I'll Show them All

When the sun rose and shined through the forest trees above the campsite where Spike, his girls, and the Guardians of Harmony made camp. The girls were in their own tents along with Spike for their own privacy. In Spike's tent, the young man yawned, as the sounds of birds chirping woke him up.

Spike sat up and stretched his arms up, “What a night.” as he put his arms down his hands ended up grabbing something soft. He looked down and saw laying at both sides of him was Rarity and Fleur who were both naked and still asleep, and his hands were on each of their breasts.

'What're they... Oh, right.' Spike thought as he remembered last night.

When it was time for everyone to turn in, Spike had entered his tent ready to get some shut eye. At least he was until both Rarity and Fleur snuck into his tent pleading him not to alert everyone else. Spike deciding to hear them out, especially Rarity now that he was on good terms with her. Both she and Fleur decided on sneaking in to see him together, and Rarity told Spike that the only other way to truly show Spike how much she means to him was to be her first. This of course surprised Spike having thought she of all girls would've lost her virginity, but after remembering her mentioning any other guy she was following his departure years ago were never truly romantically involved with her saw the logic in her claim.

Spike despite feeling how fast they were moving along suddenly regained the feelings he had for Rarity from before and was interested in finally getting a chance to get this close to her. When he agreed she surprised him with a kiss to his lips. That alone was enough to increase Spike's happiness knowing he finally got a real kiss from her instead of her usual happy cheek kisses. And one thing led to another with her and Fleur until eventually the three passed out from their lovemaking.

The young man smiled to himself and thought, 'I actually took Rarity's virginity. After all this time no matter who she flirted and dated with excluding me, I finally got that honor.'

After removing his hands from their racks, he nudged the two awake, “Rise and shine, girls.”

The two moaned, before waking up, “Morning already?” Fleur asked with a yawn.

“Uh-huh.” he answered.

“Well, it was a very good sleep.” Rarity admitted.

“Yeah,” Spike agreed, “But you two should get back to your tents. I don't want anyone to walk in on us.”

“Fair enough.” Fleur said, before wrapping herself up and slipped out of the tent.

When Rarity wrapped herself up, she was about to leave the tent but stopped and looked back at Spike, “Spike?”

“Yeah?”

“If or when the others try to talk to you as well, try and go easy on them? They feel just as guilty as I did. Especially Twilight.”

Spike was silent for a moment before answering, “I'll try. For you.” Rarity smiled, and left the tent to return to hers. When he was alone he sighed to himself, 'So the others are going to try to apologize as well? Well, I may as well hear them out when they do. But I won't make it so I give in that easily.'

When everyone was up they packed their camp and pressed on. After exiting the forest they followed a trail down the road, before Rainbow who was flying above them looked into the distance.

“Looks like there's a city up ahead!”

Twilight checked the map on her phone, “It's called Vallas City. And I would suggest we stop there and resupply our provisions and such.”

“I agree with Twilight.” Moondancer agreed.

“Any objections?” Twilight asked, as the girls voiced no objection, until she looked to Spike, “Spike?”

Spike looked at everyone who awaited his answer, before he said, “We can resupply there.” the girls smiled seeing they had a unanimous decision.

They continued down the road before entering the city. They looked around seeing it was a busy place with people coming and going to wherever.

Applejack whistled, “This place reminds me of home.”

“Got that right.” Rainbow agreed.

“So what do we do?” Wallflower asked around.

“We should split up and rendezvous somewhere later.” Twilight suggested.

“I can handle rendezvous.” Spike spoke up.

“You, Spike?” Pinkie asked.

“I know places here.”

“You mean you've been here before?” Sunset asked.

“This and so many other places.” Spike replied.

“Well, ok,” Twilight replied, “So who goes with who?”

Before any of the girls could answer, Spike beat them to it, “Gabby and Fluttershy are with me.”

The girls were surprised, as Fluttershy blushed, and asked, “Spike?”

The young man looked to the shy girl and raised a brow, “Is there a problem with that?”

“Oh, no. No problem.” Fluttershy shook her head.

“Well, ok then. Let's go.” Spike motioned her and Gabby to follow.

As Gabby followed Spike, Fluttershy looked to her friends blushing, while Rarity motioned her to follow Spike. So Fluttershy hurried after Spike and Gabby, leaving the others to themselves.

“Why'd he pick Fluttershy of all of us?” Rainbow asked sounding jealous.

“Yeah, I would've thought he'd pick you, Rarity.” Applejack motioned to said girl.

“I already had my redemption with Spike. So it looks like he wants to start on his own with Fluttershy.” the fashionable girl said.

Twilight looking hurt, answered, “Well, if that's what he wants,” the girls looked at Twilight before she brushed it off, “Come on. We should resupply our own stocks.” And so the girls broke off into smaller groups.

Later Spike, Gabby, and Fluttershy were going through the city buying whatever they needed for their travels. As Spike was currently in another shop by himself, Fluttershy sat with Gabby outside on a bench.

Fluttershy having been silent for a bit decided to strike up a conversation, “So, Gabby?”

The girl turned to her, “Yes, Fluttershy?”

“I was wondering, how did you end up traveling with Spike and the other girls?”

“Oh. Well, I actually joined Spike before Fleur, Moondancer, and the others.” she answered.

“Really?” Fluttershy asked surprised, “So you were the first one Spike met before he left.”

“That's right.” Gabby confirmed, as she began to tell her tale.

“Before Spike, I was just a delivery girl in a small town who loved to spread a little sunshine on my rounds. One day A couple years back I was happily minding my own business a little too much I ended up bumping into somebody who would change my life forever.”

“Spike.” Fluttershy called it.

“Yes. I felt embarrassed having bumped into him, but to my surprise he didn't seem bothered by it. In fact he helped me collect any of the letters I dropped. Naturally I kept on doing my job until I returned back to the post office. There I awaited the biggest slap in the face of my life.”

“What happened?”

“I got let go.”

“What?”

“Yeah. Turns out the boss cut me loose calling me overqualified. I pleaded with him to reconsider, but he wouldn't.”

“That's terrible.” the timid girl gasped.

“Yeah. And even worse I was actually living above the post office. So once I was let go I was kicked out.”

“So what'd you do?”

“I cleared out and left. I didn't have anybody else to turn to, so I figured I was going to have to live on the streets until my number was up. And then I met Spike again. He showed concern about why I looked sad. I tried to brush it off as nothing but he insisted on telling him. Saying he saw the look on my face before, every time he looked in a mirror.”

“Spike.” Fluttershy said sadly.

“So I told him what happened, and even he was outraged over the unjust treatment over me.”

“I can believe it.”

“So he started talking to me about how unfair life can be, and when he told me about how his life was I suddenly felt like my problems weren't as bad. I mean so what if he can't do what me and everyone else in the world can do. That doesn't mean he's helpless or incapable of anything. Then Spike offered me a chance to start a new, by asking me to join him on his travel. I didn't wanna continue living in the town after being let go and without a place to stay I felt it would be best to travel rather than be homeless in one place. So I agreed. I began traveling with Spike while learning new skills along side him. Eventually we became traveling adventurers taking up jobs to earn money. And so you get it.” Gabby finished.

“Goodness. Seems like the both of you were lucky to run into each other.” Fluttershy said.

“I know,” Gabby smiled, “If it wasn't for him. I don't know where I'd be by now.”

Fluttershy smiled but sighed, “If only I could've been there for him more.”

Gabby put a hand on her shoulder in comfort, “Hey, you have a chance to make things right. Why else would Spike ask you out of all your friends to join me and him?”

Fluttershy pondered and knew Gabby was right. This was her chance to talk to Spike and let him know how bad she felt all those years ago for not being there for him.

When Spike stepped out of the shop with a bag in hand he spoke to the two, “I got what I needed. Shall we go?” The two nodded and pressed on.

The three had made their way to an outdoor cafe's terrace, where Spike took the time to look out into the city. As he relaxed and enjoyed the view, Fluttershy spoke up “Spike?”

Spike looked back seeing the timid girl with Gabby close by, “Yes, Fluttershy?”

“Can we talk?” she asked nervously.

Spike looked to Gabby who nodded. He looked to Fluttershy ans answered, “Ok.”

Fluttershy went over and leaned on the railing of the terrace looking out into the city, “It is a beautiful city.”

“It sure is.” Spike agreed.

“So you really have been to this city before, and others?”

“I have.” he confirmed.

“You really have been traveling since you left.” Fluttershy said impressed.

“I had four years of free time. I made the most of it all.”

“Oh, Spike. I can't imagine how bad it felt for you not being able to see more of the world compared to me and the others.” Fluttershy expressed her sorrow.

Spike just looked down and shook his head, “I get the point that the world was a dangerous place, but honestly no place is perfect. Not even the city I spent most of my life in. But there was so much I wanted to see out there. Places only you, Twilight, and the rest of your friends got to enjoy. Hope Hollow, Daring Do Con, a yacht cruise, Camp Everfree, and so much more. But no. The only places I ever got to see outside that mission I joined you girls on was Canterlot, and the Crystal City. That's about it.”

Fluttershy sighed, “I know. You didn't deserve to be sheltered like that. You deserved to see the world as much as anybody, especially us.”

Spike turned to her, “Where was this support four years ago?”

“Spike.” Fluttershy said knowing this was inevitable.

“You're supposed to be the kindest of all Twilight's friends. You were kind to anybody, even to those who didn't deserve it. So where was that when I needed it the most? You who didn't even say anything when Twilight called me a nuisance and everyone else agreed with her. I expected more compassion out of you, but you showed you were no different.”

“That's not true!” Fluttershy cried, “Yes, I know I didn't say anything back then. I just felt afraid if I said different. But really I didn't think it was fair Twilight said that to you or the girls agreeing with her. When we left on that mission I looked back watching you leave angry and bitter and it made me feel guilty for not saying anything right then and there. When we stopped that night I told Twilight about how bad you looked when we left. And when she said she'd talk to you when we got back I convinced her to instead of just talking to you to give you an apology for what she said.”

Spike looked at her, “Did you also tell her to give it to me mixed with condescending? Because that felt more like a condescending lecture than an actual apology.”

“I didn't tell her to do that. I swear!”

“Well, I guess when it comes to an apology to me she just has to still put in condescending words just to make me feel like I was being asinine in wanting to join you all.” Spike scoffed.

“And that was unfair to you,” Fluttershy noted, “But really I did feel bad for you whenever anyone made jokes about you that hurt your feelings, but when asked if it was funny I just couldn't bring myself to voice my own opinion.”

“Yeah, I get it. You're shy and you don't handle pressure too well.” Spike crossed his arms.

“I know it's still no excuse, but believe me I regret every time Twilight or any of the girls said something uncalled for to you and I didn't speak up. I even wanted to make it up to you on several occasions.”

“And how?” he inquired.

“One time I planned to bring you to the animal shelter and help you pick out a pet.”

“Wait, you were?” Spike asked surprised.

“Yes. I know how lonely you'd be at home when Twilight goes to school, and when your par... I mean Twilight's parents had to work. I thought if you had your own pet you'd have something around the house to keep you company. And you could've joined us on our pet play dates with all our pets.”

“So then why didn't you?” he wondered.

“When I tried to run it by Twilight she said it was out of the question.” she answered.

“And why?” Spike asked squinting hearing Twilight stood in his way again.

“Well, don't get angry, but Twilight told me she felt that you weren't responsible enough to have a pet of your own back then.”

Spike grunted, “Of course she said that. And you just put the idea out of your head like that?”

“Twilight was very insistent on what she said.” Fluttershy trembled.

“Well, that's just great. Once again I was denied something that could've helped me, but my supposed sister didn't think I could handle it without even discussing it with her parents on what they thought. Once again she underestimated me!”

“Spike, calm down.” Fluttershy tried to ease him.

“How can I calm down?” Spike asked rhetorically, “I just found out Twilight kept me from having a pet of my own when I was still living with her, and you just went along with her instead of arguing why I should have one?”

Fluttershy whimpered knowing Spike was right, “You're right. I am at fault. I should've been more assertive when it came to your feelings and others treatment towards you. And I should've been more aware of you the last couple times before you left. I know I can't change what happened, Spike. But after you left I really changed. I'm not so shy anymore I'd ignore others when some try to make me feel like they're right about stuff! Every night since you left I kept putting myself down crying over how I failed you. I said you were our friend, but I never treated you like one for real. But I'm here now, Spike. And I want to extend the kindness I should've shown you years ago. If you'll just give me the chance at least.”

Spike looked at Fluttershy seeing how sad she looked. Even though that look on her was normal whenever she was sad or frightened about something, seeing her like this now clutched at his heart and he didn't wanna see her like this even with the negative feelings he felt about how she wasn't there for him before. And even though he was bitter that she didn't do more, hearing that she tried to do something for him before in the past but was prevented by outside parties put him a bit at ease knowing she did care enough to try before the camp invite debacle.

Suddenly Fluttershy was taken by surprise when Spike embraced her and she heard sniffling coming from him, “Don't cry in front of me, Fluttershy. That only makes me cry.”

Fluttershy hugged Spike in return, “I don't want you feeling sad, Spike. I'm sorry.”

“Me too.” Spike answered, as the two hugged and cried away as Gabby watched smiling seeing them getting close again.

Later on, Spike sent a text to his girls who informed the Guardians they were with of where to meet up. Soon they were standing outside a hotel, as Spike showed them in.

“Whoa! You got us a room here, Spike?” Rainbow asked in shock.

“This must cost a fortune.” Sunset marveled.

“Not when you know people like I do,” Spike replied, as they went to the counter and spoke to the concierge, “Key Cross, good to see you.”

“Spike, wonderful to see you and your friends again. Oh, and you're with the Guardians of Harmony no less.” the concierge known as Key Cross noticed.

“We're traveling through and we could use a room for the night. I wanna cash in that favor you owe me.” Spike explained.

“Of course. We have a free room big enough to accommodate you all. Free of charge.”

“Whoa, free?!” Pinkie gasped.

“How did you manage to get a favor like that?” Rarity asked in shock.

“Me and the girls helped the workers here when some gang tried to rob it. As thanks they gave us a favor to use when we'd visit. And now I'm using that favor to get us into a good room.” Spike told her.

“Well, we're grateful for this, Spike.” Twilight told him.

“Right.” he replied, as Key Cross handed Spike a room key card.

Later, Spike and the girls went up to one of the top floors before standing outside a room. Spike used the key card to let them in, and upon entering the whole room was luxurious and big enough for them all.

“Wowie!” Pinkie gasped.

“How wonderful!” Rarity marveled.

“So awesome!” Rainbow cheered.

“Indeed so.” Fleur agreed.

“This is much better than camping out all the time.” Moondancer said.

“Thank you again for this, Spike.” Fluttershy told the young man gratefully.

“Hey, forget it.” he replied, as they all settled in.

As Spike left for his room, Fluttershy and Gabby were alone with the girls, as Twilight asked, “So, how was Spike?”

“Well, I talked to him, and he was bitter about how I never openly showed him the same amount of kindness as I would show others. But I assured him deep down I always cared. Like I told him I convinced you to give him an apology, Twilight that time you said he couldn't come on that mission of ours. Though he didn't see it as much of an apology because you made it more like a condescending lecture.”

Twilight groaned knowing this isn't doing her rep any better, “What else?”

“And I sort of told him about how I planned to help him choose a pet but brought up you talked me out of it claiming he wasn't responsible enough back then.” Fluttershy said sheepishly making Twilight's head drop.

“Hey, don't worry, Twilight. Just let us work with Spike until he feels comfortable enough to talk to you.” Applejack comforted Twilight.

“Yeah. He just needs time to get through all everyone else.” Gabby said.

“Fair enough,” Twilight sighed, “But next time the rest of you try not to make me look even worse than I already am to him?”

“We'll try.” Pinkie said.

“But it won't be easy.” Rainbow pointed out.

“Right.” Twilight sighed.

That night while everyone was in their own rooms in the suite, Spike was in his own sleeping until he heard his door creek. He looked over seeing Gabby and Fluttershy slipping in.

“Spike.” they whispered.

“Gabby? Fluttershy? What're you two doing in here?” he asked quietly.

“Sorry, Spike, but it's a little too dark for me to be alone in. So could I possibly sleep with you?” Fluttershy asked.

“And me?” Gabby pleaded.

Spike who was too tired to argue answered, “Ok.”

Fluttershy smiled, “Thank you.”

Both she and Gabby climbed into bed with Spike sleeping on either side with Fluttershy facing him, and Gabby behind him.

“Hey, Spike?” Fluttershy asked.

“Huh?”

Fluttershy surprised Spike by pecking his lips making him blush. The girls smiled sweetly at him while blushing as well, “Thank you, for talking to me today. And I hope we continue to as we travel.”

Spike still stunned by Fluttershy's gesture couldn't help but smile, “Me too.” Fluttershy snuggled closer to Spike as did Gabby not wanting to be further from him.