The morning beams of first light slowly crept over the Earth pony metropolis bringing with it the first signs of yet another day in Manehattan. Celestia put on a dazzling show in the morning sky. Streaks of orange and red dashed across the dawn sky, only made more spectacular to the eye through the very rays of the sun itself.

Morning rays made their way in through the window as the cream coated stallion started to stir under the sheets of his bed. At first the stubborn pony refused to budge wanting just a few more minutes of slumber. The sunny beams grew only stronger refusing to let its sleepy victim have any more of his pleasured dreams.

“Okay, okay I’m up.” He groaned as the sheets came off. Putting one hoof after another on the ground he stood on all fours and arched his back into the air. His hooves all slid inwards a little as his muscles got to flex. The event made the pony let out a pleasant moan. Releasing his back and extending his hooves outward this time, he experienced much the same pleasure as several more legs felt the tension roll out of them. The effects of sleeping still all night were starting to lesson with the coordination of these well timed morning stretches.

Having flexed out his body the he eyed off the next phase in his typical morning routine. He trotted over to the fridge opened wide and pulled out a jug of cold water. Downing one third of the contents in a matter of seconds, the rest got poured on his face killing off any last effects the night loved to bestow on him.

Setting the frypan on and pouring in his favourite mix of Wicker Root Pancakes, the Earth Pony licked his lips at the delicious breakfast he would soon get to consume. While they were on the cook he made his way to the window to take in the beautiful morning sun. Standing to the side he let it warm his body, the heat feeling like a warm fire on a cosy winter night.

He placed the plate full of Wicker Root goodness on the table. With golden delicious syrup in hoof and at the ready he let those mouth-watering pancakes have it, unloading more than he needed of that golden delight. Bending his neck and getting ready to take the first delectable bite of his hard cooked breakfast, the downstairs doorbell rang. “Oh come on,” mumbled the annoyed pony. Thinking he could at least get a little of the nice hot steamy breakfast down before having to get the door. The he moved in for one quick bite before heading down, only to have the doorbell ring a second time before he could get another chomp into those inviting pancakes.

The grumpy pony trotted down stairs grudgingly, making for the front door. Wood and glass swung open in order to see who would come calling so early in Celestia’s morning, finding the mail pony who regularly delivered goods and letters. Seeing a large stack of boxes on the mail pony’s back, he could pretty much guess why he was here. “Parcel, what in Celestia’s name are ya doin’ here smack bang on sunrise?” the tired pony asked with a yawn, still a little stuck in his morning routine.

Parcel pulled out his checklist and pen ready for the writer to sign. “Sorry Scribble Script. I got a full day o’ loads ahead, an’ needz an early start. Youze are only jus’ around da corner from da post office, so I hadz ta start here,” Parcel sighed, as he offered the checklist and pen for Scribble to sign.

Scribble took the pen and applied pressure from his hoof to the paper, writing his signature on the list that was blank except his. “Nah, forget it mate. I just got out of bed. Sorry for being a little moody at ya,” Scribble chirped, faking a smile for the mail stallion. Scribble moved aside for the boxes to be hauled into the shop. Parcel stopped and gave the him a look as he eyed off several locations around the shop. “Just in front of the counter mate,” he stated, pointing his hoof to the table with several books on top next to the cash register. The mail stallion slowly moved the boxes in front of the counter, letting out a sigh of relief with no more heavy load on his back.

Hoofing back the checklist Scribble bid the mail pony a friendly wave goodbye, than with all do speed slammed the shop’s door shut. Scribble turned around and started up the stairs fast as his hooves would warrant him to. All the frustrated pony wanted was to finish his breakfast before it went cold, or before anything else decided it needed the un-dying urge to interrupt those tasty pancakes.

On the table was no longer a steamy pile of pancakes covered in syrup, but a cold plate of pancakes with the syrup no longer oozing over the sides. “Just great, looks like it’s going to be one of those days, again!” Losing his appetite Scribble put the pancakes in the bin and made for the bathroom to get ready for the working day ahead. At least he could take heart in what was to come after the hard day off work, and hopefully that evening event would be worth the hardships today would bring.

Just as Celestia’s reputation preceded her it was a magnificent sunny day in down town Manehattan. Scribble Script’s book shop was open for business, and business is had by the cart load. Reading was a popular form of entertainment in Manehattan. All kinds of ponies came in the book and comic shop to get updates for their favourite book series, all brimmed with smiles from cheek to cheek.

Full of customers who browsed the shelves of papery goodness, Scribble’s bookshop was alive with all sorts of ponies. The creative writer looked around the store to make sure all was in order. ‘Well, least I have Sketch in today, would be swamped if he wasn’t restocking those shelves.’ He eyed off his co-worker who was busy unpacking boxes that arrived this morning…really early this morning.

“So, come on, tellz me who she is Scribble?” begged the cheeky Unicorn behind the counter, he wasn’t holding back any punches going straight for the killing blow. “Is she an Earth Pony? She real cute? Come on pal I will be needin’ details ‘bout dis mare.”

Scribble finished a book purchase for a customer, wrapping the latest book of the Daring Doo series in a paper bag for the excited young filly jumping up and down in front of him. “Here ya go young lady, make sure you enjoy Daring Doo And The Hidden City,” Scribble stated, with a happy grin on his face. He hoofed the bag over with some change to the eager filly. Turning to face his employee, be it even if he likes to pick on Scribble more than work. “Listen Sketch, just ‘cause ya work for me doesn’t grant ya access to me private life.”

Vibrant with energy the sketch artist unpacked another box behind the counter. The Unicorn with a grey coat, ruby red mane and a scrap book for a cutie mark raised an eyebrow. “It most certainly does give me access ta youze private life. Or, what youze could call youze excuse of a social life,” Sketch laughed, as he took some new books out of the box and placed them on the bench.

“Afternoon little fella. Just those two comics all ya be wanting, mate?” He faked a smile for the young bright red colt that jumped full of excitement. The colt nodded and hoofed the comics on the counter in front of Scribble Script, he was trying with all his might not to let his forehoof connect with Sketch’s face. “Ya have only worked part time for me little over six months now, Sketch. So don’t get all cosy with me, mate. Not like that, okay?” Scribble sternly demanded, while he tended the young colt’s order of comics.

Paused in his duties for a second, the work college got a little more series. “Lighten up a little Scribble, youze are usually more light hearted than dis, why da sudden snap in personality?” Sketch continued to unpack the box of books onto the counter while he chatted, even more so now to make it look to Scribble that work was more important to him than the art of doing nothing.

“Thanks, and come again,” while he hoofed the comics to their new and excited owner. With the last of the customers out the door, Scribble could focus his full attention on his co-worker. ‘I’m not about to divulge my personal life to this annoying artist. But honestly I can’t say he all wrong. What social life indeed.’ Scribble took a breath to calm his mind. “Some things are better left down the creek Sketch,” Scribble said, while he took a few hoof steps forward.

Now a little worried of his Scribble, Sketch took a few hoof steps back to match those taken by his frustrated boss. “Ey, come on Scribble… take it easy will yaz,” he fumbled to say, with running sweat down his muzzle.

The atmosphere in the book shop could be sliced with a butter knife it was so thin. Especially for Sketch, who could see the world around him begin to close in. Scribble edged ever closer, his hunter green eyes piercing Sketch’s very soul. “Ya can’t always demand information like that mate, ‘specially not from somepony ya hardly know,” Scribble stated, in a stern voice. He took a few more steps towards a scared Sketch, who knew he wouldn’t be getting out of this mess unscathed.

Backed into the rear wall of the book shop Sketch was out of options. Scribble closed in on him like a timber wolf that has cornered its prey. He pulled a cheeky grin and hoofed his pen from the top of his ear. With a flick of his forehoof the pen flung into the side wall as it cut a thin bit of rope along the way. Before a confused Sketch could figure out why the projectile was flung to the side and not at him, a bucket of custard found its way onto his head. Covered from flank to muzzle Sketch could only stand there dumbfounded, with custard oozing all over him.

Scribble produced a grin on his face and focused his eyes on the helpless victim. He trotted up to the custard covered pony, and with his forehoof swiped up a little of the custard. Hoof was applied to mouth as Scribble tasted the sweet scent of victory. “I can’t believe ya bought the whole I have gone serious thing, ya dunce.” He flipped over and began to laugh, unable to stop himself from having some entertainment as Sketch’s experience.

Sketch’s head tilted and the bucket slid off landing on the floor with a loud THUD, the creamy delicious goodness splashed everywhere. “Yep… Should have seen dat one comin’. I forgot youze are hardly ever serious when youze get like dis,” Sketch groaned, while he wiped some of the custard off.

Scribble settled down slowly, stopping the onslaught of laughter. “So, that is now Scribble ten Sketch still a big fat zero,” he sported, with Equestria’s cheekiest grin.

“Oh really, again wit da score?”

“Yup, consider it payback for digging to deep, mate.”

“Oh da funny cream pony thinks he is now a professional comedian?”

“Which cream pony? Me, or you?” pointing a hoof at the custard covered sketch artist.

Scribble tossed his co-worker a towel. “Here clean yourself up and have the rest of the day off. I’m gonna close early this arvo so I can get ready for my big night ahead,” he mumbled, lost in thought as to how wonderful this night could be. Sketch trotted out the front door with a wave to Scribble. He was still a little annoyed at Scribble for the custard prank, but still felt like it was all a setup to dodge the topic of conversation that happened before.

Scribble cleaned up the mess from his prank while he closed the book shop for the afternoon. ‘Avoided the truth this time, but can I really keep going like this. No I mustn’t think like this, I have a wonderful evening with a cute mare to look forward to, who says I can’t be truly happy.’

Luna’s moon was almost due its rightful place in the night sky, the evening red and orange shone through the clouds that dotted the sky. Added with a slight breeze and the perfect time for a date was upon our gifted writer. Celestia and Luna both agreed tonight was the perfect night for a date with the most beautiful mare in Manehattan.

Scribble arrived at the appointed location a small café that overlooked the dazzling gardens of Central Park. He took of his saddle bags placed them by the table and parked his flank on the comfy beanbag. ‘This is it big boy your chance to really wow a beauty,’ his forehooves clapped together with anticipation.

Didn’t take long for the waiter to make his way over and address a happy Scribble. “Good evening sir, what may I order for you please?” Magic on his horn flared up as a notepad and pen levitated in front of the formally dressed Unicorn.

“Ah, not yet sorry, mate. I’m waiting for my date to arrive. When she gets here I will give ya a holla?” he asked, all excited he acted like a school filly that just got an ice-cream. The waiter departed to attend other tables leaving the childish pony to his thoughts.

Scribble sat back getting cosy and enjoyed the evening show put on by Luna. The moon peaked over the horizon with all its glory and wonder. Night was a fine art with Luna the crown jewel of artists. ‘We could sit here and simply gaze into each other’s eyes all night long. What could possibly top that?’ To anypony else sitting on the outside tables of the café, Scribble looked like a love struck pup lost in his own world.

An hour passed and no pleasant company of a beautiful mare. ‘She is probably fussin’ over what to wear and is just late, ya has to be…Oh come on Scribble who ya kidding, this is another no show. Okay let’s at least give her another hour and see.’ Finally able to settle his mind and decide on a course of action, the spirited Scribble waved the waiter over.

Pulling out his pad to place an order he trotted over to Scribble with all due haste. “Yes sir did you want to order something before your date got here?” addressed the waiter, pondering where Scribble’s date could be.

“Ya know mares, always fashionably late, right?” Scribble snickered to himself.

“Indeed sir. But between you and me she must be quite the beauty if she is this late.”

“Well it’s getting a little cold, so could I get a hot chocky to warm me up please.” His mouth watered already able to taste that warm inviting chocolate. The waiter looked a little confused. “Chocolate, a hot chocolate. Scuse the speech mate, just how we say it where I’m from.” The waiter nodded and placed his notepad back in his side pocket, than trotted off into the café to fulfil the order.

The air blew his mane with Scribble feeling more and more lonely with each passing minute. Seemed the perfect evening was another moment of torture, his heart couldn’t take too much more of this agonising rejection.

The waiter returned five minutes later with a hot cup of the café’s famous hot chocolate. The steam billowed out like smoke from a camp fire, the site made Scribble completely forget about his date problems for the moment. Thanking the waiter Scribble wolfed down the hot beverage in no time, feeling the inside of his body warm up like having a hot water bottle on his belly.

Finished with the chocolate goodness, Scribble put his empty cup back on the table while he let out a disappointed sigh. ‘Seems like this one is a dang no show after all. Pony luck running true to form, hey Scribble?’ With a broken heart the sad pony got onto his hooves and strapped his saddle bags on. Leaving three bits on the table next to the cup for the hot chocolate he began the slow trudge back down the street.

‘What more could possibly make this evening go up the creek without a paddle? No mare check, broken heart check, more rejection check, ya like I need more of that.’ Almost right on queue as if fate was listening in to the thoughts of a lonely Scribble, it started to rain. Water fell from the night sky above soaking all those who were not under shelter. Scribble neither galloped for cover nor tried to put any form of shelter over his soaked mane. He trotted along the street almost if he didn’t even know the rain was there. ‘Oh. It’s raining. Well I guess that means somepony up there is listening to me, least they know how to make the situation worse,’ he thought to himself, looking into the sky to face the irony the rain brought.

By the time a weary broken hearted Scribble made it to his front door he had worked up a sneeze. Scribble felt the call of some warm soup, a hot water bottle, a warm bed and a few days off work to mull over his rejection while he recovered from his newly acquired cold. “Note to self, will have to get Sketch to run the shop for a few days,” Scribble said to himself, while sneezing several times.

With key in hoof he unlocked the shop’s front door and strolled into his humble abode. Water fell to the floor as Scribble who was soaked to the bone shook himself dry best he could. Scribble trotted upstairs and dropped his saddle bags on the ground. Even though he wanted some warm soup, he could only work up enough energy to make it to the bed. The sheets were pulled back and the pillow flushed as he collapsed on the bed and was out cold in a matter of minutes, still freezing from the trip home and a heart that seemed beyond repair.

Author's Notes:

Well this is my first chapter done, next one is already under way and should be up in a few days, give or take how long editing takes. I always enjoy some feedback, so let me know what you think of this story so far in the comments below.