It had just gone noon and Rarity had already finished the fourth fitting of the day. Having caught the first train of the morning had given the pair a head start on the days plans and thanks to the great working relationship between the fashionista and her dragon helper, things were going well.

Of course, the early start was starting to catch up with both of them, and Rarity had already had three cups of coffee. Unfortunately caffeine doesn't work on dragons, but Spike had eaten a few slices of fire ruby Rarity had brought along which acted in much the same manner.

Tiredness however was being overtaken by hunger as breakfast had been a swift, and rather un-appetising, sandwich on the train.[note1] As things were going excellently and being ahead of schedule, Rarity decided they should stop for lunch before going back to the castle and picking up the afternoon deliveries.

As they walked together to a café he had recommended, Spike started pondering what had happened so far that day. He had noticed Rarity was acting a little different towards him, in some ways he could not quite put his claw on.

She seemed to be much chattier than usual, and not just about the usual stuff like fashion and the Canterlot elite. She was asking Spike all sorts of questions about growing up in the city, his favourite places, anything really. Usually when the pair was alone they were mostly in silence except for discussions over whatever they were doing, but today the seamstress was constantly talking, except when she was having to concentrate.

And then there was the physical side of things. When they were walking together, she walked a little closer than usual, so much so they would occasionally bump into each other slightly and she didn't seem to notice. On the train, rather than sitting on the seat opposite him like she usually did, she had sat next to him instead.

But equally she also seemed to be acting a little more, well, distant somehow. She had thanked him whenever he helped her, but she didn't compliment him as she usually did. And there was something else just out of reach of his mind, something missing that seemed to be a new wall up between the pair.

It is hearts and hooves days, and she did bring me up to Canterlot to spend time with her. No, it’s only work, theres nothing more here! Is there? Overall, he was confused, but he was spending time with Rarity and that was all that counted.

They reached the café and took a table outside. A waiter came over and passed them the menus.

“Spike, what would you recommend?” Rarity asked

Spike decided to take control, as he knew the menu well and definitely knew what his companion liked “Waiter, please could you give us two house salads, low calorie dressing, and a pitcher of elderflower water. And I don't suppose you have my usual still available?”

“But of course Mr Spike, we always keep a gems or two in stock in case you and Ms…well…I guess I mean [iPrincess Sparkle return.”

“I’ll make sure we come next time Twilight visits Canterlot” Spike smiled back.

“Thank you Sir. I’ll be right back with the drinks for you and the bearer of Generosity, Mr Spike." The waiter left, and Spike just waited for what he knew was coming.

“Mr Spike? Your usual?” Rarity raised an eyebrow.

“Twilight and I used to come here a lot. Her parents used to bring her here and even as a foal the waiters always called her Ms Sparkle which she absolutely adored! When she moved into the castle, one day she brought me along to this restaurant and insisted, as young filly’s do, that they call me Mr Spike…and it’s stuck ever since!”

“Awww, Twilight must have really been adorable raising you, I’m sure no-pony could resist her as a filly.”

“Not many ponies can resist her now as a Princess, she’s pretty cute!” Spike replied. He wanted to say that the pony sitting opposite him was so much cuter, but bite his tongue knowing it wasn't the right time. Rarity however seemed to pick up on the sudden change in Spikes demeanours, and an awkward silence fell over the pair.

Luckily within moments the salads and drinks arrived helping to break the hush and the pair started chatting away again. Spike looked over to the pony he adored, a stylish hat on her head as she always wore in Canterlot, and thought just how lucky he was to be spending Hearts and Hooves lunch with her. However, being a little older, he noticed something else.

Whilst she was talking to him, it was clear that her eyes were looking elsewhere. Quickly tracing his partners eyeline, Spike’s heart broke in two, but he made sure not to how it. Rarity was gazing at two stallions walking past, probably off duty guards, a pair of fine physical examples of stallion masculinity. And the look in her eye was one that the young dragon had never seen the unicorn express towards him.

Spike may have still been a little naïve in some of the ways of the world, but he knew that look from some of the ponies around town – the look of desire. Rarity turn back and her face changed to the look she always gave him – the look of a friend. She’s never looked at me any other way, why do I think I ever have a chance that she would?

Having finished up their meals, the pony and the dragon went back to the castle and picked up the afternoons deliveries.

The pair left the house of the last customer, and made their way a little sluggishly towards Canterlot Castle having had a long and hard day. The evening was starting to draw in and couples were making their way around town – younger ponies heading home after their afternoon dates, and elder ponies on their way to their more extravagant versions.

Spike was still a little confused by most of todays events. Rarity was walking close to him again and except for the incident at lunchtime Spike would almost say that Rarity was acting almost a if this was a date. Perhaps all this hearts and hooves stuff has got into my head, surely she’s not interested in me that way.

As they approached the castle, the guard let them in recognising Equestria’s only dragon resident and one of the element bearers instantly. They made their way to Twilight former residence when she was simply the royal protege, which was now her highly under used Princess Suite, where they would be staying the night.

“So what do you want to do for dinner?” Spike asked once inside.

“Oh, I’ve booked a table at one of the top restaurants in town, it was a favour from a customer”

“Sounds good!”

Rarity picked up a few of the remaining bags, placing one on the bed and floating a couple in her aura “We’ll need to get dressed up of course, it’s very elite and so I’ve bought the clothes with us”.

“Do you want me to go outside for a few minutes whilst you get ready?” Spike asked a little nervously.

“That okay Spike, I’ll get ready in the bathroom” Rarity replied in a sing song voice as she levitated a couple of bags with her into the bathroom, closing the door behind her.

Spike opened the bag on the bed and saw the tuxedo that Rarity had made for him for the Grand Galloping Gala, but instead of the original tie she had packed the special gem encrusted one she had made later. He held the clothing, the memories of times both good and bad coming back to mind.

A loud rumble in his stomach snapped him out of his thoughts, and it was obviously louder than he expected as he heard Rarity call out “Don’t worry Spike, I’ll only be a few minutes, I’m rather hungry myself.”

Wanting to make sure he was ready, Spike quickly put on the suit and tie, and waited for the pony. A few minutes later the bathroom door opened and spinning round, Spike’s breath was taken away.

Rarity was wearing the same dress that she wore to the gala, but having had to repaired she had simplified the dress a little, and made it rather a little more fitted. She also had put on some sapphire shoes, with a bit of a heel that made her legs look longer and slimmer.

“You like?” the unicorn asked in a soft voice, doing a small twirl for him.

Spike just stared at the unicorn and mumbled a little, not being able to process the beauty before him. Rarity just giggled “Come along Spike, I’ve arranged for a carriage to take us across town.”

Author's Note

1 - Have you ever had a sandwich on a train? The. Worst. Possible. Thing!