Love Letter had run through his plan over and over in his head during his mail route, absentmindedly placing letters and packages into mailboxes as he pumped himself up.

“Okay, you got this! All you have to do is go to the flower shop, get the prettiest bouquet, and give it right to the pony who’s working today.” Just at the thought of his plan, the pegasus’ chest feathers started to ruffle and fluff up at odd angles. He tried to run over them with a hoof in an attempt to flatten them, only for the downy fluff to immediately pop up again.

After delivering his last package, Love Letter returned his uniform to the post office and immediately zoomed to the flower shop. He felt his heart hammering in his chest and he couldn’t tell what was making it worse, thinking of his crush or flying at high speeds. Spotting a few other customers already grabbing the attention of the flower pony, Love Letter grinned. With her busy, he would have time to find the best bunch of flowers before she asked to help him.

He landed quietly, busying himself with studying each bouquet carefully. There were plenty to choose from, and he realized that he had no idea what kind of flowers Morning Glory liked. What if he picked the wrong kind?

“E-Everybody likes roses, right? No, maybe I should go with these…” He muttered to himself, grabbing a bunch of daisies before glancing back to Morning Glory, who was still helping another customer.

He silently told himself that this was his chance, to make sure he was the next to talk to her. As he took a few steps closer to her, he could feel his feathers fluff up again as if his emotions were on a big sign above his head. Morning Glory glanced back at him quickly and motioned that she would help him in a second, only causing Love Letter’s face and ears to turn bright pink.

‘Oh god, she saw me.’ He thought, growing frantic as his plan immediately disappeared from his brain. ‘What do I do?! What do I say?!’

The stallion would never consider himself ready for Glory turning to face him, and when she did, his face felt hot enough to cook an egg on.

“Hey there, Love Letter! How can I help you?” She smiled, glancing to the bouquet tucked in his arm.

“I-I…um…” Love Letter gulped quietly, looking ready to bolt. “I’d like to buy these, please!”

“You got it! Bouquets are 10 bits.” They quickly exchanged money, with the pegasus almost dropping his change everywhere. Morning Glory didn’t seem to notice, instead continuing to talk. “So, who are the flowers for?”

Love Letter knew his moment had come, it was time to follow through and hand her the flowers. Even shoving them at her and running away would have been a win in the stallion’s book, but after desperately trying to build up the courage, his bravery disappeared.

“They’re for my mom…” He lied, giving a weak smile.

Glory grinned and squeaked happily in obvious approval. “Aw, that’s so sweet! I’m sure she’s going to love them!”

Love Letter nodded in agreement and walked away as she waved him goodbye, his feathers and blush finally calming down. He groaned, ready to go home and sulk in his room for the rest of the night.

When he did arrive at his family’s house, Whirlwind Romance met him at the door, clearly having spotted him through the window on his way home. “Hi, sweetie! How was your day?”

“It was okay.” He smiled softly as she nuzzled her forehead against his, before spotting the bouquet in his hoof. “These are for you.”

“Oh, they’re beautiful! Thank you! I have to show these to Rainy!” His mother grinned, immediately hurrying off to put them in her best vase and show them off to her wife.

Love Letter was already heading upstairs to his room as she trotted off, giving a quiet ‘you’re welcome’, wishing he could have been more direct with his crush at the flower shop.

“Next time.” He told himself. “Next time for sure.”