A knock at the door announced the arrival of Discord.
“Good afternoon, Fluttershy,” he said from the doorway.
Fluttershy sniffled from her bed, but gave him a smile. “Hello, Discord.”
“What’s this?” Discord’s face contorted in confusion. “Are you… sick?”
She shook her head with practiced poise. “It’s only a little cold. I’ll be fine.”
Discord shook his head as he entered the room, clicking his tongue as he went. “No, no—this will never do.” He quickly rubbed his hands together and primed his talons for a snap. “Hold still, Fluttershy. I’ll have you cured in no time.”
“Wait.”
Discord lurched to a stop and gave her a puzzled look.
“I…” She clicked her hooves together fretfully. “I… don’t want you to cure me with your magic.”
A moment passed in silence as Discord tried to process what she said. “Well, why not?”
“You do so much for me already. I can’t have you solve all of my problems for me.” A quiet sniffle, hidden behind a hoof.
“Oh, Fluttershy, don’t be ridic—”
Discord’s attempt to step closer was cut off by Angel hopping onto her bed. The bunny spread his forelimbs wide and didn’t seem inclined to move.
Discord narrowed his eyes and clenched his teeth. “Angel.”
Angel returned the glare but stood his ground.
“Sorry, Discord,” Fluttershy said, coughing into her hoof. “I wouldn’t want to get you sick, too. It’s why I sent the girls away after they came to visit.”
“And what about Angel?” A mischievous grin tugged at his lip. “We wouldn’t want him getting sick, now would we?”
Angel scowled, but quickly dropped it when Fluttershy picked him up.
“It’s sweet of you to worry,” she said with a smile, “but bunnies can’t catch colds like ponies. Isn’t that wonderful?” She gave Angel an affectionate nuzzle.
Angel rubbed her with his chin, and stuck his tongue out to Discord for good measure.
“Yes, fantastic,” he said flatly. He cleared his throat and straightened up. “You’ll be happy to know that I can’t catch colds, either.”
“Really?”
Discord stepped closer, ignoring Angel’s frown. “Of course. The Tatzl Flu is a magical illness, and one of very few that can actually affect me.” He took a seat on her bed and offered her a smile. “Don’t you worry about me. I’ll be right by your side until you feel better, just like you were for me.”
“That’s very—ah… ah!… AH!
“…choo.”
Angel and Discord both winced, leaning away from the sniffling pony.
“Oh, poor Fluttershy…” Discord conjured a box of tissues in his paw and held it out to her. “Here.”
“Thank you, Discord.” With a quiet sniffle, she pulled out a tissue and took a deep breath. Before she blew her nose into it, however, she stopped and gave it a curious look.
“Is something wrong?”
“These aren’t magical tissues that’ll make me all better when I blow my nose in them, are they?”
Discord suddenly found her walls to be very interesting.
“Discord…?”
“Oh, fine.” A quick snap of his talons and the tissues he conjured were gone.
Angel hopped to the bedside desk and presented her with a proper tissue box. He smirked in Discord’s direction as Fluttershy pulled out a tissue.
“Thank you, Angel.” She smiled to the bunny before delicately blowing her nose.
Discord huffed in frustration. “I still don’t see why you won’t let me cure you.”
Fluttershy sat up a little straighter as she tossed the used tissue aside. “This is something I need to do. Please understand.”
“But—”
“Discord,” Fluttershy said as firmly as she could manage, “I want you to promise you won’t make me better with magic.”
“But, I—” He looked back and forth between Angel’s critical glare and Fluttershy’s pleading eyes. “Oh, alright.” His ears fell in defeat. “I promise not to use my magic to cure you.”
Fluttershy looked at him expectantly.
“And I won’t give you anything that will magically make you all better,” he said with a roll of his eyes.
A smile from Fluttershy helped soften his mood. Angel simply pouted at the display and hopped into Fluttershy’s lap, nuzzling her with his chin.
Discord narrowed his eyes at the interrupting rabbit, but smiled as an idea popped into his head.
“Fluttershy, would you be interested in a hoof massage?”
Both Fluttershy and Angel looked up at him.
“A… massage?” Fluttershy asked.
“Yes, like the kind you and Rarity get at the local spa.” Discord took great pleasure in the way Angel’s ear twitched in annoyance. “I want to do whatever I can to help you feel better.”
“Oh, well, um—”
Angel leapt from her lap to the desk, opened up a drawer, and hopped inside. His head popped back up with a smile as he held up a brush for her mane.
“Oh, thank you, Angel, but I don’t—”
“Or, better yet,” Discord said, “perhaps I could sing you a song? I know nothing made me feel better when I was sick than hearing you serenade me with that lovely voice of yours.”
“That really isn’t—”
Angel squeaked loudly for Fluttershy’s attention, holding up a file for her hooves.
“Um, no thank you, Angel, I don’t—”
“Oh, Fluttershy, I have an excellent idea—”
Angel flailed his forelimbs wildly to keep her from looking away.
Discord’s lip curled into a snarl, and Angel scowled right back at him. The air felt electric with the intensity of their glares.
“choo!”
Discord and Angel both turned to the pony sniffling in her bed. Their anger melted away instantly as concern etched their features.
“Fluttershy,” Discord said slowly, “are you alright?”
“I—” she coughed into her hoof, “I’d… really like to get some rest right now.”
“Ah, of course,” he said, turning to the door. “You go ahead and take it easy.”
Angel made a leap for Fluttershy’s bed, but instead of meeting a cushy embrace, he soon found himself suspended in midair. He squeaked in protest as he drifted towards the doorway.
“Come along, Angel,” Discord said casually, his talons glowing with a golden light. “Fluttershy needs her rest.”
Angel reached out to Fluttershy in a futile attempt to escape Discord’s magic. Her apologetic smile was the last thing the bunny saw before her door closed shut.
The glow of Discord’s talons faded as he released his magical grip on Angel, placing the bunny on the living room floor. Angel crossed his forelimbs as Discord approached him.
“Alright, rabbit,” Discord growled, “I don’t like you, and you don’t like me.”
Angel turned his back to Discord and stuck his nose into the air.
“…But we both care about Fluttershy.”
Angel’s ears perked up, and he cautiously allowed himself a peak over his shoulder.
“I can’t believe I’m even suggesting this,” Discord continued, “but how about we call a truce?” He leaned down and held out his talons to the dubious bunny.
choo! Another dainty sneeze reached their ears from upstairs.
“At least until Fluttershy’s better.” He was quick to add that little amendment. “We can go back to fighting for her attention when she has the strength to put up with it.”
Angel warily narrowed his eyes at Discord. He slowly extended a paw to meet Discord’s talons and together they shook, establishing their temporary truce.
Discord sighed and sat down next to him.
“Now, you’ve known her longer than I have,” Discord said. “What does she like when she’s sick?”
Angel looked to the floor and rubbed his chin. Struck by inspiration, he bounded for the kitchen.
Discord strolled in after him, and was only barely able to catch the small bag that Angel threw at him. He opened it up and peered inside.
“Tea,” Discord said, rolling his eyes. “Why didn’t I think of that?”
Discord made his way upstairs with Angel right on his heels. He knocked on Fluttershy’s door and leaned in close.
“Fluttershy?” he said softly. “It’s us. Can we come in?”
There was a quiet sniffle, followed by an “Mm-hmm.”
Discord pushed open the door and Angel shot into the room. The bunny was back in Fluttershy’s warm hug before Discord could even step inside.
“We brought you some tea.” He set the tray down and poured her a cup.
Fluttershy lifted the cup and carefully inspected the liquid.
“It’s only tea,” Discord said with a roll of his eyes. “Chamomile.”
“Oh, I love chamomile,” she said before taking a sip. “Mmm, and it’s good for a cold, too.”
“Yes, well…” he said bashfully. “Angel actually picked it out.”
“Aww, thank you, Angel.” Fluttershy gave the bunny a loving nuzzle, which he happily returned. “And thank you, Discord. This was really sweet.”
Angel rubbed his chin against her lap as she continued sipping her tea. His ears perked up again as another idea popped into his head. He quickly hopped off her bed and tugged at Discord’s leg.
“Yes?” Discord asked, raising an eyebrow. “What is it?”
Angel pointed to the adjoining bathroom before bounding to its door. He drummed his foot on the ground to get Discord to come open it. As soon as Discord did, Angel rushed inside and hopped onto the rim of the bathtub, pointing inside it excitedly.
Discord smiled in amusement and snapped his talons. The handles began to turn, causing hot water to pour out of the spout. Angel added bath solution from a nearby bottle and squeaked in joy as light, frothy bubbles filled the tub.
Discord and Angel returned to Fluttershy’s room to find that she’d finished her cup of tea.
“Oh, Fluttershy,” Discord said as he crossed the room, “Angel and I prepared a bath for you, if you’d like.”
“Oh, that sounds lovely,” she said with a smile.
Discord held her hoof as she stepped out of bed, and together he and Angel walked her to the bathroom. As Fluttershy approached the bathtub, she was wrapped up in the warm steam and the sweet, fruity smell of the bubbles.
“Hot water to soothe your muscles,” Discord said. With a snap of his talons, the room filled with the soft glow of lit candles. “…And aromatherapy to help you relax.”
Fluttershy closed her eyes and inhaled slowly, thankful that the tea helped clear her nose enough to enjoy the scented candles. The smell of a pine forest mixed into the air, and Fluttershy had no difficulty picturing herself on a stroll through the woods. She opened her eyes and smiled to Discord and Angel.
“This is all so wonderful,” Fluttershy said with a quiet cough. “I can’t thank you two enough.”
“Think nothing of it,” Discord said, grinning proudly. “Here, I’ll help you into the tub.”
Discord found his heels dragging along the ground as he was pushed out of the room. Casting a curious glance over his shoulder, he saw Angel pushing against the back of his legs until they were both out. Angel closed the door behind them and crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes at Discord.
“Oh, honestly,” Discord said in exasperation. “She doesn’t even wear clothes.”
Angel refused to budge.
“Fine,” he said with a roll of his eyes. “What do you suggest we do?”
Angel finally relaxed as he tapped his chin in thought. He hopped over to Fluttershy’s desk and picked up a piece of paper. His squeaks and rapid bouncing prompted Discord to walk over and accept it.
“What’s this?” Discord asked, squinting at the flowery print. “A list of chores?” He raised an eyebrow to the bunny.
Angel’s frown confirmed that he was being completely serious.
“Oh, fine,” he said. “Let’s get started.”
Discord emptied a bag of food pellets onto the floor.
“Come along, little critters,” he called out with what little enthusiasm he could muster. “It’s time to eat.”
Creatures of all sorts began to emerge from their hiding places throughout the cottage. Before long, Discord found himself surrounded by little animals happily eating. A tug at his leg pulled his attention down to the floor.
Angel pointed inside his mouth and rubbed his empty tummy, sniveling with a quivering lip.
“There’s plenty to go around,” Discord said, gesturing to the room.
The bunny stuck his tongue out in disgust and kicked away a nearby pellet.
“What will you eat, then?”
Immediately brightening up, Angel dashed off and returned with a recipe book. He quickly opened it up and pointed to a picture of an elaborate salad.
Discord’s ears fell in disbelief. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
Angel narrowed his eyes and tapped the picture impatiently.
Shaking his head, Discord turned and began walking off, mumbling to himself. “I can’t believe I’m seriously doing this…” With a snap of his talons, a picture-perfect salad appeared in front of Angel, right down to the cherry on top.
Angel beamed in uncontainable excitement. He opened his mouth wide and was about to dig in when something unexpected caught his eye. Discord had wandered over to the birdfeeders and was filling them with fresh seeds. He looked bored at best, borderline miserable at worst. Angel looked back and forth between Discord and his salad.
Discord let out a sigh and felt another tug at his legs. He looked down and saw Angel smiling up at him. The bunny held up a slice of cucumber from his salad and looked up at him expectantly. Discord’s eyebrow drifted upwards as he tried to process what he was seeing.
“That’s… thoughtful of you,” he said slowly, “but strictly speaking, I don’t have to eat.”
Angel looked at him curiously before offering him the cucumber slice again, undaunted and smiling once more.
Discord reached down and took it in his talons. “Well, thank you, Angel.” He popped the slice of cucumber into his mouth and swallowed.
Angel gave him a salute before returning to his salad.
Discord went back to feeding the other critters of the cottage, unable to get rid of the small smile on his face.
Discord walked upstairs with another serving tray floating next to him, quietly knocking on the door before entering. Fluttershy’s head slowly lifted off her pillow as she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes.
“Oh, hello, Discord,” she said softly.
“Hello, Fluttershy,” he said with a gentle smile. “I brought you some dinner.” He set the tray down in front of her. “I made you soup, and Angel tossed you a salad.”
Fluttershy sniffled and smiled to him.
Discord backed his way to the door. “Eat what you can, but don’t force yourself, blah blah blah. You know, all that stuff you told me when I was sick.”
“Discord?”
“The magic’s only there to help keep the soup warm,” he said from the doorway. “That’s all.”
“No, it’s not that.” Fluttershy’s eyes sparkled in the early moonlight. “Thank you for taking such good care of me today.”
“Oh, of course,” he said bashfully. “Rest up, Fluttershy, and if you need anything—anything at all—don’t hesitate to ask.”
Fluttershy nodded. “Good night, Discord.”
“Good night, Fluttershy.” Discord quietly shut the door.
“Room for one more?”
Angel lifted his head off the couch and turned to the voice. Discord looked back at him sheepishly.
“I wouldn’t feel right leaving while Fluttershy’s still sick,” he said. “You understand how it is.”
Angel nodded slowly and hopped to the side of the couch.
Discord took a seat and let out a sigh. The two sat in silence, unsure of how to proceed.
“I’m… sorry,” Discord said quietly.
Angel’s ear perked up, but he waited for Discord to continue.
“I know it’s wrong to try to come between you and Fluttershy, and she really deserves better.” Discord nodded to himself. “She deserves better than me constantly picking fights with you, always making her worry.”
Angel tilted his head sympathetically.
“It’s just that I’m still not very good at this whole ‘friend’ thing, and Fluttershy—sometimes I think she’s the only one I can honestly call my friend.” He closed his eyes and allowed his words to sink in.
A soft fuzziness against his leg pulled him out of his thoughts.
Angel was rubbing his chin against Discord’s leg, smiling up to him with eyes sparkling bright. Before Discord could even question what was going on, Angel hopped into his lap and curled up against him.
Discord let out a chuckle and started petting the bunny’s ears.
“I think I’m starting to understand what Fluttershy sees in you.”
Fluttershy was greeted by a magnificent sunrise filling her room with its warmth. She took in a deep breath of the fresh morning air and let out a blissful sigh. It seemed impossible that only yesterday she was sick.
She felt wonderful.
Gliding down the stairs, Fluttershy stopped in her living room. Splayed out before her was a sleeping Discord, quietly snoring with his limbs and tail hanging over the edges of the couch. Curled up against him was Angel, sleeping peacefully with an occasional twitch.
The sight inspired an affectionate giggle out of her. She slowly draped a blanket over them, careful not to disturb such a precious scene. A glance over to her kitchen gave her the idea to surprise them with breakfast. They certainly deserve it after all their hard work yesterday. She walked off into the kitchen, smiling and humming a light tune as she went.
It was so nice to see her two favorite little troublemakers finally getting along.
