You are Anon, and you are currently lounging on your couch after a long Sunday out of the house with a sweet little mare leaned up against you. The visit with Floor Worn ended with the mare teaching her granddaughter a new recipe and sending the two of you on your way with a container filled with cake.

After that, you and Floor stopped by the carrot dog stand where you got to try the deluxe dog this time and stuffed your face on the way to the library. Reading with Floor was as enjoyable as ever, and you got to talk with your friend, Page Turner once again.

When the library neared closing, you decided to walk home from their instead of taking the bus, looking through the windows of various businesses and just enjoying the sights on the way. Floor was a bit nervous about being out in the open for so long, but was intrigued with the computer store you stopped at. The two of you ended up talking quite extensively about the prospect of upgrading her computer, and you memorized prices and calculated out savings to determined when you'd be able to return and buy the parts she would need.

The anticipation of her computer one day not sucking really invigorated the mare, and she was more keen than ever to not waste money on junk food to help reach that goal. Nearing the end of the long trek home, Floor started to lag behind, and you didn't hesitate to sweep her off her hooves.

She squeaked and protested, saying it was embarrassing and that she was too heavy, but you simply poked her nose and told her not to worry. The crowds were thinning considerably and she was far from heavy for you. She spent the rest of the walk blushing, but with a small smile as she lay curled up in your arms, belly up and tail held between her front hooves.

After finally getting in, you broke out the cake, got a piece of paper and a hard-cover book to write against, and started on a favor for Page Turner. It seems her brother has been bugging her in every letter since she told him about you, and finally, she passed on a request. Apparently this Time Turner wants to know as much about your world as you are willing to share, and so Page has asked if you could perhaps write a letter for her to send his way.

Floor had asked why they simply didn't communicate through the internet, and the librarian explained that she didn't own a computer, and the small town her brother lived in didn't have a connection to the internet set up yet. You were a little surprised by that, but after some thought, it made sense. Internet access wasn't available everywhere back on Earth either, and for as fast as they have been integrating technological revolutions brought on by the previous humans, ponies simply haven't had these things for all that long.

And so, here you sit, writing a letter to a pony you've never met while enjoying Floor's company. "So, do ponies have DVD's yet?"

"I don't think so. what are they?" the mare asks, taking a bite and humming in satisfaction.

"Well, you have movies available on tapes, right?"

She swallows and nods. "Yeah, VHS tapes."

"Well, DVD's are movies stored on disks instead. They usually have better picture quality."

"Like CD disks? I thought that was just for sound and some computer stuff," Floor says, holding up a forkful of cake towards your lips.

You don't stop writing as you take the offered bite and chew. The first taste had been a bit of a surprise really. Floor Worn's special floor layered cake is definitely unique, but not bad. It's a very dense, dark chocolate cake with multiple, thin layers separated by cream cheese frosting. To say it's rich would be an understatement, and you certainly can't see yourself having a whole piece to yourself. It's a good thing then, that Floor is sharing one with you.

"You know, it's funny, but I've noticed Equestrian technology is all over the place," you comment.

"What do you mean?" questions Floor.

"Just that you have advanced electronics like computers, but not DVD's and smartphones." You hold the paper up in your hand for a moment. "A lot of ponies still send written letters despite internet and phones, plus there are automobiles, but I see carriages a lot too."

"Cars are just in the cities right now, same with a lot of stuff," Floor offers.

As you jot these things down, you nod. "Exactly. All the advanced stuff is condensed in the cities, but towns are still living like it's the olden days."

Floor shrugs. "Well, a lot of this stuff has only been happening for, like, sixty years. I'm pretty sure that's when the first human came."

"And introduced ponies to phones, right?" you ask absently. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised tech here is kind of inconsistent. Equestria isn't developing it on their own like humans did, they're mostly copying it. Makes sense they might skip some things when they advance."

"I don't know about any of that stuff," Floor comments, taking another bite of cake before holding some up for you. "I just know I'm really glad you humans came."

"Really like the computer that much, huh?" you say teasingly, your mouth full.

"Yeah," she admits, looking up at you with a warm smile. "But also because you're here, now."

You smile back and hug her tight against your side for a second before returning to your work. You've written four paragraphs about some of these observations, and decide to wrap it up. Time Turner will no doubt be thrilled to learn that you brought a smartphone to Equestria and that it's currently in the possession of scientist intent on copying the technology within.

Signing your name at the bottom, you lean forward and set the book and paper down, then stretch your arms over your head. It's getting late, but there's still a couple hours before you have to get to sleep. "Hey Floor."

"Hmm?"

"You want to do something on your computer, tonight?"

"Like what?"

"I don't know, maybe browse the web, or if you have anything downloaded like games, you can show me that."

She scratches her chin in thought, then nods. "I actually have a game that's pretty fun," she says, starting to smile. "It's really addictive. I remember playing it for hours the first night I got it."

"Sounds good," you agree. "Though maybe not the hours thing. I do have that meeting tomorrow to go to in the afternoon, and I can't show up exhausted." Instantly, you feel the mare tense and her smile becomes strained, and you act to comfort her. "Hey, don't get like that," you say, petting her mane. "You know there's nothing to worry about. I'm not leaving."

"I know," she answers, twiddling her hooves. "It's just... are you going to tell her about that stuff we talked about?"

Your hand stops. "You mean, about us maybe dating someday." She nods. "I... probably should," you answer. "If I lie and she finds out about it later, it'll look like I was trying to hide stuff from her. And after some things she brought up last time... that would seem pretty shady."

Floor tilts her head and looks questioningly at you. "What do you mean?"

You rub the back of your neck, not eager to explain, but knowing that you shouldn't lie to the mare about things that concern her. "Well, Ms. Index was... not worried, exactly, but she mentioned that there were some cases where NEET inspectors took advantage of the ponies they were suppose to be looking after, and in one of those, sex was involved." Floor blinks a few times as a blush steadily overtook her cheeks, and you force yourself to continue after a moment. "See, the way I'm guessing it went down is that the inspector got close to this pony who was very lonely, and, well, because they were afraid the inspector would leave them, they didn't refuse any of the inspector's advances."

"That... You'd never do something like that," Floor says eventually.

"And luckily, Ms. Index agrees," you tell her. "She trusts me, and that's exactly why I'm going to talk to her about this. I want to be up front with her so she doesn't think I'm doing anything behind her back."

Floor sighs, but nods. "I guess you're right. I mean, if she did think you were taking advantage of me or whatever, she could fire you or make you go away."

"She'd try, at least." You resume running your fingers through her mane. "Course, even if she did fire me or told me I couldn't stay with you, I wouldn't let that keep us apart. We're friends, work or not, and she can't tell me who I can hang out with. I'd just get another job if that were the case."

Floor glows, wrapping her hooves around your middle in a hug. "Thanks, Anon. It means a lot to hear you say that," she says. "Still, I don't think I like the idea of you losing your job because of me."

"Bah! I'd just go apply at the library," you assure. "I bet Page Turner would hire me on the spot just because she hates using a stepladder all the time to reshelve books. I can do that easy."

"Of course you can, you're a giant."

"Only to you ponies."

"I'm pretty sure I saw a minotaur once and he was still shorter than you."

"What about dragons? I'm not taller than them."

"Congratulations, Mister Giant. You found something bigger than you."

You huff a small laugh. "Okay, so I'm a big lug. You don't see me complaining," you say, smirking mischievously. "Especially because it lets me do this!"

"Eek!"

You quickly pull Floor into your arms and stand, the mare throwing her hooves around your neck in surprise.

"Anon! Warn a mare before you do that!"

"But it's funner to surprise you."

She slaps your shoulder gently. "You're lucky I'm not afraid of heights," she grumbles, then points. "Now come on and carry me to my room. We have video games to play."

"Yes, my liege," you answer dutifully. "I am your faithful steed."

"Darn right," she answers with a toothy grin.

You share a laugh at that as you enter her room. Once you find a comfortable way to allow you both to see the screen, the solution being you crunched up in her computer chair and her in your lap, Floor fires up the machine and boots up her game.

You mostly just watch over her shoulder and give input when asked as Floor starts a new file in what you are surprised to see is a very retro ASCII RPG. You haven't played one of those is ages, but you still find yourself enjoying the experience and being impressed by the game's depth. You can see why the mare likes it so much.

Before you know it, it's midnight and the two of you have made great progress in her game. That's where you have to call it quits though, promising the mare that you do indeed want to pick this up again later.

"Of course, Floor," you say. "You think I'm going to miss a second of wizard Roolf's daring escapades."

"That demon lord doesn't stand a chance!" Floor boasts, punching the air. Suddenly, she yawns, blinks in surprise, and then frowns at the clock. "Seriously? It's only midnight, and I'm tired." She turns the frown up at you, pointing accusingly. "You've really messed up my old sleep schedule."

"I'm not sorry," you respond, chin held high. "You aren't a vampire and sunlight's good for you."

"But moonlight is better," she counters. "Don't you know Princess Luna is best princess?"

"Well then, you better get to bed," you say as you pick her up, the mare not fighting this time. "Don't want to miss your chance to meet her in your dreams, right?"

"You think I actually could?"

"Maybe," you answer, tucking Floor into bed before booping her nose. "We won't know until you start dreaming."

Her eyes are already drooping as she yawns again. "That would be pretty cool. I heard a rumor that Luna is actually a secret gamer. I wonder what she plays?"

"Well, I'm hitting the hay, too, so if she happens to pop in, I'll make sure to ask."

"Thanks, Anon. You really are the best."

You shrug. "Eh, I'd argue that's you, but I guess we can agree to disagree for now."

Floor rolls her eyes at that, but still gives a tired smile. "You're kind of a dork, you know that?"

"We both are," you reply as you walk to the door. "But that's why we're such good friends. We click."

"Like puzzle pieces," she mumbles, eyes falling shut as she snuggles into her bed. "Night, Anon."

"Goodnight, Floor. Sweet dreams."

She doesn't answer, and you can already hear her breathing begin to slow. You turn off the light and step out, hesitating to shut the door completely for a second as she starts to snore lightly. With one last chuckle, you shut the door and walk to the couch.

Sleep does not come to you as fast as it did to your friend, thoughts of tomorrow plaguing you, but eventually, you manage to fall unconscious. You hope what you said to Floor to reassure her turns out to be the truth, but you won't know how Ms. Index will react until you tell her. Only time will tell.

The next morning goes smoothly, with you and Floor making breakfast together before you head out the front door. Even the wait to see your boss is short this time around, and when you enter her office, you are greeted with a smile and larger chair.

"I wanted to make sure you would be comfortable this time," she explains. "That chair is meant for the likes of minotaurs, so it should be perfect for you."

"Thanks," you say with a genuine smile as you take a seat across from her, sighing slightly as your knees aren't forced into your chest. "So, how was your week?"

She chuckles and waves a hoof. "Fine, fine. Spent most of my time behind one desk or another. Paperwork is never done, it seems."

"Better to have too much work than be out of a job, right?" you muse, chuckling softly.

Her smile falls a little. "If I didn't have any work, it would be because nopony needed our services any longer, which, truthfully, sounds like something I'd gladly face unemployment for."

Your own expression sobers at that. "Yeah, I guess you've got a point, there."

She shakes her head. "Sorry, that was a bit heavier than I intended. This is a simple status report, not a place to talk hypotheticals." Sighing, she looks back at the stack of papers, expression tinted with sadness. "There are so many ponies to look after..." she mumbles.

You clear your throat. "So... status report."

She looks back to you. "Yes, how has Ms. Floor Bored been? Any new improvements... or setbacks?"

"Thankfully none of the latter," you answer. "And improvement is... there. Yesterday, when we visited her grandma again, we ended up walking back across town. She did much better with the crowds."

"Good, good," the mare says, nodding. "And her hobby? Drawing, yes?"

"Still doing that," you confirm, smiling. "She actually showed her sketchpad to her grandma, which is kind of a big deal."

"Oh? How so?"

"Well, Floor's was pretty self-conscious about her art when she first told me about it," you explain. "But she's starting to think more highly of her skill."

"That's wonderful," Ms. Index says brightly, clapping her hooves together. "Certainly a fine step forward for her confidence and self-worth."

"Mhmm," you agree proudly. "Plus she's been helping me a lot too so my own drawings don't look like a bunch of potatoes anymore, which, believe me, is impressive."

Ms. Index giggles at that. "Well, you two certainly sound like you've had a fine week. So, nothing negative to report? It's all good news?"

At this, you shift in your seat. "There was one thing," you start. "Not bad, or at least, I don't think so, but it's still something you should know."

Ms. Index immediately looks concerned. "What is it?"

"Remember how you brought up how Floor might developed romantic feelings for me?"

The mare catches on quick, and sighs. "I see. If I recall, you said that you would talk to her if that were the case."

"And I did. I said it was too soon for her to be thinking about that sort of thing, that she had to focus on getting herself better, and that by then, she might not even feel the same way about me."

Ms. Index looks thoughtful. "It sounds like you handled the situation very well, Anon." That gaze falls on you for a few seconds before she speaks again. "Are you still comfortable with the assignment after this? If you aren't, I'm sure arrangements can be made to have her looked after by somepony else."

You shake your head. "No, I'm fine with it, and I don't think it would be good for Floor anyway. How would it look to her if the guy she just shared her feelings with ran out on her?"

"I see your point," the mare agrees. "Well, if you think you can continue your job, and that's everything you needed to tell me-"

"Actually," you interrupt. "There is one other thing." You take a deep breath. "When Floor and I were talking about it, I told her, when she was better, that if she still had those feelings for me, I would give dating a try."

The mare blinks several times, then frowns. "Anon, that was very reckless of you, and cruel to toy with the mare's feelings. Giving hope might be important, but false hope will only lead to tragedy."

You clench your fists, but keep calm. "That's the thing, Ms. Index, I wasn't lying to spare her feelings or to give her hope. I was being honest."

"Excuse me?"

"The truth is, I like her, too," you say. "As... maybe more than a friend."

Ms. Index just stares, and you have to fight the urge to squirm under her scrutinizing look.

She closes her eyes, hooves coming together in front of her mouth. "This should complicate things," she starts. "If anything, I should remove you from a situation you've grown too close to." You tense, but let her finish before arguing your case. "But you've proven yourself level-headed and responsible up to this point, so perhaps things can be allowed to remain as they are for now."

"Thank you-"

She holds a hoof up. "That being said, I want to speak with Ms. Floor Bored myself on the matter, so you'll be bringing her next week."

"That's... reasonable," you concede. "If you think I might be doing things I shouldn't though, why don't you want to see her now?"

"Because I don't think you are doing anything bad," she says simply. "Not on purpose, at least."

"But you're afraid I might be hurting her unintentionally," you conclude with a tired sigh. "I... get where you're coming from. I don't think I am, but then again, it was only by accident that I figured out she had feelings for me."

"I'm sure you're doing fine," she assures. "But it's better to be safe than sorry. Ms. Floor Bored's well-being must be our top priory."

"I understand," you respond, and you really do. There's no harm in Floor Bored coming here you're sure, besides maybe to her nerves. As anxious as the shy mare will be, she'll probably tell Ms. Index the same thing, and then everything will be back to normal. Well, as normal as this whole situation can be.

Standing, you offer up another smile. "So, I guess if that's everything..."

Ms. Index nods. "Oh yes, I think you've told me enough. Same time next week?"

"Probably," you answer. "It was nice seeing you, boss."

"I should be the one saying that," she returns with a chuckle. "It was a nice break from paperwork." She looks at the stack forlornly. "Alas, it was only a break."

"Sorry," you say sympathetically. "I'd help if I could."

"Oh no, it's fine," she says, waving you off. "Just go enjoy the rest of your day. I'm sure I'll be finished by at least sundown."

Despite the serious nature of the meeting, you still find yourself smiling as you leave. It's funny, but you had to go to a completely different world to find a boss you actually liked. Hopefully Floor will like her, too. You definitely aren't looking forward to telling her about the meeting next week, though.

Maybe you should pick her up some comfort food on the way back in preparation. You know she hasn't had those Dorito knock-offs. That'd be a nice treat, you're sure.

Author's Notes:

And an Anon exclusive chapter to go with the previous Floor one.
A lot of fluff and talking, so I hope you don't feel to cheated. Any good ideas about what should come of the meeting later on? I honestly just felt it was a reasonable thing for Index to ask, but I can't see any real conflict from it.
Maybe, just maybe, the two take a liking to each other, and this lays the foundation for something down the road. I've been thinking, if Floor escapes NEEThood, that she might want to try to help others do the same, and perhaps Ms. Index could set something up.
If anything, Floor's recovery might open Ms. Index's eyes to some things she never thought about before. Like, right now, she sees NEETs as ponies to be pitied and almost coddled, and doesn't really think it's possible for a NEET to be anything more than that.
Floor, then, will make her want to change her approach to how she and her organization goes about helping these ponies.
After all, think of the possibilities...

Nightmare art bye Scraggleman.