Spread

Chapter 18: The Kiss

Pinkie Pie took to visiting Spike at the library quite frequently over the next few weeks. Spike’s mood state with and without her was like night and day. When she wasn’t around, he had little else to do but mope and get angry. He was constantly snapping at Twilight, reluctant to help out around the library, and refused to cook. Though she was displeased with the behavior, Twilight allowed it to happen, because she had no right to tell him to stop being unhappy when she was the reason for it in the first place.

But when Pinkie came over, Spike was like his normal self. Actually, not just normal. He was happier and more cordial than usual, laughing at Pinkie’s jokes and making many himself. He always offered to cook dinner when Pinkie was around, and Twilight started to hope she would come by so she’d have a decent meal to eat. But of course, the real reason she was glad to see her was because Spike felt so much better.

It was hard for Twilight to believe this, but after a few weeks of Pinkie coming over, the two seemed to be growing a lot closer. They were constantly whispering to each other and giggling. They always sat close to each other on the couch to read, Spike cuddling up against Pinkie as he read the book aloud. But the most telltale sign, and the one that got Twilight thinking, was that every time Pinkie had to leave the library, she would give Spike a soft peck on the cheek. And whenever Spike saw Twilight looking, his cheeks turned a fiery crimson.

Because Spike had fallen so hard for Rarity, it was difficult for Twilight to imagine him having those feelings with another pony. But the signs were quite similar, too similar for Twilight to dismiss as mere friendship. But what was different was that unlike Rarity, Pinkie seemed to be showing some signs of reciprocating those emotions.

This was the thing that actually concerned Twilight. Sure, she was glad to see Spike so happy, but he was still a baby dragon, and Pinkie was a full-grown mare. Spike’s crush on Rarity had been cute because it had been harmless, at least until Rarity started to date Twilight and it all fell apart. But if Spike and Pinkie Pie got together...she didn’t even want to imagine the problems that might arise.

There was the age difference and the species difference, which Twilight knew the citizens of Ponyville would not readily accept, so there was risk of the two alienating themselves in the community. And what if the relationship went sour? A misunderstanding here, an argument there, and Spike might end up feeling even more depressed and potentially close off his heart entirely.

But then there was also the possibility that things would turn out well. Too well. They maintain a relationship for years, they eventually get married, and if the other ponies in town hadn’t shunned them before, they would certainly do so now. Not to mention there was the horrifying possibility of the two of them becoming physically intimate…

All this had Twilight worked up enough to request a private word with Pinkie when she was over one day. Pinkie was happy to follow Twilight upstairs to their bedroom, leaving Spike to read ahead the book they were sharing.

“Pinkie,” Twilight started, feeling her stomach flutter, “I just want to say that I’m so grateful to you for being there for Spike the way you have. You come over every day, and he’s always so happy to see you. It was a nightmare when he found about about Rarity and me, but around you, it’s like he forgets all about his heartache.”

“Yeah, I guess he’s really been happy,” Pinkie said. “Well, that makes me glad, Twilight. You’re welcome.” Pinkie turned to go back downstairs, but Twilight stepped forward and touched her shoulder.

“Hold on,” Twilight said. “That being said, I’m afraid of something. It might sound completely ridiculous and it might just be me being paranoid as usual, but…”

“But what?” Pinkie asked. “Look, Twilight, you’re my friend. If you have something to say, don’t be shy! I want to know what’s bothering you.”

“I know, but it’s hard to talk about these things sometimes.” Twilight took a deep breath and decided it was best to just rip off the bandage. “I think Spike’s got a crush on you.”

“You think so?” Pinkie asked, looking far too gleeful for Twilight’s comfort. “Wow, that’s interesting, because I thought I was getting some of those vibes, but I didn’t wanna say anything in case I was wrong and that would have made things really awkward…”

There was an unnerving silence following that statement.

“Which brings me to a question I had,” Twilight said slowly. “Pinkie, do you...I don’t know, like him back?”

Pinkie stared blankly at Twilight for a moment, but then smiled.

“Well, of course I do, silly! We’ve been friends ever since you came to Ponyville. He’s really sweet and charming, and I’m just glad he’s so happy to see me—”

“No, Pinkie, you misunderstood,” Twilight objected. “I mean do you like him as more than a friend?”

Pinkie took a moment to think about the answer, a moment that felt like an hour to Twilight. When she finally responded, Twilight let out a breath she hadn’t known she was holding.

“I’ve actually been feeling a little funny around him,” Pinkie said, “but I didn’t really get what it was. But now that you say that, it’s starting to make sense a little. I mean, I get all jittery when I’m around him, and I’m always so happy to see him, and I had no idea he liked me back until you mentioned it, so—”

Every word Pinkie was saying was giving Twilight more discomfort, so she had to cut her off.

“Pinkie, don’t you realize? This is bad!”

“Bad?” Pinkie asked with a sense of childlike confusion. “We like each other. Why would that ever be bad?”

“Because,” Twilight said, then groaned. “Because you’re a pony! And he’s a dragon! And it was cute when he liked Rarity because it wasn’t reciprocated. But now that you like him I don’t want you two to start dating!”

“Dating?” Pinkie asked. “Aren’t you getting a little ahead of yourself?”

“Well, it’s only a matter of time you’d think to bring it up, and it’s just a bad idea, Pinkie, it really is.”

“Okay, miss Meanie-Pants!” Pinkie snapped back, looming over Twilight. “Spike had a crush on Rarity, and you couldn’t handle that because you liked her, too, and rather than take his feelings into consideration you two just hooked up and hoped he would understand in the morning. And you know what? As horrible as that is, I can’t be too upset, because Rarity never liked Spike back. But now Spike likes me, and I like him, and for some reason, you can’t handle that either! So you’re trying to prevent us from dating why? So you can keep Spike all to yourself? So you won’t have to share him with anypony else? That’s really selfish, Twilight, and I thought you were better than that.” Pinkie turned and stormed off, making her way downstairs to say Celestia knows what to Spike, and Twilight couldn’t stop it.

As Twilight stood in her room, she thought about her objections. Was Pinkie right? Was she really just jealous of Spike spending time with anypony else? Who was she to keep him from dating anypony else?

But there was that social stigma that she knew they were going to face, and she had just been trying to save them from becoming pariahs. But Pinkie’s rant had her second-guessing herself. She quickly decided to hasten downstairs and apologize, but when she got down there, the two of them were gone.

Twilight wanted to rush after them to see where they went, but she knew it was pointless. Regardless, even if she wanted to go, somepony knocked on the door. Twilight sighed as she considered ignoring it. She’d had enough to put up with already. But then she heard the voice of the patron.

“Twilight, are you in?” Rarity asked. Twilight smiled, relieved she had somepony to confide in, and she let her in gladly. Rarity gave her a deep kiss on the lips, and when she pulled away she gave her a devilish smile.

“It’s coming out tomorrow,” she purred, giving Twilight a letter. Twilight stared dumbly at Rarity for a moment, at a loss for words, but then she snapped out of her trance.

“Darn it, Rarity, why do you always have to be so seductive?” she asked. Rarity pulled Twilight in for another kiss, leaving Twilight grinning goofily when they pulled away.

“Because, darling,” she whispered, “I’m just that good.”

“Hold on, do you mean the film…?”

“Now we’re all caught up,” Rarity teased. “Read the letter.”

Twilight held the letter in front of her with her magic. It was brief, so it took her all of thirty seconds to read, but when she was done she felt waves of excitement and nervousness.

Dear Rarity,

I am pleased to inform you that the film Pleasuring Royalty starring you and Italian Stallion will be released on DVD tomorrow. I’ve provided money to cover the cost of the film if you want a keepsake.

I just wanted to reiterate how wonderful it was to work with you, and I hope you’ll consider doing work with us in the future, should you be interested.

Hope all is well.

Sincerely,

Hard Core

“Rarity, that’s…” Twilight started to say, but she was at a loss for words. Rarity laughed.

“Well, I’m actually quite nervous about it,” she said. “The magazine spread was one thing. Here I’m actually talking and doing...well, you can probably imagine.”

“Yeah…” Twilight said, staring off into space. Rarity leaned over and licked her ear, causing Twilight to draw back in surprise.

“Rarity!” she cried. “Don’t do that.”

“Sorry, dear, but you were off fantasizing and I really need you here for this conversation.”

“Well, in that case, I’m sorry for losing my focus.”

“It’s all right, dear. Now, the reaction to my spread was a little stirred up at first, but it seemed to die down relatively quickly. This...not so much, I’m afraid.”

“What are you thinking?”

Rarity turned away for a moment. “Well, if I had only done the spread and left it at that, the ponies here could have written it off as a one-time little experiment, just a blip of excitement in the ordinary day-to-day life we live in. But now that this film is coming out, it’s going to start looking like a pattern, and I’m terrified to think how the ponies will react.”

“Rarity…” Twilight said, placing a hoof on her cheek. “I understand your concern. I’m starting to worry about Spike and Pinkie for the same reason.”

“Oh yes, you’ve told me all about that,” Rarity said. “Well, there’s nothing I can do to alter this decision, so I’ll just have to live with the consequences, I suppose.”

“And I’ll be right there with you,” Twilight said. “We’ll bear the load together. Heck, if it makes you feel better, I’ll say it was my idea.”

Rarity smiled and waved a hoof. “You don’t have to take it that far, dear. Just knowing I have your support will be enough. Anyway, I was wondering if I could stay here for the night, if it isn’t too much trouble.”

“Oh…” Twilight said. “Do you mean…?”

“Mean what, darling?” Rarity asked.

“It’s nothing,” Twilight said, even though it wasn’t. “I would love to have you over.”

“You don’t think Spike would mind?” Rarity asked delicately.

“At this point,” Twilight said, “I think he’d be pretty cool with it.”

“Is it okay if Pinkie stays over?” Spike asked Twilight. The three of them and Rarity had just finished another one of Spike’s delicious meals, and the sun was low in the sky.

Twilight wanted to say no, but since Rarity was staying over, she had no right to object.

“That’s fine,” she said. “Do you want me to set up the spare bed down here?”

“That’d be great, Twilight!” Pinkie chirped. “Thanks.”

Twilight smiled at Pinkie, knowing full well the risk of having one bed for two individuals who were just developing feelings for one another. Rarity helped Twilight levitate the bed from the upstairs to the downstairs, and once that was set up they said goodnight to Spike and Pinkie and made their way upstairs. Spike and Pinkie laid on top of the bed and looked at each other.

“I had a good day today, Spike,” Pinkie said with a soft smile.

“Me too,” Spike responded. The two continued to look into each other’s eyes. Spike felt a fire burning up in his belly, one that felt all too familiar. It was that feeling he got whenever Rarity was around, or at least, the feeling he used to get. He hadn’t been feeling that way at dinner, at least not about her…

Was it just him, or had Pinkie’s face moved closer?

Suddenly, Spike realized what was about to happen and pulled away.

“Hold on a second!” he protested. Pinkie looked disappointed as her head stopped moving. “What the heck is going on here?”

“What are you talking about, silly?” Pinkie asked, trying to brush it off as if nothing had happened, but she was feeling quite sore now. “I was just...well…”

“What is it?” Spike asked.

“That talk I had with Twilight,” Pinkie said, wondering if it was right to even bring this up, “she told me you were starting to like me, um...the way you like Rarity.”

“She told you that?” Spike asked. “Well, what if I am? What does that even mean?”

“Because I like you, too,” Pinkie said, and Spike was thrown completely off guard. He hadn’t expected her to say that, nor had he expected her to be so direct about it. His heart was racing, feeling like this was all happening so suddenly, even though he knew this had been developing for weeks, ever since that heartbreaking news about Rarity and Twilight.

“Pinkie, well...Twilight’s right,” Spike said, and Pinkie perked right up. “I guess I do kinda like you.”

“‘Kinda’ like? Or really like?” Pinkie asked.

“I’m...well, I’m not totally sure,” Spike admitted. “It’s not the way I feel, or used to feel, about Rarity. This feels a lot more...real.”

“Real? What do you mean?”

“Let’s face it,” Spike sighed. “I knew Rarity and I were never gonna happen. I was daydreaming a lot about her, and I had this picture of her in my mind that was nice to imagine, but deep down I knew I never stood a shot. But being with you, it’s like...like, this could actually happen. And it’s exciting, but it’s also terrifying. I have all these questions about what it would be like to date you, what our friends would think, what everypony else would think, whether we’d be a good match. It feels a lot more realistic, almost practical. Do you get what I mean?”

“I guess so,” Pinkie said slowly. “I mean, I haven’t really been thinking about it all that much, because I didn’t even realize what I was feeling until Twilight asked me about it. But now that you mention it, I suppose that’s stuff we’re gonna have to think about in the future, if this is even going to be a thing. But Twilight doesn’t want us to be together.”

“She doesn’t?” Spike asked.

“She was really worried. She said it was a bad idea.”

“Who is she to butt in?” Spike cried. “She needs to stop trying to be so controlling. I’m not a little kid anymore.”

“Well, you’re still a baby dragon…” Pinkie reminded him. Spike grumbled.

“I think I know a lot more about this kind of thing than a baby,” he said.

“Hey, why are we doing all this thinking and wondering,” Pinkie suggested, “instead of just going for it and seeing what happens?”

“Going for...what exactly?” Spike asked.

“Like this!” Pinkie chirped, and she pulled Spike close and planted a kiss on his lips. Spike was completely taken aback, but the more he felt Pinkie’s lips brush against his own, the more he realized that he liked it. A lot. Spike wasn’t sure what he was supposed to be doing, so he tried to follow Pinkie’s lead and move his lips around with her’s. When things were starting to get a bit heated, Spike leaned too far forward and bumped his forehead against Pinkie’s.

Pinkie pulled back in surprise and looked at Spike warily. The two of them smiled and started to laugh. They laughed quite hard at the ludicrosity of it all, but knowing at the same time that this had a shot, this could go somewhere. They were happy, and they were together, and if they at least had that, then it was a good start. They stopped laughing, and Pinkie spoke up first.

“Did you like it?” Pinkie asked eagerly.

“Yeah, I did,” Spike readily admitted. “I didn’t know what I was doing at all, but it was pretty nice…”

“Well, it’s not my first kiss, so I’ll teach you how to get to the juicy stuff!” Pinkie promised. “But maybe this is all happening too quickly for you. I mean, you’ve never kissed a girl before, right?”

“No, that was my first…” Spike confessed. “And it was a pretty nice one. But I think you have a point. Maybe we should just go on a date and get to know each other a little more before we see where this takes us.”

“Sure, that sounds great!” Pinkie said. “Where do you wanna go?”

“Well, I don’t have any money,” Spike realized, “so I don’t know that we can do anything.”

“I’ll spot you,” Pinkie said. “And I guess I’ll pick the first date, but it’s gonna be a surprise.”

“Why? Do you have an idea?” Spike asked.

“Nope! Not a clue! That’s why it’s a surprise!”

Spike laughed, and Pinkie chuckled and snorted with him. Spike was feeling a lot calmer, that burning sensation replaced with a warm feeling inside, like he was sitting in front of a fireplace. Pinkie smiled and just looked at him, and Spike looked back, smiling in return.

“I’m feeling kinda tired,” Pinkie said. “How about you?”

“Yeah, it’s getting kinda late for me, too,” Spike said, though he felt too excited to sleep. “So, uh...goodnight, I guess.”

“Night, Spike!” Pinkie exclaimed, and she closed her eyes and started to breathe heavily. Spike yawned and stretched his arms before shutting his eyes as well. Hopefully he would wake up in the morning and find out that this wasn’t just a good dream.

Spike laid there with his eyes closed for a while, but then he opened them and looked at Pinkie. There was something about her, the way her mane moved as she breathed, her bright pink coat. But there was something else about seeing her so calm, peaceful. It was a side Spike rarely saw from the hyperactive pony, and it made him feel special to see this side of her.

Pinkie opened her eyes, hoping to catch a glimpse of Spike sleeping, but taken aback when she saw him looking at her.

“Oh, sorry,” Pinkie said. “I didn’t know…”

“It’s fine,” Spike said, his brain whirring. “Hey, Pinkie?” he asked.

“Yeah?” Pinkie said.

“I kinda wanna try kissing again…”

Pinkie beamed at him.

“Okie dokie lokie!” she said, and she pulled Spike in for another kiss, deeper this time. This time, Spike was willing to learn from an experienced kisser. He could feel her tongue pushing against his lips, and almost by instinct, he opened his mouth. Her tongue slid into his, and the strangeness of the foreign object in his mouth made him a bit unnerved and excited. He played with her tongue with his own forked one, and Pinkie was pleasantly surprised by the way his tongue felt. She pulled her tongue out of his mouth and waited, hoping he would return the favor.

Spike was a fast learner, so he probed Pinkie’s mouth with his tongue instead. He lapped against her tongue and her teeth, and Pinkie brought Spike’s body in closer as they continued to kiss. Every time they pulled their mouths away to breathe, they returned the kiss with more energy. That fire in Spike’s belly was heating up again, and it felt hot enough to escape his mouth. Then he realized it really could escape from his mouth if he wasn’t careful, so he pulled away abruptly.

Pinkie looked at him nervously, but Spike smiled and calmed her nerves.

“I felt like I was about to belch flames,” he said. “I honestly didn’t expect that.”

“I guess things did get a little heated, huh?” Pinkie asked.

“You could say that,” Spike replied.

“That’s not taking things slow, is it?”

“Nope, but that’s okay.”

“It is?”

“Well, I’d say we’ve reached a good limit for now. Kissing you is really nice.”

“I like kissing you, too.”

“I suppose we don’t have to fall asleep right away…” Spike said softly.

“Works for me!” Pinkie replied, and she pulled Spike in to make out some more. If this is what dating somepony was like, Spike thought he could get used to this real fast. It was a pleasure he couldn’t have imagined until it happened, and that made it all the sweeter.