A Gentledrake and His Lady
A Gentledrake and His Lady
Spike hummed a little tune under his breath as he flipped the pan, sending the pancake flying through the air and landing on its other side with a sizzle. After cooking it for a while longer, he dropped the pancake on a towering plate already full of the delicious food and drizzled (or poured the bottle of) maple syrup on to the stack, then grabbed the plate with his claws and sauntered out of the kitchen.
"Breakfast is ready!" He declared, happily placing his hard work on the table in front of a hungry Twilight.
"Woah Spike, this looks great," she said, leaning forwards eagerly. "I'm so hungry I could eat all of them!"
"Hey, leave some for me." Spike joked, settling into his chair across from Twilight and ladling equal amounts of pancakes onto their plates, his having the most syrupy one, of course.
"I don't know what I'd do without you." She said with a smile before magically cutting up a corner of one pancake and popping it in her mouth, making a satisfied 'mm' sound.
Spike rolled his eyes at her slow way of eating, preferring to open his mouth wide and use his tongue to pull them all in at once. He chomped loudly, his cheeks bulging like a chipmunk's, before forcing it all down in a swallow. After getting permission, he bade goodbye to Twilight and rushed out the door.
The sun was bright in the sky, casting warm beams to the ponies below, not a single cloud scudding across the sky. Well, that wasn't entirely true, as one last cloud was still innocently floating before a rainbow trail streaked across the sky, bursting threw it and clearing away the problem. Rainbow Dash wheeled around, landing on the ground at a steady trot in the direction of Spike. Just before he could call out to her, two stallions ran up behind her.
"Hey! Hey, Rainbow Dash!" One called out, and he swore he could see an excited glint in her eyes, then she turned around. Though he could no longer see her face, her tone was very casual and relaxed.
"Yeah, what do you want?" Rainbow Dash said.
A dark brown stallion was the one to answer, looking nervous. "W-well, you see, I-" his friend nudged him in the ribs and he quickly corrected himself. "I mean, we, thought you might play for our Hoofball game this Saturday?"
Spike frowned as he saw her shoulders droop. "O-oh, that's it. Uh, sorry, I'm busy, don't have time for games."
She turned around and trailed the other way, clearly much more disappointed than the two stallions who had trotted off. As soon as she saw Spike, she jumped visibly before smoothing down her mane.
"H-hey Spike, what's up?" She said quietly.
"Rainbow, is everything alright?" He rushed as quickly as he could over to her, looking up with shining eyes.
Rainbow Dash forced out an obviously fake laugh. "Me? I'm totally fine."
Spike raised an eyebrow. "Come on Dash, I'm smart enough to be able to tell when somepony is lying. What's your problem?"
"Please, just drop it," she hissed, glaring daggers at him. He folded his arms. "You're going to keep on about this, aren't you?" He nodded. "Fine, get on my back.
"What? Why?"
"So we can fly up to a cloud and no one will overhear us, duh." Rainbow Dash crouched down, furling out her wings and leaving the smooth slop of her back invitingly bare. Still nervous from his flight with Twilight, he wrapped his arms around her neck, hauling himself on. Before he could fasten his seat belt, the pegasus below him rolled her eyes. "Don't worry, Spike, I've been flying all my life, I'm not going to crash."
"Well... okay." Spike reluctantly let the seat belt slid back, though he still squeezed her neck very tightly.
"Here we go!" With those words, Rainbow shot into the air. Spike yelped, his eyes flying open at the cold breeze that rushed past him, expecting to see the ground coming up far too quickly, but he didn't. Instead, he saw a clear blue sky and heard the gentle beating of wings, a rainbow mane fluttering in front of him.
"It's quite a sight, isn't it?" she smirked. "Now, the cloud... oh. No clouds today. Uh, nevermind, this is high enough anyway."
"We're just staying up here?" He frowned.
"Yeah, why not? Unless you're scared." She teased with a fiendish grin.
"I'm not scared!" he protested loudly. "Anyway, don't think I've forgotten why we're doing this, you need to tell me what's wrong."
"Okay, okay!" Rainbow Dash hissed. "Just keep your voice down."
He nodded, leaning forwards to catch her words. The mare shifted uncomfortably before speaking.
"It's really stupid, you know," she sighed. "Well, since I'm like a tomboy, the stallions... I don't know, I guess they just view me as more of a friend, somepony to drink and play with but nothing..." Spike had listen very carefully for the end, as she spoke barely above a whisper. "Romantic."
"Wait, what?" he straightened up. "You're upset because guys don't flirt with you?"
"Ssh!" she snarled before replying meekly. "Yeah, I guess. I want to be treated like I'm actually a mare for once."
Spike couldn't think of any words to reply. The silence stretched on as he collected his thoughts before heaving the biggest sigh of his life. "Well, do you want to go on a date with me?"
"I- what?" she jumped. "I, I mean, you... you..."
"N-no!" he said. "It's not that I like you like that! I just thought that... well, maybe you'd want to try it, 'cause you're all upset and all."
He found himself flung off her back and into Rainbow Dash's arms as she hugged him tightly. "Thanks Spike."
His cheeks warmed slightly but he smiled back at her. "No problem. Anything for a friend, right?"
"Heh, you'd make a great Element of Loyalty," she chuckled. "Not enough to rival me though."
"Of course not," he said. "So... what should we do?"
"Well, do you know anypony who digs all that sappy stuff?"
They both came to a conclusion at the same time. "Rarity."
Rarity was easily the most beautiful pony Spike had ever seen, she had a heart of pure gold and he had been captivated by her since he first arrived in Ponyville. He'd always dreamed of going on a date with her, yet now he was asking her for help with his date with a different pony.
"Hey buddy, you don't look so good," Rainbow Dash said, glancing down at him. "We can call this off if you want... I don't really mind."
Spike wiped his sweaty forehead. "Nah, I'm fine," he lied. "Just knock."
The Pegasus sighed and rapped her hoof against the door. After a few seconds, a light patter could be made out as a voice called out in a sing-song manner. "I'm coming!"
A blue aura surrounded the door, flinging it open. "Welcome to Caro- oh, Rainbow Dash, Spike, what a pleasant surprise," she grinned, showing of those gorgeous white teeth. Spike gulped, feeling his heart do a back flip inside of his stomach. "Come inside, tell me what I can do you for."
He dragged his leaden feat after Rainbow Dash, staring at the ground so he wouldn't have to look at Rarity when he passed her. He pulled out a wooden chair and straightened up, trying to look happy through his pain. It was for his friend, not him, and he wasn't about to ruin it for her.
"Hi Rarity," Spike said, appalled to hear his voice squeak. "How are you?"
"Very good, darling, though I am a little bored," Rarity sighed, sitting across from him and Rainbow Dash. "I have finished all of my orders and I have nothing to do," she said. "Although, I could go outside, but I'm just in 'the zone', do you know what I mean?" Spike nodded and so did Rainbow Dash, even though he wasn't entirely sure. "Is there any chance you'd like a pretty dress made for you, Rainbow?"
He saw her shudder, but she nodded slightly, much to the unicorn's shock. "Hehe, yeah. You see, me and Spike are going on a... on a date."
Rarity's gasp shook the entire room. The small part of Spike that wished she would protest and say she was in love with him soon had his dreams crushed. "What? That's fantastic! Oh, you two will make such a cute couple!"
"We're not a couple!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, blushing heavily.
"Yeah!" Spike agreed. "It's just a one off thing."
Rarity chuckled quietly. "Of course. Now, Rainbow, I'm going to need you to go home," she said. "Me and Spike are going on a walk together."
He tried to ignore the thudding against his chest. "Why?"
"To plan your date, a gentledrake must treat his lady well."
"Oh, well, bye, I guess." With an uncertain glance at him, Rainbow Dash pushed open the door and flew out.
Now they were alone, just like in many of the fantasies he had imagined, but Rarity did not trot over to him, pick the young dragon up in her and give him a light, sweet kiss. No, instead she slung her saddlebags over her back and smiled at him. "Ready?"
"Yeah." He said, pushing away those thoughts. Anyway, it wasn't like he was destroying his chances by going on one date with Rainbow Dash, in fact, it could even help him. If he showed her how good of a time he could show a mare, perhaps she would become interested, then he would ask her out with the greatest respect and treat her to the best he could afford. Oh, she would love it, and so would he!
"Come dear, are you going to stay there all day?" Spike blinked at the sight of Rarity standing in the doorway smirking.
"Oh right, just a moment!" He waddled over as quickly as he could to reach her side.
A bright glare hit him immediately and he covered his face with an arm. The sun had risen a fair bit since he had first left the library, climbing higher into the sky. Once Spike had adjusted to the light he glanced over to see Rarity trotted down the path ahead, leaving him to chase after her again.
"Now, the obvious thing to do for a date would be to take her to a restaurant, and I know this wonderful one called 'The Trotting Tulip', which I have been to quite a few times before with some suitors, all of which have been very enjoyable, so Rainbow, even if she doesn't care much for sophistication, will sure to be wooed," Rarity launched straight into her plans as soon as he caught up. Maybe me and Rarity could go there together?. "Of course, since it is so popular, it will probably be full if you arrived announced and were sent away, which does not make a good impression. So, we will need to make a reservation. I know this small little table for two right by the window, just like in all my romance books."
Spike nodded his head as she chatted away, focusing more on the clear sound of her voice than what she was actually saying. It wasn't like he had anything against Rainbow Dash, but he knew Rarity was the mare for him, and they were very different.
Rarity didn't seemed to be expecting an answer from him and continued after a brief moment. "Look, it's just up ahead- see?" she pointed to the building at the other end of the street. "That's The Trotting Tulip."
"Nice," he said, flashing an appreciative smile. "So... you really like this place, for dates and stuff?"
"Yes, I do," Rarity smiled back at him. "I just hope Rainbow Dash does too."
They reached 'The Trotting Tulip' and headed inside. Not many ponies were there, dotted around the circular tables happily munching down on hearty breakfasts, or perhaps it was brunch by now. A white stallion with a slick black mane glanced up from behind a small wooden counter.
"Good morning, Madam, Sir, what may I do you for?" He asked, face blank of any emotion.
"We would like to make a reservation, under the name of 'Spike'..." He stopped listening, turning instead to look out of the open door It really was a nice day.
"Well, goodbye, I- no, Spike and Rainbow Dash will see you later," Rarity said with a grin. He glanced up at her. "Come, we have lots to do."
***
Spike's feet were killing him. Sure, as assistant to Princess Celestia's priced pupil, he was often rushing around, fetching Twilight this, fetching Twilight that, but he didn't mind. He did mind however, this endless trek all around Ponyville setting up an unwanted date, though the time with Rarity had been nice. At first it had seemed like it wouldn't take too long, the meal sorted quickly, but Rarity had then proceeded to check out basically every store, giving him hints and tips on how he should act and what he should do. Surely it had to be over soon?
"Oh Spike, I have something you!"
He turned and was immediately met with the sight of a bouquet full of beautiful red roses, all wrapped up in plastic with the fresh green stems poking out of the bottom. His heart leaped to his throat. "F-for me?"
"Well, for you to give to Rainbow," and sunk back down. "Any true lady should appreciate such a romantic gesture. Now, I'll take you back to the library so you can put them in some water. Also, here's a little plan I made, should you choose to follow it, and some bits to treat her." She handed him a small bag and a folded sheet of paper.
His arms full, he managed a smile up at her. "Thanks, Rarity."
On the way back, Rarity didn't talk to him again, seeming lost in fantasies, most likely of him and Rainbow together being all lovey-dovey.
Rarity, I want you! He thought despairingly. Spike shook his head. Lighten up, the date will probably be a lot of fun, and Twilight says I should always keep my options open. I'll still get Rarity, but hey, a date with another mare, especially one as awesome as Rainbow Dash, could be fun.
Besides, she opened up to me anyway, and this was my idea, so the least I can do is treat her to a good time. His mind made up and a bounce in his step, he raced ahead of Rarity the last bit to the library. "Bye! See you later!"
Spike swung open the door, closing it behind him and going to dump his new armful of stuff onto the table.
"Oh Spike, you're back," Twilight appeared from upstairs, trotting down neatly. "Did you have fun? Wait, what's all that?"
"Uh... I'm going on a date with Rainbow Dash," Spike chuckled. "And Rarity got me stuff."
"That's great!" she said enthusiastically, coming to join him. "I'm so glad you're finally moving on from Rarity."
"I'm not moving on, it's just one date!"
Twilight's laughter was interrupted when she spotted something else on the table. "She gave you bits? Oh no, she shouldn't have, I would have given you some. Honestly, that pony is too generous sometimes," she shook her head. "Watch the library please, I need to go thank her."
"Oh, okay." Spike said as the alicorn swiftly moved away and he was left alone.
"What to do..." He muttered. At first, he thought of getting out his secret stash of comic books, but he had read them all many times. Another idea popped into his head. "Might as well."
Scanning through the complicated sorting system Twilight insisted on, he found the books he was looking for and pulled out the first one. On the cover, the words A Stallion's Guide to Dating were printed on the top above a picture of a stallion and mare walking together with a love heart between their heads. Spike gagged slightly, but all the same he carried the book to a beanbags, made himself comfy and began to read.
***
"Spike! Oh, Spi~ike!"
The voice snapped Spike out of his trance, and he quickly shoved the dating book under his beanbag before running to answer the door. He flung it open to reveal Rarity and Twilight standing there, Rarity floating a bag in her magic, which she placed on the table next to the flowers, bits, and paper.
"Oh no, have you left these out this whole time?" she whinnied, lifting the roses. "This is terrible, quick, get me a vase Twilight!"
Twilight scowled at the commanding tone but left anyway, returning with the promised vase filled a quarter's way with water. Rarity sighed in relief, unraveling the plastic wrapping to dip into the vase. "There. Sorry for that."
"Uh, hi." Spike said.
"Hello dear," she said happily. "Look at what I got you."
Out of the bag, she pulled some folded black fabric, then proceeded to fit onto him. Looking down, he realized Rarity had put him into fancy black tuxedo.
"You look magnificent," Rarity praised. "I think I did quite well, even if I do say so myself."
"So, when's the date?" Twilight asked.
"Oh, a while yet, I'm just sorting out what they're wearing," Rarity smiled at him before turning back to her. "Make sure he remembers, I've got to go pretty up Rainbow Dash!" With a single squeal, she was racing off.
"Can't wait." Spike forced a laugh. Maybe time will pass really slowly...
***
How had time flown by so fast? He had no idea, only that he was currently standing beneath a huge cloud house with rainbow waterfalls tumbling down. Spike shivered slightly at the cold bite of the night, hugging the roses to his chest. "Rainbow Dash!"
He waited, heart fluttering madly as he heard the gentle squish of hooves on cloud. Finally, she appeared, her wings spread as she soared down and landed before him. His jaw dropped.
The normally tomboyish mare wore a silky black dress, draped elegantly over her body, the front of it brought together by two golden feathers curved around each other, matching the color of a thin golden trim going all the way around the bottom of the dress, finishing with soft-looking golden feathers around the collar. Her scruffy mane had been twisted into a long plate draped over her shoulder, her fringe brushed to the side in a swerve, her tail done in a similar fashion. Highlighting her lips was a lipstick only a shade darker than her coat, but enough to bring out their fullness. Her eyelashes were longer and had gentle flicks. Rainbow Dash was beautiful.
"Are those for me?" She broke into his thoughts, bluntly pointing at the roses.
"W-what?" Spike blinked. "Um... yeah."
"Thanks." Rainbow Dash took the flowers from him.
Calm down, it's only Rainbow Dash, Spike told himself. But she sure does look nice...
"So," he tapped his claws together nervously, before turning his back and pulling a folded piece of paper out of his pocket, quickly reading Rarity's elegant hoofwriting, shoved it back in and turned to Rainbow Dash. He grinned and held out a hand. "Come with me, m'lady."
She blinked in surprise for a moment, before grinning and entwining her hoof with his hand, balancing the roses on her back. Spike began to lead her down the trail, careful not to go too fast, or too slow. They didn't speak and Spike was left along with his thoughts. Although her beauty was currently similar to Rarity's, it wasn't like Rainbow was unattractive. Her messy rainbow mane flopping over those bright, fizzing magenta eyes, lean muscles flexing just beneath her shiny blue coat. She was fast as well, but that was probably an understatement. Hay, she'd done a sonic rainboom (something he was angry he hadn't seen), she was probably the quickest pony that had ever existed.
"Aren't you supposed to talk to me or something?"
"Huh?" Spike said. Romantic small, come on! "You look really nice."
She chuckled. "You look awesome too," there was a pause before she spoke again. "I know I already said it and... it's really sappy, but thank you so much for this. It's the first date I've ever been on I'm... kinda nervous, but I'm glad it's you.
You're a cool guy."
Blood rushed to his cheeks and he looked away. "Y-you're cool too."
"I already knew that." She laughed as they turned a corner into town. A few ponies turned to look at them at first, but soon seemed to find more interesting things to do and averted their gazes.
Spike smiled. What was I worried for? Rainbow Dash is awesome, this date'll be fun!
"Are we going to get some grub?" Rainbow Dash asked. "I'm starving."
"Of course," Spike brought his companion to a stop in front of the restaurant, presenting it with a flourish. "At the one and only Trotting Tulip!"
"Woah," she breathed as they walked in. Many small tables clustered the room, most of them filled with ponies talking avidly or holding hooves with each other. The same slick-haired stallion from earlier was currently showing some other customers to their seats, his face blank of emotion. "This place is so fancy!"
"Is that good?" Spike asked nervously, tapping his claws together.
"As long as the food's good, I'm down with it." Rainbow said.
Deciding that was good enough, Spike made his way to the counter the stallion had returned to. "Uh, hello? I have a reservation thingy?"
"Under what name?" He grabbed a rolled up scroll and spread it across the counter, his eyes flickering back to him,
"Um, Spike." He said.
"Oh yes," the stallion made his way down to join them. "For Spike and another, correct?" he nodded. "Then follow me."
Spike took Rainbow's hoof and led her along behind him, winding their way around the filled tables to one of the few empty ones at the back. It was right in front of a window with the curtains drawn back, two plush chairs waiting to be sat on. Rarity really had picked a great place. The thought of his beautiful crush sent a pang of guilt through him for his admiration of Rainbow Dash. He silently vowed to stay loyal to her, even as he pulled out Rainbow's chair for her before taking his own seat. She placed the roses on the windowsill.
The stallion magically took a box of matches out of his pocket, striking the side and bring the flame to a tall red candle between them. The wick began burning immediately, casting a gentle reddish light on them along with a warm, spicy scent.
"Somepony will be along soon to take your orders." He said and left.
"Hehe," Rainbow said, reaching for the piece of folded card. "Let's look at the menu."
"Yeah," he muttered, ignoring the butterflies fluttering around in his stomach. "What do they have?"
"Lots of stuff with fancy names, blah, blah, blah," she read out. "Oh! Here's something I understand, salads."
"What salads are there?" He asked, his embarrassment fading away.
"Strawberry, daisy, fruity special, spices and cucumber." She held the menu out in front of him so he could read the titles himself.
He nodded, distractedly looking around the room, his eyes finally finally resting on the restaurant's door, which at that moment happened to open. In walked two earth pony mares, one an orange pony with a blond mane and worn hat atop her head, the other a pink pony with a wild, curly mane. For the second time that day his mouth was left gaping open.
"What? What is it?" Rainbow turned to look where he gaping at. "Holy pony, it's Applejack and Pinkie Pie!"
For a brief second, he saw Applejack glance their direction, but then she was talking to Pinkie Pie.
"So, are they on a date or something?" Spike whispered, leaning slightly over the table.
"Yeah, I guess," she replied. "Huh. Never would've thought those two would be an item. Maybe they have some earth pony connection?"
"Maybe." He said.
At that moment a mare trotted over, carrying a notebook and pen. "Hello there, lovebirds," she grinned widely. "What can I get you?"
"Oh, uh, salad, please." Spike muttered.
"Lovely. What kind?" The waitress asked, briefly scribbling on the notepad before waiting, pen hovering above the paper, for him.
"Um, daisy?" She nodded at that and wrote something more before turning to Rainbow Dash.
"And what can I get you, my dear?"
"Spicy salad, of course." She declared with a cocky smirk.
"Two salads, one daisy and one spicy," she smiled. "What about drinks?"
"Just some water for me." Rainbow said.
"Oh yeah, water for me too." Spike rapidly agreed. The waitress wrote down the last of their orders and left.
"Ahem, so Pinkie Pie and Applejack," Rainbow Dash nudged him to get his attention. "What's going on with them?"
Spike searched the busy restaurant for them, eventually locating the two sitting at a table on the far side of the room, talking happily, occasionally looking over. Well, in Pinkie's case she stared for a minute before Applejack pulled her attention away.
"They're looking at us." He frowned.
"Well, I wouldn't worry about it, as long as they don't bother us," she waved a hoof for empathize. "Still, I always thought Pinkie was trying to get up my tail, not AJ's."
"Uh, are you upset about that?" Spike asked, worry immediately overtaking him.
"Nah, I'm not into mares anyway," she shrugged. "Which is part of the reason it was so hard for me to get stallions interested. Like even if a guy actually did like me, they'd think I was a fillyfooler and not bother."
"Oh," he sighed. "Well, sorry about that."
"It's not your fault," Spike awkwardly patted her hoof in what he hoped was an encouraging manner. "I bet those guys are idiots."
"But not just guys, everypony thinks so," she groaned, dropping her head to the table. "I hate it."
"Well..." he struggled to find the words to reply. "You're on a date with a guy now, so ponies can't think that anymore, right?"
Rainbow Dash chuckled. "Yeah, I guess so."
After a while, the same bubbly waitress returned with their meals and placed the dishes in front of them, trotting of to serve others. An impatient growl from Spike's stomach reminded him of how hungry he was and he stuck his fork into a lettuce leaf, shoving it into his mouth and chewing happily.
"These ponies make a good salad!" Spike said, after swallowing as he had been scolded many times by Twilight for talking with his mouth full.
"Yeah," Dash finished her own mouthful, spiking another leaf and holding it out to him. "Try this spicy one, it's got a real good kick."
After a moment of hesitation, he gripped the leaf between his teeth, threw back his head and let it fall in. Slowly, he chomped down on it. His eyes widened.
"Gah, that's hot!" his face turned red and he gulped down his glass of water. He scowled at Rainbow Dash. "That wasn't funny."
Rainbow Dash leaned against the back of her chair, throwing her head back and chortling loudly. After another moment of glaring at her, he joined in two, clutching his sides. He wasn't really sure why they kept on laughing, but it felt great. However, they couldn't keep going forever and their chuckles subsided. He found himself focusing in on her fizzing magenta eyes, the red from earlier's spicy rush calming to a pink flush across his cheeks. She really was amazing.
Wait, Rarity! Remember Rarity!
He looked down at his plate and began to eat rapidly, forcing himself not to even glance at Rainbow Dash. He had vowed to stay loyal to Rarity, and that's just what he was going to do, despite a slight twinge in his heart he decided to ignore.
Before long they had both finished, Spike had paid, and they'd left the building.
"Brr, it sure is cold now," Rainbow Dash shivered as they walked into the night. "I feel sorry for you, I mean I find this cold and I'm a Pegasus pony, can't imagine what it must be like for you."
"I got scales, I'm okay," he tapped one arm before digging into his pocket and scanning the date plan. "Alright, now we're going to walk around town a bit, maybe buy some things, you know?"
"Sounds cool," Rainbow said. "What shops do ya wanna go to?"
"Dunno, what do mares like?" Spike asked.
Rainbow Dash giggled, putting on a high voice. "We like shopping, and pink, and all things pretty!"
Spike chuckled as well. "Then let's go!"
The first store the two decided to visit was 'Socks 'n' Scarves', a store dedicated to the two pieces of clothing. It was a fairly new place opened just a month ago, but he had never taken the time to check it out. He lifted a purple scarf, thinking of how Rarity would like it. But she had many anyway, she didn't need another one.
"Hey, Spike, look what I found!"
At Rainbow Dash's called, he turned around to see her standing, a wide grin on her face as she modeled some clothes. She had momentarily discarded her dress in the favor of rainbow-striped socks and hat.
Dude, that's hot. He shook his head rapidly. "Oh, um, nice."
"Heh, I should go to this place more often," she thankfully peeled of the the socks and tugged of the hat, pulling her dress back over her and fiddling around with the latch. "It's pretty cool."
Before he could offer his opinion, something else caught his eyes. Not far away, Applejack and Pinkie Pie stood together, the former glancing around uncomfortably, the latter bouncing around with far too many hats on her head and a wide smile. "Dash, look, it's AJ and Pinkie again."
"Hmm?" she glanced up from checking a lightning-bolt patterned hat. "Oh yeah. Are they following us or something?"
Spike snorted. "I doubt it, they have more important things to do than follow us around."
And so he thought, but more and more doubts began to enter his mind as they continued their trip around town. Every shop they looked into, every bench they rested on, every place they went, Applejack and Pinkie Pie were there. They were never very close, but always there, watching when they thought Spike and Rainbow couldn't see them.
"Okay, they are definitely following us," Spike growled to his companion. "We have to catch them somehow."
"Good to see you finally noticed," Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, voice dropping to just above a whisper. "Now, they're depending on the crowd to follow us, so we need to get them out in the open. That trail through White-tail woods is always deserted, they'll have nowhere to hide."
"Nice plan," he grinned. "Where's the Dash I know gone?"
"I came up with this amazing idea while you were still oblivious," she teasingly poked his chest. "Now follow me!"
Careful not to rip her dress, Rainbow Dash sped off through the crowd to, jostling past many angry ponies and leaving Spike to chase after her with a shocked cry. Being about as tall as a mare's leg could have serious disadvantages and he soon found himself falling behind, but luckily she slowed down for him and stayed at his side.
Finally, they left town and the ponies became scarce. The tall trees full of dark leaves were just up ahead, but Rainbow Dash let herself slide to a gently trot, as did Spike. They didn't speak, walking quietly along the dusty track. A bead of sweat tricked down the side of his face, desperate not to disappoint her. The sound of hoofsteps behind them became apparent, and suddenly she swung around, Spike rushing to do the same.
Sure enough, the two suspicious mares were a short distance behind, freezing at the spotlight, though Pinkie didn't seem particularity worried.
"Aha!" Rainbow Dash smirked, slinking towards them, Spike alongside her. "Caught you two red-hoofed."
"Ooh, they're good." Pinkie Pie said, earning her a annoyed look from Applejack.
"Now why are you following us?" He decided to let her do the talking, simply glaring at them.
Applejack sighed heavily. "Well, lemme first say that I'm mighty sorry, it wasn't mah idea to follow ya'll, nor Pinkie's," she continued sarcastically. "I'm not gonna point hooves at anypony, but it might've been a certain unicorn called Rarity."
"But why would she want you to follow us?" He protested.
"Because dates are super-duper fun, and we all want to make sure you have a super awesome time!" Pinkie Pie answered with a happy squeal, bouncing up and down.
"Well, we like to have privacy," Rainbow Dash snapped. "You can't just do whatever Rare says, you know."
"Yeah, sorry," Applejack scuffed the ground with her hoof. "We'll be a goin' then. C'mon Pinkie.."
"Wait," Spike blinked as she continued talking. "There is one way you could make it up to us."
"Ooh, is it fun?" Pinkie Pie beamed.
"Very fun," an evil smirk appeared on her face. "Pinks, why don't you kiss AJ?"
"What?" the farmpony protested. "Rainbow, we're not gonna- mmpf!" Her words were cut short as Pinkie pressed their lips happily together, hugging her tightly.
Spike clasped his hands over his mouth to block out the laughter that threatened to make itself known. "Let's go, Spike." Before he knew what was happening, Rainbow Dash had slipped her hooves under his armpits and lifted him into the sky, soaring above white-tail woods quickly.
"Alright, what's next?"
Trying very hard to ignore his legs waving in the emptiness below, fumbling in his pocket to pull out his date plan and read the words. "Uh, walk through white-tail woods. Hey, we're on target!"
"Great." Thankfully, she brought them down to the solid ground ground a clearing among the trees. He sighed in relief, although not showing just how glad he was.
"Oh, ponyfeathers!" The sudden exclamation made him jump.
"What's wrong Dash?" He said in worry, moving closer to the beautiful mare.
"I left those roses you got me at the restaurant," her wings drooped. "Sorry."
"Hey, it's no big deal," he hurried to the edge of the clearing, snipping of a bunch pale, creamy flowers. Gripping them tightly, he brought the home-made bouquet to her and held it out. "Here you go, have these ones."
The way that her face lit up as she gingerly took the flowers from him left him breathless. "Thanks."
Rainbow Dash sat down on the cool grass and he settled next to her, glancing up at the distant silver moon surrounded by sparkling stars. "The moon's really close tonight," she said quietly. "It's... beautiful."
He swallowed against a knot of tension in his stomach. No matter how hard he tried, Spike couldn't deny the new feelings he had for his friend. And every time he found himself thinking about it, he was imagining himself with her, flying the air on her back, snuggled against her as she avidly read the latest adventure of Daring Do. But what about Rarity? He reminded himself. But... she wasn't interested in him, and he was beginning to think that Dash was the one for him. And maybe she was. It couldn't hurt to try, right?
Spike, in an attempt to be subtle, shifted closer to her and gripped her hoof in his hand. She glanced down for a moment, a light blush coloring her cheeks before she turned back to the sky, as did he. For a while they sat there, content just with being together, before Rainbow Dash spoke again.
"Maybe we should head back now." She said. He nodded.
The journey was short, and before long they once again standing beneath Rainbow's cloud home, the new flowers on her back.
"Well, bye, I guess," she seemed reluctant to go. "Thanks for taking me on a date and all... I had a good time. I'll see you around."
She turned and began flapping upwards, away from him. Spike took a deep breath, summoning all his courage to call out to her. "Do you want to go on another date sometime?"
Rainbow Dash spun around immediately, a wide grin spreading across her face. "Definitely!" She zoomed back down, quickly kissing him on his cheek.
And it was awesome.
