Of Dragons and Mortals

Chapter 9: The Day Begins

This morning had really been special, Twilight mused. She had woken up next to Spike without regrets after a very satisfying night, and the tenderness they had shared throughout the morning had left a feeling of contentment in her chest that was quite unlike anything she had experienced before. It was not necessarily, from a purely objective standpoint, “better” than the other kinds of happiness she had experienced throughout her life, but it was deeply satisfying and pleasant in its own unique way.

It turned out to be a very busy day for the library, which was especially noteworthy considering it was a Saturday morning. More ponies interested in reading would usually be a good thing, but all the patrons were mares, and it was clear that they had come to eye her dragon like a piece of meat. This, Twilight thought, must be the downside of having an attractive stallion.

Okay, so maybe she wasn’t being completely fair. A lot of ponies had seemingly just come by to confirm whatever gossip they had heard, and they had no desire to make any moves on her stallion. She honestly didn’t have a problem with those girls who merely poked their heads in to satisfy their curiosity and then went about their day. In fact, she could relate to them: Spike’s growth spurt had been both very sudden and very obvious, so it was bound to make big news to anyone who knew of him.

Twilight’s problem lay with the ones who lingered. The ones who snuck into corners and gossiped with each other, and the ones who took a random book, sat in a chair and then pretended to read while ogling Spike as he went about his chores.

Twilight made a point of being at Spike’s side as much as she could, especially when she thought she saw one or more of the mares preparing to make a move towards him. Unfortunately, the only shows of affection she could bring herself to perform in public were clinging to his arm and kissing his cheek a few times.

However, Twilight couldn’t spend every moment next to Spike. She left to use the bathroom and came back to see that he was talking to a young mare she vaguely recognized from around town.

“We don’t really know each other…” Spike said to the girl.

Hiding behind a chair, Twilight listened in, as did every other pair of ears in the library.

“I know that, Spike,” the mare replied. She was young. Spike’s age, actually. “That’s kind of the point. I’ll take you out on a date so we can get to know each other better. I know where we can find the best hay fries in Ponyville.”

The young girl, whose name escaped Twilight for the moment, was gorgeous. There really was no way around it. She was a freshly blossomed flower, blooming with the charming innocence of youth, and Twilight instantly disliked her.

“Listen, Aura…” Spike answered. “I already have some ponies in mind, and I want to try to make it work with them. I’m flattered, don’t get me wrong, but I’m going to have to say no thanks.”

“Okay, I understand,” the young mare replied, smiling warmly, “but if you ever want to just hang out, keep me in mind.”

Maybe the girl was just being friendly, but Twilight recognized a common seduction technique in those words: instead of being pushy and possibly driving the stallion away, declare your interest and innocently leave an open invitation. Let him come to you, and in a sea of grabby and forceful mares, you will become a beacon of calm and acceptance. It had been detailed in The Proper Etiquette of Dating. The girl’s delivery of the lines had been quite literally textbook.

This mare was putting the moves on her stallion.

Twilight was about to get up from her spot and do something about that when the library door opened.

“Howdy, Spike,” Applejack said as she walked in. Surveying the room, she caught sight of Twilight behind the chair and nodded at her. “Howdy, Twi.”

Applejack was wearing her usual cut-off jeans and shirt, but that wasn’t what caught everyone’s attention. She’d let her hair free of her distinctive ponytail and had brushed it to a magnificent sheen, creating a shimmering golden waterfall that cascaded freely down her shoulders and back. The effect was quite eye-catching.

Spike looked at her and promptly forgot how to breathe.

“Hey, AJ…” he eventually managed. “How are you?”

The mare Spike had been talking to backed off as AJ walked right up to him and wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Ah’m just fine, sugarcube,” she purred, making Spike blush. “But would you imagine Ah plum forgot to do somethin’ when we met yesterday.”

Spike made a choked noise that might have been an attempt at a question.

“Ah was wondering if you’d like to go out on a date with me sometime. What do ya say, sugar?”

“Sure,” Spike managed to actually say, a smile spreading across his face. “I’d like that.”

“Good.” Applejack said.

She cast a meaningful glance at Twilight and made a small motion of her head at her. While Twilight was trying to decipher the meaning behind the gesture, Applejack drew in close to Spike and placed a slow, lingering kiss on his lips.

The mares in the room, already disheartened by Spike’s obvious interest in Applejack, let out a collective noise of disappointment. Twilight, on the other hand, smiled and walked up to join the kissing pair.

“Hello, Applejack,” she said sweetly, causing AJ to break the kiss and turn to her.

The two mares nodded to each other, and Twilight hugged Spike from behind, sandwiching the flabbergasted dragon between them both.

“Are you trying to make off with my lover?” Twilight teased, her confidence bolstered by Applejack’s presence and Spike’s flustered reaction to their combined affection.

“Lover, huh?” Applejack asked back, only a little surprised that they had taken that step already. “Nah, Ah’m just taking our stallion out for a date.”

They were pointedly talking around Spike, but were pressing up against him in a way that would probably have been better suited for more private settings.

Our stallion.

The words echoed in Spike’s mind, and he couldn’t stop a goofy grin from spreading across his face.

“Oh,” Twilight’s voice sounded through his fuzzy mind. “That’s no problem, then. Just don’t hog him.”

“‘Course not, princess. We’re in this together.”

“Careful, or I’ll take that as an invitation,” Twilight purred.

“Woah, nelly…” Applejack responded in a low voice. A sultry smile spread across her muzzle. “What if it is one, sugarcube?” she said in a sensual tone.

Blushing, Twilight released Spike and took a small step back.

“AJ!” she cried out, mock-scandalized. “If it is...” Her sudden smile matched Applejack’s. “...Then I believe I’ll accept,” she purred, moving back into position.

Applejack felt a full-body shiver go through Spike’s body. He let out a deep, shuddering breath, and she watched his eyes slowly close as his grip on her tightened. She winked mischievously at her partner in crime, who returned the favor. Their little impromptu show to tease Spike had worked great.

Applejack pulled away a tiny bit and scanned the room. There were a lot fewer patrons around now. Most of the mares that had been present had apparently decided to give them some privacy, or that trying to seduce Spike in the library, in front of her and Twilight, was a waste of time. Either way, mission accomplished.

Suddenly, she felt herself pressed firmly against Spike’s chest, trapped by his strong arms. She turned back only to immediately be drawn into a forceful kiss. Spike’s long tongue parted her lips and invaded her mouth, making her knees give out. Dimly, she heard Twilight gasp and shoo out the few patrons who remained.

The next thing she knew, she was back-down on a table with Spike on top of her. His lips left hers and trailed down her collarbone, and she felt him press those sharp, predatory teeth against her neck, right over her pulse. The illusion of danger sent a surge of adrenaline through her, and she groaned out loud as his tongue shot out, tasting her. His hot breath spilled down her neck, sending shivers down her spine, and his hands trailed up her sides, climbing ever higher up her body.

He pulled away. Panting, Applejack opened her eyes to see Spike standing just within arm’s reach and staring at her with a devious grin on his face. The library was now empty except for Twilight standing by the door, having just flipped the sign to “closed.”

“You…” she managed to say. “You tease!”

“Takes one to know one.”

Next up was Twilight. AJ watched as the dragon turned and pounced on the princess, pushing her up against the front door, raining nips and kisses on her lips and neck. She glimpsed that draconic tongue shooting out out to taste her friend and heard Twilight gasp out loud.

Then Spike pulled away from her, too. Twilight slid down the door to sit on her rump, panting heavily.

Spike walked over and helped Applejack back to her hooves. She gave her dragon a small smile.

“Okay,” Applejack said, still catching her breath. “Ah guess maybe we deserved that, but next time you get me hot and bothered only to leave me hangin’, Ah may have to smack ya.”

“I wasn’t the one who stopped us in the orchard,” Spike teased as he pulled Twilight up from the floor. She collapsed against the wall for support and remained silent.

“Doesn’t mean Ah wasn’t frustrated…” Applejack muttered, smoothing out the new wrinkles on her shirt.

“So,” Spike said, snapping AJ out of her haze slightly. “When’s our date?”

AJ cleared her throat and refocused on the reason she came.

“Ah can’t tonight, and tomorrow’s no good either, so Ah thought maybe we could go out on Monday? For lunch, at least? How’s that sound?”

“Sounds good, AJ. Come Monday, I’m all yours. What should I wear?”

“Put on somethin’ nice so Ah can show ya off, stud,” Applejack said. Then she chuckled and winked at him. “Ah’m kiddin’. Just wear somethin’ comfortable.”

“Will do.”

. Her mane was in disarray after being all but thrown across the room, and her clothes were still ruffled from his touch. “You sure did a number on me, sugarcube.”

Spike had the decency to blush at that, but Applejack merely smiled at him as she retreated deeper into the library, heading for the bathroom.

With AJ out of sight, Spike turned to Twilight, who was still leaning against the wall with a small but warm smile on her face.

“You okay?” he asked, since she wasn’t moving.

“I’m fine, it’s just…” She locked eyes with Spike, and her smile widened, becoming downright sultry. “You made me remember last night.”

Again, Spike blushed, and his gaze fell to the floor.

Which brought his attention to the clothes he was wearing, a set that Twilight had stretched with her magic. The only “proper” set he currently owned was in the laundry.

“I need to buy some more clothes…” he muttered, snapping Twilight out of her little trance.

“Yes, I suppose you do. Do you have any plans for today?”

Spike looked to the side and furrowed his brow for a moment before speaking.

“It’s just about lunchtime, and I know you have stuff to do,” he said. “so... how about I go out, get some lunch, and buy some clothes from Rarity?”

“Sure,” Twilight responded. “I need to think about some stuff, too. We will probably need to talk when you come back.”

“Come back from what?” AJ suddenly cut in, looking properly refreshed.

“Clothes shopping,” Twilight and Spike said in unison.

“That so? Ah need to head back to the market anyway. Walk with me?”

“Sure, just give me a minute,” Spike said.

He hurried down to the basement. As soon as he was out of sight, AJ turned to Twilight with a wide smile.

“Did ya say that you’re lovers?” she asked.

“Yes.”

“How was it?”

Twilight smiled. She really couldn’t help herself.

“It was great!”

Twilight and Applejack fell into a hug, smiling and laughing.

Almost a minute passed before they heard Spike’s unsubtle footsteps heading up the stairs. They broke the hug and straightened themselves out, blushing slightly.

“Say, Twilight?” Applejack asked. “Wanna get in on this date?”

Spike walked into the room at that moment, but stopped and remained silent.

“Tempting,” Twilight replied, “but go ahead and have some alone time with him. Rain check?”

“Absolutely.” Applejack turned to Spike and extended her arm to him. “Are ya comin’?”

“Sure,” Spike answered. He hooked AJ’s arm in his and gave her a small smile.

Applejack led him out into the sunlight, waving to Twilight with her free hand.

“I gotta say, Rares…” Rainbow said, admiring herself in the mirror. “I thought you’d toss me in frilly dresses and give me crazy hairstyles all day, but I like what you’ve done here.”

The hours in the boutique had melted away, as they so often did when one was in the company of a good friend. Rarity helped Rainbow in between customers, and Rainbow spent the rest of the time checking out her friend’s enormous supply of clothes, both the ones for personal use and the ones for sale.

At the moment, Rainbow was spinning in front of a mirror, admiring herself.

“The temptation was there, darling,” Rarity said, smirking. “And were circumstances different, I would likely have played around at least a little, but this is serious. You came to me for help, so I will help.”

It was really just a bit of makeup, tight yet comfortable jeans, and a tank top. Looking at herself like this, Rainbow Dash did feel cuter, but in a good way. She felt, and looked, refreshed: Her makeup made her look like she'd just had an invigorating training session, but without all the sweat and tousledness, and the jeans and tank top were both tight enough to show her forms, without restricting her movements. Well, she probably couldn't do splits in these jeans, but considering how they hugged her thighs and made her do a double-take when she saw what they did to her butt, she decided she could live with that. For now.

She had to admit that she was impressed. This was a look she could actually wear in public without feeling humiliated.

“I look good…” she said to herself, spinning around again. Everything was tailor-made to fit perfectly and flatter what curves she had. What’s more, the outfit didn’t hinder her flying at all. “I look really good. I was expecting some kind of dress, though.”

“Please,” Rarity said with a dismissive wave. “Any mare can look good in a dress, but I wanted to use your own natural charm.” Rarity paused and walked a circle around Rainbow, nodding to herself while inspecting her friend. “I thought we could save the dress for when you really want to knock his socks off.” She winked.

“Heh, sounds good to me.”

Rainbow fell silent as Rarity walked up behind her and summoned a hair band from across the room. With a twist and a soft tug, Rainbow’s mane was pulled into a simple ponytail.

Rainbow turned her head back and forth, eyes glued to the simple hairstyle. It exposed her slender neck and made her seem even more feminine while still retaining her sporty look.

“Woah…”

“It’s the small touches, darling,” Rarity said. She clapped her hands once. “Now, it is officially lunchtime. Care to join me?”

“Sure, why not.”

“Here we are, Spike,” Applejack said, turning to give him a small smile.

The Ponyville marketplace was bustling as usual, and there was a sizable line to the Apple cart, currently manned by Big Macintosh. Applejack and Spike walked past the line, up to the side of the cart, and the big red stallion silently greeted the pair with a smile and a small wave.

“Ah’m looking forward to Monday,” AJ said. She placed her hand on Spike’s cheek and drew him in for a small peck on his lips. “See ya later, sugarcube.”

Applejack made sure to brush her tail across Spike’s waist as she turned away and sauntered over to her brother’s side. Mac stepped back from the cart and allowed AJ to take over.

“Howdy, Spike,” Mac said. “Got a moment?”

“Sure, I guess. What’s up?”

Big Mac gestured down the road, and the two stallions walked off to somewhere with fewer prying ears.

Spike found that Mac was relatively easy to read, at least in comparison to his absolutely stone-faced grandmother. He seemed a little melancholy, but didn’t look upset or angry at all.

“Spike…” he finally began. “Ah’m sorry Ah was harsh yesterday.” Spike was slightly surprised, but Macintosh didn’t give him time to answer. “Now, Ah meant what Ah said but, and this is important... Ah know you. You’re a good man. And Ah know you’ll do right by the girls. Ah should have told you that.”

“It’s…” Spike hesitated a bit. “It’s okay, Big Mac. If I was in your position, I would probably… no, I would definitely do the same. And I have teeth that can cut through diamonds.”

Spike showed off said teeth to prove his point. Big Mac chuckled warmly.

“That you do,” Mac said, smiling. “We good?”

“Yeah, of course.”

The stallion and dragon shook hands.

“AJ’s real smitten with ya,” Mac said, holding onto Spike’s hand for a moment. “You make her happy. For what it’s worth, you have my blessing. And if you need it, my support.”

“Thanks… that… that means a lot,” Spike all but stuttered out.

Big Mac silently nodded. He released Spike’s hand and patted him on the back, then began heading back towards the marketplace.

“Wait!” Spike called out. The big stallion stopped just a few steps away, and Spike wondered where the strong urge to speak had come from. He felt his lips move, almost against his will. “Apple Bloom and her friends asked me out yesterday… and I said yes.”

An awkward silence ensued, and Spike felt pearls of cold sweat run down his back. What had he hoped to do by confessing? Was it the right thing to do? What would Big Mac think?

“The Conquerors? Well, that…” Mac said. He was clearly making an effort to keep his voice steady, and his difficulties shook Spike out of his racing thoughts. “That’s a situation, all right…”

Mac walked back to Spike. He was still big, but unlike yesterday, he wasn’t scary. Now he felt almost… supportive.

“Have you eaten yet?” Mac asked.

Spike shook his head.

“Let’s get lunch,” Mac suggested, and they walked off together.

“Pinkie…” Fluttershy whispered. “Everypony’s staring…”

Lunchtime was in full swing at Sugarcube Corner. Fluttershy peeked at the crowd from her position behind her friend. Almost everypony in the store was eyeing them. Some of the looks were of the admiring kind, while others were actually envious.

Then again, she and Pinkie looked really pretty.

“Just imagine how Spike will react once he sees us,” Pinkie whispered back.

Fluttershy nodded, and tried to stand tall, but ended up curling in on herself slightly and hiding her face behind her mane.

It only made the staring more intense.

One minute until lunchbreak, Pinkie thought. Then it’s dragon hunting time.

The next customer in line was a stallion.

“Well aren’t you all dressed up, Pinkie. What’s the occasion?” he asked in a jovial tone.

“I just wanted to look pretty today!” she answered as she rung up the stallion’s order. He was a regular and always ordered the same thing, so Pinkie just went on autopilot.

“Well if you ask me, you’re always…”

“Heeere’s your order, sir. Next!”

His attempt at flirting shot down, the stallion accepted the bag and walked off with a defeated sigh.

Twenty seconds now… Ten…

Pinkie was thrown out of her thoughts by a sudden tingle in her hooves. She instantly knew what it meant.

There’s somepony new in town!

Mr. Cake turned up right on time for lunch break. Pinkie grabbed Fluttershy and hurried out the door, ignoring her friend’s startled meep.

“Come on, Fluttershy! There’s a new pony in town!”

“Wait, what about Spike?”

“Dragon hunting later, welcome wagon now!”

Spike and Big Mac sat down at the local fast-food place, the Hayburger.

Since they needed a bit of privacy, the boys took their orders into a corner a fair bit away from any prying ears. After they sat down, Spike told Mac the (tastefully censored) story of when the Conquerors had asked him out.

Once the story was done, Mac spoke up.

“So, the girls asked you out. Is that a problem?”

Spike looked down into his hay fries.

“I don’t know… I just don’t want to betray Twilight and our friends. I want to make them happy.”

“Do you like ‘em? The Conquerors, I mean.”

Images popped into Spike’s head. Images of adventures he’d had all over Ponyville alongside the girls, of the laughter they had shared throughout the years, of so many warm memories… Then his mind lingered on the smiles on their faces when he agreed to the date…

“Yeah. I guess I do.” Spike paused and looked up, meeting Mac’s steady gaze. “No... I do. I really do.”

“Should be okay, then.” Mac took a bite of his burger and chewed it thoughtfully, letting his comment sink in before continuing. “Do you know how pony dating works?”

“A bit. I had some lessons in etiquette when I grew up. But that was years ago.”

“Have AJ and her friends asked you to be exclusive?”

“Well… No…”

“See,” Big Mac said, “the way this works is that, unless the girls you’re dating tell you they want to be exclusive, and you agree to it, you’re pretty much free to date who you want.”

“Right… Now that you mention it, I seem to remember my teacher saying ‘stallions are considered up for grabs,’ or something like that.”

“Also,” Mac continued, “for mares, ‘hogging’ a stallion is considered very selfish unless you’re married to--or about to get married to--him. And it’s way too early in your relationship to seriously consider that.”

“Yeah... So… What should I do?”

“Well, you have a reputation around Ponyville as a stand-up guy and a gentleco--uh... gentledrake. A lot of girls are goin’ to be interested in you, and most of ‘em will just want a good time, to be treated well and have fun for a night or so. What you should do is what pretty much every stallion in the datin’ world does: if you like ‘em, accept. If you don’t, refuse.”

“What about the girls? How will they feel?”

“A stallion’s expected to date a bit, especially at your age. Ah don’t think either group of girls are entertainin’ any thoughts of exclusivity. Not yet anyway.”

“So you’re saying go ahead with the date? I have to admit, I thought you’d have a stronger reaction.”

“Ah can’t stop my sisters from datin’. Even if I wanted to. And honestly, they could do a lot worse.”

Before Spike could reply, Mac leaned back and gave a small sigh. He looked around the diner, causing the few ponies nearby to retreat a bit and pretend they weren’t trying to listen in on the conversation. Then he turned back to Spike.

“Bloom and her friends…” Mac said, “... are at that age, and so are you for that matter, where fillies and colts turn into proper mares and stallions. It’s also when the datin’ world opens up properly. ‘Course, you can avoid the whole scene if you’re not interested in romance, but if you are… It’s a time of first and second dates that don’t go anywhere, short term relationships, flings, and breakups both clean and messy.” Big Mac leaned forward again, which made Spike do the same. “Durin’ this time, mares go from one stallion to the next, tryin’ to find someone they like. Stallions try to establish datin’ circles, though the circles change a lot cuz… you know… the mares are huntin’.”

“So…” Spike mused. “You think this thing with the Conquerors may just be a fling?”

“Ah don’t know,” Mac responded. “Would be typical for girls their age, and would be easier on you. Datin’ sisters, especially long-term, can be mighty complicated. Though…” He hesitated.

“What?”

“As far as Ah know, and Ah try to keep track… Bloom and her friends haven’t dated at all yet. In fact, until today, Ah honestly figured they just plain weren’t interested in romance.”

Both stallions fell quiet for a time and chewed their food thoughtfully. Soon enough, however, the food was finished and they headed back out.

“One last thing…” Mac said as soon as they cleared the doors. “Mah word ain’t law, and in matters of the heart like this, it’s always best to try to make sure for yourself. If you’re still worried, and even if you aren’t, Ah suggest you talk to one of AJ’s friends in private and ask her, point-blank, what sort of relationship they want. If they want to be exclusive, they’ll tell you, and you can talk about it. If not, then…”

“Then they want a normal relationship, got it,” Spike said.

Mac nodded.

“You know, Big Mac…” Spike continued, trying to lighten the mood. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard you talk this much in all the years I’ve known you.”

“Nnope. But family happiness is important, and it’s worth talking about.”

“So it’s all about finding the proper subject to get you to talk?”

“Eeyup.”

“There’s the Big Mac we all know and love.”

The stallions smiled and nodded to each other before they turned to walk their separate ways. Spike still had clothes shopping to get to, after all. He set off down the street in the general direction of Carousel Boutique with a slight bounce in his step.

“Hold on!” came Big Mac’s voice from behind him.

Spike stopped just as he was about to turn the corner, and looked back to see Mac jogging up to him.

“Ah just remembered something,” he said once he reached Spike.

“What is it?”

“A few years ago, back when the girls were still Crusaders… there was a time when Ah suspected that Apple Bloom had a crush on you.”

“What? Really?”

“Well, she never said anythin’ outright, but you were just about the only boy she’d talk about at home, and she had a lotta nice things to say about you. There were more signs, small things, but… Well, Ah didn’t talk to her about it or anythin’, since Ah figured that’d be AJ’s or Granny’s turf, and if she wanted advice, she’d turn to them. After a while Ah didn’t see the signs anymore… Or... maybe Ah just stopped lookin’ for ‘em.”

“So… what does that mean?”

“Maybe nothing… At the time Ah figured Ah was overthinkin’ things, and maybe that’s exactly what Ah’m doin’ now. Or… maybe them askin’ you out, and so quickly at that, means more than Ah first thought.”

“Huh… Okay… Uh, well, thanks for telling me.”

Big Mac nodded and strode away again. Spike stood glued to the ground for a minute or so, mulling over this new information. Had Apple Bloom ever shown signs of a crush? Would he have been able to tell at the time, being as wrapped up in his own crush as he was back then?

But as he tried to think back, Spike could only remember that she had acted just as friendly as the other then-Crusaders around him. They had been pretty close friends, after all, nothing out of the ordinary.

Any further musings were cut short as he finally rounded the corner and saw the tail end of Pinkie Pie...’s performance.

“...Welcome welcome welcome to Ponyville todaaaay!” she sang as she spun around and threw her arms in the air for the grand finale of whatever dance recital Spike had just missed. She missed seeing him walk out of the alley, and he stayed in place, struck dumb by her appearance.

She was wearing a delightfully tight and frilly top, a very short skirt, and thigh high striped stockings. Spike’s blood pressure skyrocketed--Pinkie Pie struck a perfect balance between adorably cute and smoking hot.

“Bravo, bravo!” he heard a stallion call out, along with the sound of a single pair of hands applauding. Spike managed to tear his eyes from Pinkie and saw the pony she was welcoming. He was a purple earth pony stallion with a finely styled orange mane and a big matching moustache that was quite obviously well taken care of.

There’s something about that stallion… No… No way!

“I do believe that I have never felt this welcome anywhere before!”

Pinkie grinned and soaked up the praise like a sponge. Just a few minutes after meeting a new pony, she had already made one more friend.

“Thanks, and you’re welcome!” she said, just as the oven on her right pinged and a perfectly prepared sponge cake shot out, pre-sliced and ready to eat. She immediately held out a piece to the newcomer. “Would you like some cake?”

“Don’t mind if I d--” The stallion stopped with the cake slice halfway to his mouth, his eyes fixed on something over her shoulder. “My word, is that a dragon?”

If Pinkie had been more attentive, she might have noticed the complete lack of fear or trepidation in the stallion’s voice as he announced the presence of an apex predator. But as soon as the word “dragon” left the stallion’s lips, she spun in place and fixed her attention on the stallion she now knew was walking up behind her.

“Spikey!”

Pinkie launched herself like a pink missile at the young dragon, who barely had time to raise his arms and catch her in midair when she jumped him. With Spike caught off guard like this, she saw an opening.

She wrapped her arms around Spike’s neck, and without hesitation, she planted a big kiss on his lips.

Shocked and successfully caught off guard, Spike mutely pulled Pinkie close and returned her affection, leaning into the kiss.

Pinkie felt Spike slowly lower her to the ground. Once she was safely back on her hooves, she pushed back into the kiss for a moment, then broke it and gave Spike a brilliant smile. He blushed and looked away.

But Pinkie didn’t forget her manners. She tucked herself under Spike’s arm and turned to face the stallion she had been greeting. She also noted that the ponies in the area were staring at her, most of them with envy in their eyes. Good.

“This is Spike the studly dragon. Spikey, this is Rip Tide. He’s new in town.”

Rip Tide was helping himself to the cake, and had turned his head to to the side in an attempt to give the kissing pair a modicum of privacy. When he realized Pinkie was talking to him, however, he snapped to attention.

“Charmed to meet you,” he said. “Spikey, was it?”

Spike smiled happily and hugged Pinkie close with one arm while he extended his free one for Rip Tide to shake.

"It’s ‘Spike,’ actually. Only the girls can call me Spikey.” Spike’s smile widened slightly, and so did the other stallion’s. “It’s really nice to meet you, Rip Tide.”

“Please, just Tide works fine. Or Rippie, but that one’s really more for the ladies.”

The handshake lingered for a moment as the stallions briefly inspected each other, still smiling. Eventually, Tide looked Pinkie in the eyes and took a bow.

“Well, I can see that I am getting a bit in the way here,” he said, “thank you for the warm welcome, and the delicious cake. I shan’t be staying in town for long, I’m afraid, but I am sure I will like it here. Ta!”

And with that, the stallion spun on a hoof and walked off deeper into Ponyville.

“Hello, Pinkie,” Spike said to the mare tucked against his side, placing a small kiss on her forehead for good measure. “I like the new greeting.”

“I hoped you would, Spikey, ‘cause that one’s only for you!”

Spike smiled. The kiss had been surprising, energetic, and had left him feeling warm and happy.

Pinkie Pie in a nutshell, really.

“Um… Hello, Spike,” said a soft voice from behind him. He turned around to see Fluttershy standing there, fidgeting with her hands.

She was wearing a green dress with a surprisingly low neckline. Her long, flowing mane was decorated with flowers, and a simple necklace hung around her neck, with a small green gem resting between her breasts.

Spike gasped for air.

Fluttershy, meanwhile, felt every second of silence keenly. Dozens of worries ran through her mind. What if he didn’t like the outfit? What if he didn’t like her? What if--

“Hey…” Spike said dumbly. “Fluttershy… you… wow.”

Fluttershy stopped fidgeting, and a brilliant smile spread across her face as warmth blossomed deep in her chest and spread throughout her body.

“See?” she heard Pinkie say to her as she detached herself from Spike. “Totally worth it, right?”

It was. Usually, Fluttershy hated being the center of attention, but the look in Spike’s eyes made her feel beautiful yet again. It was exhilarating. She was truly smiling from the heart when she nodded at Pinkie, who moved to stand beside her.

“Come on now,” Pinkie said, a teasing note in her voice, “like we practiced.”

When Pinkie had suggested this, Fluttershy had been hesitant and embarrassed. She had never done anything so silly and flirtatious in her whole life, and the “practice” earlier had been sudden and involuntary. But standing there with a spellbound Spike and a good friend at her side suddenly made it feel like a very good idea. With that in mind, Fluttershy turned to Pinkie, and the two mares embraced in a full-body hug that squashed their breasts together. They smiled at each other, then turned their smiles on Spike and winked at him in perfect synch.

The girls saw Spike stagger as though he had been physically struck, and he started breathing heavily as he stared shamelessly at them. The mares eventually broke off from the position, giggling. Spike struggled to recover from their attack on his libido.

“Are…” Spike managed, gulping through his suddenly dry mouth. “Are you two trying to kill me?!”

At that, Fluttershy’s laughter came to an abrupt stop. She zipped up to Spike and began fretting over him.

“Oh no, are you alright?” she asked frantically. “Are you short of breath? Are you...”

She slowed down a bit when she heard Pinkie’s laughter increase behind her.

“Fluttershy,” Spike said, putting his hand on her shoulder to calm her. “I’m fine. I was just making a joke.”

Pinkie walked up next to Fluttershy, still giggling softly.

“Yeah, he was just overwhelmed by our sexiness, weren’t you Spike?”

Spike responded by dropping his hands to his sides and nodding mutely. Fluttershy blushed deeply and shrunk in on herself, but Pinkie slipped an arm around her shoulder and pulled her into a half-hug.

“Aw, relax, Fluttershy! It’s okay.” She leaned in close to her friend’s ear and whispered, “Just remember how it felt when he looked at us like that.”

Fluttershy smiled warmly and began to visibly relax. Pinkie grinned and turned back to Spike.

“So, Spike… Are you free tonight?” Pinkie asked.

“I, uh… I don’t have anything planned, so… yes.”

Pinkie and Fluttershy glanced at each other and exchanged a small nod before turning back to Spike.

“In that case, we were wondering…” Fluttershy said. She made to say something else, but her courage failed her, and though she kept moving her lips for a moment, she trailed off with a small squeak.

Pinkie pulled Fluttershy back into the half-hug and held her supportively, but Fluttershy just looked helplessly at her. Pinkie turned back to Spike again, who was quietly watching the display.

“We, Fluttershy and I, were wondering if you’d like to go on a date with the two of us tonight?” Pinkie asked. Fluttershy nodded firmly.

“Yes, of course,” Spike answered without hesitation. “I’d love to.”

Pinkie gave a confident grin. Fluttershy blushed beet red, but smiled brilliantly as well.

To everyone’s surprise, especially herself, Fluttershy was the one who spoke up next.

“Dinner at Sugarcube Corner tonight at seven. Just the three of us. We will… We will pick you up at the library.” Her burst of courage faded, and Fluttershy found herself biting back the urge to meekly ask him if it was okay.

Be assertive, Fluttershy, she thought to herself. Be confident. You can do this…

“Sure, I’ll be ready,” Spike said. It was odd. He had half-expected to be asked out, but now that it had happened, it felt unreal. He wasn’t sure if he should smile or… keep looking flabbergasted.

The look on his face seemed to amuse Pinkie Pie, at least. She giggled happily, wrapping her arms around Fluttershy in a warm hug.

“Way to go, Fluttershy,” she said happily. “We’ll see you tonight, Spike.”

Pinkie and Fluttershy walked away and turned the corner. As soon as they were out of sight, Spike heard a squeal of happiness that could have come from either or both of them, and a massive grin broke out on his face. He managed to restrain himself from shouting in joy, but couldn’t help but chuckle happily as he turned around and continued down the street.

He had only taken a few steps when he felt someone tap him on the shoulder. He turned around and caught a quick close-up glimpse of a yellow face and soulful teal eyes before Fluttershy wrapped her arms around his neck and surged forward.

Fluttershy kissed him. It was short and sweet, and she withdrew quickly, but the sensation on his lips told no lie: she had kissed him. With a brilliant smile and cheeks redder than the sunset, the shy mare unfolded her wings and fled like a manticore was on her tail.

Which left Spike standing alone in the street, feeling utterly overwhelmed. Images flashed through his mind of the last two days, images of the girls he had spent so long yearning for. Some primitive part of him concluded that now he had kissed or been kissed by all six of them, and he couldn’t help but feel a strange sensation of pride, or maybe triumph.

It was swiftly crushed by an overwhelming feeling of inadequacy. This was real. It was happening. His long held dream was really in reach. Why was this happening? Why would all these great mares settle for him? Was he just setting himself up to be heartbroken when they realized he wasn’t good enough for them? Would he end up hurting them? What about their friendship? What if…

Twilight’s words rang through his mind.

Why don’t you just keep being yourself and let them decide if you’re worth it instead of getting yourself down?

Spike nodded to himself and tried to draw comfort from them.

He started walking again.

“Did you see that? I can’t believe I actually did that.”

Fluttershy all but bounced around Pinkie, who was grinning from ear to ear herself. Flying up to kiss Spike had been a spur-of-the-moment thing, and she couldn’t calm down at all, fluttering here and there around Pinkie. Not one to stay out of a good happiness-induced fit, Pinkie caught her friend in a firm hug, and they spun each other around and around, giggling merrily.

“I kissed him! Right there out in the open!”

“Yeah, you did! Way to go!”

“It felt so nice, even if it was kinda short… I can’t believe I… And there were ponies around, too… I… Everypony was looking...” The adrenaline rush disappeared, and the reality of the situation finally sunk in for Fluttershy. “Oh my.” The poor mare slumped against her friend.

“Fluttershy?” Pinkie asked, pulling back a bit to look Fluttershy in the--closed eyelids. She had fainted.

Pinkie shrugged and hefted the pegasus over her shoulder, then began to sprint back home. Now she had dinner to plan for and a possible flutterpanic to manage.

Rainbow Dash didn’t hang out with Rarity enough. That was the conclusion she arrived at as the delicious lunch Rarity had made settled in her stomach. Anypony who could make food that good deserved way more of her attention.

With that in mind, Rainbow turned to her friend, who was putting dishes in the sink.

“Hey, Rarity.”

“Yes, darling?”

“We should totally team up for a date some time.”

“Oh, certainly! That sounds like fun,” Rarity said, using her magic to clean the dishes. She sat back down next to Rainbow. “Do you mean now or another time?”

“Another time, I think. I kinda wanna take him flying on our first date.”

“Fair enough. I’m sure it will be dazzling.”

“Awesome, more like. So, do you have any plans for your first date?”

“Well, I--” Rarity was cut off by the sound of the entrance-bell. “I’m afraid that sound means that my lunch break is over.”

“Okay, you go.” Rainbow Dash stood and stretched. “I’ll handle what’s left of the dishes.”

“Thank you, Dash.”

Rarity opened the door to the waiting area, then immediately closed it again.

“Rarity? Is that you in there?”

Spike was there. Right there. On the other side of the door. She thought she had time. She had intended to spruce herself up a little bit more before she went out to find him. She was still wearing an apron, for crying out loud! But now he was there, and she had to meet him while she was unprepared.

“Was that Spike?”

Or she could send her dear, loyal, and beloved friend out to distract Spike and buy herself some more time. Even if it was just a few minutes, it was a few minutes she could spend making sure she looked perfect.

Besides, Rainbow was already beautified and ready to go, and she hadn’t even gotten to the dishes yet. All Rarity had to do was gently suggest that Rainbow keep Spike company while she briefly went upstairs to touch herself up.

“STALL HIM! I need to change!”

There. Perfect.

With that, Rarity rushed past Rainbow and darted up the stairs.

Rainbow looked at the stairs for a moment. She shook her head a little and chuckled to herself, then walked out to meet Spike.

“Hey there, stud,” she said warmly, leaning up against the doorway and placing her hand on her hip. “Did you miss me?”

Her flirting, and the pose she struck, had the desired effect. Spike’s jaw dropped as he drank her in, instantly making the slight discomfort she felt at having a makeover worth it a dozen times over. She sauntered over to him, confident she was the only thing on his mind at that moment.

“Rainbow Dash…” he muttered absently.

A sultry smile spread across her muzzle.

“That’s my name, Spike.” She stopped an arm’s length away from him and turned around, spreading her wings to show off her impressive wingspan and toned backside. She spun back around, softly hitting Spike with her downy wings as she did, and wrapped her arms around his neck.

She felt his arms instinctively wrap around her waist and pull her smaller body flush against his, but he still wasn’t saying anything.

“What, cat got your tongue?” she teased. In response, Spike’s mouth opened as if to say something.

Rainbow closed the distance and placed a light kiss on his nose. His mouth closed by reflex, and she trailed butterfly kisses all over his lips and muzzle, further silencing him.

There was a certain rush in reducing a strong stallion, and a dragon at that, to putty in her hands, but Rainbow Dash was not without mercy. She stopped her amorous attack on his face and leaned back a little.

She felt Spike’s hand lightly cup the back of her head, and she met his eyes, seeing a deep hunger there that made her shiver. Her eyes closed as Spike slowly, purposefully, pulled her head in close and placed his lips on hers, drawing her into a torturously gentle kiss as he held her firmly in place.

Rainbow tried to deepen the kiss, but Spike trailed one hand in between her wings and firmly rubbed her flight muscles. The sensation of his strong hand gently kneading those sensitive muscles broke her concentration, and Spike took control of the kiss, gently leading her deeper and deeper into it, carefully infusing more and more passion until Rainbow began squirming for air.

Spike finally broke off. Rainbow took a deep breath, then met his intense gaze.

“Wow…” was all she could say.

There was a certain rush in seeing a strong mare like Rainbow Dash so flustered.

“So…” Spike whispered to her. “Why the new look?”

“Do you like it?” Rainbow asked, knowing full well what the answer would be.

“Of course I do, just… Why?” Spike’s hand reached up and gently brushed a stray lock of Rainbow’s hair out of her face. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you wear makeup before…”

Most girls would probably have played coy and dodged the question, but that wasn’t Rainbow Dash’s style.

“You’ve never seen me try to impress a stallion I like before, either,” she said, tightening her hold on Spike and looking into his eyes so there was no doubt who she was referring to. “And your reaction... worth it.”

“Rainbow, you didn’t have to--”

“I know I didn’t have to.” Moving her lips closer to Spike’s, Rainbow whispered, “I wanted to.”

Rainbow cut off any response Spike may have had by placing her lips on his and giving him a taste of his own slow-kissing medicine. She raked her fingers over his shirt, relishing the sensation of those strong muscles hiding under the flimsy cloth. One of her hands trailed down to his waist and snuck under his shirt, eager, almost desperate, to feel those muscles with her bare fingers. She brushed over his abs, making Spike inhale sharply through his nose--

Rarity cleared her throat behind them, and the kiss was broken.

“Well, I suppose this is only fair, considering yesterday.”

Reluctantly, Rainbow withdrew her hand from Spike’s abs and turned her head to face her friend. Spike, meanwhile, hadn’t noticed Rarity appear. As was the trend today, he lost his voice when he finally saw her.

“You walk in on me,” Rarity mused as she sauntered over to the pair. “and now I walk in on you.”

Rarity was wearing an especially stylish sundress today. It flattered her curves and showed off a tasteful amount of cleavage. An exquisite amethyst on a golden chain rested over her heart, purposefully drawing the dragon’s attention to her assets. She caught Spike’s appraising, possibly even aroused, gaze and smiled deviously. She winked at Rainbow, who grinned back.

“Spike…. Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where everything is chic, unique and magnifique.” She punctuated her statement with a bow. Not a deep bow, but just deep enough.

Color filled Spike’s cheeks, and he gently but firmly pushed Dash away from him before she found out exactly what their charms had done to him. The grin on Rainbow’s face, however, told him he had been too late.

“Wow, you two…” Spike muttered, still feeling overwhelmed. “This is too much, you girls are going to kill me…” In spite of his grim words, Spike was grinning widely. Passing away from an overdose of sexy... not a bad way to go.

“Wait a minute…” Rarity said. She walked forwards, and the intoxicating scent of her perfume billowed over Spike. “Has something like this happened to you already?”

Spike mutely nodded.

“What?” Rainbow asked, suddenly jealous. “Who?”

“Uh, well... the others,” Spike said simply.

“Of course…” Rarity said. “Rainbow, I believe we weren’t the only ones in our group hoping to impress him today.”

“Oh.” Rainbow stated simply, the pang of jealousy now gone. “Well, that’s okay. Anyway…” Her voice changed back to sultry, and she sauntered up to Spike again. “Say, Rarity… Wouldn’t you say Spike needs a change of clothes? He looks a little underdressed...”

The statement was meant to be teasing, so it surprised Dash when Spike visibly flinched. Before she could say anything, though, Rarity cut in, her voice quite serious.

“Of course, with your growth spurt you must not have many clothes to wear,” she said. Spike nodded, looking slightly ashamed.

“I, uh…” he stammered out. “I feel a little self-conscious today. You’re all so very beautiful, and I don’t have anything…” He trailed off.

“Oh.” Rainbow frowned. “Sorry I pointed it out. I was just poking fun.”

“I know. It’s okay.”

“Well,” Rainbow said, “your scales feel smooth, and you smell nice. So that’s good.”

As he looked into Rainbow’s eyes, Spike couldn’t help but smile at her words.

“I actually came here to buy some more clothes,” he said.

Rainbow and Rarity looked at each other, then grinned wickedly. Before Spike could wonder what they were planning, he found his right arm buried between Rarity’s alluring assets and his left similarly hugged between Rainbow’s modest mammaries.

Before he had a chance to recover from their attack, the mares physically dragged him through the boutique. By the time Spike snapped out of his breast-induced trance, he was standing on the podium in the center of the store with the girls sitting down just an arm’s length away. He was about to say something when a full clothes rack flew in, surrounded by the blue glow of Rarity’s magic.

“Uh…” he managed brilliantly.

“Go on, darling. Let’s see how good you look in these outfits!”

“Yeah, put on a show for us, pretty boy!”

Spike looked at them incredulously. The looks on their faces told him that they were teasing, and that they didn’t actually expect him to go through with it.

He smiled wickedly. The girls had had him cornered on the sexy front all day. Time to turn it around.

Author's Note

Edited by:
Feo Takahari
TheDaringExplorer
Edit: Also Pearly (not on this site)

Big cred goes to these folk, who work to make this story legible.

I don't have anything very interesting to say here, but thanks for enjoying the story, and I hope you'll be back for more!

Best.
Rakni