The Tripby cooopercrispChapters1231There was a loud rapping at the door of the Golden Oaks library. Twilight moaned and peeked at the clock on her wall. 3:00 in the morning. Who’s knocking on the door at this hour? she wondered as she dragged herself out of bed and down the stairs. The knocking became more incessant the longer it went on. Twilight’s fatigue waned when she started to wonder why the pony knocking was in such an urgent state. She opened the door and watched as Rarity collapsed onto the floor. She was giggling uncontrollably and her eyes were bloodshot. Twilight lifted her up with magic and tried to set her down, but Rarity swooned when she was upright, and Twilight had to keep her in her magical hold. “Rarity, what’s going on?” Twilight asked urgently. “Twilight, it’s...you...I just wanted to see you for a moment,” Rarity slurred. She suddenly panicked and darted her eyes around the room. “Spike’s not here, is he?” she stammered. “He’s still asleep,” Twilight said, her eyes betraying true worry for her friend. “Good. I don’t want him to see me like this…” Rarity started giggling again. “Although, maybe it would be kinda...kinda funny if he did. Oh, Spike!” she suddenly shouted. Before she had a chance to make a louder cry, Twilight cast a spell on the door to her room to muffle the sounds from the outside. She then set Rarity down on the couch and watched in disbelief as she rubbed herself against the fabric. “This couch is so soft…” she slurred as she pawed at it like a kitten. “Wherever did you get it? That strange Quill and Sofa place?” “Rarity, what’s going on?” Twilight asked, unable to hide the distress in her voice. “Oh, well I was at this party, you see, and...was I drinking? I must have been, because my drink tasted funny and the next thing I knew I was floating on air!” “Rarity! Somepony must have put something in your drink! What kind of party was this?” “Well, it was in Trotterham,” Rarity said, which Twilight took to mean Trottingham, the nearest city to Ponyville. “The music was really loud! My ears are still ringing, but I don’t even care! I was laughing and dancing and there was a cute gentlecolt who I think...I think he was looking to take me home, and I almost took him up on that offer. But then I started to feel really dizzy and then I knocked him to the ground when I stumbled and he must have been offended because he stormed off. And then the rest…” Rarity waved her hooves in the air. “The rest of the night vanished, and all I remember is knocking at your door! Please tell me Spike can’t hear me! Oh, I still can’t decide if I want to see him or not!” “Rarity,” Twilight said, her breaths coming faster as a result of the new developments, “I think I should bring you to the hospital.” “No!” Rarity bellowed, startling Twilight. “Could you imagine this getting out to all of Ponyville? My reputation would be ruined!” Twilight relaxed a bit. If Rarity was still collected enough to be concerned with her social standing, perhaps the situation wasn’t so dire. “Twilight, where’s Spike? I think I want to see him now. Or maybe I don’t! Oh, I don’t know what I want!” Rarity hiccuped and started giggling again. “Bring him down here. Yes, bring him down. Bring him down, bring him down! Spikey-Wikey, come on down!” Twilight bit her lip, the gears in her head whirring. Perhaps it would make Rarity calmer if she saw Spike, and that if she was calmer she might go to sleep. “Okay, Rarity, I’ll go get him,” Twilight said, ready to dash up the stairs. She reconsidered and levitated Rarity to bring her upstairs instead. “Wheeeeeeeeeee!” Rarity cheered as Twilight galloped up the stairs. She removed the barrier on the bedroom door and opened it. “Spike, wake up!” Twilight called urgently, rushing over and shaking him back and forth with her hoof. Spike mumbled groggily and opened his eyes to see Twilight and Rarity. Spike stared at Rarity in disbelief. “What’s wrong with her?” he asked. “I don’t know! I think she’s on something, but I can’t tell what it is.” “On something? What are you talking about?” “I think somepony slipped something into her drink.” “Oh, that kind of something?” Spike asked in a panic. “We need to get her to the hospital!” “Twilight, put me down!” Rarity demanded. “I want to talk with my little Spikey-Wikey alone.” “No way am I leaving you alone with him in your condition,” Twilight said sternly. “That’s so unfair!” Rarity said, but then she started giggling again. “No, it’s fine if you see it.” “See what?” Twilight asked, butterflies fluttering in her stomach. “Just put me down!” Rarity shouted, and Twilight was so spooked that she let her drop. Rarity slowly got up from the floor and stumbled over to Spike. “Rarity, what’s going on?” Spike asked, stepping away from her as she slinked closer. “You’ve no idea how long I’ve wanted to do this…” she said. Suddenly, inexplicably, she pounced on Spike and kissed him passionately, running her hoof through his scales. Spike’s eyes bugged open in surprise, but Twilight grabbed Rarity with her magic and lifted her away from Spike. “Rarity, you’re not in your right mind right now and you need to go to bed!” Twilight declared. “But I love him, Twily…” Rarity said with a pout. Spike was still stunned at the sudden kiss. “You’re very confused and whatever was in that drink is clouding your judgment! Now I’m going to take you home and you’re going to go right to sleep!” “But I want to stay here!” Rarity whined. Twilight was done negotiating. She marched out of her room, levitating Rarity behind her as she began her journey to Carousel Boutique. “Stay here, Spike, and wait for me to come back,” Twilight said. “Um, okay…” Spike replied blankly. Twilight then took Rarity with her out of sight, leaving Spike alone, lost in his own thoughts. 2With Twilight having left Spike alone, he had little to do but mull over that kiss. That was weird. Not what I was expecting at all. I mean...did I even like it? I mean, yeah, it’s Rarity, but...she was so out of it. How does she even feel about me, if she’s willing to do that but only when she’s “on something,” or whatever Twilight meant by that. Is she too scared to kiss me when she’s sober? Or maybe she doesn’t like me and she was just being loopy… Spike groaned and lied down in his basket, staring at the ceiling. He closed his eyes, but his mind was still whirring and he couldn’t shut it off. What should I do? Should I go to the boutique tomorrow and talk to her? Or should I leave it alone and wait ’til she’s ready to talk to me? What does this mean about us? Is there an us? Spike groaned and turned over on his side. I’m too young for this… He heard hoofsteps coming up the stairs. Assuming it was Twilight, he didn’t respond. “Yoohoo, Spike…” came a sultry voice that definitely didn’t belong to Twilight. “Rarity,” Spike replied nervously, “what are you doing back here?” “Twilight and I had a talk,” Rarity said, “and she agreed to let me back up here. I came to...finish what I started, so to speak, and I won’t leave until I’ve finished properly.” “What are you talking about?” Spike asked. Rarity remained silent, instead choosing to saunter over to him and plant another fiery kiss on his lips. Spike was sent off on a whirlwind as he returned the kiss eagerly, reaching out to touch her face. “Spike!” Twilight called, shaking him from his reverie. When he opened his eyes and saw Twilight, he realized it had been a dream. He rubbed his eyes and turned to her nervously. “Twilight, what am I gonna do?” he stammered. “Rarity, she...I didn’t expect her to do that, and I wanna know why! Does she like me? Was she just wasted and not herself? What am I gonna do the next time I see her? What do you think—” “Hush now, Spike,” Twilight said softly, and already he could feel his nerves settling. “To be honest, I have no idea what was wrong with Rarity tonight. She fell asleep while I was levitating her, so I just set her softly to bed.” “By herself?” Spike asked. “But we don’t know what she was on! What if it kills her?” “Spike, it’s not going to kill her,” Twilight responded. “I checked her vitals when I set her down. Her pulse and heartbeat were normal and she was breathing soundly. Besides, Roseluck saw us and agreed to watch over her for the night when I told her what had happened. It’s going to be fine.” “But Twilight,” Spike said, “what am I gonna do tomorrow? What do I say to Rarity if she comes over, or if I see her out in Ponyville? What if she doesn’t remember what happened? What if she does remember and it didn’t mean anything to her?” “Spike, please,” Twilight said, stroking his head. “Let’s just think logically for a minute. Has Rarity ever shown signs of liking you that way?” The question made Spike think, allowing him to calm his emotions and handle the situation more pragmatically. “Well, she always smiles when she sees me, and she gives me gems to eat whenever I help her, and she’s always really nice.” “It’s because she’s a good friend,” Twilight replied. “She’s deeply grateful for all the help you give her, and she is always happy to see you, but that doesn’t mean she likes you that way.” “Well then why did she kiss me? That’s not something a ‘friend’ would do.” Spike crossed his arms and pulled away from Twilight. “Spike, I think...well, whatever she took tonight, it might have warped her thinking a bit. Perhaps it was her own bizarre way of sharing her gratitude with you. Her head wasn’t thinking clearly, but I think her heart was in the right place. Does that make sense?” Spike sighed and faced Twilight again angrily. “No, it doesn’t make sense! A kiss is a kiss, no matter how it happens, and you can’t mistake that for anything! I’m gonna go over to Carousel Boutique tomorrow and get her to confess how she feels about me.” “And what do you think will come of that?” Twilight responded, noticing a sharpness in her voice that reflected her waning patience. “I mean, do you honestly expect a full-grown mare to fall in love with a dragon who is still in his infancy?” “I’m old enough to know what’s going on!” Spike shouted back. “And what does age have to do with it? It’s just a number.” Twilights sighed and rubbed her temple. “Spike, look. I know you’ve had a crush on Rarity for a long time, and up until now, I’ve just accepted it as a young drake’s hormones developing in a healthy way. But if you confuse this for an actual chance at a relationship, I think you’re going to get your heart broken needlessly. I hate to be the one to tell you this, but you’re just too young to even attract Rarity, let alone start to date her.” Spike let out a deep sigh, and tears began to well in his eyes. “Why can’t this work out? Why do I have to get stuck being her friend when we both know I’m hoping for more?” A few tears leaked out of his eyes and ran down his cheeks. “I almost don’t even wanna see her anymore. It’s too painful.” “Spike, you know that would break Rarity’s heart,” Twilight said. “She wouldn’t dream of putting you through so much torment, and she would hate to see you this sad. But you have to accept reality, and realize that there will be other ponies, or dragons, or maybe even a griffon.” “Yeah, but it won’t ever be the same,” Spike grumbled. “I know it hurts right now,” Twilight said, “but it’ll get easier over time.” “Maybe you’re right,” Spike said, “but I don’t have to take your word for it. I’m going to Rarity’s tomorrow and hearing it straight from her. Then we’ll see if you’re right.” Twilight smiled. “If that’s what you want to do, I think that will be all right. Would you mind terribly much if I went with you?” “I’d rather it be kept private,” Spike said, glaring at Twilight. “I’d only go to make sure Rarity understood what happened. For all we know, she might not even remember it, so it’s only fair to give her all the facts before hearing you out.” “Fine,” Spike said. “I’m tired and I wanna go to bed.” “Okay,” Twilight said, breathing a sigh of relief. “Goodnight, Spike.” “Yeah, yeah,” he said before shutting his eyes and drifting off to sleep. 3Alas, Spike’s sleep was dreamless, and when he woke up in the morning he felt a feeling of dread in the pit of his stomach. His assertion that he was going to see Rarity today was fading fast. He shut his eyes to try to block out the sun and rolled over onto his stomach. Twilight prodded him gently in the back, and his claw stretched behind him to swat her hoof away. Twilight giggled and prodded him again, and he swiped his claw harder. “Spike, you said you were going to talk to Rarity today…” Twilight said with a giggle. “What’s so funny?” Spike mumbled. “Oh, nothing much. I figured you would be ready to go as soon as possible, and to see you sleeping like this is just kinda...ironic.” “Twilight, maybe it’d be better if I didn’t know…” Twilight’s smile faded. “Didn’t know what?” she asked. “About Rarity. I know she doesn’t like me that way. Why do I have to hear her say it?” Twilight sat down next to Spike’s bed, no longer in a mood to tease him. “Spike, what’s the worst that could happen? If it turns out she doesn’t like you that way, nothing will change, because you’re expecting that anyway.” “What do you mean ‘if?’” Spike demanded, now turning back over and facing Twilight with a glare. “You were a lot more certain she didn’t like me last night.” “I know I was. I was flustered by the situation last night and I took that out on you. I’m sorry.” “Like I’m supposed to believe that,” Spike grumbled. “You were so dead set against me having any hope. Why change that now?” “Because I was thinking about it last night since I couldn’t sleep, and I realized that it’s not up to me to decide what’s best for the two of you. It’s really something you and Rarity need to decide for yourselves. And if there’s actually something there, I have no authority to stand in your way. You may still be in your infancy cycle, but you’re mature enough to know what you’re getting into. I think we all fall into the trap of underestimating you…” Twilight frowned and turned away. Spike felt a warmth in his heart and smiled, rising out of his basket and giving Twilight a hug. “I’m ready to talk to her now,” he said. “Are you sure?” Twilight asked, turning her head to face him. “I don’t want you to do something you’re not ready for.” “I’m not ready for it,” Spike said with a bold smirk, “but I’m doing it anyway.” “That’s...quite mature,” Twilight said, now grinning. “See? I underestimated you again.” “Don’t worry about it, Twilight,” Spike said, patting her on the back. “You’re not the first. You won’t be the last. Now let’s go before I get a chance to brood about it and chicken out.” “Lead the way, then,” Twilight said, pointing her hoof at the door. Spike walked with a swagger in his step that Twilight desperately hoped would not be punctured. But, as she said, it was up to him and Rarity to decide. It wasn’t her place to dash his hopes for the sake of trying to protect him. When Twilight knocked on the door to the Carousel Boutique, they heard Rarity moan for them to come in. When they entered, they saw her lying on the couch with a large cup of water in her hoof. She took a slow drink from it and rubbed her temple with her free hoof. “As you can see, I had to close the store today to recover from...from whatever happened last night.” “Yeah, about that…” Twilight said, unsure of how to bring up the subject of Spike, or if Rarity even remembered what had happened between her and Spike. “Oh dear…” Rarity said, glancing over at Spike, who was wearing the most conflicted expression on his face. He was staring intensely at her with a mixture of fear and excitement. It made her stomach even more unsettled than it already was. “Why, hello Spike. Um...what brings you over here?” Rarity glanced at Twilight nervously. Twilight turned to Spike looking for reassurance. He nodded in her direction, and Twilight nodded in reply. “I’m going to leave you two to talk,” she said. “I’ll just, um...wait outside.” She hustled over to the front door of the boutique and showed herself out. Rarity gazed over at Spike, but she couldn’t look into his eyes for long. She sighed and took another sip of water. Spike twiddled his thumbs, the confidence he’d had leaving the library now quickly deflating. “Do you...do you even remember what happened last night?” he asked. “The kiss, Spike. Let’s call it what it was. No use tiptoeing around the subject when we should be talking about it like grown-ups.” “Yeah, well, um...uh...why?” Rarity rubbed her temple and let out a long sigh. “I’ve always known that you liked me, Spike. And I’ve always felt, well...like I was using you.” “Using me?” Spike asked. This was the first time he had even considered that. “Oh, darling, your naivete breaks my heart,” Rarity said. “You’re still young to the ways of the world, aren’t you? I constantly ask favors of you because, well...I know for a fact you’ll do anything for me as long as I ask it. It’s quite convenient...I mean for me, certainly not for you, and...this is all coming out wrong!” Rarity’s shouting left her head reeling, and she took another sip of water. “I think I see what you’re getting at,” Spike said. “Well, Twilight kinda does the same thing, sometimes, but I think it’s for a different reason.” “You’re like the little brother she never had,” Rarity said. “She talks about you all the time, you know, whenever we see each other. I imagine it’s because she knows how you feel about me and how close we are. And we are close, Spike, just...not like that.” This was the answer Spike had been expecting and dreading since he first woke up this morning. He turned away from Rarity. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised,” he said. “Twilight said it would never work between us.” “Spike, that’s...well, I can’t say that’s not true, given the norms with which I grew up. And I suppose at this point I can ask no more of you. I’ve been brutally unfair to you, and it’s about time I admitted it and started to treat you better, like more of an equal.” “An equal?” Spike asked. “Spike, when I woke up this morning, you were all I could think about,” Rarity said. “Once I remembered what had happened last night, I realized that I was taking you for granted and treating you like a child.” “But, hold on,” Spike said. “I mean, I’m not surprised this is how you would respond, but why kiss me in the first place if you know you didn’t like me that way?” “I think…” Rarity said, trying to concentrate through her headache, “that I’ve been needing to find a way to express my gratitude. I knew deep down I had to repay you for all of your kindness, and in my...unsettled state, I gave you the thing I thought you wanted most. My judgment eluded me, and I want to apologize for confusing you. I can only imagine how I would feel if the stallion of my affections came onto me so suddenly in such a restless state.” “Keep Trenderhoof away from the hard stuff then,” Spike said with a sneer. Rarity laughed heartily, but then groaned and held her head. “I appreciate the humor, Spike, but I don’t think I can laugh safely right now,” Rarity said. “It makes me happy to see you taking this in stride.” “Well, it’s like Twilight said,” Spike replied, “the worst that could happen is that I’d be in the same place I started. And I guess a lot of the stress has been taken away. I mean, well...I think I need some time to be sad for a while, but there’s no reason we can’t stay good friends.” Rarity’s eyes welled up. “Oh, Spike, I’m ever so grateful to hear that.” “Aw, don’t cry, Rarity,” Spike said, walking over to her and wiping the tears from her eyes. “I think whatever was in that drink kinda threw you for a loop.” “You’re right, of course,” Rarity said. “I need some time to recover.” “Well, if that’s what you need, I can give that to you.” Rarity mouthed the words “thank you” at Spike with a smile on her face. “Well, I guess I’ll tell Twilight we’re done talking, and we’ll be on our way. Do you want us to stop by later today to check up on you?” “I would love that, Spike,” Rarity said. “Thank you.” “Don’t mention it.” Spike waved at Rarity and walked out the door to meet back up with Twilight. “How’d it go?” she asked when Spike came over to her. “It went well, Twilight,” Spike said. “You were right, of course, but it’s not really so bad.” “I’m glad to hear it,” Twilight said with a smile. “Let’s go home, and I’ll make you a really nice lunch.” “Twilight, if I want nice, you know I’m gonna have to make it myself.” Twilight laughed a bit harder than she should have, and Spike grinned as the two of them walked down the road on their way back to the library. Author's Note Reminds me of another fic I wrote... Hopefully this one's better.
1There was a loud rapping at the door of the Golden Oaks library. Twilight moaned and peeked at the clock on her wall. 3:00 in the morning. Who’s knocking on the door at this hour? she wondered as she dragged herself out of bed and down the stairs. The knocking became more incessant the longer it went on. Twilight’s fatigue waned when she started to wonder why the pony knocking was in such an urgent state. She opened the door and watched as Rarity collapsed onto the floor. She was giggling uncontrollably and her eyes were bloodshot. Twilight lifted her up with magic and tried to set her down, but Rarity swooned when she was upright, and Twilight had to keep her in her magical hold. “Rarity, what’s going on?” Twilight asked urgently. “Twilight, it’s...you...I just wanted to see you for a moment,” Rarity slurred. She suddenly panicked and darted her eyes around the room. “Spike’s not here, is he?” she stammered. “He’s still asleep,” Twilight said, her eyes betraying true worry for her friend. “Good. I don’t want him to see me like this…” Rarity started giggling again. “Although, maybe it would be kinda...kinda funny if he did. Oh, Spike!” she suddenly shouted. Before she had a chance to make a louder cry, Twilight cast a spell on the door to her room to muffle the sounds from the outside. She then set Rarity down on the couch and watched in disbelief as she rubbed herself against the fabric. “This couch is so soft…” she slurred as she pawed at it like a kitten. “Wherever did you get it? That strange Quill and Sofa place?” “Rarity, what’s going on?” Twilight asked, unable to hide the distress in her voice. “Oh, well I was at this party, you see, and...was I drinking? I must have been, because my drink tasted funny and the next thing I knew I was floating on air!” “Rarity! Somepony must have put something in your drink! What kind of party was this?” “Well, it was in Trotterham,” Rarity said, which Twilight took to mean Trottingham, the nearest city to Ponyville. “The music was really loud! My ears are still ringing, but I don’t even care! I was laughing and dancing and there was a cute gentlecolt who I think...I think he was looking to take me home, and I almost took him up on that offer. But then I started to feel really dizzy and then I knocked him to the ground when I stumbled and he must have been offended because he stormed off. And then the rest…” Rarity waved her hooves in the air. “The rest of the night vanished, and all I remember is knocking at your door! Please tell me Spike can’t hear me! Oh, I still can’t decide if I want to see him or not!” “Rarity,” Twilight said, her breaths coming faster as a result of the new developments, “I think I should bring you to the hospital.” “No!” Rarity bellowed, startling Twilight. “Could you imagine this getting out to all of Ponyville? My reputation would be ruined!” Twilight relaxed a bit. If Rarity was still collected enough to be concerned with her social standing, perhaps the situation wasn’t so dire. “Twilight, where’s Spike? I think I want to see him now. Or maybe I don’t! Oh, I don’t know what I want!” Rarity hiccuped and started giggling again. “Bring him down here. Yes, bring him down. Bring him down, bring him down! Spikey-Wikey, come on down!” Twilight bit her lip, the gears in her head whirring. Perhaps it would make Rarity calmer if she saw Spike, and that if she was calmer she might go to sleep. “Okay, Rarity, I’ll go get him,” Twilight said, ready to dash up the stairs. She reconsidered and levitated Rarity to bring her upstairs instead. “Wheeeeeeeeeee!” Rarity cheered as Twilight galloped up the stairs. She removed the barrier on the bedroom door and opened it. “Spike, wake up!” Twilight called urgently, rushing over and shaking him back and forth with her hoof. Spike mumbled groggily and opened his eyes to see Twilight and Rarity. Spike stared at Rarity in disbelief. “What’s wrong with her?” he asked. “I don’t know! I think she’s on something, but I can’t tell what it is.” “On something? What are you talking about?” “I think somepony slipped something into her drink.” “Oh, that kind of something?” Spike asked in a panic. “We need to get her to the hospital!” “Twilight, put me down!” Rarity demanded. “I want to talk with my little Spikey-Wikey alone.” “No way am I leaving you alone with him in your condition,” Twilight said sternly. “That’s so unfair!” Rarity said, but then she started giggling again. “No, it’s fine if you see it.” “See what?” Twilight asked, butterflies fluttering in her stomach. “Just put me down!” Rarity shouted, and Twilight was so spooked that she let her drop. Rarity slowly got up from the floor and stumbled over to Spike. “Rarity, what’s going on?” Spike asked, stepping away from her as she slinked closer. “You’ve no idea how long I’ve wanted to do this…” she said. Suddenly, inexplicably, she pounced on Spike and kissed him passionately, running her hoof through his scales. Spike’s eyes bugged open in surprise, but Twilight grabbed Rarity with her magic and lifted her away from Spike. “Rarity, you’re not in your right mind right now and you need to go to bed!” Twilight declared. “But I love him, Twily…” Rarity said with a pout. Spike was still stunned at the sudden kiss. “You’re very confused and whatever was in that drink is clouding your judgment! Now I’m going to take you home and you’re going to go right to sleep!” “But I want to stay here!” Rarity whined. Twilight was done negotiating. She marched out of her room, levitating Rarity behind her as she began her journey to Carousel Boutique. “Stay here, Spike, and wait for me to come back,” Twilight said. “Um, okay…” Spike replied blankly. Twilight then took Rarity with her out of sight, leaving Spike alone, lost in his own thoughts.
2With Twilight having left Spike alone, he had little to do but mull over that kiss. That was weird. Not what I was expecting at all. I mean...did I even like it? I mean, yeah, it’s Rarity, but...she was so out of it. How does she even feel about me, if she’s willing to do that but only when she’s “on something,” or whatever Twilight meant by that. Is she too scared to kiss me when she’s sober? Or maybe she doesn’t like me and she was just being loopy… Spike groaned and lied down in his basket, staring at the ceiling. He closed his eyes, but his mind was still whirring and he couldn’t shut it off. What should I do? Should I go to the boutique tomorrow and talk to her? Or should I leave it alone and wait ’til she’s ready to talk to me? What does this mean about us? Is there an us? Spike groaned and turned over on his side. I’m too young for this… He heard hoofsteps coming up the stairs. Assuming it was Twilight, he didn’t respond. “Yoohoo, Spike…” came a sultry voice that definitely didn’t belong to Twilight. “Rarity,” Spike replied nervously, “what are you doing back here?” “Twilight and I had a talk,” Rarity said, “and she agreed to let me back up here. I came to...finish what I started, so to speak, and I won’t leave until I’ve finished properly.” “What are you talking about?” Spike asked. Rarity remained silent, instead choosing to saunter over to him and plant another fiery kiss on his lips. Spike was sent off on a whirlwind as he returned the kiss eagerly, reaching out to touch her face. “Spike!” Twilight called, shaking him from his reverie. When he opened his eyes and saw Twilight, he realized it had been a dream. He rubbed his eyes and turned to her nervously. “Twilight, what am I gonna do?” he stammered. “Rarity, she...I didn’t expect her to do that, and I wanna know why! Does she like me? Was she just wasted and not herself? What am I gonna do the next time I see her? What do you think—” “Hush now, Spike,” Twilight said softly, and already he could feel his nerves settling. “To be honest, I have no idea what was wrong with Rarity tonight. She fell asleep while I was levitating her, so I just set her softly to bed.” “By herself?” Spike asked. “But we don’t know what she was on! What if it kills her?” “Spike, it’s not going to kill her,” Twilight responded. “I checked her vitals when I set her down. Her pulse and heartbeat were normal and she was breathing soundly. Besides, Roseluck saw us and agreed to watch over her for the night when I told her what had happened. It’s going to be fine.” “But Twilight,” Spike said, “what am I gonna do tomorrow? What do I say to Rarity if she comes over, or if I see her out in Ponyville? What if she doesn’t remember what happened? What if she does remember and it didn’t mean anything to her?” “Spike, please,” Twilight said, stroking his head. “Let’s just think logically for a minute. Has Rarity ever shown signs of liking you that way?” The question made Spike think, allowing him to calm his emotions and handle the situation more pragmatically. “Well, she always smiles when she sees me, and she gives me gems to eat whenever I help her, and she’s always really nice.” “It’s because she’s a good friend,” Twilight replied. “She’s deeply grateful for all the help you give her, and she is always happy to see you, but that doesn’t mean she likes you that way.” “Well then why did she kiss me? That’s not something a ‘friend’ would do.” Spike crossed his arms and pulled away from Twilight. “Spike, I think...well, whatever she took tonight, it might have warped her thinking a bit. Perhaps it was her own bizarre way of sharing her gratitude with you. Her head wasn’t thinking clearly, but I think her heart was in the right place. Does that make sense?” Spike sighed and faced Twilight again angrily. “No, it doesn’t make sense! A kiss is a kiss, no matter how it happens, and you can’t mistake that for anything! I’m gonna go over to Carousel Boutique tomorrow and get her to confess how she feels about me.” “And what do you think will come of that?” Twilight responded, noticing a sharpness in her voice that reflected her waning patience. “I mean, do you honestly expect a full-grown mare to fall in love with a dragon who is still in his infancy?” “I’m old enough to know what’s going on!” Spike shouted back. “And what does age have to do with it? It’s just a number.” Twilights sighed and rubbed her temple. “Spike, look. I know you’ve had a crush on Rarity for a long time, and up until now, I’ve just accepted it as a young drake’s hormones developing in a healthy way. But if you confuse this for an actual chance at a relationship, I think you’re going to get your heart broken needlessly. I hate to be the one to tell you this, but you’re just too young to even attract Rarity, let alone start to date her.” Spike let out a deep sigh, and tears began to well in his eyes. “Why can’t this work out? Why do I have to get stuck being her friend when we both know I’m hoping for more?” A few tears leaked out of his eyes and ran down his cheeks. “I almost don’t even wanna see her anymore. It’s too painful.” “Spike, you know that would break Rarity’s heart,” Twilight said. “She wouldn’t dream of putting you through so much torment, and she would hate to see you this sad. But you have to accept reality, and realize that there will be other ponies, or dragons, or maybe even a griffon.” “Yeah, but it won’t ever be the same,” Spike grumbled. “I know it hurts right now,” Twilight said, “but it’ll get easier over time.” “Maybe you’re right,” Spike said, “but I don’t have to take your word for it. I’m going to Rarity’s tomorrow and hearing it straight from her. Then we’ll see if you’re right.” Twilight smiled. “If that’s what you want to do, I think that will be all right. Would you mind terribly much if I went with you?” “I’d rather it be kept private,” Spike said, glaring at Twilight. “I’d only go to make sure Rarity understood what happened. For all we know, she might not even remember it, so it’s only fair to give her all the facts before hearing you out.” “Fine,” Spike said. “I’m tired and I wanna go to bed.” “Okay,” Twilight said, breathing a sigh of relief. “Goodnight, Spike.” “Yeah, yeah,” he said before shutting his eyes and drifting off to sleep.
3Alas, Spike’s sleep was dreamless, and when he woke up in the morning he felt a feeling of dread in the pit of his stomach. His assertion that he was going to see Rarity today was fading fast. He shut his eyes to try to block out the sun and rolled over onto his stomach. Twilight prodded him gently in the back, and his claw stretched behind him to swat her hoof away. Twilight giggled and prodded him again, and he swiped his claw harder. “Spike, you said you were going to talk to Rarity today…” Twilight said with a giggle. “What’s so funny?” Spike mumbled. “Oh, nothing much. I figured you would be ready to go as soon as possible, and to see you sleeping like this is just kinda...ironic.” “Twilight, maybe it’d be better if I didn’t know…” Twilight’s smile faded. “Didn’t know what?” she asked. “About Rarity. I know she doesn’t like me that way. Why do I have to hear her say it?” Twilight sat down next to Spike’s bed, no longer in a mood to tease him. “Spike, what’s the worst that could happen? If it turns out she doesn’t like you that way, nothing will change, because you’re expecting that anyway.” “What do you mean ‘if?’” Spike demanded, now turning back over and facing Twilight with a glare. “You were a lot more certain she didn’t like me last night.” “I know I was. I was flustered by the situation last night and I took that out on you. I’m sorry.” “Like I’m supposed to believe that,” Spike grumbled. “You were so dead set against me having any hope. Why change that now?” “Because I was thinking about it last night since I couldn’t sleep, and I realized that it’s not up to me to decide what’s best for the two of you. It’s really something you and Rarity need to decide for yourselves. And if there’s actually something there, I have no authority to stand in your way. You may still be in your infancy cycle, but you’re mature enough to know what you’re getting into. I think we all fall into the trap of underestimating you…” Twilight frowned and turned away. Spike felt a warmth in his heart and smiled, rising out of his basket and giving Twilight a hug. “I’m ready to talk to her now,” he said. “Are you sure?” Twilight asked, turning her head to face him. “I don’t want you to do something you’re not ready for.” “I’m not ready for it,” Spike said with a bold smirk, “but I’m doing it anyway.” “That’s...quite mature,” Twilight said, now grinning. “See? I underestimated you again.” “Don’t worry about it, Twilight,” Spike said, patting her on the back. “You’re not the first. You won’t be the last. Now let’s go before I get a chance to brood about it and chicken out.” “Lead the way, then,” Twilight said, pointing her hoof at the door. Spike walked with a swagger in his step that Twilight desperately hoped would not be punctured. But, as she said, it was up to him and Rarity to decide. It wasn’t her place to dash his hopes for the sake of trying to protect him. When Twilight knocked on the door to the Carousel Boutique, they heard Rarity moan for them to come in. When they entered, they saw her lying on the couch with a large cup of water in her hoof. She took a slow drink from it and rubbed her temple with her free hoof. “As you can see, I had to close the store today to recover from...from whatever happened last night.” “Yeah, about that…” Twilight said, unsure of how to bring up the subject of Spike, or if Rarity even remembered what had happened between her and Spike. “Oh dear…” Rarity said, glancing over at Spike, who was wearing the most conflicted expression on his face. He was staring intensely at her with a mixture of fear and excitement. It made her stomach even more unsettled than it already was. “Why, hello Spike. Um...what brings you over here?” Rarity glanced at Twilight nervously. Twilight turned to Spike looking for reassurance. He nodded in her direction, and Twilight nodded in reply. “I’m going to leave you two to talk,” she said. “I’ll just, um...wait outside.” She hustled over to the front door of the boutique and showed herself out. Rarity gazed over at Spike, but she couldn’t look into his eyes for long. She sighed and took another sip of water. Spike twiddled his thumbs, the confidence he’d had leaving the library now quickly deflating. “Do you...do you even remember what happened last night?” he asked. “The kiss, Spike. Let’s call it what it was. No use tiptoeing around the subject when we should be talking about it like grown-ups.” “Yeah, well, um...uh...why?” Rarity rubbed her temple and let out a long sigh. “I’ve always known that you liked me, Spike. And I’ve always felt, well...like I was using you.” “Using me?” Spike asked. This was the first time he had even considered that. “Oh, darling, your naivete breaks my heart,” Rarity said. “You’re still young to the ways of the world, aren’t you? I constantly ask favors of you because, well...I know for a fact you’ll do anything for me as long as I ask it. It’s quite convenient...I mean for me, certainly not for you, and...this is all coming out wrong!” Rarity’s shouting left her head reeling, and she took another sip of water. “I think I see what you’re getting at,” Spike said. “Well, Twilight kinda does the same thing, sometimes, but I think it’s for a different reason.” “You’re like the little brother she never had,” Rarity said. “She talks about you all the time, you know, whenever we see each other. I imagine it’s because she knows how you feel about me and how close we are. And we are close, Spike, just...not like that.” This was the answer Spike had been expecting and dreading since he first woke up this morning. He turned away from Rarity. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised,” he said. “Twilight said it would never work between us.” “Spike, that’s...well, I can’t say that’s not true, given the norms with which I grew up. And I suppose at this point I can ask no more of you. I’ve been brutally unfair to you, and it’s about time I admitted it and started to treat you better, like more of an equal.” “An equal?” Spike asked. “Spike, when I woke up this morning, you were all I could think about,” Rarity said. “Once I remembered what had happened last night, I realized that I was taking you for granted and treating you like a child.” “But, hold on,” Spike said. “I mean, I’m not surprised this is how you would respond, but why kiss me in the first place if you know you didn’t like me that way?” “I think…” Rarity said, trying to concentrate through her headache, “that I’ve been needing to find a way to express my gratitude. I knew deep down I had to repay you for all of your kindness, and in my...unsettled state, I gave you the thing I thought you wanted most. My judgment eluded me, and I want to apologize for confusing you. I can only imagine how I would feel if the stallion of my affections came onto me so suddenly in such a restless state.” “Keep Trenderhoof away from the hard stuff then,” Spike said with a sneer. Rarity laughed heartily, but then groaned and held her head. “I appreciate the humor, Spike, but I don’t think I can laugh safely right now,” Rarity said. “It makes me happy to see you taking this in stride.” “Well, it’s like Twilight said,” Spike replied, “the worst that could happen is that I’d be in the same place I started. And I guess a lot of the stress has been taken away. I mean, well...I think I need some time to be sad for a while, but there’s no reason we can’t stay good friends.” Rarity’s eyes welled up. “Oh, Spike, I’m ever so grateful to hear that.” “Aw, don’t cry, Rarity,” Spike said, walking over to her and wiping the tears from her eyes. “I think whatever was in that drink kinda threw you for a loop.” “You’re right, of course,” Rarity said. “I need some time to recover.” “Well, if that’s what you need, I can give that to you.” Rarity mouthed the words “thank you” at Spike with a smile on her face. “Well, I guess I’ll tell Twilight we’re done talking, and we’ll be on our way. Do you want us to stop by later today to check up on you?” “I would love that, Spike,” Rarity said. “Thank you.” “Don’t mention it.” Spike waved at Rarity and walked out the door to meet back up with Twilight. “How’d it go?” she asked when Spike came over to her. “It went well, Twilight,” Spike said. “You were right, of course, but it’s not really so bad.” “I’m glad to hear it,” Twilight said with a smile. “Let’s go home, and I’ll make you a really nice lunch.” “Twilight, if I want nice, you know I’m gonna have to make it myself.” Twilight laughed a bit harder than she should have, and Spike grinned as the two of them walked down the road on their way back to the library. Author's Note Reminds me of another fic I wrote... Hopefully this one's better.
