good Miss Rarity," he says thankfully.

"Fluttershy made it herself! I love when she visits my kitchen!" Fluttershy turns pink at the compliment.

"Well, Miss Fluttershy, you will make a mare really happy one day," Big Macintosh chimes with a small smile.

Fluttershy gets wide eyes and stops breathing. "H-how did you know?" She stammers softly.

Big Mac gives her a confused look. "Was it a secret?"

Fluttershy hides her face and squeaks, "I thought it was." Big Mac looks at Rarity apologetically.

"How did you figure it out?" Rarity asks with a raised eyebrow.

He looks at her very strangely. "Isn't she dating Rainbow Dash?" Fluttershy's face gets redder, and she makes an ungodly squeak.

"You are the observant stallion aren't you?" Rarity asks eyeing him. He gives her a knowing smile then gently taps Fluttershy's shoulder. She looks up at the large pony and sees a warm smile. She stands up shakily then smiles back. "So what else do you know?" Rarity inquires taking a sip of her own lemonade; she was always ready for gossip.

He thought for a minute then plainly said, "That you like AJ."

Rarity quickly spits out her lemonade wide eyed. "Why would you-" She stops herself. "What makes you say that Big Macintosh?"

He goes back to work tapping away at the stage but keeps the conversation going. "Well, you and AJ do spend a lot of time together. Every time you visit the farm AJ is always in a better mood and smiling. Also, you two fight a lot, but I see how you look at her whenever she apologizes. Am I wrong to assume you like my sister?"

Rarity stops breathing and looks straight at him. The room goes silent until she finally whispers, "You're not wrong. I just didn't know it until now." She takes a deep breath then looks down. Big Mac gently tilts her head up and gives a reassuring smile. "Alright, alright, since you made us talk of our affairs of the heart, it's your turn. What mare has your eye?" Rarity asks trying to lighten the mood.

Big Mac starts putting the finishing touches on the stage and mumbles, "I haven't found any eye catching stallions yet." The two mares look at each other with big smiles trying not to squeal. He taps the stage in different places making sure it was sturdy then nods at Rarity. "Is it to your liking Miss Rarity?"

"Oh it is simply marvelous Big Macintosh! You never cease to amaze me with your handy work! Oh I could just kiss you!" Rarity exclaims in pure joy jumping on the stage.

Big Mac smiles and says, "Now Miss Rarity, I'm sure Applejack wouldn't take too kindly to that." Rarity turns redder than the stallion in front of her, and he laughs happily. He then mumbles something about having to fix the barn and heads out the door. The two girls start admiring the stage when a knock at the door makes them jump.

"Hi ladies!" Flitter exclaims walking through the door. "I know you said not to worry Rarity, but I-" She was cut off when she sees the gorgeous dress on the mannequin in front of her. "I-Is that dress mine? The colors are beautiful!" Flitter shrieks with excitement.

"I told you that you'll be the star of your party tomorrow, and I meant it dear! Come by the shop tomorrow morning, and Fluttershy and I will get you looking spectacular!" Rarity exclaims. Flitter shrieks with excitement then flies out the door.

Rarity sighs then yawns sleepily. "How about an early bedtime Fluttershy? This day has been exhausting! My queen size bed is calling our name! After all, we also have a big day tomorrow. With Flitter's party and our pet picnic at the apple farm," She says yawning again. "Excuse moi."

Fluttershy smiles happily and starts up the stairs at the invitation to sleep over. Bed did sound nice.

The next morning was bustling with excitement. Rarity was frantically running around the store trying to get together Fluttershy's, Flitter's, and her outfit for the party. Fluttershy gently flies around the shop collecting all the accessories for the party gowns. As soon as the two mares got a chance to breathe, Flitter trots through the door grinning. Rarity sighs in relief and helps Flitter get dressed for her big party. Once the mare of the hour was dressed, the two mares quickly got into their dresses.

"Nobody will pay any attention to me if you two go like that!" Flitter exclaims in awe.

"Nonsense darling! You look brilliant and all eyes will be on you!" Rarity chimes eyeing her and Fluttershy's handiwork. The three mares giggle at each other then head out the door. Flitter couldn't be late to her own party.

"We're going to get a little spying in before our picnic aren't we?" Pinkie Pie asks bouncing up and down excitedly. The whole group grins at her antics and nods. Pinkie Pie squeals in delight.

"We have to be better hidden though, Big Mac asked me why I was hanging round the boutique yesterday," Applebloom says sighing.

"Why exactly are we spying on Big Mac and Fluttershy?" Applejack asks just joining the group today.

"Cause Big Mac is dating Rarity!" Sweetie Belle Chimes.

"And Fluttershy has a special somepony!" Scootaloo exclaims.

"I know! We'll just stay up in the clouds! Nopony will be able to see us except for a few Pegasus!" Twilight exclaims happily. Applejack didn't have the time to object to the spying before the spell was cast.

"That's a great idea!" Sweetie Belle chimes jumping up and down with Pinkie Pie. Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes at the pair then flies outside to bring a cloud to the ground. Everypony quickly jumps on and is led into the sky by everyone's favorite weather pony. She seemed the most curious of Fluttershy's and Rarity's love life.

"Now as great as this party is darling there are a few too many ponies for my liking," Rarity says annoyed by being so close to another pony.

"I agree, it's a little too loud in here for me," Fluttershy whispers back. They then nod at each other and trot to the exit.

"Why are they leaving that party alone? Didn't they bring their dates?" Twilight asks the group as they see the two mares walking down the street alone.

"Maybe their dates left earlier?" Scootaloo asks confused.

"Or maybe they're trying to catch up," Rainbow Dash growls as she sees Thunder Lane flying out of the party and up to Fluttershy.

"Oh hello Thunder Lane," Fluttershy says softly smiling at him.

"I'm sorry ladies I know this is an odd time to ask, but can I have a favor?" He chimes grinning widely.

Fluttershy giggles at his silliness and nods. "Of course, what can I help you with?"

"Well you see, the mare I like, likes bunnies. So I was wondering…" He trails off.

"If you could adopt a bunny?" Fluttershy asks finishing his sentence. He nods happily smiling away. "Of course you can." He cheers happily and hugs her tightly.

"He better lay off," Rainbow Dash growls glaring at the sight in front of her. Everypony tries to smile at her but then they see Big Macintosh walking to the girls.

"Oh hello Big Macintosh, on another task today?" Rarity asks as he walks beside them.

"Eyup! Fixing a fence by the forest," He says with a smile.

Fluttershy turns pink in embarrassment as he says that. "I'm sorry." Everypony looks at her confused until she elaborates, "Ursa my bear got spooked by my snakes and tried to jump the fence. It's my fault it's broken."

They all laugh at her story and Big Mac just smiles at her. "It's okay Miss Fluttershy, I'm always happy to help."

Rarity lights up in excitement as she reaches into her saddlebag. "Speaking of helping everyone, I made you a little something for helping me!" Rarity exclaims as she pulls out a red, green, and white plaid bandana adorned with apples. It is soon wrapped around Big Mac's neck and he smiles at it with pride.

"Thank you," he says happily. The mares and their stallions soon take off to Fluttershy's cottage.

"I can't believe her special somepony is Thunder Lane!" Rainbow Dash all but screams. They all look at her until she lies down in the cloud sighing.

"Maybe we should all just go get ready for the pet picnic," Twilight chimes trying to change the mood. Rainbow Dash brings the cloud to the ground and is the first of the group to fly off.

"Poor Rainbow, this is bothering her something fierce ain't it?" Applejack asks looking at the group.

"Bothering doesn't begin to explain," Twilight says sighing. Everypony looks at each other then sighs for their friend. Maybe Dash would be in better spirits at the picnic.

"Oh she's going to love this bunny!" Thunder Lane exclaims happily.

"And the fence looks marvelous Big Mac!" Rarity chimes. The two stallions get big smiles then head off from the cottage.

"He's so helpful," Fluttershy says softly smiling.

"Isn't he? I have an idea! Since we're going to the Apple farm this afternoon, let's bake him something! Perhaps a nice Cherry Turnover?" Rarity exclaims excitedly to Fluttershy.

Fluttershy nods her approval. Soon the party gowns are taken off and the kitchen erupts. After a little bit of baking, their dessert looked heavenly. "Perfect darling! He's sure to enjoy it!" Rarity exclaims as she puts the desert in a basket. Fluttershy smiles then sets Angel on her back.

"Let's go get Opal from the boutique then head to the farm to see the girls!" Rarity practically sings as the mares head out the door.