The Heart of a Dragon

Chapters

III: The Comforts of an Old Friend
IV: Of Eternity and Heartstrings
V: Fears Old and New
VI: Eye of the Storm
[Rarity] VII: To Fix a Heart
[Celestia] VII: True Strength
[Rarity] VIII: The Final Trip
[Celestia] VIII: For Her Alone
[Rarity] Epilogue
[Celestia] Epilogue
Author's Notes: Exit, Stage Left
I: Heartbreak
II: An Unexpected Reprise

III: The Comforts of an Old Friend

Everypony always seemed like they were in such a hurry here. Stores were crowded, streets were packed, and Spike was having a rough time of it. He knew he could simply fly over everypony until he reached the castle, but he would have had to land for the guards anyways. One did not simply fly past the guards, even old friends of the Princess.

It certainly didn't help his mood that here he was not well known. Everypony gawked at his massive frame, only adding to his recent self-consciousness. He knew that if he flew overhead it would only make matters worse, because then even more ponies would see him. He could imagine them running around and screaming below as if they were under attack. He shook his head to clear such nonsense, but his wings clenched tighter to his back all the same. He simply trudged on, waiting patiently for ponies to move out of his way, looking at his feet and never making eye contact with anypony. Most ponies were more than happy to get out of his way, but in some places it was simply too crowded to do so.

Still, if he was in the city that meant that the guards had let him through, and for most ponies that was enough. They knew he was harmless, at least deep down. But then, few had seen Spike since he had grown so much, and only a couple ponies truly recognized him, so most kept a careful distance without even realizing it.

Buildings soared on either side of the street, most of which were many stories tall. Here and there Spike would come across a building that was only a single story high, which he himself was almost as tall as. He felt it added to the contrast of the city, for even if all the buildings were similar in design, they were still varied enough that he never got bored with the place. They all had myriad colored roofs, some red, some yellow, and all pleasing to the eye. It wasn't a boorish explosion of hastily assembled colors, but more like a carefully crafted mosaic. Everything flowed into everything else, from the shop signs to the street lamps. The brick street was warm under his claws from the afternoon sun, and he could feel the vibrations of the city; carts rolling over bumps in the road, ponies trotting here and there. In a way, this place almost felt as if it had a heartbeat.

His spirits were lifted slightly as he passed by what appeared to be a crowd of fillies and colts, all students being led by their teacher on some class field trip. All the fillies looked at him in shock, but the colts swarmed around him, hopping up and down when they saw him. "Wow, this is so cool!" One colt chimed, daring to touch Spike. "Yeah! Look how pretty his scales are!" one of the fillies added, looking at her reflection in Spike's scales. The children yammered and shouted, flowing around him like a living river.

"Children, please! You're going to bother him, and I'm sure he has important business to attend to," their teacher huffed, trotting this way and that to try and gather little groups that had split off around Spike in the chaos.

Spike couldn't help but smile. "It's alright, really. I'm not in any hurry," he said. When he smiled, a few of the colts directly in front of him went wide-eyed at the sight of his fangs. Spike noticed and winced, prepared for the same reaction he had been expecting from nearly everypony the past day and a half. But instead he was hit square in the face with typical childhood curiosity.

"Wow, look at those teeth!" one colt chimed. His eyes were no longer wide with shock, but now squinting to get a better look. "I wish I had teeth like that!" His teacher hushed him and shooed him away, looking mortified at her students' behavior.

She opened her mouth to apologize, but Spike waved a claw absently. It hadn't bothered him in the slightest; in fact it had actually improved his mood. At least somepony saw him differently. To the children he was cool, interesting, and 'pretty', as one filly had put it. He wasn't sure about that last one, but one thing was for certain; they weren't afraid of him at all. And they were just children, who could be startled simply by their own imaginations. Creatures like the monster in their closet, or the shadowy thing under their bed were more fearsome to them than he was.

As the teacher finally gathered her students and moved them back into line, they made their way off down the street. The children all continued to look over their shoulders at him, waving farewell and calling their goodbyes. Spike, too, went his way, suddenly remembering why he had come to Canterlot.

It made almost too much sense now. He hadn't even met the Princess yet today, but the change of scenery had already done him a world of good. Granted, most ponies still gave him the reaction he had been afraid of, but they were like ghosts on the edge of his vision now. Colorless and bland, their shocked looks and subtle, fearful body language paled in comparison to the vibrant enjoyment of the children. Something so simple, yet so uplifting.

Feeling renewed and ready, Spike made his way a little more quickly to the castle. It was less crowded here, for few ponies would approach the palace without an invitation. Here and there citizens made use of the public areas of the castle; going to the library, or traversing the expansive gardens. But the main boulevard leading up to the gate was unoccupied, and so Spike had a full view of the magnificent structure.

It was comprised of many towers, some sprouting from the castle itself, and others branching off from other spikes. It wasn't jumbled though, but rather cultured; like a sculpted tree, the branches all neatly in line to form a pattern pleasing to the eye. It was painted white in most places, though if the sun glinted off its face it appeared to be many colors, as if somehow its pale shell was prismatic. Soaring, arched windows and doorways adorned nearly every inch of it, or so it seemed at this distance. The stained glass windows reflected the sunlight brightly in their personal colors, only adding to the castle's brilliance.

Spike was always awed by the palace, and had a hard time believing he had really been invited to stay in such a wondrous place every time he arrived. Still admiring its many features, he did not know he was standing at the gate until one of the guards cleared his throat.

Spike looked down, slightly confused, before his mind caught back up with the times. "O-oh, sorry," he apologized lamely, scratching the back of his head in embarrassment. "I'm here to see the Princess."

The guards only smiled at him. "Good to see you again, Spike. Yeah, the Princess sent word to let you through, so go on ahead." The gates swung open as the guards stepped aside, still smiling pleasantly. "It's strange to see you come alone though... Twilight busy lately?" the guard on his left asked.

Spike really did want to hurry and see the Princess, but he knew that he needed to keep up appearances and hold this conversation with the guards first. He settled his nerves enough to not find the unneeded conversation annoying, and painted a pleasant smile. "No, she's not too terribly busy. But this time the trip was more of a private affair... Like a vacation," he said, snapping his claws together when he had found the right analogy.

The guards both nodded to each other, and the one on the right painted a fake, sour expression on his face. "You're lucky. We haven't seen a vacation in ages." He said, his tone not matching his expression at all, only adding to the humor.

Spike only laughed. "Well, I'm vacationing here, I guess. This is where you guys are all day. If anypony's lucky, it's you."

The guards both shared a laugh with the dragon, and when the silence afterward had gone on long enough, the guards finally ushered him through, waving down the alley to the castle's main door. "Well, we won't keep you. I hope you have a good time. The Princess should be in the private garden around this time, so if she doesn't show up to greet you, just make your way there."

Spike nodded his thanks, and made his way down the main highway to the castle. The gates closed behind him slowly, peacefully. It was not strange or foreboding, like it had always been said in children's stories. Here, when the gates closed behind you, you felt safe. As if you had been transported to another world, free of all the darkness in the one before it. He did not feel trapped here, but rather like they had closed to prevent anything unwanted from following him; such as his worries.

Safely welcomed by the guards, Spike opened his wings and readied to fly. It would be faster to reach Celestia's personal garden by air, since it was on a crafted terrace that jutted from the western side of the third story. He leapt and pumped his wings, drifting lazily in the warm summer air towards the garden. He scoured it from the above, but couldn't catch sight of his hostess.

The garden was an explosion of colors, flowers blooming in every corner, hedges adding contrast to the bright hues with their deep, dark green. It was here that Celestia came to relax, to be away from her duties for a time. Gazebos stood at either end of the terrace, ivy hanging from them. Here and there little 'rooms' had been set up using braided wire. Ivy crept on this as well, casting shade over the paths through the garden.

Spike assumed that she was under one such ivy cluster, if she was in the garden at all. He alighted on the southern end of the terrace, looking around in awe. Birds chimed, and the place felt purely serene. He made his way through the garden, looping his great neck out to peer around hedged corners before deciding if he needed to take this path or that. He had still seen no sign of her.

Then, on the breeze from the west, he caught her voice. But it was not the voice he was used to. Silently, he followed the sound, entranced by it's interesting flow.

He rounded a corner, and there she was. Glowing in all her splendor, and singing to herself. The wind blew her mane about gently, and her eyes gazed lovingly on a tree she had tended many long years. It was a cherry tree, its blossoms the same color as the pink in her resplendent mane.

Spike had never heard her sing like this; nor anypony else. He was enthralled, lost in her voice's pure note and brilliant, soothing volume. She didn't have to fight the sound of the wind or the rustle of the plants to be heard, even if she only had herself as an audience. She didn't yet know that she had a visitor, and Spike couldn't have so much as considered interrupting her, even if he had given it all his attention. But he didn't have any attention to give it.

The melody was bittersweet; sad yet glorious. Silently awed, he listened to the words she was singing, trying to piece them together and better understand this small glimpse of a Celestia he knew nothing of.

"Winter and spring, they softly fade,

Under the brightening dawn,

Summer comes but cannot stay,

For the road ahead is long.

The Sun will come again in time,

To light the world and warm the snow,

The ivy will begin to climb,

The flowers will begin to grow.

Winter blankets all the land,

The moon does shed its brilliant light,

Its beauty we don't understand,

The subtle loveliness of night.

On the wane, the moon has set,

The sun shall rise again anew,

The frost we shall all soon forget,

Instead we greet the springtime dew.

And so the cycle comes to end,

For years are simple, passing fast,

And soon it will complete again,

As it has done for ages past."

Spike felt strangely calmed by the song. Though it was about the fading of the sun, it was also about its return. It was somehow warming, and at the same time chilling, pulling on all his heart strings in one go. He had been holding his breath the entire time, for fear that she might hear him breathing, and end her glorious, magnificent melody. But it had come to an end regardless, the Princess opening her eyes, which had been shut peacefully for the duration of her performance.

Spike let his breath out now, and it had been pent up so long that it came out as a relieved sigh. The Princess heard this, as he was now only a few steps away, and turned to face him, looking slightly startled.

"Oh, hello Spike. I didn't know you had arrived already," she said, looking slightly sheepish, as if she had been caught doing something wrong. Her song had been private, Spike now realized, and he felt terrible for eavesdropping. And yet, he knew if he'd had the chance, he would have listened in all over again. "How was the reception at the gate?" she asked, as if already trying to change the subject she knew to be building in Spike's mind.

"It was warm as ever," he said with a polite smile. But he wasn't going to let her off the hook so easily. This, too, was another side of her he hadn't seen. She had always been so cool and collected, and even now he could barely tell that his unexpected hearing of her melody had affected her in any way. But there were little hints, and he wanted to explore the possibility that under her royal mask, she was much like anypony else. "What was that song you were singing? It was marvelous... I've never heard anypony sing like that before," Spike said, his tone all awe.

Celestia smiled a little at that, glad at least that he had had a positive impression of her song, even if he had eavesdropped. "It's a song Luna and I have been singing for a long time now. She and I are the only two who know all the words to it, and even what you heard was only a little. Still, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I don't sing for anypony very often." She said, regaining her composure all through her response. By the end, she seemed like Celestia had always seemed to Spike; wise, somehow attached to her friends and yet still detached from everything; above it all. But for that split second, he had seen what he believed was a true facet of her personality.

Celestia looked Spike up and down, from his tail to the tip of his nose. "You certainly have grown." She said warmly, smiling at him and striding forward a few steps to greet him more properly. Spike lowered his head appropriately, bowing to her gently as he always had. Despite that he considered her a close friend, the bow had always seemed deserved in her presence. Even if she were not royalty, she always gave off an aura that didn't really demand respect, but rather encouraged it.

Instead of telling him to rise, as she had always done in the past, Celestia pressed the side of her face gently against his, a typical pony embrace. "I am glad you came, my friend." She said, all formality now gone from the situation.

Spike didn't break the embrace, though it seemed awkward simply because it hadn't been his intention. Still, it was comfortable, not abnormal. He found it odd that being this close to somepony this important didn't faze him. "I'm glad you invited me to. I haven't been here long, and already I can feel the weight lifting off my shoulders." He said, finally breaking off the hug, but keeping his head low so that she could converse with him more easily.

She was so much taller than everypony else, and it was strange for Spike to see her standing in front of him, but below him. It had been years since he had seen her last, tending to stay behind when Twilight made trips to the castle. Even with her enhanced height, she still only came up to roughly half Spike's powerful frame. But it was odd; she had loomed over him all his childhood days, and now it was he who towered over her.

Celestia cleared her throat patiently. Spike snapped out of his train of thought, his green eyes locking back to her purple ones. "Is something wrong?" she asked, smiling gently as she always did.

Spike shook his head, slightly embarrassed. "No, nothing like that. It's just been so long since I've seen you last. You used to be so much larger than me, but now I'm twice your size," he said, feeling as if it wasn't really an embarrassing topic; not between these two.

Celestia laughed, a delightful sound that Spike had not heard in years. "Yes, it is rather funny. I still remember when Twilight hatched you, and how small you were then. It's a little strange for me, too." She eyed his wings now, a curious look taking over her features. "When did those come in? They're certainly magnificent," she said, walking around to his back to get a better look.

Spike flared them out so she could see their full span. "About two years ago. They looked ridiculous at first, but they managed to grow in nicely. I had a bit of a growth spurt over the last year," he said, giving them a little flap before tucking them back against his sides.

Celestia stayed behind him, forcing him to turn around and face her. She was standing near the entrance to the garden, waiting for him. "Well, there's no need to stand on occasion. Why don't you come inside and we'll catch up where its more comfortable." Smiling pleasantly, she politely waited for him to enter first, following behind.

It was slightly cooler inside, yet still just as beautiful as the garden. Light filtered through colored windows, painting each hall a different hue. Celestia took the lead now, guiding Spike to a place where they could sit and enjoy each other's company. He followed closely, looking about the castle he had once known so well. Here and there he would spot something new, but for the most part it was all the same. Time did not wear on things here, it seemed, and that was good. Spike needed something familiar and constant.

His gaze settled on Celestia, trotting gracefully a few steps ahead of him. She, too, had not changed over the years. Spike knew that she did not grow older, yet it surprised him to see her exactly as he always had. Even if she did not age, he would expect to see changes in her demeanor, her way of handling herself. But she walked as she had always walked, spoke as she had always spoken, and looked as she had always looked.

They arrived in Celestia's personal study. Spike had never been to this area of the castle, and he took in the new sights with an eager eye. The room was predominantly red, with plush carpeting and large, flowing drapes covering the windows. It was comfortable, and it had a sense of secrecy. Spike enjoyed the feeling that here his words would be shared in private.

Celestia climbed casually onto a couch far too small for Spike, folding her legs under her. Spike laid himself out on the carpet instead, thoroughly pleased with its comfortable feel. Both completely comfortable, Celestia initiated the conversation; a fact Spike was grateful for, since he didn't even know where to begin. He wasn't even sure that he wanted to speak to her about the true reason he had come to see her just yet. Luckily, at least for him, he was not put in that position.

"How has your work been with Twilight?" Celestia asked, pulling a bottle of wine over with her magic. The appearance of the alcohol relaxed Spike slightly; while he didn't really consider himself old enough to drink, he knew enough about it to realize that it helped to make a situation more casual. He was glad to see that things would not become serious too soon. He needed this easy conversation first; a mellow lead in to more pressing matters.

"Things have been going alright. As peaceful as things have been around Ponyville lately, it's been almost... abnormal. But I really can't complain about it. I don't think I've ever seen her so happy in my entire life," Spike finished quietly. He almost added the phrase 'up until recently', but decided it was best not to bring that subject up so soon; or in such a way. The sound of the wine bottle's cork being popped yanked his attention away from that simple thought, and back to his hostess.

She poured herself a glass, swirling it and re-corking the bottle simultaneously. It was a rather impressive feat, though both tasks seemed simple. But in truth, Twilight had educated him enough in the ways of magic that he knew that such finite movements, like swirling the glass, required complete concentration for most anypony; Twilight included. The fact that Celestia could do two such delicate tasks at once without any visible effort was impressive to say the least.

Celestia took a gentle sip from the glass. Her eyes widened slightly as if she had just realized something. "I'm sorry Spike, would you like a glass?" she asked, shaking the bottle gently, since she had not yet re-shelved it.

Spike shook his head slowly, as if he was not really sure of his answer. "I've never had alcohol before, so I think I'll pass," he said idly, though he had to admit to himself that he was curious to try.

Celestia seemed to know all about this silent admission, and uncorked the bottle again, pouring him a glass. "Oh, it will be alright. Wine is light on the tongue, and helps to loosen it. There's nothing wrong with a little now and then. As for never trying it before, there's a first time for everything," she said, her tone soft-spoken as always, yet insistent.

Spike found it hard to fight his curiosity and her urging at the same time, and so he nodded. "Alright, but only a little." Celestia nodded her agreement, and moved a glass his way. It was unwieldy in his large claws, and it felt far too fragile. He expected the stem of the magnificent wine glass to snap under his nails at any second, yet it did not. Gingerly, he sipped at the substance he had only heard of, and never experienced. He coughed after his first taste; he could definitely make out the grape flavor in the wine, but the sudden bitter bite of the liquor made him cringe.

Celestia laughed, sipping at her glass again. "It takes some getting used to, but after a few sips you'll develop a taste for it," she insisted, shaking her glass gently at him to accentuate her words.

"I'll take your word for it..." he said, his tone all disbelief as he took another unpleasant sip. Still, it did not have the same impact as the last, and so he began to wonder if maybe she could be right. All the drinking nonsense aside, Spike decided it would be best to broach new conversation. "So what about you? How have things been here at the palace? It seems as if nothing has changed since I was last here; like coming home without ever really leaving," he said, his tone all warmth, insisting it was a welcome thing.

Celestia sighed, setting aside her glass. "It's been boring, to say the least. So little happens when Twilight is not coming to me for guidance. I fear I grow lazier as she grows wiser. My daily duties are too routine, and they hardly keep me occupied." She said, rolling her eyes. That reaction alone was strange to Spike. Here, alone, she seemed completely different. Where nopony could see her she was so normal, so expressive, no longer the shaded, mysterious Princess of the world he was used to.

Spike liked that. It was humbling to see this creature, the most powerful and majestic he had ever known, revealing her true self to him in such simple ways. It was as if with him she felt no need to keep up appearances. Spike was warmed by that trust, the knowledge that she could depend on him so readily that she didn't need to act around him. He realized suddenly that he had been staring and not listening, her voice carrying on without his attention as he gazed at her. A symptom all too common between him and females these days, it seemed.

"And the guards are just... the guards. They've always been the same, even when I hire new ones. It's as if somewhere out there somepony is making copies of the last batch," she continued, completely oblivious to Spike's staring or his absence of mind. Spike did manage to latch his attention back onto the conversation during this line, though, making a classic recovery.

"Sounds like my visit was well timed. Even if I'm not so interesting, it's at least a change of scenery." He said with a chuckle, sipping again on his wine. He realized as he did so that the glass was suddenly empty; not surprising considering the volume his mouth could hold. Without any prompting at all, the Princess was already refilling his glass.

"I find you very interesting, Spike," Celestia said, sounding slightly insulted at the idea that she might find him boring. "You've changed so much, and you were always so quick witted and intriguing to talk to. I'm glad to see that hasn't changed, except perhaps that maybe it has developed even more." She fixed him with a strange smile, one he had not seen from her before. He wracked his mind, yet he could not quite peg it.

Then it happened, but not in the dramatic, nerve wracking way he had expected. "So, tell me about your troubles, Spike." Celestia said kindly, her tone imparting the feeling that he was not obligated to do so at all. If he so chose, he was free to deny her request. But the look in her eyes, all caring and concern, drove all thoughts of fleeing the inquiry from his mind.

He sighed, setting aside the wine glass. He had not touched it since the refill, and now he had his doubts that he would get the chance. "Where do I even begin...?" he asked sadly. The recent streak of comfort and happiness here cushioned his heart slightly, shielding him from the brute force of sorrow. Yet he was not immune to it, and it permeated his tone when he spoke.

It had been rhetorical, yet Celestia answered him all the same. "Tell me about her. About Rarity." She said, her tone curious and warm. "About why you love her."

Spike looked at her, slightly shocked. He hadn't expected that request; he had been prepared to recount her rejection of him, or his fear of repeating such a failure. Or even his concern that he would never be able to face her again. But he had not expected to recount all of his feelings for her.

"I... I can't explain it. She's brilliant, funny, beautiful. Every word she says is a treasure to me... or it was. But I'm not sure anymore," Spike replied. He said it all without realizing it, and after reflecting on it he realized it was true. Did he really not know why he loved Rarity now? All he knew was that he did, but he couldn't explain it... He didn't have the words for it. Feeling ashamed at such an obvious failure concerning his heart, he could only think of one thing to say.

"I'm not even sure I understand what love is, Princess." He said sadly, looking away from her and down to the floor in shame.

"Please, just Celestia." She said, her tone all sweet sympathy. "I can understand that feeling, Spike... It's why I asked what I did. Love is hard to explain, but easy to feel." She rose from the couch, setting aside her own glass and walking over to him, sitting with him on the carpet. "The heart is not good with words; it is dominated by feelings."

Spike sighed. "I know that much, at least... but how can I know why I love her, if I don't know what love truly is? I have only ever loved her, but how do I know it was love? I don't have anything to compare it to... it's always been her," he said, his tone becoming even more somber.

Celestia sighed, patting his clawed hand gently. "It's not easy when you only have one love. But you are young; the path to discovering love isn't a short one. If it were that simple, the world would be a much easier place to live in. Sometimes, you need to explore new possibilities before you realize what it is love truly means." She said quietly.

Spike sighed as well, understanding her words, but unwilling to heed them. "I don't want to explore... I just want her. Have you ever felt like that? To want somepony so badly?" He asked, his grief turning to subtle anger, his tone almost accusing her of inexperience in the ways of love.

Celestia's face went suddenly sad, and Spike's heart sank. He had no idea what impact his words had had on her, but he didn't care much for it. She had always appeared happy and in control, but her eyes spoke of a time when she had once been broken-hearted like he was now.

"I've loved before." She said quietly, sadly. It was her who looked away now, unwilling to meet his gaze. It was as if she was seeing something from a long time ago, her world no longer that of the present. "He loved me back, and we were happy. It was much the same with me at first; uncertainty, rejection. But as we fell apart, we realized how badly we missed one another, and we returned. That was how I learned what love truly was." Tears welled in her eyes as her next words caught in her throat.

"He was wonderful. But I am immortal, and he was not," she said quietly, her voice trailing off, unwilling to continue.

Spike suddenly understood the grief she was recalling. "Oh, Princess," he said quietly, unsure of any other words to console her with. It was so strange, so unexpectedly backwards. And so sudden. But he realized now that she had probably never told anypony this. She had never had the chance to confide this heartbreak, had lived with it all her life. And now she was leaping at the chance to be heard, he knew. in her position, he would have done the same. Spike didn't mind; this didn't need to be about him right now. He was just as happy being able to give her comfort as he was receiving it for his own pains.

"Oh Spike... I had to watch him die." She said, her tears coming fully now. Spike curled his neck around her, wrapping her in his warm embrace, the best comfort he could offer as she cried. Never had he seen her cry; sorrow was not something he had imagined she had even experienced, as kind and happy as she had always seemed. But he could not imagine that pain, the pain of watching your lover fade away while you lived on forever.

"Celestia, please..." he said quietly, squeezing her gently to calm her and bring her back to the present, the room they were in, and away from that terrible time.

"You're... you're right, Spike," she said sadly, turning to face him, his eyes only a few feet from hers, seeming mere inches considering the length of his nose and hers. "It was ages ago, and I should be over it... But I can't be, and I'm not sure I ever will be. I've never loved again, for fear of suffering through that a second time," she said, her control regained, but her voice still melancholy.

"Is that what love is...?" Spike asked, gently holding her still, almost unaware of the contact. They weren't bodies now, but souls, battling each other's sorrows with all their might.

"Yes, Spike... Love is a feeling that never dies, no matter the ages that pass; a feeling capable of bringing you great joy, and great sorrow," she said, pressing her cheek against his, needing the embrace. "I have been so alone for so long. Someday, everypony I know will fade away. Twilight, the others... Only I will remain." She said sorrowfully.

That revelation shocked Spike. He hadn't considered the idea that even the ponies he knew today would someday leave her. It struck him hard in the heart, and he could finally feel full empathy for her. He didn't know if he could go on living like she had in her situation. How many friends had she lost? How many stallions had she loved, knowing she could never be with them for fear of their passing?

Celestia looked away again, embarrassed and ashamed of her sudden breakdown. Unwilling to let her wallow in these feelings, Spike turned her eyes back to his gently with the back side of his hand, so that he would not scratch her. When he finally had her attention, he smiled at her, a sad yet hopeful expression.

"Even if someday I'm gone too, for now you have me." He said gently, wanting nothing more than to comfort her. She had been so good to him all these years; it was the least he owed her. It was strange, to have her this fragile in front of him, wrapped in his neck for comfort. It didn't seem like her, and yet he knew it was; the real her.

She too smiled, and though it remained sad, it contained a glimmer of happiness and comfort. "Thank you, Spike... I needed to hear that." She sighed, the air coming out shakily as she tried to regain her composure. She tossed her mane gently, trying to put it back into place from the mess her breakdown had caused. "I'm sorry you had to see that."

Spike only smiled at her. "Don't be... What kind of friend would I be if you couldn't share your problems with me? I'm honored, if anything. Thank you, Celestia," he said quietly, his tone sincere. He meant every word. Powerful as she was, even she was not immune to the hurt love could cause. It was humbling, eye opening, and most importantly strangely comforting. Clearly it was a force nopony could command, and it calmed Spike's own tormented emotions to know that a certain amount of it was beyond his control. He broke off the embrace, the moment now past.

"A poor one indeed." Celestia admitted, laughing slightly, and running a hoof across her wet eyes. They sat near, yet no longer touching, the silence between them speaking volumes. They let their feelings run free in the air between them for a time, until at last Celestia spoke up. "What do you think about dinner...?" She asked weakly, possibly the worst attempt at a subject change Spike had ever heard.

He wasn't about to turn her down though. They both needed a break from this, to clear the air between them before this conversation could happen again. "Dinner sounds wonderful," he replied gently, standing and helping her back to her hooves as well. "Come on; we can talk about this later," he said, dismissing the topic calmly for now. He needed to be the strong one, the calm one, at least for a short while. She would have her turn later, he knew.

Together, he and his Princess made their way out of the study, in pursuit of dinner and finer moods.

It had been easier than she had worried it would be; Rarity had locked herself away in the boutique, and she had yet to try and handle that nightmare. But the others had taken the news well enough. None of her friends had questioned Spike's visit to the royal city. When the Princess came calling, it was just best to go.

Twilight was glad that Rarity had not been present. She knew that eventually she would have to deal with the mare in private. Something from the night before didn't quite resonate with her. While she could admit love talks weren't her forte, she knew Spike well enough to realize that he had been hiding something. Still, she had no intention of bringing it up to her purple friend before he had left; it would have only delayed his recovery, or so she thought.

But Rarity was another issue, and she meant to get the truth from her; if ever the white mare would leave her house.

A knock on her door caused her to jump. It was already ten at night, and at this hour visitors were usually limited to about six people. Curious, she trotted over and peered out the window. Her face suddenly all shock, she snapped back to the door and threw it open.

There she was, as if summoned by her thoughts. Never in her life had she seen Rarity in such a mess. Her mane was all but destroyed, the stylish curls crumpled and flattened. Her eyes looked far away, as if always somewhere else, the bags under them indicative of a sleepless night. Even her normally fine coat was ruffled and spiky. She looked as if she had been hit by a tornado and struck by lightning all at once.

"Rarity...?" Twilight asked, not even completely sure it was her.

She walked in slowly, as if in a trance. Standing inside the door, she suddenly shook her head violently, and snapped back to reality. "Twilight, I need to see Spike!" she practically screamed, rushing up to her purple friend and shaking her roughly.

Twilight brushed her off angrily, clearly seeing where this was going. "Oh, so now you want to see him," she said, a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

Rarity winced. She had known if Spike went to anypony first, it would have been Twilight. She was suddenly nervous of her own choice to come see the purple unicorn, knowing full well that she was probably now on Spike's side of this train wreck of a relationship she had made. And what was worse, she knew that she deserved every ounce of her friend's anger. Spike was like a son to her, and Rarity had done damage to his heart. Something a mother was not quick to forgive.

"Twilight please..." she begged, her voice sincere with worry. "I went looking for him after that night and haven't found him since. I need to speak to him..." She was still completely unsure she knew what she would say if she did, yet she knew she had to. Her heart and soul were screaming at her to do so, and she needed to follow them, else they would tear her to shreds.

"Spike is taking a little break from Ponyville. And if you want to see him so badly, you'll have to go find him; but I'm not telling you where he is until you tell me the truth," Twilight said, her eyes angry and her voice even more so.

Rarity didn't like this. Angry Twilight was not on her list of things she was prepared to deal with right now. "Th-the truth? What do you mean?" she asked, backing up a step and looking for a way out, figurative or real; at this point, anything would do.

Twilight wasn't going to let that happen, and used her magic to slam shut the front door that Rarity had left wide open. "The truth about what happened with Spike. He came to me and told me you rejected him because you just wanted to be friends." Twilight took a step closer to her, and then another, continuing her speech. Rarity continued backing away, until Twilight had literally pressed her into a corner.

Her eyes still narrow, angry and demanding a straight answer, Twilight pressed on. "But after he left, I got to thinking. You know how I love thinking." She said, her voice deadly serious. "And that excuse; the entire friendship thing...? It's not the truth, now is it?" Twilight's muzzle was now pressed hard against Rarity's, bending her nose back toward her as she cringed away.

Rarity lost it. She had been near the breaking point too many times in the last twenty-four hours to count, but this time she passed it. She slumped, sobbing in front of her furious friend. She was right be angry with her! She deserved every ounce of that glare!

"Oh, Twilight! I broke his heart!" Rarity wailed, laying on the floor without even an ounce of strength to raise herself back up. "The things I said, all lies. I didn't mean to hurt him the way I did, I tried not to!"

Twilight stomped a hoof in impatience, not at all fazed by the sobbing routine. "What... did... you... do?" She asked fiercely, bringing Rarity back to her feet with magic. The pale pony stood there, legs shaking from a torrent of emotions.

"I am afraid of him, Twilight! I was terrified, right in front of him!" Rarity practically screamed, unable to contain the words she had yet to say aloud any longer. "The claws, the fangs, the fire! I suddenly saw him for what he is; a dragon!"

Her head snapped to the side as Twilight slapped her hard, her face livid with anger and sadness, both fighting for dominance. Rarity sat down in shock, unable to comprehend that her friend had struck her.

"You.... you foolish, stupid, inconsiderate.... Rrrrrr!" Twilight fumed, for once completely out of words. "Saw him for what he truly is? If you saw that, if you had ever seen it once in your entire life, you two would have been in love for years by now!" She roared. Angry tears now stained her face. She did not like hitting her friend, but she had no desire to take it back. Rarity had deserved it.

"But he's dangerous, Twilight..." Rarity whispered lamely, rubbing her stinging cheek.

That only made Twilight even angrier. "Dangerous? Dangerous! When have you ever seen him harm a fly? If anyone's dangerous here, it's you!" She said, pointing an accusing hoof in Rarity's face. "You broke his heart. And you think he's the dangerous one? Spike is gentle and kind; all he has ever wanted was to be with you and care for you. How can you fear him?" she said, her anger finally leaking out and turning into disbelief at the end.

Rarity sat down hard, her face all shock. She was the dangerous one. Oh Celestia, she was right! Spike would never hurt her, but she had hurt him in the worst way possible. She felt her heart clench as she realized her stupidity, her shallowness. Her fear of him remained, but it throbbed dully, a background shade in the bright realization of what she had done to her dear friend.

"Don't you love him at all?" Twilight asked quietly, her rage spent.

Rarity rose slowly from the floor at that, considering it. Of course she did. She had just been to blind, too caught up in what he appeared to be. She had forgotten what he truly was in her shock and her horror. She bit down hard, clenching her jaw, suddenly furious with herself. "Of course I do, Twilight." She stared hard at her friend, suddenly grateful for the harshness, the sting on her cheek. Without it, she would be a trembling mess for the rest of her life around Spike, if she even ever saw him again.

"Then I'll keep my promise," Twilight said quietly, her tone a mixture of relief and skepticism. Rarity couldn't blame her disbelief; the hurt she had caused Spike was not easily forgiven. "The Princess invited Spike to Canterlot, to get away and clear his head for a while. If he hadn't, he was prepared to never speak to you again. The Princess convinced him not to make such a hasty decision." Twilight scowled at her. "Try not to waste this opportunity to redeem yourself."

Rarity smiled sadly. "I wouldn't dream of it. Thank you Twilight," she said quietly. "Can you send me to him?" Rarity asked, referring to Twilight's teleportation spell.

Twilight shook her head, scowl still in place. "No. I want you to prove to me that you've realized the truth about him. If you want to see him so badly and make things right, you will have to do it on your own." Twilight's voice softened at the end of it all. She couldn't stay mad at her friend forever, even with the hurt she had cause Spike. "There's a train leaving tomorrow morning for Canterlot. If you really mean to go, that will be your chance."

Rarity sighed, grateful that she at least had some chance at this, even if Twilight would not help her. "I'll go, you can count on that." Rarity said with determination. "Thank you, Twilight... For everything you did. I needed that."

Twilight smiled at her, sincere yet sad. "You're welcome... just don't make me have to do it again. I'd really rather not," she said sheepishly, suddenly looking back all her rage.

Rarity headed for the door. If she was leaving in the morning, she had a lot preparations to make; like fixing her mane. "I won't, believe me. This time, I'll tell him how I really feel... and it's not fear anymore," she said quietly, determined and sincere, walking her way outside.

Twilight smiled warmly to herself. Though it had been a sour meeting, the result had been sweet. Perhaps soon things would go back to the way they were meant to be. She shut the door behind her friend, watching her through the window as she made her way home.

"Everything will turn out in the end," she said to herself with a sigh. "It always does."

IV: Of Eternity and Heartstrings

Spike awoke with a slight headache, and a strange feeling in his mouth. Almost as if his tongue were swollen, he thought. Other than these two minor details, he felt great as he peeled himself away from the red carpet of Celestia's study. He looked around, groggy and confused, until his eyes settled on a stream of light coming from between two scarlet curtains. He pulled them aside, blinking at the sudden burst of light.

It didn't appear to be too late into the day; probably not even noon, unless he missed his guess. Last night seemed kind of fuzzy to Spike, and he wasn't sure why until he recalled how much he had had to drink at dinner. The wine had really grown on him, and he remembered Celestia laughing and calling for more. Her servants had brought it by the bottle, which were more like cups to Spike.

Everything came back in a rush, and he smiled to himself in embarrassment. He was glad they had gone to dinner when they did; while the subject for their chat had been dark and troublesome, the rest of the evening had been grand and bright by comparison. They had laughed long, recounting stories new and old, enjoying each other's company. They had both been fairly drunk by the end of it, he knew. Celestia was quite the character when she was tipsy, and Spike felt a strange urge to see her that way again, just once more.

She had laughed freely, joked in ways he never would have expected from her, and had let the conversation flow. They had constantly interrupted one another, but neither minded. It had been so joyous, so carefree, and so normal. Everything had made perfect sense, felt right, been wonderful. Spike couldn't recall feeling like that around anypony in his entire life; and if he had expected to around anypony, it would not have been Celestia.

It was a welcome change from how he usually saw her. He honestly had difficulty picturing her the way he had used to now. He had seen her in all her true splendor; her many-faceted personality no longer shrouded by a mask of formality. Their friendship was deeper than ever for Spike, because he felt he truly knew her now. She wasn't untouchable or godlike; she was just another beautiful pony in his life.

Spike sat in the warm sunlight and rethought that. "Beautiful..." he muttered to himself, looking out the window into the gardens below. Sure she was; why shouldn't he think so? Considering how long she had lived she was probably the inventor of the word 'grace', so why wouldn't it suit her? She was the living embodiment of the sun, warm and awe inspiring.

Spike couldn't help these thoughts as he remembered back to her wonderful laugh, her charming, uncontrollable smile over dinner and the conversation afterwards. They had returned here to the study, staying up late and enjoying the evening. Spike remembered her saying she would be busy in the morning, leaving for her room. She offered to let him stay in the study, and drunk as he was he had readily agreed. The carpet was more comfortable than the wooden floor of the library he was used to anyways.

He was jarred from his awkward thoughts about his hostess when there came a knock at the study door. He rose gently, clawing his way over lazily. The room he was in was tall enough for him to stand on his hind legs, but whenever he found himself tired, he often realized that that posture was more trouble than it was worth. He lightly pulled the door back, fully hoping it was Celestia, come to tell him that she had finished her duties for the day. What a strange, strange thought.

It was her sister Luna instead. Spike could hardly say he was disappointed, as any visitor was welcome. Still, something fluttered in his heart in slight embarrassment as he realized he'd have rather have seen Celestia standing there.

"Good morning, Spike," she greeted warmly, trotting into the room. "We-- I thought it would be best to greet you today, since you seemed busy with my sister last evening." There was only sincerity in her tone, nothing accusing, and yet Spike felt oddly about it; as if somehow he had done something wrong by spending the evening with Celestia.

"Good to see you, Luna. Yeah, last night was certainly something," he said, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "I had a bit too much to drink, and it was my first time with alcohol."

"Oh, don't worry about that," she chuckled. "I don't even remember my first time drinking, so you're lucky you still have your memory. But I don't think you embarrassed yourself too badly." She smiled at him, climbing onto the couch Celestia had been sitting on all the evening before. "My sister and I had a bit of a talk about it afterwards, since you fell asleep so early," she said, her tone teasing, as if she had gossip she was withholding. As always, her words felt overly cultured and too formal, even when she was trying to pull off a joking tone.

"What did she have to say?" Spike asked, his own tone a bit too eager. Luna smiled at his quick reply, as if she knew something he didn't.

"Nothing too spectacular, my friend. Just that she had enjoyed herself last night more than she had in years. She is glad you will be staying a while." Luna shuffled into a more comfortable position on the sofa, and then continued. "She had no issues with your behavior last night. In fact, she admitted to being impressed with how well you handled your first bout of drinking."

Spike seemed a little relived at that, but also slightly disappointed. Had he been expecting something different? If so, what? What was it that he had been so eagerly expecting to hear from her?

"There was one other thing she mentioned," Luna prodded, her teasing tone still in place.

Spike was more careful not to let his emotions show this time. "And what's that?" he asked, trying his best to seem disinterested.

"She told me how handsome and brilliant she thought you were," Luna said, smiling ear to ear. "I can see what she meant. You're certainly something now; nothing like the little drake she and I knew long ago."

Spike appeared like he had been slapped lightly; surprised, but not hurt in the least. That was it. That was what he had been wanting to hear. What Celestia thought of him now. He hadn't known it in the front of his mind, but deep down he had wanted to be validated as a creature, as a male. He had been suffering from feelings of inadequacy as much as grief, he now realized, and the fact that Celestia thought him handsome warmed him.

"W-what else did she say?" he asked, making a graceless recovery.

Luna smiled, and laughed a little. "You're still so funny, Spike. She talked herself to sleep thinking of you, if you must know. I had to come and see with my own eyes what all the rumor was about. She loved every minute of her evening with you, or so she told me. But ponies are wont to say strange things when they are drunk." She looked at him with her eyes narrowed, sly and suspicious. "Why such interest, Spike? Do you share her take on things? Is she now beautiful to you, as you are handsome to her?"

This time Spike nearly fell over. He had forgotten how blunt and tactless Luna could be. "I-- what?" he asked, not sure if he even had a response to give her. "She's always been beautiful, everypony knows that," he said, in weak defense of his adolescent thoughts.

Luna raised an eyebrow, looking at him disbelieving. "Come with me," she said, standing and leaping off the couch, leading Spike to a balcony that overlooked the public gardens.

Spike followed slowly, as if unsure he should. He didn't feel like this was going his way. There was a slight dread in his heart that shrouded his face in a worried scowl. Why was she pressing him so hard for his feelings about Celestia? More importantly, he was terrified that he might actually have some. She was like a goddess to most ponies; untouchable, unapproachable on that kind of level. Whatever thoughts he had regarding how beautiful she was, they were probably illegal somehow, or forbidden at the very least.

They stopped at the railing. Down below, Celestia sat in a gazebo with some visitors; probably nobles looking to grease their hooves, or score some face time with the princess, he knew. "What do you want me to look at?" Spike asked, puzzled.

"Her, of course," Luna said, as if any other option were simply absurd. "Are you so dense? And here she said you were brilliant." Luna rolled her eyes and pointed with her front right hoof. "If you look at her, I can see for myself the feelings in your eyes. Then I will have my answer from you without the possibility of you lying about it."

Spike shuddered; it was such a simple request, yet it reeked of a trap. With a shallow gulp that was hardly necessary, he did as she demanded, looking down on his dear friend. As he had said, of course she was beautiful. But it was different from the night before. It was nothing like the beauty of her true self. This was the beauty everypony saw, the mask she wore to get through her trying days. Instead of seeing her as beautiful, he silently reflected on how fake she looked. Like a porcelain doll, the face crafted once, never to change.

His eyes filled with sadness at the thought. He might never be able to see her the same again, he knew. He had gotten but a brief glimpse of her true splendor, a passing evening in his life that he suddenly realized might have been a once in a lifetime event. He was unsure how he would feel around her, knowing what he did now, but only seeing that mask.

Luna smiled to herself, satisfied. "You do truly think she is beautiful. Not beautiful, as everypony has told you she is, but beautiful as you have seen with your own eyes." Luna leaned into him gently, sharing his feelings through slight contact. It was not intimate, just friendly. She too joined him in looking at her sister. "She never would have shown you if she did not think that you, too, were spectacularly beautiful."

"Why are you telling me this?" Spike asked, tearing his gaze away from Celestia, and back to the black mare at his side. "Even if it is true, what are you saying? That she has feelings for me? That I have feelings for her?" he asked, his tone quickly becoming offended as he began to think that Luna was being a bit presumptuous.

"I can't answer such things. The only reason I told you what I did is so that you will reflect on these questions yourself. I never asked them of you; you did," Luna pointed out mischievously.

Spike flushed red under his scales, realizing his stumbling point. She was right. He had openly admitted that he wondered if there were feelings between them. He was doubly embarrassed, knowing how he felt for Rarity. He felt as if somehow he had betrayed her now, admitting that there could possibly be another mare in competition for his heart. His feelings a mixture of shame and confusion, he hung his head in defeat. "I suppose you're right... These are my questions, I just never asked them out loud. I didn't even know I had them," he sighed.

Luna smiled, putting a hoof on his arm in support. "It may not seem like it now, but in the end asking them will help to right your heart in this sea of troubles. Please do not be angry with me."

Spike sighed again, and shook his head, putting on a bittersweet smile. "I'm not angry, just confused. I know that you're right; sooner or later I needed to consider something like this. But I shouldn't. Not with how I feel for Rarity."

Now it was she who sighed. "Spike, a heart such as yours is too large to belong to any one pony. You are young, full of love you wish to share in your life. Is it not natural that you should look in many places in search of it? When looking for a place to rest, do you settle on the first hill you see? If so, you have missed much of the world's splendor," she said, nudging him grumpily as if she assumed this was the case.

Spike raised his eyebrows in surprise at this. It was normal to search for love in many places? Well, certainly not at once, he figured. But things with Rarity were... complicated. Was it normal, then, for him to search out new possibilities? And was Celestia really one of them? This was a question he had no answer for. Steeling himself, figuring he had been embarrassed enough times today that once more wouldn't hurt, he had to ask it.

"Even if it is normal to look in new places for love..." he started lamely, unsure how to phrase it without suggesting that he truly did have feelings for her. Even now he had no solid answer on that front.

"It cannot hurt to try. Love can be found in the strangest of places. If it is but a single beat in your heart, a single pluck on your heartstrings, who is to know if it could not become more? Every song starts with but one sound. A single note is a mystery; it could become anything. It could be beautiful, it could be sad, it could be grand or simple. But until you have listened to the song all the way through, you cannot know," she said, gazing at him warmly, her smile and eyes all support. "Nopony is asking you to do anything, other than to be open to the callings of your heart, no matter how small."

Spike pondered that silently. It was so poetic, so grandiose. Did such an analogy really suit something as fickle as his heart? He felt sick with himself, spinning in a moral whirlpool as his heart and his head swam circles around one another. He looked down on Celestia again, lost in his thoughts. As if feeling his eyes on her, she turned and looked up to the balcony. She smiled and waved, a crack in the mask he so disliked now. It warmed him; he was the target of that break in her facade, the sole reason for her smile. He returned the smile, though it was weak with heartsickness and worry.

"I need time to think about it," he sighed to Luna. Celestia had turned back to her guests, so Spike turned back to his. "I need to sort myself out a little more. Things have been so strange and so fast lately. I don't want to be rude, but I think I want to be alone for a little while."

Luna only smiled and nodded, having expected such a reaction all along. "No offense taken. I agree you should think on this. No sense rushing it. She should be done sometime this afternoon. No doubt she will come looking for you. Try not to let it make things strange between the two of you," she said, looking at him slyly as if somehow none of this was her fault.

"If it gets awkward, I blame you," Spike grumbled, glaring at her. But he couldn't keep it up long, and they both laughed it off. Luna figured that was the end of it, and trotted back through the study. Spike followed her to the door, seeing her out.

"Luna..," he said, watching as she took a few steps away. "Thank you."

Simply smiling back at him, she continued on her way. Spike closed the door behind her, and went back to the carpeted center of the room. It was going to be a long afternoon.

Rarity paced about the train car impatiently. "Twenty four hours?" she asked herself for what must have been the sixth time. Yet each time it grew worse and worse to think about. She had forgotten how far away Canterlot was by train. A few times she had gone by pegasus-drawn carriage, but even then it had taken nearly half a day to reach the grand city.

Still grumbling and trotting this way and that, Rarity launched into one of her many unnecessary verbal thinking sessions. Everypony knew she talked to herself when she was upset, but today she had been doing so almost constantly, which was unusual.

She had done as Twilight had recommended her, and taken the first train out of the station not even two hours ago. For some reason she had filled her own mind with the idea that she would simply get on the train, and get right back off it five minutes later, running into Spike immediately. But now faced with a long wait, her resolve for the purpose of this trip was beginning to wear off.

She knew she was still afraid of Spike's body. It wasn't so simple to get rid of such a fear as a silly little slap to the face. No, it would require something a little more convincing than that. But what that slap had done was opened her eyes back up to what Spike was really like under that fearsome skin. She was ashamed that she had forgotten him that way, had been lost in her sudden phobia.

She had no idea what she would say to him, or how she would say it. Hardly much improvement from the first night she had gone out looking for him. Unlike that time, though, Rarity had made up her mind that she would not run away from him again. One way or another she would tell him how she really felt about him. Him as Spike, not him as a beast.

"But what if he runs from me?" she groaned, suddenly realizing that that was a distinct possibility. "What if he doesn't want to talk to me or hear me out? Oh what do I do then?" Shaking her head in frustration and chewing her lip, she did one more circuit through the train car before another voice stopped her.

"You've been at it since we left the station, deary. Don't you think maybe you should take a rest? You're going to spoil your mane if you keep this up, and then what will this boy of yours think?"

Rarity froze and looked around in slight panic. She had been pacing in this car because it hadn't had any ponies in it, or so she had thought. But sitting off to her right just one booth behind her was an old mare. She looked to be nearly as old as Granny Smith, and smiling in that same warm way that all old mares seemed to.

Her words were true enough, she realized. She had spent hours pulling herself back together, fixing her ruffled appearance. Rarity now looked as beautiful as she always had, but it had been stress and worry that had run her into that ugly state before. She intended to look her best when she saw Spike, even if it was hours from now, and so she stopped her next step, though it took a strong conscious effort.

"Come have a seat, dear." The old mare prodded the seat next to her in the booth. Slowly, Rarity made her way over and took the offered chair. She wasn't sure if she even really wanted company, but it would have been rude to simply decline or walk away.

"Who are you, if I may ask?" Though Rarity kept her tone polite and proper, she didn't really care who this mare was at this particular time. Her head was still too full of other things.

"You can just call me ma'am if you like. No need to memorize the name of some old codger on a train," she replied with a chuckle.

Rarity smiled a little at this, glad to see that her intruder at least had a sense of humor. "Very well, I shall just call you Madam then. How long have you been sitting here listening?"

"Ever since you came through this car. I came back here for a little nap, like we old mares tend to do. But when you came through, talking to nopony but yourself, you'll have to forgive me for being curious. I stayed up and listened, and it seems like you're in a situation where what you really need is somepony to talk to," Madam replied, her tone adopting a note of command, as if ordering Rarity to sit there and explain the situation to her.

Rarity thought about that for a moment. She had talked to Twilight, but that hadn't really gone well. Nor had they really discussed Rarity's true feelings or fears at length. Twilight was too biased; friends with both parties involved. Perhaps she did need someone like Madam; someone removed from it all, but clearly experienced and wise. "Very well. I would assume you can guess what my trouble is about."

"Some stallion that ran off to Canterlot without you." Madam waved a hoof as if at least this much were easy to know. "You've been saying 'him this' and 'him that' all morning after all."

"I wish it were so simple," Rarity sighed. "He's not a stallion at all, but actually a dragon."

Madam's eyes went wide at this. "You don't say. Now that is a strange love story. Still, I would be lying if I said it was the strangest thing I've ever heard. Tell me, miss..." Madam paused, waiting for Rarity to introduce herself.

She flushed in embarrassment, realizing she had asked the old mare's name but never given her own. "How rude of me! My name is Rarity."

"No trouble at all, Rarity. Such a lovely name, that. But as I was saying, tell me something. This dragon, what is he like?"

Rarity pondered this a second before answering. "He's roughly three times my size, has the most magnificent purple scales, and beautiful green spikes running down his back. But he is a dragon after all; what with the claws, the teeth, and the fire."

Madam shook her head in disappointment, and bopped Rarity lightly on top of her head with her hoof. "No no, you foolish filly. I didn't ask what he looked like, I asked what he is like. What is it about this dragon of yours that makes him worth chasing after, hmm? It's strange you even have feelings for a dragon in the first place, and I want to know why."

Her mind froze as she tried to formulate a usable answer. "Well, he's... more or less perfect," she replied lamely. Madam waved a hoof in a slow circle, urging her to elaborate and continue. "He's a complete gentlecolt... er, gentledrake. He's always helpful and polite, has a wonderful sense of humor. There was always an aura about him. Maybe it was the way he looked at me, saw who I really was. He helped to make me who I am today; we've been close a long time." Her speech had gained confidence and momentum at first, but ended in a note of defeat as she realized what she had said. He had always seen her the way she now needed to see him, and it only made her more disgusted with herself.

"You used to be close, is what you sound like you mean." Madam replied with a huff. "One tiff, no matter how major, shouldn't drive you apart, after hearing what I have. If anything, it seems like it should deepen things between you."

"What do you mean?" Rarity asked, puzzled beyond all reason. How could her fight with Spike possibly improve her relationship with him.

"Unless whatever drove you apart had happened, you wouldn't be going after him right now. You would have felt this way forever and never known if you could pursue him or not," she said slyly. "Honey, I've been alive a long time. My own husband's long gone, and taking a look at me I'm not far behind. I've seen my share of heartbreaks, but more importantly I've seen true love. He and I were married fifty long years, and to win my heart he had to do for me what you are doing now for this dragon you love," she sighed quietly. "He was such a foolish colt that he broke my heart. But he chased after me with the pieces of my shattered heart in his hooves, all just to put it back together." Madam smiled at Rarity softly. "It's the purest form of love to act without thought, purely out of selflessness. When you see your dragon again, my dear, he will understand how you feel, even if you have no words to explain it to him."

Rarity teared up a bit at this. "But how can I tell him how I feel? How can I know he won't run from me again? After what I've done, I certainly deserve it."

Madam grunted angrily. "Unless you let him go, what's it matter? He can run, and run, and run some more. As long as you chase him, he'll come to understand your sincerity. Perhaps you didn't love him once, but you do now, don't you?"

"I always did," Rarity said quietly, knowing it was true deep down, without knowing how or why. "I was just too afraid of him to show it. But not this time!" She stamped a hoof roughly on the booth next to her. "I mean, he is still a dragon, and I am still nervous. But I know what I need to say, even if I don't know how to word it, and if it takes me weeks of following him I'll make him listen."

"That's the spirit," Madam chuckled gently. "Few things in life are as tenacious as a mare in love. Now then deary, I think you've got your head in the right place. As for me, I think it's time this old coot finally took that nap. Try and keep it down this time?" she asked with a wry smile.

Rarity hopped off her seat in the booth, smiling and feeling renewed. "I think I can manage that. Thank you so much, Madam. You've really helped to clear my head and get me thinking about what's really important." She dipped her head in respect and gratitude.

"Don't mention it, honey. Now go on, shoo!" she said, laughing to show she meant it good-naturedly.

Rarity laughed and left the booth, leaving the old mare to her rest. What a wonderful and unexpected heart-lift she had been. Rarity no longer felt the need to pace the train, but instead took a booth of her own. She could sit and plan her words now, she knew; the nervousness and uncertainty no longer loomed over her. But one thing still did.

"Twenty four hours is a long time."

Spike had only left the study on a few occasions all afternoon, mostly just for food purposes or a change of scenery. Even if he had seen anypony, he highly doubted he would have spoken with them. Not that he was in a bad mood, but rather that his head was too full of ideas. All day he had reflected on his thoughts of Celestia, and he didn't want to be distracted from that. The longer he thought on it, the more important his meditation became.

He had been hung up a while on thoughts of her beauty. What did that mean to him? Spike was not a shallow dragon, wasn't overly impressed with a mare's physical appearance unless she had first impressed him with her personality and spirit. But he adored both these things about Celestia; her body was a reflection of her innermost self. Without that, Spike knew, her perfect smile, gorgeous eyes, and slender flank would mean little to him. Indeed, until recently it had never registered to him that she was pretty.

Like it had never registered to Rarity that he was frightening, he knew. Those two situations were complete reversals, he realized. She had reserved judgment of his looks until she had considered his love. For her, his looks were completely separate from his personality. But as for Celestia, he received his due judgment. She had thought him handsome, also a reflection of his spirit.

"She and I are so alike," he said to himself, scratching gently at the stone of the balcony. He had moved his thoughts outside, to a place where the ambient sounds of nature could surround him. He felt that somehow the chime of birds and the rustle of the trees was more valuable than silence. When it was quiet his thoughts felt like shouts in his head, and would echo for minutes on end. But here they were directed and interrupted gently, allowing him to press forward.

"Luna was right. Things between Rarity and I can always be revisited. There's no guarantee things between Celestia and I would work. Things between Rarity and I already haven't. I shouldn't try with her again unless I can't find some new way to be happy; I've been pushing that issue for years. It's time I let it set for a while," Spike said quietly, tapping a claw on his chin in thought. It made sense, or at least enough. Rarity had turned him down enough times, why shouldn't he see someone new? He knew it might not work, but Luna had prompted him to follow his heart, and it was screaming for this chance to flee from grief and Rarity's denial.

"I'll do it then. I'll tell Celestia how I feel." He rose from his position lying on the stone and stretched his neck and back. He should have been terrified of asking her, he knew. He couldn't deny a slight weakness threatening to take over his knees, or the quick flutter in his heart as he made up his mind. Yet he couldn't tell if it was eagerness or nervousness, not really. Still, he felt good to have finally made up his mind. What could it hurt to ask her?

He would have his chance sooner than he would have liked, he found. Celestia came on swift wing, circling around the castle to land on the very balcony he was standing on. Spike unintentionally stumbled, not expecting to see her so quickly. Had his thoughts accidentally summoned her? He shook that nonsense away and regained his composure. It was roughly five o' clock now, he realized, so maybe she was just coming to get him for dinner.

For having made up his mind, he sure felt like beating around the bush about it.

She landed, graceful as always, and trotted over to stand a polite and comfortable distance away. "Good afternoon Spike. I'm sorry all of that took so long," she sighed, twisting her neck side to side as if to get some pain out of it.

"Looks like it wasn't much fun," he pointed out with a slight chuckle, glad to feel the laughter take some of his nerves with it.

"It never is. Some ponies never learn. I told them weeks ago I wouldn't be attending the pegasus race at the end of the month, yet every puffed-collar and brown-nose wants me sitting in their booth anyways," she said, stomping a hoof in exasperation. "It gets old very fast."

Spike just smiled and moved aside a step, waving her closer to the study. "Sounds rough. You should take a load off and just relax before dinner," he said, heading that way himself. He fully intended to tell her what he had been thinking about all day, but he certainly wasn't going to do it out here.

She followed him in, plopping down very unladylike on the couch, just letting gravity have its fun. She grumbled into the cushions and just sat there a few seconds before resurfacing.

Spike curled up on the floor, laughing warmly at her antics. "Feeling better?" He teased.

"Much," she sighed comfortably, wriggling better into the pillows. "How was your day? I'm sorry I wasn't able to be a better hostess, but it wasn't really up to me."

Spike waved her concerns away. "Today was boring mostly, but last night more than makes up for it. Besides, it's been a while since I had a boring day in all this mess." He hadn't meant to bring it up that way, but he figured it was worth spring-boarding off of at this point. He opened his mouth to say something, but Celestia interrupted him instead.

"Speaking of that, Spike... There is something I need to tell you," she said, her tone suddenly serious. Spike realized she wouldn't look him in the eye now, and he was concerned. Was Celestia going to beat him to it, let him know she had feelings for him? If so, Spike was all for that. It sure would make his life easier.

"What is it? You can tell me anything, Celestia," he said warmly, trying to encourage what he thought was a nervous admission.

It was not what he received. "You recall our talk about how I am immortal." She paused, as if not sure she could continue.

"Of course I do. It's terrible what you've had to go through. I couldn't imagine having to live that way," Spike said sadly, his voice all well-meant pity and sympathy.

Celestia winced badly, as if he had said the one thing she could not have stood to hear. "Spike, I have to confess something to you. I did not have the heart to tell you last night when we cried together. You were already in so much pain. But you are a dragon... and dragons, like alicorns, age forever." She finished sadly.

Spike's jaw dropped open, small coughing sounds coming out instead of words. "W-what?" he asked quietly, his face all disbelief.

"Spike, I'm sorry..." Celestia began, but he wasn't listening.

Spike's mind was full of that horror. He would live forever, unless something took his life. He would someday have to endure as his friends grew old and died around him. Everypony would eventually fade, leaving him alone. Twilight.

Rarity.

"Why haven't you told me sooner?" he asked, trying hard to keep the pain from his heart. "Why not when I was younger?"

"I couldn't have, Spike. You saw my pain with your own eyes. How could I bring that upon a baby dragon? But you're older now, and you would have found out someday, the dark and painful way that Luna and I did. Please, please don't be angry with me," she basically pleaded. To her, revealing this knowledge was the same as injuring Spike, and it had been intentional.

Spike sat back down, having stood up in his shock. He hit the floor hard, shaking the room slightly. He didn't know what to say, how to react. He felt numb and stupid. All thoughts from earlier were replaced with fear and despair. "Everypony..." he muttered sadly. "Twilight, my friends... Rarity," he said, choking on her name.

He was jarred from his approaching sadness by a gentle hoof on his arm. Celestia was all but climbing into the fold in his crossed arms, just below his great head. She hugged him hard, nuzzling him gently to calm him. "I know it's hard to believe Spike, and terribly unfair... But you have to understand, it makes your time with them all the more valuable. Each second you spend with a mortal is a treasure that never fades, even when they have. You'll remember them and all the happiness you shared for all your life," she said calmly, sharing his sadness as only she could in this regard. It was like she was a waiting vessel, ready to catch the overflow of emotions coming from Spike. Between them, the sea of turmoil could be divided, overcome.

"I don't want to think of seeing them go, Tia," he said, shortening her name unconsciously, as he had often heard Luna do when he was younger. "I don't want to think of them dying, of leaving me alone."

"You must never think of them like that. They're not gone yet, and even if they will be some day, you need to love every minute of the present." She wiped an idle tear from his scaly face, smiling encouragingly to him. "To quote a perfect friend I have... You will always have me."

Spike couldn't help but smile as she quoted him. It was ironic now that he had said that, not knowing at the time that 'always' in his case truly would be. Feeling his spirits lifting at that, he allowed his mind to force out the bad, try to embrace the good. "Focus on the present..," he said under his breath, so quietly that not even Celestia heard him.

All it served to do was remind him why he had wanted to talk to her initially. It made even more sense now. Why shouldn't he learn to love Celestia, give them a chance? They would have all of eternity together if this was the case. He would eventually have to watch Rarity fade in his arms, and the thought chilled him to the soul. No matter how much he loved her, he wondered if he could bear that. Or if she could when she discovered he would never join her in the afterlife, if such a thing existed.

He felt his resolve to do this thing returning. He could handle his fears of sorrow some other time, but sitting directly in front of him was a chance at love all over again. Focus on the present.

He became suddenly aware that she was wrapped in his arms now. She had put herself there, and yet Spike felt as if somehow it had been his doing. For what he needed to say, he wasn't sure if he could do so touching her. It was strange enough already without 'holding her prisoner', so to speak, while he told her his feelings for her.

He set her down gently, smiling to show her that he didn't want to so much as he needed to. Her returning smile showed no offense, and so he opened his mouth. Nothing came out, of course, and he just sat there breathing, trying to think of what to say. She looked at him curiously, but did not prod him, clearly seeing that it was worth the struggle, whatever it was.

Spike stopped his 'speech' suddenly, a new thought coming over him. He could not bear to be feared again. What if he told her all the feelings of his heart, only to terrify her? He refused to let himself fall prey to such a miserable fate again. He would not offer anything about his feelings until he knew for sure. He had to know.

"Celestia... do I frighten you?" he asked quietly, nervously.

She looked at him in shock, not at all what she had expected. "Of course not, Spike. Why would you? Where did this question even come from?" she asked, laughing slightly to try and lighten the sudden mood.

It had little of its intended effect. "Because... Rarity is terrified of me," he said at last. He had never said it out loud to anypony since that night, only to himself. Yet here it was; if anypony deserved to know it was Celestia, the wisest and most caring friend he had.

Celestia looked at him, dumbfounded. "Rarity is afraid of you?" Spike had no words for it, only nodded. Her face became a very sudden mix of anger with Rarity, and concern for Spike. "Why?"

Spike sighed. "Don't hold it against her... I certainly can't. I'm a dragon, Tia. Dangerous, fire breathing. I have claws and fangs, not hooves and teeth. The thought of my body near hers made her frightened, as if she feared I would hurt her somehow," he said, as if it all made sense and he was fine with it. He wasn't.

Spike felt a sudden tug on his arm. Looking down, he saw one of his claws engulfed in a golden, magical aura; the same aura lining Celestia's horn. She dragged him closer, her magic spreading his claw out, poising it like it was ready to strike her.

Spike was suddenly horrified. Her face was a stone-cold, determined, and angry mask. She meant to try and make him hit her! Spike struggled hard at this realization. "Celestia, what are you doing?" he pleaded as much as asked. But her magic was too powerful, and he moved closer to her still, unable to halt his own advance.

"Proving to you that you could never, would never, hurt anypony," Celestia growled.

She knew. She knew that Spike had his doubts about his form. He was as afraid of being a dragon as Rarity was of him being one. He was terribly afraid that someday he would hurt one of his friends, or his lover. Rarity's fear had convinced him that he was harmful, dangerous; a time bomb waiting to blow. And Celestia meant to prove him wrong by what? Proving him right?

"No! Stop this!" He thrashed, his tail overturning the couch. He had reached her now, his claw poised mere feet above her head, ready to come down on her.

She looked at him hard, no fear in her eyes. "No, you stop it. You can either prove that she's right to be afraid of you, or prove her wrong." Without another word, she used her magic to swing his claw at her face.

"No!" Spike roared. Unable to stop his claw by force of his arm alone, he shot his long neck out, biting hard onto his wrist and tearing it away from her face. It pained him greatly as his fangs clamped hard onto his own wrist, but it was working. His mighty neck, combined with the power in his arm, pulled his claw away from her face. Sweat ran down her neck as she tried to keep up the magical battle, but eventually she slumped and the aura faded.

Spike stumbled backwards, letting his wrist free from his mouth. "Are you insane?" he groaned. "I could have killed you!"

She was breathing hard from magical exertion, but smiling all the same. "No you could not have. Don't you see, Spike? Look at your arm. You would sooner hurt yourself than hurt anypony in all the world. How could you let the fears of one mare convince you that you are harmful?" she asked.

Spike's eyes went wide as the thought hit home. She was right. He had fought her magic with all his strength, succeeding in saving her in the end no matter the cost to himself. If he had had to, he had no doubt in his mind that he would have bitten his own claw off. He too slumped to the floor, breathing hard from his strain. "But why?" he asked again, completely clueless.

"If anypony can show you they are not afraid of you, why should you fear yourself?" she asked, smiling warmly at him again, like she had used to.

Spike sighed, shaking his head. "You're crazy, I hope you know that," he said, waving his sore wrist around to clear the stinging. The tension in the air finally snapped in the classic way. Both shaking from exhaustion and nerves, unable to find any more words, they just laughed. Uncontrollably, loudly, the laugh of those who have just had their lives threatened, and changed as a result.

"I suppose I am," Celestia said, wiping the tears of hard laughter from her eyes. She used her magic to right the couch again.

Spike got up and cut her off before she could go back to her cushiony perch. She had been brave enough to say what she had to, even at the risk of her own life. Now it was his turn, at the risk of his heart a second time. The look in his eyes was all determination and importance, and Celestia seemed slightly shocked by this.

"What is it?" she asked, sitting down on the floor in front of him, nervously awaiting his words.

"I need to tell you... Since I've come here, been spending time with you, I have seen you. The real you, not the prim and proper princess everypony else has to see." He smiled at her warmly, his eyes bittersweet, as if he expected to be denied his oncoming request. "I have learned how tired you are of being alone. I have seen your humor, your kindness, your selflessness, and your warmth. Celestia, I know it is strange, and I don't know what you will say, but I have to ask..." He looked at her hard, his eyes full of pleading and longing. "Will you be my mare?"

It was the classic line young colts used to court fillies. It was a symbol of a real relationship, not just some fling. It was a decision a stallion and a mare only made if they felt that there was potential between them, a sort of love that was not always fully grown, but ready to expand at any moment.

Celestia had not been asked that question for centuries. Her eyes teared up, partly from memories and partly from happy shock. "Oh Spike... Of course I will," she said quietly, standing and walking over to him. She hugged him again, crawling back into his arms. She had been thinking similar thoughts all since last night, that maybe Spike could be the male for her. That he was immortal didn't impact it much. But she was in love with his fanged smile, his beautiful words and sheepish, young ways. He reminded her so much of herself when she was younger; lost, needing love, and with only good intentions in his heart. It was all she would have asked for in a stallion... Why not in a dragon?

She nuzzled him warmly, happier than she had been in years. Her heart was flooded with the feeling of being loved by someone she had feelings for. Spike nuzzled her back, his own chest similarly alight. They weren't each other's first loves, but neither of them cared. Love might even have been a strong word for what they now shared, but the potential for it was obvious. So obvious that they could not help but want to pursue it.

"Spike..." She whispered gently, pressed against his massive chest.

"Yes, Tia?" he asked, giving her a gentle squeeze to encourage her thoughts.

"Thank you... It's been so long since anypony... or any dragon, saw me for what I was. I showed myself to you hoping you would take this road. I am very glad you did," she said sheepishly.

In his arms she felt small, her tone slight and nervous. She was like a nervous young mare in his embrace, regardless of her years. She was his mare now, his princess. "I'm glad it was a road open to me. Thank you, Tia," he said, holding her a little tighter.

They stayed that way a while, the Princess of the world and her immortal dragon, lost in each other's touch. But even love was not immune to hunger, and Spike's stomach eventually growled. Celestia laughed, and he scratched his head in embarrassment. Smiling, Tia extracted herself politely from his hug, and they both stood from the floor.

"I suppose that means it's dinner time?" Spike asked hopefully, rubbing his belly.

Celestia just smiled at him, and made her way to the study door. "Yes, I suppose it does. Come on, let's see if we can't find a few more bottles of wine for the evening." She tossed the door open with magic, and out the new couple went, on their way in search of a meal and another wonderful evening.

All the way down the hall, their laughs echoed back to the quiet study.

V: Fears Old and New

The gentle rocking of the train car was interrupted by an abrupt bump as the wheels struck some iron imperfection in the tracks. Rarity jolted awake, looking around and breathing hard. She had fallen asleep thinking of Spike, and it hadn't quite had the desired effect; her dream had been good at first, but it had degenerated into a nightmare, as dreams often do when ponies are stressed.

It had started well enough, the classic way dreams of love do for females. At the altar, dressed in her finest, kissing her love. Then on to scenes of home and children, sending Spike off to work, whatever his job might be at the time. She had chuckled in her dream, thinking that the reporter's hat had been too cliché. It had been so warm, so wonderful.

But Spike had not been a dragon. He had been a stallion, purple but with a green mane. She knew it made no sense, but the entire dream had been from a third-party view. From what she had been able to see, she doubted anypony had ever seen her that happy in her entire life. She doubted she ever had been.

But later in the dream, the unthinkable had happened. Spike, the real Spike, had shown up. Heartbroken and jealous, he killed the pony version of himself. He had accused her of loving an impostor, a fake. Even as she had watched, the body of the stallion-Spike she had so loved turned to ash, like burnt paper. He had been a figment of her imagination. Her happy life had been a facade, because she had pursued a false dream.

She shook herself slightly, to try and regain her composure. Her slight motion made her feel cold as the air wafted past the sweat beading on her neck. She shuddered yet again, and rose to make her way to the restroom. She needed to tidy up, she told herself. She felt... dirty. And it wasn't just the sweat.

The dream filled her thoughts, and she felt ashamed. It wasn't common for the subconscious to be a liar, but usually it was hard to understand the messages in dreams. Unfortunately, this one had been so straightforward. Too accurate. She did love Spike, could be happy with him, but she wanted him a way he simply wasn't. Her fears of him still danced about the inside of her skull. How could she be chasing after him, knowing that he would never be that magnificent stallion?

The Spike she loved was an impostor.

She looked at herself in the mirror, still beautiful, but clearly a mess. "What am I doing?" She muttered to herself, shaking her head. "I do love him... don't I?" she asked, her tone pleading for an answer from her reflection. Messy Rarity didn't answer, just looked at her with pity. Self-pity. Rarity didn't like that at all. She knew she loved Spike, but not the way he was. How was she still not over that? She wrenched her brain to come up with a reason besides fear, but she couldn't find one.

"Pull yourself together, dear," she sighed, feeling the shakes coming back on. She smacked the sides of her face lightly, just to bring herself back to reality. "It doesn't change anything. The only way to face this fear is to face him. To let him know how you feel, even though he is a dragon... Even though you wish he wasn't," she grumbled to her reflection. That last part was the issue. It wasn't convincing at all, even to her.

"Hurry up in there!" came a familiar voice from outside. It was Madam, clearly awake from her own nap.

Rarity threw open the restroom door and made her way outside, bobbing her head in apology. "So sorry, Madam. I guess I lost track of how long I was in there," she said, not really looking the old mare in the eye.

Madam didn't sprint right into the bathroom like Rarity had been hoping for, but just eyed her curiously. "I warned you that worrying would only wreck your mane again. Rough dreams?" she asked, her tone slightly accusing. Rarity sighed and opened her mouth to respond, but Madam shook her head and took a step closer to the restroom. "It'll have to wait a moment..," she said, her voice slightly strained as she finally made a break for the toilet.

Rarity allowed herself a nervous chuckle as she plopped down in a booth and waited. After telling Madam how she felt about Spike's personality, she expected a very solid reprimand from the old coot for being shallow. She'd already told the old mare that she was afraid of Spike, but this time it was different.

Madam came back out of the restroom and immediately plopped down across from Rarity. "Ah, much better. Alright deary, what happened? Tell Madam all about it."

Rarity didn't figure she had much choice in the issue. "I had a dream about him. We were happy together, the happiest I've ever been. But in the dream he wasn't a dragon. Then it got strange, and his dragon self showed up and killed the other pony version of him. Accused me of loving an impostor," she muttered quietly.

Madam eyed her curiously. "Sounds like your heart and your head still don't agree, Rarity. But the dragon in your dream is right. That other version of him you loved is just what you want to see, I think. But it's not him, dear. Can you really not handle that?" she asked grumpily.

Rarity shook her head. "I don't know. Like I said, I'm still afraid of him. And I don't think that can go away until I say what I have to say. But I don't know if I really want him that way, even if I do love him," she said, and braced for the incoming reaction.

Madam sighed in disappointment. "You're young, so it's to be expected. Honey, why are you chasing this dragon if you can't love him the way he is? It's one thing to love his personality, but that's not going to cut it. You need to get over this pony fixation you have."

Rarity looked at her sadly, but confusion was beginning to leak into her eyes. "What do you mean 'fixation'? It's only natural I should go after somepony who's... a pony," she finished lamely.

"Wrong. It's only natural you should go after whoever you love. It doesn't sound to me like you're after this dragon because you love him the way you should. It sounds to me like you just want to tell him you do," Madam said quietly. "You're being very selfish, my dear."

Rarity balked at that. "Selfish? Nonsense, I'm doing the right thing."

"For yourself. If you tell him you love him, but you can't because he's a dragon, how is that going to un-break his heart? That's what you're after isn't it? You just want him back in your life, one way or the other. You're only after what you can get out of this," Madam said, as if the thought made her sick.

Rarity didn't want to believe it, but it was too true. It was in her own head, her dreams, as much as it was in Madam's words. She felt her chest clenching in embarrassment, words of denial forming in her throat.

"It's okay, dear. Now it's not alright to feel that way, mind you, but you needed to hear it to correct it. If you can't love him the way he is, you'll only hurt him more if you try," Madam said quietly, comfortingly.

"But I can!" Rarity whined. "I can if I have to," she clamped a hoof over her mouth when she realized what she had said.

"Of course you have to!" Madam said with a huff. "How else could you love him? Buck up girl, and realize that what you want is right there. Sure it's a different style, but it's the love of your life," she said, pounding a hoof on the seat.

A different style. Those words rang too true in Rarity's mind. She should have known better, realized that all she wanted was to make Spike happy for her sake. Should have realized that a dragon was still alive, still able to love. Should have so many other things. But she hadn't. This love was the same as making a dress. Sometimes, for a design to really work, something just needed to be changed. Tweaked.

That something was her. The only thing not beautiful between her and Spike was... her. That struck her heart hard, but it also beat a little faster. This was it! What she had needed, what had been holding her back. She had known it all along, hated it, refused to say it. Somepony else had to.

It was her fault that things between her and Spike didn't work. And never would have, until now.

"You're... you're right. I'm the one who's holding me back. I wanted him to be in love with me at first, not the other way round. But it can't work one-way, can it?" she asked rhetorically.

Madam shook her head, still looking miffed about the whole thing.

Rarity sighed. "Alright then. I won't do it for me. Or at least I'll try not to," she said, raising a hoof in solemn promise.

Madam smiled. "That's all anypony can really ask for, dear. If you can't fix this, nopony can. Now then, the station should be coming up in a few hours, and you can't fix heartbreak on an empty stomach. Let's see where the meal car is," Madam said, completely dismissing the topic after that point.

Rarity agreed, following her happily. It was a good place to end it; there was nothing left to be said. She still felt miserable about it all, and knew she should. If she didn't she'd never fix it. But it was in her hooves now, and out of Madam's wise domain of experience. For now, Rarity intended to focus on getting her nerves built up for the task ahead.

Now she had two things to tell Spike that she didn't know how to say.

Celestia smiled as she looked at Spike curled on the study floor, sound asleep. They'd come back here again after dinner to bask in the glow of their new 'love'. She knew it wasn't love yet. But she could feel her heart beating like a drum looking at him, and knew that it would only take so long for real love to blossom there. But now she felt almost embarrassed. Old as she was, even she wasn't immune to the heartsickness of a young filly.

Even merely looking at him was exhilarating. He was sleek, grand, and powerful. She allowed her eyes to focus on the curves of his muscles. They were hard to make out under the pattern of his scales, but the way he was curled some of them were strained or stretched enough to be visible. Even for a young dragon he was truly strong. She liked that feeling, that he was strong in a way she wasn't. Stronger even than her magic, if he had to be. She had seen that first-hoof.

She never would have admitted it to anypony, not even her sister, but the feeling that Spike might be able to protect her was a warm one. She knew she didn't need it, that threats to the kingdom were all but ended since Discord had fallen. She knew that she was strong enough to look out for herself. Even so, she loved the idea that she didn't have to with Spike around.

It was a key factor in any relationship, she felt. To be able to depend on one another. And there weren't many out there that Tia could depend on like she could Spike. She smiled to herself as the big dragon mumbled something in his sleep, scratching behind his ear with a front claw, but never waking up. He wouldn't have a hangover today, she knew. They'd kept the drink to a minimum last night, neither wanting to dull the excitement of the evening with inebriation.

Still, it was getting on towards noon, and Fridays tended to be busy for her. She had plans to take Spike along with her on her duties for the day. They had discussed it before they'd gone their separate ways for bed, and Spike had been more than willing to accompany her. He had only asked that she try to open up a little. She grew a little sad, reflecting on that conversation.

He had told her that he didn't like the mask she wore around everypony else. He felt she was hiding from them, something Spike felt was unfair. She was so much more beautiful and happy the way he was allowed to see her. Why shouldn't everypony else get that gift?

She understood his feelings, to be sure. She didn't like pretending anymore than he liked watching it. But it was necessary. She ran the nation, and professionalism was demanded. After ages of keeping up the act, trying to project power and majesty, it came second nature to her. Even though she didn't like it, she doubted she could stop it. Spike had insisted it might be easier to be herself if she brought him with her. She certainly seemed open enough to him.

She let the less pleasant thoughts fade, and silently pondered what might be a fun way to wake her sleeping dragon. Smiling mischievously, and checking down the hallway behind her to ensure nopony was watching, she trotted close to him quietly. Tongue stuck out in mock concentration, she used her magic to pick up the tip of Spike's long tail. Gently tugging it, so as not to spoil her fun, she brought the tip of it right over Spike's nose. Giggling to herself, she let her magic fade, dropping his tail firmly, but not painfully, onto his nose.

Spike shot awake at the impact, swinging his head this way and that to find the culprit. His nose came end-to-end with Celestia's as he looked about. Still tired and confused, it didn't register what he was looking at until she spoke.

"Good morning, Spike," she chuckled, rubbing her nose gently on the end of his.

It finally clicked that the white blob at the end of his cross-eyed field of vision was Tia, and he smiled, rubbing noses back. "Good morning. In the future though, would you mind just giving me a little shake to wake me?"

"A little shake?" she asked, backing off a step so he could see her better. "Where's the fun in that? Besides, you weigh quite a bit. I'm not sure I could shake you," she teased.

"Oh, I get it. Spike's fat now, huh?" he asked with a huff, puffing smoke for effect.

Celestia scowled. "You know that's not what I meant. And don't puff smoke in the castle," she scolded.

Spike just smiled, and the two shared a laugh over their pointless antics. "Alright, so what's the plan for the day?" Spike asked, stretching his neck and back, his usual morning ritual.

"Well, there's a grand opening for a new bakery on the south side of town I'm expected to attend in about half an hour. That's probably how you and I will get our breakfast," she said with a small smile. "Then I need to stop in and see how the construction is going for the latest addition to the Royal Library. They've been at it for a couple days now, but it's quite the expansion; a new tower is going in to house some of Twilight's more important findings on magic."

Spike coughed in surprise as his breath caught in his throat. "You're giving Twilight a wing of the library?" he asked incredulously.

Celestia just nodded. "Of course. You're the one sending me all her letters, you can't tell me you never realized how many spells she's published. Besides, her reports on friendship aren't just for me. Quite a few ponies can learn from her adventures. Suffice it to say I was out of room to store it all," she chuckled.

Spike just rubbed his neck, still not quite sure how to take that. "Have you told her yet? She'll want to rush straight over to see it, I hope you know," he said, as if telling her might have a negative effect.

Celestia eyed Spike with mischief in her eyes. "Well, it's certainly not the only thing I haven't told her yet," she said, a clever smile making its way onto her face.

It took him a few seconds, but then Spike turned red under his scales. He hadn't even thought of what Twilight's reaction would be to his courtship with Tia. "Oh crap..." he muttered, rubbing a claw over his eyes in frustration. "I really dropped the ball on that one. Twilight's going to kill me." His last words came out as a groan, and he slumped back to the floor.

"Why would she?" Celestia asked, confused. "It's not like you're dating a terrible pony or anything," she said, her tone filling with mock vanity to try and lighten the sudden mood.

"No, nothing like that," he assured her, laughing a little at her false self-centeredness. It wasn't like her at all, and he couldn't help but find it amusing. "Just that I didn't tell her. She'll freak out when she realizes we've been together a few days before anypony let her know."

"A few days?" Celestia asked, puzzled. "It's only been one."

Spike now smiled mischievously. "The last thing I need on a day like today is a reprimand from Twilight. Trust me, if I have my way, she won't find out for a week."

They both shared a laugh at this. "I can see where you're coming from. Alright then, we'll just let her know later. Anyways, let's get going. I don't know about you, but I'm certainly hungry, and it wouldn't do to be late for the ceremony at the bakery." She took a few short steps towards the balcony, looking over her shoulder and smiling at him, quietly urging him to follow.

Spike grunted as he peeled himself back off the floor, then made his way after her. Together they launched off the balcony, soaring high and to the south. Spike had to make a conscious effort to pace her as they flew. Her wings were so much smaller than his, they could hardly move as much air. As a result, her natural pace was much slower than his own. He had no doubt she was likely more agile, or had a higher top speed, but in casual flight Spike would have to dial it down a bit.

Below them the city sparkled like a sea of gems. Ponies smiled up at them and waved; mostly to the princess, Spike knew. Even so, he was a part of that attention, and so he would return waving hooves where he saw them. It wasn't a long flight, but it was a magnificent one, the colors and the company all welcome so early in his day.

They alighted at the bakery with almost no trouble at all. Almost, because the street was crowded, and there was no landing room for Spike. Celestia had to land first and ask for a space to be cleared. Spike was glad his purple scales hid his embarrassed flush. It wasn't often he felt so conscious of his size, but whenever he did it was because ponies were being inconvenienced by it.

Celestia gave a little speech as the ceremony drew on, about how the store owners had really moved up from their corner stall in the open market downtown. She congratulated them, was more than happy to announce the opening of their new location, and performed various other niceties. Spike was a little disappointed to see the mask on, but he could see it melt slightly whenever he was included in her sight. He made it a point not to stand with her, then, but to stand amongst the crowd, so that her visage would soften, be more real.

It worked, with mixed results. Now and then she would consciously catch herself lightening up, and slap the mask back on with immediacy. But for the most part she was more like herself while she spoke, allowing various tones and gestures to accompany her speech that were usually held in reserve. Spike privately reflected that maybe, just maybe, it was all a show for him. To prove to him that she could be herself in public. Whatever the case, he was glad she was making the effort.

She cut the ribbon on the doorway at last, and ponies filtered inside. Spike was disappointed to find he could not fit inside the building, large as it was. If he had, at least five other ponies would have missed out. When Celestia made her way inside, she looked over her shoulder apologetically at Spike, mouthing the words 'I won't be long'. Spike smiled to himself, bittersweet about it.

This is how it would be with anypony he knew. A lot of waiting outside buildings while his love shopped, took care of daily business, or visited friends. Few structures could accommodate his size, and those that could weren't usually social sites. But he could be patient. He waited street-side, trying his hardest not to let the excitement and laughter filtering out from inside the bakery make him feel left out.

Celestia returned a short while later, the owners in tow, all of them carrying some kind of food item. Spike's heart was warmed slightly with the knowledge that he wasn't being excluded. The owners seemed a little shocked at his appearance, even though he had been in the crowd during the entire ceremony. Spike found that a little curious until the owners spoke up.

"So he's the guy, huh?" the stallion said, his wife looking from him to Spike. His tone was warm and friendly, almost congratulatory. Spike feared he knew what was coming, and it was only confirmed when Celestia spoke up. "Yes, that's him. We haven't been together too long, but he's out with me today to help with my work. I just feel so badly, since he doesn't fit in most pony buildings. Spike, this is Mr. and Mrs. Crumble. They're the owners, and they just wanted to try and accommodate you, even if their building can't," she said with a small smile.

Spike stammered, trying to regain his bearings. She was already telling ponies that they were together? What in the name of all things pony was that about? "O-oh, thank you very much. It's a pleasure to meet you both. I think I remember buying from you the last time I was in the city, but that would have been a couple years ago," he said sheepishly, as if he really should have come back sooner. He let the flow of the conversation distract him from his other thoughts.

"We thought you looked familiar. Not too many dragons get a free pass to Canterlot, eh?" Mr. Crumble said with a wink. "Anyways, you weren't so big back then. Why, if we'd known, we'd have built a bigger door," his wife added.

Spike just laughed and waved that comment away. "It's no trouble at all. The air's nice out here anyways. In fact, if your business does as well as it is today, you might consider building an outdoor deck or something," he recommended, his tone full of uncertainty that his idea might not be the best one. He knew a lot of locations in the city were pressed for space, so that might not be a viable option.

The Crumbles looked at each other and back to Spike. "That's a great idea! It would encourage business too, since most ponies get their goods to go. But if they can eat outside, they might be more likely to stay a while and order extra for the trip home when they're done." Mr. Crumble eyed him critically for a moment, then turned back to the princess. "I see why you like him. He's pretty clever, if you don't mind my saying so."

Celestia just laughed and stepped a little closer to Spike, leaning into him. "I think so too. Anyways, he and I have some construction to oversee at the library. I don't want to seem like we ate and ran, but duty calls," she said with a sigh, forcing a smile to let everypony know just how she felt about that.

The Crumbles laughed, the wife waving a hoof. "Don't worry, highness. We've got plenty of other customers, and you're a busy pony. We'll see you soon enough I'm sure. Let us know if you ever need anything for a feast or a party, alright?"

"I certainly will. Thank you both so much." With bows on both sides, the two parties split up. Celestia looked up at Spike to ask if he was ready to leave, but the look on his face concerned her. "Is something wrong?" she asked quietly.

Spike's face was caught somewhere between surprise and worry. When she spoke he seemed to snap back to the present, but clearly his mind had been somewhere else. "I-it's nothing major," he coughed, clearly a half-truth.

Celestia scowled. "Spike, you don't have to hide things from me," she insisted.

Spike spread his wings, sighing. "Let's just talk while we fly. It's more between you and me anyways," he said, looking around at all the ponies nearby.

Celestia nodded slowly, not sure where this was going, but willing to let him have his way. They took off again, heading back in the direction of the castle, but at a slower pace. "So what's on your mind?" she asked kindly.

"Just that... Are you sure you should be telling ponies that we're together?" he asked lamely, knowing it sounded wrong.

"Why not? Are you embarrassed to be with me?" she asked, and though the question was rather direct, her tone sounded as if she highly doubted that.

"No, it's not that at all, trust me," he said, shaking his head for effect. "It's just that it seems too soon. Is that strange? Besides that, I don't want ponies getting the wrong idea about you. I'm a dragon, and it might not be good for your public image," he said, looking straight ahead and not at her.

She zipped in front of him suddenly, scowling at him. "Spike, if I thought it would have an effect on my public image, I'd keep it a secret for a while too. But it doesn't; you saw how the Crumbles reacted. They're happy to see me with somepony, even if he's not a pony. I don't care that you're a dragon, and neither will anypony else. Sure it's a little strange, but then aren't we all?"

Spike sighed and nodded, smiling slightly. "I guess you're right. Still, I don't want to cause you any trouble."

"If you do, you'll be the first to know about it," she said with a laugh. With that settled, the two of them sped off again towards the library.

Spike still had some lingering concerns, but they could wait until Celestia was done for the day. They landed outside the library, underneath the tower in construction. Like the rest of the building it was made of resplendent white marble. The blocks used to build it were several hundred pounds apiece, usually taking three unicorns to hoist and position them. Another team of unicorns then fused the blocks in place, so that no seams existed in the structure. Spike silently marveled as he watched the work being done.

The foreman came over and greeted the princess. He greeted Spike too, having heard the dragon was staying at the castle from the guards. He and Celestia shot the breeze a while, mostly discussing the progress so far, expected completion dates, barring bad weather. All things Spike had expected to hear.

Somewhere, a whistle blew signaling break time. The pony teams dispersed for food, or just to rest up a little. Lifting those blocks wasn't easy on a unicorn, Spike knew. Out of curiosity, Spike wandered away from Tia and the foreman, and over to a pile of the stone blocks. Grabbing one by both sides, he hefted it to test its weight. It was definitely heavy, but not beyond his means. He took the block through a series of motions, up and down mostly to ensure that he could sustain the weight even under stress. Pleased, he put the block back down with a dull thud.

Behind him, the foreman whistled. "Well aren't you the strong one?" he said, thoroughly impressed. He smiled suddenly, the light of a challenge coming into his eyes. "Tell you what... Team two!" he hollered. A group of young unicorns formed up almost out of thin air.

"Yes sir?" they asked, all clearly exhausted, but willing to work still.

The foreman smiled. "How many blocks did you hoist this morning?" he asked, a fairly standard question for daily inspection.

"Seven, sir. But those were all the way to the top," they said, sounding proud of their work.

"Good job, fellas. Take an extra hour break," he said, smiling with mischief in his eyes. "This dragon here will take over until your breaks're done."

Spike shook his head in disbelief, and Celestia just giggled. "What? Why me?" he asked grumpily.

The foreman just smiled. "I just want to see what you're capable of. It's not every day you get to see a dragon. These are teams of three lifting these blocks. Now then, they did seven all morning. I want to see if you can do eight in the next hour. That's two every fifteen minutes. If you can do that, you're hooves-down the strongest critter I've ever laid eyes on. Now then, chop-chop," the foreman said, wandering away to oversee other groups.

Spike looked at Celestia as if he expected this was somehow her fault. She just shrugged, looking as surprised as he was. Still far from convinced that this wasn't her doing, he sighed to himself, muttering things better left unsaid under his breath. With a grunt he picked up the first block and took flight. All the way to the top, roughly eighty feet overhead. Not far by his standards, but that was straight up, weighing almost double his normal weight.

The block felt light in his arms, but his wings suffered from the added weight. He had to strain himself a little for the last five feet of the flight up, but all tolled he had the block up and in place in roughly three minutes. Thinking himself well ahead of schedule, he rested a little on his way down. He felt unbelievably light without that block now. He landed and picked up another, bracing himself for the burn in his wing-joints.

He had this one up in short order too, the burn slightly less as his muscles realized that they were just going to have to cope with this effort. The third and fourth blocks came a little more slowly, but after twenty minutes he was halfway to his goal. His fifth and six took almost half as long as the previous block had, and he began to grow worried. After thirty five minutes, he was only one away from calling a draw with the unicorn team. Below him, Celestia called for him to come get the next one, calmly cheering him on. That calm confidence that he could do this did wonders for him; much more than an entire screaming legion of ponies cheering him on.

The seventh block was placed with renewed vigor, but it still took just as long as the sixth had. He was breathing hard and his wings ached badly, but he only had one to go. He'd show that foreman just how strong he was. He basically dove to the ground, know that it would take all of his remaining ten minutes to wrestle that block ninety feet straight up. He hadn't taken it into his calculations that each block he placed would mean he had to haul the next one farther.

He huffed loudly the entire way, thoroughly exhausted. But at last he reached the pinnacle, shoving the block into place. His tired arms and wings barely had the strength to situate it, but at last he did it. And with not a moment to spare he knew. Below, Celestia called out to him, congratulating him warmly. Smiling to himself, tired but victorious, he circled lazily back to the ground. Ponies were grouping up to congratulate him on a job well done, but first was the foreman.

"I knew you could do it, bud. Now then, everypony could learn a lesson in diligence from this dragon here. I know you're not half his size, but he just did in one hour the same amount of work three of you can do in four. I feel like you could all push yourselves a little and really show me who's the best group. Now then, group two, you're back on duty. I want to see ten blocks by the end of the shift." The young unicorns groaned, but didn't complain beyond that.

Many ponies approached Spike, slapping him on the shoulder while he laid down and rested a minute. He was glad for the congratulations, and glad he had shown that the faith placed in him hadn't been wrong. He knew that a ninth block was well beyond his means though, and so he was happy to quit where he was.

Celestia wandered up at last. "See, what did I tell you? Everypony's happy with you around, seems like. No reason not to show them we're together," she said, suddenly, revisiting the topic from before.

Spike didn't have the energy to do much besides nod his agreement. "Alright, you win," he said with a laugh that turned into a cough. His diaphragm wanted nothing to do with that chuckle, and it wasn't shy about letting him know that.

Tia smiled and just sat down next to him, waiting for him to recover. "That really was impressive Spike. Even with all my magic, I couldn't have moved that many that quickly. You're certainly something," she said, smiling warmly at him.

Spike's heart soared at that. He was fascinated how much pleasure he got out of impressing her. But he certainly wouldn't complain. "Alright, I think I'm good. Just... no more flying for a bit," he said, wincing as he opened and closed his wings.

Celestia smiled. "Alright, fair enough. Come on then, let's head back to the castle. Unless somepony comes looking for me, I should be done for the day."

Rising from the ground, Spike followed after her, the two joking with one another and making their way back to the palace in the distance.

Rarity trotted through the streets, glad to finally be off that awful train. She couldn't recall the last time she had been in Canterlot; visits here were sporadic for her. She would come for fashion shows, or to collect orders for clients living in the city, but she never stayed long. If she stayed anywhere, it was usually by personal invitation at the castle.

She was making her way there now, eager to hurry and find Spike. She knew if she dawdled she would get cold hooves about it, so she fought her way through the midday crowd. Even in a rush, she had to admire the beauty of this place. She had always wanted to live here, but proximity to her friends came first, and so she had stayed in Ponyville. Still, many ponies waved to her, knowing who she was.

Aside from being a prominent designer, she was also an Element of Harmony, and few people had forgotten that fact, even years after the six friends' last adventure. She returned all the waving hooves warmly, allowing it to be a small measure of comfort for the rocky road ahead of her. She had a few words figured out that she knew she needed to say to Spike, but for the most part she had resigned herself to winging it.

The city faded around her as she came upon the open area just ahead of the castle walls. Guards manned their usual stations, nobles flitted to and fro. It was for Rarity as it had been for Spike; awe inspiring, yet familiar. Constant. This time it was different for Rarity though. Beautiful as the place was, inside waited a problem she was ill-prepared to confront. Even so, she had long since made up her mind, and so she approached the gates, smiling in her usual way to the guards.

"Rarity? Is that you?" one of the guards asked, smiling ear to ear. "Long time no see. What brings you up here?" he asked.

"About that, dear. I heard Spike was staying as a guest of the princess. I've some things I need to discuss with him," she said with confidence. That confidence wavered when the guard smiled at her strangely.

"Guest. I suppose you could say that. Yeah, they went out on business this morning, but they should both be back now. I think they came through the library gate, but go on in. Just poke around until you find them," he said with a warm smile, tossing open the gate. "As always, enjoy your stay."

"O-of course," Rarity replied, dumbfounded. Why did the guard make it sound like Spike wasn't a guest? That didn't make any sense. Supposing he had simply misspoken, she shook her head and wandered up the lane to the castle. Something didn't feel right to her.

She entered the front doors, wandering the halls here and there. She really had no idea how to navigate the castle, but she needed to find Spike somehow, so she just took paths at random, hoping to either hear him, or run into somepony with directions. She got the latter.

Rounding a corner into the meal hall, Rarity spotted Luna just finishing her lunch. Her confusion doubled when Luna spotted her and turned pale. Trotting up to the table, she cleared her throat. "Hello Luna. It's been too long."

"Y-yes, it has. We-- I haven't been able to get down to Ponyville much, and I never know when you're in town," the dark princess replied, her composure returning slightly. "Example being right now. I had no idea you were coming for a visit. What's the occasion?" she asked, fearing the answer she would receive.

"I'm here to talk to Spike." Rarity said, her tone firm. "There are some personal issues I need to discuss with him."

Luna sighed, shaking her head. "I was afraid of that..," she muttered.

"Pardon, dear?" Rarity asked pleasantly.

"Nothing. Spike's with my sister right now, probably up in the gardens. She likes to relax there when she's done with work. I would take you myself but I have... business to take care of," she said, rushing the lie badly.

Rarity scowled, now knowing something was up. "How do I get there?" she asked, trying to keep her tone mostly pleasant. But something was different here, and she wasn't being told what it was.

"Just take the hall back the way you came, and go up to the third floor when you reach the staircase. If you go left from there, you should be at the gardens," she said, her tone reluctant, as if she badly wanted to give her false directions.

Confused and suspicious, Rarity thanked Luna, and the two ponies went separate ways. She followed the directions to the letter, finally wandering outside into the garden area. Sure enough, somewhere in the maze, she could hear Spike's voice. But she couldn't make out the words. Curious, she went off in search of her draconic friend.

Spike and Celestia had come up to the garden, more at Spike's request than hers. He had a couple things he wanted to say to her; things he just needed validated in general. They sat under the same cherry tree he had first caught her singing under, Tia waiting patiently for him to start.

"Tia, I know this is sudden... but what happens in the future, between us?" he asked quietly, as if he were broaching a topic he knew he shouldn't.

"What do you mean, Spike?" she asked, puzzled by the question. She agreed, it did seem sudden if he was talking about what she thought he was.

"Nothing like marriage, or anything like that," he said, trying to put that assumption to rest. "But just in general, being an alicorn and a dragon together... You're fully grown, aren't you?" he asked, figuring she would be able to see where this was headed.

"Yes, I am. And Spike, I know you're not. You'll grow for a very long time, yet," she said, catching on. The thought hadn't really crossed her mind until now. She didn't like the idea that someday he might be ten, or twenty times her size. Fully grown dragons were rarely seen in Equestria, and so she had very little knowledge of just how large Spike would become.

"Well then... I know I'm jumping way ahead into this relationship, but if I get even bigger than I am already, how would... you know..." He muttered, trailing off.

Celestia blushed, knowing exactly the track his young mind was taking. "Spike, stop," she urged. "I know what you're saying, but that's not something we need to worry about now."

Spike sighed, shaking his head. "You don't understand, Tia. You don't need to worry about it now, but I do. Someday, I'll be too big to be in love with you anymore, won't I?" he asked, his tone all fear at that prospect.

Celestia shook her head, her mane rippling with the motion. "That's not true, Spike," she said, her flat denial rocking Spike back on his heels. "I know someday you'll be enormous, I just never thought of it until now. You understand that right? It didn't matter when we made this decision. And if years from now we're still together, it never should," she said gruffly, as if he were making a mountain out of a mole hill.

Spike groaned in frustration. "I understand that, but it doesn't change the fact that... Well anyways, like I already said." He grumbled, not looking her in the eye now. He didn't want to have this conversation so forwardly with her, especially since their relationship was still young, but it was bothering him. And she had told him he could tell her anything.

Celestia shook her head, knowing that telling him not to mention this wouldn't resolve anything. "Spike, love doesn't have to be a physical thing all the time. Besides, who knows? There might be ways to keep you from growing," she said, trying to deflect the topic.

"Like what? A magical spell?" he asked, suddenly intrigued by this prospect.

"I can't say for certain. I would have to look into it more, but it's possible," she said with a warm smile, glad to see the conversation changing her way. "Regardless, Spike, I could love you anyways, even if you were the size of a mountain."

Spike seemed a little nervous at the idea that he could even possibly get that big. "You're exaggerating right?" he asked, looking fearful.

Celestia just laughed. "About your size, yes. But not about how I feel about you. And there are other ways to physically show your love than... mating," she said, broaching the topic carefully, using her tone in such a way that Spike would know not to latch onto that statement.

"Like what?" he asked, doing his best to follow her voice and keep away from that particular subject. No matter the context, that type of discussion was far too early in their bond.

Celestia stood and came face to face with Spike, smiling warmly at him. "Like this," she said, kissing him gently.

Spike had never shared a kiss with anypony. The closest thing he had received was when he was little, and Twilight had kissed him goodnight on the cheek. His shock quickly melted into pleasure though as he kissed her back. It was strange, just due to the shapes of their noses, yet somehow it worked without being unpleasant. Unexpected as it was, to Spike it felt right. For a brief moment, time had stopped.

But when it resumed, a slight sound behind him promised that everything was about to go terribly, horribly wrong.

She saw it. It made too much sense now. The guards, Luna... They had all been acting strangely, and now she knew why. Rarity gasped as she watched Spike, the dragon she had come all this way to see, kiss Celestia, her friend and a mentor. Her shock was indescribable, but one word echoed in her mind.

Betrayal.

He hadn't waited for her. He hadn't considered she might come for him, to confess she was wrong, to tell him she loved him. He hadn't had any faith in her at all. And she hadn't deserved it, she knew. Yet she had expected it. Expected to come here and find him as she had left him. Sad, broken, waiting for her to come and save him from all the pain she had caused.

But instead he had been saved by another.

Tears welled in her eyes as she looked upon the most probable result of her failures as a friend and a lover. That he would find new love, because she could not love him. It made sense. But she hated it, because now, after everything she had gone through to get here, she was ready to tell Spike she loved him. Yet she couldn't.

Unable to look at the two of them any longer, Rarity turned and prepared to flee. But as she did, Spike turned her way, his eyes full of fear and pain.

"Rarity...?" he asked in disbelief.

Celestia looked around him, seeing her as well. She gasped, as if she knew exactly what was going on and was just as shocked by it as either Spike or Rarity. With her new love for Spike, Rarity wondered if perhaps she truly was.

Spike stepped towards her, but Rarity shook her head, eyes and throat both choked with tears. She ran from him, not out of fear, but out of sorrow. How could he? What had she driven him to? And how could Celestia?

"Rarity, wait!" she heard Spike yell. Even so, he didn't come after her. He was too shocked to see her there, too caught up in his own sudden feelings of guilt.

She ran harder, faster. Into the castle, through hallways, practically tumbling down flights of stairs. She wanted to hide. To escape. Whatever this nightmare was, she would wake from it soon. She was still on the train, she told herself. This wasn't happening.

This couldn't be happening.

VI: Eye of the Storm

Celestia found her gaze bouncing between Spike and the hallway Rarity had departed through. She didn't know what to feel, other than pain for the purple drake. She of all ponies should have expected something like this. The hearts of mares Rarity's age were easily convinced of things. She should have known that eventually, she too would have seen Spike for what he truly was, and come looking for him.

Despite all the things she should have known, she had paid them no mind. She was too concentrated on Spike now, and she had nearly forgotten what had driven him here in the first place, lost in the moment of that kiss. No reminder could have been more daunting than to see Rarity standing there, gawking in disbelief and hurt. Celestia didn't feel guilty, not for her relationship with Spike. But looking at her draconic friend, her heart was filled with sympathy.

Spike stood there, one claw still outstretched towards the hallway Rarity had fled down. His jaw was clenched to hold back another shout, his face shifting between shock and sadness. He had called to her without meaning to, Celestia realized. He had conflicted feelings about seeing her again, that much was obvious. Perhaps it was simply too soon, or her appearance too sudden, but his emerald-green eyes reflected true hurt.

Spike finally dropped his arm, sighing to himself. It was the most control he had been able to display in any of the stressful situations recently. He realized that only a few days ago he would have chased right after her, likely making things much worse. He was proud of his control, yet sick at his own lack of compassion. His heart was a bittersweet mess of pride and shame.

"Spike..." Celestia called quietly, her tone neither commanding or urgent. She simply wanted him to know she was still here, ready if he needed her.

"What do I do, Tia?" he asked, after a pause and another sigh. "Why is she here? More importantly, why now?"

Celestia smiled comfortingly at Spike. "I think you know why she came. Why now... Who can say?" she inquired rhetorically. "As for what you should do, I think you should go after her." She disliked that advice on behalf of her own heart, but ages of diplomacy and peacemaking told her that to let Rarity flee without pursuing her would cause Spike great pain soon. She would only return again, full of female anger. It was easy to put herself in Rarity's hooves, see it from her side.

"Why should I?" Spike asked, suddenly skeptical, his eyes squinting. "I mean... I know you know how I feel about her. But I'm with you now. Besides, I don't know if I can face her." He sounded bitter, almost angry. He could envision the reaction he would receive from Rarity; shock, anger, and more fear.

"Because, whether you are with me or not, she is your friend, and you love her." Celestia's retort was rough, almost angry, her face a mask of mixed concern and frustration. "Why shouldn't you go after her? Spike, she needs you right now."

Spike sighed. "She's still afraid of me. I just know it. How will a twelve-foot-tall dragon calm her down?" He asked, becoming exasperated. Why was she pushing him so hard to do this? She was his mare now, after all. Since when did mares tell their males to go comfort another mare? That got Spike to thinking on a dangerous track.

"Are you angry with me?" he asked cautiously. Was it possible that she was jealous? Spike had called out to Rarity when she had run away. Most mares would find that aggravating at the least.

Celestia scowled. "I'm not jealous, if that's what you're asking. But I will be angry with you if you don't go after her," she said, her tone final.

"Tia, I can't," Spike grumbled, as if she should understand this by now. "What could I possibly say? She'll only hate me more."

Celestia sighed in frustration. Stubborn youth, she thought. "Fine, have it your way. I'll go after her myself. She needs a friend right now, Spike, even if she doesn't think of you or I as friends this minute. If you won't be that friend, then I suppose I will have to." She stepped past him, her face all disappointment.

Spike winced, not knowing how to retaliate. He realized he couldn't, that there was no defense against his own stinging cowardice. He muttered something, not sure if any real words even formed. Regardless, Celestia kept right on walking, intent on finding Rarity and setting this all straight as best she could. Spike quietly watched her go, filled with shame.

Whatever angry thoughts filled his mare's head right now, he had earned them.

Celestia wandered the dimly lit halls, using her magic to feel out for the presence of the white unicorn. She finally found her a few hallways over, and down one floor. When she arrived, she found Rarity curled pitifully under a staircase, huddled in the dark alcove provided there. She knew that of all the ponies Rarity was expecting to see right now, it certainly wasn't her, and so Tia braced for a poor reception.

"Rarity... Rarity, come out please," Celestia called, not wanting to invade her hiding place. It would be a good first step to get Rarity to face her out here.

Rarity jumped, not knowing the Princess had followed her. She hadn't really expected to be followed by anypony; hadn't wanted to be followed at all. "Go away!" She whined, her voice thick with tears, her words choked.

"Rarity, please..." Tia coaxed, careful not to let any emotions into her tone that could be misconstrued. The last thing she needed was for Rarity to feel pitied. That kind of emotion, coming from Tia, her rival in love now, would only set her off.

"What do you want?" Rarity asked, her sadness turning to anger as she latched onto similar thoughts. Her rival had coming looking for her, not the dragon she loved. If she had expected anypony, she would have been hoping for Spike.

"Just to talk. Please don't hide from me," the princess said softly, almost pleading.

The dark alcove Rarity was hiding in was filled with shuffling noises, and a few offbeat hoofsteps as she staggered to her hooves. She came out slowly, her face a very unconvincing mask of anger, her coat matted with tears under her eyes, some still welling in the orbs themselves. Celestia saw it for what it was; an attempt to escape from sorrow. Rarity would have rather been angry with Celestia than sad by herself. Tia could understand that, and it only made her more glad that she had come.

"Alright then... talk," Rarity said, with a huff. "What could you possibly say? I saw everything." Her eyes were full of real anger now, righteously hurt by the sight she had seen.

"I know you did," Celestia said, perfectly calm, making sure her words and face betrayed nothing. "And if you had to see it a hundred times over, I wouldn't take it back. But I am sorry you had to."

Rarity backpedaled like she had been slapped. Celestia was doing the exact opposite of apologizing! She was rubbing Rarity's nose in that kiss. "You..." Rarity started, her eyes glaring and furious. She wasn't about to take that sitting down. She readied a hoof and prepared to slap the princess.

Celestia held up a hoof to try and calm her. "Calm down, please. You don't understand... I'm not taunting you, I'm trying to explain to you how I feel. So that you can better understand how you feel." Her tone was only friendly, polite, and that threw Rarity for a loop. She dropped her hoof, unable to follow through with her most unladylike plans for hitting Celestia.

Her anger remained, but she didn't continue the verbal assault she had been preparing to launch either. She wouldn't forget it though; just postpone it for the time being. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice still angry, now with a hint of frustration and confusion.

"I love Spike. I wouldn't have kissed him if I didn't. And because I love him, I never would have taken it back. If our roles had been switched, and I were in your hooves, would you have taken it back either?" Celestia asked quietly.

Rarity calmed a bit at that, her mind full of the brief image of kissing Spike, of Celestia being shocked and hurt instead of her. "No, I wouldn't," she admitted sadly, unwilling to look Celestia in the eye, not eager to concede any point to her rival. Her anger resumed in a flash, in typical mare fashion, and she was back on the offensive, staring her opponent down again with hate-filled eyes. "But that's not how it happened! Don't try to run circles around me with your words."

Celestia sighed, seeing that this was quickly getting out of hoof. "That's not the point. I want you to understand that I know you love him. But you need to understand that I do, too." She paused, thinking of a new way to calm Rarity down, get her to see things clearly. "He still loves you, you know," she said quietly, her voice unintentionally going a little sour at that admission. Sharing love was not easy to do, and even the most patient, wisest mares disliked doing so. Tia was no exception.

Rarity did indeed calm down at that. Seeing that kiss had convinced her that Spike had forgotten about her, had moved on. Yet the very mare he had moved on to was here, telling her that Spike still loved her. It warmed her and chilled her all at once, as she came to an uncomfortable thought. "Then why didn't he come? Why did he send you?" She asked, her eyes no longer leaking tears, but squinting skeptically. She was unwilling to forego her anger and frustration just yet, but it had deteriorated to vehement complaining now.

Celestia was glad for this, but now she let a little anger of her own filter in. She needed to steer the playing field in favor of Rarity, by showing that even she, the princess of the world, could be frustrated by Spike. "He didn't send me. I came after you on my own, because he refused to. He thinks you are still afraid of him, and he doesn't want to face you like that."

That was a lot for Rarity to take in, and she looked hard at the floor in thought. First, Spike still thought she feared him. She had expected this, even had a plan for it. The fact that he let it keep him from coming after her was what disappointed her. It would make it hard to face him again at all, only confirmed her fears that he would run from her again. Secondly, she had to come to terms with the fact that Celestia had pursued her of her own free will, coming after Rarity, knowing that she would be jealous and angry.

"Why did you come after me?" Rarity asked, shooting for skeptical, but landing on confused.

Celestia smiled warmly. "Just because we love the same male doesn't mean I don't consider you a friend. I couldn't leave you here alone, hurting like you were," she pointed out.

Rarity's surprise was obvious. Friends, even after all this? She certainly didn't feel like it. Celestia had stolen her love! She sighed to herself, though, knowing that was untrue. She had driven Spike into her embrace. She knew she shouldn't be mad at Celestia, should consider her every bit her friend. But the jealousy still burned, the anger still simmered.

She didn't want to say it, didn't even know she had, but it was right and her true heart knew it. "I needed it," she admitted quietly. On a different day, she would have clamped a hoof over her mouth, berated herself for yielding a point in lieu of her own emotions. But she was drained, hurt, as Celestia had said. And she was tired of being the bad pony. She had made too many mistakes lately to claim she didn't need help, even from her rivals. She simply hung her head, knowing that yet again she had reacted in a way that would only hurt her and Spike in the future.

With that one statement, Celestia found her duty done. From this point, Rarity could confront Spike, face him with her feelings and not hide from him. "Don't let this chance pass you by. His feelings are just as conflicted as yours are, and you came all this way to let him know you love him," she pointed out, smiling at her own minor success here.

"But he loves you now. Why should I tell him, if I have no chance against you?" Rarity asked, sad in full now, instead of angry. The tears began to well again, her already-soaked face ready and willing to steer the flow of sadness.

"There's always a chance. The heart is a strange thing, but what can it hurt to tell Spike?"

"Why are you telling me this? Don't you love him too? What if you lose him?" Rarity asked fiercely, clearly not comprehending Celestia's level of compassion.

"Because I love you as a friend. I do love him. But as long as he is happy, I will stand by his decision. That's what love really is," Celestia replied with a sad smile. She knew it was a possibility that in all of this she could lose Spike, but her words were true. Whoever he chose in the end, she would support him. She would support everypony, as she had always done, even at the risk of heartbreak.

Rarity felt bolstered by that statement. She didn't have the words to thank Celestia, feeling foolish at her harsh treatment of the princess. Love was a game, had always been, and anypony was free to play. She couldn't fault her for loving Spike, a male she herself loved deeply. And she couldn't fault Spike for loving Celestia either, beautiful and wise as she was. She had certainly proven herself a fine friend. Rarity wished she could say the same for herself.

"Thank you," she said quietly, this time sincere. Her anger with Celestia was fast fading, though jealousy was a hard stain to remove. But as she had said, there was always a chance. "Alright. I need a little while to pull myself back together, but I'll tell him what I came here to tell him," she said, standing a little taller, more confident, wiping a hoof across her eyes.

"I'm glad to hear it. I'll let him know you're still here, and that he should expect to see you soon. And don't worry; he'll stay to hear you out," Celestia said with a friendly wink, before turning and leaving Rarity to herself. She made her way back to the garden, to find Spike. Another unpleasant conversation she knew needed to be had.

Rarity smiled a little to herself, glad the princess was intuitive enough to realize there was a possibility Spike would try to dodge her. Not wanting to confront Spike so soon after her episode with the princess, she made her way in the opposite direction.

A few twists and turns through the castle maze lead her towards a few voices, and Rarity found an opportunity for much needed mischief, a little something to help clear her head. Luna, who had been so eager to evade her earlier, was at the end of the hall, talking to some guards. Though her mood had improved by a drastic margin, she still had enough emotion left over to make her next move convincing. Putting on a furious glare, she made her way over to Luna, standing directly behind her. The guards caught sight of her and balked, for a mare expressing that much anger on her face wasn't something any stallion was trained for.

"Ahem," Rarity cleared her throat, and Luna went stiff, looking cautiously over her shoulder. "Still 'busy', I see," Rarity chided, expending her remaining pent up anger to get some answers from Luna. She had been shifty earlier, and Rarity meant to find out why. The white unicorn advanced, her posture all threat, eyes ablaze. The guards retreated a few steps, glad they weren't her target. Luna backed up, now facing Rarity, until her rump ran into a wall. Trapped between the angry mare and a hard place, Luna finally spoke up, her features all chagrin.

"O-oh, Rarity. We -- I didn't realize you were still here," Luna said, looking for a way out yet again.

"Oh, it's not just me here. Spike and Celestia are too. And you know what I saw?" she asked, bearing down on Luna; or up, rather, as the black alicorn was quite a bit taller.

"Do tell?" Luna asked, knowing she would not like the answer.

"I caught them kissing. Earlier when you saw me, you turned a most unpleasant shade of white; very unlike you. Now tell me, what do you know about this?" Rarity inquired, her tone that angry, deadly calm females use to intimidate their targets.

Luna gulped, eyes darting this way and that. "We -- I do not know what you are talking about," she said, smiling unconvincingly.

Rarity sighed, and poked Luna in the chest with a hoof. "Talk!" she growled, her teeth clenched.

Luna just waved a hoof in surrender, and Rarity backed off a few steps, letting Luna come away from the wall. "Alright, fine," the dark princess said, no longer willing to play the trapped, fearful mare. "I have known all about it for a while; before it even began, in fact." Luna's tone was conniving and smug, just like the look in her eye, the slight upturn in her muzzle. "Spike talked to me about his confrontation with you in Ponyville."

"And?" Rarity asked, giving up the angry act for a bit.

She would resume shortly.

"Well, I recommended he follow his heart, and when I discovered he and my sister shared feelings for one another, I prompted him to tell her so," she said, looking idly at one of her hooves, as if checking to ensure it was in perfect condition.

Anger resumed. "You what?" Rarity screamed, glaring again. "You told Spike to date Celestia?"

"Nothing of the sort," Luna retorted, putting on a pout as she was accused of this dastardly deed. "He told me how he felt, and I told him it was only natural to look for love in new and strange places."

"But he loved me before you told him that!" Rarity growled, huffing loudly through her nose.

"WE ORDER YOU TO CALM DOWN!" Luna roared, the Royal Canterlot Voice nearly knocking Rarity flat. She cleared her throat after that as Rarity rubbed at her ringing ears. "He loves you anyways. You cannot honestly say that you, being a pretty mare, have never been pursued by more than one stallion?" she asked, smugly confident in her point, quirking an eyebrow for added effect.

Rarity stammered, wanting to deny it, looking off to the side. "No. In fact, five at once, though I never went out with them all at the same time..." She clamped a hoof over her mouth this time, realizing her mistake.

Luna grinned. "There, you see? You went out with them all, just not at the same time. Yet you kept your options open, willing to look for love until you found it. When he came here, Spike loved you, but did not feel you loved him back. Why, then, shouldn't he look for new love? Have you not been in this kind of position before?" Luna asked, frowning as if she highly doubted that.

"I've been in exactly that position before," Rarity admitted. How was it everypony was able to turn her own words and actions around on her? She sighed to herself, realizing she had really just set herself up for failure, starting this argument. "I see your point. I certainly can't blame Spike for that, I suppose; not without being a hypocrite," she grumbled, scowling at the floor.

"There, you see? My advice was not so bad as all that," Luna said, turning up her nose as if she were insulted Rarity had thought so in the first place.

"I suppose not. At the very least I know how it all came about now," Rarity said gruffly. "I still need to talk to him tonight. What did he tell you, when you talked to him? It sounds like you had quite the conversation before all this happened."

"If you must know, he was reluctant to tell Celestia how he felt about her. His feelings for you held him back at first, and he had true feelings for my sister at the time. Eventually the longing of his heart directly in front of him won out, but think on that. He hesitated because he still loved you, at the time thinking you did not love him. Even that one-sided love was enough to stay his claw, had I not pushed him along in his life," Luna finished, smiling at Rarity. "If you have any doubts how much he loves you, look no further than that."

Rarity pondered that, putting a hoof to her chin. "Makes sense," she conceded reluctantly. "Alright then, I suppose you're off the hook."

"Thank the moon," Luna replied teasingly, acting relieved. "Now then, seems you know the truth of it and where you stand. Perhaps you are ready to confront your feelings and this dragon?" she asked, smiling confidently.

Rarity smiled back, just as confident. "You know, princess, I think I am." Turning and trotting back towards the gardens, she called back down the hallway. "Wish me luck!"

"WE WISH YOU LUCK!" came the Royal Canterlot Voice, shaking the walls around her and bringing the first warm smile of the day to her face.

Spike was somewhat surprised, and completely relieved, to see Celestia return alone. He was afraid she would bring Rarity straight back here, but he knew the look on Tia's face all too well. While he could see no signs of action, her expression stated simply that everything was being handled.

"I guess it went well then?" he asked, slightly amazed by that.

"Better than I expected," Celestia replied. "I am still angry with you though, like I said I would be. You should have gone to her. She was expecting you, not me," she said with a frustrated sigh, scowling at the dragon.

Spike sighed too, but in apology, meeting that scowl head-on. "I know that, and I'm sorry. But I don't want her to run from me, and I was afraid she would." It was still an admission he disliked making, even to Tia.

"She's afraid of the same thing, you know," Celestia said, sitting next to him, and allowing her temper to return to normal levels. "That you'll try and dodge her, run from her before she has a chance to tell you what she came here to say."

"That she wants me back right?" Spike asked, puffing smoke and rolling his eyes. "I was never hers. She turned me down."

"I know she did, but what's that matter? She's back to tell you she loves you. Doesn't that mean anything to you?" Celestia prodded, looking at him as if he were crazy if it didn't.

"Of course it does, but Tia... You're my mare now, and that means a lot to me, too," he said, finally explaining himself. He felt obligated to her, she realized. As if he was incapable of leaving her, regardless of the feelings in his heart.

"You shouldn't feel that way, Spike. I know that we love one another, but you need to understand that I want your happiness above all else. If you still love Rarity, you can't make a decision about your own love until you have faced her about this," she said, putting a hoof on his arm to convey the gravity of what she was saying, her eyes going soft with concern.

"But I do, Tia," Spike said with a disgruntled huff. "I can't change how I feel about you."

"And you can't change how you feel about her," Celestia pointed out, pulling her hoof away. This wasn't going anywhere, and her frustration with Spike was beginning to resurface. "You should have already talked to her, but you backed down from it."

Spike didn't like where this was going. He didn't want to have an argument with Tia, but he knew it was inevitable. Every couple fought at some point, and it was unavoidable. She was so much older and wiser, saw things so much more clearly. And he was young and stubborn, convinced he was right of most things in his own life.

"No, I can't change how I feel about her," Spike said, his tone unintentionally rude, his face dropping into a defensive scowl. "And can you blame me for being worried? After how she reacted last time?"

"I can't blame you, no. But I can call you a hypocrite for it," she said, her tone stern, her gaze cold.

"What do you mean?" Spike asked, not at all pleased with how she was treating him like a child, even if he was one.

"You won't face her because you are afraid. How does that make you any different from her? You're not afraid of her body, but you're afraid of her love. Which of those is worse?" she asked, looking at him with mixed concern and frustration in her eyes.

Spike reeled his neck back, putting a few more feet between him and Celestia. He knew he was a coward, not to go after Rarity earlier. Yet it was a shocking revelation to him to be accused of being afraid of her. Even more shocking to him was that Tia was right, in a sense. Yet she wasn't quite on yet.

"I know I'm afraid. Afraid of being wrong for loving you, or being wrong for loving her. I'm afraid of breaking your hearts," he said, his voice laced with a growl of frustration. "I just want everypony to be happy, but I can't make that happen. Tia, I'm in a position where no matter what choice I make, somepony will get hurt in the end. I know what that feels like, my heart was broken not even three days ago. I wouldn't wish that on anypony. That's why I'm afraid of her," he finished quietly.

Celestia stood and walked over to him, just standing in front of him. She smiled sadly at him, better understanding his hesitation now. "I know it's hard to hear Spike, but what matters now is your happiness. Do what feels right, not what you think you need to do. If being with me is an obligation, and not what will really make you happy, then I would be happier seeing you go with what you love."

"Tia, that's not how it is!" Spike started, ready to defend his relationship with her. She put a hoof to his lips though, stopping him silently.

"I know. I'm just saying, no matter what happens, do what makes you happiest. I will love you either way," she said warmly. "I don't like fighting with you, Spike, but you need to be told this in order to be brave, and take you life in your own two claws." She embraced him, rubbing her cheek against his.

"I know the feeling. My stomach feels like it's full of snakes when we argue, and I know I'll say something I'll regret," he said, nuzzling her back. "I'll talk to her, like you want... like I want. I just need to be brave," he finished, quoting her.

"That's my Spike," she said, backing up and smiling warmly at him. "Now then, she'll probably come looking for you soon." She made her way a few steps closer to the castle, looking back at Spike. "Everything will be alright," she said, before heading off.

Spike smiled to himself and called after her. "I know where Twilight gets it from." He suddenly had an idea, and called out to her again. "Tia, wait! I have a favor to ask you," he said, the princess already on her way back.

"Anything," she said, smiling warmly.

"Send a letter to Twilight for me, please. I have a feeling I'll need her after this," he pleaded.

"Of course, but you know she'll come straight here if I tell her what's going on. It'll only take her a few teleports," Tia replied, looking at him as if she expected him to be more unsure about this.

"Don't tell her all the details. Just tell her you need to see her. If I'm still talking with Rarity, you can fill her in then," Spike said, a fair enough proposition.

Celestia chuckled a little at the idea of telling her student that she was in love with her foster son and friend. "Alright, I think I can manage that. I'll see you later in the study." With that, and a thankful nod from Spike, she made her way into the castle at last.

Content that Twilight would be on her way, and that his life was his to steer, Spike curled a little tighter, and waited for his first love.

Celestia smiled to herself as she penned the letter. She could picture the look on Twilight's face when she finally broke the news to her. It was likely to cause even more drama, she knew. Yet Spike needed her, a perspective from someone who loved him as a son, and always had. That much was true, and so she was not inclined to deny his request.

"Dear Twilight Sparkle, I hope this letter finds you well. Spike has been having an excellent time here in Canterlot, but has requested you come for a visit. I would like to see you as well, so when the time suits you, please drop by. I know that Spike has a few things to discuss with you, but if you are busy it wouldn't hurt for him to sleep on it a little first. Your teacher, Princess Celestia."

She smiled at the completion of the letter, toying with the idea of leaving a post note to her student disclosing some minor detail that would pique her interest. She'd be here in a matter of minutes if she did that though, and she suspected that Spike's conversation with Rarity would last a little later into the evening. She sent the letter as it was, careful to use a method that wouldn't have the letter flying out of Spike's mouth. Chuckling to herself, she awaited the reply.

It came swiftly by way of Twilight's teleportation spell, similar to the way Celestia had sent hers. Transporting something as small as a letter was a fairly simple task, regardless of the distance, but moving a pony was a whole different task. Twilight's letter claimed she would be in later that very evening, and so Celestia resigned herself to the wait. It was about three in the afternoon now, so it wouldn't be long.

Her thoughts turned back to Spike for a short time. Things were so hard on the young dragon lately, and she hoped his heart would come out more mature as a result. He still thought and felt with all the innocence and selflessness of a child. But pleasing everypony wasn't possible, and though he had said he would try for his own happiness, she knew he would be easily swayed by sorrow or pleading.

Sighing, and hoping he would have the wisdom to do what was best for himself, regardless of her own heart, she went in search of dinner. She couldn't deny the fear of being left alone again, but for her sake and Spike's, she would be strong and not show it.

If anypony trifled with Spike's heart in this troubling time, it wasn't going to be her.

He was there, waiting patiently for her, curled under the very tree she had caught him kissing Celestia under. She tried to put that thought out of her mind, but it loomed over her head anyways. As if somehow, with that, Celestia had moved one step ahead in the game of love with Spike.

But it wasn't a game, she told herself quietly. There were no points or rules. There was only the goal, and it was serious. She had already broken his heart once, and she didn't mean to do so a second time. Steeling herself for the conversation, she made her way up to him.

It felt like ages since she had seen him last. Much more than the four days since she had seen him curled in a destroyed meadow. That memory roared in her mind for her to flee, that he was dangerous. But she ignored it, knowing that to listen was to deny everything she had worked for. She stopped directly in front of him, her eyes a few meager feet from his own. They didn't speak, just looked into one another's eyes, gauging each other.

What she saw there surprised her. The pain remained when he looked at her, but it was dulled. The eyes were the gateway to the soul, and his soul was screaming to her that it was ready to receive her back into his life.

Spike saw reluctance in her eyes, but did not see the fear she had displayed just a few short days ago. Instead, it was replaced with a fear he shared; the fear of breaking a heart, of being denied.

"Rarity..." he said quietly, his deep voice bringing comfort to her heart in this moment. He was calm and ready, and she should be too, she realized.

"Spike, I'm so sorry," she said, the start of her speech. Spike considered cutting her off, telling her it was alright. But one look at her told him it wasn't. She needed to say this in full, even if he already forgave her. "I acted like a filly, scared of the dragons in fairy tales. I could have looked past it, but I didn't. I took you for granted then, and let your feelings for me fall untouched." She had tears welling in her eyes, and Spike could feel himself growing sad in empathy.

"Rarity, I understand, and I forgive you. I don't like that you were afraid of me, but I can't dwell on that. My feelings for you haven't changed, and I've missed you terribly, regardless of how you felt then. I admit I'm surprised you came after me, though. I was afraid, too," he finished, bringing his head lower so that they could embrace.

Rarity came to him willingly, embracing him without fear. It warmed Spike's heart, even though he knew that her terror still lurked in her mind. It was second to her concern for him, her feelings, and that was all he could ask for. He smiled sadly as she asked the question he had been expecting.

"Afraid of what?" she inquired, pulling out of the embrace and sitting next to him. This was going so much better than even her best hopes on the train had lead her to believe it would.

"That that night would drive us apart. That I'd never be able to see you again," he admitted.

"Spike, that's ridiculous. I could never have let you leave, even if I didn't..." Rarity's speech dropped off, fearing she was about to dig her own grave.

Spike smiled knowingly. "Even if you didn't love me then. I know." He nudged her gently. "But that's why you're here now, isn't it?" he asked with a warm laugh. He was doing his best to make sure that things stayed light. He didn't want a repeat of his argument with Tia.

Rarity looked away, blushing slightly. "Yes, that's why I'm here. Spike, I do love you; honest and truly. I still have worries of course, but nothing I can't handle. Now, I know what I saw earlier..." she started, unable to pick a path to follow.

Spike looked away now, sheepish about that topic. "I know, Rarity. Even though she's the one who kissed me, I did kiss back. I do love her, Rarity. But I love you, too," he said quietly, as if he expected a terrible reaction.

He didn't receive one. "Spike, it's alright. I've dated quite a few stallions in my time, and I know what it's like to have your heart split. Believe it or not, Celestia and I already talked about this. I know she has a place in your heart, and she knows I have mine. And I agree with her; no matter who you choose in the end, even if it's neither of us, your happiness is what counts. I know that better than anypony,"

"What do you mean?" Spike asked, confused. She knew better than anypony?

"You're still young Spike, even compared to me. I'm not older than you by much, but enough to have dated a few times. I've broken a lot of hearts to pursue my own happiness." She looked deep into Spike's eyes for this, because it was a statement she felt would impact his decision greatly, in all the right ways. "It's not easy to do. It will hurt at first, and feel like you have done something wrong. But as time passes, you'll find it was the right decision."

Spike smiled sadly, knowing she was right. He could imagine the hurt of breaking their hearts fairly well. "I'm not ready to make that kind of decision yet. I need time, to decide who I want to be with."

Rarity smiled back, just as bittersweet. "I understand. I'm not asking you to choose now. It's enough to know that you still love me, and that someday you and I could be happy together. I know that you probably asked Celestia to be your mare, and I don't want to come between that, but for the sake of my own love I had to tell you," she finished, placing a hoof on his snout and rubbing it gently.

"Don't worry about that. Celestia knows that it's my decision to make," he said, rubbing back like a cat being petted. "Either way, I am glad you are both giving me the freedom to be happy, no matter what I decide." He dared to place a claw on the back of her head, the palm of his scaled hand caressing her hair gently. She didn't run, didn't even tense up. She just smiled warmly at him as her stroked her mane lovingly. "Thank you, Rarity," he said, smiling warmly. It was as much thanks for coming to talk to him as it was letting him touch her.

"No, Spike... Thank you. Without all of this, I never would have learned how deep my feelings for you were, or how foolish I was. I've grown a lot in the last four days, and it wasn't easy. But without it, I never could have told you what I did." She rubbed her cheek against his hand as her petted her head, smiling to him. "We both have something to be thankful for, lessons we learned."

Spike nodded, withdrawing his claw. She was right; in the end, this unfortunate chain of events had lead them both to better understand themselves, and their love for one another.

He smiled at her. "I have things I need to tell you, but they can wait a while yet. A lot has already been said. Why don't we go find some dinner? I had Celestia send a letter to Twilight, so maybe she'll join us later," he finished, hoping to end on a light and casual note.

Rarity didn't want to deny that chance at normalcy. "Dinner sounds wonderful," she said, smiling weakly. She still had worries, like she had said, but she could save them for later, too. "Lead the way, oh mighty dragon," she teased, prodding him with a hoof.

"Yes, my lady," he returned, his voice all mock-bravado. Together, they wandered the halls, talking pleasantly as they had used to. For a short while, if nothing else, Spike was glad to have his friend back by his side.

Celestia squinted against the flash of purple light, amused as always by Twilight's magical prowess. Her student knew enough to land square in the study, assuming Celestia would be there.

"Good evening Twilight," she called, getting up off the couch and walking over. She and her favorite student embraced, much like sisters. In a way, Celestia viewed Twilight like that; a younger sister, not a student.

"Good evening, Princess," said with a smile, prancing back a few steps. She looked around the study, clearly expecting to see Spike. Not finding him, she turned her eyes back to the princess. "You wanted to see me for something?"

Celestia nodded, gesturing to the couch. "A few things, actually," she said, following Twilight over to the seat and sitting next to her. "I'd also like to hear a bit from you. The last letter I received was your request for my help with Spike."

"Right, I know. I meant to send one on Thursday, but I got a little carried away. After Rarity decided to take this trip after Spike, quite a few ponies showed up wondering why their orders weren't filled yet," Twilight groaned. "I'm no good at fashion, so the best I could do was just tell them to be patient. Besides that, not much else is new. the girls seemed to be having a fun time of things with Rarity missing, but don't tell her I said that."

Celestia shared a laugh with her student over that. "Quite a bit is new here, actually. The crumbles moved out of their street stall and into a new Bakery just this morning, and construction on the library is going smoothly," she said with a small smile, excited to break that bit of news to Twilight.

"Construction on the library? How have I not heard of this?" Twilight asked, clearly excited. "Is it a new Moonbeam the Elegant wing? I know the old one is getting a little full. I always did like her work." Her enthusiasm was barely contained, and that only widened Celestia's smile.

"No, it's a completely new wing," she said, leaning in to whisper. Her student leaned in eagerly. "It's Twilight the Brilliant's wing."

Twilight shot back from that whisper so fast that she fell off of the couch. She didn't pick herself off the floor, but instead teleported straight back to the couch. "Are you serious?" she asked, clearly ecstatic. "I mean, I know I've made a lot of spells, and my studies on friendship are nothing to wave a hoof at, but a whole wing?" she was stammering and stuttering, her face shifting between awe and complete disbelief.

"Yes, a whole wing. They certainly won't fit in the shelves I had set aside in Moonbeam's wing anymore. Congratulations, Twilight. The council at the Magic Academy even approved the title of 'the Brilliant', so it's official. The Brilliant Twilight Sparkle... I've been saying it for years, but it's got a nice ring to it all the same," Celestia said, smiling warmly to her student, her sister at heart.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Twilight squeaked, hopping up and down on the couch. Though she was older now, she could still act like a filly under the right conditions. The two embraced again, Twilight practically vibrating with excitement.

Celestia knew she shouldn't, but her mischievous side got the better of her. She couldn't pass this chance up to turn that excitement into a dramatic over-reaction. Smiling to herself, barely containing her premature laughter, she readied her words. "Oh, and Spike and I are dating now."

Her plot worked far too well. Twilight froze, still locked in the embrace with her teacher. Celestia doubted she was even breathing, and so she nudged her gently to stir her.

"You're what?" she screamed, backing up and looking hard at the princess, her face full of skepticism and nervousness.

"It's true, I swear," Celestia said with a warm laugh. "He asked me to be his mare, and I agreed. He's such a charming young dragon; years of living with you has done wonders for him."

Twilight all but exploded with sudden magic, teleporting to random places in the room repeatedly, shouting to herself in utter confusion. "But this is too crazy!" was the last thing Celestia caught before Twilight warped somewhere outside the castle. Laughing to herself, she waited for the purple mare to return.

When she did, Celestia trotted over and snatched her up in her own golden aura. "Twilight, calm down. I know it's difficult to believe, but even I can have feelings for somepony... or some dragon. And he's so polite and mature for his age. Even if it's surprising, you should be able to understand how it happened," she was still smiling warmly, enjoying her student's reaction.

"But... but... I don't even know," Twilight finished, letting all her limbs go limp in Celestia's magical grasp and muttering to herself. Celestia just laughed and dropped her on the couch.

"That's why I'm really here, isn't it?" Twilight asked, glaring at the princess.

"Yes, that's why, though the part about the library is true. His heart's in a strange place right now, what with Rarity showing up," Tia said, completely unfazed by that glare. "He wants to talk to you, and try to get his head straight."

"But I'm no good with things like this," Twilight moaned, letting her head smack unceremoniously into the cushions of the couch. Celestia chuckled a little to herself at that, remembering a time not long ago where she had executed the exact same frustrated pillow-dive. Twilight resurfaced, ready to continue. "I mean, that's why I sent him to you in the first place."

"I know, but maybe he doesn't need your advice so much as just for you to listen," Celestia proposed.

"What do you mean?" Twilight asked, slightly puzzled.

"He could talk to me or Rarity, but she and I are the objects of his problem right now. What he really needs to do is be heard by somepony he can count on; somepony who's heart he knows he can't break," she replied, smiling warmly. "Somepony like you."

Twilight sighed, feeling that Celestia's words made an unfortunate amount of sense. "I see where you're going with this. Alright, I'll talk to him later tonight," she grumbled, not wanting to get any more involved in this than she already was. Still, Spike needed her, and she'd be there for him, one way or another. "For now, let's just change the subject."

Celestia smiled, able to guess how Twilight must be feeling about all this. Protective of Spike, she now had to help defend his heart on two fronts. That stress would undoubtedly bear down on her if they kept up, so she was more than willing to oblige.

Celestia had come along later to collect Rarity from Spike, the two of them almost disturbingly calm near one another. In either of their hooves, Spike wouldn't have been nearly so complacent about it. He was especially surprised at Rarity, the normally proud pony treating Celestia more like a friend than a rival. Celestia had simply told him that Twilight was waiting in the study for him. What the two ladies would discuss in his absence, he could only imagine. Scratching his head, Spike made his way up to the study.

Scratching his head, he pulled open the doors. He couldn't have been happier, seeing Twilight sitting on the couch, waiting patiently for him. He knew he had told Celestia to break the news to her, but he still didn't expect things to go smoothly here.

She bounded off the couch, making her way towards Spike as he made his way to hers. The two hit together in a classic moving hug, where the biggest body always wins. Spike picked her off the floor in his embrace, laughing gently to himself in the pure bliss of having this close friend here with him. She laughed too, wrapping her slender forelegs around his neck. Spike set her down gently back on the couch, curling up next to her.

"You wouldn't believe how good it is to see you," Spike said, with an exaggerated sigh. "It's been crazy since Rarity showed up."

"Oh, I think I would know a thing or two about how crazy it is," Twilight retorted, her face full of mischievous light. "After all, I'm the one who told Rarity you were here. And then Celestia told me all about your little relationship."

Spike just chuckled a little. "Well, I expected as much when I saw her here. Only one pony knew why I came to Canterlot. I imagine Rarity told you everything before she left?" Spike asked, hoping that was the case. It would save him a lot of time.

"She did, and I wasn't happy with her. In fact, I actually slapped her. I haven't been able to apologize since she left, but she ended up thanking me. Can you believe that?" Twilight asked, still mulling that over. She let her face, screwed up with confusion, bounce back to a more pleasant expression. "Anyways, I know most of it. So feel free to start where you need to, Spike," she said pleasantly, always the ready listener.

"Well, I don't know if Tia told you this, but she and I kissed," he said, blushing a dragon's blush, invisible under his scales.

Twilight's eyes went wide at that. "No, she definitely didn't mention that part. I still can't believe you and her are dating... I mean, she's older than I am, even though she doesn't look it. It's just... strange for me," she finished lamely, not wanting to offend Spike.

"It's a little strange to me too, but it doesn't change how I feel about her. Or Rarity. That's why I need you here right now, to help me thinking. Thinking was always your specialty, after all," he chuckled.

Twilight smiled a little at that. "Alright then, tell me about them. I think the first thing you should do is figure out what you like about them both, and what their faults are," she said, her analytical mind getting right to the needed facts for this kind of decision.

Spike knew better than to argue the logic of it. His life had been too consumed with feelings lately, so a little heartless number-crunching might be good for him. He scratched his draconic jaw in thought, tilting his head by rolling his neck.

"Well, they're both beautiful. And I don't mean to sound shallow, but it's the first thing that comes to mind. Rarity is more expressive; sometimes overly expressive. But Celestia is more in control, knows her way around most things. They're both more experienced than I am with dating and things like that, so I guess either way I'd learn from them. Let's see, what else... Well, Tia's definitely more brave, or at the very least the quicker thinker. She recognized me right away for what I was really like. But Rarity proved how strong she can be by overcoming it." Spike scratched at the carpet in frustration, finding that he could support them both equally if he kept on this track.

"Sounds like a very tough choice. Who do you feel best around?" Twilight asked, pulling out a parchment and quill.

"Don't take notes on this, this is private!" Spike groaned, running a claw over his face. Twilight's eyes pleaded with him to let her document this, and he sighed in defeat. "Fine, go ahead. Anyways, everything feels right around Tia. She's so strong and wise, it's as if nothing could go wrong. And she's strangely affectionate, though she doesn't come across as passionate often. But I've known Rarity so long, I can almost read her mind. I even finish her sentences sometimes. She's much better at portraying how she feels and easier to read. It's hard to tell sometimes how I make Tia feel, but with Rarity nothing's private. But that comes with time..." Spike trailed off, remembering one very important detail. His face went grim as he realized Twilight was not going to like this.

"What is it, Spike? Is something wrong?" She asked, dropping the quill and trotting over to him from the couch in concern.

"There is one problem between them... It has more to do with me than anything. Tia told me not long ago that, like her, I'm immortal. Or at least I can't die from old age. Supposedly it's a dragon thing," he said, displeased still by that knowledge.

Twilight sat down hard, her jaw hanging open, almost comedic. "You'll age forever, then?" she asked, feeling that twinge in her heart she knew to be pity. "Oh, Spike... What will you do when Rarity... I mean..."

Spike patted her head to calm her down. "I've been thinking of that ever since I found out. I don't know, Twilight. With Celestia, we could be together forever. But with Rarity, someday she'll die and leave me behind. I don't like to think about that. Celestia said that every moment with a mortal is precious, should be cherished. And I know I could be happy with Rarity, until the end of her days. But I don't know if I could face the hurt when she passes away in sixty years. Maybe even less," he sighed, dropping his claw from her tiny head.

"She's right though. Every moment should be treasured. And I agree with you, if you do decide to be with Rarity, you would definitely be happy. But it would eventually have to end. Oh Spike, I didn't realize the decision you had to make was this complicated. I admit I don't know much about love, but this seems almost unreal..." she muttered, edging closer to him and patting the side of his head.

"I know, Twilight. It's the hardest decision I have ever had to make, and maybe ever will." He looked out to the balcony, where the moon was rising, the last vestiges of sunset painting the rim of the world a beautiful purple shade, much like Twilight's coat.

She followed his gaze out there, looking at the wonderful sight. After a few moments of calm had passed, Spike's voice drew her back.

"Stay here with me tonight, Twi. I can't promise you'll get much sleep, but I can promise you I need the support," he said warmly, rubbing his cheek against hers.

"Of course Spike. I'll be here anytime you need me," she replied, leaning into him warmly. He became her living chair, and the two shared close conversation, Spike telling of the wonders of both his loves. Twilight grew to respect his maturity and bravery; faced with such a decision, she had no idea how she would react.

The two talked late into the night, until at last they could take no more, and fell asleep, Twilight cradled in Spike's arms.

_____________________________________________________

IMPORTANT BULLETIN THING

_____________________________________________________

By popular demand, this is a warning to all readers finishing chapter six. After this chapter, the story undergoes a split in which Spike either pursues only Rarity, or only Celestia.

Chapters denoted with a [Celestia] tag are specific to Celestia's ending. They have absolutely no overlap with the Rarity chapters.

Chapters denoted with a [Rarity] tag are likewise specific to Rarity's ending.

It is in your best interest to read either all of the [Celestia] ending or the [Rarity] one straight through, before going back to read the other.

Example:

Read [Celestia] VII, [Celestia] VIII, and the [Celestia] Epilogue in order.

Next read [Rarity] VII, [Rarity] VIII, and the [Rarity] Epilogue in order.

On a slightly more humorous note, some of my more avid readers have suggested I write a disclaimer regarding the epilogues:

This is a general warning to all readers. Fanfiction is a known addictive substance that can potentially be harmful to your mental or emotional state. Razorbeam does not promote the reading of the epilogues back-to-back, as this can lead to potentially hazardous reactions in readers with high blood pressure, heart problems, or a family history of d'aww induced cancer. If you are subject to extreme emotional whiplash or bouts of uncontrollable weeping, the author recommends you do not read the final chapters in one go.

Well, you have all been adequately informed. If you go against my warning, I can't stop you. Please follow the recommended reading instructions above for the best viewer experience.

[Rarity] VII: To Fix a Heart

Splotched sunlight dappled the walls of Rarity's guest room, pinpoints of light drifting here and there as the sun filtered through the trees outside the windows. The canopy bed here was much like the one she owned back at the boutique, though significantly more comfortable. The large oak double doors swung open easily as the white unicorn made her way inside, chatting over her shoulder.

"Thank you so much for meeting with me," Rarity chimed, in good spirits this morning. She had been nervous at first when asking Twilight to talk, remembering all too well how it had gone last time. But things seemed to have smoothed over as far as the purple mare was concerned, so Rarity was ready to risk it.

"Not at all. I know things didn't go so well in Ponyville, but a lot has changed in such a short time. Spike's in a rough place right now, but I can't imagine it's any easier on you. I mean, you just figured out how much you love him, and now this," Twilight finished, trailing off when she realized she was broaching a touchy subject.

Rarity sighed, but cleared her throat to get her own mind back on track. "No need to worry about that. The princess and I already discussed our feelings for Spike, and it's only natural his heart is torn. After all, she's very beautiful and wise. I certainly wouldn't look half as wonderful at her age. But that's beside the point: I just wanted to catch up a bit, since we're both here and Spike is busy thinking anyways."

Twilight smiled, her eyes full of curious light. "I've been wondering what happened between Ponyville and your train trip. It definitely seems have done you some good."

Rarity smiled sheepishly. "Well, I had a little help. I met this wonderful old mare on the train; never did get her real name, just called her Madam. She'd been around the block once before with this type of situation," Rarity said, waving a hoof in Twilight's direction.

Twilight looked at Rarity skeptically. "I highly doubt she dated a dragon, Rarity."

Rarity just scowled as if Twilight was being absurd. "That's not what I meant, and you know it. Anyways, she said her husband had once had to chase after her like I did with Spike. I was nervous of course, since I wasn't sure if I was over my fear of Spike. But I knew it had to be done, and she convinced me to just 'muscle through it', as the saying goes."

"Well what about now? Are you still afraid of him?" Twilight asked, nudging Rarity on the shoulder to hasten her answer, feeling as if this were a question her friend wouldn't care to reply to right away.

"A little, but..." Rarity blushed, looking at the floor. Something had changed recently, especially since her talk with Spike the night before. When he had stroked her mane, her heart had indeed fluttered with fear; at the same time, the gentleness of his touch contrasted with the look of his claws. It was like falling from a great height, only to be caught at the last second; terrifying, yet invigorating. Thrilling. After letting Spike touch her, after facing that fear head on, she almost yearned for it. It was new and exciting, different from other males she had been with.

Twilight looked at her in confusion. "Why are you blushing?" she asked, clueless to the inner workings of Rarity's mind. Twilight was not inherently romantic, at least not that Rarity had ever seen, so it was very unlikely she would guess what the matter was.

Yet Rarity felt a drive to tell her, to tell somepony at least, about the thrill she felt being near Spike now. "Oh, Twilight, it's wonderful. I know this is going to sound strange, but when he reached for me last night with those wicked claws, I had to struggle to keep my ground. But when he touched me he was so gentle; it was like being afraid of nothing, but the fear remained anyways. My heart raced, my breath caught, and yet I was safe and secure. It was a thrill, Twilight!" Rarity gushed, shivering at the memory.

Twilight looked at Rarity like she was insane. "I'm really sure I don't understand, and I don't think I want to. So you're saying you're not afraid of him, right?" she asked, her voice slightly pleading, as if this would stop the incredibly awkward twist of Rarity's tale.

"No, not like I was. Not enough to keep me from him. Sure he's intimidating, but that's becoming another part of his charm for me. Is that strange?" she asked, pouting as if a negative opinion would simply crush her.

"Uh, well..." Twilight started, but Rarity's face was too much to bear. With a sigh, Twilight let her own opinion go, and focused instead on how much pleasure Rarity got out of being close to Spike now. It shouldn't matter the reason, as long as they were both happy. "No, I suppose not. At least not too much," she said with a chuckle, to lighten the mood.

Rarity smiled, glad to have a little validation. She could tell Twilight had to force that answer, but it still helped.

Twilight cleared her throat, ready to move on to new topics. "So, how do you think things are going to play out? I don't know what you and the Princess talked about last night, but Spike sure had a lot to say," she said, her tone teasing, daring Rarity to ask about that private conversation with Spike. Twilight knew better than to disclose too much, but there were bits Rarity could stand to hear.

The light in Rarity's eyes said she wanted to know exactly what Twilight and Spike had discussed the previous evening, but all of her years of practiced etiquette demanded she answer Twilight's inquiry first.

"Celestia and I had a chat over desert about this little love-triangle we have going on," Rarity said, pouting slightly. "She's so calm about it all, and I can't tell if it's confidence, or just that she really does believe she'd be fine as long as Spike was happy," she huffed, clearly feeling inferior.

"Wouldn't you be happy, to see Spike happy?" Twilight asked, a little puzzled. She wasn't very experienced with romance, but she had read enough books to assume that the most important thing about love was making the other pony, or dragon, involved happy.

"Well of course I would. Be happy for him, I mean. But I wouldn't be very happy for myself," Rarity sighed. "I don't want to just wait for Spike to make a decision. I'm sure he'll pick Celestia over me. She's much more beautiful, not to mention older and wiser. And it doesn't seem that she was ever afraid of him like I was. Still, I know it's selfish... I've done a lot of thinking about selfishness lately, and I'll have to accept his decision no matter what. It's not my place to tamper with his choice," she said, squaring her shoulders after her little rant, confident that not interfering was the right thing to do.

Twilight wasn't so sure. "He didn't seem to put off that line of thinking at all. In fact, as it stands, he seems pretty equally torn. If you both wait, I don't think he'd ever decide," Twilight said quietly.

"Are you saying I should pursue Spike behind Celestia's back?" Rarity asked, aghast, her eyes and mouth going wide. Such thoughts were far too underhooved for a mare of Twilight's personality!

Twilight put a hoof to her eyes and groaned. "No, that's not what I'm saying at all! This isn't about winning him from her, or anything like that. You should be spending time with him because you love him, not thinking of this like a game against Celestia. I wish it were another way, but there's a definite competition for Spike's heart going on right now, and he's too torn between the two of you. He needs a nudge sooner or later. You should both be doing your best to prove your love and make him see more clearly who he wants to be with, don't you think?" Twilight asked, her voice strained with uncertainty.

Rarity pondered that. It would be difficult to pursue Spike without seeming like she was trying to steal him away. Yet Twilight was right, the confused heart often needed guidance. She had found herself torn between love interests before, and though they had been truly fighting for her affections, she had eventually simply gone for the one she had connected most with, not the one she had received the most from. In that regard, she supposed it was only natural to try and help Spike make up his mind.

"I should probably mention this to the princess. The last thing I need is for her to be angry with me in the middle of all this," Rarity grumbled, scowling at the floor in thought.

Twilight just smiled. "Let me take care of that. This was my advice anyways," she said with a little laugh, to show she wasn't worried. "I'm sure the princess will understand; she might even have some ideas in store herself."

"Speaking of ideas, what should I do?" Rarity inquired, rubbing a hoof on her chin in thought. "I certainly don't want to do anything too overt."

"Just take him out to dinner or something," Twilight said with a small smile. "There's nothing wrong with that; even friends go to dinner, right?"

Rarity smiled, pleased with that answer. "And I know just the place. It opened the last time I did a show here, and I've heard it's to die for. I never did get to try it though, so I'll take Spike along." She was giddy with anticipation, glad that she could do something to spend time with Spike, even with his heart indecipherable. One date wouldn't hurt anything.

Twilight shared her enthusiasm, thinking this was just the kind of thing Spike needed. Ever since the night before he had been brooding and uncertain, and was only talking himself into a foul mood. He'd never make up his mind at that rate, and would only frustrate himself more. Spending time with his loves, the both of them, would help to narrow his choice a little more, make him see which of them he truly desired.

She made her way back towards the bedroom door. It was already roughly two in the afternoon, and she had spent all morning with a rather confused and displeased Spike. She was eager to set things in motion and get him working for his heart again. "I'll go let the princess know that you and Spike have plans tonight. And don't worry, I'll make sure she knows it's just as friends. After all, it's been a while since you two did anything friendly." With a little laugh, Twilight made her way out of the room.

"Alright dear, and thank you!" Rarity called after her, not at all offended by the abrupt departure. Dinner wasn't far off, and she intended to look decent for Spike: she didn't want to overdo it, though. She'd wear something nice anyways, blame it on the restaurant scene. She knew Spike wouldn't likely wear anything, though for some reason she thought a bow-tie might be fitting... if she could discover one that would fit him. That clicked an idea, and she made her way down the hallway after Twilight.

"Twilight, wait a minute!" she called, the purple unicorn almost to the end of the hall. She waited patiently while Rarity trotted up.

"Something wrong?" she asked, looking concerned.

"No, nothing like that. I just had a wonderful idea, but I need to know where the castle keeps its tailoring supplies; normally I bring my own, but this is an emergency," she pleaded, taking one of Twilight's front hooves in her own and pouting gently.

Twilight rolled her eyes. "You're going to go overboard and make a dress to impress Spike, aren't you?" she asked, scowling.

Rarity scowled right back. "Oh heavens no, I already know what I'm wearing. But this restaurant is top notch, and I want Spike to look his best. I was going to make him a nice bow tie for the occasion," she purred, dropping Twilight's hoof.

She sighed, but then smiled knowingly. This was so typical of Rarity. Every occasion demanded new attire, it seemed, so she couldn't really fault her for being herself. "Alright, but don't overdo it. Remember, this isn't about stealing his heart; it's about spending time with him."

"I know dear, and I promise. Now then, do you know how big around his neck is?" she asked, batting her eyelashes in her classic, pleading way.

Twilight just smiled and shook her head at the antics. "I'm not completely sure, since I've never measured it myself. But if I had to venture a guess, I'd say his neck is probably about four feet all the way around, at least in the middle," she finished, scratching at her chin as she ran the rough calculation.

It was all Rarity needed to hear; a guess was good enough. She would make it a little large, just to be safe, and in such a way that the extra could be stylishly dealt with. "Thank you dear. Now then, how do I get to the castle tailor?"

Twilight pointed to her left. "It's down that way, and on the first floor. When you get to the bottom, hang a right, and it should be the fifth door down," she said, smiling warmly. "Good luck!" she chimed, before trotting off the other way from the intersection.

Rarity made her way down the left hall, carefully picking her way to the expected room. As always, Twilight's memory proved superb, and she was right on target.

Rarity smiled as she gazed upon bolts of cloth, some gleaming and grand, others simple by contrast. This was her element, and here she was every bit a princess or noble as Celestia. Humming to herself as she always did when starting a new project, Rarity got to work.

It would have to be done before dinner, after all.

Seven o' clock rolled around, and her preparations were complete. She looked a little more spiffy than she usually did, though certainly not enough to consider it 'overdone' by her standards. The bow tie had turned out marvelously, a simple black fabric with silver pinstripes running diagonally. She had tied it a few times to ensure that the lines wouldn't look unpleasant, and was in fact pleased to find that her craftsponyship had allowed the lines to flow very smoothly from side to side.

She was certain it would be a hit, but had overlooked one major problem; she hadn't even asked Spike to dinner. Panicked, she made her way a little faster to the study, hoping that Twilight had had the foresight to at least keep Spike from going to dinner on his own.

She knocked lightly, despite her hurry and her slight panic. The door swung open though, revealing the dragon of her dreams, and she let out a heavy sigh of relief.

"Oh, there you are, Rarity. Twilight said you wanted to go to dinner tonight, but that you had a little business to take care of..." he said, his tone strong at first, but shifting to weak as he got full view of her.

Her mane was done in the usual way, always considered too stylish for most anypony on a normal day. It suited her perfectly today, complimenting her darkly-outlined, crystal blue eyes. She was wearing a bluish gown; not quite a full dress, but beautiful nonetheless, outlining her curves and allowing full view of her gently swaying flank when she walked. She had even thrown on some silver metalwork horseshoes.

She smiled at him gently, watching calmly as he went speechless. She let his gaze linger a few moments before she cleared her throat, trying to snap him back to reality.

"O-oh, sorry. I didn't mean to stare, but you look fantastic. Wherever we're going must be pretty high-brow, huh?" he asked, blinking to clear his mind a little, and smiling sheepishly at her.

"Oh, it's top notch of course, but don't worry; this little gown pales in comparison to your scales," she said with a warm wink, nudging his side gently. "So don't feel under-dressed."

Spike scratched the back of his neck, feeling exactly that way. Clothes didn't come in his size, though he had to admit his scales did have a gem-like quality to them. "I still wish I had something to wear. I'm going to make you look bad," he muttered sadly.

Rarity smiled, exactly what she had been waiting for. "Well, it's a good thing I made you a little something then, isn't it?" she tittered, laughing warmly as she pulled out the untied bow tie. It didn't look like much more than a simple strip of pinstriped cloth as she floated it to Spike's neck, but he knew better than to think it would be that simple.

"May I?" she cooed, using her magic to flare the tie out wide in front of his neck. Spike obliged, tilting his head up towards the ceiling, finally catching on to what the gift was. Rarity tied it in just a few strokes, accustomed to such things. "There, done! Let me see your face; I bet you look magnificent," she purred, walking a little closer to get a better look.

Spike lowered his head, smiling the most charming smile he could manage. "How is it? It certainly fits nice," he congratulated, tapping one flap of the tie gently in appreciation.

He looked marvelous, the silver pinstripes in the tie acting as a perfect complement to his ivory grin. They were angled just right so that no matter where one looked, the pinstripes matched up with the hatch-pattern of his scales. Now it was Rarity who gawked, amazed at how such a simple addition to his form could be so pleasing to the eye. The purple of his scales and the black of the tie danced nicely, the darker fabric drawing the eye to the silver lines and his brilliant, amethyst hide.

"It's that bad, huh?" Spike asked, mistaking her silent, open-mouthed stare for displeasure.

"Oh not at all, Spike. You look better than ever, if that's not too rude," she said, smiling widely to show her sincerity. Spike smiled as well, pleased that she found it stylish on him. Designing for a dragon couldn't be easy, and he was grateful for the gift.

"Thank you, Rarity. It means a lot to me," he said sincerely, dipping his head in thanks to hug her. She embraced his neck, careful not to ruffle the tie, and rubbed her cheek against his.

"Oh you're welcome, dear. I'm only sorry I didn't finish it sooner. You must be starving, having to wait for me like that!" she said, pouting in sympathy.

"No, no, it's fine," Spike said hurriedly, not wanting to seem like he had been waiting on her. Truth be told he had eaten a fairly large lunch, so he wasn't even that terribly hungry. Between Twilight's prompting and his own desires to spend time with either of the mares he loved, he'd been more than willing to wait for his dinner. "No sense waiting now though, right?" he asked, raising a clawed finger to accentuate his point.

Rarity laughed a little, turning back the way she had come. "Alright then, my handsome dragon. Let's you and I go out for a night on the town," she said with a warm smile, trotting a few steps ahead so that Spike would have room to follow.

Spike laughed too, a warm and friendly chuckle, excited for his evening with this mare. "As you wish, my lady," he said back, his tone all playfulness. The two made their way out of the castle and through the gates, laughing and smiling all the while.

The city was bustling, even so late in the evening. The sun wasn't quite set, perching on the rim of the world and painting the city a warm orange. Still, lights all over were coming on; not candles, but orbs of magic in various colors, all equally bright. The city was gorgeous at night, magnificently and comfortably alive.

Their destination was no less extravagant; the building was massive, with an entire block dedicated to itself. It was three stories high, with outdoor sections on each level. Only the one on the top floor would be open enough to seat Spike, but Rarity had assured him he would be accommodated. The restaurant, called the 'Blinking Jewell', certainly lived up to its name. Warm music filtered out from every opening, followed closely by gently pulsing lights of varying colors.

"It's amazing! I've never seen a building like this before," Spike said, smiling like a child shown a new toy.

"It's only open in the evening and late into the night, for those ponies and dragons who like to have a little fun before bed," she said, glad he was impressed with the place. "I had Twilight make us a reservation up on the top floor, so that you and I can sit on the balcony. The owners were more than happy to clear us a little space, so we shouldn't have any trouble. Now then, I shall meet you at the top," Rarity said, smiling and wandering towards the building.

Spike scooped her up suddenly, smiling down at her and careful to handle her gently. He didn't want to ruin a single thread or hair on her head. "Please, allow me," he said quietly, spreading his large wings and beating hard to get level with his landing zone. The structure certainly looked solid enough, but he came in lightly all the same.

Rarity gasped as they went airborne, having never flown in Spike's arms before. But, just like his touch, she found it thrilling. Here, everything was out of her hooves and in Spike's claws; a situation she was strangely comfortable with. She nestled closer as they landed, fearing it would be a jarring experience. Spike's flying prowess proved her fears wrong, and they landed so smoothly that Rarity was not sure they had at all, until he set her down gently.

"I hope I didn't startle you too badly," Spike said, just now realizing that he should have asked her first.

"Oh not at all! In fact, I would very much like to do that again on the way back," she cooed, shaking herself to clear the feeling of excitement building in her stomach. There would be plenty of time for that later. She looked about, surprised that the balcony only held a few tables. Spike was large, certainly, but the balcony would have had plenty of room for them even with five or six more tables present.

The two chose the nearest one, with the most open space available. Spike curled comfortably on the balcony at one end of the table, gently setting aside the unneeded chairs. Rarity made her way to her seat, but found it pulled out for her already. Curious, she looked under the table to see Spike's tail wrapped around the back legs, a warm smile on the dragon's face.

She sat down and smiled as Spike pulled his tail back, pulling her chair in gently with it. "You are such a perfect gentledrake, Spike!" she gushed, placing her chin in her hooves and batting her eyelashes.

Spike just chuckled at her classic antics; it brought back good memories. She had used to use reactions like that on him because she knew he liked her, often driving him to do strange and amusing things to get reactions out of her in return. Those had been comfortable times, and it only made the mood that evening seem even more peaceful. "Thank you, but I'm just doing my job," he said with a warm smile.

More dinner-goers arrived on their balcony, taking up three of the five or so remaining tables. They stared hard at Spike, unsure what a dragon was doing in a place like this, and Spike nervously waved to them. Most of them blinked in surprise, expecting to be scowled at, not waved to. Shrugging, they smiled and waved back, and that set Spike's heart at ease. He knew he'd be a surprising sight most places, but as long as nopony gawked, he would be fine.

Rarity smiled as the other ponies waved back, glad to see that their arrival wouldn't be a sour note on her evening with Spike. A waiter came, smiling at them both, a martini for his cutie mark. He was clearly a professional, undaunted even when serving a customer with Spike's size, and potential appetite.

"Good evening, you two. Welcome to the Blinking Jewell. I hope you didn't wait long on me?" he inquired, standing between them both at the edge of the table. He was a black-coated unicorn with bright blue eyes and a charming, business-like smile.

"Not at all," Spike said, smiling back, ready to gauge the waiter's reaction.

The waiter didn't waver an inch face-to-face with Spike's fangs, only smiled wider. "Excellent! Well, can I start you both off with some drinks?" he asked, pleasantly, using his magic to take out a quill and notepad. He looked to Rarity first, smiling warmly. "How about for the lady?"

"Oh, I'll take a martini," Rarity said with a smile, impressed by the prompt service and composure of their waiter.

The waiter took on a slightly pained look, the signature of all table-side apologies. "I hate to tell you this, miss, but the bar is packed right now. If you want anything alcoholic, you'll have to step inside and grab it from there, or else wait a very long time for the drinks," he said, bowing his head slightly.

Rarity's smile shrank by a few teeth, but she built it back up to full strength rapidly. "That's no problem at all, don't worry. Can we just get some water here for the time being?" she asked.

The waiter smiled and put his notepad away, happy to hear they weren't too inconvenienced. "Of course. I'll come back with the water right away, and then I'll grab your orders once you've got your drinks." His job done, he wandered off to another table, continuing his excellent service.

Spike looked to the door leading inside; he could see the bar from here, but had no idea how he would go about getting in there. He chuckled a little to himself as he pictured himself poking his head into the building, the ponies piled around the bar dispersing. He shook his head, smiling ironically, and looked back to Rarity. "Do you mind...?" he asked, raising a claw over his head to gesture about his height.

Rarity laughed lightly to herself and hopped out of her chair, heading that way already. "Of course. What would you like?" she asked, slightly surprised Spike was drinking.

"I don't know, really," Spike called over the music, drawing Rarity back a few steps to hear him better. "All I've had is wine, but I wouldn't mind something new. Surprise me," he said with a warm, trusting smile.

"Alright, but I expect you to drink it!" she called back, smiling wickedly as if she had something dastardly planned.

Spike laughed a little, certain that he wouldn't like whatever she brought him at first. After only a few minutes of waiting, the waiter returned with the water they had asked for, offering to wait for Rarity since his other tables had already been served or were still making up their minds.

She returned in short order, toting a small margarita, and the largest glass the place could offer for Spike, full of some mysterious liquid Spike couldn't even begin to guess at. It smelled strange and unpleasant at first, but it had a tangy bite to its scent that Spike somewhat enjoyed after a couple sniffs. She used her magic to set it down in front of him, taking her seat back again. Spike's tail drew her back to the table as usual, and the waiter smiled.

"Alright, ready to order?" he asked, whipping out the quill and notepad.

"I'll have the garden salad special, with the vegetable soup," Rarity dictated pleasantly. Various other exchanges were made, considering salad dressing, the type of bread she would like with her soup, and so on. Spike lost track of the transactions, hardly able to believe the complexity of a single meal.

"And you?" The gentlecolt asked, prepping his quill again.

Spike had been pondering the menu the entire time Rarity had been getting drinks, and had finally made up his mind. Pony establishments rarely carried anything he was excited about eating, but fish was on the menu here, and that was something he could get behind. "I'll take the smoked salmon fillet, and the potato soup on the side," he said, hoping his meal wasn't as complicated as Rarity's.

The waiter seemed to sense Spike's uncertainty, and simply put the notepad away. "Alright, we'll get that right out for you both. Enjoy your drinks while you wait!" His work done, he trotted off to the kitchen to put their order in.

With that settled, Spike snaked his long tongue into his cup, giving it a cursory taste. It tingled his tongue, though he expected it would have felt like burning to most anypony else. Breathing fire had its perks. The taste was unpleasant at first, but once he removed his tongue, the aftertaste wasn't so bad. "What is this stuff?" he asked, snaking his tongue in again as if he had already forgotten whether he liked it or not. Even after a second taste, he wasn't sure.

"It's bourbon, a kind of whiskey," Rarity said, sipping lightly on her margarita. "It's fairly strong liquor, but a dragon your size shouldn't be bothered too much by it," she teased with a wink.

The two took turns talking and sipping on their drinks, Spike starting to enjoy this new beverage more with each pull.

The inside of the restaurant was everything Rarity would have dreamed. Crystal lamps of every hue and shade lined the walls, flickering as if they were candle-lit, yet they were clearly magical. They mixed well, pleasing to the eye, and only highlighted the room's light marble flooring and contrasted with the dark wood of the bar.

It was very classy to be sure, and there were many ponies dressed more daringly than Rarity, wearing revealing dresses or extreme hairstyles. She didn't regret her decision with the simple gown, however; everypony else felt overdone, yet she felt she fit the scene.

She and Spike had squared away their first drinks already, long before the food had arrived. The margarita had been delicious, but hadn't done anything for her. Where flavor was concerned, she expected her food to more than make up for her drinks, so she had secretly made up her mind to get herself something a little stronger. She'd never had a problem with long island tea, so that seemed like a decent enough idea. She was expected to get something new for Spike each round, since it seemed he was taking on a new-found interest in drinking. She'd take it easy on him this round, though she expected it would take an absurd amount to make her draconian friend even a slight bit tipsy.

She made her way to the bar, not wanting to keep Spike waiting. It was packed, like their waiter had said, but she had a few tricks up her sleeves, as the saying went. Batting her eyelashes and gently nudging a stallion here or there would get her to the front of the line in no time, she knew. She put her tactics to work immediately, letting her voice drop into a flirtatiously pleading tone, all but begging her way to the front of the bar.

She didn't really consider it underhooved so much as clever. However, this method wasn't without risks, and Rarity sighed and rolled her eyes as one such little quirk made itself known.

"Bartender, her drinks are on me!" came a haughty voice from behind her. The ponies on her left made way for a large chestnut stallion, wearing a tuxedo over his torso, coattails parting over his tail. He wasn't bad to look at, and in any other situation, Rarity would have gone right along with the flirting. Tonight, though, her mind was only set on one male in the entire world, and this stallion was about to become a severe nuisance.

"That won't be necessary, but thank you for the offer," Rarity cooed, knowing that the only way to really deal with a male who wanted her was to give him just enough that he would be satisfied, so she kept her tone light and playful. Catering to the male pride was key here, convincing him that he had to leave, but could leave confident in his skills with women. Offending him would only make him try harder. "You see, I'm already here with someone, and tonight is my treat."

"Oh, I didn't mean it like that," the stallion lied, smiling smugly. "Where is this stallion of yours, hmm? I'd certainly like to meet the gentlecolt who reeled in a lady like you," he said with a wink.

Oh, he's one of those. Rarity though in disgust. The type of stallion who would even try to steal a girl out from under her boyfriend. He was likely looking for a chance to try and compare himself to whoever Rarity was with so that he could try to outshine him. That gave Rarity an idea, and this time she didn't bother shooing the obstinate stallion away.

"Of course, I should have known better! I'd love for you to meet him, he's simply to die for," she swooned, making it known that she had extreme feelings for Spike. She watched with amusement as the stallion's smile shrank a few teeth. He was now reconsidering his odds competing with this mystery stallion. Rarity grabbed her drinks with her magic, and started out past the crowd. "We're out on the balcony for dinner, but I would love to introduce you. Could you help a poor dear out...?" she cooed, gesturing to the ponies crowded about.

The large earth pony smiled, thinking this was his chance to get a leg up on her boyfriend. He made it a point to part the crowd for her, clearing an easy path back out to the balcony. Rarity walked right out, sure the stallion would follow. He did, smiling smugly to himself, and Rarity could only imagine the satisfaction she would get when he saw Spike.

"Thank you so much. It would have taken me ages to get away from the bar myself," she said with a cute little laugh.

"No problem at all; size comes in handy sometimes," the stallion laughed, raising his voice to an almost taunting level, as if daring her boyfriend to come out of hiding.

Spike heard all of this exchange, looking from Rarity to the stallion, and back again. He sighed, easily assuming what had happened. Rarity was prone to flirting to get her way, and digging herself into a hole as a result. It certainly didn't help matters that the stallion was normally her type; tall and strong, and probably sly with his words. Spike couldn't deny a twinge of jealousy, even though he knew Rarity was only acting.

Spike stood from the table, painting a harmless smile on his face. He could guess what the problem was here; Rarity was unable to get rid of this flirt on her own.

Spike was just fine with that.

He wandered up to the pair, and Rarity smiled broadly at him. "Oh, Spike, there you are! This gentlecolt wanted to meet you. He said you must be a complete gentlecolt to be dating a lady like me, but I think he meant gentledrake," she giggled.

Spike smiled warmly, glad that it was all a ruse to get rid of this stalker she had picked up. "Of course, though I don't know about being a gentledrake. He certainly has fine taste in mares though, so I can't fault him for that. The name's Spike," Spike said, intentionally smiling such that his fangs were very prominently revealed. He extended a claw to shake hooves with the stallion, fully expecting the stallion to simply turn tail and run.

The stallion stared wide-eyed, clearly horrified. He had not been expecting to be outclassed in size, nor had he been expecting a dragon. Still, he had come this far, so he had to do his best to keep from looking like a fool. The best part of this strategy was that he could flee the scene after introducing himself, simply congratulating the couple instead of making his planned move on Rarity.

"T-the name's Steel Gauntlet," he said, clearing his throat to regain his composure, and shaking hooves with Spike. "I just wanted to congratulate you; she really is a beautiful mare, and you certainly are a handsome dragon. It's not often you see a couple like this, so I wanted to wish you my best. Anyways, I won't interrupt your dinner any longer; I have my own party to get back to after all," the stallion said, even giving off a warm chuckle before turning to leave. "Enjoy your evening, you two!" he called back, disappearing back into the bar.

Spike was thoroughly impressed by his escape tactics at the end of it all. He even managed to make it seem as if he had been expecting they were a strange couple all along.

Rarity giggled as she made her way to the table, drinks still in tow. "Did you see the look on his face? I know his type, and he was going to try and muscle in on me in front of my 'boyfriend'. I couldn't pass up the chance to pit his muscle against yours," she said, smiling sheepishly as if she expected to be scolded.

Spike admitted he was slightly upset, but he really couldn't expect anything else. With Celestia, her authority kept most people at bay, regardless of her beauty. Rarity, on the other claw, was beautiful and approachable, and so in the future it would only benefit her to have Spike around. He smiled at her warmly, coming to the realization that she needed his protection, that his form was helpful to her.

"It's fine. I have to admit, it was pretty funny," Spike laughed. "Just... try not to make a habit of that," he pleaded. "You don't want to see a jealous dragon."

Rarity smiled as she sipped at her long island tea, passing Spike his drink. She had been nice to him this time, and had gotten him a long island tea as well, though his was in significantly larger portions. "I'll try not to," she promised, setting her glass down and crossing a hoof over her heart.

The waiter arrived with their food, and Spike's stomach growled loudly at the scent of the salmon. The waiter just laughed, setting it down with his magic. "It sounds like I made it just in time," he joked, setting Rarity's meal in front of her as well. "Alright, I'll be back in a few to make sure everything's up to par. Enjoy!" he finished, trotting off.

Spike dug in, glad to find that the cooks had thought ahead and made extra for his appetite. Rarity daintily worked her salad fork with her magic, poking at her salad. The two conversed over dinner, sharing laughs and old stories about their friends and each other.

Spike chuckled to himself as his cargo kept right on talking and talking. He couldn't keep up with a word she was saying, busy as he was with his flying. He had flown high enough to avoid most of the buildings, but here and there he would have to bank to dodge a particularly tall one.

By the time they had received their check, Rarity had had one too many drinks. Spike had never seen her drunk before, and now that he had, he was glad he had stayed sober. He'd switched back to water after his own long island tea, figuring it would be best not to fly drunk.

Rarity had been talking incessantly ever since they had left the Blinking Jewel, mostly about the thrill of flying and the wonderful time she had had at dinner. Now and then her tone would drop as she lost track of what she was saying, and spike back up, high-pitched and loud as she recalled her train of thought.

Spike just smiled warmly, listening to her slurring her words in his arms and struggling to make sense. She was so helpless and wild this way, a victim to anything her mind concocted, and Spike found that endearing. She was cute this way, a different kind of trait altogether from her usual beauty, yet no less wonderful.

Near as he could tell, she had yet to wait for a response from him on any of her statements, so he just kept right on flying and smiling at her antics, his arms crossed in front of him, cradling her neck and flank so that she was looking up at him. He feared allowing her to look down in her drunken state would cause a panic.

She wriggled about anyways, eventually poking her head out past the safety of his arms, and looking down on the city.

"It's beautiful!" she squealed, looking this way and that, mesmerized by the gentle up-and-down motion of Spike's flight and the shifting lights below. "Oh I just love flying! I wish I had been born a pegasus," she grumbled, though the awe never left her eyes.

"But if you weren't a unicorn, you could never have made me this perfect bow tie," Spike pointed out, smiling gently at her.

She gasped, completely uncalled for and over the top, and spun back around in his arms to face him. "You're right," she said, her tone all but giving off the idea that she had completely forgotten she was a fashionista for the time being. She hugged Spike as much as she could, considering she was pressed against his chest, and her hooves couldn't reach around him. "Besides," she murmured, looking at him with eyes slightly out of focus. "Who needs wings, when I have you?"

Spike's wings skipped a beat, causing them to drop a few feet in altitude before he recovered. It was probably one of the cheesiest things she could have said, yet it lit his heart like the city below. Rarity giggled as they dropped, clearly enjoying the sudden bump in the ride. Spike realized she was long gone and wickedly drunk, but he still felt that her statement had been sincere.

He set down at the castle gate just long enough to get permission from the guards to fly over. It was already ten o' clock, and Spike wanted to get Rarity inside and to bed before she got much worse. The guards shared some laughs with Spike over the talkative mare's speeches before he departed.

Spike knew which room Rarity usually stayed in when she came here, and so he made his way straight there, still carrying her gently. He pushed open her door and dropped her lightly on the bed. Though she was drunk, she certainly didn't seem like she was in a hurry to go to bed, giggling as she bounced from her landing on the mattress. Spike laughed too, his heart full of warmth from her happiness.

"It's not bed time already, is it?" Rarity pouted, rolling onto her side so she could look at Spike, who was curling up on the floor.

"It doesn't have to be, if you don't want it to," Spike replied politely, not the slightest bit tired himself. These last few days had caught him staying up later and later, so ten wasn't a problem.

Rarity smiled, an idea dimly lighting her drunk mind. "Let's just sit and talk a while, Spike. Like we used to," she said, her tone going nostalgic.

Spike chuckled, not willing to pass up this chance to crack a joke. "You've been talking all night! I'll never get a word in edgewise," he teased.

"Oh hush," Rarity chided, scowling. "I know I talk a lot when I'm drunk, but that's just part of my charm," she huffed, pouting lightly.

Spike just smiled, expecting just such a reaction. "Alright, fine. What do you want to talk about then?"

"Let's talk about the old times. Before all this... mess," she said, throwing her hooves in the air when she settled on the right word for it. "About all the times we shared, and all the crazy things our friends did."

Spike smiled, his gaze far away as he pondered just such times. This was a topic he could be comfortable with, something finally normal in his life. They shared many fond memories together, and he was more than willing to recount them.

The two bantered back and forth, laughing until tears sprung, raising their voices to talk over one another. Here and there they would each say the exact same thing, mimicking Twilight or some other pony before bursting into laughter.

For Spike, it was indeed just like old times.

By the time two o' clock had rolled around, Rarity's drunken state and her wild antics during the evening had finally worn her out. She had fallen asleep in the center of the bed, horseshoes and all, leaving Spike left to clean up after her.

He gently shook her, trying to rouse her just enough to get her to co-operate as he peeled her out of the gown. She mumbled a bunch of nonsense, but reacted enough to his prodding touches to get the job done, and at last the dress was off. Spike hung it on a waiting hangar in the room's closet before returning to remove her horseshoes.

"You're hopeless," he muttered, smiling gently to himself, as she had already fallen back asleep. He set the shoes aside as well, and kept a silent vigil at the side of her bed for a time, simply gazing upon his sleeping friend. She was gorgeous, carefree in her sleep. A slight smile was on her face, the sign of a good dream.

Content that all was well, Spike at last yawned, feeling the need for sleep coming over him also. He made his way quietly to the door, thinking to escape without waking her. But some kind of sixth sense woke her as he left her side, feeling his presence departing.

"Spike, wait..." She whined, little more than half-awake, her eyes not even open.

Shaking his head and smiling to himself, he realized he should have known better. He padded back over to her bedside, gently petting her mane. "Yes?" he asked, figuring she wanted to say goodnight.

She muttered something he couldn't hear, so he leaned closer. Without warning him, she kissed him lightly on the lips, just a little peck of affection. "I just wanted to say goodnight... and I love you," she said, smiling slightly, her eyes open just a crack.

Spike smiled, the kiss not completely unexpected, or unwanted. He kissed her on the cheek as she closed her eyes again, her smile still in place. "Goodnight, my lady. I love you, too," he whispered, giving one last stroke of her mane before making his way over to the door. He paused with it cracked open, smiling back at his sleeping beauty.

Tonight would be a night he would never forget.

[Celestia] VII: True Strength

Luna waited patiently in her room. She kept it a little darker than most places, forever finding enjoyment in the dimmer light. Not that she disliked sunlight, but it eliminated one of her favorite views; the stars of night. Her ceiling was enchanted to show only the stars beyond, displacing the sunlight outside and revealing the vastness of space beyond the glow of day.

She smiled as she considered her sister's earlier request. A meeting, here, in Luna's room, could only mean one thing. Her sister desired privacy, a place to hide where nopony would look for her; or perhaps no dragon, unless she missed her guess.

She was much like her sister, deep down. Though less accustomed to recent times, it had been many years since her return from the moon. Luna had adapted well, quickly learning the flow of the world around her all over again. She, like her sister, was now entertaining ideas of love. She, like Celestia, had once loved long ago, and so could share in her woes. But she assumed Celestia would want to talk about Spike, and Luna was concerned.

Celestia was her idol, every bit the model alicorn she wanted to be. She didn't understand how she could be of help to her older sister, who was more experienced than her in most every way. She hoped it was just a simple case of needing to be heard, else she wondered if she could possibly support the sister she so loved.

The doors swung open lightly, Celestia poking her head inside, having trouble adjusting to the dark. "Luna, are you in here?" she asked, trotting inside and shutting the door behind her.

Luna smiled, forgetting how well her starlit mane blended in with the darkness. Using her magic, she willed the images of the stars on her ceiling to shine brighter, lighting the room. "Yes, I'm here, sister. I suppose I lost track of time. Please, come sit," Luna said, sliding over on her bed to make room.

Celestia climbed up gratefully, smiling to her sister. "I suppose you can guess why I'm here... It's not often we use your room for conversation," Celestia said sadly, looking at the deep blue comforter of Luna's mattress.

Luna only smiled in support. "It's about Spike, isn't it? I know it's strange, to have to come to me for help, but even if all you need is to be heard, you are always welcome here," Luna said, hugging her sister tightly.

Celestia didn't break that embrace, but only hugged Luna tighter. "Oh Luna... I'm tired of being strong," Celestia sighed, and Luna felt her diaphragm twitch as if suppressing a lump in her throat.

It was worse than Luna had feared. She had seen her sister break down before, but she was never prepared for such things. If something ever brought Celestia to tears, it was usually because she had suppressed something sorrowful for far too long, in the efforts of being strong for those around her. "Let it come, sister. Nothing good will come of holding back," Luna said quietly, urging her to speak her mind, and her heart.

Celestia let the tears come on in full, sobbing without words for a few moments. "Why did it have to be him? Why did it have to be me?" she asked through her pain, wiping her teary eyes in Luna's starry mane. "And now I'm going to lose him, like I always lose them! Is it forbidden for me to love anything in this world?" she asked in despair.

Luna stroked her mane gently, making soft hushing noises to try and calm her. "You must not think like that, Tia. Nothing is stopping you from loving Spike. Why are you saying such things?" Luna pulled away, looking at her with a comforting smile, trying to stem the flow of tears and get her thinking more positively.

"I am stopping me," Celestia sniffed, looking away from Luna. "He loves me, yet he loves Rarity. My duty is to both of them, not my own heart. To be strong, for both of them, I must let her have him," Celestia said, choking on her words, a strange hiccupping sound. "To be strong, I would have to let him go."

"Then be weak!" Luna said, shaking her gently, but just enough to convey how much she meant her words. "Go after what you desire, don't let it pass you by. You and Spike could be happy for an eternity together, yet you would let this chance at bliss float by for the sake of duty? Dear sister, it's time you learned to love yourself as much as you love all else." Luna said with a sad smile. "If you can't learn to follow your own heart, you will watch this world turn with empty eyes."

Celestia looked at her sister in confusion. "How? All my life, my duty has been to those around me. How can I do this thing, without destroying their love?" she asked sadly, afraid to tear Spike and Rarity apart.

"If you do nothing, the love you share will fade!" Luna said in frustration, desperate to make her sister see. "I am not saying you should destroy their love, but neither should you let yours die off. Continue loving him, as you have been, as you always wish to. Tia, the longing in his heart is torn. Surely you of all the mares in this world could mend it?" she encouraged, rubbing cheeks with her sister.

Tia smiled sadly, but it was a smile. "Perhaps I could. But he already feels obligated to me, and I don't want to make up his mind for him in that way. When I agreed to be his mare, I had hoped he might be over Rarity. If I had known it would come to this, I never would have... I mean..." Celestia trailed off, realizing that she would have denied her feelings for Spike for the sake of convenience.

"Tia, snap out of this!" Luna pleaded. "Your love for Spike must never come second to anything. Even if it had to happen this way, be glad you agreed to be his mare, and act like you are! Rarity saw you both kissing, yet would you have ever taken that kiss back?"

Celestia shook her head, having told Rarity exactly that. "You're right, of course... But this was my first chance at love in ages, Luna. I have been so afraid to love again, and I was right to be. What if he chooses Rarity, despite my love? What if I am left alone again? Oh, Luna, I cannot be alone again!" Celestia sniffled, tears welling in her eyes once more.

"He needs to know you need him, Tia. That you are not so strong as you pretend to be. Even your heart needs a solid place to rest. You have let him see what you are like, so why hide your fear or pain? Why lie to him?" Luna asked, sounding confused.

That hit Celestia hard. If she denied her heart, if she hid her pain and worry from Spike, she would only be putting another mask between them. She knew how Spike felt about her daily duties, how she was acting in front of everypony, and she knew the pain that caused him. She knew that if she let him go, he would certainly side with Rarity, the mare who wanted him openly, needed him completely.

Celestia needed him, too, but she was afraid to tell him that. It was bad enough that he felt tied down to her, but then to reinforce that by practically begging him to pick her... That would serve only to make things harder between them, she knew. "What should I do?" Celestia asked, her mind more confused than it had been since her youth. "How do I show him how I feel, how I need him, without demanding his love?"

Luna smiled, as if the answer were obvious. "Don't let him go. Be with him, near him, show your love and appreciation for him. If you allow yourselves to fall apart, he will feel unneeded, or unwanted. But if you spend time with him, show that you desire his company and his love through your actions, he will see it clearly without a word being spoken," Luna said with a smile.

Celestia smiled also, feeling certain this made sense. She wasn't much for the idea of yanking Spike off on a date so soon after everything had fallen apart. But she had another idea, one she had been pondering ever since that talk, before their first kiss together. "I'll do it," she whispered quietly, determination igniting her tone like wildfire.

"What do you mean?" Luna asked, afraid that her sister meant something lewd.

"Not whatever you are thinking," Celestia said with a scowl, the tears in her eyes all but dried up. The only sign remaining of her breakdown were the streaks of wetness staining her coat below her eyes. "Spike mentioned to me that he is afraid of growing larger as he grows older. Already he is too tall for most buildings, and he is troubled by it. He once asked if there was a way, by magic, to keep him from growing. But perhaps I could do even one better; I may actually be able to make him smaller, if he so desires," she said, pondering her magical prowess, all but certain it was equal to the task.

Luna smiled, feeling that was a perfect idea. "A fine way to show you love and need him. If he wants to keep from growing so that he may love you better, granting his wish will only show that you wish to love him better as well," she congratulated, glad to see her sister taking an active approach.

Celestia smiled, glad there was something she could do for him. Even if he did not choose her, this gift would benefit him. "This will give him time to think tonight, while I create the spell. It will not be easy, but I am certain it can be done. When it is finished, I will break the news to him; both about the spell, and how I feel," she promised, and Luna nodded, hopping off the bed.

Celestia followed, her determination and eagerness to do this task flooding her mind and body with energy. She embraced her sister a final time that evening, smiling widely. "Thank you Luna. Without you, I don't know what I would do. In some ways, you're more wise than I will ever be," she praised, rubbing cheeks.

Luna flushed with happiness, glad that her sister so respected her advice. "It's nothing, dear sister. Now go! The sooner you finish this spell, the closer you will be to the greatest happiness of your life," she said with a smile, shooing her older sister along.

Celestia went willingly, glad to be on her way. She made her way to the library at once, and her private study within. Here she practiced her spellcraft. And though it had been ages since she had last created a magical spell, few could even be considered on her level of magical knowledge and power. It would likely take her all night, but she would not find the task beyond her.

With the sun rolling along the world's edge, Celestia lit her reading lamp, and opened a tome she had not touched in centuries; her spellbook.

Her work was not simple. With each magical flicker of her horn, the room was lit with golden runes. She was no novice to the ways of the world, particularly the growth and decay of things living. Numerous spells existed already to shrink various objects, but they had never been tested on living things. And she could recall no spell in all the history of pony kind used to keep anything from growing larger ever again.

If she simply shrank him, that would be enough for a while. But eventually Spike would grow again, and so she would have to cast it on him again, and she was not sure how shrinking a dragon multiple times would affect him. She refused to settle for anything less than a spell that would do the unimaginable.

She needed a spell that would turn Spike's growth back a few years, and then trap it there. It was not long ago he had been her own size, nearly seven feet tall, only a few years at most. She practiced her magic over and over, with little success. There was a potted oak sapling in her study that was the target of her progressively changing spellwork. It was not much older than a few years either, and her goal was simple; to turn it back, until it was nothing more than an acorn.

After five attempts using variations of a spell she was certain would eventually adapt to do what she desired, she had no results to show, other than that a few leaves had disappeared. This, she assumed, was the result of being turned back a few weeks, not a few years. Frustrated, she focused on a different, more powerful version of the previous runic pattern she had used to cast her spell.

The plant shuddered, and quite suddenly vanished, much to her excitement. She quickly trotted to her spellbook, jotting a note of her spellcasting method before she confirmed the results. Sure as she was master of the sun, there lay the acorn, nestled in the pocket left by its now non-existent roots.

This was only part of the spell, she knew, though it was a vital part; she could use it to test whether or not the age was locked by casting the spell with the opposite effect in mind; to age the acorn. Though even if it never aged physically again, once it had reached its lifespan, acorn or not, it would perish as if it had been fully grown.

She need not worry about such things with Spike, but the spell could never be used to allow a mortal to live forever. Their lives were finite, no matter the bodies they held. Still, it would accomplish her goals. She began new spells, focusing on halting the physical aging process of the acorn.

She would cast each variation, and then try to age the acorn. Her first three attempts failed, her aging spell returning the acorn to its original sapling form. Her fourth, however, had no effect on the nut. It remained a small, round seed, despite her numerous castings to get it to age.

It would never grow again, she was certain; no matter how much water it received or years passed, it would never sprout. Exhausted from her spellcasting, but well pleased with herself, she jotted down her latest spell, confident this was the gift Spike desired. With these two spells, he could once again live among ponies with ease, sharing their homes and their lives.

Her life.

She lay her head on the desk, blowing the lamp out and letting her exhaustion take her. It was late now, the moon more than half through its cycle, so she took her well deserved rest.

Come morning, she would be standing eye to eye with her love.

Spike wandered Tia's private gardens, still puzzled by the recent turn of events. His heart yearned for an answer to his imbalance, flitting between the realms of love where his mares held dominion. It tired of travel, desiring only to settle on one, and be happy in its destination.

Spike stared upon the cherry tree, now a symbol of his love for Tia. He had wandered to it knowingly, unwilling to let beautiful thoughts of his princess flow unanswered. Here he had first caught her singing, alone and fragile, unknowing that he gazed upon her. Here, he had first seen past her mask, and into the true beauty of her life.

He sighed, realizing how unlikely it was. With Rarity here, it only reminded him of his worries before; that Tia might not truly love him, might have simply been waiting for this chance for Rarity to reclaim Spike's heart. Spike shook his head, realizing that was foolish. He knew her too well to let that thought settle. She would never do something so cruel, to toy with Spike's heart like that.

He thought back to their first kiss, the first true kiss he had shared with anypony. Then, she had been his mare. Things had changed, he feared. She had told him not to feel bound to her, to pursue his own heart. Did that mean, then, that she did not want to be bound to him?

Mares were too complicated.

With a defeated groan, Spike curled on the ground under the tree. There was too much going on for him to even pretend he understood. He wasn't used to having to make up his mind on his own; though always mature for his age, he had always been surrounded by wise and powerful friends, always willing to help. The few times he had made drastic decisions on his own, they had not ended well, Twilight often having to save him from himself.

His brooding was interrupted by soft hoofsteps behind him. His heart soared when he wrapped his neck about, turning to see Tia standing there behind him. It answered so many questions, relieved him of so many doubts now that she had come after him. He smiled at her warmly, glad to see her beautiful face.

"I thought I might find you here," she said with a warm smile of her own. Her tone, the way she held herself, all put Spike's heart at ease. Nothing had changed since he had seen her last; held her last. The light was still in her eyes when she looked at him, the reluctance in her steps only equal to Spike's own uncertainty. He could certainly accept that.

"I couldn't stay cooped up in the study," he admitted, smiling sheepishly. "I felt cramped and alone there. At least out here I have the company of the sun... and its keeper," he finished with a wink.

Celestia blushed, finding his metaphor fittingly poetic. "My, such a way with words," she teased, trotting a bit closer. That little exchange seemed have dissolved her doubts as well, Spike realized, helping her to see as he had that things between them remained. He had not seen her all the night before, an uncommon thing since he had come to the castle. He had been worried, afraid she might be avoiding him.

If it had been the case, it no longer was, and that was enough for him. With her stepping closer, he noticed a strange thing about her complexion; she looked more pale, as if she were sick or tired, and she was not as well groomed as she usually was, though still certainly beautiful. "Are you feeling alright? You don't look yourself today..." Spike said, not meaning to be rude about it.

"I had a late night," Celestia said with a slight chuckle, as if laughing off Spike's concerns.

"Because of me?" Spike asked, his tone betraying nothing. Whether he expected a preferred answer or not, Tia couldn't tell.

"In a way, though completely by choice," Tia replied calmly, with a smile that put Spike's heart at ease. "I know you're troubled, trying to make up your mind about your heart. But even though I am a part of that trouble, I wanted to prove that I am here for you," Celestia said quietly, her tone reluctant. She had reached the part of her confession she felt was dangerous.

"What do you mean, Tia? You've always been here for me, and even if you are involved that will never change," Spike said, as if he could imagine no situation where he could not depend on her, even if she had caused it all. His eyes conveyed only sincerity.

That bolstered Celestia for what she had to do next, so she smiled and continued. "I remember you said you were afraid... to grow larger, as you grow older. Already, your size inconveniences you, doesn't it?" she asked gently, not wanting to incite any kind of negative emotion with her words.

Spike sighed, but didn't react past that. "Yeah, it's not easy being this size. And it worries me, knowing that no matter who I love, I will eventually outgrow them... physically, not emotionally," he clarified hastily.

Celestia only laughed, pawing at the air to show she understood. "I was up all night, working on a spell for you, Spike. You remember I said I might be able to find a way to keep you from growing... Well, I have."

Spike's jaw dropped in shock. So soon? He had expected it would take her much longer, if she ever did it at all. Even he had forgotten about that little discussion in the heat of things, so it came as a shock to him that he might have one of the greatest worries of his young life laid to rest. "Really?" he asked, almost skeptical.

"Of course, why would I lie?" she asked, her tone teasing. "But I can even do one better, if you so wish," she added lightly, as if as an afterthought.

Spike tilted his head, confused. "What could be better than staying this size?" Spike asked, puzzling it over.

Celestia only grinned, anticipating his reaction. "Staying my size, of course," she replied, her tone slightly more excited than she had meant it to be.

To be her size? That would be amazing! Spike shuddered with pleasure at the thought, excited at the mere possibility that he might be able to live normally again, like he hadn't been able to for years. Sure his size had a few perks, but for the most part it was only inconvenient. And Celestia's tone; she had thought of this course because it was not only something she thought Spike would desire, but something that she was also excited about.

"I would love that," Spike admitted, but before he agreed to it, he wanted to know. "Would you?" he asked, eyeing her carefully, gauging her response.

"Would I what?" she asked, not quite following, too caught up in his agreement to be resized.

"Would you like it more, if I were your size?" he asked, still making complete eye contact with her.

She faltered, lost in his green eyes as she realized she was now trapped into doing the one thing she had not wanted to; telling Spike blatantly that she wanted him, needed him, didn't want him to leave. There was a slight chance she might not have to, and that was enough to try on.

"Of course I would Spike," she answered simply, trying to avoid the fearful question...

"Why?" Spike asked, not relenting in his gaze.

Tia couldn't look away. The longing in his eyes, the sheer need for an answer, a real answer, drove her to respond. "Because I love you, Spike. And I never want you to outgrow me," she said quietly, her admission coming more fluidly than she had expected, and feeling a thousand more times right than she had ever dreamed. Luna was right, hiding how she felt from Spike would only hurt them both, and it felt so great to tell him that. Like an iron chain wrapped about her own heart had been shattered.

Spike smiled, a watery and weak grin that was shaken by emotions of various degrees. He stepped closer, picking her off the ground in his arms, and hugging her gently. "Then change me; but don't do it because it will make me happy. Do it because you love me," Spike said, cradling her gently.

Celestia only smiled, completely comfortable in the unexpected embrace. "To me Spike, they are one and the same," she replied. "But before I do... stay like this with me a while," she said softly, closing her eyes and cuddling closer to his chest.

Overwhelmed with feelings for her, Spike craned his neck down to her, kissing her gently on the cheek. "Whatever you wish, Tia," he whispered quietly, holding his princess in his arms. His heart, so turbulent with feelings even now, could not deny the rightness of this love. Once the two had hidden in one another's shadows, but now this love glowed with a light of its own.

For this moment, Spike was in love with Tia and nopony else. Here, with her in his arms, he was separated from all troubles. He knew that sometime, maybe even soon, his worries would return, the conflict of his heart would resume. He would one day again wonder if he could be this happy with Rarity.

One day... one different day.

He curled back on the ground, still holding her tightly. It was only the afternoon, yet it felt like the evening, everything around them dim in comparison to one another. Spike smiled gently at Tia, her eyes coming open a slit as she sensed his gaze. The two shared a wordless exchange of smiles, until Spike had a thought.

"Tia?" he asked, looking from her to the cherry tree.

"Yes Spike?" she asked, closing her eyes again, still exhausted from the night before and more than comfortable in his arms.

"Would you... sing for me?" he asked sheepishly. She had once told him she did not sing for anypony often, but ever since the first time he had heard her perfect voice raised in song, he had wanted to hear it again.

Celestia opened her eyes and smiled, surprised by the question, and flattered by his request. "Spike... for you, I would sing any day," she replied quietly.

Spike smiled and curled his neck around her, laying his head on the ground and waiting for her to begin her wonderful melody, the one he had heard not so long ago.

"Winter and spring, they softly fade,

Under the brightening dawn,

Summer comes but cannot stay,

For the road ahead is long..."

Spike was awakened by something moving about in his arms. His sleepy mind noted that it was still light out, probably late in the afternoon. Looking down, he saw Celestia nestled in his embrace, still sound asleep. He recalled her saying she had been up late. He recalled asking her to sing.

He had been tired too; emotionally drained and stressed. The soothing notes of her song had put him at ease, allowing him to slip into unexpected sleep. She must have also taken a nap, comfortable and unwilling to leave his side in light of their exchange that afternoon. He smiled gently, thinking her beautiful even in sleep; perhaps especially so.

Her breathing was slower, her motions slight and gentle. It gave her an almost fragile appearance; a white mare, her face serene, little more than a perfect sculpture of smooth clay. Seeing her this way, Spike felt protective of her. He had never caught her sleeping before, had never seen her in this way. Whenever she was awake she was graceful and strong, but in rest she was just like anypony else. Weak, vulnerable, and in need of a protector.

Spike had little trouble picturing that, his young mind easily converting him into a heroic figure. Here, he kept vigil over his mare, ready to repel any and all dangers. There were none, of course, but that did little diminish his sense of purpose as he watched over her, proud of the role he was able to play.

"For a time," he muttered quietly, his words bittersweet. The charade would end soon; when she woke, she would make him smaller, and he would no longer be able to protect her like this. It wouldn't change his mind, he knew, but he longed to be her strong and shining knight, even after the change.

They would protect each other then, he figured. He would be able to look out for her, and she him. They would stand as equals, eye to eye.

She murmured something in her sleep, and Spike smiled to himself. Even if he were her size, as long as she was like this, he could protect her. From what, he didn't know, but he could be content even if all he could save her from was the chill breeze of the afternoon. He kissed her on the cheek gently, feeling drawn to do so. Even through his scales she felt warm, radiating the extra heat all creatures seemed to create when sleeping. Her coat was soft and pleasant, and he couldn't help but smile as he pulled away.

She reacted slightly in her sleep, rubbing against him as he kissed her, alleviating Spike's slight fear that kissing her without permission had been taboo. After a moment, her eyes flickered open slightly, as if at last her body had realized that her living mattress was awake.

"What time is it?" she asked, shutting her eyes tight again against the sunlight, clearly not quite awake.

Spike chuckled lightly, having been exactly that kind of awake himself on numerous occasions. "If I had to guess, I would say about five o' clock," Spike said quietly, nuzzling her gently. "That means it's time to get up, your highness," he teased.

Celestia simply giggled and nuzzled him back, wriggling around until she was facing him. She let her eyes adjust in the shade of his body, then gently climbed out of his arms. Her legs felt wobbly, having been tucked under her at various points in her tumbling act of a nap. Still, she felt wonderful, as if she had slept on a feather mattress and not Spike's scaled hide.

She knew that her nap had been unexpected, but it was for the best. Rewinding an oak tree was one thing, but a dragon might require more energy. They were more complex by far, so in the end it would only serve her purposes; and Spike's. She didn't want to launch directly back into that topic just yet, figuring it would be best to let herself wake up a bit before trying to perform any kind of dramatic spellwork.

The two talked for a time, until at last Celestia felt she was up to the challenge. She began steering the conversation that way again, and finally they arrived at the moment of truth.

"Are you feeling well enough to cast it?" Spike asked, giving her a quizzical look.

"Better than I was when I first offered to, in fact," she insisted. "By the way, I'm not sure if it hurts or not; acorns don't complain much," she teased.

Spike scowled. "You tested this on an acorn?" he asked, now slightly nervous.

Celestia just laughed. "Relax, Spike. I know what I'm doing, and you're in good hooves," she said, with a smile that dared him to doubt her.

With a resigned sigh, Spike stood where she had asked him too, and awaited his fate. He half expected to be an acorn, by the end of it all.

Celestia closed her eyes and focused on Spike, clenching her jaw in strain. Spike began to glow gold, runes showing against his purple scales, as if painted on with pure energy. Despite her concerns, the spell didn't hurt him at all, at least not yet. Celestia continued, expending energy and opening her eyes to gauge her progress. She could visibly watch Spike shrinking as she peeled the years off him, the runes glowing brighter and seeming larger by comparison with each passing second. At last she stopped, confident that she had reached her goal, and Spike's.

She approached him slowly as the runes faded. She was glad to see that, though his wings were a new addition to his form in recent years, somehow the spell had kept them intact. She had been nervous at first, afraid that his wings would vanish in the process, like the leaves had on the oak sapling. But somehow his draconic form had resisted such change, giving up only his height and weight, and not the aspects of his form. Dragons were naturally resistant to magic, which was why she had had to strain so hard to even reach this point, and so there was no telling what kind of strange phenomenon had allowed his form to remain stable. Whether luck or fate, Celestia was not about to complain.

He stood now at seven feet instead of twelve, his wings, tail, snout, and claws all in prefect proportion. It truly was as if he had simply been shrunk, and not aged in reverse. Celestia was certain she had used the proper spell, but was glad to see that it had at least accomplished its primary function with no ill side effects.

Spike looked at her as if he was unsure what was going on at first. As his mind finally adjusted to the sudden five-foot-drop in his height, he smiled, realizing that it had worked. He padded over to Celestia, feeling lighter on his hind legs than he had in years, and holding a claw up to her face to compare size. Where once it would have engulfed her entire head, he could now lightly cup her jaw, without fear of hurting her.

She allowed him to do just that, resting her head gently in his clawed hand, smiling softly. He was the same dragon he had been minutes ago; her dragon. But now, he could touch her, embrace her, follow her no matter where she might go. She used her magic to pull his other claw up to her face too, cupping her jaw on both sides.

Spike smiled back, holding her gently like that for a moment, looking from her to his claws and back again, as if he couldn't believe it. He stopped their gentle touch suddenly, swinging his arms around her, laughing like a hyena. Even at his lesser size, he was remarkably strong, easily able to pluck her from her hooves and spin her about. She laughed too, and together they danced across the grassy expanse under that cherry tree.

"This is amazing!" Spike practically roared. It was the first she had heard him speak since the spell, yet his voice remained much unchanged, like his wings. A little higher pitched, perhaps, though not by much, and certainly no less attractive. He stopped their mad spin gently, pleased with the way his smaller form still felt natural. He paused in front of her, arms spread wide and wings flared out, showing off. "What do you think?" he asked.

"You look marvelous, Spike. Growing smaller certainly hasn't changed how handsome you are," she said with a little laugh. "Or how carefree. It's been a while since I've seen you this happy," she admitted, her smile somewhat bittersweet at that realization.

"Thank you so much!" he practically cried, hugging her again. He backed off immediately, smiling in her face. "I can finally feel normal again. This is such a blessing, I don't know what to say," he said quietly, his excitement dying down as he realized he had nothing to offer in return.

Celestia smiled, thinking of the perfect way to stem his guilty thoughts. "There's no need to thank me Spike. After all, I didn't do it to make you happy," she said, her tone smugly teasing. "I did it because I love you."

Spike smiled sheepishly, realizing he should have known better. "You're right, of course. But I swear, I'll find a way to make it up to you," he promised, crossing his heart. "Though I'm no good with magic."

Celestia shook her head, and scoffed. "I disagree. In fact, you know one of the most powerful magics there is," she said, looking slyly at him.

"What's that?" Spike asked, expecting some kind of ruse. Near as he knew, the only magic he could do was burp up letters, and he hardly found that to be spectacular.

She smiled, drawing closer to him. "How to make a mare truly feel like a princess," she replied quietly, winking slyly.

They hovered mere inches apart, Spike's lips hardly more than a gust of wind away from hers. The tension settled between them, neither sure that this was what they truly desired, too full of doubts and worries. Spike fretted over Rarity, and Celestia worried about crushing his love for her.

But that was neither here nor there, Spike realized suddenly. Now, there was only Tia. For now, this could be right. Before he could allow his mind to second guess his heart, he pressed into her, kissing her gently. It was better than that first kiss they had shared, for he no longer had to wrestle with his size. He was lost again in a timeless moment of pure bliss, all troubles forgotten.

This was how it was, he realized. How it would always be. No matter where or when, so long as he could be near her, his troubles would dissolve, leaving only her behind.

Celestia kissed him back, her heart soaring. She had been afraid to initiate that kiss, to steal him away with her lips. But he had come to her, bridging the gap her duty could not allow her to. It had been his decision, his yearning, not just hers. She had stolen nothing, but had earned it fairly.

At last the kiss faded, both realizing they had closed their eyes in their passion. Celestia blushed, embarrassed that she had no words with which to follow that loving engagement.

Spike smiled at her knowingly, clearly seeing her trouble. "I think I've found a way to repay you," he said quietly.

She smiled more solidly then, glad he had broken that silence. "If you only knew, Spike... you would find that I'm in your debt, now," she said, her voice barely a whisper.

He looked at her, puzzled. "How do you mean?"

She sighed, but her smile didn't fade; it merely saddened. "I was afraid to lose you to her. To Rarity. I know nothing can erase her from your heart. And I am still afraid to be alone. But before now I was afraid to tell you. Afraid you would feel guilty, afraid I would force your decision... Even if you haven't made up your mind just yet, you gave me the courage to tell you that I need you. Even if only for a moment, you chose me," she said, her tone warm and full of gratitude.

Spike smiled sadly. He could understand that fear; the fear of rejection, or of being overbearing and demanding. But he didn't see her like that, and never could have. "You're right; love can't be erased. She can't be, but neither can you. And Tia, make no mistake... I love you dearly," he said, taking her hoof in his clawed hands and going down on a knee.

"But I don't have to forget her to love you. All you need to know, and all I need to show you, is that I want and need you, too. Everything has been so turned upside down, but one thing is still for certain. Celestia, I still want to be your drake, and I want you to be my mare," he said, looking up to her from his kneeling position with longing in his eyes. She had told him he didn't need to feel bound to her, and shouldn't. But this was different; he had decided to stay by her through this storm, and all the storms to come.

Celestia smiled, tears coming to her eyes as they had the first time he had asked her. She only nodded, unsure what to say until the words escaped her lips on their own. "Of course, Spike. We never fell apart," she said, patting his head with her other front hoof.

Spike smiled, content that, at last, his heart could rest on its decision. He would see this through, no matter where it took him.

Twilight paced in front of Spike, shocked by his new appearance. She couldn't stop looking from him to Celestia. She'd already been at it a few minutes, but had yet to say anything.

"Um, Twi...?" Spike prompted, clearing his throat.

She jumped, and stopped staring, shaking her head. "What happened to you?" she asked, her voice loud and concerned.

"Only what I asked for," Spike said, holding up a claw, and gesturing for her to keep her voice down. They had convened in the study, but it was now getting late, and it certainly wasn't time for yelling. "Celestia said that as a dragon I would grow forever, unless something was done about it."

"But... you're small!" Twilight pressed, clearly not understanding.

"She found a way to roll my age back a couple years, so that I would be able to live life normally again. Think about it Twi, this is a good thing. Now I can go into buildings, actually follow you up the library stairs... I know it doesn't sound like much, but you can't begin to understand how much that affects my life. I wanted this, so don't worry so much," he pleaded.

Twilight chuckled, looking to Celestia. "Oh, I'm not worried. Actually, I'm intrigued. I thought dragons were supposed to be resistant to magic?" Twilight asked.

Now it was Celestia who chuckled. "He never said it was easy on me. In fact, it was one of the most complicated magical feats I've ever had to perform. But besides that, Spike and I are here to tell you something else..." she trailed off, letting Spike take the floor.

"Twilight, understand this wasn't easy for me... But I want to stay with Celestia," he said quietly, as if he expected to be reprimanded for making up his mind so soon after Rarity's arrival.

Twilight looked at him with a puzzled expression, but didn't give him the scolding he expected. "Spike, you're sure? This is your heart we're talking about..." she started, but Spike cut her off with an upraised claw.

"I know Twilight. And it wasn't my mind doing the thinking. I followed my heart, like I should have from the start of all this. And this is what it lead me to. I know Rarity will be hurt, and I don't want to tell her tonight... But this is my choice," he said quietly.

Twilight smiled knowingly, nodding in appreciation. "It sounds like you've made the right choice, then. You're right, it's your decision, and I'm not going to doubt you. I just want you to be happy," she said, trotting up to him and hugging him gently. "And you know, I kind of like having you smaller. It makes it easier to look out for you," she said, reaching up and rubbing a hoof on top of his head. Spike lowered his head to oblige the rough treatment, which did nothing through his scales. But it was one of the few things he and Twilight shared that nopony else did, so he let her have her fun.

Once that had passed, Twilight looked to Celestia, her eyes alight. "I'm not going to lie, this is still really weird to me. But you two seem happy together, and I just can't find anything wrong with it. So what are you going to do next? Now that this mess has finally been resolved, I mean," she asked.

Spike and Celestia looked at each other, clearly clueless. Spike just shrugged, and Celestia giggled as Twilight's face went from hopeful and excited to scowling disappointment. "Ugh, Spike, you are hopeless," she grumbled. "There's got to be something you would like to do together to celebrate, right?"

Celestia smiled, an idea coming to her. "It's been a while since I got to take a break from Canterlot. It would be nice to get out, maybe take a little trip across Equestria?" she asked. "No business of course; just a vacation," she promised as Spike started to scowl. He had been assuming she would want to stop in all the cities or something, and they would bombard her with requests. But those thoughts were shattered in an instant. "Maybe a trip into the wild, like camping. It's been ages since I've gone camping," she said with a laugh.

"You? Camping?" Spike asked, clearly finding it impossible to picture. She was still the princess, after all.

"Well it's not like I've never been," she said, rolling her eyes and bopping him on the shoulder. "Come on, it will be fun. Get us away from all these other ponies for a while," she said, winking.

Spike rolled his eyes, knowing better than to expect that the wink meant anything. Their relationship was still far too new for such thoughts, and he knew she was yanking his chain. "Alright, I never said I was against it. And you're right, it does sound like a good time. But I've got to warn you, I'm a professional camper... I even know how to start my own fires," he teased. Celestia laugh, and Spike joined her.

Twilight snapped her gaping jaw shut and shook her head. "You even act like a couple; bickering one minute and laughing the next," she groaned. "I can't keep up with this..."

"Oh come on Twilight, we were just having fun," Spike said with a chuckle.

"And that's all well and good, but before you guys go on this trip, you need to break the news to Rarity. She can't hear it from me, Spike," Twilight said, scowling. The look in her eyes said he would do this thing, or she would begin finding out just how magic resistant dragons really were.

Spike sighed, hoping to avoid that topic, but he eventually agreed. "I know I have to. I'll tell her in the morning, since I don't think we'll be able to escape Canterlot without Tia cancelling a few appointments. I'll make sure I meet up with her," he said, his tone forlorn. Despite his happiness with his decision, he knew that conversation would be sour, and prayed it would not cost him a friend.

Twilight smiled, and put a gentle hoof on his arm. "It will be fine, as long as it comes from you. Anyways, I need to go take care of a few things at the library before it gets too dark. You two enjoy your evening," she said with a laugh, turning to leave.

"Take care!" Celestia called back, trying to keep her tone light to help lift Spike's spirits. It worked for the most part, and the 'new' couple reveled in one another's company until the hour grew late. Celestia returned to her room once she was certain Spike was sound asleep. He would need his strength, and she wasn't going to let him stay up all night.

He would have a rough time of it, come morning.

[Rarity] VIII: The Final Trip

Spike chuckled lightly to himself as he continued to rub the purple-maned mare's back. She had shown up to the study very early that morning in such a state that Spike was unsure whether she was still drunk, or just hung over. She had looked like a complete and total mess, her hair tossed about wildly and her coat every variation of the word 'frazzled'.

And she was as beautiful as ever.

She sighed contentedly while Spike continued his work, doing everything he could to make her feel better. "Thank you, Spike," she said quietly, her tone quickly building to apologetic. "I really should have been more careful about how much I drank."

Spike just laughed again. "Rarity, for the hundredth time, don't worry about it. I had a great time, and it's not like I've never had to deal with drunk ponies before. Usually it's just not you. Besides, I think it's kind of cute," he added, keeping his tone optimistic.

Rarity spun on him, her eyes all full of questions. "Really? Why, that's one of the strangest things I've ever heard; I certainly don't think there's anything cute about the way I look right now," she huffed, pouting lightly.

Spike disagreed. While she certainly wasn't her usual, magnificently groomed and proper self, she looked like an adorable little ball of disheveled white fluff, with a slightly misplaced purple mane. Spike had done his best to smooth that out for her, but his large claws weren't exactly designed for detailed work like that. Still, he knew no amount of arguing over her looks would convince her of his view, so he took a different approach.

"All I meant by it is that your behavior last night was cute," he put in, spinning her back around gently and going right back to his gentle work on her spine. Again, his large claws weren't the best tools for the job, but he managed it with care. "Besides, you really don't look that bad. If this is the worst you can look in the morning, especially with a hangover, I would consider that beautiful compared to the alternatives..." he finished quietly, hoping his argument was convincing enough.

That seemed to belay her fears that she was completely hideous right now. He could just see the corners of her mouth turned up into a slight smile, her cheeks flushed lightly as she took the expected, but welcome, compliment.

"Spike..." she chimed suddenly, placing a hoof on one of his arms to stop his massage work. "There's something I need to ask you." Her tone was quiet, withdrawn, as if the question she needed to ask was one she wasn't certain she should.

"Go ahead," Spike urged her, nudging her gently and giving her shoulder a light squeeze to ensure her it would be fine, whatever she had to say.

She smiled slightly at that, but her eyes still looked worried. "It's about... Us." Her tone faltered at the end, but Spike's comforting claw on her shoulder did not. He just smiled at her, and nodded slightly. Reassured, she continued. "About last night; I know I shouldn't have taken you out. Twilight said we should go just as friends, but I knew that wouldn't be possible with the way things are. I dragged you out on a date, in the middle of all that heart searching you were doing, and I'm worried I've just muddled it up even more," she sighed, a slight hint of anger towards herself adding a little growl to her words.

Spike's lips turned up a little at the corners in a sly grin. "You say it like you stole me from somepony," he pointed out, his eyes full of understanding.

Rarity nodded slowly, fascinated at how calm and reserved Spike was about that statement. How could he know what was weighing on her mind so thoroughly, yet be so unaffected by it? She was sure he would have been angry for meddling with his choice, for coming between him and his budding relationship with Celestia. She was afraid last night had only been a case of Spike being unable to say no. She knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he had enjoyed himself, but for some obscure reason, she still feared he had just been acting to spare her feelings.

Mares came up with the weirdest ideas sometimes.

"But I did steal you. Away, that is," she replied finally, her thoughts falling in line.

Spike's smile only widened, and Rarity knew that smile. It was a trademark he shared with his mother figure, a clever smirk that he and Twilight both displayed whenever they were about to be brilliant. Rarity had no idea what was coming, but she was certain it was about to be well over her head in her current state.

"Let me explain something, Rarity. I love Celestia. She is wonderful, and even though she agreed to be my mare once, she let that go for the sake of my happiness. She doesn't want me to feel bound to her; she doesn't want me to feel like I'm hers. She wants to see me make my own choice. You're not stealing me from her. To help you understand, let me tell you a story," he said quietly, smiling at her softly.

Rarity tried to follow his reasoning, but it didn't jive with her emotions. She nodded when he recommended the story, certain that an illustration would do much more for her creative mind than cold, hard logic. He knew her so well, she realized. Twilight would never have resorted to a story, would have simply let Rarity smile blankly and nod the whole time she talked. Spike knew how to make her understand.

"A mare once owned a beautiful vase. It was the most treasured one in her collection, she had had it since she was a young filly. As time grew on, so did her collection, but that vase remained her favorite. One day, something terrible happened, and in her anger she accidentally broke her favorite vase."

Rarity looked hurt. This story was beginning to sound far too familiar.

Spike smiled at her sadly. "Shattered to bits, and angry with herself, she could think of no way to repair that vase. She did the only thing she could to protect herself from the loss of it, and so she put it out of sight. One day, a friend she loved deeply came to her house, and saw the broken vase. She could tell, even by the pieces, that it was beautiful. She did not want her friend to have to look at that shattered thing, and so she took the pieces away."

Rarity's eyes were growing wider by the minute as her mind began to wrap around the soon-to-be conclusion.

"That friend tried to fix the vase, putting many of the pieces back together. But at the end it fell apart, because there was one piece she didn't have, right at its middle. The mare who owned the vase came to her friend, looking for it. Around her neck, she kept that piece of the vase. Together, she and her dear friend finally fixed that broken shell, and though it was cracked, it was no less beautiful."

Spike smiled at her gently as tears welled in her eyes. Now she could see it, he knew. "I am that vase, and you are its owner," he said softly, just for the sheer joy of watching happy tears flood her eyes, despite her will to fight them back.

"A-and what happened next?" she asked shakily, trying to keep her voice under control.

Spike came closer to her, his snout pressed nose-to-nose with her. He kissed her lightly on the lips, as she had kissed him the night before. "The mare took her vase home again," Spike said warmly, pulling away from the kiss, glad to see that though she hadn't been expecting it, her eyes held only joy.

She pulled him back, kissing him again, harder and more passionately. She was moved by that story; their story. How had she not seen it until now? That thought vanished almost instantly as she realized how immaterial it was; how worthless all of her worries were. She couldn't steal Spike from Celestia, because he had always been hers!

The two kissed passionately for a time that seemed unending to them, the sounds of nature filtering in from the balcony only background tones in their strange and purple world of bliss. At last the kiss faded, the two of them staring at each other longingly as if they wished it hadn't. They didn't kiss again, but just smiled at one another. Rarity's eyes were still wet with tears, her coat stained darker by the flow under her eyes.

Spike wiped them away gently, carefully. She didn't flinch, even with his claws so close to her eyes, and he could tell at last her fear was truly gone. All he could see reflected in the deep, blue ocean of her gaze was admiration and desire. Desire to be with him, around him.

Love.

He picked her up lightly, cradling her in his massive arms. She smiled up at him, and nestled closer.

"Spike, I want you to hold me like this forever," she sighed gently.

Spike smiled sadly, repressing his wince. Forever. If she only knew how badly he wished he could. He held her closer subconsciously, thinking over his sad fate. She would leave him one day, he knew. He hadn't told her yet.

He made a decision then that he would honor for the rest of her life. He would never tell Rarity of his predicament. He would never, in all of her life, allow her to know how much sorrow being with her would eventually cause him. She deserved better than that simply for the joy she was causing him now. She didn't need to know; it would only hurt her. All she needed to know was that, when she died, he would be right there with her, ready to see her off. She would find that out first-hoof many years from now.

Many wonderful years.

"Spike?" she asked, and he realized with a start that he had never answered her when she had asked him to hold her forever. He could almost picture her saying 'how unromantic' with a huff. Smiling slightly at the thought, and letting his worries fade, he lowered his head to nuzzle her gently in his arms.

"As you wish, my lady."

Spike sighed as he traversed the halls, on his way to Celestia's chambers. This was the part he dreaded. He had no desire to undo everything that had happened between him and Tia, but he had made his decision. His shoulders squared a little as that thought ran through his head.

He had made up his mind, and Tia had agreed to honor that.

He arrived at her door and knocked lightly. He doubted she was actually present within; even with everything that was going on in her own castle, she still had duties to attend to. Still, he hoped she was. Otherwise, he would have worked himself up for nothing.

The call came across the doorway for him to come on in, simultaneously filling him with relief and dread. He was having second thoughts now. Even if she had agreed to take it with grace, and everything he knew about her urged him that she would, he had some serious reservations telling the princess of the known world they wouldn't be seeing each other anymore.

Sighing to himself and bracing his nerves, he pushed open the door. "Tia, it's me," he said quietly, not wanting to interrupt whatever she was doing.

She was simply standing at a desk, reading a jumble of parchments Spike couldn't identify from here. "Am I interrupting something?" he asked with a cough, when she didn't acknowledge him for a moment.

She started, and then smiled in apology. "No, sorry. If anything, you're a welcome distraction. It's not often I have to deal with the expense reports for the city myself, usually the treasurers are on top of this kind of thing. Lately though, we've had more and more issues with the census being inaccurate, and take my word for it, it's not pretty," she huffed, dropping a stack of papers her magic had been holding.

"So what's the occasion?" she asked pleasantly, smiling at him gently as she strode over. She made like she was about to hug him, but he suddenly grew tense, and his body language put her off.

She was no fool, and Spike could see the pieces already putting themselves together in her head. Somehow, it was worse that she understood it herself. It would have been easier to deal with what was about to happen if he had told her, but he figured it was not too late to try.

"The occasion is that I have made up my mind..." he said quietly, his tone conveying all the difficulty of the task, and all the pain it caused his heart. "Celestia, I've chosen to stay with Rarity, as long as I can." He'd basically thrown his decision in her face, but beating around the bush about it could only make it worse.

He was slightly pleased that she didn't react hardly at all. Whether that was a good thing or a bad thing, he couldn't say, but neutrality was better than negativity right now.

Celestia was silent for a time, but at last she spoke up. "I was afraid you'd say that," she said sadly, though it was only in her tone.

Spike winced, seeing the one thing he could not bear to see on her face. That mask, the one she used on everypony, to give herself an aura of power and stability. Her false face, a paper-thin shield between her emotions and him, was an empty thing to Spike. He knew that for her to wear it against him, her dear friend and a dragon she dearly loved, meant that her emotions were so unstable that she could not trust him with them.

He couldn't rightly disagree. Even if she did reveal those emotions to him in force, he had no idea what he would do, how he would handle them. His musings and fears were interrupted by her speaking again.

"Does she know?" Celestia asked quietly, a slight waver in her voice that broke Spike's heart into a thousand pieces.

Yet it was used to being shattered now, he was familiar with those pieces. Putting it back together was second nature, and so he steeled his nerves against her sorrow and his own guilt. He knew what she meant; she wanted to know if he had told Rarity about the immortality.

"No, she doesn't know. And she never will, not until the very end. Maybe not even then," he said in a hushed tone, to portray the gravity of what he was saying.

"Spike..." Celestia started, her tone growing concerned.

He raised a claw to stop her, but not coldly. His smile was warm, and understanding. "I know, it's unfair to hide things from her. And I know that no matter what I said, she would never love me any less. I just don't want that looming over her, Tia. I don't want her to spend her life knowing she'll leave me behind someday," he said, his smile shrinking by a few fangs, but not vanishing.

She still didn't seemed pleased with that course of action, but she let it go at that, merely nodding. Spike sighed in relief, glad that it hadn't become an argument.

"What will you do, then?" Celestia asked, her voice once again watery, as if her emotions were contained within a soap bubble ready to pop at any second.

Spike looked at her forlornly. "I love it here, and I wish I could stay; but her home and mine are back in Ponyville, and so we'll return there.

Celestia lost it then and there, that statement taking with it her last denials of her feelings. She trotted forward quickly, as if she were afraid somehow she wouldn't make it to him before he vanished. "Oh, Spike..." she cried gently, sobs wracking her shoulders as she hugged him tightly. She went up on her hind legs to wrap her forelegs around his neck in a tight embrace, pressing her face into his shoulder and letting the tears fall there.

Spike handled it with grace, hugging her back and stroking her mane as she cried over him. He just held her for a time, unable to deny the pain in his own heart that this was causing him. Her tears burned like magma against his fireproof scales, her sobbing breaths were like a hurricane in his mind, tossing his heart about. His decision was firm and unwavering, however, and he weathered the storm of her sorrow as he used that strength and confidence to support her.

"I don't want you to go!" she sobbed, nuzzling his neck. "I know you'll be happy, and I know it will be wonderful... But I will miss you so much," she sniffed, the tears abating to allow for conversation.

Spike held her out a ways so that he could meet her tear-stained eyes. He smiled gently, knowing that his next statement would be ironic, old as she was. Yet it came to mind and felt appropriate, holding her like a fragile, lost filly in her time of need.

"Hush now, little one," he said soothingly, stroking her mane again. That seemed to calm her, and even brought a sad smile to her face. "You make it sound like you will never see me again. I once said I will always be there for you, and I meant it. I had a wonderful time, and my love for you still lingers there. But I've made my decision, and now you and I have to go back to our friendship. Our wonderful, glorious, powerful friendship," he said, squeezing her shoulders gently, and smiling as sincerely as he could in the face of her sadness.

She smiled back, the quiver in her lower lip making her question if she had the control to speak again or not. She went for it anyways, hugging Spike again. This time more gently, as a friend saying a gentle farewell, and not as a mare losing her lover. "I promised I would respect your decision, and that hasn't changed either. I will miss you that way, Spike... But time heals all wounds, and I have nothing but time on my hooves," she said quietly, squeezing him tighter. "But you will always be my dear friend, and I am sure I will see you soon." Her tone tried to rise for a cheerful note, but she choked on a lump in her throat.

Spike patted her back gently and smiled. "You'll see more of me than you think. Rarity has always talked of wanting to move to Canterlot, after all..." he let that implication hang there, smiling as she acknowledged it with a tight squeeze.

"You will come visit, won't you?" she whispered quietly.

"As often as you like. I know Rarity won't mind, not after everything you've done for us both, though she can be a bit jealous sometimes," he admitted sheepishly.

She chuckled lightly, though her voice was still sad. "You don't say?" she managed to tease, finally breaking out of the embrace. She took a few steps back, giving him his space back at last. "Spike, I'm-" she began, but was cut off by his forgiving smile.

"Never be sorry for loving someone," he replied quietly, reaching forward and wiping the tears from her eyes. "It is the greatest gift you can give them, even if it is only for a while. I'm the one who's sorry; sorry I couldn't do more. But the time has come to make a choice, and she needs me. She's been through so much to find me, and I can only love her all the more for it," he said quietly.

Celestia nodded gently, finally allowing those words to hit her heart without stinging her. She smiled, finally a warm and happy one. "I truly am happy for you, Spike. For you both. Don't worry yourself about me, I will be fine. But you're right; she needs you. Go to her; I don't think you'll see me again before you leave. Just know, you go with my blessing," she said quietly, looking him square in the eye, and doing her best to smile wider.

Spike hugged her tightly one last time before setting her down and smiling back, his enthusiasm clear on his face. "Thank you, Tia. For everything," he clarified, stepping towards the door. He looked back at her, but she only waved a hoof, smiling pleasantly, urging him to do what his heart desired and go to Rarity. Spike gave her once last glance as he shut the door behind him.

Her true face bid him farewell, the mask shattered by their friendship.

The ride back to Ponyville was a grand time for the new couple. Rarity had regaled Spike with all the details of her trip, of all the struggles she had faced, and how she was 'over' her fear of him. She had kept the intimate little detail private from him so far, but it was only a matter of time before she told him that too.

They had even reflected on their kiss that morning, Rarity claiming she had never moved so quickly with anypony in her dating life. Spike was sure that somehow that was a compliment, though he had a hard time equating a fast relationship to a good thing. Still, it didn't feel abnormal or wrong to either of them, so neither of them pushed the subject. Twilight had opted to stay and check things out about the new library wing, so they had all the privacy they could ask for.

Their homecoming was as eventful as could be expected, especially when they shared a hometown with Pinkie Pie. After only a few short minutes of arriving, the two lovebirds had been swarmed by their friends, who had likely received a letter from Twilight that same day. The purple pony had been the first to know about Spike's decision, and though he had never pegged her as a gossip, he supposed she had sent word ahead.

In the time it took to walk with their friends between the station and the boutique, Pinkie had already outlined over fifteen different possible celebration parties, and was currently attempting to decide if she should just throw one large one and invite everypony, or throw several small ones so that people could attend whichever fit their schedule. It was Fluttershy who eventually saved Spike and Rarity from being enlisted in multiple parties, reminding Pinkie that she had agreed a very long time ago to perform no more than two parties a week. Pinkie had reluctantly conceded the point, after many failed attempts to find loopholes in that long ago promise. Her friends simply weren't as available as she was.

At last they reached the boutique, their escort party dispersing as Rainbow Dash lead the retreat, stating she had no desire to watch the new couple 'go at it'. She was as teasing as always about it though, and so nopony took any offense to her crude comedy, soon heading off as well.

That left just Spike and Rarity, who entered the boutique together. They spent the remainder of their afternoon together, laughing and talking, kissing gently where appropriate, and just holding near one another. Rarity had gone over her latest fashion plans, to which Spike listened intently, offering criticism and correcting her on occasion. Since he had been spending more time with her, before all this mess with his heart, he had learned a great deal about her work and what in entailed.

Time wore on until it grew late, and at last the two received the visitor they had been expecting all day. Pinkie had returned, inviting them out that evening for a grand party. She had already taken care of telling the entire town, to which Spike and Rarity flushed red and looked at each other knowingly. Still, they both agreed to attend, and so Pinkie departed. The party was not long off, and so Spike and Rarity decided to get ready sooner rather than later.

After all, Spike had a magnificent bow tie he was dying to wear.

The party was in full swing already by the time they arrived. Most ponies had dressed in something a little fancy, having expected that it was required attire for a party partly in Rarity's honor. Despite the improved outfits, the music was as it had always been; fun, fast, and loud. Vinyl Scratch had offered to DJ the party, to which nopony had complained, and so the ground was practically vibrating from the bass.

Spike didn't mind, and in fact preferred these kinds of parties. The music, so fast and vibrant, and all the ponies cutting loose, urged him to do the same. He tugged Rarity along, smiling at her to encourage her. She had been sheepish, knowing that the entire town already knew about them. But Spike's smile was all the encouragement she needed to follow him into the crowd. Everypony parted before them out of respect, offering congratulations and best wishes as they made their way towards the stage set up in the center of town. An indoor party would have been a waste on such a beautiful night, and would have been nearly impossible for Spike to attend, so Pinkie had improvised.

The music stopped at the end of the latest song, the microphone making soft thumping noises as somepony position themselves in front of it. Nopony could have expected to see what they did, standing on stage.

Fluttershy, blushing red like a wildfire, was standing at the microphone, with Rainbow Dash at her side for support. The rainbow pony smiled and winked at the gaping faces of Spike and Rarity.

"Uh... Um... G-good evening, everypony. Rarity and Spike, I w-would congratulate you personally, but I d-didn't think you would be able to hear me over the music..." she pressed, Rainbow nudging her gently as she got off topic. "A-anyways, I just wanted to congratulate you both; you're a wonderful couple, and it's been a long time coming," she continued, her voice getting stronger and steadier as she wound her way into her speech.

"I would like everypony else to help me congratulate them, too. Um, if you don't mind, that is..." she trailed off, realizing her speech was over and her momentum spent.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and smiled, taking the microphone from Fluttershy with a loud crackling sound. "Three cheers for Spike and Rarity, the most awesome couple I know!" she said, pumping a hoof in the air. "Hip hip!" she called to the crowd. All of them were facing Rarity and Spike by now, beaming ear to ear. Rarity flushed under all the attention, but Spike only smiled and waved as the resounding waves of 'hip hips' and 'hoorays' washed over them.

Once the cheering had subsided, the music came back on, but it was light and slow. Applejack had made her way on stage, tipping her hat to the new couple. "This next bit is for ya'll lovebirds in the crowd tonight. Now clear some space, and let the lady dance with her fella!" Applejack whooped, hopping off the stage and meandering through the crowd as a slow love song came on. Corny as anything, but bittersweet and wonderful.

Spike held out a claw to Rarity, beaming widely. "Come on, Rarity," he prodded, even as she took his offered claw. Though twice her size, he would find a way to dance with her.

She smiled and followed him out into a cleared space in the center of the party, her purple dress swishing and swaying with every step, the myriad small jewels knit into it catching the stage lights and reflecting them every which-way, like a Sonic Rainboom that wouldn't stop glowing, awing the crowd around her.

Spike stopped and bowed to her, dipping his head and putting a claw to his heart. He held his other out to her, waiting for her to accept his invitation. She curtsied in reply, giggling and taking his clawed hand with her hoof.

He scooped her off her hooves in a light twirl, landing her behind him. He was careful as he spun around her not to let his tail do anything abnormal. The two danced that way, Rarity's dainty hooves in his large claws, yet everyone only applauded them. They danced beautifully, Spike poising one claw at the tip of her right forehoof and using his contact with her other hoof to lead her into a gentle twirl. She spun like a dervish a few circuits, smiling and laughing like a schoolgirl all the while.

Other couples joined them then, inspired by their bold dance and skill. When at last the song ended, Rarity was breathing heavily, her mane tossed about, but not messy. Spike put it back into place with a gentle caress of her face, and in plain view of everypony, kissed her deeply.

The crowd erupted in cheers and hoots, many making bold comments that lead the ponies around them to chuckle good-naturedly. The purple pair paid them no mind, too busy with their kiss to care, though Rarity did blush deeply after the moment had passed. But it was a happy blush, not an embarrassed one.

They danced late into the night, but alas all good things did come to an end. Pinkie declared the party her most successful ever, and nopony was in a hurry to disagree as they made their ways home, chatting contentedly about the night's events, or sharing gossip about the new couple, all in good fun.

Spike and Rarity thanked their friends and made their way back to the boutique at last, two in the morning rearing its ugly head. Neither of them had had much to drink at the party, both of them sensing that tonight was special and shouldn't be muddled. This was their first real night as a couple.

The two made their way inside, Spike helping her out of her dress, and Rarity gently undoing his bow tie. The two sat in her room, yawning quietly but unwilling to let the time pass them by. At last, Rarity finally admitted that it might be time for bed. Spike was more than willing to agree.

"I just don't want tonight to end," she pouted, snuggling closer to him on the floor, cradled between his arms.

"We have every night after this too, Rarity," he pointed out warmly. "That's something to look forward to, don't you think?"

"Well I suppose you're right," she huffed, as if she hated him correcting her.

Spike let out a breathless laugh, just a grunt of amusement as he leaned down and kissed her head lightly. "Rarity..." he said quietly, to get her attention. Once he had it, he smiled at her. "I asked you before, but I think it's time I asked you again." His eyes and his smile both glowed with warmth.

"Rarity, will you be my-" he stopped short as she kissed him into silence, every word in his brain vanishing into oblivion.

"Yes," she replied. He had never finished it, had simply stopped at 'my', but she felt that was appropriate. "I will be anything you want me to be, Spike," she said quietly, running a hoof gently over the side of his face.

Spike smiled at her, unable to resist the urge to kiss her for those kind words. He pressed his lips against hers gently, waiting to see what would develop.

She pressed harder into him, practically standing in his arms. Spike returned her sudden, fiery passion with his own, holding her up with one arm, and using the other to caress her neck, and then her flank as his hand ran down her back. She shivered with pleasure and kissed him harder.

Spike parted his lips to mutter something funny about her reaction to his touch, but instead she slipped her tongue into his mouth. Spike grunted contentedly, more than pleased with the results of his failure to speak. His draconic tongue was built for this kind of dexterity, tingling against her tongue here, now there, as they continued their kiss.

Rarity moaned quietly, enticingly, as her tongue accidentally slid up one of Spike's many fangs. It didn't hurt her, but rather excited her. She could feel the danger so near, coupled with the pleasure of the act, and it sent shivers through her spine as she felt Spike's claws on her flank again. They fought like this for minutes on end that felt like hours, each trying to please the other.

At last, in need of air and a break from the kiss, the two parted. Rarity's heart was racing, her eyes seductively half-lidded as she gazed up at Spike. "My my, I didn't know you had it in you," she teased, running a hoof in small circles on his chest.

Spike blushed under his scales, his words coming out as a stammer. "T-to be honest, neither did I. Still, I enjoyed it. A lot," he insisted, his tone becoming stronger near the end. He cradled her again in his arms, sweeping her off her feet. He couldn't imagine another kiss like that back to back, but he couldn't deny the fire burning in his chest either. The need to have her pressed close, as if somehow it would make her a part of him.

"Stay with me tonight, Spike," Rarity said suddenly, surprising even herself.

Spike looked at her as if he expected her to take it back.

She only smiled, now glad she had said it. "Just like this. I want to fall asleep in your arms. I want you to hold me forever, and never let go."

Spike situated himself more comfortably, laying on his side, and making her a bed out of his crossed arms, nestling her in his warm neck, and folding a massive wing overhead, like a blanket over the world; their world.

"As you wish, my lady," he whispered quietly, nuzzling her gently, as he had said and done not long ago.

"Thank you, my lord," she replied warmly. After only a short while, the late hour of the night, and the sudden excitement took their toll. Exhausted and comfortable in Spike's care, she finally fell into sleep.

Kissing her gently one last time, Spike pondered that. Lord Spike and Lady Rarity.

It had a nice ring to it.

[Celestia] VIII: For Her Alone

Spike sat across from Rarity, his look sullen. She had first been pleased to see him, her overly romantic and creative mind certain that he had come alone to tell her that he had decided she was the one for him. Spike had put those thoughts down flat with his body language and his sad expression, and Rarity fidgeted uncomfortably. She didn't dare open her mouth for fear of what would come out, and she had no desire to be the one to start this terrible conversation.

"Rarity... You know why I'm here," Spike began lamely. "I don't want to draw it out anymore than I have to... I've decided to stay with Celestia. Here. In Canterlot," he said, his words deliberate and calm, broaching no argument. Though his tone was powerfully neutral, his heart ached for what he knew it would do to his first love.

Her heartstrings, pulled taught by the suspense of the situation, snapped like twigs under that sudden admission of her fears. She stared at him, eyes full of tears, and her throat empty of words.

"Rarity, please understand-" Spike started, but she cut him off accidentally with a choked sob. "It's not an easy decision to make, but it's mine. I don't want this to come between us."

That got her attention, and she gasped slightly for breath as she readied her response, words coming out wobbly, as if they had tried to escape through her streams of hot tears. "I-it won't. I-I'm fine, honestly," she lied like a log, not even remotely convincing in the least.

Spike believed her sincerely when she said it wouldn't come between them, but he knew better than to believe she was fine. "Rarity, you don't have to pretend to be strong for this... for me," he said quietly.

"I'm not pretending!" she cried, but even those words, so full of energy, were a weak denial.

Spike stood and walked to her, picking her up in his arms and hugging her tight to his chest. He was no longer large enough to cradle her like a baby, like he had used to and wanted to now. "Rarity, please..." he coaxed, rubbing her back gently as she sobbed hot tears down his back. "Let it out. You need to, or you'll never find peace with this."

She cried like a thunderstorm, and Spike held her steady in the torrent of her emotions, the gales of whirling anger and sorrow. At last it had subsided enough that Spike could hear her breathing, not gasping for air. She sniffed loudly, and Spike allowed himself a small, sad smile at the noise. He could feel the heartbreak through her coat as he pressed her to him.

"Rarity... Now that you've let it out... Now is when I need you to be truly strong for me," he said, setting her back down and wiping her tears away as best he could.

She sighed and shuddered as she tried to get her emotions and her diaphragm under control. She nodded slowly, her eyes blank. "W-what do you need me to do?" she asked, her voice barely functional.

Spike knelt next to her, stroking her mane to try and calm her down. It worked for the most part, and she stopped shaking so violently, though the shivers of an emotional blizzard still remained.

"I need you to understand that this is my decision, and to let me go and be happy," he said gently, smiling at her.

She balked at that statement though, and Spike winced, recognizing exactly where he had gone wrong.

"Couldn't you have been happy with me?" she asked, clearly hurt, and all but ready to cry again. Her trademark pout was on the verge of completely shattering into a mindless breakdown of tears and female anger.

"Rarity, calm down, that's not what I meant..." he said, drawing her back with a pleading look in his eyes. She did recover greatly at that, and so he continued. "I could have been happy with either of you; this has been the hardest decision of my entire life. No matter what I chose, I would be happy. I'm asking you to respect that, to let me be happy the way I have chosen to be," he said with a sad smile.

That was far less hurtful, as far as she was concerned. To know Spike still could have been happy with her, that her efforts to find him weren't completely in vain, took some of the sting away. But she still had questions, still was jealous and heartbroken. "Why her?" she asked quietly, barely a whisper.

That whisper made Spike nervous, because he couldn't tell if she was angry or not. He decided to risk it anyways. "Because I love her, just as I love you. In the time I've spent here, I've seen what she's really like, and realized so many things about myself because of her. She and I have grown so much together in such a short time, and I can't deny the longing in my heart for her. Unfortunately, there is one other thing," he said sadly, his tone losing all of its energy.

That confused Rarity. "What do you mean, 'other thing'?" she asked, inching closer.

"I'm.... immortal," Spike said quietly.

Rarity's jaw dropped, and she made quiet gasping sounds instead of words. "You... can't die?" she asked in disbelief.

Spike sighed. "No, I can't. And neither can she. She's been alive a long time, Rarity. Hundreds of years, and it's been centuries since she first loved... and last loved." His eyes fell to the floor as he recounted the woes of his fate. "She loved a stallion once, but he died and she lived on. She never loved again after that, afraid of that loss, of living after the one you love is gone. It would have been the same someday, between you and I," Spike finished.

Rarity dropped to the floor as she realized all the implications of that. Spike would have to watch her die, be left without her for an eternity. She couldn't picture an existence like that for him, couldn't imagine causing him that much sorrow. But with Celestia, the two could be together for eternity. It made so much more sense, but she hated it. How could this have happened to Spike, her Spike?

"Is that why?" she asked, leaving the question vague and unfinished.

"No, it's not," Spike said immediately, his tone firm, but not angry. "The fact that we would be together forever had nothing to do with this. Rarity, I love her and I want to be with her. Can't that be enough for you to believe?" he asked, hurt in his voice.

Rarity could fight it no longer. She understood, knew that his decision was the right one as long as it would make him happy. She picked herself up off the floor shakily, nodding the whole way. "I have to believe it, Spike. I know you've decided on what will make you happiest, and I promised I would accept that. And even without that promise, I still would," she said with a sad smile, her gut begging her to fight it, fight for him.

"I'm hurt and broken, but eventually that will change. In the end, it's easier to fix a single broken heart than it is to find the one who makes you truly happy. I told you once, Spike, I've had to break hearts before, for my happiness," she only smiled wider, but Spike thought that only made it look more forced, more watery. Still, he appreciated the gesture. "You don't have to ask me to let you go and be happy Spike. I'll always want and urge you to do what makes you happiest... Until the end of my days," she said with a choke.

Spike hugged her again, glad that at last she had accepted it, even if it would be hurtful and heartbreaking for a time. "Thank you, Rarity. Thank you so much. Even in all of this, I never wanted to lose you. I'm glad I didn't have to," he said, feeling a tightness in his chest as he realized just how true those words were, just how deep that fear had run.

"Oh Spike," she muttered in his embrace, tears coming back to her eyes gently. "You'll never lose me as a friend. Even when I'm gone, you'll have the memories we shared. And I'll look down at you from somewhere far away and smile at your happy life," she said, hugging him tightly.

They stayed like that, friends eternal, teary-eyed together until at last it was time for Spike to go.

"And the Wonderbolts will most likely drop in on Saturday while I'm away to talk about their air show over Manehattan. Just tell them that it's already been cleared with the city and ticket sales are being handled as we speak."

Luna nodded, her quill scribbling on parchment as she took down the notes of her sister's duties for the next couple days. Celestia rarely delegated anything to her, though Luna handled almost all the night work on her own. She was certainly skilled enough with the public these days to handle most any situation that could arise while he sister was on vacation, so she was glad for this opportunity to help run the country.

Not to mention a chance to help out the new couple.

No sooner had she thought it than Spike entered the room, running a wrist across his eyes for probably the hundredth time. Celestia was to him in a heartbeat, hugging him gently. He returned the embrace and smiled at her to let her know he was alright. Luna waved once he looked her way, and he returned it.

It was obvious to the princess of night that Spike had been crying, though that was hardly unexpected. What he had gone through with Rarity was probably the most emotionally draining thing she could remember any male going through, so a few tears wouldn't hurt anything. "Did it go well?" she asked pleasantly, assuming immediately that it had.

Spike sighed as he curled up, getting comfortable as he was finally able to relax. "You could say that. It didn't go as well as I had hoped, but it didn't cost us our friendship, and even though she's upset, she'll be fine someday soon. Or so I hope," he finished sadly.

Luna looked at Spike with an encouraging smile. "You did right, telling it to her yourself, and being there for the resulting grief. It only proves how strong that friendship is, to have survived such revelations. I agree, she will be fine, though the healing will take time."

Spike nodded, glad to hear it from somepony besides himself. "Let's just... not focus on that for a while?" he half-asked, as his tone left very little room for negotiation on the subject.

Celestia wandered over, and put a hoof on his angrily smoking nostrils, plugging the smoke. "Spike, we've been over this," she warned.

Spike sighed, or as best he could with his nose plugged, and willed himself to calm down more. "I know, I know. No smoking indoors. It's not like I can control it though, sometimes it just happens," he grumbled. Still, her comically forward way of reminding him had helped to improve his mood some.

"Well, as long as you know," was all she replied with. She smiled warmly and sat next to him on the floor. "I was just finishing delegating my duties to Luna before you and I go for our little trip. Seems like Canterlot will be in good hooves. Of course, if anything goes truly wrong, we'll have to return," she said as an afterthought.

Spike nodded. "Trust me, I know how that goes. Still, with things the way they have been lately, I'm willing to take that chance. We haven't seen anything major in Equestria in a while, right?" he asked hopefully.

Celestia smiled and nuzzled him gently. "Right, it should be just the vacation I've been looking for."

Luna cleared her throat, and Celestia's eyes snapped open. With Spike there, the princess of the day had all but forgotten her sister was in the room.

"Oh, sorry Luna. Spike, it shouldn't be too much longer. Do you mind waiting?" Tia asked pleasantly, delaying her sister only a moment longer.

Spike just chuckled, watching Luna's eyes narrow like they might shoot daggers at her sister at any second. "No, I don't mind. But I think perhaps Luna does."

With a laugh of her own, Celestia turned back to Luna.

"Sister, this is serious business. I would appreciate it if you would treat it like such," Luna scoffed, waving her quill in Celestia's face.

Celestia rolled her eyes and blew the feathered writing utensil away from her nose. "You're such a stick in the mud sometimes, Luna. Anyways, after the Wonderbolts show, there's like to be some displeasure about the upcoming fireworks display for the Veteran's Night parade, but hopefully they won't come to us about that until I'm back. And then there's..."

Spike just laid down and tuned it all out, happy he wasn't in charge of anything. It seemed like an incredibly dull line of work, though clearly the perks were impressive. Still, he didn't think he could trade his happiness for a posh castle and some servants.

With a yawn, he dozed off while his mare lectured Luna on the finer points of telling a politician to screw off. Politely, of course.

Spike yawned and stretched as something poked him in the ribs. Scratching idly at the affected spot, he rolled over and promptly started snoring again. Something poked his other side, this time twice and with more force. Groggy, with only one eye even open, Spike glanced over his should to see what all the fuss was about.

Celestia just eyed him like he was hopeless, a kind of sarcastic smile on her face. "Perhaps I should add it to the books about dragons that they are entirely impossible to wake up," she teased, clambering over him until she was sitting atop him, perched like a cat on rafter well pleased with its acrobatic skills.

Spike, though tired, couldn't resist the urge to mess with her for waking him up and then climbing all over him. Without warning her, he rolled hard to his right, and she toppled like a house of cards, letting out a short squeal as she realized too late what had happened. She hit the carpet with a soft thud, having neither hit it very hard nor very fast.

She got up with a huff, her crown all crooked, to see Spike eying her smugly. "Maybe I should add it to the books about alicorns, saying how uncoordinated they are," he teased, huffing out his nose snootily.

She glowered, but her smile gave it all away. The anger in her eyes was mischief, the smirk on her lips all play. "So that's the way it's going to be, is it?" she asked, her horn glowing. She closed her eyes and focused, raising her magical appendage high into the air.

Spike's eyes widened. "Hey, hey! I was just kidding, no need to teleport me to Everfree or anything like that!" he said, clamoring to get to his feet. "See, I'm up. I'm up!"

Celestia let the magic fade, and fell over laughing. "T-teleport you... to... Ahaha!" she giggled, rolling about on the floor and doing her best to hold her sides at the same time.

Spike just scowled at her. "Look, when you're tired, all you know is you're about to get magicked, not what kind it's going to be. Sheesh," he grumbled good-naturedly, curling up and facing away from her.

Celestia picked herself up off the floor, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes. She walked over to him and slipped under the wing he had folded overhead, putting herself nose to nose with him. She smiled, and Spike couldn't pretend to sulk any longer with that face staring him down. He laughed too, folding his wing back and hugging her down to floor level with him.

The two sat there for a time, just close and saying nothing. At last, finally Spike spoke up. "So when do we go?" he asked. Judging by things outside, it was already getting late.

"I don't see why we couldn't go now," she said idly.

"Well, it is getting dark out," Spike intoned, snaking his neck up just to double check he wasn't making that part up. No, it was definitely sunset out there.

"I don't mind night flying, though setting the tent might prove difficult," she muttered.

Spike had an idea and smiled smugly. "You know what, why not? You won't need the tent." He chuckled to himself as he came up with his clever scheme.

"What do you mean we won't need a tent? I know it's summer and all, but it will still get cold tonight," she puzzled, inching closer on the carpet, scooting along on her back with soft scratching noises as the carpet tried to cling to her coat.

Spike sat up and got to his feet, offering a claw to help her up. She took it and stood with him, shaking herself to settle the pieces of her hair that the carpet had ruffled. "Just trust me, you'll like what I have in mind a lot better. Besides, my claws would shred any tent the moment I stepped in it."

Tia just smiled and nodded. "Alright, I'll trust you. But just this once," she said, nudging him gently. "Alright, let's go gather up the supplies, and then we'll fly out. Hope you don't mind taking the heavier pack," she chuckled, winking at him.

"I'd be honored to," Spike replied, his smile matching hers tooth for tooth. This vacation was already off to a good start, and they hadn't even left the castle yet.

The sun had set by the time they left. Spike pack wasn't nearly as heavy as he had been expecting, but then they hadn't packed much food for him. He had insisted he would be happier catching and cooking fish out of the rivers than with plain old oats and honey. As per his request, they hadn't packed a tent either.

The two took off from the south balcony of the study, flying high into the night. Celestia sighed as the cool night breeze ran through her coat and whipped her mane out behind her. Even with the meager light of the moon, her pink, green, and blue mane seemed to glow as if struck by sunlight. Spike was mystified as she flew even the simplest of loops or circles, leaving behind three distinctly glowing trails.

He kept pace with her, allowing her the fun of the acrobatics. He could do a few tricks of his own, per Rainbow Dash's magnificent instruction on the matter. Though the physics of flying for a dragon were particularly different from those of a pegasus or an alicorn, he had managed to execute most of the maneuvers the rainbow pony had expected of him with relative ease.

As Celestia stepped up her act, enjoying the night flight more and more, Spike decided he would get in the spirit of things as well. Concentrating on what Dash referred to as a 'banking point' a few hundred yards ahead, Spike beat his wings hard, gaining speed. Once he reached that point, he titled his wings back, shooting straight up using his built up momentum. Tilting his wings in opposing directions, he began a quick clockwise spin.

And now for his personal flair to this simple trick that Dash affectionately called the 'Corkscrew Pillar', Spike opened his mouth and breathed fire. Round and round he spun, flames spewing from his mouth in a mesmerizing green spiral, widening beneath him. He flew at the top of that fiery whirlwind, like the tip of a spear. As he rose higher, he began to make his spiral wider with each turn, so that the fiery swirl had a pinch point in the center. He laughed as he finished the trick, blasting away and looking back just in time to see the result.

An hourglass, made entirely of swirling green fire lay in his wake, nearly five stories high, and almost half as wide. Spike nodded, satisfied with the result. It was probably one of his cleanest executions of the hourglass trick, and he was well pleased.

His pleasure doubled as Celestia swung in line next to him, flying just a little faster than usual to match his pace. "Spike, that was wonderful! I had no idea you could sky-write like that!" she gushed, flying backwards and looking on as the hourglass finally faded, the fire consuming the oxygen around it and then fizzling out.

Spike chuckled, something he would have expected RD to do in the face of a complement. "It's one of the few things I can do well, to be honest. I'm still a novice flier, though Rainbow and I train now and then," he called, having to raise his voice a bit to be heard over the wind.

"Well, it certainly seems to have paid off," Celestia returned. She had a sudden idea, and began flying in tight circles while still traveling forward, looping over and then under Spike.

Spike caught on, and began spinning clockwise as well, timing it so that he was always on the opposite side of their little circle. Her mane created a stream of light that followed her arc of travel, though it didn't have a very long trailing length like Spike's fire did. Spike slowed a bit so that when he began breathing flames, Celestia wouldn't be flying through them. He would always be a wing beat behind. He let the green torrent flow from his mouth.

To any viewers on the ground, it would have looked like a glowing pink, green, and blue meteor was blazing across the sky, spinning like a drill to the western mountains.

The two finally landed about an hour later, deciding that they were suitably far away from just about every city or town, nestled within a cozy little valley in the mountains. A waterfall arched into a crystal blue pool from between two peaks, roaring with the constant drone of liquid thunder. The night breeze rustled the countless needles on pine trees, rubbing them together. Millions of those little, scratching sounds coalesced into something akin to the sound of waves on the ocean shore.

Spike and Celestia both inhaled deeply, taking in the sounds and scents of nature. Out there it was just them and the elements. Spike unconsciously put his arm around her neck, pulling her closer in the chill night air. "It's beautiful," he said quietly, as if his voice might destroy the serenity of such a place. The moon blazed overhead like white fire, missing a sliver since Spike had last conversed with it, only a week prior.

"It is. I'm always awed by how much nature can do with so little. Think about it; the waterfall is just water, every tree just a tree. Anywhere else, you would take these things for granted. But here, you are awed by their power. Here, these things have existed since the dawn of time, older even than myself," she said, her eyes going glassy as she looked about, reveling in the sights and sounds.

Spike nudged her gently after a time had passed, and she looked at him and smiled. "I'm glad we've come. Perhaps out here, we will take each other less for granted, too," Spike said with a warm smile.

Celestia nodded, warmed by the truth and wisdom in that statement. Nopony would admit to taking another for granted, yet it happened all the time. Out here, alone with Spike, she realized on a new level just how grateful she was for his company, his touch.

After all, she could have come alone.

"Come on, let's get camp set," Spike said, sensing no reply coming from her. He smiled all the same, taking his pack off from between his wings. He helped Tia remove hers as well. He set about gathering rocks for a stone ring to contain their campfire while she unpacked various things, one of which being a lantern. She lit it, aiding Spike in his stone hunt. When at last he had gathered enough, he formed the circle. Pleased, he nodded to himself.

"Alright, now we just need some firewood," he said, flaring his wings and preparing to fly into the trees. Celestia stopped him with a hoof on his shoulder and smiled.

"Allow me," she insisted, her horn glowing in the dark. In the distance, many trees glowed as well, shivering and shaking as she used her magic to preen them all of dead stick and branches. By the time she had finished, a sizable pile of wood had been teleported to the side of the fire ring.

Spike smiled and patted her on the back of the neck, running his clawed hand down her back comfortably. "I'd say that works. Well, time to do my other trick," he chuckled, piling a bunch of woody willy-nilly into the fire pit. With his particular methods of ignition, it didn't matter if the pile of wood was getting much oxygen or not at first. After the initial lighting he would have to tend it more carefully, though. He breathed a steady stream of flame onto the wood, and it was soon crackling and popping, glowing green in the dark.

Celestia eyed the fire with interest. "So, even if you set something else on fire it stays green?" she asked, though the answer was clear.

"Most things, yeah," Spike said, rubbing the back of his neck. He knew green fire wasn't normal for a dragon, but he couldn't really explain it. He wandered over to his pack, pulling out a bag of marshmallows.

Celestia groaned when she saw them, realizing she had forgotten something. "I didn't grab any of the roasting sticks," she grumbled. "I can just hold mine with magic, but what're we going to do about-" she was cut off as Spike chucked a marshmallow at her. Distracted, she was forced to catch it with magic as Spike made his way over to the fire.

Kneeling beside it, he held the marshmallow gingerly between his clawed thumb and forefinger, pressing it right up against the side of the fire. He laughed as she eyed him curiously, and then she face-hoofed. "You forgot I'm fireproof, didn't you?" he asked with another chuckle, turning his marshmallow so that it would brown on the other side. Though to be honest, Spike had a hard time deciding if it was brown or not in the green glow of the fire.

Celestia chuckled and came closer, sitting in the curl of his tail. As soon as she was within this 'trap', Spike coiled his tail tight, scooting her close enough that she was pressing right up against him. She giggled and leered at him with an almost lewd look. "My, aren't we forceful?" she chided, levitating the marshmallow over to the fire. The golden glow around it seemed to harmonize with the green glow of the fire, making plain yellow.

Celestia screwed up her face and yanked her marshmallow back, a sudden thought coming to her. "Is it safe to cook with your fire?" she asked suddenly, realizing she had never conducted and kind of experiment regarding it; and neither had Twilight.

"I'm sure it's safe for me. It's my fire, after all. Still, I'm pretty sure it won't hurt you any. I baked a cake for Twilight once, but it ended up being too gooey when I turned the oven off. Just breathed fire all over it when she wasn't looking, finished baking it just like that," he said, snapping his fingers for emphasis. "She lived through it, no weird side effects or anything."

That was good enough for Tia, and so she put her marshmallow back into the fire for a bit. She pulled it out, thinking it looked perfect, and has hovering it back when Spike puffed a small jet of fire onto it, igniting it.

Celestia's eyes went wide and she waved it around, trying to fan it out. "Spike, what did you do that for?" she asked with a scowl.

Spike just smiled and plucked the burnt marshmallow out of her magical aura. "Just to mess with you; call it revenge for earlier," he teased, and she smiled slightly at that memory. " Besides, if you really want a perfect marshmallow, you have to spend time on it. Here, take mine," he said, trading her.

Upon inspection, Spike's marshmallow really was perfect. It was melted all the way through, not a speck of white showing through its crisp, browned surface. Had he really gone through all that trouble, just to give her the better of the two marshmallows? She knew without a doubt that if he had offered it to her, she would have politely declined and eaten her own. But as she took a bite of this one, she knew she would have been missing out.

She smiled even as she chewed. "Mmmm! You're right, Spike, this marshmallow is perfect," she mumbled, using only one side of her mouth to talk while the other side chewed.

Spike snaked his tongue out, consuming the burned marshmallow. "I actually kind of prefer them burnt," he admitted. "I think it's what happens to them in my stomach anyways; it's all fire in there," he said, poking his belly with one claw.

Celestia laughed. "Well, you're certainly a better cook than I'll ever be. Do you mind making me another?" she asked, throwing on a pout just for effect.

Spike chuckled, and speared a marshmallow onto each of his clawed fingers on his right hand. "Coming right up, your grace," he teased, pushing his hand close to the fire.

Celestia slapped him lightly on the shoulder, looking embarrassed. "Spike, stop. You don't have to call me things like that."

Spike just turned his head toward her, smiling gently. "I know I don't have to, but I can if I want to get a rise out of you," he laughed, gently turning his hand to and fro in the fireplace.

Celestia took advantage of the way he was facing, kissing him lightly on the lips. It had an added effect, coiled in his arm and tail, warmed from the back by his body and from the front by the fire. It was just a teasing peck, much like shaking a toy gently to try and get a cat to play.

Spike was no cat, yet he pounced like a lion on her suggestion, deepening the kiss. The marshmallows simply got torched as he neglected them, slipping from his claws without a trace. Unknowingly, he brought that hand close to her, but pulled away at her muffled complaint as one of his claw tips brushed her. That hand was still hot from the flames, even if it didn't feel so to him. Instead, he set it behind him on the cool stone they had built their fire on and leaned back slightly, pulling away from the kiss, teasing her.

She followed, eyes narrowed into a playful, sexy stare. She climbed him slowly until she was in his lap, their kiss resumed in their new pose. She felt invigorated somehow, as if being above him in this position put her in charge of the kiss, not him. She let it become more passionate, but eventually she let it fade. Something in her mind screamed that the night was still young, that she should leave him wanting more. She pulled away gently, her eyes still narrowed and shrewd, a hoof placed gently on his strong chest as he leaned back on his claw.

He didn't say anything, clearly awestruck by the passion in that kiss. It wasn't their first true kiss, but it was still somewhat unexpected. Clearly he still had a lot of things to learn about his mare.

A lot of good things.

She simply giggled as he stared at her with longing in his eyes. "Did I surprise you?" she asked quietly, letting herself fall back into his lap, leaning her head into his neck.

"More than you know," Spike replied, glad to find his voice not only steady, but almost excited. Celestia seemed to snuggle closer at his tone, and he smiled as he cradled her close.

The fire was dying down at last, and the night was no longer young in the slightest. Tia was yawning widely, fighting sleep. She would nod off and then bounce awake as Spike moved slightly to stir the fire, hugging him tightly as if somehow holding onto him would keep her alert. Each time he simply chuckled and started stroking her mane, and eventually her grip would lessen, and she would doze off again.

At last, though, the fire had completely died, and it was time for Spike to go to bed as well, He stood, trying his best not to wake her as he picked her up bridal-style. His best wasn't nearly enough, and she woke up, looking at him with tired eyes.

"What about the tent?" she asked with a yawn.

Spike smiled and laid down on his back comfortably, holding her close to his chest above him. She could lay stomach to stomach with him, using him like a sleeping pad. He was glad to see that she seemed more alert now, curious as to what his smug smile had been about before he laid down.

Her eyes widened as he folded his wings in front of him, up and over her head, interlocking them so that they formed a living membrane above her, warm and safe from the elements, dragon blood fueling their heat. "How's that for a tent?" Spike asked with a laugh.

Here eyes narrowed again into those sexy slits, and she crawled a little higher up on his belly until she was nose to nose with him. "Now it's you surprising me," she laughed warmly.

This time it was Spike who kissed her, and their passionate embrace resumed in full, under the protective canopy of his wings. He kissed his princess, his mare, holding her tightly, running a hand down her back. Celestia's mouth opened slightly, invitingly, her hot breath daring Spike not to take this chance. His mouth opened slightly too, and their tongues met. His snakelike one coiled around hers, tickling it from all sides as the two made out.

Celestia groaned softly at the sensation and deepened the kiss even more, almost unable to believe how wonderful it felt to be like this with Spike. It went on for what felt like ages until at last they broke apart, an unspoken agreement that they had both gone far enough.

Laughing together under the living canopy, they finally faded together into sleep, a mare and her tent.

[Rarity] Epilogue

Spike sat on the side of the street, his twelve-foot-tall frame casting long shadows in the evening light. Over the last few years he had grown hardly at all. Though Celestia assured him he would grow eternally, it didn't seem as though he would be growing very fast for the rest of his life. He allowed himself a comfortable smile at that, glad things would not be getting out of claw in that department for some time.

He smiled as his expected guest crested the hill down the street. Three years ago, almost exactly, he had seen her there just like she was now. She called to him, and like he was simply replaying a scene from a movie he waved to her as he had on that long ago occasion.

She trotted to him, smiling warmly, and the two shared a comfortable and well-practiced kiss. Three long and beautiful years had passed between them, yet for all that time they had only grown closer and closer; slowly, the way Spike grew taller. Spike could still recall that first night he had stayed with her. He hadn't slept all through it, had stayed up and gazed at his love for hours.

He could be lost in her frame, her eyes, or anything about her. Time was fleeting so long as she held his attention, whole weeks feeling as if he had simply skipped them in her company. Yet the memories of those short times were too vivid and real for Spike to believe they had never happened at all.

"Are you ready?" she asked, breaking him out of his reverie.

Spike resisted the urge to reply with 'as I'll ever be', and smiled back. "Of course," he replied, his heart doing a short loop in his chest. He and his mare were to take a sunset walk in the park before dinner. He had been busy at the library all day, and thought it might be easiest if they met up somewhere for a bite.

That's what he'd had Rainbow tell her, anyways.

The two made their way to the park, and the hill where she had once rejected him long ago. Spike fought the drive to laugh at that part of their history. Though it was the defining turn in their relationship, the whole thing felt stupid and foolish now. Both he and she had failed so miserably then.

Today, Spike would see that hill redeemed in their lives. The sun painted it a reddish orange as they crested it, perching on the world's edge as if trying desperately to remain for what was to come.

"You remember back then, don't you?" he asked with a warm smile, curling in the exact place he had that long ago time.

Rarity sat in his folded arms, as she always did these days. "Of course," she replied with a sad smile. "How could I forget that moment?"

Spike brushed her cheek lightly with a claw, bidding her to smile more joyfully, more sincerely. His heart pounded as he prepared himself for the most important part of all.

"And you remember this place because of that. But so much has happened since then, and even though that memory is important to us both, I never want to look at this hill and feel the pain of that day," he said, hugging her tightly.

"Spike, what are you-" she began to ask, but he stopped her with a mere look, the softness in his eyes bidding her to listen. He set her on her hooves in front of him, and took a knee in front of her. It did little as he still towered over her, but he didn't let that stop his advance.

"I want us to remember this place differently. I want you to be filled with joy every time you come here, every time you see this place from the boutique window," Spike said softly, taking her right front hoof in his claws gently. "Rarity, this is the place where I ask you to be my wife. Will you marry me?" His heart bounced off his ribs like a rubber ball, going mad with hope, though he knew beyond a doubt what she would say.

Rarity's eyes filled with happy tears, words refusing to come as her mouth turned up into the shakiest, warmest, most beautiful smile Spike had ever seen. Her voice suddenly found her, and she pounced on Spike, throwing her forelegs around his lowered neck and nuzzling him roughly. "Yes! Oh yes, Spike!" was all she could say, crying like he hadn't seen her cry in years.

He picked her up tenderly and held her, like she always asked him to, smiling into her teary, beaming face. He didn't wipe those tears away, but let them idle there, a testament to the joy he could put in her heart.

"Spike..." she began, but he stopped her with a gentle squeeze and a warm smile.

"I will always hold you like this, and I will never let you go," he promised her, knowing as he always did what she had been about to ask.

She was stunning, a picture of perfection as she approached the altar. She had spent months on end on her dress, and Spike was glad she had, for he had never seen her so beautiful in all his life. Her hair was done as it always was, but only because he had requested it. He wanted to see her the way he always did, the mare he was going to marry.

Celestia presided over the ceremony herself. All of Canterlot and Ponyville combined were crowded into the castle's main hall, decorated for the occasion. Behind Spike stood Twilight, practically staining the carpet for all her happy weeping. Arrayed behind Rarity were the rest of their friends, bridesmaids all, and even Rainbow Dash looked more than happy to be a part of such a glorious occasion. She gave Spike a sly wink, and he returned it with a warm smile, glad to have the support of his friends.

Celestia began the service, the hall falling silent. The ceremony dragged on, the two making the standard wedding promises to love and honor one another. Neither of them had written their own vows, for Spike had insisted against it. No matter what he could promise her out loud, it could never compare to the love he would show her in their life. He said so during the service, leaving Rarity speechless.

It wouldn't be the last time he did so today.

At last it was time for the 'rings'. Spike's was a ring, but for most ponies, a ring wasn't viable. Instead, he presented something far more meaningful, and useful.

A necklace that he had carved from solid gold, using only his fire and his claws to do the work. It was etched and symmetrical as if done by a professional jeweler, infinitely beautiful as it reflected the light of the stained glass windows around them. But most important of all was what the necklace framed.

Inside it held the heart-shaped ruby he had given to her so long ago. It dazzled the crowd, its many facets sending light dancing in all directions. Gently, he placed the necklace around her neck, pleased by her awestruck face. Speechless again, she nearly forgot to say her final 'I do'.

At last she said it, and Spike did as Celestia bid him, kissing his new bride deeply.

The reception was a blast, yet another 'best party ever' from Pinkie Pie's endless stream of them. Wedding gifts bowed the legs of a sturdy table by their sheer numbers alone, and a toast was called by Twilight as the bride and groom prepared to exchange their own gifts.

Rarity's brought tears to Spike's eyes as he looked at it. A painting of the two of them, Spike holding her as he had always promised to. Now he always could, for the painting was perfectly detailed, down to the very last amethyst scale on Spike's hide. He had no doubt that she had spent a very long time on it. He wondered if maybe she had even started on it long before they were to be married.

Spike felt sheepish, and blushed as he took the gift.

Rarity looked at him with a curious smile. "Spike, what's wrong? Don't you like it?" she asked, knowing full well that that wasn't the issue.

"I love it," he replied, his tone so full of warmth and gratitude that it brought a happy flush to her cheeks. "It's more beautiful than anything I have ever seen in my life, except for you." He kissed her on the head gently, giving the painting one last look before setting it aside respectfully. "I'm just afraid my gift won't compare," he admitted sadly.

"Honey, whatever it is I am sure it will dazzle me," she replied with an encouraging grin. "After all, you've never failed to surprise me before."

His faith in himself restored, Spike smiled back at her. "I wrote you a song, Rarity. And I would love to sing it for you," he said quietly. Many in the crowd gasped, including Twilight. She had no idea her son could be so romantic, so creative.

Rarity was giddy with excitement as Spike readied his deep voice, the entire hall going quiet.

"Love is a thing that grows with time,

A blessing in which we now share,

To think that I could call you mine,

That you would someday be my mare.

Like a flower it blooms in strife,

With caring to replace the sun,

Compassion brings it all to life,

Tears are how the rivers run.

A flower needs a place to grow,

But first you need to find a seed,

Your heart's the only earth I know,

Your faith's the only light I need.

My love is rooted in your soul,

And yours beats in my own,

And even when we've both grown old,

It will be ours and ours alone.

My love for you can never die,

And even when the years grow long,

You'll be the ruby of my eye,

And you'll always have this song."

The notes were beautiful, crystal clear and pleasant, his deep voice majestic and powerful, yet strangely soft as it conveyed such tender words. The melody was sweetly sad, a promise of hope in the face of time to come, the unknown ahead.

The hall erupted in applause as tears sprung in Rarity's eyes, Spike taking a gentle bow. She rushed to him, throwing her hooves around him and thanking him over and over. He stroked her mane, promised her that she was welcome, and kissed her gently.

The rest of the reception paled in comparison to that moment.

They made love for the first time that night. Spike was still nervous of his size, but Rarity had promised it certainly didn't have a negative impact on her desire for him.

It was the most passionate moment of either of their young lives, a perfect joining of their souls on a physical and emotional level. Never had they given each other such pleasure in so many ways at once, never had their relationship felt so right during something so intimate. Their marriage was more than just permission for the act; it was proof that they were ready, that at last they could achieve this level of being together.

Spike caressed her cheek gently as he lay next to her, the hours of their lovemaking at last behind them as the two realized their exhaustion.

She giggled, a goofy, sexy smile coming to her lips. "Spike, that was amazing!" she moaned, edging even closer to him on the bed, pressing herself tight against him.

Spike only chuckled as he tucked her close, nuzzling her. "You're telling me," he said with a slight laugh. They both knew that anything else tonight would tax the limits of their bodies, as long as they had been at it. Still, they were too riled up from their lovemaking to go to sleep, and so they settled for simply being close to one another, kissing now and then.

At last, the evening took its toll, driving them both into true exhaustion. Rarity snuggled close to him, and only half awake called to him.

"Yes, Rarity?" he asked back, rubbing her back gently to coax the tired words out.

"Sing that song for me again?" she pleaded, her eyes already closed.

He hummed out a quiet laugh, and stroked her mane gently. "As you wish." And so he sang his lover to sleep.

"Spike, wait!" Rarity called, rushing out the door with a package floating in front of her, covered in a light-blue aura.

Spike turned around, tucking his wings back in. His eyebrow quirked curiously at first, but then he slapped a clawed hand up to his face and groaned. "I almost forgot!" he called back, meeting her halfway back to the boutique.

"What would you do without me?" she scolded, scowling at him lightly.

"Fall right out of the sky because I'd likely forget my own wings if you didn't make sure they were still attached each morning," he replied lovingly, kissing her cheek gently. Little jokes like that were his way of showing his appreciation for her hard work at keeping him organized.

She smiled, glad for the humor. She loved these moments, the simple things they shared. "Just remember to eat it before it gets too cold," she reminded.

Spike nodded and kissed her once more before he took flight. He had been flying to Canterlot each weekend to practice with the Airborne Elite. They were far more agile than his fifteen foot frame would allow him to be, yet they could use a flier like him. Skilled, faster than almost any pegasus could hope to be, and strong as a hundred oxen. Rarity had her fashion business, and it was booming of course, but Spike wanted to help support his wife. She shouldn't have to slave away for him.

He had promised he would begin looking for houses in Canterlot, the two of them having talked long into the night on many occasions, dreaming of that house in the city. Spike knew it would have to be modified greatly to accommodate him, no matter the building they purchased, but they had been saving, and now was the time.

That evening he arrived at the castle, always a welcome guest of his dear friend. Tia greeted him as always, hugging him close and inviting him to dinner. He accepted as usual, and spent the short time until then contemplating his question.

At last, after he and Tia had enjoyed each other's company and the meal was finished, he asked her. "Tia, do you know of anyplace that Rarity and I could buy in the city? Or even closer to it? I know shopping for a dragon isn't easy, but we've saved up enough from both our jobs that we should be able to afford renovations and all that," he said idly, just talking business.

"Spike, you know you could always live at the castle..." Celestia began, but he just smiled as if he had expected that.

"I know, and trust me, the offer is appreciated; but we'd like to get our own place. Somewhere we can call home, for the rest of her days," he said quietly, his smile barely twitching sadly.

Celestia pondered this for a moment, then smiled. "There's no place that would suit you, I'm sorry to say. Not yet, anyways. It's been quite a while since the building crew had any work to do though; I'm certain they'd love a new project. Especially one with such... unique requirements," she said with a warm laugh, sipping on her wine.

"Really?" Spike asked, shocked that she would offer to build them a place of their own. "I don't know that we have enough for that..." he finished quietly.

Celestia looked hurt. "Spike, please. It's the least I can do, and I won't take no for an answer. Now, with that settled, make sure you let Rarity know very soon. In fact, bring her here for a weekend sometime. It's been so long since I've seen her, and I want to see the look on her face when she realizes her dream of living here will be coming true. That's all the payment I would ever need," she said with a friendly smile.

Spike smiled right back, knowing better than to argue with her on this point. "You've got yourself a deal, Tia. Thank you so much, this means the world to both of us."

She raised a glass to Spike, and he raised his as best he could, though in all fairness it was really and entire barrel of wine. She laughed as he tried not to slosh any, the handle-less container a bit unwieldy in his claws.

"Don't mention it, at least not too loudly," she teased with a wink. "After all, what are are friends for?"

Spike choked as he saw her lying there, his head poked through the hospital window. She was just asleep now, he knew, but he was afraid.

Sixty long years they had been married now. Sixty perfect, marvelous years. Though they knew they could never have children, it had never come between them, had never distanced their relationship. It only made their dependence on one another even greater, especially when her friends had all gone on to get married and have foals of their own. She had needed Spike badly then, but had borne it all in the end with her customary grace and willpower.

She was old now; eighty five years old, much older than doctors had warned Spike she might live to be. He knew he should be grateful for that extra time, but he still felt as though he would soon be robbed of her. That tie deep in his soul to hers could feel her fading, knew that something from beyond was calling her.

And he knew that she would answer soon. He had come as soon as he had heard, had nearly toppled the hospital itself to find a way inside, to go to her. He was far too large for that now, his full height nearly twenty feet. The doctors had moved her to one of the outer rooms, where the windows were large enough to accommodate his giant head, and that had had to be enough.

She had fallen down the bedroom stairs at their home in Canterlot; it had been specially constructed for the strange pair, with incredibly high ceilings and wide rooms. Even the staircases were custom-built, wide enough to contain two sets of stone steps; one pony-sized, and the other more designed for someone of Spike's proportions. Doctors reassured Spike that she had not fallen down the dragon-sized stairs, belaying his fear that his size had indirectly hurt her.

Still, she lay there all the same, injured and fading, because Spike had not been there to help her. He had been away on business at the castle, having taken a job with the guard corps at Celestia's urging. He hated himself, blamed himself.

"Spike?" the doctor called to get his attention. Older and wiser now than most creatures ever grew to be, Spike knew all too well what the sadness in the medical master's tone meant.

He turned to the doctor and nodded, not daring to speak. He knew what was coming, knew what he would say.

"I'm so sorry, Spike. Your wife was too old to handle a fall like that... There's no way she'll recover from this. The best we can do is ease her passing, and your grief, as best we can," the doctor said, true sorrow and pain in his voice.

Since they had moved to the city, everypony had grown to know and love Rarity. Her fashions were the best around, her company sought after and adored; and his by proxy. The doctor himself had been a close personal friend of the two for years now.

Spike looked at the doctor, tears welling in his mammoth eyes. "I feared you were going to say that..." Spike admitted, looking at his unconscious wife. "I knew, doctor. I knew the moment I got the call that she was in the hospital that she would be leaving soon. I've known since I married her that one day, this would happen. And I had hoped I would be ready," he said, choking on his words.

The doctor put a hoof on his enormous snout, tears coming to his eyes as well. "You could never be ready for this, Spike. I'm so sorry..." he said quietly.

"Doctor... I know you want to ease her pain, but you have to let me take her," Spike said quietly.

The doctor, tears still in his eyes, looked at him sadly. "I can't do that Spike, we've got strict rules that forbid-" he stopped suddenly as a noise by the bed stole both of their attentions.

"Doctor... Let him have his way..." Rarity rasped from the bed. Her face, tired, wrinkled, and deathly pale even under her white coat, turned up in a weak, pained smile. Her eyes however, those perfect pools of blue that had never dulled with age, broached no argument. "Would you really argue... with a lady on her deathbed?" she asked.

The word 'deathbed' hit Spike like a cannon shot to the chest, boring out his heart and heading for his soul. So she knew, too. Yet she smiled at him as the doctor sighed in defeat.

"No ma'am, I really wouldn't," he admitted with a sad smile. He pushed the bed over to the window, letting Spike pluck Rarity gently from it. He was careful not to move her much, knowing she was injured badly, though her coat showed no blood or damage. She never winced or complained, for which Spike was glad.

"Thank you, Doctor," Rarity said quietly, her voice barely a whisper. "I will see you again someday."

The doctor's eyes flooded as he watched Spike take her away.

Spike alighted on the hill, Rarity cradled safely and gently in his powerful arms. He could feel her fading fast, but he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt, knew from their connected souls, that this was her desire. That this was the place she wanted to be, when at last she left this world. The hill in the park, which held so much meaning in both their lives.

It was the only place Spike could imagine parting with her. He looked down on her, eyes closed, breathing shallow, and clearly in pain.

She opened her eyes and smiled at him, and Spike's heart ached. "Tell me, my lord..." she intoned, raising a hoof to his face as he bent his head near. "Am I still beautiful?"

Spike choked, his eyes flooded with tears. "Yes, my love; as beautiful as the first day I ever laid eyes on you," he replied, his words sincere and honest. Old as she was, for him her beauty had never faded, for the image his eyes received was layered with love and adoration it had never held then, ignoring her age.

She smiled at him lovingly. "Kiss me, one last time. And then, sing me to sleep," she asked, her tone warm, her voice steady. She was ready, Spike knew.

It was her time to go.

Crying hard, he leaned in and kissed her gently, the tears running off the tip of his nose and into her coat as he pulled away.

Choking on the words, he did his best to ready his voice. "As you wish, my lady," he sighed.

He sang through his hot tears, his aching heart, as his chest filled with sorrow. And as the last verse left his shaking lips, at last he felt her fade away.

The funeral was massive, more so even than that long ago wedding. Everypony who had ever been graced by Rarity's smile, her presence, and her love was in attendance. Celestia led this service as well, and everypony watched on with broken hearts as their strong and mighty princess cried through the entire ordeal, hoof-in-claw with Spike at the podium as they told of Rarity's marvelous life and friendship, and together bid her a final farewell.

When they laid her in the ground in the Ponyville cemetery, Spike collapsed into Celestia, and though she was nearly as grief-stricken as he was, she did her best to help him weather the storm of his loss.

"I miss her, Tia," he wept. By now, everypony had said their final goodbyes and departed; all save Spike, his dear five friends and their families, and Tia.

"As do I," she cried back.

Twilight soon joined them, her sad smile not in concert with her tear-filled eyes. Together, as a family, they at last let everything flow, crying long and hard as the sun set on that most unfortunate day.

"Uncle Spike! Uncle Spike!" the pink and brown pony squealed, hopping into the living room of Spike's home in Canterlot.

The old dragon smiled, placing an enormous claw on the ground and waiting patiently. The colt hopped into his palm and promptly sat down. Spike waited a while longer, certain that the young pony was not alone. Sure enough, eleven others filtered in, two of them far older than the rest, perhaps in their late twenties.

The nine fillies and colts all clamored about, shouting 'uncle Spike' this and 'uncle Spike' that. Spike just chuckled, and set down his other claw as well. The ten youngsters filled his hands, all sitting like they had been taught so that they wouldn't lose their balance as Spike lifted them up to eye level with himself, nearly forty feet above.

"Hello there, little ones," he rumbled warmly, kissing each lightly on the head. "What's the occasion for such a sudden visit?"

They all began talking at once, and Spike laughed, wiggling his hands gently to get their attention. "One at a time, one at a time!" he chided, all of the children looking sheepish. The oldest among them spoke up now instead, taking charge.

"Mom said she thought it might be a good time to come and visit, since we haven't seen you in so long, and we've all got off school for the week.

"Oh?" Spike asked, looking at the oldest filly's mother and father.

The mother, a deep purple unicorn smiled and nodded. "Well of course. Does family need an invitation?" she asked, giving Spike a playful scowl that he remembered all too well; she got that from her great grandmother.

Spike chuckled and made to set the children back down. Once they had all disembarked, he curled on the floor, the purple mare and her husband trotting closer to better speak with him.

"It's been a long time since I saw you last, Miracle," Spike said warmly, nuzzling the older mare as best he could. The children had taken to playing amongst themselves, eagerly splitting into teams to conquer their uncle's home. As usual they took it upon themselves to try and use the dragon sized stairs instead of the set intended for ponies, but he had learned long ago that warning them not to was pointless. "It's nice to see that you brought all the kids this time."

The mare smiled, and shook her head. "It's not that we don't want to visit, it's just that's it's so hard to find the time. It's not easy taking after Great Grandma as the Element of Magic," she pointed out, and Spike nodded sagely. If anyone knew how busy that job could be, it was certainly him. "The rest of the Elements had business to take care of, but they let me bring their kids along."

It was easy to tell whose kids were whose. Anypony with a speck of pink in the mane was a direct descendant from either Fluttershy or Pinkie Pie, and all of Rainbow Dash's had rainbow manes. Applejack's ilk were all blonde and styled country, hardly ever seen without a hat. And all of Twilight's family had a distinct pink stripe running through their manes and tails; much to the chagrin of the colts in the family. Though it was now three generations past since the original six friends of Ponyville had passed away, their legacies lived on in full.

"And how are you, Spirit?" Spike asked. Spirit Soaring was one of Spike's very favorite ponies, always clever with his words, and willing to crack jokes even at the big dragon's expense. Not to mention he was a loving husband and father, something Spike deeply respected in his family.

The forest green pegasus smiled, winking at Spike knowingly. "Busy as usual, if you know what I mean," he said, looking out the corner of his eye at his wife. She missed the gesture, busy looking up the staircase where a ruckus had started.

Spike laughed, and Miracle's attention suddenly snapped back. "Did I miss something?" she asked, her gaze going deadly as she realized she had likely just been the butt of some joke.

"Nope," Spike and Spirit said in unison, neither of them batting an eye.

Miracle groaned. "It's uncanny, really," she grumbled, rolling her eyes. "No wonder you two get along so well."

Any further conversation was interrupted by cries of 'uncle Spike' from the top of the stairs. Miracle's oldest, a unicorn very skilled with magic, came bustling down the stairs, hovering a rectangular object in front of her. She stopped in front of Spike, holding it up.

"Uncle Spike, is this you?" she asked.

Spike eyed the painting, his heart filling with wonderful memories as he looked at the painting Rarity had done of them together so long ago. The rest of the children came half-walking, half-falling down the stairs in hot pursuit of the young filly.

"Yes, little one. That was me, a long time ago," he said fondly. Miracle smiled, sensing an oncoming story that she had heard once when she was a filly, too.

"Who's this lady?" the filly asked, looking at Rarity. "She's really pretty. Is she your marefriend?"

Spike chuckled at that, though his heart ached at the question. "No, little one. A long time ago, she was my wife."

The children gathered around, all suddenly going quiet as they noticed that tone in Spike's voice; the tone he always used when he was about to start some old story.

"Let me tell you all the tale about how I met the love of my life, and all the adventures we shared. The story of Lady Rarity."

[Celestia] Epilogue

Spike smiled as he banked hard, the pegasi in his wake beating wing to keep pace and hold formation. "Cloudhopper, you're out too wide! Close in, get wingtip to wingtip with Gale!" he called over his shoulder. The young recruit did as he ordered with a 'sir yes sir' that Spike couldn't hear over the rush of the wind. Their arrowhead formation was finally symmetrical again as his trainees recovered from his sudden turn. He alighted atop one of the Castle's many walls, his protégés following close behind.

"Good work, everypony. Try to remember that you should all be extensions of each other. It comes with time, but eventually you'll learn the signs of when your wing leader is about to turn or dive. Keep practicing, and take turns flying at the head in the next drills. Now then, back in the air, double-time!" he roared suddenly. The pegasi didn't flinch like they had a week ago, all snapping to salutes instantly and then bailing off the wall, forming up into another arrowhead as they zipped off.

"You certainly command their attention," a voice he knew all too well called from behind him.

He turned, smiling to his marefriend. Five years had passed between them since he had pledged to stay with her as long as she would have him. In all that time she had never turned him away, had only drawn him closer with her compassion and love.

Celestia strode up to him and nuzzled him gently. Spike returned her embrace, kissing her lightly on the lips as she made to withdraw. She only smiled, gestures like that common but not taken for granted between them. "They seem to be improving. Your training has done them wonders," she congratulated, watching the squad under Spike's command execute a nearly perfect turn; nearly, because Cloudhopper was again out wide.

Spike scowled at that, displeased. "Most of them improved, anyways," he said with a sigh, letting it go. Cloud was a pegasus that shared a mindset with Pinkie Pie, it seemed; always somewhere else, cracking jokes or daydreaming when he should be focused. Still, he was a good source of morale, and he wasn't getting any worse. "But it's not my training they're benefiting from. It's Rainbow's; she's the one who taught me all the tricks of the trade, after all," he pointed out.

"It doesn't change the fact that you're their leader, and that it's you they're learning from. Give yourself some credit. You are captain of the Airborne Elite, after all," she prodded him in the chest, smiling warmly as she left her hoof there, her touch gentle.

Spike smiled and ran a clawed hand down her outstretched leg and back up, comfortable with the contact. "That's only because you assigned me to it. I have to say, it really feels like favoritism somehow," he teased, winking at her.

She just laughed. They had been over it many times just how great a flier Spike truly was; few could match his speed or skill, save for his own trainer, or perhaps the Wonderbolts.

The work was mundane, mostly training new recruits and teaching them discipline. It was very rare that the Airborne had to perform any kind of field work, as things were almost constantly peaceful these days. Much of their time was simply spent learning to be the best fliers they could be, ready if Equestria ever needed them.

Spike found meaning in it all the same; even if he wasn't saving the country, he was preparing these stallions and mares for reality, where teamwork and friendship were possibly the most powerful forces in the world. With just one of those virtues mountains could be moved. With both, as he often said, the entire world could be changed.

He was splendid at his job, though he regarded himself as too soft-hearted for the work sometimes. He did his best to act fierce when it seemed appropriate, but his natural compassion and sense of humor almost always bled through in the end. Truth be told he made a terrible captain for that reason alone.

Yet no other trainer garnered so much respect from his troops, or commanded such obedience. Spike saw the difference there; other captains held the respect of authority, but Spike's trainees respected him as a wise friend and a leader.

Celestia smiled knowingly as he looked away from her and back to his troops. She chuckled lightly, tugging his head back to face her gently. "They'll be fine. Come on, it's time for dinner anyways," she coaxed, her voice warm and inviting in the extreme.

Spike was unable to resist that urging tone. Besides that, he had made a promise to himself this morning that he would at last follow through.

The same promise he had been making every day for a week. Steeling himself, he walked with her inside, his arm draped around her neck gently, his wings tucked to his back to press her close. He let the conversation flow, allowing it to distract her as he steered them. He pointedly turned left at one intersection, though he knew the dining hall was the other way. Much to his satisfaction and amusement, she never noticed, too caught up in their talk about Twilight's latest spell submission. She had found a way to turn pine cones into apples, which had caused an angry letter from Applejack. Apparently the opposite was also possible, for the farmer had complained loudly in a letter to the princess that many of her prized apples were now pine cones instead.

Spike had to suppress a laugh as they made their way into the garden instead of the dining room. Celestia simply kept on talking, oblivious to the change. Spike did his best to distract her further as he led her to the cherry tree on the garden's south edge. At last he stopped moving and simply grinned at her.

Now she seemed to notice that something wasn't right. "Spike, why are we in the garden? You know full well that our meal is the other way," she chided, as if she thought he was just pulling some prank on her.

He allowed himself a chuckle that helped to relieve some of his nerves. "I know, I know. But somehow I just couldn't resist this chance," he said, his heart beating faster as he prepared himself.

"The chance for what?" she asked curiously, happily, as if she were glad it wasn't all a prank.

Spike just smiled at her warmly, his heart in his eyes. "Do you remember the day I caught you singing here for the first time?" he asked pleasantly, looking from her to the tree.

She followed his gaze, smiling nostalgically. "Of course; the day you fell for me," she teased, but she knew he was being sincere with whatever he had on his heart, and so she turned her tone serious, yet pleasant. "It only seems like yesterday, doesn't it?" she asked, leaning into him and smiling, closing her eyes as she envisioned that day.

"It's simply amazing," he replied, stroking her mane, "how much time has flowed on, yet it feels like none has passed." He pulled away from her gently, letting her regain her balance as she lost her dragon to lean on. He knelt in front of her, and took her hoof in his clawed hands.

"The last time you saw me here like this I told you that I wanted you and needed you. These days I want and need you even more," he said with a warm smile, watching her face go from a smirk to puzzled. It shifted to shock as the realization came upon her what was happening, and Spike had to resist the urge to chuckle with joy.

"I never want to part with you, I want to be forever with you. Then, I asked you to be my mare, but today and for the rest of time, I ask you to be my wife. Celestia, will you marry me?"

She let out a shaky, teary laugh, unable to react any other way as her mind was filled with utter joy. That laugh was the purest expression of the leap her heart had taken. She smiled at him and bit her lip, as if trying to contain another such outburst of elation. At last, instead came her reply. "Yes!" she whispered gently, falling into him and meeting him there in his kneeling position, kissing him deeply. She pulled away, her voice full of triumphant exuberance. "How could I say no?" she asked with another beautiful laugh of pure bliss.

Spike chuckled, his heart still hammering like a thunderstorm as he hugged her close. "I knew you wouldn't," he remarked quietly, pulling her tighter. He kissed her deeply, and she returned that loving gesture full force as she realized the rest of her eternity would be fulfilled by Spike's love.

The wedding was to be grand; there was not a single pony in all of Equestria who had not been invited. Even griffons that took up residence in the country had been sent invitations, as well as nobility from dragon-ruled regions deep in the mountains. As a result, the entire service was to be held outside, being that it was the only way to accommodate such vast numbers of guests.

Spike was nervous to say the least, even though the event was still a few days off. He and Tia were in her room this evening, spending the time she had off from her duties together, as they had been doing for years now. Spike was more tense than usual, his responses to her talk few and far between, as if he were somewhere far away.

"Spike, what is it?" she asked at last, unwilling to let him continue dwelling on whatever was plaguing his mind. "Something about the wedding?"

Spike snapped out of another daydream and sighed. "I'm sorry Tia. Yeah, the wedding has me a bit worried... I know all the planning has been taken care of, but something is nagging at me," he finished, glad that he didn't need to hide his worries anymore. Even his simplest concerns were of great importance to his betrothed. He allowed himself a smile as he thought of that. He and Tia, to be married at last. What a glorious thing.

"Go on," she urged gently, nuzzling him. His sudden, warm smile had comforted her; at least he wasn't having second thoughts about marrying her.

"It's just that... You're a princess. But haven't you been married before? Wouldn't that make you a queen instead?" he asked. It wasn't quite where he had wanted to start with it all, but it was the shallow end of his tide of troubles.

"Yes, I've been married before. Only once, nearly a thousand years ago now. Back then my father and mother weren't royalty; Equestria didn't exist. We lived happy lives, and Luna and I both married at the proper age for the time. But as I've said before, eventually he passed away. My parents died one day as well, for though they were both alicorns, they were killed by a magical plague that nearly eradicated our kind. Luna and I were saved by our alignment with the Elements. That's why there are no more male alicorns in the world; only Luna, Cadance, and I remain. Together Luna and I founded our nation, but we were no longer married. Equestria has never had a king or a queen," she finished, her tone slightly melancholy as she recounted an age's worth of sorrow and strife in just a few short words.

Spike sighed, because her tale tied immediately into his next point. "Until now, you mean," he said quietly.

She just smiled at him, mocking the clouds forming in his mind, and daring his sorrow to remain. It couldn't in light of that comforting, perfect warmth, and so Spike smiled back, though it was not quite sincere.

"Is that what this is about?" she asked, as if it were silly.

"Of course; I can't be a king, Tia. I'm almost eighteen now, but even by pony standards that's very young. I don't know anything about running a country, being a diplomat... I'm worried I'll fail you, and all the ponies in Equestria" he said quietly, kissing her cheek gently because he needed the contact.

She nuzzled him softly, giving him all the comfort he needed. "Spike, so what if you don't have years of experience? You have compassion, integrity, loyalty, tenacity... Need I go on?" she teased, kissing his lips gently. "You don't have to wear a mask to be a leader, don't have to make perfect decisions for your subjects to love you. You taught me that lesson yourself. You only need to love them in return, and always do what is right in your heart. There can be no greater king than that," she whispered gently, pulling back and smiling warmly at him.

Spike smiled back softly, encouraged by her faith in him more than her words. "Tia, I'd be a wreck without you," Spike chuckled, kissing her gently.

"You'll never have to be," she said quietly, snuggling close to him.

Nopony in living memory, even Luna, could recall Celestia looking so beautiful as she did today.

Rarity, of all ponies, had made the dress; had offered as soon as she received her invitation a month past. Rumors circulated saying she had completely dropped all other orders and had worked non-stop for this occasion. It showed, for not only had she made the most perfect dress of her career to date for Tia, she had also made six dresses for the bridesmaids.

Twilight, Rarity, and the others all looked stunning as well. Spike had been nervous that somehow things would still be awkward between Rarity and Tia, even though the purple-maned pony had visited them without trouble numerous times in the last few years, and had even married herself. If Spike knew anything about mares, it was that weddings made them crazy. Still, things seemed more than civil between his past love and his bride-to-be, even at the rehearsal.

The service was being held in the town square, nearly three times the size of Canterlot Castle's great hall. Across the way a wall of ivy had been erected, which Spike knew his betrothed waited behind. Pegasi and gryphons dotted the sky and lined rooftops, and even a few brave earth ponies had made their way onto such lofty perches. Nopony wanted to miss this event.

"Dude, your tie," coughed one of his groomsponies. Spike smiled as he looked back at the array of six stallions behind him. A lot had happened in the years before this day; all of his childhood friends had gone on to get married, including Rainbow Dash, who had been the one Spike had least expected to get hitched. It was her husband who had pointed out that his tie was crooked.

Spike bent low while the dark blue pegasus corrected his long, solid black tie, which had been hanging a little too loosely and had rocked left. "Thanks, Blitz," he offered up, forming a fist with his clawed hand. Blitz was a Wonderbolt through and through, he and Dash having met during their preliminary flights with the team. They had both been accepted, and had started going steady almost immediately after the 'celebration'.

"Not a problem," he said under his breath, both of them trying to be quiet. He raised a hoof and bumped it to Spike's knuckles with a smirk. "You've got to look your best today; you're marrying a princess."

Spike chuckled nervously and turned back to face the ivy wall. "Don't remind me," he said jokingly, drawing laughs from the other stallions behind him.

He smiled gently as he caught sight of something in the crowd; a purplish ball of fluff being cradled by Twilight's mother. Twi and her husband, Gearrick, had been married almost a full year now, and they were now the proud parents of a beautiful filly. Gearrick was a steam-tinker, the kind of creative mind that perfectly complimented Twilight's 'do it by the book' personality. His work had been renowned in Manehattan and Fillydelphia, where the push for steam-tech was largest. He had moved to Ponyville to lead a more quiet life with his wife, using his talent for technology to benefit the small town in glorious ways.

Rarity had eventually married Fancy Pants' younger brother, Pricey. Despite the first impression his name caused, he was actually very down to earth. Ever the gentlecolt, he was everything Rarity could have asked for in a stallion. He had a sound mind for business, and a peculiar charisma that had everypony hanging on his words. Together they had moved their business and home to Canterlot. Last Spike had heard, they were finally planning to try and have some foals, now that their business had finally settled down.

AJ had gotten hitched to the oldest brother in the Cherry family, Black Cherry. Most ponies affectionately referred to the couple as Blackjack these days. Their wedding had been held in Appaloosa, though the two had purchased several acres outside of Ponyville and moved back there, growing cherries and apples in tandem. Their goods were the best around, daily shipments being sent off to Canterlot to fuel the demand for their pies, tarts, and other treats.

Pinkie's wedding had been the wildest affair Spike had ever attended. The turnout had been nearly as drastic as today's, by sheer volume of sent invitations alone. She had married an equally bubbly and spastic stallion by the name of Blast Cannon, the commander of Canterlot's fireworks brigade. He was a fun-loving sort, though unlike Pinkie he could focus on something for a significant span of time. He was just the right amount of steady for Pinkie to lean on, and just the necessary amount of crazy to love her.

Fluttershy's wedding had been last, and completely unexpected. Nopony had complained, however, when Big Mac had popped the question. Very few ponies had known they were even seeing each other, outside of her six closest friends. The only reason Tia had known at all was through Spike. The two were a perfect fit, Big Mac silent and supportive of her, Fluttershy tender and kind when the red stallion had been having a rough day.

Spike reflected on all of that fondly as he gazed at his crowd of friends; his family. And today, he would welcome one more into the fold.

And she would stay there forever.

His heart leaped into his throat as the fanfare sounded at last. He stood a little taller, smiled a little goofier. His gaze went back to the ivy wall, and out stepped Celestia. Luna laughed lightly to herself as she saw her sister, but it wasn't mocking; it was joyous.

She was resplendent in a white and golden dress, the sun alone her rival for attention, because only it could outshine her this day. Every beam of light caught silken strands, reflected a hundred fold through dazzling diamonds knit through the cloth. Applebloom and Scootaloo came behind her, carrying the tail of her perfect dress, old enough now to perform such important duties in a ceremony like this.

Sweetie Belle had a different part to play than her close friends, singing in perfect harmony with the piano, using the words Celestia had taught her for this occasion as the bride made her slow way to the altar.

Spike nearly ran to her, entranced as anypony might be by such a goddess. Big Mac stepped on his tail lightly, urging him to stand still and wait. "Nope," he grumbled, his voice low so that only the groomsponies would hear. "You'll get yer chance, but let the lady come to you."

Spike smiled wider, barely hearing his friend as Tia smiled at him; just him. She stood across from him, and winked. He winked right back, feeling too right and happy to flush red. The entire gathering went silent as Luna spoke up, for she was to lead the ceremony today.

The minutes dragged on, yet nobody complained. Everything was as it should have been, the service beautiful and majestic. At last, it came time for the vows.

Spike had taken weeks to write his own, for they were words that he would live by until the end of time, or his life. No promise could be more sincere, more binding, than the promises he would make today to his immortal bride.

"Celestia, you have taught me so much, and though I can never grow taller, I will always grow wiser, and grow to love you more. I will never leave your side, never betray you. When you cry, I will cry. When you laugh, I will laugh. And when you sing, I will sing. Your pain will be my pain, and all of your joy my joy. From now until the end of time, every day will make you more beautiful in my eyes. This I promise," he said with a perfect smile, her front hooves in his clawed hands as he looked deep into her purple eyes, his green ones burning those words into her soul.

Her eyes filled with happy tears, her heart swelled with joy and adoration. Her voice was obviously strained for control as she returned her own vows.

"Spike, you've shown me a love I could never have asked for. I am the luckiest mare alive, to have found that I never had to ask for it, and never will have to. All the days of our lives I will be with you, to love and care for you. When you need to lean on me, I will be strong. When you are hurt, I will heal you. When you are happy, I will hold you. No matter the storms or clear skies, I will be at your side," she said, and now Spike's eyes softened and flooded as well.

Their vows complete, the pair turned teary-eyed to Luna, who was smiling widely.

"The sun and the moon have seen your perfect unity; your deserving love. For all the ages they have judged eternally, and here they have found your love to be undeniable. By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you dragon and wife." She smiled deeply at Spike, letting a teasing pause hang there for a split second. "You may kiss the bride."

Spike kissed her deeply, the entire nation in an uproar, cheering wildly. When at last that perfect moment had passed, Spike swept her off her hooves, catching a glimpse of a beaming, teary-eyed Twilight just before his world filled with white. His nose filled with her scent as she nuzzled him close.

"This has been the happiest day of my life," she whispered gently, kissing him again as he carried her down the aisle. Roses flew like snowflakes in a blizzard, painting the sky red and white, dancing down around them. The cheering was deafening, yet Spike heard her clear as day.

"I am glad I'm not alone," he said, echoing her sentiments with a warm smile. He had never felt so joyous, so perfect, in all of his days.

She laughed lightly, her note pure and wonderful to his ears. "You never will be."

"This... is your lot, Spike..." Twilight admonished quietly. Even with her words separated by deep, painful breaths, she still meant to scold him. "You knew... that it would happen... one day."

Spike looked at her with tears in his emerald eyes. Tia stood at his side, doing her best to smile at her ancient student. Twilight had lived to be the oldest of all the Elements, had even outlived her husband. At the ripe old age of one hundred and ten, Spike could hardly complain about all the time he had been able to share with her.

"Grandmother, please..." a deep purple pony coaxed, bidding Twilight to calm down. She looked so much like her grandmother had used to all those years ago. A slight beeping in the background slowed in pace as Twilight heeded her granddaughter's warning.

"Now Spike..." Twilight called more calmly, the great dragon weeping like a baby as he slid his head under her shaking foreleg to embrace her.

"Yes, Twilight?" he asked, sniffling loudly.

"You take good care of our family; I'm going to need you even more when I'm gone," she whispered, so that only he could hear it.

Spike choked, laying his head gently across her chest as she closed her eyes. "Of course, Twilight. They couldn't be in better claws."

"Miracle..." Twilight called weakly, opening her eyes tiredly.

"Yes, grandma?" the young mare asked gently, doing her best to smile, though her eyes were full of tears.

"Just because he's a king doesn't mean he's not family," Twi said with a warm smile. "You keep him in line for me, you hear?"

"Of course," Miracle replied, her laugh choked as her mother and husband each held her close to ebb her oncoming sobs.

Now Twilight looked at Celestia. "And Celestia," she croaked, clearly only a few breaths from gone. "Take care of him. And thank you for making this life an adventure," she said warmly.

Celestia nuzzled her as she closed her eyes, crying hard now. "I wouldn't have had it any other way," she said sadly, with a hiccup of a laugh.

At last, it was time. She turned her eyes back to Spike, and rubbed her nose against his with the last of her strength. "You were my first son; my pride and joy. I love you, Spike," she sighed.

Spike died inside as he realized those words had taken her last breath with them. Like an infant, he cried rivers as Celestia and the rest of his family joined him in his grief.

"Farewell... mother."

"What is it, Tia?" Spike asked, rushing to her side. Luna had told him she needed to see him right away, and his heart ached to have found her crying.

"Oh Spike," she cried, but Spike's heart jumped as he noted that they were tears of joy.

"What happened?" he asked, suddenly intrigued and confused.

"I was working on a new spell... for us," she sniffed, rubbing noses with him.

"What do you mean?" he asked, rubbing back.

"I know we can't have children; not physically anyways... I didn't want to ever bring it up between us. But what if we could have a child... magically?" she asked, her voice going out as she lost control.

Spike's eyes went wide as he caught on. "You don't mean...?" he asked, his tone all disbelief.

She nodded, a hoof put to her snout as she held in an excited giggle.

"How?" he asked, looking from her face to her stomach.

"I found how to use the way our souls come together in lovemaking; instead of using your genes, I could fuse some of your essence with mine. It would have to be an alicorn, to grow inside my body. I thought I could give those essences a physical form," she explained, doing her best to calm down enough to detail it. "I didn't tell you sooner because I wasn't sure it would work... But it did."

"So you took a portion of my life-force, and a portion of yours, and fused them?" he asked, awed that such a thing was even possible.

She nodded gently, smiling almost proudly.

Spike laughed loudly, joyously. "Tia, this is wonderful!" Spike strode to the balcony, unable to contain his overflow of joy any longer. He threw the doors wide, and screamed at the sky. "I'm a father!" he roared, all of his heart and soul in that cry to the sun.

Celestia walked up behind him, laughing to herself as she reveled in his elation. He whirled on her and kissed her roughly, deeply. She returned it, all for that free exchange of pure bliss.

"Is it a boy or a girl?" he asked suddenly. If it was a spell, he was certain she could know.

"It wasn't my decision to make, but I can feel her... It's a girl," she said with a sure smile, though the child was hardly more than a thought in her head and a speck in her body.

"Then what should we call her?" Spike asked, hugging Tia tight.

Tia thought silently for a while, then chuckled. "Mother Celestia, aunt Luna... and baby Terra. It has a wonderful ring to it," she said warmly, nuzzling Spike.

"I love it," Spike replied, kissing her deeply.

Spike laughed as Tia climbed on him, her eyes getting that particular look they always did when she was ready to play. She smirked as his gaze took on a similar look, as if they were both hunters after the same quarry.

"Just because we have one on the way though..." she said quietly, winking at Spike as she ran a hoof down his chest.

Spike chuckled, and rolled her under his wings, kissing her deeply.

"I like the way you think."

Author's Notes: Exit, Stage Left

Let me state in plain terms that I will not be doing this in any particular order once I finish my "this was how the plot rolled" section. Thoughts will fly through the air free like birds after that. If any of you are reading this anyways, you'll probably get bored. I'll make some god-awful puns or snappy comments to keep those of you who risk it entertained.

Alright, here we go. Prepare for spoilers. To all you guys who read this section first: if you don't want them, bail out right the cuss now. I'm not going to do any 'in this chapter, then in this one' business. I'm just going to give out some character analysis and my opinion of the plot.

PLOT STUFF:

Personally, I believe putting Rarity in that nasty initial conflict with Spike was a necessary evil. Sure it makes things hard to deal with between the two of them for a while, but in the end it makes their relationship more believable to me. Something real happens between them because of that strife in the end; I didn't have to base that love on anything from the show or any other fan-fic. That relationship is legit and independent. Kind of a big deal to me. Why modify, when you can create?

Likewise, that conflict also makes Spike's relationship believable with Celestia. She is completely, undeniably the feel-good character, and unless Spike came to her with some kind of problem, the entire thing would have crumbled into this nasty mush of nonsense. The only difference is that there's no direct conflict between him and Tia; but indirect conflict is still conflict. The other thing that really drew me to this relationship is that, in my personal reading history, it hadn't even been mentioned, much less done. Again; prefer to build things myself.

Spike's 'GTFO to Canterlot' was a the second hill in our little roller-coaster of crazy. It was a much needed reprise from the bad feels on his end, as well as a solid chance to put Rarity's views into perspective for the readers; though most of you just hated her freaking guts at the time. But she laid her heart out on the table to Twilight, telling her the whole truth, even though she knew Twi would be pissed. Respectable if you ask me.

That's the start of Rarity's upswing. Let's be honest, it's not a straight line; she's awful, then she sucks a little less, and so on and so forth until personally I didn't dislike her anymore, and actually kind of felt supportive of her new mission in life with Spike. Clearly those sentiments were not unanimous, but what can you do? Her little bout with Madam was her salvation in all reality. Without that push, she'd have stayed a jerk the rest of the fic.

Spike's 'pursue the love' moment with Tia was very snap-to. I like that, because it does set Tia up as a sort of rebound girl. She's not supposed to instantly be a 'better' match for Spike than Rarity, just the more available one. There's growth in that relationship, though most of it is transparent because none of it is caused by direct conflict. It makes things seem really fast, but that's half the fun of it.

And then the 'oh shit' moment. That kiss was just too fun to write. At last, we pit civil Celestia with regretful Rarity. Jealousy being defeated was the main theme here; Tia admits that she loves Spike, and Rarity can't really argue that. That would just be hypocritical. At last we lay the feelings of both mares on the table, and we put the ball back in Spike's court.

And then, the endings go <->. Smashing Tia's feelings was the really hard one to do for me: Rarity was kind of on the outside already by the time Spike broke it to her. But man, Tia had that relationship ripped out from under her, regardless of how sudden it had started. Not easy to do for me.

I prefer the dinner scene in Rarity's ending greatly to the camping trip. They both do something very important; they kill the stale-as-hell scenery. Dinner at a night-club, camping in the boonies... either way, they're not in the castle anymore. I was getting really, really tired of describing the balcony and saying 'in the study'. You're all lying if you say you weren't tired of reading it.

And then the epilogues: I regret nothing. What happened in each are clear representations of the benefits and drawbacks of his decisions.

Rarity's epilogue slew me... Having to kill her felt wrong, though I knew it was right in terms of what 'had to happen'. I cried, viewers. Like an angry, hungry baby. I don't even like Rarity that much, but for the love of Christ that heartbreak was bad. Maybe that was just me being drunk. Under no circumstances should you listen to anything sad or orchestral in nature while reading it.

Tia's made up for it. Some real, wicked-bad heartbreak for killing Twilight too, but that wasn't as hard: I think the Rarity shit numbed me. Worst part is I like Twi so much more than Rarity. Still, mostly good feels: all the six getting hitched, the very touching wedding. And then the unexpected! Children, not possible in any other Spike pairing. But hey, Tia's a goddess, she can magic up some genetics if she wants. Besides, it's not like mushing two life-forces together is an unbelievable or original concept. I am content with it, and as I said, while terribly unfair to the Spikity pairing, it 'makes sense'.

CHARACTER BUSINESS:

Spike... Ho ho ho, that dragon. I took him from heartbroken, teenager know-nothing to mature, confused, and lovesick. Not much progression, but pretty solid for seven days worth of plot. His reactions and outlooks on life are so typical of teens to begin with, but his time with Tia and Luna really shines through as he comes to accept that troubles happen in life, especially in love, and that he has to take charge of his heart. He's witty, polite, and all around he just feels like someone I would want to be around and lend a claw to.

Rarity... I did some bad things to her in this fic. Necessary, but no less turbulent to my heart. She's definitely not favorite pony; Dashie is. But I digress. I didn't like having to wreck her shit right off the bat, but that's her growth. She always came across as stuck up and selfish to me, minus the scenes in the show where they try way too hard to overcome her bullshit and make her seem generous for a few seconds. What the show does with her doesn't make her acceptable for someone of Spike's temperament. So I started her how I've always seen her; ladylike, but shallow and self-serving.

I did everything in my power to rebuild her; I had the technology. I took her from the ground up and made her into a mare who wanted to make Spike happy, who worked hard to earn his love, instead of expecting to simply fix her mistakes for her own sake. In the end, she came to represent what it meant to be a real lady, the way Spike is a real gentledrake.

Tia... I shot myself in the foot bad using her. I had no idea what I was doing; there was nothing to base her on besides the 'love everything, all is good, stay calm and do nothing' the show puts out. Worthless as a fictional character, perfectly acceptable as a 'silent god' kind of figure. That's what they use her for in the show, but that's unusable for romance.

Instead I took it upon myself to make her seem more realistic, by taking her typical image and turning it into a forced act. Spike catching her singing was the trigger for me to cut loose and create her from scratch as just another mare; a unique female with an atypical sense of humor and unending compassion. Certain things about her remained; tolerance, strength of will, etc. But her emotions were her mode of development. Through those and her sudden, spur of the moment actions, I did what I could to turn her into a real character.

Luna... What? Not much to say here, other than I just used her to inject comedy where appropriate, and to generate Philosospike moments. In other words, Luna the prankster. Or Luna, Relationship Scientist, Ph. D. Regardless of how you saw her, I enjoyed her role as a filler character.

ALL THAT JAZZ:

I had a great time with this. This is the important section; you, the readers, are fun and exciting, and have been very fun to work for. This wouldn't have meant half of what it did to me if nobody had read it. Even those of you that hated it brought me great joy, because an opinion is an opinion, and feedback is feedback.

I learned more about my own writing during this one fic than I have in all of my other combined writings because of you all. Insights, opinions, all of it mattered. Even if all you said was that it was well written and asked me to keep up the good work, I took your advice and kept up the god-damned good work. Even if you think you said nothing of note to me, or said nothing at all, you were the push I needed to make this something great. And it is, in my eyes.

There are some of you I have to thank in front of all my viewers, even though I am certain I thanked you all personally.

First, I would like to thank Ninjazz; he has been a ridiculously loyal fan, always willing to give his feedback, often in the form of page-long chapter reviews. His comments and e-mails really lit a spark in my mind for the final chapters, and for that, Ninjazz, I humbly thank you for the thousandth time.

Second, _Medicshy. True to your name, I understand you're not the biggest fan of public recognition. No matter how minuscule you think your efforts were on my behalf, they meant the world to me. Your pre-reading upped the quality of this work many times over for the final chapters, and they would not be what they are today without you. Give yourself a pat on the back when nobody is looking: you earned it.

Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly of all are my friends StormXtreme, Noata, and Cody [because Cody doesn't have a shnazzy username]. Without them, this never would have been posted in the first place. Their encouragement, support, and appreciation of my work led me to take the leap and get this fic on the web. And holy crap, it even got featured at one time. These are my bros back home, and I love them like family. Always there for me, guys!

That's all my personal hooplah. You've got my two cents, for what they're worth, and you all have my infinite appreciation! I look forward to seeing some of you again in future comments as I strive to always write my next great work.

This is Razorbeam, thanking you all. Goodnight!

PS - Curtain and bring the house-lights back up and all that stuff. Autographs later. Drinking first.

I: Heartbreak

Today was the day. He had spent weeks preparing for this moment. Everypony knew what he was up to. Everypony, that is, besides her. This was how it was supposed to be, he knew. He wanted today to be private, but he could never have made all the necessary arrangements on his own, and he certainly wouldn't have had the courage without the support of his enthusiastic friends.

Spike was ready. His deep, majestic purple scales shone like stained glass, throwing purple glints of light everywhere. They were polished perfect; important, he knew, for there were few things she loved as much as style and beauty. His spikes were perfectly groomed, ground into stylish, sweeping fins instead of their natural, roundish shape. They were bright green and elegantly shaped, like the early leaves of spring. Truly he was awe-inspiring today. All of his friends had congratulated him on his new look, just as confident as he was that it would be a hit.

All of them except for Rarity. He wanted to be alone when she saw him. Alone, with her. He had hidden away from her the last few days, careful not to reveal even the slightest of his preparations to her. If he had his way, this would be the happiest day of her life... At least until he found a way to make her even happier. His excitement and confidence let his mind run away with grand ideas of marriage, starting a family. He knew that last part was all but impossible, but then he had no idea how genetically incompatible they were, so he didn't let the idea go completely.

He shook his head, trying to get himself back in the zone. This was an important-- no, this was the important step. It demanded all of his attention, his concentration. From this hour of his life, everything else that was wonderful would burst forth. His life, and hers, were in his tender claws. The clock tower gonged to the south, signaling one o' clock. He sat a little straighter on the edge of the street; the time was near, and he wanted to look his best.

He was too large now for pony booths at restaurants. Standing almost twelve feet tall, and at only twelve years old, Spike was something to behold. His wings had come in when he was roughly ten, but had grown rapidly to match the rest of his body. After only two years, they were as wide to either side as he was tall. But they were unwieldy, and he was unused to them, so he kept them tucked to his sides. He simply couldn't afford the possibility that he might knock over a market stall, or hit the barber's shop sign with his wings and embarrass himself.

Up and down the street, nopony was in sight. It was a Tuesday, and most ponies were busy working their jobs. But Rarity had taken the day off at Spike's request. She had been working too hard lately, Spike had pointed out. She could use a day off, he had said. What better day than Tuesday?

She had agreed, and they were to meet here at one. She knew that Spike did not fit into most pony buildings these days, and so they had opted for a picnic. Spike had already set things up in the park, feeling that he would look completely idiotic, holding the tiny picnic basket in comparison to his massive body.

The sound of hooves on the street yanked his attention away from his review of the preparations. Everything was out the window when he saw her, coming over the crest of a hill the street passed over. The sun was behind her and to her left, glinting off her stunning, stylishly curled purple mane, and rivaling Spike's scales for the shimmer it caused. Her eyes were crystal blue, the same blue as her cutie mark. Spike could be, and had been, lost in them for hours, simply listening to her voice, but comprehending nothing.

He found himself falling victim to just such a situation when he realized she had called to him a second time already. He smiled widely, waving her over. She trotted a little faster, her flank swaying gently, gracefully, as she stepped to. She came to rest in front of Spike, barely more than a third his height. It didn't seem to register between them how large Spike was compared to her. They were simply too close for that to matter, Spike knew.

"So sorry to keep you waiting." She said, exaggerating her words with a slight shake of her head and a worried look in her eyes. "You know how I--" She began, but Spike cut her off.

She was going to say 'how I am picking things to wear', like she always did when she was late. Spike knew though, and simply smiled at her. She returned his smile, knowing she didn't need to finish. It was always like this; Spike knew her so well. But today he surprised her.

"I'm glad you took your time. You look absolutely amazing." He said, smiling warmly at her.

Rarity wasn't sure what to make of it at first, but his smile promised that he wasn't joking. She smiled right back, taking the compliment gladly. "Spike, you're such a gentledrake." She teased, blushing for effect and pawing a hoof in his direction. "You look stunning yourself. I've never seen you do your spikes like that before. I love it, and you should do it like that more often!" She swooned, ever a sucker for style.

Spike smirked a little at that, feeling as if everything was off on the right claw... or hoof. Both, he hoped. "I try. Don't worry, they'll stay like this for a while. They grow slowly." He replied warmly, waving an arm down the street from them, towards the park. "I hope you came hungry; Applejack had a little extra time and apples, so she made quite a few additions to the meal. And I think Pinkie threw in a few cupcakes too." He said, trying to let the mood get more casual. His compliment had gone over soaringly, but it was time to let it sink in, and inject a sense of normalcy to the 'date'.

That's how it should feel, he knew. When he asked her to be his mare, and they were going steady, it should feel normal. The only thing that needed to change was how they felt about one another, not around them. And in Spike's case, all that feeling needed to do was grow. But from Rarity, he knew it would require coaxing.

She was so busy, she had hardly ever noticed Spike's subtle advances in the past. But he was younger then; not her type, he knew. She was too intelligent and clever not to notice how he felt, at least at first. But over the years, Spike had showed it less and less. There was no need, he thought. She already knew his feelings for her, and he didn't want to embarrass himself or her by bringing it up, only to be denied.

But he had matured, in mind as well as body. They had been closer than ever these last two years. Spike had spent as much time at the boutique with her as he had at the library... perhaps even more. They had shared laughs, secrets, sorrows. They had connected. He was no longer blindly in love with her like he had been as a boy. His desire then had been a farce; a mere bud waiting to bloom, or be killed by the frost of neglect.

But he had cared for his feelings for her, no matter how simple or childish they had been. He had not let those feelings die, but had cultured them, nurtured them. He only needed to know her more, and to be known better, he knew, to make things work between them. And his love had turned into something real, something undeniably strong. Strong enough to set his mighty legs to shaking when she looked his way, to make his heart beat like thunder in his powerful chest. Anything that could do that to a dragon his size was worth something, he knew.

The walk was short, but just long enough to make conversation. All a part of his master plan. "So, I'm sorry to have to take up your day off like this." He apologized lamely. It wasn't even remotely true, since her day off was his idea anyways. Still, it was a conversation piece, and one Rarity could work with. She liked correcting people, even if she didn't realize it.

Spike did.

"Oh nonsense!" She gasped, appearing hurt. But it was all show, so said her gem-like eyes. "You know very well there's almost nothing to do on a Tuesday besides a picnic. Just the kind of day I need, mind you. I can't tell you the last time I did 'nothing'."

Spike could sure as hell have told her. It was last month.

"Not that this is nothing." She said, with a nervous laugh, afraid she had maybe offended slightly. Spike smiled and waved a claw to show he didn't mind, and knew what she meant. "At any rate, you should also know I'd rather spend time with you than do almost anything else, Spike." She said, turning the situation on its head and pretending to be offended herself, since he hadn't. As if he had insulted their friendship by calling it a waste of time.

The act had no effect on Spike, other than to widen his smile. Exactly what Rarity had been waiting for, he knew, and they both shared a laugh over her poor performance. Hardly anypony realized when Rarity was trying to use her unique talent for drama to amuse people.

Spike realized.

They arrived at the park, the hill where their meal was set only a short walk inside the ring of trees that marked the edge. It wasn't too high, nor too steep, and it leveled off at the top. It was the most popular picnic spot in town. And it was only free on Tuesdays, Pinkie had assured Spike of that. He gestured and waited for Rarity to sit before he laid down on the hill as well. Stretched out snout to tail, Spike was roughly thirty feet long. He curled his lengthy tail around and down the side of the hill, keeping it out of the way.

"So how was your week? I've hardly seen you at all since I got that new design request from Fancy Pants." Rarity said, her tone half curiosity and half apology as she took her seat.

"I found ways to keep myself busy, though I have to admit I missed being able to spend time at the boutique." He said, flipping open the lid of the basket. It was abnormally large by pony standards, but for Spike it seemed the opposite: abnormally tiny. He poked a claw into the basket, spearing a sandwich and taking the entire thing in one bite. It wasn't slovenly though; to Spike the large sandwich had been bite-sized.

Rarity smiled, and even chuckled a little at his method of consumption. "You, busy? My, Twilight must have had quite the week." She said, picking a cup and plate out of the basket. She wasn't surprised to see the tea set in the basket amongst various apple treats, sandwiches, and a few explosively colorful cupcakes. She poured herself a cup, but simply set it aside, using her magic to nudge the teapot Spike's way, silently asking if he would like a cup.

"No, but thank you." He replied out loud, fishing out a cupcake this time.

Rarity shrugged and took a whiff of the steam coming up from her tea. "Suit yourself, but it certainly smells wonderful. Is this the tea Zecora grows for Twilight?" She asked. She had had a cup one time, but the memories were vague, and she wasn't positive this was the right smell.

"It is. It's supposed to be really good, but it takes a long time to grow even a little. A dragon my size can't drink a whole cup without emptying Zecora's stock." He said with a warm laugh that insisted he didn't mind. "But Twilight insisted..." Spike felt his heart clench in his chest as he prepared for the most important milestone in his life so far. "Since today is a special occasion." He said, glad to hear that his voice remained calm and polite.

Rarity set down her cup and looked at Spike curiously. "Why, whatever do you mean?" She asked, completely unaware of any holidays today. Was she really that out of it, that she didn't know if it was a holiday or not? Perhaps she really did need this day off.

"Promise to hear me out?" Spike asked, smiling pleasantly. This was one of the iffy moments where she could figure out what he was getting at before he had time to say it, but he was confident that he could catch her by surprise.

Rarity nodded eagerly, sensing something unknown; gossip worthy perhaps.

And this was the part where Spike wowed her, at least in the plan. "We've been spending a lot of time together the last couple years. It's been a long time since I last told you how I felt, but today's a new day, and I'm a new dragon. Rarity, I want to ask you to be my mare." He said, smiling calmly, a face that said he could accept any answer. A face that didn't tell her how heartbroken he would be if she said no.

It was a good thing she had set down her tea, or she would have dropped it. Her focus was gone as the words echoed around in her head. She was unsure of how to react... Spike had certainly changed. In many excellent, perfect ways. But as she finally regained control of her eyes, she refocused on his body, his new form. She stood up without knowing it.

Spike smiled, thinking she was speechless, and all she could think to do was walk to him and hug him.

Clearly there were still things Spike did not know about her.

Rarity backed up a step, still not speaking. Her eyes darted all over Spike's body as she suddenly pictured a relationship with him. His smile was forced now, but she didn't notice. All she saw were the fangs, razor sharp. She could imagine them, not even an inch away every time they would kiss. Or the claws, every time they touched. Her heart trembled with fear at the imagined situations, and she had to look away from Spike to calm herself. She was breathing hard, and realized she had been staring for some time now.

But this was Spike! Spike! Her Spike, and he was harmless. A gentledrake if ever there was one. The nicest dragon she had ever met.

Dragon. She imagined arguments, a fight. Spike couldn't control himself, and he roared at her. Shaking, unable to retaliate against such a vicious noise, she was left vulnerable as he breathed fire in his anger, unable to control himself. She nearly choked on imagined smoke.

"Rarity...?" Spike asked, snapping her back to reality. She looked at him, her pupils still dilated from fear and adrenaline. "You're shaking... Is everything alright?" he asked, his deep voice all concern.

That calmed her a bit, and she nodded. But she didn't dare speak, knowing it would be high pitched and fearful. She couldn't grant Spike's request... She simply couldn't. She loved everything about him; his loving nature, his kind heart, and his perfect, smoothly cultured way of handling himself. He was everything she dreamed of.

Except he wasn't a stallion. He was a clawed, fanged, spiked creature of death on the outside. It had never mattered before this moment what Spike was... only who.

But he was her friend. She couldn't bring herself to turn him down again. She could see it all suddenly. All the absent days, the strange behavior of her friends. Spike had planned this, for days if not weeks. He had been so sure that she would agree that he had done his best to make it amazing for her, in every way. But she could not say yes... Not with that horror dominating her mind.

She didn't have the heart to tell him how she really felt. That he was suddenly fearsome. She had never had to imagine being so close with him, so intimate with that body of his. She knew that if she told him that, it would tear him apart. He was still her friend, even for all her sudden fear. She knew she loved him, but she couldn't.

She just couldn't.

She needed a lie. To tell him she couldn't, but without telling him she thought he was suddenly monstrous. She stammered, looking for the words. Spike was waiting patiently, but she could see him frowning and wringing his claws nervously. He could feel it, she knew; all his hard work, undone in this one moment. And he was dreading what she would say.

Oh, how it would destroy him. But her heart only beat with fear when she looked at him now, not the love he was expecting. There was only one choice.

"S-spike..." She began weakly, but she summoned all her strength to calm her shaking form. It worked, and so she continued. "You're a wonderful dragon; everypony everywhere should be jealous of your... perfection." She said, coughing in embarrassment for the delay. "But as much as you've changed over the years, my feelings for you haven't." She said sadly, taking a brave step his way. "You're a wonderful friend, and that's how I want us to stay, Spike."

But when she stepped toward him, Spike leapt to his feet and backed away one step. But one of his was five of hers. His sudden jump to his feet startled her, and she unconsciously flinched, backing up again.

Spike's pain was too great to notice her flinch, her fear of him. All he could feel was sadness. A sadness in his heart greater than anything he had imagined could be possible. He fully believed that this feeling was fatal, for never had he felt such agony. He suddenly wished it would simply kill him, to save him from this... this destruction of everything he had worked for. All his desires, his love, his kindness. Everything, simply ashes now. He felt hollow, and he looked at her without really seeing her. How could he, through all the tears in his eyes?

She stepped toward him again, but she could tell he was somewhere else right now, trapped in his own tormented heart. She could feel tears welling in her own eyes. How could she have hurt him like this? How could she, such a small pony, do so much damage to this creature she so suddenly feared? He was her friend, that much was true, and it destroyed her to see him like this. The bright sunlight overhead mocked them, as if it were offering them joy they could no longer have.

She was standing right in front of him now, without even realizing it. She couldn't withstand her own urge to cry anymore, for she could almost feel the pain emanating from her dear friend. But she was glad in a way; if she had told him that she feared him, he would have been even worse. But as it stood, Spike did not seem to be coming back, lost to his anguish. Quietly, she placed a hoof on his forearm and called to him, her voice stammering through her sobs as she tried to bring him back.

"Spike... Spike, I'm so sorry..." She cried, tumbling into him, unable to hold herself steady as her shoulders shook with sadness. Her mane was suddenly soaked as it intercepted the steady stream of tears flowing down Spike's mighty neck.

Spike snapped to suddenly, drawn by her sadness out of his own. He could understand, in a way. But he didn't want to understand. He only wanted to be right, to have his existence with her validated. But it wasn't. It was ruined, he felt. Tainted now. His love for her was indestructible, nothing could diminish it. And so the pain of her rejection was proportional, just as unshakable and powerful.

Spike pushed her away, fighting a mixture of anger and sorrow that begged him to push her harder, practically throw her. He would never have dared, even if all the forces of nature commanded him to hit her. But there it was, he could see it this time.

When he moved his claw away, having finished pushing her off of him gently, he could see it. The fear in her eyes, looking at his claws and not his face. She was locked on them, even through her sorrow. She jumped up and stepped back, as if terrified that he would come at her again with his black nails.

It would undo Spike. He could not see her now, or ever again, if it were true. But he had to know.

"Are... you afraid of me?" he asked shakily, choking on a lump in his throat.

Rarity suddenly came back to reality, shifting her gaze away from his claws and back to his eyes. There she saw the ultimate pain, a reflection of her ultimate failure as a friend. She only hung her head in shame, unable to find the words to admit to her dear friend.

Spike would never have heard them. His brain was on automatic now, as his emotions simply gave up. He backed away from her slowly. Spreading his massive wings, he leapt into the sky.

"No! No Spike, don't go!" Rarity screamed over the gusts of wind his wings created. She didn't know why she called out to him then. Perhaps to redeem herself, or maybe out of pity. It would take time for her to discover the true reason.

But Spike couldn't hear her. Or if he could, he simply decided not to. His eyes looked down on her, empty of all things besides his tears. Without a word or sign, he sped away, never looking back.

Rarity watched him go, basically flailing his way through the sky, and hardly flying. As if he were running, but stumbling constantly. She slumped to the hilltop, tumbling her teacup on the way down. She cried her eyes out, and her heart, unable and unwilling to do anything else. She couldn't move, couldn't think, couldn't breathe. What had she done?

"What... have I done?!" She cried out in agony, smashing her front hooves against the ground in anger; anger with herself. How could she be so stupid? How could she have lied to him? How could she be afraid of him? He loved her!

What had she done? She passed out on that hilltop, wondering this for what seemed like an eternity, with no answer in sight.

Spike crashed as much as landed, destroying a nearby tree on his way down. It should have hurt him, but he was numb everywhere. Suddenly alone, he vented the only emotion his ferocious body would allow him to; anger. He thrashed, cracking stones, snapping branches. Birds flew away as he stormed about, breathing green fire at random. Now and then the stream of fire would hiccup as he sobbed around it, only to resume full force as Spike cried out in grief.

Afraid of him! How could she be? He had always been kind, always polite. Always perfect. He loved her! Even if he was fierce looking, he would never have harmed her. Never could. He would have sooner slain himself than put a single hair out of place on her majestic head.

The world smoldered around him as the remainder of his fire burnt out. It was fitting, somehow, that the world should burn along with his hopes and dreams. But there was no more fire in his belly. Only a feeling that resembled eating a cold metal ball. He felt like he wanted to purge himself, but it would not come.

Emotionally, physically, and magically spent, Spike too collapsed. He didn't have the strength or the will to rise again. He lay there, looking at the little meadow he had ruined, thinking it a fitting metaphor for his life. If only he had never been born a dragon.

If only he had never been born at all.

With that pitiful thought in the forefront of his mind, Spike sobbed himself to sleep on the hard earthen floor of that ruined valley.

II: An Unexpected Reprise

Spike woke late into the night, roused by the simple fact that his mind did not need any more rest than it had received. His sore body strongly disagreed, however, and he pushed himself slowly to his hind legs, looking around groggily. His sudden escape from reality into the welcoming depths of unconsciousness had left him disoriented and confused. But unfortunately his state of oblivion was to be short lived. His tired eyes widened slowly as memories flowed back into his waking mind.

Looking about, he could make out the dim outlines of his earlier destruction, painted pale in the light of the moon. The shadows were long and strange, emphasizing the cracks in a boulder his tail had shattered. The tree he had plowed into was splintered and half uprooted, tilting dangerously. He realized suddenly how far his desperate flight had taken him. The single mountain to Ponyville's west loomed like a great pillar a short ways away, as if reaching for the moon just inches above its peak. Bits of grass still smoldered, the embers glowing green from the remains of Spike's magical flames.

Spike didn't have room in his heart to regret that rampage. He looked up as the feeling of sorrow returned. It no longer burned his every muscle, but rather felt like a dull ache in his chest. He sighed, knowing that unless he let out his sadness in that shallow exhalation, the tears would return. The moon stared back at him, its pale light oddly fitting, or so Spike thought. Stars flickered all around it, as if trying to signal him. But he could not understand them; he could hardly understand anything now, it seemed. It was all a jumbled mess of things he barely remembered. Probably because his heart did not want to remember them at all.

It was not optional. The anger, the sadness, the silent admission that Rarity had feared him. All these things echoed in his mind as he gazed at the brilliant, pale sphere hovering overhead. Quietly, it shared in his grief, offering soothing light in return for the silent darkness in his heart. Spike was grateful for the trade, letting the scene consume his mind and distract him for a time.

In this way, the events of that morning came back to him only one at a time. They were still dreadfully painful, but now Spike could see them more clearly, instead of as a train wreck. Tears welled as he recalled the most devastating event of his young life, and he didn't have the will or the strength to stop their flow.

"She is afraid of me..." He whispered to himself, his lip curling on one side as he sniffled the words out. He held his claws up in front of him, the pale light painting them ghastly and hideous, emphasizing their dread shadows on the ground below. Spike hated everything about them now. With a grunt of anger, he thrust his hands out of sight. But the anger could not penetrate the veil of his anguish, and so his sad eyes returned to the moon again. It was the only sight that could possibly reflect himself, he thought; though huge and majestic, they were both unwanted. In the night, the moon had only the stars for company. Nobody appreciated its true form. To everypony else it was just another light in the sky; and not even a very good one.

But to Spike it felt like a kindred spirit now. The minutes passed as he contemplated it, his brows locked together in concentration. Its many scars and flaws, the face a mass of craters and shattered rock. It was hideous on the outside, like he was. It, too, was a monster. But you could not tell unless you looked hard enough, past its peaceful glow and beautiful facade. It was what Rarity had done with him, he knew. Looking at him as a hideous thing, instead of as a fellow creature. His sorrow now made room for a gentle anger.

"How could she?" he asked the moon quietly. The tears had stopped for a time, but stayed lining the edges of his eyes, poised to strike all over again if they were called upon. "How could she look at me that way? I'm so much more than just my wings and claws..." He sighed, looking again at his hands. He could not picture them any other way now, gruesome and deadly. "This is how she sees me." Spike sighed, letting his hands drop lamely to the ground, his features taking on a defeated look. "How she has always seen me. But like the moon, she had been too blinded by my brilliance of spirit to realize it. Imagine if the moon stopped glowing..." he said, looking again at its pocked face. Picturing it without the glow was easy for him now, depressed as he was.

"You would also be ugly, and nobody would ever look at you if they could help it. Even the stars would flee from you." He grumbled, scowling as if the glowing orb had somehow offended him. He found a strange comfort in the sense that something, even though it was not alive, would be worse off than him if it suffered his fate.

An idea dawned on him then, something he knew he should have done much sooner. "My stars would never run from me, though." He said with confidence, his face lifting, though a smile was still far beyond his means. His strength bolstered, he rose to his full height and spread his wings. He needed to see Twilight. He needed somepony to confide in, somepony to help him through this. She would understand. She always understood. But he couldn't tell her everything, at least not yet. He didn't think he could handle telling another living being that Rarity, his beloved Rarity, was horrified of him. This much he would have to keep concealed.

With one last, sad look at the moon, he took flight. He flew slowly, silently, back towards town in search of his dearest friend. The midnight air felt cool on his scales and flowed like water around his wings. His mind fell into a rhythm with the beat of his wings, and combined with the pleasant feel of the night air, it helped to sooth his thoughts. Twilight would share his grief, his burden. Spike knew that nothing in the world could make him feel happy this day, or mend his broken heart. But anything was better now than being alone.

If he had been looking instead of thinking, and if the moon had been just a bit brighter, he might have noticed the hoofprints in the dirt below.

Rarity was exhausted. Her mane was a wreck, her eyes bloodshot and baggy, and her legs trembled with fatigue. Her only solace was that nopony could see her this way, locked inside the boutique as she was. She would not have been in any mood to deal with visitors anyways, she knew. Rarity had a nasty habit of converting her mistakes into grandiose, often nonexistent, mistakes that others had made against her instead.

She was having an exceptionally difficult time convincing herself of this one. She knew that Spike had done her no wrong. She had caused all this. But oh how that thought wrestled with her smug personality, her habits, and her ways. She gnashed her teeth as she paced about, glaring at everything her gaze passed over, not even aware of how shaky her legs were. When she finally caught the edge of her bedroom rug and landed flat on her back, she decided she was out of fight.

All she could do was lay there, staring blankly at her ceiling, painted in a majestic pattern that for once meant nothing to her. There wasn't a speck of beauty in it, because there wasn't a speck of beauty in anything right now. She was tired, frustrated, angry, and confused. But worst of all, she was wrong.

She lost herself in the purple and gold arches of her ceiling, and let her thoughts roam. She was wrong. She, Rarity, had been wrong about something she should have been an expert on. Love! It came in many forms, and she knew them all. And she knew that while she had told Spike she wanted to keep him as a friend, it had not been completely true. She had tried a few times since then to consider what might have happened if she hadn't had this rational fear of his body. How would she have responded to his advances then?

Rarity winced as her brain kicked out the expected response. You would have agreed and seen where things went. She ground her teeth and closed her eyes, straining her neck as if the thought were looming over her, right in her face, and she needed to escape. She wasn't sure how she felt about him really, but she had never been shy when it came to exploring relationships. Not that she slept around, and in fact couldn't recall the last time she had taken a real lover. But she was of the mind that the position 'stallion of her life' was to be auditioned for, and anypony who impressed her was welcome to participate. She knew what she was looking for, just not who.

Spike would have made an excellent 'who', if the 'what' weren't such an issue. As with her last few tries, she failed to imagine Spike without him being a dragon for long, and the fear returned. It chased every thought of enjoying her life with him away, replacing those pleasant musings with angry, glaring contrasts of despair and pain.

Unwilling to have this battle with her own brain for the umpteenth time, Rarity pushed herself up on her hooves, pulling her white, purple laced robe more comfortably around her frame. Tiredly, she made her way back to her canopy bed. All around her, the bright colors of her fabrics and latest designs mocked her dark thoughts. As if the colors were all ponies, Rarity closed her eyes and turned her nose up at the offending hues. They mocked her anyways, tugging at an emotion she was ill equipped for. She knew deep down what it was; regret.

She plopped down onto the feather bed, finally letting herself give into her exhaustion. She had been out all evening looking for Spike, though she had no idea at first what she would have done when she found him. And when she had, the ideas were no closer to fruition. She had simply stared at him, fearful and confused as he slept. He had looked so harmless, so peaceful; every bit the baby dragon she had known years ago, sleeping in his basket at Twilight's library.

And yet the ruin all around him had validated her fears. When he was angry, he was destructive. It was everywhere; smoldering leaves, the destroyed boulder and tree. She had pawed nervously, pacing a semi circle around him for what seemed like hours. She never got an inch nearer to him, no matter how much she moved. Finally, her confusion combined with her fear enough to drive her away, back to town. She knew that if she had to face him again, she would do it so much better in a place of her choosing. And yet, she almost hoped she would not have to.

She closed her eyes, letting the exhaustion claim her. She drifted into a fitful sleep, kicking pillows about and rolling here and there. Now and then she would mutter, and it was always the same phrase.

"I'm sorry."

Spike landed lightly outside the library. The structure was roomy enough inside to accommodate him, with high ceilings and the wide open reading area on the first floor. But the narrow staircases proved too much of a challenge these days to range up and down the tree his home was carved out of. He found himself more often floating outside a window if he had to aid Twilight on the upper floors, poking his lengthy neck through and helping her as best he could. The welcoming light on the porch had already been blown out for the night, but Spike could see Twilight's light on in the window above. Even though it was late, she was prone to staying up to read.

He leapt up again, beating his wings a few times to gain altitude. He was louder than he needed to be, intentionally brushing a few of the tree's thick branches and rustling the leaves. Twilight's window had been open to let in the warm, western wind, and so she had heard him coming, like he had wanted. He had once startled her this way, approaching silently, only to find himself suddenly in the Everfree forest when she had teleported him away in a panic. After the day he had had so far, he wasn't going to risk that.

"Spike?" She asked, poking her head out the window shortly after. Her horn was glowing gently, projecting a steady purple light wherever she looked. Spike just nodded back to her, hovering in full view of the light. "Mind letting me in?" He asked, pointing a claw down and looking embarrassed for coming back so late.

Twilight smiled. "Of course, but you're back awfully late. Did something happen?" She asked. Unfortunately, her wink and her lilting tone suggested she thought that things had been going so well with Rarity that Spike had been... delayed.

Spike coughed and nearly fell out of the sky, his right wing suddenly out of sync with his left. He regained his composure slightly, and his balance, but he couldn't hide his sad look from Twilight. He didn't want to; didn't need to. He looked her full in the face, revealing every painful twinge of his lips, and his aching eyes.

Twilight's eyes widened when she saw the sorrow painted plain as day on his face. "Oh my Celestia..." She said, shocked. It had gone wrong? How had it gone wrong? "I'll be right down." She said, her tone murderously serious. Clearly she meant to find out exactly what had happened. Spike liked that concern, a caring so deep that she was already angry with whoever had hurt him, even if she did not know all the details. Spike sighed in silent gratitude, gently lowering himself to the ground.

By the time he was down, Twilight had warped to the front door and unlocked it. She ushered Spike inside, lighting the chandelier above with her magic. Without a word spoken, she approached her dear friend; practically a son to her, for she had hatched his egg long ago. She hugged him hard, her hooves barely wrapping halfway around his midsection. "Oh Spike." She said sadly, tears welling in her eyes.

"Twi..." Spike said, fighting the urge to join her and cry his eyes out again. The effort set his upper lip to curling and wavering, and his eyebrows shot low on the outside edge, ready to get out of the way should the tears become explosive. But none came, and he was glad for that. The sooner he could bring this problem into his claws, and regain charge of his emotions, the better it would be.

She didn't respond, only cried louder and hugged him tighter. "Twi... Twi, I'm alright." He said, his voice not even remotely convincing. Still, Twilight knew him well enough to realize that those words would have to be partly true to even be said at all. She lessened her grip and backed up enough to look up at him. Her look said she wanted nothing more than to hug him, but his long neck put his head too far away. He graciously lowered his sleek head, and she nuzzled him gently, sadly.

"Why did she say no?" Twilight asked. So much had already been said without words. Spike needed this familiarity, all the implied emotions. Twilight was wise and clever, and she had easily figured out his sorrow. But she couldn't guess everything. Spike sighed sadly, pulling out of the embrace and looking deep into the eyes of his friend and foster mother. His facial muscles still twitched now and then, as if unsure they were truly displaying the emotions he needed. But he painted a watery smile, none too convincing, but welcome to Twilight all the same.

He couldn't impart to her how Rarity had reacted to him. It was just his body she was afraid of, he knew; but it had been enough to ignore his personality, his spirit. And it was unchangeable. He could not undo what fate had done to him. But Twilight didn't need to know that detail, even if it was the real problem. He just needed to be heard. To be held and consoled.

Even in such a massive body, Spike still felt like a child.

"She said that she only loved me as a friend." Spike said, stumbling over the half-truth. But he was too shaky in general for even his wise friend to know it wasn't a complete account. But it was enough for her to comfort him with; enough for them both.

"Oh Spike..." She said, placing a hoof on his scaly forearm and looking at him sadly. Her tears were fading as she came to terms with the reality, just as he was doing. "All your work... and you're so different now..." She started, unable to put two and two together for once. It had made so much sense; the date, the relationship. Spike had been right for her. But Twilight was no good with words in these kinds of situations, and so she simply stammered along a train of thought.

Spike smiled slightly in amusement at her stammering, a slight ivory crack in his sad purple lips. "I know Twilight... I don't understand it either. And it hurts, so bad I have to wonder if it will ever really heal." He said, his smile fading immediately. "But I can't change what has happened. This was my last chance at her. I'll never be the dragon of her dreams." He stepped back from her a little so they could talk more easily. Just talk, now, his body language said. He was growing uncomfortable with the hugging, the pity.

"Why? There... there will be other chances!" Twilight insisted, looking side to side for somepony to back up her lame rebuttal. She sighed in exasperation, but she tried to keep it quiet to keep from offending her friend. "Spike, you shouldn't have to give up on her just because she's being thick-headed..." She trailed off, realizing her little speech was about to snowball out of hoof.

Spike winced when she insulted Rarity. "No, Twi... This time it's over between us for good. I still love her, and I always will; but I've grown all I think I can. I can't change for her; I don't even know how she would want me to be. If she doesn't want me now, she never will." He said, his wings fluttering off his back a few inches before they snapped back shut with a dull thud of air. The agony of his words was plain in his eyes, even if it wasn't in his voice.

Twilight choked on her reply, unable to think of any way to comfort him. "I'll... I'll talk to her!" She said desperately, stomping a hoof in determination, though her face showed only concern that this might somehow make it worse.

Spike gently waved a claw at her, though his expression did not grow any less forlorn. "Twilight, don't. You don't understand; it wouldn't change anything. This isn't what I wanted... But I'm afraid it's how it has to be. If seven years of asking for her love hasn't turned into something more than this, then more time will only make it harder. I know she just wants to be friends, but after what I've said... The things I've told her, the love I have." He choked on the word love, and turned away from her a moment to regain his composure. "Twi, I don't think I can even be her friend anymore. It will kill me all the days of my life, to have her in arm's reach, to love her and never be loved back." The tears welled again at this thought, and though Spike had never thought about it so thoroughly before now, he knew his own words were horribly true.

Twilight was speechless, her jaw hanging wide. Spike was not even sure she was still breathing, and so he nudged her gently to cure the shock. She gasped, staggering slightly, and locked her eyes back on him. "Spike, you can't... that... but..." She stuttered, leaping closer to him in a hurry, looking up at him desperately. "There has to be a better way than that!" She pleaded. This would tear a rift in all of them, she knew. She and her friends relied on the harmony they all shared, including Spike. But this would unbalance everything, in ways that not even clever Twilight could begin to guess at.

But more importantly, the very idea that Spike would never see the pony of his dreams again was painful to her. He loved her, and how could he even consider such a choice?

Spike sighed and pushed her back a step gently, so that he could lay down. He let his serpentine neck hang relaxed, his head resting on the floor near to her. "I wish there was Twilight... But I'm not smart, or clever, or wise. I don't know what else to do to keep my heart from breaking." He said, puffing smoke in agitation and sadness.

Twilight shook her head, wanting to deny all his negative words. But when she thought about it, she was clearly in the same boat. Not nearly wise, clever, or smart enough to help her hurt friend. But she knew someone who could. "Spike... I'm sorry I can't help you more. But I might know somepony who can." Twilight said slowly, wanting him to know that this was just an option, not a guarantee.

Spike was up for anything to help himself at this point. "Who?" he asked eagerly.

"It's late, and you shouldn't bother her right now. But in the morning, I think you should write the Princess." Twilight suggested, her tone just as reluctant as it had been a second ago. Not that she didn't think the Princess could help; she knew practically everything there was to know about ponies, and creatures like Spike. Maybe she could find a way to solve this unhealthy riddle.

Spike pondered it quietly, laying his head back down. Small streams of smoke poured out of his nostrils as the gears in his head spun. "Alright, I think I will." He said, his voice showing some confidence. Clearly he had reached the same conclusion. Though she had never once spoken about anything like this, the Princess was well traveled and well versed in the ways of all her subjects. She might know of a way to calm Spike's trembling heart.

Twilight smiled, glad she could at least suggest something. "Then we'll take it from there. Try to distract yourself, okay?" Twilight asked, for clearly Spike was acting too alert to sleep. But she knew that he would agree, and never follow through on that advice. Without waiting for his answer, she nuzzled him gently again. "Everything will turn out in the end. It always does." She insisted, her tone warm and much needed.

Spike smiled, his first full and sincere smile in what felt like an eternity. "Alright, I'll try." He said, nuzzling her back, taking solace in her closeness and her caring. "As for 'always does'... We'll see." Spike said, his tone hopeful, but his words showing how he truly felt it would turn out.

Twilight had to accept that reaction. She was tired now, the last few minutes having been emotional and trying in the extreme. "Get some rest." She called lamely as she made her way up the stairs to her room. As she left, she blew the candles out with magic, letting the chandelier grow dark. She knew that the shadows would only invite grim thoughts again for her friend, but that he would never rest tonight if the lights remained. Without another word, she left him to his thoughts.

"Goodnight, Twi. And thank you." He replied quietly, his tone warm. For a few short seconds he let his world consist of only that friendship. It warmed him, and he hung onto that feeling as he turned his great head back towards the large downstairs window, and to his other friend, the ugly moon. With the calm light filtering into his mind, and the comfort of a dear friend warming his soul, Spike couldn't help but smile, a bittersweet expression in the gloom.

"Always does." He said quietly, and nothing in all the world had heard him but the moon.

The scene was so backwards today. Twilight, quill poised in a purple, magic haze, hovered over a piece of paper. "Take a letter, Twilight." Spike said, chuckling a little at the irony. He had to admit that he was feeling much better than the night before, though certainly not 'good'. But he was regaining some humor, some normalcy in his emotions. They were no longer at the beck and call of sorrow, but had settled back under his control for a time.

It helped that he remained hopeful that the Princess could shed some light on this mess in his head and heart. Twilight laughed a little at his words too, and put the pen to paper, making a little scratching noise with the quill to let him know she was ready.

"Dear Princess Celestia." Spike dictated, his tone mirroring the tone Twilight always used when she was commanding a letter. She chuckled again at this, and Spike scowled. Muffling her amusement, she continued as the drake cleared his throat. "I'm in need of your help; the help only a dear friend can offer. My love for Rarity is no secret to you, I know. But there's a rift between us now. I asked her to be my mare, and she declined, saying she wanted to remain friends." He paraphrased, trying to keep it all in one note.

"But I cannot share in her friendship when I am so heartbroken and in love with her. I am afraid my time with her, even as friends, is coming to an end. I cannot see any other way out of this terrible mess my heart has made. Please reply soon; I await your help. Yours sincerely, Spike." He finished, thinking it was a fair summary of what had happened. He didn't stumble on any words this time. He didn't need to think about what he was saying; only to say what he felt.

Twilight finished signing his name for him and packed the little letter with the customary royal seal she always used. Handing it to Spike, the drake disposed of it the proper way, pursing his lips and breathing his fire onto the parchment. Though it appeared to be destroyed in the blaze, he knew that it had probably already reached her.

He and Twilight waited a few moments until Spike coughed and smacked a clenched claw against his chest. With a rather unflattering burp, Spike coughed up the return letter, as per usual. They both shared a laugh at this, their eagerness for the letter completely overlapping any other possible emotions. Twilight unfurled the note, reading it out loud.

"My dearest Spike, I wish you had told me sooner. This is clearly a hard matter for you, and there's not much I can offer by way of letter. Instead, I would like to offer you an invitation to stay in Canterlot for a short while. Getting away from Ponyville a while might help you to clear your head, and avoid a hasty decision concerning your dear friend. We can talk more about it then. I am glad you contacted me, my friend. I will be here for you when you are ready. Yours sincerely, Princess Celestia." Twilight finished the letter, rolling it back up and setting it aside on a table that was carved out of the same tree as the house.

The two of them mulled over the letter a few short seconds, until Twilight broke the silence. "I agree with the Princess. It seems like you're in a hurry to make a choice, when what you really need to do is think it through. But you can't do it here, when Rarity is only a few blocks away." She said, smiling, sure that her teacher's advice was sound. "I think you should go."

Considering the opportunity to not only escape, but to make a better decision in the long run, Spike could hardly argue. And a short stay with the Princess wouldn't be so bad; the holidays were a ways off yet, and she would likely have plenty of time to catch up with him. It would be a welcome distraction. And if they did talk about the problem, Spike had no doubt she would have even better advice to offer in person than this.

"Alright... I'll go." He said, his voice all determination. Something nagged at him not to leave, some desperate, foolish voice in his head insisting Rarity would come looking for him. Fall on him, beg him to take her back. But Spike wasn't having any of that, and the blatantly unrealistic scenario only made him more eager to leave. "Write her back if you don't mind and let her know I'm coming." Spike said. He didn't want to waste any time with this.

Twilight obliged, and Spike sent the letter by way of fire. The return was swift and short, the expected welcome reply.

Spike had no things to take with him, and had been Celestia's guest enough times before to know that he would not want for anything in her company. He waited by the door, clearly eager to have a break from his sorrows, and a possible solution to his seemingly permanent heartache.

Twilight couldn't help but share his sentiments, and so she followed him outside into the streets. Ponies glanced their way, but most didn't spare more than a few seconds, even for the large dragon. "Are you ready now, then?" She asked warmly.

"As I'll ever be." Spike said, glad for the chance to do something, anything at all, to straighten this jumble of feelings in his chest.

Twilight nodded and hugged him tight one last time before he took flight. "I don't know how long you'll be gone, but be sure to write while you're there. You can't rush something this important, so take your time." She insisted, breaking the embrace.

Spike nodded, smiling to her thankfully. "Thanks Twilight... I owe you one." he said, flaring his wings wide and pumping them gently to test their readiness. Satisfied, he launched high into the air, circling a few times overhead. He and Twilight shared a wave of farewell and he was off, flying hard to the Northeast, where his chance at righting everything rested.

Twilight watched him go, a warm smile on her lips. The only hard thing left to do now would be to explain to all her friends where Spike was going, without letting them know why. It had been a secret between them. But nopony would be a harder case than Rarity. With that thought in mind, she made her way back inside.

A ways away, Spike's head was full of hopes and jumbled emotions. He was excited, strangely happy in some way, despite the constant drone of his base sorrow. Unable to comprehend any of it, he let out a draconic roar, all energy and no words.

With that finally off his chest, he sped away to the east.