One day at Sweet Apple Acres, Apple Bloom was giving the barn a new coat of paint. She was nearly complete with painting the white trimmings, then she wiped some sweat from her forehead as she was finished. Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Eric arrived on the farm while the former was using her magic to carry a cardboard box.

“Hey, Apple Bloom!” said Sweetie Belle, “Rarity’s reorganizing her shop, and look what she found! Old costumes from the talent show!” The three fillies and boy all peeked inside of the box.

“We thought they’d come in handy in case we ever help a pony out on a play or need to make a quick escape disguised as clowns,” said Scootaloo as she put on a rainbow afro wig. Apple Bloom then put on a pirate’s hat, Sweetie Belle put on some gaucho glasses, and Eric put on a customized dragon costume.

Just then, a green apple rolled over to Apple Bloom. The four of them turned to see that Big Mac was loading up his wagons with lots of apples. It was then another apple fell out of a barrel the red stallion put it back into the barrel.

“Here ya go, Big Mac,” said Apple Bloom as she and the rest of their group went up to the red stallion. Big Mac took the apple and put it into another barrel.

“Whoa, that sure is alot of apples!” Scootaloo remarked.

“I’ll say,” Eric added in agreement.

“Are you makin’ another delivery to Starlight’s old village?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Eeyup,” said Big Mac.

“That’s an awful long way for a pony to go, isn’t it?” Sweetie Belle remarked.

“Eeyup,” said Big Mac as he pushed a bucket full of apples onto his wagon.

“You’ve been goin’ there alot lately,” Apple Bloom remarked, “What is this, your fifth trip this week?”

“Eeyup,” said Big Mac, laughing nervously.

“Okay, well, have fun,” said Apple Bloom.

Big Mac went back to finish loading his cart. Apple Bloom turned to Sweetie Belle, “So what other costumes did you being, Sweetie Belle?” she asked.

“Are you crazy?! we can’t talk costumes at a time like this!” Scootaloo interjected.

“Time like what?” Apple Bloom asked innocently.

“Your brother is hiding something,” said Scootaloo, “Did you see the way he was acting?”

“Yeah. He totally blushed when you brought up how often he’s been going to Starlight’s old village,” Sweetie Belle replied.

“Something is definitely going on,” Scootaloo pointed out, “There can be only one reason a pony would travel so often.”

“He’s taking private skiing lessons!” Scootaloo shouted.

“He’s training for a marathon!” Sweetie Belle shouted at the same time as Scootaloo.

“I’ve been cooking a lot of broccoli and he wants to get away from the smell!” Apple Bloom said at the same time as her two friends. The three fillies looked at each other and then laughed. Eric just rolled his eyes. He had a good idea why Big Mac would be going to Starlight’s old village and blushing about it.

A few minutes later, Big Mac was placing a tarp over his wagon as the Cutie Mark Crusaders were watching from behind some hay bales.

“Maybe he’s a spy on a mission to thwart an evil villain with a secret weapon: an apple cannon!” Scootaloo suggested. Eric blinked.

“Seriously?!” Eric remarked as he gave the orange filly a skeptical look.

No, that’s crazy!” said Apple Bloom, “I think it’s my broccoli thing.”

“Come on, the smell isn’t that bad. Even though I don’t like broccoli,” Eric told her.

“Why don’t we just ask him?” Sweetie Belle suggested. Eric smiled at her.

“Always knew you were the sensible one,” Eric remarked. This made Sweetie Belle giggle as Apple Bloom and Scootaloo shot him glares that he didn’t notice.

“You saw how shifty he was acting earlier.” Scootaloo pointed out, “There’s no way he’ll tell us what he’s doing. Plus, I really wanna go undercover. We already have costumes.” Eric pondered for a moment.

“You know what? Let’s do it!” Eric said, giving them a determined smile.

Scootaloo then put her afro wig back on.

“Call me ‘Agent Rainbowhead’,” said Scootaloo.

“I’ll be ‘Shimmering Spectacles’, a librarian with a mysterious past,” Sweetie Belle replied.

“And I’ll be a pirate spy!” Apple Bloom added, “Arrgh! A spy-rate!”

“And I’m Burnferno, the Dragon Warrior,” Eric said, making kung-fu noises.

The three fillies and boy posed in a way that parodies the 1980s intro to Charlie’s Angels. Then they saw Apple Bloom turn to see that Big Mac was already on his way with his wagon.

“Avast! Our ship be leavin’ port!” Apple Bloom announced.

“Huh?” said Scootaloo as she, Sweetie Belle, and Eric had puzzled looks on their faces.

“Big Mac’s leavin’!” Apple Bloom replied, “If we gonna be spies, we gotta go! Now!” The four of them ran off to catch up with Big Mac. Sweetie Belle was the first to make it as she jumped up and lifted the tarp so Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Eric could crawl in. Then she crawled inside the wagon herself.

“Is everypony here?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“I think so...wait! Where’s Eric?” Apple Bloom said.

“Here I am!” Eric replied as he suddenly appeared behind a barrel of apples.

“YAH!” the three fillies yelped.

“Don’t scare us like that!” Sweetie Belle said.

Since it was a long trip, the four ponies had removed their disguises and were doing their best to stay busy. Sweetie Belle was grateful that she had brought along a book to read. Soon, Scootaloo was just sitting quietly looking rather bored. Apple Bloom had fallen asleep. Sweetie Belle was just re-reading her book with Eric laying alongside her Suddenly the wagon stopped, Apple Bloom and Eric woke when they heard Big Mac whistling outside.

“Big Mac’s a-comin’!” said Apple Bloom, “Quick! Act like apples!”

“What? How?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“You tell me,” Eric remarked.

“Grrrrrr!” Apple Bloom growled annoyingly.

“Alright! Alright!” Eric conceded, trying to think of a way he and the three fillies could be an apple. Big Mac then removed the tarp from his wagon. He then grabbed the bucket of apples the four friends were hiding behind. Scootaloo just squatted low while Apple Boom, Sweetie Belle, and Eric smiled and stayed motionless with apples on their heads.

To Eric’s surprise, Big Mac didn’t notice them at all. In fact, he looked rather lovesick as he walked from the wagon. Eric, followed by Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, all poked out of the collections of barrels.

“I can’t believe that actually worked!” said Eric as Sweetie Belle pulled out some binoculars to scope around, “Then again...did Big Mac have...hearts in his eyes?!” There was no reply as Sweetie Belle finally spotted Big Mac talking with a familiar magenta unicorn with purple mane and tail that was tied with a blue double beaded tie.

“Who’s that pony?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Which one?” Eric asked.

“Let me see!” said Scootaloo as she peered into the binoculars and saw Big Mac talking to the unicorn, “I dunno. Shouldn’t have taken the binoculars. I don’t know anypony in this town.” Eric rolled his eyes in agreement as Sweetie Belle used her magic to put the binoculars away.

“That must be Sugar Belle,” said Apple Bloom, “Applejack told me about her bakery. Obviously, she’s just been orderin’ a lot of apples.” It was then Big Mac knocked on the door to the house and Sugar Belle came out to say hello, giving Big Mac a flirty smile as she invited him inside.

“So nothing fishy’s going on,” Sweetie Belle remarked.

“No way!” said Scootaloo, “We came here to be spies! And no spy I know has ever solved a case that quick!”

“Mmm, how many spies do you know?” Sweetie Belle asked. Eric then instinctively looked away and whistled innocently. Fortunately, none of the three fillies noticed.

“That’s...not important,” said Scootaloo, “What’s important is that we do more recon.”

“Umm, what do you think, Eric?” Apple Bloom asked, who was just pondering to himself.

“I think there’s more going on here than just an apple delivery,” Eric replied, even though he already had a pretty good idea what was going on, “I’m down for a little undercover investigation! So let’s do it!” Scootaloo smiled excitedly.

“So what do we do Agent Rainbowhead?” Eric asked.

“Follow my lead,” said Scootaloo as she put her wig on and jumped out of the wagon. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Eric put their disguises back on as well before they followed the orange filly to a nearby table that was set up just outside Sugar Belle’s bakery window. As the three ponies and boy peered inside, they saw Sugar Belle just smiling as Big Mac unloaded the last of what looked like a huge pile of apples into the main room.

“Whoa,” said Apple Bloom as she appeared underneath Scootaloo, “She sure likes her apples.”

Sweetie Belle and Eric then appeared underneath Apple Bloom.

“What is she doing?” Sweetie Belle asked, “Making the biggest apple pie in Equestria?”

“I hope not,” said Eric, “You know how stubborn Applejack is about the family keeping that world record.” The four friends then began to focus on the conversation going on inside.

“Thanks for coming all this way, Big Mac,” Sugar Belle told the red stallion. Big Mac just snorted and gave a whinnying laugh in reply.

“It sure is nice seeing you again so soon,” Sugar Belle added.

“Eeyup,” Big Mac replied, gigging as hearts floated above his head.

“All I used to bake were boring old muffins, but thanks to your apple deliveries, I get to make all kinds of delicious treats! Apple pies, apple fritters, apple turnovers, caramel apples, caramel apple cakes...” Sugar Belle said, sighing as she walked to her rather small and fully filled display case, “...I just wish I had more room to display it all. My shelves only hold so much.” Eric and the three fillies just watched and listened to the conversation with interest.

“I’m tellin’ you, this pony reeeeaaally likes her apples,” Apple Bloom said. Sweetie Belle then gasped.

“Or Big Mac!” Sweetie Belle replied.

“Huh?” Apple Bloom and Scootaloo asked in surprise.

“That’s the vibe I’m getting,” Eric remarked.

“Just look!” Sweetie Belle told them. Sweetie Belle then turned around accidentally bumped her nose into Big Mac’s.

“Ooh! Uh...” Sugar Belle giggled.

“Oh, I...” Big Mac replied as he giggled as well. Eric just smirked and shook his head.

“Sweetie Belle, Eric, I-I think you’re right!” said Apple Bloom, “I think my brother has a crush!” Apple Bloom jumped into the air despite being in the middle of their filly stack.

“Shh!” said Sweetie Belle.

“Keep it down, Apple Bloom!” Eric said in a loud whisper. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle got off the table so they were all back on the ground. It was then the front door opened and a clearly lovesick Big Mac walked out of the building.

“Psst! Big Mac!” Apple Bloom called out. This made Big Mac shake his head rapidly to snap himself out of his lovesick state. Apple Bloom turned to her fellow Crusaders.

“Now remember,” Apple Bloom told them, “My brother’s super shy, so he’s probably gonna be embarrassed about his crush. Just try and make him feel comfortable.”

Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Eric nodded in agreement. It was then Big Mac walked up to the group.

“Hey, Big Mac, it’s me! Apple Bloom!” said the yellow filly as she removed her pirate hat.

“Eeyup...” Big Mac replied slowly.

“We’re here, too!” Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Eric said as they removed their own disguises.

“Mm-hmm,” Big Mac replied with a nod and a smile.

“I’m gonna ask you a very personal question, and I want you to answer honestly.” said Apple Bloom to her brother. She then gestured for Big Mac to lean toward her, which he did.

“Do you have a crush on...Sugar Belle?” Apple Bloom asked Big Mac.

“Eeyup,” Big Mac replied with a big smile and hearts started floating around him.

“Well, that was easy,” Scootaloo remarked.

“This is so excitin’!” said Apple Bloom, “My big brother has his very first crush!”

“First crush?” Scootaloo asked, “What about Cheerilee?”

“It doesn’t really count when you trick a pony into drinking a love potion, does it?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Nnope!” Big Mac said angrily.

“Besides, she’s dating Moonshadow,” Eric pointed out.

“My brother has a crush! My brother has a crush! My brother has a crush!” Apple Bloom sing-sang as she bounced over to a random pony reading a magazine, and two mares as she walked backwards across the main street before rear ending Big Mac’s side.

“Apple Bloom, you don’t need to tell the whole town about it,” Eric remarked sternly.

“Does Sugar Belle even know you like her?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Uh-uh,” said Big Mac with a shake of his head.

“Then you gotta tell her!” Apple Bloom told him.

“O-Oh...eh...ehhh...” Big Mac stuttered, mumbled, and gulped nervously.

“We’re pretty sure she likes you!” said Sweetie Belle, “She keeps ordering apples just so she can see you again.”

“That is a good point,” Eric added, “Sugar Belle really seems happy to see you and it certainly looks like more than just a friend. But that’s just hopeful thinking on my part.”

“Eeeyou think so?” Big Mac asked hopefully.

“Totally! But you’ll never know if you don’t try.” Scootaloo replied.

“Okay!” said Big Mac. He then plucked a nearby blue flower and headed back to the bakery.

“Go get her, Big Mac!” Scootaloo shouted encouragingly.

Apple Bloom just smiled as Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo shared a hoofbump behind the yellow filly. Big Mac began to sweat nervously as he stood at the door. He then took a deep breath, brushed back his mane, and knocked on the door. Sugar Belle opened and smiled cutely at Big Mac, who just looked lovesick. Before he could find his words, a light tan stallion with a light brown mane and tail shoved him out of the way.

“Hey, girl,” said the stallion in a rather smooth accent, “Heh-heh. I was writin’ poetry by the pond when I saw these flowers. I thought I’d show them how pretty you are.” He then gave Sugar Belle a bouquet of roses in the shape of a heart.

“Oh! Heh. Thanks, Feather Bangs,” Sugar Belle replied as she accepted the flowers. Big Mac just felt his heart crack on two and walked off in defeat.

“Um, is it possible to have two crushes at once?” Scootaloo asked the others as they watched Big Mac walked sadly away, “Because it looks like Big Mac may not be the only pony that Sugar Belle likes.” In the background, Sugar Belle smiled as Feather Bangs flicked his mane and gave the unicorn a flirty smile. Apple Bloom winced, Sweetie Belle looked worried, and Eric scoffed loudly.

“Hey, Big Mac,” Apple Bloom called out as the four friends caught up to the red stallion, “Where ya goin’?”

“Home!” Big Mac replied in a firm but sad tone.

“You can’t let that Feather fella get in the way of your one true love!” Sweetie Belle said.

“You gotta take him down!” Scootaloo added.

“What can he do that you can’t?” Apple Bloom asked.

“That!” said Big Mac bitterly as he pointed behind him. There was Feather Bangs was juggling some red balls for Sugar Belle.

“Whoops! Heh-heh,” Feather Bangs chuckled, “These balls are like you. I’ll always catch you if you fall.” It was then three mares appeared behind him and sighed in a lovesick fashion. Apple Bloom just stared. Scootaloo, Big Mac, and Eric were most annoyed. Sweetie Belle...had apparently been swooned.

“Seriously? That line worked?” Scootaloo remarked.

“Only cause he’s got the looks and smooth talk to pull it off,” said Eric irritably when he noticed the lovesick smile on Sweetie Belle’s face, “Isn’t that right Sweetie Belle?” Eric glared as the filly looked on and then smiled sheepishly while her face turned completely pink.

“Snap out of it, Sweetie Belle!” Eric said, waving his hand in front of her face and snapping his fingers.

“She’ll never pick me,” said Big Mac sadly.

“Sure she will, ‘cause we’re gonna help you.” Apple Bloom replied.

“You got that right,” Eric added with determination, “No smooth talker is gonna get between you and your intended special somepony!”

“No love potions!” Big Mac said sternly.

“Say what?!” Eric asked puzzled when the three fillies laughed.

“Don’t worry, Big Mac,” said Apple Bloom, “We learned our lesson the hard way.” Eric then remembered what Big Mac was talking about.

“Oh, right. I remember that story,” Eric added.

“Yeah,” said Scootaloo, “We’re never gonna do that again.”

“Besides, I know exactly what to do!” Sweetie Belle as she used her magic to hold up a book, “When I was younger, I read all the fairy tales.”

“When you were “younger”, huh?” Scootaloo teased since this was the same book Sweetie Belle had been reading on the ride here.

“Well, I was younger on the way here!” Sweetie Belle pointed out defensively as Scootaloo kept smirking at her, wiggling her eyebrows at the white filly.

“It was a long ride!” Sweetie Belle shouted before she quickly recomposed herself, “Anyway, as long as we do what the book says, you’re pretty much guaranteed a happy ending.” She then opened the book and started to scan through it until she found a knight fighting a dragon to save a princess.

“Uh, how about this one?” Sweetie Belle suggested as Apple Bloom and Scootaloo stood beside her, “Rescuing a damsel-pony in distress”. That’s perfect. Of course, we’ll have to improvise without a dragon.”

“Huh,” said Apple Bloom, “Too bad Spike isn’t here. Not that he’s very threatening.”

“True. Sugar Belle could defeat him by just tipping him over,” Eric remarked. The four friends laughed.

“So what should we do? Wait around for Sugar Belle to get herself into a scary situation?” Scootaloo asked

“Or...we bring the danger to her,” said Apple Bloom sly as Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo smiled slyly as well. Big Mac gulped nervously as Eric looked rather uneasy.

“Girls...what do you have in mind exactly?” Eric asked suspiciously. Apple Bloom then gestured for the boy to lean in as she whispered her idea to him. Eric’s worry soon turned into a sly smile of his own.

“Great idea, Apple Bloom. I like your thinking,” Eric said. Big Mac just gave Eric an “are you kidding me?” look in the background.

A few minutes later, Sugar Belle left her bakery and was walking down the main street with her saddle bags on her back. Inside an alleyway was Big Mac, Eric, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom. They were in position to put their idea into action.

“All right,” said Apple Bloom, “Scootaloo’s gonna pretend to take Sugar Belle’s things, then you swoop in and stop her. Ready?” Big Mac winced at the idea, but then smiled and nodded.

“Nnope,” Big Mac replied as he shook his head immediately and smiled nervously.

“Big Mac, this is not that difficult to understand,” Eric said.

“Come on! You’re gonna be her hero! In fairy tales, the knight in shining armor always gets the girl.” Sweetie Belle added.

“Hmmm...” Big Mac sighed, “Mm-hmm.” He then gave a smile to say okay. Apple Bloom then peeked out from their hiding place and waved a fore-hoof for Scootaloo, who was hiding in a bush wearing the gaucho glasses and her rainbow wig. The wave Apple Bloom made with her fore-leg was Scootaloo’s cue to spring into action. Scootaloo gave Apple Bloom a nod and then charged for Sugar Belle, snatching her saddle bags and rushing off as fast as she could. Sugar Belle yelped as she was being robbed.

“Oh! Somepony, help!” Sugar Belle cried out as Scootaloo kept running away with the saddle bags. Big Mac then stood in Scootaloo’s way and firmly raised a fore-hoof to stop her. Scootaloo skidded to a stop so quickly that she tripped over a rock and tumbled forward. The momentum made her toss the saddle bags high into the air. Time slowed down as the saddle bags began to descend right into Big Mac’s fore-hoof. But then out of nowhere, Feather Bangs appeared and intercepted the saddle bags. Eric was shocked.

“What the...?! Where did he come from?!” Eric exclaimed. He didn’t get an answer as Feather Bangs returned the saddle bags to Sugar Belle.

“Here’s your sugar, Sugar,” said Feather Bangs in his usual smooth tone, “Though it is not as sweet...” He gave a chuckle and flicked his mane, “...as you.” Nearby, the three mares that were following him gave a lovesick sigh.

“Oh for crying out loud,” Eric remarked in disgust. Sugar Belle just sighed with gratitude.

“Thank you, Feather!” said Sugar Belle. Feather Bangs smiled and then shot a smirk at Big Mac and the others, who were looking very annoyed.

“That smooth-talkin’ pony stole our rescue!” Apple Bloom complained, “And it totally would’ve worked!”

“Eeyup,” said Big Mac angrily.

“We’re just gonna have to keep trying!” Sweetie Belle replied, “Big Mac, are you ready to take it up a notch?”

“Oh, yup!” said Big Mac with determination.

A few minutes later.

“Oh, nope,” said Big Mac wearily as he was wearing a blue renaissance style shirt.

“Are you sure the shirt is really necessary?” Eric asked since they had asked him to quickly sew it up for the red stallion.

“Trust us!” said Sweetie Belle, “There’s nothing more romantic than waking your special pony from a sleeping spell with a magical kiss.” Sweetie Belle then showed the stallion a picture of the knight about to kiss the sleeping princess. In the distance was Sugar Belle, who was taking a peaceful nap on a hammock.

“See?” Sweetie Belle pointed out as she showed the knight and princess riding a carriage into the sunset, “’They rode off into the sunset’.” The three fillies sighed as hearts floated around them. Eric chuckled.

“That’s nice in theory,” Eric replied, “But Sugar Belle is just taking a nap, not under the a sleeping spell that needs to be broken.”

“Eh, just a minor detail, Eric,” said Apple Bloom, “Any sign of Feather Bangs?” Scootaloo quickly scanned the area to make sure the smooth talking stallion was nowhere to be found.

“Negative!” said Scootaloo, “Coast is clear!”

“It’s now or never, Big Mac!” said Apple Bloom to her big brother.

Big Mac gulped nervously as he slowly marched up to Sugar Belle. He had just gotten in range when he bit his lower lip. Apple Bloom then took off toward the red stallion. Eric winced when he saw Apple Bloom rush up to him.

“Apple Bloom, what are you doing?” Eric called out in a loud whisper. He watched as the yellow filly began to push Big Mac forward a bit so his head was towering the sleeping mare. Then Eric saw Apple Bloom climb on top of Big Mac as she pushed his head forward to go for the kiss. It was then Big Mac puckered up.

“No, genius!” Eric bellowed in a loud whisper, “I said go for the cheek, not the lips!” To make matters worse, just as Apple Bloom jumped off of Big Mac’s back, Sugar Belle woke and up and gasped as she saw Big Mac puckering his lips at her. Eric could see that Sugar Belle was not only awake, but also looking very disturbed.

“Abort! Abort! Abort!” Eric called out when a certain stallion was about to attempt to take over. Eric rushed over to block what was an oncoming carriage from reaching Big Mac and Sugar Belle, then it bashed Big Mac away.

“Oh-ho-ho, girl, you been workin’ hard all day,” said Feather Bangs, “Allow me to treat you like the princess...” he chuckled and flipped his mane, “...you are.” Big Mac glared indignantly as the three fan ponies sighed in their lovesick fashion. Eric just snarled at Feather Bangs. Sugar Belle just smiled as she hopped into the carriage and rode off into the background. Big Mac, Eric, and Apple Bloom just glared as they disappeared.

“Hey! That’s our metaphorical sunset they’re riding off into!” Sweetie Belle shouted.

“All right, this ends now,” said Scootaloo, “Feather Bangs may have good timing, and...a good mane...” Sweetie Belle looked swooned once again and just nodded in agreement about the good mane. Eric felt his temper boil.

“How could you so easily be swooned by that smooth talker, Sweetie Belle?!” Eric yelled.

“Eric, I’m sorry I made you feel jealous, I didn’t mean to. You are my one and only,” Sweetie Belle replied, pulling him into a kiss.

“I love you too, Sweetie Belle, and I’m sorry for yelling,” Eric replied.

“I’ve got an idea,” said Scootaloo, “Let’s see him compete with a song!”

“That’s genius, Scootaloo!” Eric replied as the orange filly beamed with pride.

“S-Say what now?” Big Mac stuttered and blinked.

“Of course! Why didn’t we think of it before?” Apple Bloom asked rhetorically.

“Every great love story hinges on the romantic musical number,” Sweetie Belle said as she showed a picture of a stallion and mare singing to each other, “Big Mac, you gotta write a song for Sugar Belle!”

“Eeyup,” said Big Mac with determination as Eric blinked in surprise. The three fillies then shared a high hoof with each other.

“Uhh, Big Mac? Have you ever written a sing before?” Eric asked uneasily.

“Nnope,” said Big Mac, but didn’t lose the determination in his tone, “That’s where you come in.”

“WAH?!” Eric exclaimed in shock. He sang before, but he never written actual lyrics for a song before.

It wasn’t long before Sugar Belle was busy setting up her desserts on her display case. Big Mac and the Cutie Mark Crusaders just watched her from the window. Apple Bloom then jumped off the table she, the other fillies, and Eric were standing on.

“Come on, Big Mac!” said Apple Bloom.

“It’s show time!” Eric added with a small fist-pump. It was then the three fan mares appeared in the fore-ground. It should be noted that they all had valley girl accents.

“Feather Bangs is sooo romantic,” said the earth pony mare named Swoon Song.

“When he speaks,” the Pegasus mare named Fond Feather added, “I pretend he’s talking to me.” Eric just glared at the three mares.

Big Mac just sighed in defeat as the three fan ponies walked off.

“It’s okay, Big Mac,” said Eric, “You’ve got this!”

“Come on!” Apple Bloom added, “You can do better than him! Just like we practiced!” Big Mac just gulped since he was still feeling very nervous inside.

Sugar Belle was still busy arranging her desserts when Apple Bloom peeked in from the front door of the bakery and then gestured for Big Mac, Eric, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo quietly sneaked inside the bakery.

Once set up was complete, the lights to the bakery turned off, startling Sugar Belle as she looked around. There in the dark was a farm backdrop and Big Mac standing on a stage. It was then some country music began to play.

CRASH!

SPLAT!

Big Mac and Feather Bangs, as well as the backup dancers, all lost their balance as they fell right on top of Sugar Belle. To make matters worse, they also smashed her display case to bits. To make matters even more worse, one of her pies smashed on top of her head. Big Mac winced at the mess. Feather Bangs bit his lower lip,

“Now they’ve done it...” Eric groaned loudly as he took a step back nervously. The three fillies winced as Apple Bloom face-hooved herself. As for Sugar Belle, her patience was obviously maxed out.

“What in Equestria has gotten into you two?!” Sugar Belle yelled, “If you think I’m the kind of pony who likes all this nonsense, then you clearly don’t know me at all! I wish everypony would just...LEAVE. ME. ALONE!” Feather Bangs whimpered before he and his backup dancers ran out of the bakery as quickly as they could. The Cutie Mark Crusaders just sadly left next. Big Mac watched as Sugar Belle sadly surveyed the damage to her display case and his destroyed desserts.

Big Mac felt tears build up in his eyes so quickly that he couldn’t stop himself crying before he ran out of the bakery as well. Eric just watched him disappear before looking back at Sugar Belle one more time.

Sugar Belle gave a loud sigh before she hugged herself and began to cry to release all the frustration she was feeling inside. She didn’t know that Eric could see and hear her from the window.

Later on, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were on the search. They had gone immediately to the wagon to wait for Big Mac to take them back home. But after a good half an hour of waiting. They found that Big Mac had not returned. So they went to look for him, but were checking places that a stallion wouldn’t be hiding in. Scootaloo was looking under a vase that was on a table Party Favor and Night Glider were sitting at.

“Big Mac!” Apple Bloom called out as she looked through some binoculars. Sweetie Belle used her magic to lift a small rock to see if he was there.

“Oh, Big Mac?!” Apple Bloom called out again, but no answer.

“Well, nopony’s seen him,” said Scootaloo as Sweetie Belle joined up with them.

“Aw, I feel terrible,” Apple Bloom remarked, “I’ve seen my brother so upset before.” Then Apple Bloom saw a familiar pony in the distance just looking glum as he looked through the fairy tale book.

Big Mac just closed the book and sighed sadly.

“Big Mac!” Apple Bloom cried out as the three fillies and boy walked up to him.

“Are you okay?” Sweetie Belle asked gently.

“Nnope,” Big Mac replied sadly.

“Sorry it don’t work out with Sugar Belle,” said Apple Bloom.

“No thanks to us,” Eric remarked.

Sweetie Belle then walked up to her book.

“We don’t get it,” said Sweetie Belle, “Big, grand gestures always work in the fairy tales.”

“But Sugar Belle’s not a fairy tale princess,” Big Mac replied, “She’s a real pony. She’s kind, and she works hard and she’s sweeter then everything in her bakery.”

“That’s it!” said Apple Bloom, startling everypony as she swatted Sweetie Belle’s book away, “We shoulda been thinking about what would mean alot to Sugar Belle!”

“That’s right. Is there anything you can think of that Sugar Belle wanted or needed?” Eric asked.

“Hmm...” Big Mac pondered and then gasped, “I know just the thing! But I’m gonna need your help! All of you!”

“Really?” Apple Bloom asked as other the two fillies and Eric gave him sad looks, “Even after we messed everything up?”

“Eeyup,” said Big Mac, “Come on!” Big Mac then took off.

“H-hey! Wait up!” Eric called out as he and the other CMC followed him.

A few minutes later, Scootaloo was outside the bakery wearing just her gaucho glasses as she peeked out from a plant in a pot. She saw Sugar Belle walking down the street. Scootaloo then rushed up to her.

“Hello!” said Scootaloo in a fake voice, “My name’s Shimmering Spectacles, and I’m a librarian with a mysterious past!” She gave a chuckle.

“Oh, okay, I’m...” said Sugar Belle casually, but then something clicked in her head as she gave Scootaloo a skeptical look, “Wait a minute. You look familiar.” Sugar Belle gave the filly a glare.

“I shouldn’t. Um, uh, I’m new in town. Mind showing me around?” Scootaloo replied as she began to sweat nervously.

“Uh, sure,” said Sugar Belle as the view zoomed out a bit, “That’s the whole town. It’s just the one street.” Sugar Belle then walked away. Scootaloo winced as she tried to think of another way to get Sugar Belle’s attention. She then saw a loose thread on her saddle bags and tugged it to make the bottom of one bag open up and spill out the banana Sugar Belle bought.

“Oh, no! Clumsy me!” said Scootaloo, “Here, let me help you clean it up!”

Sugar Belle glared and had a “You’ve gotta be kidding me?!” look on her face. Nearby was the bakery, where Sweetie Belle was peeking out from the front door and saw everything.

“I don’t think Scootaloo can hold her off much longer,” said Sweetie Belle to Big Mac, Apple Bloom, and Eric. They were busy building something when they gave each other panicked looks.

“Triple time, everypony!” Eric called out as Big Mac and Apple Bloom cringed. The two ponies and boy ducked down and began to work even faster. Outside, Sugar Belle and using her magic to carry her bananas. Scootaloo was trying her hardest to get Sugar Belle to stop heading to the bakery, but Sugar Belle was having none of it.

“Uh, n-now hold on a minute,” said Scootaloo nervously as she walked backwards to keep ahead of Sugar Belle, “Are you sure I can’t buy you a new bag?”

“I’m good. It’s no big deal.” Sugar Belle bluntly replied.

“But, u-um, umm...” Scootaloo stuttered when she rear ended the front door. She looked behind herself, gulped, and then smiled sheepishly as she stood on her hind legs to block Sugar Belle from getting inside.

“Okay, what’s going on?” Sugar Belle asked as she glared at Scootaloo.

Inside the bakery, Sweetie Belle was just waiting nervously at the door when Eric walked up to her.

“How’s she doing?” Eric asked the marshmallow filly. He got his answer when Scootaloo burst open the door.

“AHHH! THE CUPCAKE HAS LANDED! REPEAT! THE CUPCAKE HAS LANDED!” Scootaloo screamed.

Eric and Sweetie Belle just gave the magenta unicorn sheepishly smiled and walked away.

“Big Mac!” Sugar Belle said sternly when she saw the red stallion. Big Mac just smiled and turned around to show her the completed project. Sugar Belle was shocked as a happy smile appeared on her face.

“You made me a new display case?” Sugar Belle asked happily.

“Eeyup,” said Big Mac bashfully as he blushed as well.

“And you made it bigger! You remembered!” Sugar Belle replied excitedly and gasped, “Now I have twice as much room for all my desserts!” Sugar Belle then gasped again as she got a smile with anime eyes, “which means...I can make even more! I’ve been dying to try baking cream pies, whoopie pies, and icebox cakes and, of course, more apple treats!” She gave Big Mac a flirty smile before walking up to him.

“Oh, Big Mac, thank you so much,” Sugar Belle told him in a tone filled with gratitude, “This is the sweetest thing anypony’s ever done for me.” Big Mac blushed and chuckled.

“Uh, y-y-yeah, or-or nope or...” Big Mac stuttered, trying to find his words, but then Sugar Belle put a fore-hoof to his mouth as she giggled.

“I like you, too,” said Sugar Belle. Big Mac just sighed happily as the two shared a gentle nose nuzzle together.

“AWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!” the Cutie Mark Crusaders cooed as they made themselves known. Big Mac and Sugar Belle looked down to see them.

“That was the most romantic thing ever!” Apple Bloom remarked while Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Eric smiled with anime eyes.

“Wait a minute,” said Sugar Belle, “I recognize you fillies and the fact you’re with Prince Eric Sparkle!” She turned to Big Mac, “Have they been with you this whole time?” Big Mac nervously smiled.

“Ee-” Big Mac tried to say before Apple Bloom and Eric stood beside him.

“I’m Big Mac’s little sister, and these are my friends. We’re sorry for everything we put you through today, Sugar Belle,” said Apple Bloom, “Big Mac would have never gone through with all of those crazy...”

“...over-the-top...” Sweetie Belle added.

“...downright ridiculous...” Scootaloo added.

“...attempts to impress you if we hadn’t put him up to it, we learned our lesson. Romance isn’t about impressing somepony. It’s about doin’ somethin’ that means somethin’ special to that pony you love-Heh...” Apple Bloom then cleared her throat, “...like a lot.” Apple Bloom just smiled sheepishly.

“Uh, Apple Bloom, I think they get it,” said Sweetie Belle.

As Apple Bloom was talking, Sugar Belle just face Big Mac a cute smile. Big Mac smiled back with a light blush as the two ponies walked back up to each other. As the three fillies and Eric looked, they saw Big Mac and Sugar Belle sharing another nose nuzzle. Sugar and Big Mac chuckled to each other as the two ponies looked lovesick into each other’s eyes. Eric couldn’t resist a silent chuckle when he turned to the three fillies, then they turned to see Big Mac and Sugar Belle still sharing nose nuzzles with each other.

“I...think we should have those two alone,” Eric whispered.

“Good idea,” said Scootaloo as the four ponies slowly walked backwards out of the bakery.

“Sugar Be-eee-eee-elle...!” Feather Bangs sang as he held a phonograph over his head, “Oooooooooooooooooooooooooo...yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeah...”

“Oh, give me a break...” Eric groaned as he face-palmed himself.

“Relax, cutie,” Sweetie Belle replied, “Just leave him to us.” Eric gave his girlfriend a skeptical look as the three fillies walked up to Feather Bangs.

“Sorry Feather,” said Scootaloo, “You’re a little too late.”

“Yeah!” Apple Bloom added, “Sugar Belle’s already picked her special somepony!”

Feather Bangs looked to see Sugar Belle and Big Mac holding each other as hearts floated in the air above them. Feather Bangs looked a little heartbroken. Eric couldn’t help but give him a sympathetic look.

“But don’t worry,” said Sweetie Belle, “You’ve got three not-so-secret admirers right behind you!” The three fan ponies sighed and looked at him cutely. Feather Bang blushed at the attention, making it clear he had never noticed them until now.

“What should I say to them?” Feather Bangs asked with a nervous laugh.

“Say what?!” Eric asked, completely surprised.

“Uh, you’re askin’ us for advice?” Apple Bloom replied, just as stunned.

“Uh-huh,” said Feather Bangs, “Look, I-I can mane flip, write poetry, and juggle, but actually talkin’ to a pony? Oh, it scares me almost as much as loneliness.”

“Seriously?!” Eric snapped, “Dude, you can capture the eyes of any girl without even trying that hard! And you’re telling me you get insecure just talking to a girl?”

“Um...yeah?” Feather Bangs replied with a sheepishly smile on her face. Eric just stared at him in disbelief.

“Just goes to show ya,” said Sweetie Belle, “That even smooth talking ponies can have doubts and insecurities.” Eric was still in disbelief when Feather Bangs looked nervously at the three fillies.

“Will you help me? Please?” Feather Bangs asked. The three fillies turned away to confer. Apple Bloom was still getting over her shock over what they had just learned.

“Gee, I don’t know about this,” said Apple Bloom.

“He just needs a little help in the conversation department,” Scootaloo replied, “Besides, I don’t think Big Mac is ready to leave just yet.” The three fillies and Eric, who was just listening to their conversation quietly, all turned to see Big Mac and Sugar were still giggling and nuzzling each other.

“Let’s do it!” said Sweetie Belle as the three fillies turned to face Feather Bangs.

“Feather Bangs, the Cutie Mark Crusaders are...” Apple Bloom began.

“...at your service!” said the three fillies and Eric together. Feather Bangs did a mane flip. The three fillies each did a mane flip of their own, even Eric tried but failed. Then they all laughed as Feather Bangs gave a wink.

It was nightfall by the time Eric had arrived at the castle and walked through the entrance doors. Twilight and Storm were there waiting for him.

“Eric, where have you been?” Twilight asked sternly, “We’ve been worried sick! You and your friends aren’t supposed to be out this late at night!”

“My friends and I were at Starlight’s old village,” Eric replied.

“What were you doing in Starlight’s old village?” Storm asked.

“Big Mac’s been going there a lot lately and we wanted to find out why and it turns out he had a crush on the baker, Sugar Belle and we helped him win her heart just like we did with Zephyr Breeze and Spitfire, only without the secret admirer technique,” Eric explained.

“A noble gesture, sweetie, but you still left town without telling us. You’re grounded for a week,” Twilight said calmly.

“I’m sorry for leaving without telling you,” Eric replied before heading to brush his teeth and going to bed.

Next Chapter: Chapter 4: Triple Threat Estimated time remaining: 2 Hours, 49 Minutes