Soon after dinner, groups formed in Twilight's library. Applejack and Big Mac were talking amongst themselves for a little while.



"How are ya holdin' up there, Macky?" Applejack asked. "You're bein' a little quiet "



Big Mac forced a smile towards his sister. "I'm fine, AJ. Really, I am. I guess I'm just a little out of place here. It's fine."



Applejack frowned and put her eyes to the floor. "Aw I'm sorry, bro."



"Sis, it's fine!" Big Mac chuckled half-heartedly. The last thing he wanted was for Applejack to be sad. "I'm having fun, really."



Applejack smirked and raised her eyes. "I'm glad you came, bro."



The two were staring at each other satisfied, when suddenly, Rarity appeared in between the two.



Rarity got right into the orange pony's face and showed her white teeth. "Applejack, darling! How are you this evening!"



Applejack smiled politely. "Uh I'm fine, Rarity. I was just chattin' with Big Ma-"



"Oh dear, you simply must come see Twilight's new book! It's absolutely riveting!" It was as if she had completely forgotten Big Mac was even there.



"Twilight's book?" Applejack cocked an eyebrow. Since when did Rarity enjoy reading? Applejack was perplexed, but she didn't have time to argue. Rarity grabbed her and they were gone in a matter of seconds.



Big Mac was alone by the bookshelf, pretty confused, but suddenly his confusion was broken by surprise.



"B- Big Mac?" a soft voice whispered.



Big Mac turned his head and saw a shy yellow pony behind him.



- - -



The dinner before them was extravagant. Twilight's magic made quite the spread. Fluttershy, however, couldn't focus on her food. Her mind was preoccupied with Big Mac. She and Rarity were whispering amongst themselves. "Stop worrying, Fluttershy darling! I'm sure it was nothing."



Fluttershy frowned. "I don't know, Rarity. Maybe this was all just a false alarm."



"Nonsense!" Rarity chuckled. "Oh, Fluttershy, you obviously have never had a romantic tryst."



" Tryst?"



"Yes. A tryst. Never mind. What I'm trying to say is: this is all part of the process, dear. You must believe me."



"Oh, I do Rarity. I'm just a little lost, I guess."



"No problem. I have an idea!" Rarity put a smug grin on her face and leaned in closer to her friend. "Dinner is almost over. We'll probably form some groups in Twilight's library afterward. Applejack and Macintosh are sure to congregate. I'll get Applejack away from Big Macintosh so you two can have some 'one on one' time," she said smoothly.



"B-but, Rari-," Fluttershy tried to retort.



"It's the perfect plan!"



Fluttershy looked back at her plate and grew nervous with each passing minute.



Dinner ended and Rarity's plan went into action. She and Fluttershy stayed by the table and watched Applejack and Big Macintosh talking near the bookshelf. "So when you see me walk away with Applejack, you'll come in and strike up a conversation," Rarity explained.



"How do I do that?" Fluttershy asked tensely.



Rarity didn't even listen. "Oh, this is so romantic! I'm so happy to play some part in it!" Rarity faced Fluttershy to prepare the plan. "Good luck, Fluttershy!"



"B-but Rarity, what do I-," it was too late. Rarity dashed off to Applejack. Fluttershy trembled as she tried to think of what to say, but her anxiety made it seem as if Rarity left with Applejack before she even reached the library. Rarity turned her head as she walked off with Applejack and winked at Fluttershy.



Oh no, Fluttershy thought uneasily. What do I do?! What do I do?! What are my legs doing?! They were moving, one hoof in front of the other. It was seconds before she reached Big Mac's enormous green cutie mark.



"B-Big Mac?" she said shyly, looking downward.



Big Mac turned his head as Fluttershy raised hers. His green eyes sent a warm shiver down Fluttershy's spine and the rest came naturally.