Dreams that Bind

Spike's POV

I had just finished shelving the last of the returned book when I heard the door open.

"Spike!" a familiar voice called.

"Here Twilight!" I called back. The unicorn walked into the room looking tired. "Long day?" I asked, climbing down the ladder.

"Yes, we had to set up for Cider Season tomorrow, and it wasn't easy."

"So, I guess that means we're done for the day?"

"Yes."

"Great, there's something I have to do right now."

"Go ahead, Spike."

I ran up to our room and pulled out the fire ruby from under my bed. I wish I hadn't forgotten to give it back to Rarity after the whole Nightmare Rarity because it was the same one I gave her before my 12th birthday, and she had made a necklace out of it. I took it out of the necklace to remind her of who she was.

"I'm heading out, I'll be right back!" I called.

I ran as fast as I could toward the house Rarity was staying at with the ruby in tow. When I got there, I knocked on the door. The fabulousity overload known as Rarity answered it.

"Oh Spike, what are you doing here?" she asked.

"I just came by to give this back." I replied, holding out the precious gem.

Rarity gasped. "Spike, I was afraid I had lost it!"

"I took from your necklace, when you became Nightmare Rarity, I was hoping to use it to remind you who you were." I know it was technically stealing, but it was for a good cause. Besides, I returned it.

"Well, it did help, thank you for returning it."  Then Rarity leaned down and kissed my cheek.

I never get tired of that.

Rarity's POV

"Goodnight, Spike."

"Y-Y-Y-Yeah. Good night Rarity." The little dragon replied, and stumbled home.

I closed the door and looked at the precious ruby. I remember how much I wanted it the first time I saw it. Nightmare was right, I was greedy of me to charm it from Spike, but I always value it above any other jewel out there. Not because fire rubies are rare, but because what this one came to represent for me. Pure Generosity. Spike didn't have to give it to me, but he did anyway, twice. And the fact it was from him makes it even more valuable to me. But why? Is it because he's a good friend. Is it because he'll do anything for me? Or is it...no, I don't think so.

Anyway, that begs the question, am I generous? Applejack had said to let my actions answer that. Well, best not keeping Nightmare waiting.

***

Nightmare was waiting for me in the throne room from before. "Well, let's hear your rebuttal."

I thought about what I had done in the past and what it had done for me. "Everypony can be greedy now and again. I myself am no exception. However, I am generous most of the time. I gave the sea serpent my tail when his I made those dresses for my friends, despite how much time and effort went into them, as well as how badly they came out. I even admitted to knowing my friends when I could have easily denied them when I went to Canterlot. I even kissed Spike in return when he gave me the ruby. So yes, I can be greedy, but I'm not always greedy. Generosity is one of my strengths, but just because I'm the element of generosity, doesn't mean I should be the pinnacle of it."

Nightmare looked thoughtful for a moment. "You must think your pretty tough, don't you."

"I held my own against any army of changelings."

"Well, it's all about you, isn't it?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"Don't be so thick, you know what I'm getting at."

I considered. Sure there have been times I was self-centered, like with Sweetie Belle while my parents went on vacation, or even when I went to Canterlot, but as with greed, I'm not always like that.

"Oh sure, it's not always so obvious, things like that can go subtly unnoticed most of the time." The Nightmare Moon wannabe smirked. I didn't have a response for this. "Food for thought." she finished. Her statement was punctuated with the beeping of the alarm clock.

***

When I had prepared for the day, I walked downstairs. Nopony else was awake since I had to get an early start for cider season. I boiled some oatmeal and sat down to eat when it had finished.

"Good morning." a voice said behind me.

I looked back. Cookie Crisp had come to join me.

"Good morning Mother." I replied. Mom helped herself to some of the oatmeal I had made and sat down at the table. "Mom, when you look at me, do you see a pony whose self-centered?"

The question caught the older mare of guard. She took a moment to consider her answer. "I know I didn't raise you to behave like that. Why do you ask?"

I told her I had wanted to stay them to get over the Nightmare Rarity thing. I didn't tell them about the evil queen who keeps invading my mind.

"I get the feeling ponies look at me and get the impression I'm full of myself."

Mom looked thoughtful. "Well, you can't control what others think of you, but maybe you can make a better image for yourself."

I smiled. "Thanks Mom, I'll see you later." I said as I headed for Sweet Apple Acres.