A Small Favour

Chapter 1

It wasn't often you got to see her in this state. The yellow mare you loved, peacefully sleeping. In fact, it was more common to see her cowering under the bed in fear of the night. It was only when you came around that she began to feel more comfortable. Her friends had noticed the change— Twilight was so happy that she had more energy to help around the castle, and Discord was pleased that she could host more tea parties. Running a few fingers through her pastel mane, you noticed the morning sun reflecting off of it. Despite her animals, she had an awful habit of sleeping in. To wake her up, you normally run the kettle and the noise alone would wake her. Today was no different.

"Hmmnn..Anon?" Her soft voice quietly echoed down the stairs as you heard her rise out of bed. Fluttershy groggily stepped out of the bedroom and looked down the stairs, heavy eyed. "Is it morning already? Oh!" Suddenly, a wave of energy shot through her. "We have a date today!" That much was true. You and her had scheduled a date, and Applejack would take care of the animals.

"Right as always, love," You calmly responded. "Peppermint or ginsing?" You preferred peppermint, with that awful sweet tooth you'd gained from Pinkie, but it was good to give her control. Fluttershy smiled kindly.

"Ginsing, please."

"Lovely."

"Did you sleep well?"

"I always sleep well with you," You said. Once again, it was true. Fluttershy brought out the best in you.

"You are too nice, Anon," She smiled back.

Handing her the teacup, you patiently waited for it to cool down. "When is AJ supposed to be coming over?" You asked. "In a couple minutes, actually," She replied. A knock came from the old wooden door. "I'll get it!" You replied. Swiftly turning the knob, a face that wasn't AJ was waiting for you. Instead, a bashful filly with a bow was instead.

"Applebloom?" She wasted no time getting to the point. "Mah sister wanted to give ya this letter here, you see?" Applebloom whipped out an envelope, as Fluttershy trodded over to see. Carefully opening it, she read:

"Dear Fluttershy,

I'm real sorry I can't come today. I'm a little bit overscheduled, helping Dash and Pinkie set up Gummy's birthday bash. I hope you can find someone else to help around as you and Anon do whatever ponies and humans do!

Love, Applejack."

Fluttershy finished reading it and looked up at you with wide eyes. "Oh dear. Y-you can go now, Applebloom. Me and Anon need to talk."

Applebloom happily obliged, as you set down the envelope and letter.

"Oh, no, what are we going to do?!" Fluttershy hid behind her hair, silently panicking. It was up to you to come up with a plan, and save the day. "How about we go around and see if Dr. Flora's free?"

Fluttershy nodded, and as she glided, you jogged to keep up with her.