In the Sea of Amorè with a broken paddle.

Chapters

Where it all begins
A Dragon's New Day.
It. Has. Begun!
Luck of the Flower.
The News and The Date
Her Port In The Storm
A Meeting Of Minds And Hearts
Rare After Glow
Unexpected Breakfast Guest-Pt.1
Unexpected Breakfast Guest-Pt.2
Unexpected Breakfast Guest-Pt.3
The Journey of a Thousand Loves....
Mini-Chapter: Outtake
The Protection Plan, Part 1.
The Protection Plan, Part 2: Of Friends and Fangirls.
Things get rolling.
Target Aquired
Intermission: Twilight's Contraception Contengency and a Crusader Contest.

Where it all begins

*SLAM!*

Twilight Sparkle nearly jumped out of her chair when she heard the library door. Whirling around, she looked to see the cause and frowned when she saw it.

There stood a large and somewhat heavily built purple dragon with a serrated-looking green crest running down the back of his head; dressed in jeans, and a hoodie covered in green flames, open to show the pale red t-shirt underneath.

"Spike!" She started, "What's the big..!" The scolding died on her lips when she saw the look on the dragon's face. Sorrow, despondency, and a bit of anger ; an expression that was rather alien for him. "Spike?' She said, her voice softening considerably as she hurried over to him, "What happened??" His size forcing her to reach up to cradle his face, "Come on, bro." She half-whispered. "What's wrong?'

Spike simply looked at her. His eyes had a slight dullness to him, "I'm tired, Twilight.." He replied halfheartedly, the slightly baritone voice carrying the same emotions as his face, "I'm tired of running myself ragged for somepony who barely even looks my way. I'm tired of trying to impress a unicorn only to have her look right through me." His voice was starting to rise at this point as he walked over to the couch and slumped down in it, "Most of all, I'm sick and tired of trying to prove myself to a mare who goes all ga-ga over some high society pretty-stallion but won't even see what's in front of her clear enough to give me a bucking chance!"

"Spike.." She sat beside him, arms wrapping around her unofficial little brother's shoulders as best she could. Though, technically the term 'little' stopped applying to him a long time ago. She had originally put it down to a mix of diet, all the work he'd been doing around town over the years; especially at Sweet Apple Acres after Granny Smith had talked him into working part time, and just dragon nature in general, but now Applejack's brother, Big Macintosh, was the only one in town-male or pony-to come close to him in sheer size.

Even Fluttershy, who was pretty much the tallest of the six at a respectable Eleven and Two-Thirds hooves, was forced to reach up to touch the top of his head.

She was broken from her thoughts by the next thing he said.

"I'm done."

"Huh? With what?"

"Twilight, how long have we been living in Ponyville?"

"I was about fifteen and you were eleven; so around seven years, give or take. Why?"

"Yeah, seven years, Twi. Seven years of trying to get the attention of a mare I honestly felt I was love with. Seven years doing whatever I could to accomplish it and the closest time I ever came was during my..incident." He briefly looked away in embarrassment. "But since then I've been dropped right back to square one. Today, though..." He rubbed the base of his snout. It wasn't hard to for Twilight to see he was fighting back a tear, "Remember what I said I was going to do?"

Twilight rifled through her memories of the day and came upon what he was referring to, "That you'd finally tell--" She trailed off when it hit her; something went very wrong for him. "Oh no.."

He nodded solemnly, "I marched straight to The Carousel Boutique and flat out told her we needed to talk. It took me a second to start then I..well, I just let everything out. I told her everything, how I felt about her, that I prayed almost day and night that there could be something between us, and that all I asked was a chance. Then I finally started to say the three magic words."

"That's good, isn't it? You finally told her how.."

"Don't even think she hear half of it." He cut her off, shaking his head. "Was so damn nervous, the only way I could keep from losing my composure was to walk around a little as I talked." He smiled ruefully, "By the time I was done and tried to look her in the eye to finish, she had already walked away."

"She didn't.." Twilight felt like her stomach had turned to lead on his behalf.

"Spotted her halfway across the room with some Pegasus, and they were frikin' FLIRTING!" Spike felt her arms tighten a little around him. He appreciated the gesture, though it didn't really alleviate matters, "When they were done with their little 'conversation', He asked if she'd like to go out tomorrow." His voice started to crack, "You can guess her answer. " He was silent for a moment then turned to look at her, "You know what really hurts? While she skipped back into her workshop...she went right past me without a a second glance; she'd forgotten I was even there."

"Oh, Spike.." She whispered, resting her head on his shoulder, "I am so sorry. I never thought Rarity would do that."

"Like I said, I'm done. All that time...for love." He scoffed, "Love's not worth that kind of pain."

She blinked. He was giving up? "You don't really mean that, do you?"

"A guy-dragon, pony, or whatever- can handle being burned only so many times, Sis." He replied, slowly getting to his feet, "And Rarity exceeded that limit."

The lilac unicorn stared, "He's serious." She thought. Standing up alongside him, Twilight immediately began thinking of some way to try and help. "Rarity, you dumb pony! You have no idea what you've just lost."

Author's Note

So starts my very first FiM fic. Hopefully it meets up with approval.

It'll get more lighthearted soon, don't worry.

Also, or those wondering, the 'hoof' is just a measurement I made up for the story since I doubt the term 'foot' would even be used. 1 hoof = 6 inches so If my math is right, that puts Fluttershy at 5'10' and shows Spike's gonna be a fairly big-sized guy.

A Dragon's New Day.

The Next Morning

The early morning rays of Celestia's sun peeked through the kitchen window, reflecting slightly off the coffee pot as Twilight poured herself a cup. Unfortunately, the bitter liquid did little to soothe her warring thoughts. Thankfully, the library was closed today so she'd have plenty of time to figure out a solution.

Spike had intended to just go to bed last night but she managed to coax him into eating at least a bit of dinner (if you can actually count a claw-full of amethysts dinner), though he did go soon after.

Ever since then, she'd been in a bit of a quandary; on one side was the urge to march straight down to the Carousel Boutique and give that mare a piece of her mind! Granted, she knew they weren't truly together, and she had the right to date other stallions... but she could've still heard him out first, at least! And then just forgetting about him!? And she has the nerve to call OTHERS 'uncouth'!?

On another side, was her Big Sister Urge; the desire to stay by his side and help him work through this less than pleasant part of his life. After seven years of pining for someone, just quitting cold turnips like that wasn't something good to do alone for him; or anyone, for that matter.

Before she could really get lost in thought, the sound of claws clicking on the floor brought her back to reality. She looked over her shoulder to notice Spike come in, wearing the sweatpants he often used as PJs.

"Hey." She smiled softly at him, "Um, how you feeling?"

"A little better." He replied, getting a leftover gem donut from the fridge, "Heh, you know, I probably should feel more torn up about this but..I don't"

She gave him a curious look, "How so?"

"In a way, I always had a feeling I'd never really get anywhere with Rarity, that she was out of my league, and it just wouldn't work. But, I kept at it at the cost of a lot: chances to hang out with others, to experience new things. I basically put my own life on the sidelines; all so I could get her attention. Starting to wonder if it wasn't more than just some obsessive infatuation." Spike leaned up against the counter. "Now..it's hard to explain, but it's like.." He frowned, trying to find the right words.

"Like load of unnecessary weight's been taken off or stress that's finally eased away?" She offered.

He nodded almost instantly, "Yeah."

"Well..to be honest, Spike, you DID put a lot of needless pressure on yourself, almost constantly worrying about whether she'd like something you did or had, or even how she'd react to the way it was presented do."

He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, "Yeah..not something I'm exactly proud of, looking back.." He was interrupted when Twilight wrapped her arms around him, burying her face in his chest.

"I'm just glad you aren't letting this get to you." She said, her voice muffled slightly from where she was.

"Thanks...and Twi?"

"Hm?" She tensed a bit, then quickly relaxed when she felt a pair of muscular, scaly arms suddenly wrapped around her, engulfing the lilac unicorn in a familiar-and surprisingly welcome-warmth.

"Thanks for hearing me out last night. Thought I was going to lose it and just scream before I ever got home."

"Mm-hm." It was a known fact that dragons had a significantly higher body temp than other creatures, but she never really noticed how nice it felt and nuzzled him slightly.

"Twilight.."

She also caught a whiff of his scent. Warm and spicy; a little like the special cider the Apples made for Hearth's Warming Eve. She smiled, though he couldn't see it, and inhaled deeply.

"Twilight??"

Without thinking, she closed her eyes and began snuggling in, whispering in a barely audible tone, "If anyone's out of their league, you're out of hers."

"Twilight!"

"Hmm?"

"Um..as enjoyable as this is, I probably better go ahead and start getting ready. I got work today at the farm, remember?"

It was then that three things promptly registered in Twilight Sparkle's intelligent mind:

1: She was currently embracing a guy who she saw as a brother in all but blood in a somewhat intimate manner.

2: Both cheeks flared when she remembered she was still in her own pajamas; a set she had gotten from Cadence as a birthday present, which were little more than a pair of rose colored satin shorts and belly shirt.

3: In short, they were both basically half-naked...and she was enjoying it.

Twilight squeaked as she jumped away, her cheeks burning and heart pounding in her chest, "Right! R-Right, yeah...I-I forgot. Um, you should probably go get a shower."

"You ok? You look a little flushed. If you're coming down with something, I can call to let them know I might not be able to make it."

"I'm fine, don't worry." She forced a laugh, "That coffee was probably just a little stronger than I thought."

"All right." He said hesitantly. Giving her one last look beforheading up to the bathroom.

The moment he was out of sight, Twilight began tugging her shirt, trying to fan herself from the surge of heat inn her face. "By Celestia's mane! What possessed you to act like that, Twilight!?" She chided herself, panting slightly, "All you did was hug him..then he hugged back.." She faded into silence, the blush holding strong.

It wasn't until Spike had returned, dressed in worn jeans and a sun-bleached flannel shirt, that she'd managed to regain her composure, "Just be careful, ok, Spike?"

"I will, Twi. Don't worry." He said as he opened the front door and stopped for a moment, "You know something?"

"What?"

Looking over his shoulder, he gave her his usual toothy grin, "I got a feeling today's gonna be a brand new day for this dragon." He said, and stepped outside.

Author's Note

And another chapter for your perusal. I'll admit it's probably not gonna be the best, but I wanted to try and bring a bit of warm-and-fluffyness between the two. He finally managed to get it off his chest and now things are looking up for him

I'll try and start making these chapters a bit longer too.

On a side note: Whoa! To be honest, I didn't expect this story to get favorited by so many people. I figured a couple would like it, but..wow.
All I can say is I'm not sure what I did right, but I'm glad I did it :)

It. Has. Begun!

While he admittedly was no college graduate, Big Macintosh was far from the simpleminded bumpkin his quiet, laid-back demeanor seemed to indicate. He liked some of the more cultured things of life; good literature, art, music. Heck, one of his favorite pastimes was catching up on a good mystery before bed.

Which probably why he was so curious about the current one in front of him. As long as he had known the young dragon, Spike had always been somewhat of an upbeat, energetic kind of guy; throwing himself into work with a respectable bit of gusto.

Today, though...

He couldn't put his finger on it, but there was something new with his co-worker. It was kind of subtle, but it was there. The whole thing started when Spike arrived this morning. Now it wasn't uncommon for the young dragon to come in with a spring in his step or anything, but today he looked more relaxed, easygoing.

He was also showing a lot more energy during his apple bucking, like he didn't have a worry in the world anymore.

It was refreshing in a way, but damn if it wasn't befuddling as hell too.

"Aw, horseapples!" He grumbled to himself, "Ah gotta find out what the deal is!" Without a second thought, he marched over to where Spike was in the middle of swinging his heavy tail against an apple-laden tree. The loud thud on impact echoed slightly, followed by an ensuing rain of produce.

"Spike." He called out, getting the dragon's attention before he could turn to another, "Ah need tah talk tah ya." He noticed the hint of concern and quickly waved it off, "Now don't worry, it ain't nothing bad. Ah jus' gotta satisfy mah curiosity, is all."

"Oh. uh, ok. Shoot."

"I know something's different 'bout ya. Been broadcastin' it ever since ya arrived an' it's drivin' me plumb loco tryin' tah figger it out. C'mon what is it?" The large stallion ended in almost a whine. He just had to know.

Spike chuckled, "Oh, that, huh? Well, to put it bluntly, I," He paused to let out the breath he'd been holding, "I've given up on chasing after Rarity."

Mac immediately stuck a finger in his ear and wiggled it, "Think somethin' got in mah ear. Sounded like yah jus' said yer not goin' after Rarity anymore."

"I did." Not really wanting to go through the details of exactly why, he simply added, "I've realized it just wasn't going to happen, and I've decided to stop. Wasn't really doing either of us any good, or really anypony else, any good for that matter. Now, all that time and energy I used to spend doing that can go into other things."

"Wow...Ah..uh, well..huh." Mac felt at a loss for words, Over the years, seeing or hearing the dragon boy trying his hardest to get the fashion mare's attention had become a part of daily life to some of the town's inhabitants, but hearing it straight from his mouth, "Well, dang. Feels like the end of an era now, ya know. Does anyone else..?'"

"Aside from you, just Twilight. Though it's probably gonna be everywhere before long anyway, so I'm not really going to worry about it. Now, don't get me wrong, I still see her as a friend. I'm just not going to put her ahead of everything and everypony anymore.

Mac grinned, "Well, Ah'm glad to hear that. So, ya ready fer when word does spread?"

"If they ask, I'll just tell them it's my decision."

"No, Ah mean the other mares and fillies when they learn yer pretty much single now."

If either of them had been paying attention, they probably would have noticed a certain bow-wearing young earth pony mare within hearing range. However, before they could spot her, she quickly scampered off to inform her friends soon after hearing that sentence.

Spike gave him a confused look, "What are you talking about? Should I be worried or something?"

Mac's smile faltered, "Didn't...didn't anyone tell you?"

"About what? You're starting to weird me out, Mac."

"Uh-oh."

Now dressed, Twilight was now engrossed her most trusted method of problem solving: any book she could find dealing with the subject.

"Of course!" She exclaimed in what she believed to be relief, "It's all here; hormones. That's all it was. Simply a hormonal reaction. An attractive, unattached male in that close proximity. And Celestia knows I haven't had a date since...since..well, never." She was severely thankful no one else heard that, "Just a biological stimulus and response. I mean, Spike's my brother for all purposes, there's no way I could see him like that."

"See Spike like what?'

Not expecting anyone today, Twilight wasn't prepared for the new voice and whirled around to see a familiar floofy pink mane and wide smile.

"Hi, Twilight!"

"YAHH-HA-HAA!" Twilight shrieked, falling out of her chair and landing in a heap, dragging several books with her. "Pinkie!"

"Nice form, but I've seen better." The pink party pony commented, holding up a sigh with a 7.9 on it.

"Where'd you come from?"

"Well, when a stallion and mare love each other very much, they partake in actions that normally can't be repeated on a children's television show, sometimes involving ice cream toppings and handcuffs."

"Wha...? No wait.." Shaking her head to clear whatever the heck was just said, she continued, "I mean why are you here? I wasn't really expecting anyone today."

"Oh! I came to see if Spikey was here.'

'No, he's working at Sweet Apple right now." She replied, calming down some from the shock. "Why? Did his chipolte marzipan come in?"

"Not yet. But Rarity said she wanted him to come over to help get a dress ready for...a ..a date. she..has.to..tonight...." Pinkie trailed off. Thankfully, she was pretty sure the look on Twilight's face wasn't intended for her.

Otherwise, she'd be pissing her shorts right about then.

Author's Note

Finally getting into the meat of it all!

The quarry is being discovered, and soon the huntresses shall move

Luck of the Flower.

Only a few acres had been ready to harvest so things had ended early that day. However, Spike's mind was in a whirl as he left. The last part of his and Mac's conversation still running through his mind.

"Wait.you..you're joking, right, Mac?" Spike chuckled nervously. He had NOT been ready for this little revelation.

"Believe it or not, Spike, you've been turnin' a lotta heads these last few years, what all the helpin' out and such you've been doin' along with growin' up into..well.." He simply gestured towards him, "An' once these mares git word that you ain't after Rarity anymore, they're gonna act on it. Now, before you git all panicky, remember: if they decide to ask ya out, it's your choice if you wanna accept or not. And unless they ask you to be exclusive and you agree, it's perfectly normal, an' actually expected, actually, for a stallion to date 'round as he builds up a potential herd."

"But I'm not a.."

"Don't matter." Mac waved a hand to cut him off, "The fact remains that there's gonna be a lotta female attention headin' yer way. Now, some'll probably wanna honestly be with ya; an' others'll just want to go out, have some fun and whatnot, so it's usually a good idea to let the mare set the pace when it comes to intimacy." The second blush the big red stallion gained when he said that gave him away.

"So you and Cheer?

Mac's blush intensified, "Let's jus' say she's fond of roleplayin'. Anyway, if you're ok with goin' as far as they want to, there's no worries. But, if you aren't comfortable doin' that, don' be afraid to let them know. There's no harm or shame in bein' a stallion who wants to take things a lil' slow."

"Ok."

"Ah know it's a lot to take in, but 'least this way ya won't feel blindsided when the other saddlebag drops. " He looked over at an area of unbucked trees and sighed, "C'mon, we probably better finish up. Ain't got much left, but Granny'll have both our tails if she catches us lollygaggin' like this.

"This can't be real." He said to himself upon reaching the gate that separated the farm from the rest of the town.

Seems real enough to me. A little part of him commented, You're not going to let this slip through your fingers, are you?

"Let it slip..? You can't be serious!"

Oh come on! You consider Rarity as still a friend, and that's cool, but after seven years, don't you think you deserve to have just a little fun?

"Well..you got a point there"

Exactly! You don't have to look for anything serious right now, but Big Mac DID say dating around was considered natural for stallions. Think about it; Celestia knows how many gorgeous mares are out there and they are interested in a purple dragon by the name of Spike.

"You know, you're right...or I'm right..or...ah who cares! I'll be bucked if I'm gonna run from that like the guys in those corny manegas Snips collects!" With a running start, Spike vaulted over the the farm entry gate.

It was mid-afternoon and the market area was just now reaching its peak activity; it was also where, without his metaphorical blinders on, Spike saw just what was in front of him all this time. Now, even during his, well...

"Fah, who am I kidding, it was a freaking obsession, plain and simple!" He grumbled to himself. Still, even during that, he still noticed that there were a lot of Ponyville's female population who were really pretty. Now ,however...he was enjoying the view immensely.

Spike didn't want to come across as a perv, but Celestia was it hard not to drink in the sea of long slender legs, firm, toned flanks and backsides, shapely breasts, glossy coats and manes, gorgeous eyes, and cute faces all around him.

He was so engrossed with his 'sightseeing' he failed to notice a particular mare until...

*THUMP!*

"Whoa! What the..??" Spike jumped when he felt something collide with him. A small whimper brought his attention downwards

A pale yellow mare lay on the ground, rubbing her sore flank. Her raspberry-colored mane sprawled out over her face and shoulders, "Owie...

He instantly recognized her, "Rose! Oh geeze, I'm REALLY sorry!" He reached down and lifted her back up, earning a surprised squeak in return, "You all right?? I didn't mean to knock you over; I just got a little distracted and didn't pay attention!"

"It-it's ok, Spike. N-no harm..no harm done." She replied somewhat shyly, a noticeable blush adorning her cheeks.

"Something wrong?"

"N-no..it's just..um.." Her blush increased a bit, "Your hands."

"What about my..?" He quickly realized what she meant: in his hurry to help her up, he had lifted her up by her middle..or more specifically, her hips.

And they were still there.

"Oh, heh. Sorry." He gained his own blush as he let go.

"It's ok.' She chuckled, diffusing the awkwardness some, "So..what brings you out here?"

"Finished up at the farm so I'm just on my way back home; you?'

"Oh, it's kinda my turn to go pick up lunch for me and my sisters."

Soon as food was mention, the cavernous beast that called itself 'Spike's Stomach' made its presence known.

He chuckled nervously, "Hehe. Guess I better get something to satisfy this thing before it revolts on me."

Rose smile, "Well, I'm on my way to the Corner if you wanna come along."

"Sure." The two made their way over.

Along the way, Rose had the sudden urge to giggle.

"What?" Spike asked hearing her.

"Just something that came to me. It's.." She shook her head, "Nah, it'd probably sound silly to you."

"Try me." The smirk he gave her almost screamed 'I dare you'

Rose looked at him, "Well, if it wasn't for how well most of us know you, Spike, some ponies could almost see us as going on a date of sorts."

A date? Spike glanced at her as he held the door open. To be honest, she really was pretty, currently in a pair of snug-fitting jean shorts and blouse that hugged her slender frame; not to mention one of the nicest mares in town. Granted, he wasn't going to be looking for a relationship. For now at least; but, it didn't mean it couldn't be something they'd both enjoy.

"Well, how about we do go on one?"

"Especially given with how you're..Wait, say that again?" Rose slowly turned to face him in a mix of surprise and confusion.

"How about we do?" He smiled, "Roseluck, would you like to go out on a date with me?"

Author's Note

I apologize if that last bit sounds like an asspull, but that was the only way I was able to put it down WITHOUT it sounding like utter absurdity

And before the torches and pitchforks pop up, yes, next chapter will be dedicated to the date and we get to see Rarity's reaction.

Now, time to cast your votes again: Which one of the CMC should get to go out with Spike first when their time comes?

You have until the next chapter is posted to choose.

The News and The Date

"A-a-a date!?" Rose squeaked, staring at him in a mix of disbelief, surprise, and slight shock, "But..but you and Rarity..!"

Spike simply shook his head, "To be honest, Rose, I've decided to stop..."

"LADIES! MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION FOR THIS IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT?!" The familiar voice of Pinkie Pie called out from outside.

"Pinkie? What's she up to?" Rose asked, "Mr, Cake, are you guys having a promotional or something."

"Nope." He replied, "She's not even working today."

Spike and Rose looked out the door to see her standing on a box, bullhorn in hand.

He could scarcely take his eyes off the town's resident party girl. Even with her addiction to baked goods, she was FAR from fat. She did retain a slight bit of poundage, but for some reason, it managed to just make her look sexier, some of it settling into a firm rear that damn near SCREAMED to be held and squeezed, resting in shorts he was convinced she had simply painted on, and a wonderfully rounded pair of breasts that, even from his vantage point, made it clear as day there was no bra under the snug shirt she wore. Coupled with those big Baby Blues, almost nonstop smile that made it almost impossible to get mad at her even at her most random moments, her fun-loving nature, and adorable personality, Spike had to ask himself one question; How in the name of Tartarus is she still single??

That was answered with the very next thing she said.

"IT IS MY PLEASURE TO INFORM YOU THAT, AS OF TODAY, OUR LITTLE DRAGON SPIKEY IS NOW AVAILABLE! I REPEAT; SPIKE IS NOW OFFICIALLY SINGLE!" She called out, quite possibly one of the biggest Pinkie-class smiles she'd ever had covering her face as she did.

"Hang on a minute, Pinkie!" A skeptical mare spoke up, "This mean what I think it does?"

"Yep!" She chirped raising the horn again, "HE IS NO LONGER CHASING RARITY! WE GOT OUR CHANCE!"

"Ooh-boy.." Spike facepalmed when he saw several nearby mares look his way as the news began to sink in:

Several of them began whispering excitedly (He could've sworn he heard a familiar, and barely audible voice call out, "Yay!"). Ones nearby looked his way, blushing and giggling. It was the ones giving him a somewhat predatory gaze, licking their lips as they did, that brought him up short.

"Sweet Celestia...I thought Mac just meant a few, but not this many! He thought before Rose's voice brought him back to reality.

"Wow, so..you really did..?" She asked.

"Yep, I kinda had a realization yesterday that's it's just time for me to move on." He let out a weak laugh, "Though, I didn't really expect a reaction quite like this when it became public."

"I'll say." The two stood in silence for a moment, catching snippets of the eager murmuring, "So..this means you're serious about asking me?" She absentmindedly played with the bottom of her shirt.

"Well, yeah. Don't get me wrong, I don't want you to think I'm treating you like a rebound girl or anything. Then again..it is kinda hard to be on the rebound when you've never dated to begin with..."

"It's ok, Spike." She smiled, "We all know you aren't that kinda guy." Rose glanced at him, "So, how's tomorrow at around Four sound?"

"Huh? Oh! Y-yeah, four works great for me!"

"See ya then." Her smile turned coy as she headed to get the food, a little sway in her hips this time.

"You..you too..." Spike stood there, an expression of bemusement scrawled across his mug.

At least, until his stomach made an encore.

Twilight rubbed the bridge of her nose, her head currently felt like a jumbled up mishmash.

Less than two hours ago, Pinkie had informed her that her assistant-and for a long time her only real friend- had unknowingly earned the attraction of several mares in town, and even a few from Cloudsdale, simply by virtue of being himself.

Unfortunately, that also reminded her that she had never told him about pony courtship. Though, in her defense, he was so besotted with the fashionista she didn't really thought of it..

She knew she would have to tell him, though that brought up a significant batch of conflicting emotions; on one hand she was happy Spike had been able to move on like he had: But the mere thought of some strange mare or mares swooping in on him...

"Twilight, I'm home!"

"Spike?" Sighing in relief at the momentary mental reprieve, she looked to see him holding up a bag.

"Stopped at the Corner on the way back. Wasn't too sure if you'd already eaten or not."

Taking the pack appreciatively, her expression instantly brightened when she saw a BLT (barley, lettuce, and tomato) and a slice of Sugar Cube Corner's signature blueberry cream cheesecake, "Ooh! I haven't had one of these in a long time!"

"Heh, kinda figured." He replied, "Um, Twilight? Pinkie was over here earlier, wasn't she?"

She paused mid-chomp, "Yeah, how'd you....oh no..she didn't." At his resigned smile, she groaned, "Oh great! I'm sorry, Spike. I know I should've let you be the one telling it, but when she came saying Rarity wanted your help getting ready for her date..."

I..I just got so angry, I.."

"Twi, it's ok, really. I don't think either of us were expecting that; her or Rarity. Wasn't exactly expecting the mares that heard her to react like they did, though." He recalled the experience for her.

"Oh! And THAT reminds me, I need to let you know about the courtship practices..!"

"Don't worry, Big Mac told me. He had noticed the change and asked what happened. He also warned me about..well, my admirers, but I didn't think it was quite as many."

"Ah, well, that's good." She replied.

"Oh yeah, and..well, I have a date tomorrow too."

She froze. Did he say what she thought he did? "A-a date?" She asked, trying to ignore the inexplicable feeling of dread that was trying to settle in her gut, "With..with who?"

"Roseluck."

The feeling subsided a bit, but not by much. Rose was a nice girl, and Twilight knew she really didn't have any reason doubt that.

So why did she feel like this?

Doing her best to ignore it, she smiled as best she could, "That's great, Spike. Any thoughts on what you were going to do for it?"

'"Well, " He scratch his head, "I guess something simple. Like a picnic, maybe."

"That'll work. Especially until you get a more experienced." The feeling returned with a vengeance. Why'd she say that!?

Spike gave a half-hearted shrug, "You're probably right on that." He stretched and yawned, "For now, though. I'm just going to kick back and relax for a bit. This has been a heck of a day."

"You have no idea." She murmured, forcing her attention back to the sandwich.

It didn't taste right anymore for some reason.....

----------The next day----------

Rarity's PoV

Rarity was not a happy pony. Far from it! First Pinkie Pie had the nerve to say her Spikey-Wikey was too busy to come help her yesterday.

What a preposterous notion! He had never been 'too busy' before! Still, it had forced her to take longer than necessary preparing her dress for the night.

Celestia, what a nightmare THAT was. As if insisting they 'go dutch' was bad enough (and right when they entered the restaurant, no less!). He had seemed like such a refined, cultured stallion when they met...

How was she supposed to have known he actually found f-f-FLATULENCE funny! It had been barely twenty minutes when..IT
happened.

It was if the entire population of Ponyville had blown a raspberry all at once. The entire place had gone silent, just before the laughter. Then..the odor.. oh god, THE STENCH!!

And he was PROUD of that!? Thinking it was humorous!? She couldn't get out fast enough! It took five hours and almost three bottles of shampoo before she was certain she had washed the smell off her! Oh! That poor dress..

Thankfully her destination was in view. Now she could get to the bottom of things as well as some much-needed failed date comfort.

However before she could knock, the front door opened and she was greeted with a somewhat unexpected sight.

It was Spike, yet he was dressed in a manner she'd never seen him, wearing a simple long-sleeve shirt and slacks. A basket was in his hand and, judging by the mouth-watering aroma wafting from it, something he had just recently cooked.

"Ok, Twi, here goes nothing." He called back inside.

"All right, Spike. Just get try and get back before it gets too late if you can, ok?"

"I will." Came his reply before turning to see her, "Oh, hey, Rarity."

Something was wrong.

VERY wrong. His greeting was so flat, so..casual. It felt positively alien!

"Oh, Spikey, there you are!" She gushed, regaining her ladylike composure, "I do hope nothing had gone wrong yesterday, since Pinkie had the absurd notion you were too busy to come to the Boutique yesterday..."

"Um, Rarity? I WAS busy yesterday. I was helping at Sweet Apple Acres for the better part of the day."

"Oh..really? Well.."

"Look, Rarity, I'd like to stick around, but I gotta hurry before I'm late for my date."

"Oh, certainly.." She trailed off, "Wait, what??" Unfortunately he was already jogging off.

A date?? Her Spikey-Wikey was on a DATE!? Had she even heard him right? She needed answers.

Twilight! Of course! She'd be able to clear this up!

*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*

"Coming!" Lily Valley called out. Opening the door, her smile promptly widened, "Well, hel-lo Spike. Look at you."

"Hi, Lily." He grinned sheepishly, "Is,,um, is Rose ready?'

"Yeah, let me get her." She turned around an inhaled, "ROSE, WE GOT HUNK INBOUND! GET YOUR FLANK DOWN HERE!"

Spike managed to stifle his snigger at how she called her sister as the clip-clop of hooves came down the hall. When Rose came into view, he couldn't help but notice the curve-hugging blouse and skirt she had on, "Wow...!"

Rose blushed, "Thanks. Not too bad yourself." She took a whiff and her eyes brightened up, "Is that what I think it is?"

He held up the basket, "Never been on a date before..so kinda figured something simple would be a good idea."

"Works for me. Nice day for one too." She took his free arm, hugging it a little in the process.

Daisy poked her head out from nearby, "Have fun!"

"Don't do anything me or Daisy wouldn't do." Lily grinned.

"That'll be a short list." Rose smirked at the tongues they stuck out.

The two made their way to one of the small knolls dotting Ponyville Park where Spike began setting things up.

"Sooo.." Rose piped up, digging into a plate of grilled daffodils, "Just why the sudden change, Spike? I'm not trying to be nosy or anything, but it's hard not to be curious. I mean, you've been pining for Rarity since you and Twilight first came to town."

"Basically, I learned the hard way that it just wasn't going to work out. Seven years of chasing her and I never really got anywhere." He shook his head, "Decided I had been at it for long enough and I'm moving on."

"Well, considering what you just witnessed in town..." She grinned and edged closer to him, her skirt riding up a bit in the process to show off her supple thighs and part of her cutie mark, "Her loss."

"I guess you could say.." He was cut off as her lips met his.

-----------Back at Golden Oak-----------

"You..you..you're serious!?" Rarity yelped, hearing Twilight's confirmation.

Twilight found the urge to roll her eyes, "Yes, Rarity. On his way home, Spike ran into Roseluck on his way home yesterday and she agreed to go out with him."

"....."

"I don't see why you should be so surprised. Didn't YOU go out just yesterday?" She knew she shouldn't take pleasure in her reaction, but still...

"....."

"Rarity?

"..."

"Rares? You there?" Twilight snapped her fingers in her face.

Nothing.

She gave her a light poke...

And could only watch with a poleaxed expression as she toppled over, stiff as a board.

She had actually fainted standing up.

-----------Back at the park-----------

The initial plan had been pretty basic: take her out for something simple they'd both like, enjoy each other's company, and maybe enjoy a goodnight kiss. Fairly standard as far as dates go that he was aware of.

Having Rose liplock him this early wasn't something he took into account...

Nor the fact he was enjoying.

A few moments into the kiss, he felt something warm, rough, and moist slide in between his teeth and began wrestling with his tongue. The delighted moan she let out quickly informed him of what it was.

Her own.

Not really one to take something like THAT lying down, he retaliated, showing her just how flexible a dragon tongue was.

Rose's body tensed slightly before she scooted closer to him. Eyes still closed, she took his hand and promptly pressed it against her warm breast.

His tail spasmed in alarm when he felt her do that. He'd felt mare's breasts before, but only when they were pressed against him when he was hugged.

Never like this. So he was rather unsure as what to do

That's not to say it didn't feel nice through the fabric. It wasn't large; just enough to fill his hand, but it was soft and perky. he noticed she didn't have a bra on when he felt the hardened press against his palm.

It was then she began moving his hand, making it gently squeeze and knead the flesh, grabbing his other hand and doing the same to her other breast.

Spike quickly took the hint and began going along, earning pleased moans and light squeals when he gently rotated his thumb over one of her hardened pebbles. Their tongues fighting for dominance the whole way.

After several moments of the hot and heavy action, both were forced to pull away for air.

"W-wow..!" Spike gasped, his face bright red.

"I'll second that!" Rose replied, equally flushed, staring at him with half-lidded eyes, "Heh, think I'm gonna have to change my panties when I get home." She brushed a few loose strands of hair out of her face, "Not too shabby for a first date."

"Thanks." He replied, "Um, Rose..I.."

"It's ok. Spike." She smiled, seemingly reading this thoughts, "I've never met anyone who was after a serious relationship right from the start, mare or stallion. Besides," Her smile turned rather coy, "There are plenty of other gals in town looking for their turn. Now, maybe we better finish what you brought before it goes bad."

It was just getting dark when Spike returned home, a somewhat dopey smile on his face. Twilight was curled with a book on the couch when he got inside, "I'm back."

"Spike!" She looked up, "I take it things went all right?"

"I..I think I'm gonna enjoy dating. I'll be back in a few minutes, Twi. Gonna go change."

"Ok." She watched him head up to his room, fighting back the unwelcome stinging sensation in her eyes the whole way, "Stupid hormones.."

Author's Note

Holy crap! This is the longest chapter I have ever written out of any fic! i might actually break the habit of stopping at around 1k.

Think I need a bit more practice with emotional turmoil though.

Also, this is THE first date I've ever written out, sooo, I guess in a way it can count as good practice for the ones later on.

As for the winner of the poll:

Looks like It's Scootaloo who get's to go first.

Her Port In The Storm

Flashes of lightening lit up the evening sky over Ponyville from the scheduled storm. The town was silent and seemed to be devoid of life as the populous took shelter.

Except for one lone figure running as fast as he could through the downpour. His suit was drenched and he was soaked to the bone, but Spike didn't care. There was only one thing on his mind...

Twilight had run off crying...

His friend was hurt, and he had to find her, "I don't know what the hell you did, Pinprick" He snarled to himself, rounding a corner, "But you better pray long and hard to Celestia that we never cross paths again!"

As he went on his search, his thoughts drifted back to how this all started; just a few days had passed since his date with Rose. He had only really gone on a couple of others since then. One had been with a somewhat shy, but friendly mare named Tough Break. They went to a movie and she kissed him on the cheek in the end, so all in all a pleasant time.

The other one, though...

He felt like kicking himself for not realizing then something was off about Twilight when he came home after agreeing on a date with Linked Hearts. Something was eating away at her, that much was true, but she'd just assured him it was simply a research project that was being difficult.

'It..it's ok, Spike. Just something I'm working on that just just isn't cooperating all that well.' She laughed, though it sounded hollow and forced, "You know how temperamental some projects can be."

"Um, Ok, Twi. If you're really sure."

He should've pressed a little harder for answers, tried to talk...but he didn't..

He picked up the pace.

Knowing her, there was really only one place she would've gone to.

Yes.

Why the hell did she say yes!?

She'd been so desperate to deal with these feelings, these emotions, that lurched into the foreground ever since Spike had ended his crush. She thought she had the answer; get a coltfriend.

That was the solution. It had to be!

She had ran into him during a shopping trip. A fellow unicorn by the name of Pinprick.

It had been innocent enough; a little bit of small talk at first, then growing to a nice conversation. He was so charming..he managed to make her blush like a schoolfilly for Celestia's sake!

"You know, Twilight..I'd be honored if you'd go out with me tomorrow. Dinner, perhaps?"

Why did she say yes?

How could she have been so stupid?

Her tears flowed freely, soaking the pillow she hugged for some form of comfort

"Say that again?"

"I have a date tomorrow, Spike!" She said, trying hard to hide the obvious nervousness with excitement, "My first ever!"

He should have been PROUD of her! He should have been happy for her!

Twilight-bookish, adorkable, little Twilight-was going on a date.

So why had his gut feel so numb when he saw her smile like that. Why did hearing her say it cause something in his chest to knot up!?

"Hey, Twilight, I got an idea. My date with Linked Hearts is around the same time Why don't we make it a double?'

"A-a double date?"

"Yeah. That way you know you got a friend nearby just in case."

Whether it was to calm himself down, offer her a measure of comfort, or both, he didn't know; just that his offer seemed to help her.

The date...The numbness and knot returned with a vengeance..

It had started relatively fine. Pinprick seemed like a nice stallion, just...something about him being there with Twilight made Spike uneasy.

Linked Hearts, though, was rather clingy. She seemed intent on always being between him and her. He had made a note to let her know she had no reason to act like that.

The four made their orders and Pinprick excused himself for a minute.

Their food arrived a little while later, but he still hadn't gotten back. Twilight chose to go see what was keeping him

Celestia, he'd never forget the look on her face as she ran out of the restaurant...

"T-Twilight?" Spike could only watch as she took off full run out of the building. Even from that distance he could see her fighting back tears.

"I'm sorry, Hearts, but I'm gonna have to cut this short." He scrambled to get out of his chair.

"Excuse me!? Where do you think YOU'RE going!? Sit back down!" She ordered, grabbing his hand that was still on the table.

He stared at her, "What!? Didn't you just see what happened?"

"Whatever she did to screw up her date is her own fault! Now get back in that chair! I told a lot of my friends I was hooking up with Ponyville's only dragon and you are NOT making me out to be a liar!"

"No." He replied coldly, tossing a handful of Bits onto the table, "Twilight is one of my best friends. You, however, are just a date. One that, as of now, I'm done with."

The treehouse quickly came into view, spurring him on, "Please be ok...!"

She should have known why he asked her out. Her, of all ponies, even before she went to look for him and finding him and a friend of his laughing in a back corner....

"Dude! I can't believe you did it!" Pinprick's friend laughed with him, "You actually got Princess Celestia's personal student to go out with you!"

"Was there any doubt?" The blue stallion said, a smug look on his face, "A few smooth words and she was eating outta my hand."

"You really gonna go for it?" The other stallion asked him.

Pinprick glared at him, "Don't be stupid! Of course I'm gonna bang her! She's nothing to look at but you have any idea what it'll do for my rep when ponies learned I did the Princess' very own student!?"

A trophy..that's all he wanted. Just something he could brag out.

As if retaliation, her mind began bringing up images of one person who had been there for her for as long as she had known them, a person she had been through thick and thin with for years. Someone who saw her for her, not just Celestia's student.

The one who, contrary to the belief of some, took care of her instead of the other way around, laughable as that notion was; making sure she ate, got outside, and spent at least a little time with others

Who always tried to make sure her studies never consumed her, who always kept her company since childhood...

"Twilight!" The door slammed open, revealing a drenched and panting..

"Spike..?" She said softly from her spot on the couch, trying to blink back her tears. Before she could say anything else, he had crossed room and engulfed her in his arms, not giving a damn about tracking in the water or mud.

"What-what were you thinking!?" He buried his face in her mane, his voice trembling from inside it, "I was scared witless..!"

"I'..I'm sorry!" She whimpered, switching her embrace from the pillow to him, "When I heard what..what he said, that he just wanted to sleep with me so he could brag about it..I couldn't think..." She hiccuped, "It-it just hurt...!"

His eyes flashed menacingly, though she couldn't see , "Pray long and hard, Pinprick, long and hard."

Once he calmed down a bit, he tightened his hold a bit, "It's ok, Twi. Pinprick's just that, a little prick."

Twilight giggled slightly at the insult he had turned the name into, her mind still bringing up images of the two together, reminding her of how he had been one of the only good things in her life, making her heart beat faster, helping to gradually burn away the pain and sadness. She felt her face head up and flush as she thought of the once little dragon who helped with her work and anything else he could, now grown into the handsome young drake whose embrace she found herself snuggling into.

It was then she felt the pieces fall together: how warm and happy she felt with him that one morning.

That she couldn't think of him not being there with her anymore, and how it hurt seeing him dating and the possibility that he'd leave some day.

How she wanted him to be near always, to never get him go, to hold him, hug him, to feel his comforting embrace and warmth...

To love him...

That was it.

To love him, to be loved BY him.

And possibly..maybe...

"S-Spike..?" She asked softly.

"Hm?" He moved to look at her, only to find her staring up at him with a mix of hope, trust, and something he recognized intimately.

Love..and a hint of desire..

"Will..will you touch me...?'"

Author's Note

Big, big as in 'OH SWEET CRISPY BUDDHA IT'S COMING THIS WAY!" big, props to DragonPony for helping ensure this chapter came out in one piece.

A Meeting Of Minds And Hearts

"Will...will you touch me..?"

"W-what??" Spike started. This was the first time he'd ever heard the lilac unicorn say something like that.

"Please.." Her voice was almost pleading as she buried her face into his chest, "I want to be sure..sure that what I'm feeling is real! I have to!"

"Twilight, wait. Listen to yourself." He said, thinking the unpleasantness of it all was just bringing out her dramatic side. "You aren't thinking clearly! Look, this has been draining for both of us." He reached up to gently pull her off him so they could get up, "Why don't you don't go ahead an go to bed? We can talk about this in the morning after we've both had a chance to calm down."

As he began to move away, Twilight felt the dragon's heat, his welcomed warmth, and the comfort and security it brought fade, slowly replaced by the chill of the night air.

And with it, the cold feeling of him drifting into the life of someone else and out of hers, possibly forever.

Leaving an empty, desolate hole in her life, her heart..

And her soul.

"No...please..." She whimpered, seeing him pull away, her eyes welling up again,"Spike...no..."

"Twi-?" He barely got the word out before the wind was knocked out of him by the impact of Twilight's tackle.

"DON'T LEAVE ME, PLEASE!" She screamed, burying herself into him, her arms wrapping around his torso like it was her only lifeline, "I can't lose you, I just can't..! You mean everything to me!" Her sobs punctuating each sentence.
.
"What are you...but I'm not..." He tried to say, feeling her face rub against his chest as she shook her head.

"You've always been the one constant in my life, one of the few good things in it, Spike!" She cried, her tears soaking into his already drenched shirt, "Even when I was at my most difficult, you were there. Regardless of what others thought, you were the one who took care of me; making sure I ate and got out some, the one who kept me from losing myself in my studies." She sniffled and
looked up at him, her voice slightly hoarse, "That's why it hurt so much.."

"What hurt?" Spike asked, concern lacing his voice.

'When..when you went out on those dates...it was the sudden loneliness. The feeling that you'd enter somepony else's life....and leave mine.." By now she was barely at a whisper, "I..I know it sounds selfish..but without you here, I-I feel so empty, like a part of me has been pulled out...That's how I know now...I love you, Spike.."

Spike froze.

She loved him..? The intent was obvious in how she said; not familial or platonic. He knew she wouldn't lie about something like that, especially in her current state. They had been through a lot, that much was true. But, he really had no idea she felt like that, or just how scared she was of the thought of them actually drifting apart.

Though, he couldn't blame her for that. He remembered his own worst nightmare; the day when she wouldn't need him around anymore. She had been his closest friend since he had hatched, so in a way, she had been there for him just as much. Then he remembered what she said about how it hurt...

The numbness when she said she had a date...the knot in his chest at how happy she was...pain..fear..His own..

Fear that she would move on as well, leaving him; and the pain with it...the pain of possibly loosing someone he loved.

He chuckled, "I really was blinded, wasn't I?

"Wh-what you mean?" Twilight asked, worry creeping into her voice.

"I was blinded with white so much I never saw the beautiful. little lilac mare in front of me." He placed a finger to her lips, heading off the inevitable protest, "And before you ask; yes, you are beautiful, Twilight. You're one of the smartest ponies I know next to Celestia," He grinned, "I don't think there are too many unicorns out there capable of pacifying an agitated ursa major by themselves, baby or not. You go out of your way to help others, even when their problems seem impossible to fix, and you know how to have fun outside of books." He smiled and gently cupped her face, "And you know what else?"

"W-what..?" She blushed brightly, trying to resist nuzzling his hand.

Her answer came in the form of feeling his lips press against hers. The foreign sensation sent a pleasant jolt down her spine, causing her to moan slightly.

After a moment he pulled away, "I love you, Twilight Sparkle."

"S-Spike.." Tears, this time of joy, trickled down her cheeks as she threw her arms around his neck. She pressed herself against him and put everything she could muster into returning the kiss.

-----------Meanwhile, at Carousel Boutique-----------

"Will you stop being so antsy, Rarity?" Sweetie Bell complained as she watched her older sister pace around like a caged animal,
"You're starting to wear out the varnish on the floor."

"I am not 'antsy', Sweetie, I am fretting." She replied, not missing a beat, "Something is VERY wrong with my poor Spikey-Wikey!"

Sweetie had to resist the urge to facepalm. Ever since Twilight brought her home back home after she had passed out a few days, Rarity had been driving herself up the wall trying to come up with a reason she could accept as to why Spike had changed like he had.

"Have you considered that maybe, just maybe, he just wants to start dating around? It's perfectly natural for stallions his age to do that, you know."

However, Rarity wasn't listening, "I mean, he hasn't been over in almost a week!"

"Now you're exaggerating. What about the day before yesterday when he helped move that new cloth shipment into your workroom? You two talked and stuff while he was here"

"Well..yes." She was forced to concede, "But not like he used to! It was different, I can tell!"

"Ever consider the fact you finally got friend-zoned?" Sweetie muttered under her breath.

"What was that?"

"Nothing." Sweetie sighed, She hoped Rarity learned that 'de-nial' wasn't just a river in Neighgypt soon.

-----------Back at the Library-----------

Twilight sighed happily as she nuzzled up against Spike, content with the knowledge he felt the same. She looked up into his eyes-amethyst meeting emerald-and made her decision, "Come with me." She said, taking his hands and moving to stand up. A light tug was all it took to get him up as well. She smiled and begin pulling him with her.

Spike's eyes widened and his pulse began racing when he saw where she was leading him as they headed up the stairs...

Straight to her bedroom. She bumped open the door.and brought him in.

He watched in anxious anticipation as she used her magic to undo the back of her dress, slipping it off her slender shoulders and pool at her hooves to reveal the modest bra and panties she had on.

"Um, ta-da." Back when they first moved to town, Twilight Sparkle could at best be described as 'spindly'. Now, However..

Her once skinny frame was now a bounty of soft, luscious curves, starting from the gentle swell of her breasts that. while not large, were ample for her size, tapering slightly to the slender waist and flat stomach that he knew she was ticklish at, complete with her rather adorable little belly button, before gently flaring to a generous pair of sexy hips and silken thighs, toned alone with the rest of her from the years of running to help save Ponyville and the rest of Equestria from one threat or another.

In short, to Spike, she was a goddess.

She stood shyly, her cheeks a bright pink. That one act caused Spike's heart to skip a beat and his pants to become rather snug.

It was then, however she hesitated.

"What's wrong, Twilight?"

She nervously bit her lip, "I..I've only really read about...um..about this in a few books here in the library. They make it sound so easy, but..first-hand..." The sound of laughter caused her look up at him and pout cutely, "It's not funny, Spike!" She whined.

He simply grinned and pulled her in a deep, passionate kiss. "It's my first time too, Miss Sparkle; so we shall both be learning." He whispered in a husky growl before slowly kissing down her neck, lightly grazing his teeth against her soft skin, eliciting a moan of pleasure from his mare and spurring him on.

Twilight, for lack of a better term, was in heaven. The dangerous allure of the sharp dragon fangs against her skin sent trills of excitement all along her body. She murmured softly, begging for more when she felt his hands slide up her back and reach her bra clasp.

He glanced up for permission. She immediately nodded, and felt it come free, revealing herself to him.

"They're beautiful." He unknowingly said out loud, earning an appreciative blush in return. Each breast was a pleasantly rounded globe topped with a dark violet nipple that made a tantalizing contrast to the soft fur around then.

An ecstatic gasp escaped her lips when she felt him slide his hands over her soft mounds, making her moan his name with each gentle squeeze as he explored. He pinched, pulled, and tweaked her hardened nipples earning cute little squeals and squeaks of pleasure and delight.

Then, he suddenly stopped.

Twilight looked at him with a mix of confusion and hurt, "Spike? What is it?"

"This doesn't seem all that fair." He said.

"What do you mean..?"

"Here you are, almost nude, and I haven't taken a scrap off. How rude of me." He grinned slyly, and glanced to the bed "Have a seat and I'll join you in a moment."

In a flash, the unicorn mare eagerly tossed herself onto the mattress, fidgeting in anticipation in the process.

Slowly, almost painfully so as far as she was concerned, Spike unbuttoned his shirt.

Like Twilight, Spike had been somewhat small seven years ago, barely breaking the ten hoof mark. Now the purple dragon reached an intimidating fourteen hooves tall (Macintosh just matching him at thirteen and a half) and had the build to match it. Twilight eyed him with love and desire as the first article fell away, watching draconic muscle ripple and flex under the thick scales of his broad chest and shoulders. Her already damp panties grew even wetter as her eyes trailed downward, lingering on the faint V shape visible on his lower abdomen.

He began undoing his pants when they abruptly vanished in a flash of purple light. He looked to see Twilight squirming slightly and grinned, "Someone's impatient."

"Stop teasing, Spike, please.! I need you.." She whimpered, the smell of her arousal now evident,

His nostrils flared slightly when he caught her sent. While it didn't quite affect him like it would other ponies, it was still enough to put him quite in the mood. He quickly slipped off his boxers and stepped over to her already at full mast.

"Sweet Celestia.." Twilight said as she stared at his twin scepters, her breath hitching slightly, "They're huge.."

Spike blushed, "I wouldn't say they're THAT bi-i-i-huhh.." He trailed off into a shuddering breath as she slid her soft hand over his upper length. Almost ten inches long.. two and a half thick.. She said to herself,"A tight fit..but it'll be worth it.

She noted that they were both a few shades lighter than his normal purple hue and covered in their own protective scales. Though these scales felt softer, kind of velvety, ending just before the dark pink tip which was more pointed instead of the regular flat tip she'd seen in her biology books.Strangely enough, the thought of them inside her became even more appealing, "I'm ready, Spike." She gave the tip a gentle squeeze before moving to slide her panties off, "Make me yours.."

"Your wish is my command." He replied, pulling her close, "Do you want both?"

She paused "What do you mean?"

"Uh, if you want them both, there's only one other way for the second."

She blushed when she realized what he mean. "Oh!"

"Well, I can retract if you don't feel ready for it."

"You can do that?? But I thought..."

"Found out a couple of years ago. They both come out on their own, but male dragons can retract the lower one if their mates aren't in the mood for double penetration. Just takes a lotta practice. Watch." He took a deep breath and began tensing up muscles in his stomach and pelvis.

Twilight watched in fascination as the second member was gradually pulled back into its protective slit, "Wow."

"Yeah..whew.." He relaxed, "I'm still working on it, though. Now...where were we?"

She smiled and reached around his neck, pulling him to her. "I believe here."

"I believe you are right." He kissed her, lining himself up with her glistening flower.

"Ah..AH!" She squeaked as the tip entered, the slight stretching catching her off guard.

He stopped, worried that he'd hurt her.

"I'm ok." She said once she'd gotten accustomed to his size, "Just go slow for a bit, all right?"

He nodded, and proceeded to enter her bit by bit, stopping every so often to let her get used to it as well as enjoying her moist warmth. Soon he reached her maidenhood, the one barrier away from making them one.

"I..I'm ready, Spike." She said bracing herself.

He held her close and with one firm thrust, broke through. Her painful cry was enough to wrench his heart in two, "Gods, I'm sorry, Twi..!" He whispered, rubbing her back to try and ease the pain.

"It..It's all right, Spike." She said, smiling as a few tears fell, "I was expecting that. Now we're together." She giggled when his tongue flicked over her cheeks, licking the tears away,

Once he fully hilted himself, he began, thrusting slowly until she gave the word.

On the first thrust, Twilight gasped, the sheer size his member coupled with its scales sending tremors and sensations coursing through her that she never even knew existed. Each ensuing one sending jolt after jolt, making her moan and cry out in pleasure.

She quickly wrapped her legs around his waist, "Harder.." She begged.

Spike promptly complied, his thick tail wrapping around her back to help steady her and his hands sliding down to grip her firm backside.

"Oh Celestia, YESS!" She threw her head, screaming from her first orgasm , her small body bouncing in time as she rode her dragon. She could feel her body quake from the impact each time he buried himself into her depths, and she loved every bit of it!

Knowing what he just accomplished urged Spike even farther and the feeling of her walls clamping down on him was like heaven. Not missing a beat, he kissed her deeply before moving to her bouncing breasts, wrapping one up in his long serpentine tongue and engulfing as much as he could while kneading and squeezing with one hand and squeezing her ass with the other.

She grabbed the back of his head, holding him near, "Gods, Spike, don't stop, please!" She squealed as he licked and sucked on her nipple, feeling another one coming.

"Twi.. ' He gasped, pulling away from her chest, "I'm...getting close!"

"Just a little..just a little longer...! Stay in me!"

"Al..most..!" He grunted, pushing himself as much as he could before he felt himself peak."

"TWILIGHT/SPIKE!" The duo screamed each others names to the heavens as they climaxed and Twilight felt something thick and hot splash inside her.

Spike held her close as he fell back, letting her lay on his chest, sweat coating both of them. He began to pull out when she tightened on it.

"Leave it in?" She said drowsily, planting light kisses along his chest, "At least for tonight."

"For you Twilight Sparkle, anything." He smiled and stroked her mane, using his tail to pull the blankets over them both.

"I love you." They whispered in unison as sleep finally claimed them both.

Author's Note

*falls back in his chair* Holy crap!

Ok..that was pretty much my first genuine clop scene (or lemon, depending on which jargon you wanna use.) So, yeah. hope it worked.

Rare After Glow

'Nyaahhh-uhm' A cute little yawn escaped Twilight as she returned to the waking world, her first
few coherent thoughts being about why her bed felt so much warmer than normal, not that she was complaining.

"Morning, Beautiful." A voice she quickly recognized spoke up, followed by something soft and scaly touching her lips.

She opened her eyes and smiled when Spike's face entered her view, memories of last night flooding her mind, "Morning, Handsome." Came her sleepy reply, kissing his collarbone in return before snuggling against him.

The two lay in comfortable silence for a moment before Spike looked at her, "Twilight?"

"Hm?"

"Last night, when you said I meant everything.." He was silenced when she straddled him.

"Yes, Spike. And I meant all of it." You were there for me more times than I can count; and the idea of you not being in my life anymore.." She jumped when he abruptly gave her cutie mark a firm squeeze.

"I don't know what you drank last night, Twilight Sparkle," He said, slipping a hand behind her head, "But if you think I'm just going to up and leave like that, then you are very much mistaken." He pulled her in for a deep kiss, lightly running his thumb along her horn in the process, earning delighted shiver from her. "You're stuck with me."

Twilight smiled, feeling that particular weight fade and replaced by a rather enjoyable friskiness as her dragon continued stroking her horn, "Well then, guess I'll just have to make due it would seem." She purred as she began to slowly grind..

*RRRrrrrrhh*

And blushed when he looked at her stomach.

"Heh, I should probably take care of that before anything else." He said as she slipped off him, "Anything in particular you want today?"

"Mmm, surprise me." She said, watching Spike get up and head to the door, her eyes focusing on his rear as his tail swayed from side to side slightly with each step.

"Maybe I should make a cake for Pinkie later." He turned back to her, "After all, in a way she did have a hand in getting all this going." He chortled and headed downstairs.

"Heh, she'd definitely appreciate that." She said absently, her mind beginning to wander, "Pinkie's hand in this.." Those words bringing her back to the week before...

"You really are attracted to him?" Twilight asked, rather surprised to see THIS side of the party-loving mare.

"Why wouldn't I be?" She chirped, "Spikey's always been ready to help out when he can. He's nice, fun-loving, easy to get along with. Plus.." Her normally bright-eyed, smiling expression suddenly shifted to a rather seductive grin with half-lidded eyes, her voice taking a sultry purr, "These last couple of years, he's turned into a yummy hunk of dragon." Even her chuckle sounded erotic, "I know aside from me, at least one of us has a thing for him."

"It's safe to assume she meant one of the six of us." She surmised. Then her eyes widened when she remembered, "The sleepover!"

The last sleepover the six of them had had been just over a month ago. It had been fairly normal; joking, cutting up; their usual antics. Then one of Rainbow Dash's jokes brought up something Twilight had never really considered; had any of her friends ever really been in a relationship? So, out of curiosity, she asked.

Rarity immediately discussed her recent date that, in her words, was 'quite lackluster', but already had another one set for the coming weekend.

The others, however...

Dash put up an obvious front: "I just can't find anyone as awesome as me, that's all."

Applejack was her usual blunt self: Ah..Ah never really thought 'bout it...

Fluttershy, and strangely enough, Pinkie, both just clammed up

Even with all that, the sad and lonely expressions on the four of them were evident. It was disheartening, to say the least.

Though, that only lasted until Spike came in with the munchies they had asked him to get.

Even Twilight had to giggle at herself when she remembered trying to hide the blush she herself had gotten then, "Spent days wondering just why that happened. Now I know." She looked fondly towards the bedroom door.

She wasn't the only one, that much she knew as well, She was positive she saw flushes of pink on a couple of her friends cheeks, but couldn't be sure who.

And Pinkie wasn't saying anything:

"Sorry, Twi. Can't tell." She replied, shifting back to her normal perky self, "I Pinkie Promised not to say. If you wanna know you'll just have to use your own braininess."

Well, regardless of who it really was, one thing was certain; she couldn't just sit back and leave her friends like that. They deserved to be with someone, didn't they? Someone to love, to hold, to share their lives with...

Someone..

She was brought out of her thoughts when the smell of strawberries and chocolate wafted up from downstairs...and something in her mind clicked, a plan already forming.

Without hesitation, Twilight grabbed her bathrobe from the closet and slipped it on, tying it loosely to show off some leg and a bit of cleavage before making her way downstairs.

In the kitchen, Spike was focused on his cooking, so he didn't notice her when she came down and watched as he grabbed a few things out of the fridge, wearing his old heart apron...and nothing else.

"Mmm..Twilight like.." She purred, getting him to turn around in time to see her licking her lips.

"Maybe I should dress this way more often." He smirked, watching her tug at the robe's belt as she sauntered closer.

*KNOCK KNOCK*

"Horsefeathers!" She muttered, cinching her robe back up to fully cover herself, "I'll get it."

*KNOCK KNOCK*

"I'm coming!" She said, grabbing the door, "What is...R-Rarity!?"

"Oh, Twilight! There you are!" The white unicorn exclaimed, a sense of urgency in her voice, "I simply must talk to you about our little Spikey-Wikeee--ee-eh-ho-oh..oh my!" Her voice faltered as she looked at Twilight's face, then her robe, "Why-why Twilight! I didn't know!"

"Wh.what are you talking about?"

Rarity gave her a chiding smile, "Come now, Darling! You, Twilight Sparkle of all ponies, answering the door in a bathrobe, and with a smile I can see you fighting to keep down! Not to mention that you are positively glowing!" She finished with a giddy squeal. "I read enough to know what the signs are! Ooh! Is he still here??"

"Look, Rarity, can't we talk about this later..?" Wrong thing to say...

"He IS, isn't he!?" She wagged her eyebrows, "Twilight, I never thought you would..give..in...." Rarity's voice trailed away, the look of excitement replaced with shock and growing outrage.

Twilight turned to see Spike through the kitchen entryway, with his back to them.

"Twilight Sparkle!" She snapped in a harsh whisper, "What! Was!That!"

"Hmm..?" She said, absently enjoying the view, a hint of lust in her voice, "Oh...that...that was just Spike fixing breakfast."

"I can see that; but, WHY is he NAKED!?"

Twilight had the decency to blush, "Well, Spike and I..we were together last night."

Rarity looked at her blankly "All right, but that still does not explain THAT." She pointed to the kitchen.

"No, Rarity. We slept together."

".....Come again?"

Resisting the urge to say 'Indeed I did.',she repeated, "We slept together last night."

The white unicorn frowned, "If this is some kind of joke, Twilight, it is NOT funny!"

"It's no joke. Spike and I...we're together now."

"W-WHAT!? You-you and...and Spike!?"

"Yes." She answered, hoping to stave off Rarity's shock, "Look, I know this is unexpected..."

"'Unexpected'!? This is positively inconceivable!"

"What's THAT supposed to mean!?" She said indignantly.

"Come now, Twilight. The very notion is so..so outlandish! There's no possible way you two could have feelings for each other in THAT manner!"

"And just who are you to say whether or not we should feel that way, Rarity!?" Twilight snapped, staring her right in the eye, " We KNOW we love each other, When I realized my date last night-yes, I went on a date-" She continued before Rarity could say anything, "He turned out to be a scumbag, but Spike...Spike was there for me. Now, I know I'm not as busty as Fleur-de-Lis or Sapphire Shores, but you know what Spike called me last night? A goddess. Me; average little Twilight, and he said I looked like a goddess!" She could feel the rising blush from remembering how he looked at her then, but she carried on, "When he kissed me, I went weak-kneed and his arms were the only thing keeping me up. He means everything to me and I made sure he knew. So yes, I'd say it's love."

"But..but Twilight...!"

"No, Rarity. Look, I suggest you go home and maybe think about just why he's dating other mares now." Twilight then lowered her voice to a whisper, but keeping her tone firm, "But, I will say this; I intended to make sure my dragon gets the PERFECT herd. And as of right now, the odds of you being anywhere near the list are very, very low."

It was somewhat cruel, yes. But twisting the knife a little felt satisfying. Plus, hopefully it would help drive the point home.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to have an enjoyable breakfast with my dragon." Her voice turned coy, "In more ways than one."

With that, she closed the door, leaving an amusingly shocked Rarity outside.

Back in the kitchen, Spike was setting a couple stacks of chocolate pancakes with caramel syrup on the table. He glanced up when she neared, "What'd Rarity want? I could hear her squeal something from here."

"She just wanted to talk about something real fast." She eyed the food, "Ooh, that looks tasty." Before setting her gaze on him, using her magic to toss the robe and his apron aside, "But there's something else I want to enjoy first."

Author's Note

Woo-hoo! Another chapter down!

Oddly enough, Rarity strikes me as just the kind of gal who gets a little too caught up in corny romance novels.

And before I forget. More large props to DragonPony for helping with this chapter.

Unexpected Breakfast Guest-Pt.1

Rarity's mind was a whirl as she staggered absentmindedly back to the Boutique. That was one of the few times she had ever seen Twilight actually angry, and the first time it was directed at her like that. Looking back on it, though, part of her admitted she probably should have rephrased her statement; the idea of them getting together was so..so..it just out of nowhere! She couldn't help but voice her surprise at the whole thing.

However, that was quickly overwhelmed by other thoughts: how could her Spikey--her sweet, innocent Spikey-Wikey--do that? Especially with one of her best friends! For that matter, when did it start? She could tell that last night had been..well, their first, but how long were they before that step? Days? Weeks? She knew it probably wasn't any of her business as to why, but she had always thought they saw each other as brother and sister. Apparently she was quite wrong in that assumption.

Another thing that confused her was what Twilight could have possibly meant by getting him the 'perfect herd', and by her chances on the list? She couldn't mean what she thought, did she? "No, that's silly!" She assured herself, "He's not even their type, I'm sure of it. Anyway, Spike and Twilight are together and I should be happy for them. Ha! Of course I am. Yes, I am happy for them." A smile appeared on her face, though it did look just slightly forced. .

She was so preoccupied with her thoughts, she failed to see a familiar blue Pegasus fly overhead, making a beeline for the very place she had left.

She'd just gotten back from helping deal with a nasty storm system around Baltimare and decided to stop at Sugar Cube Corner for a bite to eat and see if she'd missed anything over the last few days. What she'd learned, though....

"Any idea when you're gonna go out with Spike again, Rose?" Rainbow Dash overheard Lily Valley ask while polishing off a doughnut.

"Not sure." Came the reply, "It was fun, but if I do go with him, it may be just as friends..."

"There's another Spike in town?" She asked, a little surprised that there'd a pony named Spike around, not to mention that Roseluck of all mares would be the first to go out with him.

The trio simply giggled, "Where've you been, Rainbow Dash? We're talking about Spike. Remember? Big and purple with scales? Like to munch on gems? THAT Spike."

"Yeah, right, Roseluck. I ain't falling for that." She replied, "We all know how hung up he is on Rares."

"Not an-y-mo-oore." Daisy piped up in a singsong tone, "He gave her up almost a week ago and started dating. Rosie here was the first one he asked out." She smirked, "She's still got the panties she wore that day."

"Daisy!" Roseluck hissed, blushing hotly.

Rainbow knew she'd have to see this for herself. So, once she'd finished eating and paid, she took off straight to the library.

"They gotta be pulling my wing!" She thought, landing at the front entrance. Testing the door found it to be unlocked and what sounded to be like conversation, tinged with light laughter, could be heard when she cracked it open.

An evil grin crossed her face. The sounds were coming from the kitchen, and the chance to prank them a little was just too good to pass up.

Making sure she wouldn't be see from the door, she slunked her way around the room. It took a good portion of her will power not to cackle as she pictured their faces when she jumped out from around the side. Getting as close as she could without giving herself away, she put her ear to the kitchen's entry way and listen.

"Shame they're already cold." That was obviously Spike.

"We can always reheat them. For now, however, I think an..appetizer is in order." Ok, there's Twilight, but what the hay did she mean by THAT? Dash strained to hear them.

"Mmmm.."

Wait, waitwaitwait..that..that sounded like a kiss. Her curiosity got the better of her and she peered around the frame. Eyes immediately widened and jaw dropped at the sight.

There, standing by the countertop, stood Twilight and Spike..

Bare-ass naked!

Dash rubbed her eyes to be sure she wasn't just looking at the wrong angle. They..they couldn't be..could they?

Twilight slipped her arms around his neck and began to nibble at his scaly neck, causing his shoulders to quiver.

"H-hey! That tickles!" He said, which just seemed to egg her on.

Dash's jaw fell a bit more. The egghead was...taking the lead..!

"Oh, two can play this game." Spike grinned. He began to run his fingers across her cutie mark..

Twilight let out a squeak and tensed up, "Sp-Spike!" She gasped as he did it again, pressing a little harder ''A-ahh! O-oh it is on, Mr.Dragon!* Reaching up as far as she could, she gave his ear fin a lick before gently biting it, getting a brief, low moan from him..

Dash could only watch, slack-jawed, as the two of them tickled, licked, and teased each other. That lasted until Spike's eyes shifted, indicating he'd just gotten an idea and wrapped his arms around her. A moment later he kissed her horn, flicking his tongue over it. Wow.. She thought as Twilight 'eep'ed and tried squirm away, saying that was cheating, His answer was start licking her horn from top to bottom. The little whine of pleasure she let out from that was kinda cute in a way. "Thunderlane was right, those horns ARE sensitive if someone else touches them."

"Are we having fun yet, Miss.Sparkle?" He said teasingly.

"Oh...oh wow.." She gasped, shuddering a bit, "N-no fair, Spiii-iii..!" She trailed off in a squeal when he suddenly wrapped his lips around the tip and began to suck lightly on it.

"Mmm." He looked and smiled at her now flushed expression, moving down a little farther. He just reached the tops of her breasts when they bumped the table, jostling a container on it that caught his eye. His smile widened and he grabbed it with his tail, "I think this breakfast needs the proper topping, don't you think?" He asked, lifting Twilight up so she could sit on the counter.
.
Dash frowned in confusion, That looks like a syrup bottle. What's he gonna do with tha-h-HOLY..! She clamped her hands over her mouth to keep herself from saying that out loud when she saw him drizzle the syrup across her breasts,

"Spike..!" Twilight yelped when he started, "I'm gonna be all sticky!"

"Then allow me to help you clean up." He began to eagerly flick and slide his tongue over every spot the syrup trickled onto.

"Hopping Horsehoes!" Dash gulped and felt her cheeks heat up at the purrs and giggles her unicorn friend let out as Spike happily licked every inch of her breasts clean of the sticky, sugary liquid, pausing briefly to suck on each nipple. Twilight's soft moans when he did sent a tingle down Dash's spine,

As well as a pang of...something.

"Yum!" Spike looked Twilight in the eye as he licked the caramel off his lips and chuckled, "Think I might have seconds."

"Well, far be it from me to say no." She purred, leaning back a little. At least, she did until he began to slowly push her legs apart.

"Wh-what are you doing??" She stammered, blushing again as he draped her leg over his shoulders. She tried to move them but squeaked when he gave her rear a firm squeeze with both hands. "Spike..! W-wait!" She whined and bit her lip when he looked down at her marehood.

"What's wrong? It's beautiful." He said, looking her in the eye before descending.

"I-AHH!" She cried out, throwing her head back as he did.

Luckily for Dash, Twilight's yell was enough to drown out the loud 'POOMPF!' of her wings popping out at the sight, "Celestia, that's hot!" She fought back her own moan at the loud squeals and half-screams of her squirming friend as she was set upon by the purple dragon. It was then she felt a dampness between her legs and blushed at small dark spot forming on the crotch of the track pants she had on.

"I can't believe this!" She yelled in her mind, "I'm getting turned on watching one of my best friend get eaten out by another one of my best friends! I shouldn't even BE here! I should've left by now! I-I.." She began to move a hand up to her inner thigh, gasping when she pressed a finger to the spot.

Spike kept his eyes trained on Twilight's face the whole time as he ate her, earning adorable little squeaks and gasps in the process, "Delicious. And adorable, too" He piped up, the forked tip of his tongue flicking into view for a moment.

"Don't...don't say it like that, Spike!" She whispered,

"Twi, you know how many stallion would give their left hooves to hear the cute noises you're making? Or get a glimpse at what I'm seeing?" He smirked and kissed her marehood, making her hips twitch, and him grin wider, "Well, well..if I could get you to react like that, what would you do if I did this?"

Dash couldn't see what Spike did, but Twilight must have liked it because she cried out bucked her hips hard against him. She bit her lip hard to stifle herself, almost drawing blood as her legs gave finally out and she sunk to her knees on the floor, "When'd Spike get..bold like this!?."

"Did that feel good?" He asked. When she nodded, he simply shook his head back, "Now, now, Miss Sparkle, you can be clearer than that. Let's try again." He descended back to her crotch, "Did this.." Dash panted as she watched Twilight buck again, "Feel good?" Her hand inched closer and closer to the waistband of her pants while her other moved to cup her own breast, wincing when she felt how painfully hard her nipple was.

"Y-Yes.." She moaned, barely audible.

"What was that?" He asked.

"Yes, that felt good, Spike." She repeated, sweat starting to bead on her forehead, "Please...do it again."

"Well, since you asked so nicely." He resumed, massaging her ass and cutie mark as he did.

The pang returned, but this time, she realized what it was. Dash knew she had never exactly been feminine. Ever since her first days at Flight Camp, she had set out to prove she was the most awesome, most radical pegasus in Equestria; a goal she had been able to prove more than once.

Unfortunately, the brash, competitive attitude and personality she had developed from that had caused her love life...if it can really be called that...to take a noticeable hit.

She was jealous... jealous of Twilight Sparkle...

"Nnnh..oh..mm." Twilight panted, her gaze focused on him.

"Hmm?" Spike raised an eye, "Anything in particular you'd like me to do?"

"I.." She mumbled something, a mix of desire and lust visible in her eyes.

He chuckled lightly, "Now, Miss Sparkle. I thought we talked about this; you have to be clearer."

She mumbled again, a little louder, but it still couldn't be made out.

Wh..what's he doing?" Dash wondered, her fingers slipping into her pants, already feeling the damp heat inside. She watched him slid a hand up between her legs, earning a rather surprising, "Oh...oh yeah...". He kept there briefly before returning it to her rear, one of his fingers glistening.

"Perhaps...THIS will help."

Both mares' eyes widened to near impossible levels

"Spike! Don't tooo-OOOAAHHHH!" She screamed, throwing her head back, tongue hanging out, back arched and her ass pressed against his hand.

"NO WAY! That....that's supposed to be be dirty. Dash thought. At least that was until she saw what could only be utter ecstasy crossing Twilight's face.

"Now, shall we try again?" Spike asked.

"Don't stop..."

"Pardon?" That was apparently all he had to say.

"DON'T STOP! PLEASE!" She cried out, wrapping her legs around his head, "I want you to DEVOUR my tight little pussy! I wanna feel as much of that wonderful tongue of yours inside me as possible!" She then grabbed the sides of his head, her voice becoming a husky growl, "And for the love of Celestia, don't you DARE remove that finger!"

That seemed to set Spike off as well, because he let out his own growl, along with a toothy smile. He simply responded with, "By all means." before he dove back in with gusto.

"Oh...Tartarus,YES!" Twilight screamed, her grip on his head tightening.

That was all Dash could take, With a stifled whine, she drove her hand into her pants, and feeling her own drenched marehood, sunk two fingers in. "Mmmm.." She purred, enjoying the measure of relief it gave her, her eyes never leaving the eager dragon.

"More! MORE! Twilight screamed, her hips bucking wildly against his snout, his free hand moving to get a firm grip on one of her bouncing breasts.

Dash nodded, the noise spurring her on as well, "More.." She whispered, leaning her head back in bliss and speeding up

'S...Spike..I'm gonna...!" She cried out, her voice quavering slightly.

"Going to what, Twilight?"

"I..I'm going to cum!"

His voice was a low, lust-filled rasp when he replied, "Then cum for me, my dear Twilight, cum for me." With that he drove his tongue and finger in as far as he could, pumping vigorously with both. He slid his free hand down and began to rub and tweak the small bud above her now flowing flower.

"SPIIIIIIIIKKKKKEEE!!!!" Twilight wailed as her orgasm washed over her. Her juices gushing into Spike's waiting mouth who eagerly and greedily gulped them down.

Her body trembled as he continued to pump his finger, causing her to continue to spurt for several seconds before she was released from his grip, gasping for air, flushed, and covered in a light sheen of sweat. His now slick tongue causing her to let out a mew of delight as it slowly pulled out of her

Purring, he licked her tender mound clean and gently set her legs back down. "Delicious!" He wrapped his arms around Twilight to help steady her and kissed her deeply.

"C-Celestia's fetlocks, Spike!" She gasped once they broke apart and she was able to catch her breath, "Where'd you even learn that!?"

"Well I do happen to live in a library, Twilight." He smirked, "I've read my share of anatomy books...and a porno or two."

She chuckled sheepishly, "Yeah, heh. Well, I suggest you keep up with your studies if it can help you perform like that." Slipping her arms around him again, "I'd say this was definitely an A+." She pulled him in for another kiss.

"H-haaa-ahh-ahh-ahh!" The shuddering moan broke the brief silence, making them both jump.

"What the buck was THAT!" Spike yelped.

"It came from around the table!" Twilight promptly use her magic to move the furniture aside...

To reveal a flushed, half-lidded Rainbow Dash, wings locked at full extension, tongue rolling out as she panted..and her hand thrust deep in her track pants.

Author's Note

And so the purple pair have caught the self-pleasuring tresspasser. What will they do with her? Or should that be 'do TO her'?

*plops down, wore out* Whew, this chapter was not easy, heh. Was fun though, considering I've never written an oral scene before.
Again, props to DragonPony for helping me.

Unexpected Breakfast Guest-Pt.2

"Huh...huh.. w-wow..that was one of the hottest things I ever saw!" Rainbow Dash gasped, still riding the crest of her orgasm. However, that was also the moment she realized she was being watched.

Her eyes slowly trailed up until she saw both Twilight and Spike looking right at her. For a brief moment, she expected looks of disgust, outrage, or at least alarm...or a combination...etched on their faces.

She didn't really expect them to be grinning.

"Um, heh. looks like we had an unexpected audience." Spike quipped.

"Seems she enjoyed herself immensely. as well." Twilight smiled, slipping off the counter. Any sign of prudishness she might have had before were now long gone, "Candidate Number One." Twilight thought, "Dash's always shown she'll be there for us, her laziness notwithstanding. I believe it's time to return the favor." She slipped an arm around Spike, "Like what you see, Dashie?"

Dash gulped slightly as she looked at the pair in their birthday suits. She was somewhat relieve to see that Twilight's chest was close to her's in size. It was hard not to feel her cheeks heat up more when her eyes trailed down the shapely body to see a small trimmed tuft of indigo hair above her still wet marehood,

Then she turned her attention to Spike and simply stared. She'd seen him working at the farm a few times and knew he was a big guy; seeing his double dragons at full attention, however, were completely new to her and she unconsciously licked her lips at the sight.

"I think she's still enjoying it." Twilight's amused voice brought her back and she had the decency to look away, embarrassed at herself for ogling him.

"Um..the..the door was unlocked and I..well.." She gulped again, "I..I'm in trouble aren't I?"

"Heh, guess I should've made certain I locked it, so we can't really blame you for that." Twilight stepped over and bent down to look Dash in the face, knowingly giving Spike a good view of her backside in the process. "However, you did stay and watch." She smirked and playfully patted the hand still in her pants, "And had your own naughty fun as well. And for that, you must be.." Her voice took on a husky, erotic tone, "Punished."

"P-punished..??" The pegasus' voice squeaked uncharacteristically.

Twilight's smile widened as she gave a half-lidded stare. On the inside, however..."Ohcrapohcrapohcrapohcrap!! Okokok, just relax Twilight Sparkle, you can do this! If you can face off against Nightmare Moon, an Alicorn Pendant-possessed Trixie, and Discord, you can make out with Rainbow Dash! Just keep your cool and remember; the girls deserve someone they can love and be with, and Spike deserves some loving after seven years of effort." She glanced behind her and blushed at the way said dragon was hungrily eyeing her rear. "Plus I'll have to encourage him to join in; he's just too loyal to even think about looking for another mare so quickly. Not to mention he'd probably feel like I'd have problems with him bringing in our friends. Though I gotta admit; the situation IS kinda hot." She give him a wink and wiggled her bottom at him before focusing back to Rainbow dash, "All right, Sparkle. It's now or never; fortune favors the bold and, in this case, slightly horny!"

"Twi..?" Dash was abruptly cut off when Twilight cupped her cheeks and kissed her deeply. She tensed in surprised at the kiss, but that slowly melted away as she felt just how soft the unicorn's lips were and she let out a light purr when they separated.

"Well, that wasn't too bad. She seemed to enjoyed it, Spike too from the sound of it. Hm, tastes a little like grape soda. Now..to raise the stakes a little" Twilight slipped a hand down to caress her neck and began trailing her lips down the opposite side, her tongue lightly gliding over Dash's fur and causing the pegasus' purr to deepen slightly. Twlight, for lack of a better term, was surprised and more than a little impressed at the reaction she was getting, "She's kinda cute like this." She grinned and used her magic to slowly unzip Dash's jacket, revealing the sports bra underneath before pulling the jack off her.

Twilight blushed when she saw the two hard points poking through the fabric, Wow, she could cut glass with these. She thought, "Oh, did seeing me and Spike turn you on that much?" She purred.

"I..I.." Dash stammered before she recognized her tone, "Wait a sec! She..she's trying to tease me! We'll see about that!" She 'humphed' and tried to look away, "Yeah, right! I'm...it's just kinda cold in here, that's all!"

"So, she's gonna try to play 'tough filly' huh? Let's see how long she can last." Twilight slid a hand over the bra and caught one of Dash's nipple between her fingers. "Oh? So you won't react to this, then?" She gently pinched the hard nub and was rewarded with a cute little squeak.

"Oh, Celestia.." Dash moaned briefly before catching herself, blushing hotly, "T-To what? I didn't....I didn't feel a-anything." She tried to bluster, promptly squeezing her thighs together.

Twilight grinned and began to playfully roll and tweak it as she slid her other hand under the bra, pushing it up in the process to reveal an ample cyan-furred breast, topped with a periwinkle nipple. She gave it a squeeze, "Oh? You don't feel you cute little breast being played with, along with this hard nipple?" She rolled her thumb over the sensitive bud, noting how much larger it was than her own, then leaned over farther. Her lips were almost touching Dash's ear as she whispered, her warm breath tickling her ear, "A nipple that got hard watching her friend's dragon eat out her tight, wet pussy."

Dash's cheeks flared brightly "Ww-wha...um..I-I.uh...ah.." She stammered, squirming uncontrollably as Twilight fondled her before feeling the hand that had exposed her begin to slowly trail down.

"Would you like to know how it felt when his long, slick tongue entered me? How I could feel it twist and flick inside, touching nearly every inch of my tunnel? Lapping away at me like an ice cream cone during a heatwave." She giggled, "I almost came then and there when his finger slipped into my little star." Twilight spread her legs a little allowing Dash to see a bit of her honey trickle down her thigh, "Sure it stung a bit at first, after that..." She moaned into the pegasus' ear, her fingers reaching the waistband, trailing around before she slipped her hand in, making Dash let out startled squeak. "I cannot believe I just SAID that!" Twilight mentally yelped, "And I'm actually showing her how turned on I'm getting from all this!"

She fought back her own blush and glanced back at Spike. He was currently staring, slightly gobsmacked at what he was seeing, but also enjoying it if his goofy smile was any indication, "All right, Twilight; time to bring it all home. Oh, Spike, could you come here, please?"

Spike jerkily walked over, his mind currently somewhere between 'semi-soft' and 'mush', "Oooohh, sweet Celestia..! That's the second hottest thing I've ever seen, right behind last night. Ok, Spike, keep it together." As he got closer, he couldn't help but make an observation; Rainbow Dash was really cute when she wasn't being overly cocky. He could see a mix of lust and nervousness in her eyes. There was also a hint of fear; that would have to be rectified.

Granted, Dash was no stranger to what stallions looked liked in the buff...thanks to a couple of PlayMares Spitfire had gotten her as a joke. However, none of those pictures were quite on par with what she was looking at now. Especially since none of THEM were...dual welding.

"What can I do for my lilac princess?" He asked, making Twilight coo as he ran a finger around the base of her tail. His gaze then shifted to Dash before giving his signature grin, "And our rainbow beauty here?"

Her blush immediately increased tenfold. Did..did he just call her a 'beauty'? She shook her head aggressively, "I-I'm no 'beauty'..! I'm awesome!"

His grin widened slightly as he cupped her cheek, "Who's to say you can't be both?"

"I agree." Twilight added, "Especially with such cute breasts." She gave the large nub that was still between her fingers a pinch, getting Dash to squeak again, "And these adorable nipples. Don't you think so, Spike?"

"Oh, without a doubt." He replied, slowly moving his hand down to caress the exposed one.

Dash leaned her head back slightly and let out a shuddering whimper as she felt his claws lightly graze her currently vulnerable flesh, "What the heck is WRONG with me!?" She berated herself, "I'm Rainbow Dash, THE most awesome pegasus in Cloudsdale and Ponyville! But...here I am...blushing at being called beautiful and than my tits are cute! And...and I like it...."

Spike apparently must've have an idea of what she was thinking because he cupped her cheek again with his other hand and moves his face to within an inch of hers, "We're not lying, Dash." He whispered, his thumb circling her areola, "You are beautiful." He punctuated this by lightly pressing his lips to hers.

This, combined by the feel of both of them fondling her and her own percolation emotions, proved to be be her breaking point. With a gasp in the middle of the kiss, her hips bucked hard and a sweet aroma hit all their noses.

Breaking the kiss, Spike smacked his lips, "Hm, cream soda." He inhaled deeply, "And something else smells just as tasty." His husky growl returning.

"So, Dashie." Twilight grinned, pulling up the bra to show both her breasts, "Would you like us to take care of your..little problem?"

Her barriers finally collapsing, Dash looked at them both with undisguised desire, "Y-Yes...please..." She whispered.

"Would you like to do the honors, Twi?" Spike asked before kissing her again, deeply.

Twilight licked her lips at the sight and began to slide the track pants off, revealing a pair of white briefs, now soaked and translucent from her juices, "Did we turn you on that much, Dashie?" Twilight purred, rubbing her fingers lightly over the throbbing mound, getting a slight gasp in return.

"Oh Celestia..! That feels SO GOOD!" Dash whimpered, "Do..Don't stop, please..!"

"Oh we will, don't worry." Twilight looked around as she relieved her of the panties, "But not here on the floor. We need a spot more appropriate. Spike, help her onto the table, would you?" she asked, making a spot with her magic.

He lifted the now nude Rainbow Dash bridal style and set her on it, taking note of how she snuggled into him slightly as he did.

"So, what do you think should be the first part of her punishment, Our Prince?" She asked him. her tone laced with hunger, as well as making the way she said the last two words sound like a title.

Dash watched them whisper to each other for a moment, fidgeting anxiously, "What are they doing..? This is torture!"

Twilight giggled and nodded before they stepped over to her, " We've decided that you'll have the pleasure of being our breakfast." She purred before descending her lips to Dash's neck, "So you'll need to present yourself as the sexy little treat you are."

"And we won't...dig in until you show us what you have to offer." Spike added in his own growl, following Twilight's lead, "And in all your beautiful awesomeness."

-----------Carousel Boutique-----------

Rarity blinked as she looked at the table. She had gotten home less than half an hour ago, finally putting the unpleasantness from before out of her head, though she made a point to apologize to Twilight for the unintentional way she had phrased her shock. Now she was relaxing in the kitchen, pleasantly enjoying a nice fruit salad.

But, oddly enough, she had just began eating when it suddenly seemed less appetizing now...that coupled with the inexplicable urge to punch something.

She choked down the mouthful she had and slowly moved the bowl away from her.

-----------Back at the library-----------

Dash moaned happily as she felt both pair of lips run along her slender neck.

"We won't start until you show us all of this beautiful body of yours." Spike whispered, playfully nibbling at her ear.

And as quick as it started, it ended, and she whimpered when they stepped back to face her.

Spike slipped his arms around Twilight from behind so they were both still facing her, "It's ok, Dash." He said, gently running his hand over Twilight's stomach, but keeping eye contact with her, "Just show us and we'll give you all the pleasure you can handle."

Twilight purred at the touch and looped her own arms up around his neck, "He's right, you know. Our prince'll show you more than you could ever imagine, you just have to open up to us."

Biting her lip, Dash let out a long exhale and slowly separated her thighs, revealing her glistening marehood. A tuft of rainbow colored hair rested just above her button, though slightly plastered down by her own honey.

"Well now, that IS a lovely sight. Wouldn't you agree, my lilac princess?" He said, kissing her neck, his eyes never breaking

"Mmmmm, indeed." Twilight tilted her neck to him in appreciation.

"You know...since she obviously enjoyed watching us..." He slid his hand and massaged her already sensitive clit, getting a scream of surprise and delight in return, "We should give her another show, up close." Keeping his thumb rolling against the nub, Spike slid two fingers against her petals, spreading them slightly, "Don't look away, Dash. You don't want to miss a thing, now, do you?"

'Ooh...Spike.." Twilight mewed softly, raising her hips slightly to get more pressure from it. The moan quickly turned to a gasp as both fingers slid into her and began a slow, firm pump, "Aahh,,oh yeah..h-harder.." She moaned, thrusting against his hand with each pump, her juices slowly trickling down his hand. Suddenly, her eyes widened and she squealed when the tip of his upper length pressed against her tight star and began rubbing against it, "S-Spike..." She squeaked, blushing brightly, "Is..is that..?" She purred and lifted her ass to push against him when he began to rub harder, "Mmm...'

"Look at your friend, Twi." Spike whispered, just loud enough for Dash to hear, "Look at how wet and horny she's getting watching you; watching your delicious little mound being filled with your dragon's fingers." He began to wiggle his fingers rapidly, causing her to spasm in ecstasy as they bounced around inside her, "Tell her how it feels. Don't be shy, now. Tell her how it feels having these fingers stir you up over and over." He said, pumping slightly harder each time he said 'over'.

"Oh Celestia..!" Twilight arched her back, "It feel so gooood, Dash..I can feel him..stretching me a little..ahhhh."

Dash watched in aroused fascination as Twilight borderline humped Spike's hand, the moans and squeals of pleasure she was letting out echoed in her ears. She found herself imaging how those fingers would feel in her, the very thought making her own quim throb in anticipation.

Spike pumped a few more times before slipping his cum-soaked digits out. He lifted his hand up so both mares could see it and licked a fingertip, savoring her taste, "Delicious." He grinned, watching both mares blush at his action and enjoying it, "Have a taste, Twi?" He offered, holding his hand just close enough for her to smell her own scent, "See how sweet your cute little pussy is while you admire your friend's own soaked mound."

Twilight looked at the glistening finger and started to shy away before her own aroma-a slightly pungent, sweet fragrance-filled her nose. "Well..it..it does smell nice.." She thought, and tentatively opened her mouth, allowing him to slip the slick fingertip between them. Her tongue ran over it introducing her to a sweet flavor with a hint of saltiness...

And she loved it. She purred in enjoyment as she began to suckle on his finger and was rewarded with a pleased growl and a bit more pressure against her backdoor.

Dash had to bite back another whimper as she watched Twilight's sucking, an expression of contentment on the unicorn's face. She watched her as she tried to suck it clean before Spike pulled it away.

"Now, Twi, it's not fair if you don't let Dash have any.' He smiled, kissing her before stepping over to Dash. Running a hand along her leg and up her body, he made sure she saw him lick his lips as he eyed her soaked marehood hungrily. The resulting shiver let him know he was successful. "Now keep those leg open, Dashie." He said, lightly rubbing just above her pubic hair, "Show us that naughty pussy of yours." Lowering his other wet finger to her nose, he said, "You saw how much Twi enjoyed her own honey, so it only seems fair for you to have a taste." With that, he tapped her lips with the finger, watching her lick her lips on reflex.

Dash immediately blushed when she realized she was tasting, though that faded as she began enjoying the flavor. Noticing Spike's finger was still close, her tongue snaked out and lapped against it.

Spike smiled, "You really want to taste Twi's sweet pussy, don't you my beautiful rainbow?" He asked, watching her blush deepened before she gave a slight nod, "Well then, open wide." He slipped his finger into her mouth as soon as it opened, sliding it along her tongue.

She quickly clamped down and began sucking, savoring the sweet taste like it was her favorite flavor of ice cream.

"She is a sweet little thing, isn't she?" He asked, feeling her nod with a purr, "You know...I wonder..."

Dash whined a little as the finger was pulled away, wanting to taste more of Twilight. At least until she heard the next five words..

"Do you taste as good?'

She spasmed and arched her back with a cry of pleasure when she felt his palm roll over her sensitive button and two fingers rub the outside of her own hot, moist flower, "OH CELESTIA!" She squealed, a small bit of cum squirting out just from that.

"Seems somepony enjoyed that." He chuckled, noting that her marehood was just a little bit smaller than Twilight's, so he went slow, moving his finger just enough to part her lips before sliding it in. His reward was a low moan and the feel of her hips tremble against his hand. He began to pump, sliding his finger in as deep as he could go.

"Hard..harder.." She purred, Spike's finger sending bursts of pleasure into her with each thrust, "Oooh yeah.. I can't believe his hands feel so gooOOOOOODD!" Her eyes rolled back slightly when she felt him graze her g-spot and her next orgasm began to boil in her loins.

"Uh-uh-uh." He said teasingly, seeing her nearing the edge and slowly withdrawing his finger, "Don't want you cumming yet, my sweet rainbow." At the resulting whimper and pout, he leaned down to kiss her and whispered, his tongue tickling her ear, "I have something else to give you that pleasure." The glance down and shiver told him she got the message and he proceeded to show her his honeyed finger. He smirked and his tongue snaked out again, running along the appendage. It wasn't quite as sweet as Twilight's; a bit more tangy, but still tasty. "Yum." He growled, his voice taking on the same rasp as before, "Twi, come here, have a taste with Dashie'."
As Twilight stepped over, he watched Dash prop herself up, both of them eyeing his shining finger.

Dash was the first get her lick, her tongue wrapping around his knuckle. She smacked her lips briefly, the taste reminding her of some sour candy she had gotten from the Corner one time. She got a few more in before Twilight's joined it, the lingering sweetness of her own pleasure mingling with Dash's tart and creating a contrast that, if the soft purrs they were giving were any indication, they both enjoyed.

Twilight giggled to herself slightly at Dash's competitive nature showing through somewhat as their tongues wrestled around Spike's finger slightly. Though, she'd hesitate to admit it, but she found she kind of liked the feel of Dash's tongue against hers as they licked his finger clean.

Spike watched with a slightly bemused expression when he moved his hand away and both mares followed it briefly, letting out cute little whines of disappointment when it got out of reach, "Now that you've both enjoyed your little treat." He gave them both a toothy smile, sending a shiver of arousal down their spines, "I think it's time for our sexy rainbow's REAL punishment, wouldn't you agree, my princess?"

Author's Note

Cliffhanger!

Yes, your eyes do not deceive you: I am evil. (cue Kefka Laugh)

Truth be told, I had to find a stopping point for this chapter; was starting to feel just a tad burned out writing this monster.

Unexpected Breakfast Guest-Pt.3

"W-What do you mean real punish"..??" Rainbow Dash started to say before Spike's kiss cut her off. She tensed briefly in surprise but quickly relaxed into it, purring as he began to trail his lips down her chin. A squeal of laughter escaped her when his tongue flicked over her collarbone, "H-hey!" She squirmed at the sensation.

"Oh, is Equestria's 'Most Awesome Pegasus' ticklish?" Spike's smile widened. He gave the spot a lick, causing her to shake as she held back a giggle.

"You..you just caught me off gua-ahhhh.." She breathed when he reached her breasts. The dragon's scaly's lips sending a shivers up her spine each time they grazed over the sensitive mounds, each time getting closer and closer to her nipples. Getting just outside her areola, he reached out with his tongue and began circling the nub, eliciting an arched back and whine of pleasure from Dash.

Twilight bit her lip to suppress a moan as she watched Spike teasing her friend. A hand slid over her own breast when she saw him begin to nibble and suck on her rock hard pebbles. Hearing Dash's breathy "Spike.." made her even wetter and her other hand began to drift between her thighs. That is, until she saw him look right at her in amusement and her blush returning full force.

"Well, well, well, aren't you a naughty little filly." He grinned, "Look at your friend, Dashie, can you see how wet and horny she's getting just from watching."

Dash couldn't resist. She giggled and looked at Twilight's flowing marehood, her fingers inching along her thighs towards it, "Oh yeah, She's a..mmm..a very naughty filly, teasing her t-tight little pussy like that." She grinned when Twilight blushed, the thought that she was wishing she was in Dash's place filling her head. She knew teasing a horny Twilight would probably be a bad idea, but the chance to get back at her for earlier was too good to pass, plus the feel of Spike's mouth on her nipple was driving her wild "Oh, Twi, Spike's t-tongue feels so good. The way it fe-Aah! The..the way it feels on my hard nipples is awesome. By the look of your own you must be wishing you were here in my place right.." She shuddered as he gave her a hard suck, "Right now, aren't you? . T-to be here on this table being punished by..oohh.. Spike right now. Look at how your pouring all down your legs right in front of us. I bet watching him run that l..oh yeah..that long tongue over my body makes you remember how it felt to d-deep inside you stirring up your insides.The way he filled you up as he stroked your cutie mar-EEP!" She squeaked when a chuckle followed her own mark getting a teasing pinch, 'Aahh...seeing him punish me brings back that a-ache inside you for him to fill you back up, doesn't it, Twi?"

Spike chuckled as he listened, giving the valley between Dash's breasts a long slow lick before resuming his trek down her body, running his hands along the soft fur of her belly and up to gently scratch the leading edges of her wings, making the pegasus gasp.

"Oohh..mmmm S-Spike.." She panted, her wings twitching happily at the attention.

Twilight moaned as her fingers plunged deep into her hot tunnel. Watching Spike work on Dash's lithe body was madding enough but the pegasus' teasing had her almost at her limit, Of course, she wasn't about to let her get away with it,..no sir!. It was then she spotted the syrup bottle, still sitting on the counter, and a mischievous grin crossed her face. A quick levitation spell had it floating over to Spike, who gave it, then her, a look before getting his own grin.

-----------At Sugar Cube Corner-----------

Pinkie Pie looked up from her bowl, fingering her lower lip in confusion and looked back down at the batch of caramel she had been mixing up, "Why do I wanna make a bikini outta this all of a sudden?" She glanced around surreptitiously.

-----------Back at the library-----------

Dash, on the other hand, blushed brightly when she saw it floating inches above her nethers, "W-what are you going to do with that?"

"True, that tongue of his is very, VERY nice." Twilight purred, purring as she pulled her cum-coated fingers out and gave them a playful lick, "But I can think of something almost as enjoyable." With that, she tipped the bottle, pouring a generous amount of the now cooled liquid straight onto Dash's sex.

"YEEK! That's cold!" Dash arched her back on reflex, inadvertently thrusting her crotch almost into Spike's face in the process.

He chuckled, watching the syrup trickle in between her folds, making it look candy-coated, "And just when I thought your cute little pussy couldn't look any more delectable." Lowering his head till his nose and her mound were almost touching, he inhaled deeply, taking the sweet caramel combined with her own potent scent.

"S-Spike..!" Dash flushed with embarrassment as she felt his hot breath on her, only to let out a squeak when she felt the forked tip of his tongue slither over her thighs, lapping at the mix of her honey and sweat.

Meanwhile. Twilight had edged over beside her, sucking eagerly on her fingers close enough for Dash to hear her, "Yummy... You know, Dashie, what Spike's about to do is going to be so much fun."

At that, Spike's tongue shot out and began to slowly, and almost painfully, trace along the outer edge of her sex, causing Dash to tense and let out a moan, arching her back in the process.

"It was amazing, you know," She heard Twilight whisper, her hot scent still filling her nostrils, "Feeling his tongue roll and twist around inside me." Twilight stifled a moan as she ran her fingers back over her dripping mound before holding them up for Dash to see, the now stronger scent causing her nostrils to flare, "The way it lapped at my honey, making me feel like a real mare."

Dash whimpered. The maddening feel of Spike's tongue dancing between her legs mixed with Twilight's scent invading her nose was pushing her past the breaking point. She was breathing heavily in an attempt to keep what she had left of her train of thought, but that only brought in more of the aroma, and the memory of how it tasted. Without thinking, her own tongue flicked out, grazing the covered digits.

Twilight smiled when she saw and felt it. The expression on her friend's face was intoxicating. A look of desire and hunger; hunger that Twilight knew she was the only one with the power to give her what she was craving. She turned to watch Spike lap slowly around her swollen lower lips, the forked tip darting out every now and then to flick and tickle her sensitive clit, causing her to writhe and squeal with every attack. "Look, Dashie." She whispered huskily into her friend's ear. She was well aware of the power Spike had over them both, before and now, and she'd happily admit that she loved every moment of it. When she felt his arms wrapped around her she felt safe, like nothing or nopony could hurt her. When he kissed her, the passion in it made her feel as if she could melt into his touch. When he took her, toying and teasing her body, the feel of him on and inside her brought a sense of relief. The way he would control and conduct her somehow caused all the responsibilities and tasks that weighed on her to vanish, leaving only the sense of pleasure and ecstasy they would feel.

"At that moment I can stop being Celestia's student, the good daughter and sister, the Ponyville Librarian and Element of Magic...there, I'm simply Twilight Sparkle. His Twilight." She thought, the idea sending a shiver of desire down her spine, "He's proven he'll do everything he can to give me all the love he can, and then some. I'm his; every part of me belongs to him and he can do whatever he wants to me, because I know that, no matter what happens, he'll be there by my side and there to protect me, just I would for him.

But, from the expression on Dash's face, she knew that she had power over her as well right now. The air of submissiveness from the normally assertive, self-confident mare from was turning her on almost as much as Spike's ministrations,"Celestia, what the hay is WITH me!? I'm acting almost like a Dominatrots with Dash..and I'm enjoying it." She put the thought out of her head for now, "Look at Spike running that wonderful tongue of his along your cute little pussy. It feels good, doesn't it? The way it can curl and flick at almost every inch. You saw how he made me scream with it." She moved closer to her ear, "Soon he'll be making you scream as well." She grinned as Dash squealed and bucked her hips when his tongue wrapped around her sensitive nub, squeezing it slightly. In all honesty, she was just a tad jealous that it wasn't her marehood Spike was about to devour right now. It was then that she noticed the writhing, horny mare staring hungrily at her cum-coated fingers. She moved them closer and her smile widened when Dash immediately began sucking on the tips, an idea coming to her, "You enjoy my sweet honey, don't you, Dashie?" She purred as Dash moaned and nodded, "How would you like to have even more?"

Spike's eyes widened when Dash nodded again and Twilight responded by climbing up onto the table and straddling her face, giving him a full view of her firm, luscious backside. With a growl of appreciation, he gave one of the cheeks a squeeze, causing her to look behind at him and smile, pushing her rear against his palm slightly.

After getting his 'seal of approval' Twilight looked down at a bright red Dash, who was staring at her mound, "Have all you want, my sexy little rainbow," She said huskily, "Straight from the source." With that, she leaned forward to brace herself on the table and lowered her hips down until she could feel Dash's quickened breathing on her, making her wetter in the process, "I'm doing this..I'm really doing this! Just..just calm down, Twilight, you already know she likes your taste and she's shown she wants more. And I want to feel good too..to feel a tongue in me again.."

Dash stared in a mix of surprise and arousal; surprise that Twilight was actually doing that; and aroused at the fact that her marehood really was attractive. She hesitated only for a moment before sliding the tip of her own tongue up the throbbing slit and over her button, enjoying the sweet taste and loud moan she got from the unicorn. She gave her another lick, pressing harder against her folds.

"Mmmmf..." Twilight bit her lip, a look of utter bliss on her face, "Atta girl, Dashie, show me what you can do with that sweet tongue of yours." She lowered down until they were almost touching,

With that, Dash's tongue slid into Twilight's dripping mound, causing her to arch her back with a gasp and press her crotch against her mouth, kissing her with it. The act proved to be too much for her and Dash responded by wrapping her arms around Twilight's thighs, holing her close and pressing her lips against her mound, thrusting her tongue in as deep as she could, lapping hungrily at her tunnel.

"Oh Celestia!" Twilight cried, slowly rocking her hips against Dash's mouth, "That's our sexy little rainbow, enjoy your treat."

Meanwhile, Spike was enjoying himself immensely between the sweet/salty taste of Dash and the sight of Twilight's rear rocking up and down. It was then he got his own idea, "Well, well, it seems you two both enjoy being naughty fillies." He spoke up, using the same growl as before, making both mares shiver in delight, "And there's only one way to punish such naughty fillies like you."

"What's he mean...?" Dash thought, only to squeal into Twilight's sex as she felt his finger and the edge of something thick, flat, and..pointed glide over her own, almost making her cum right them, "CELESTIA! What was that!? That felt awesome!" Her answer came in the form of her lower body being lifted off the table and her legs draped over what she could only guess were her shoulders, "Wh-what is he doing...?" Another squeal cut her off when she felt the same finger rubbing under her tail, right on her own sensitive, puckered star.

Catching her breath from the effects of Dash's squeal on her marehood, Twilight managed to look behind in time to see Spike coating the spade of his tail with the pegasus' juices. A blush engulfed her face when he propped Dash's legs up on his shoulders, lifting her pelvis up off the table, followed with his hand sliding up under her. He looked her straight in the eye and smile before Dash's next squeal rocked her body.

"So, Dashie, how does it feel, having your tight, firm little ass touched for the first time?" He growled, using his free hand to rub and pinch at her button, "Does our sexy little rainbow like having her naughty hole played with?" He added a little more pressure, causing her to squeal and buck violently, her mound spasming slightly, "Write down your answer." He grinned,staring at Twilight's rear hungrily, "Write it with your tongue in Twi's sweet pussy." As he watched Twilight began to writhe and moan atop Dash's face, her own tongue lolling out slightly, he lifted his tail to show her the now glistening spade, "And you, my naughty princess, where would you like this to go? Perhaps.." His tail darted forward and slid edge first between her buttocks, the tip just outside her own star, "Here?"

Twilight gasped as she felt the thick edge of his tail rubbing up along her rear. It was stiff, but still had a measure of flexibility. And it proved that when she felt the tip slowly rub and twist against her own star, making her let out her own blissful squeal, "Mmmmoh yeah.." She groaned, rolling her pelvis between his tail and Dash's tongue.

"My, you ARE a naughty filly, aren't you?" He smirked, slowly pushing the tip deeper in to keep it enjoyable, but taking care not to hurt her, "Bend over for me, my naughty princess." He whispered, pressing the tip slightly into her hole, "Show me that sexy plot of yours."

With a heavy blush, Twilight complied, leaning down over Dash and propping herself on her hands, draping her tail to the side to give him a full view. In her mind, she knew a tiny part of her was screaming that no good girl would be doing this, but she didn't want to be one right now. She shuddered when she remembered him playing with her ass from earlier, the way his finger felt back there, deep inside her..and how much she loved it, wondering since it was just his finger then, how would something as thick as his tail feel?

"Dashie, be a dear and help our princess, would you?" Spike asked, his hot breath on Dash's crotch making her purr, "Open Twi's ass so we can see her adorable little hole." As he spoke, he pressed the tip of his finger into her own pucker, making her scream and buck. her fingers digging into Twilight's cheeks as she pulled them apart as far as they would go. She mewed in delight when his tongue curled between her netherlips as a reward.

With Twilight's star fully exposed, Spike began to grind and rub the spade of his tail on it, earning a cute squeal from her, "I'm still waiting for an answer, Twi. Should this thick tail go into your tight, dirty hole? The one you're presenting to the whole world? Do you want to feel your cute ass being fucked until you can hardly walk? Tell me, my lilac princess, tell me you want this thick tail filling you until you cum over the face of the sexy little mare who's face is buried in your hot pussy."

"YES!" Twilight squealed, "I want it all in me!!" She looked behind at him, her eyes clouded with desire and want, "Claim your naughty mare's tight ass, my prince. Make it yours and nopony else's!"

He blinked briefly in surprise at how she put it before regaining his smile, "Well then, ask.." He slowly pushed the thankfully flexible spade deeper and deeper into the quivering and cooing mare's rear until it vanished inside it, "And you will receive."

"Ooh Celestia!" Twilight whispered, tightening her ass on it slightly.

"And you, my little rainbow." He turned his attention to Dash, "Tell me, are you that kind of naughty mare, too?" He gave her marehood a kiss, sucking off some of the leftover caramel in the process, and making her moan deeply into Twilight, "Do you want to feel your own tight little hole filled?" He punctuated it by slowly moving his fingertip in a circle.

Dash squeaked as she felt his finger swirl around the sensitive spot.

Twilight had gotten the hint and raised up enough for her to look at him, pushing onto his tail in the process.

"Do you?" He leaned down and began sucking on her throbbing nub, making her shriek in ecstasy.

"YES! CELESTIA, YES!!" She screamed, now in the same fog of desire as Twilight, wrapping her legs around his head, "I want to feel my naughty ass being played with! Make your dirty little filly moan and scream for more, please!"

"And moan and scream you will, my beautiful rainbow." He growled, smoke wafting from his nostrils as he slid his finger into her quivering star deep as he could and began thrusting with a slow and steady rhythm with it and his tail, "Both of you."

At the feeling of his tail pumping into her rear, Twilight cried out in passion and her knees gave out, causing her to lower back down onto Dash's mouth, who immediately latched her mouth onto the trembling lips and drove her tongue in, licking and sucking away with relish. .

That spurred Spike and he did the same, his own tongue snaking into Dash's moist tunnel, coiling around inside as it did, causing Dash to let out a delighted scream into Twilight's sex, who let out her own scream as well.

"Oh yeah..oh..mmm.." Twilight cried out, bucking her hips against the double attack on her lower body, "Oh yes..pound your mares' asses, Spike! Fuck us like the dirty, naughty fillies we are! Oh, I am SO riding his double dragon if it even feel half as good as this tail!

"Mmmmm!" Dash moaned in agreement, tightening the hold her legs had on his head, pulling him as close to her mound as possible.

"Indeed I will, Twi." Spike's primal tone returned, letting out his own growl of desire, "Indeed I will." With that, his tongue began writhing and rolling with a frenzy and he increased the speed of his finger, feeling Dash's ring try to tightening and capture the digit. He could feel Twilight's pulsating almost rhythmically around his spade as he pumped her with it and the combination simply encouraged him and he lapped hungrily at Dash's sex, plunging his tongue as deep as he could. After a minute, he felt her pelvis start to spasm and she erupted, spraying her honey across the inside of his mouth. "Delicious." he hissed, drinking her down and noticing she was still going at Twilight, "Well, that's not fair, Dashie. You've cummed, but poor Twilight hasn't. You know what that mean's don't you?"

"Mm?"

"Until she does, I don't stop." He then plunged back between her legs, sucking on her lips and clint like they were candy..

Twilight gripped Dash's head, feeling her squeals and moans vibrating against her own crotch, "You heard our prince, Dashie." She panted, "This won't end until I burst and you lick it up like the horny little mare you are". She pressed herself down on the probing tongue, feeling she'd be reaching her limit soon. "Now...mmm. use that cute...ooh yeah..that cute mouth of yours and eat me-ah-AAHH!" Twilight squealed as her climax hit, feeling her juices being greedily lapped up by Dash,

"Good girl." Spike grinned, giving her marehood another kiss, "I think you've earned a treat."

Dash screamed a second time as she felt another finger enter her star. Barely down from the crest of her previous orgasm, the second digit was all it took to shoot her back up to another.

Luckily, Spike was ready and drank it down. In the process, he felt her legs going slack.

Twilight giggled as she felt Dash now light breathing, "Aw. I think we were too much for her." She said, climbing off her to look at a pair of closed eyes.

Rainbow Dash had passed out.

Spike couldn't help but laugh as he gently disengaged her legs from around his neck and she curled up on the table when they were off him, "Gotta admit, she does look cute like this."

"True. Of course, I can think of two other cute things I want to get close to, now." She gave him a predatory stare when he looked at her.

"Ah...mm...h-harder...!"

Dash let out a light groan as she woke back up, the lingering taste of Twilight in her mouth and a slight, but enjoyable, soreness in her rear.

"Damn, Twi, your ass is so tight.."

"Huh..?" Dash rubbed her eyes to get used to the sudden light and looked over to where she heard the voices...and immediately blushed down to her shoulders.

Spike was sitting in one of the nearby chair, Twilight bouncing up and down in his lap with both his dragons plunged hilt-deep into her mound and rear. He had a firm grip on her cheeks as he rocked her on him.

"Oh yeah..yeah! Fuck your mare's slutty little ass and pussy!"

"Holy...! Dash thought, watching her ride him like her life depended on it, "Sounds like she almost wants him to break her in two!"

"How does it feel, Twi?" Spike asked, his fingers digging into her rump slightly as he bounced her harder, grunting slightly in the process, "How does it feel to have your cute virgin ass taken?"

"By you? Soo fucking GOOD!" She cried out, leaning her head back as he kissed her deeply.

"Whose dirty little mare are you?"

"Yours! I'm you dirty mare, your little fucktoy, you name it!" She yelled, her body starting to shake, "Spike..! I'm about to..!"

"Then cum for me, my slutty little princess.. cum..for...me..!"

The pair screamed in unison as their bodies met, Twilight's hips jerking slightly, "S-so warm!" Twilight gasped, a thick, while fluid overflowing from her openings as she fell against him, burying her. face in the crook of his neck.

Dash could only stare at the pair as they rode out the aftermath, his cum-covered shafts still twitching slightly inside Twilight, steam slightly wafting from the area. "Is..is that really what it could feel like if he was in me? I mean..that's no way a stallion could really mimic that."

"So, any idea what to do with her?" Spike spoke up, gesturing towards Dash.

Dash felt her heart sink a little when she heard that. It sounded like they were looking to get her out, "I..I guess they want me to leave now." Forcing down the hurt in her voice, she quickly faked a yawn and sat up, "Well, that was fun."

The pair quickly looked her way, "Well, look who's up." Twilight chirped.

"Yeah, Hey, look guys, that was fun, but I gotta head back home and check on Tank." She said, getting dressed.

"Um, Ok." Twilight said, noticing the look of sadness that flickered on her face, "I guess we'll catch you sometime later today?"

"Oh..uh..yeah..sure.." She replied, the soreness in her lower body forcing her to hover off the ground, "I'll see you." With that, she soared out of the kitchen window.

"That was weird." Spike commented.

Twilight responded with a deep kiss, "Don't worry about for now, Spike. Right now, I need you to carry me to the shower," She blushed, "I can't feel my legs."

"Sure, Twi." He stood up, holding her bridal style. "Need some help getting cleaned?'

"Maybe...if you behave."

Author's Note

I apologize for the rushed feel at the end, but I think three chapters of sexy-time is plenty, and I was starting to feel burnt out writing that much clop.

Again, props to DragonPony

The Journey of a Thousand Loves....

Spike scratched his head in mild confusion at what he was seeing. Twilight had managed to regain enough feeling in her legs midway through the shower to be able to stand on her own. And since scales rinsed off a bit faster than fur and hair, he was out sooner.

He had finished drying off and was about to get dressed when he heard the bathroom door open and she stepped out; a large, fluffy green towel wrapped around her, another towed wrapped up on her head. Spike couldn't help but smile and drink in the sight. It was innocent enough, but he still found it erotic.

It was then, however, that she placed a hand over her lower stomach and both hand and horn lit up with the familiar pink glow. The slight movement of her lips told him she was performing some kind of incantation, but his lip reading sucked.

She held the posture for several seconds before it finally stopped and she propped up against the dresser, panting slightly.

"Twilight? You ok?" Spike asked, standing up, "What was that?"

"Huh?" She turned his way, "Oh, heh. It's ok, Spike. That was a contraception enchantment Cadance thought it'd be a good idea for me to know."

"I bet you never thought you'd have to use it for me, huh?" He chuckled...

Right before the now wadded up towel she had on bounced off his nose, "Akthp!"

"Oh hush, you!" She smirked, now standing in all her glory, "Anyway, it's good as long as it's cast within a twenty-four hour period, before or after intercourse and she promised that it's one hundred percent effective." She let out a rough exhale, "But Celestia if it doesn't take a lot out of you!"

"Well, I don't think either of us are ready to be parents just yet and I certainly doubt you wanna be wore out before we even start the next time." He looked out the bedroom window, "Which means I'm going to have to start wearing protection..."

"I appreciate you willing to make the choice, Spike, but I don't think there are any shops like that here in Ponyville."

Spike blanched slightly, "Right...and there's no way I'm going to Canterlot. If Celestia finds out..." He gave an involuntary shiver.

Twilight giggled at his reaction while setting about brushing her mane, "Wait, how about Zecora?" She turned back towards him, "She knows more about remedies and potions than either of us. She's bound to know something you can use."

"That could work, just have to be sure it doesn't wipe out all my boys. I'd still like to use them one day." He responded, pulling her over to him and nuzzling her flat stomach, "Don't you wanna have my dragon kiddies one day, Twi?" He gave her his best 'puppy-dog eyes'.

Laughing, she ran her hands along his fin, "I believe what would come out would be a kirin, actually."

He simply deadpanned, "Picky, picky. You're lucky I love that big beautiful brain of yours, Twi."

Twilight couldn't help but blush slightly at the compliment, "Oh? And here I thought it was my rear you loved," She looked behind her to see his hand with a firm grip on her right cheek.

He looked up at her and grinned, "Well, it does help." Before letting go.

"All joking aside for now," She sat down beside him, "There's something I need to talk to you about." Twilight hesitated for a moment, trying to think of the right way to say it, "I..I'd like you to keep dating around."

"Huh? W-what are you talking about, Twilight?" Spike looked at her with a mix of confusion and slight alarm.

"Well...I guess I better start off with the social aspect: It's considered rude and somewhat selfish for a mare to not introduce a stallion to her friends after they've began dating."

"Ok. Considering what Mac told me, that seems like a given."

"Second: recently, I've learned there are some other mares in town who...well, who might feel about you pretty much the same as I do."

"You mean like...?' He trailed off when she nodded her head, "Who?"

Twilight started to say who when she remembered Pinkie's promise. Even though she didn't make one herself, she realized it just wasn't right to tell without their okay. Especially with the fact she wasn't a hundred percent sure just which of them were interested, "I'm afraid you'll have to wait until they come around and tell you, Spike. Or at least until I can talk to them." She added mentally.

"Um. ok. I can work with that." Spike replied, wondering who she meant considering it was no secret she had made more than a few friends during her time in Ponyville

"And last: from a medical standpoint, I'm gonna need the help just to keep up with you."

"Huh?'

She pursed her lips at him in amusement and tapped his returned erections, "Less than half an hour and you're already revved back up."

He chuckled sheepishly, "Well, can you blame me? I got a gorgeous-and dead sexy, mind you-mare setting beside me wearing nothing but a grin; name one guy who wouldn't react the same way."

Even after what transpired since last night, Twilight still found herself fighting, and losing against, the blush that formed at being called that.

Spike chucked briefly before sighing, "You're really serious about this, huh?" He scratched the back of his neck, "All right. I..I can give it a shot. We'll have to find ones that won't have a problem with this family we're starting, ok?"

"Wha..'We'? Spike, it's the usually the stallion's choice as to who..." She was silenced by a scaly finger on her lips

"Twlight, if you think I'm going to hook up just any mare without even talking to you, then you are sorely mistaken.

"But.."

'No buts. We are a team in this." He shrugged, "Hell, Twi, if it wasn't for you coaxing me into joining you and Dash earlier, I probably would've just stood there staring like a goober."

Any counterargument she tried to put in died when he said that. She had to admit, it was touching to hear it. In a way, it also hardened her resolve to put her plan in motion. She simply smiled and kissed him, "Thanks, Spike."

He grinned, "We probably should get dressed. Need to clean up the kitchen some before I go see if Zecora can help."

Twilight nodded, "Right, I have to open the library as well."

---------------------------------

It didn't take the duo long to get everything cleared away, and after a quick kiss for luck, Spike was on his way to Zecora's place in Everfree. Thankfully the trek through the forest was mostly uneventful, outside of a quartet of curious jackalopes and having to avoid that annoying field of Poison Joke.

As he got within sight of the zebra mare's house, he noticed she was outside getting ready to hang what he could only guess were clothes to dry. He was about to call out when she hit the power button on a radio that he recognized as the one Applejack had gotten her for a birthday present a couple of years back. The music that started up, though, was a different story.

His eyes widened slightly when she began bouncing from hoof to hoof in time with the rhythm. Granted, seeing a pony act like this was a daily occurrence; several times a day sometimes. But that was Pinkie Pie normally. Seeing this particular one doing it was a whole other bowl of garnets.

Especially when she started to lightly sing along with the tune. He could help himself; the whole scenario just seem so...unplausable.

His hands clamped down hard on his mouth and he doubled over to hide the cackle that tried to come out.

The light throat clearing, though, was enough to bring his distracted state to a fast end. He brought his eyes up to see an amused Zecora looking at him over her shoulder.

"I must admit, I didn't expect to see anyone today. So, Spike, what brings you out this way?"

Author's Note

Just wanna say sorry about the massive delay in a new chapter for ANYTHING. Real life matters and writer's block is a sucky combo.

But, I'm still among the living, and so are the stories. Hopefully I'll be able to regain my momentum.

Mini-Chapter: Outtake

Author's Note

Just a lil extra me and Dragonpony cooked up.

Mini-Chapter: Outtake

"Why did I tell her about me and Spike!?" Twilight Sparkle mentally whined as she walked back home as fast as she could.

Her mistake: talking to her mother, a writer, about her relationship with Spike.

Unfortunately, Twilight Velvet also had one of the dirtiest minds in Canterlot. Twilight berated herself the entire way for letting her mom talk her into telling about their first time as material for a new book.

Six months later, 'The Librarian and The Dragon' was currently in the Best Seller Top 10.

It was also listed as one of the most sexually explicit novels out there; and now Twilight could barely look anywhere with out seeing a mare or stallion reading it intently and/or blushing brightly.

By the time she reached Golden Oaks, she was borderline running to get inside. The moment she cleared the frame, she whirled around to shut it as fast as possible.

"Twi?" Spike's voice called up from behind.

"Oh, Spike! I..." She turned...and froze.

In his hand was an open copy of the book, "Your mom's new book..." Before he could finish, she had almost teleported over and buried her face in his chest, forcing him to wrap his arms around her to steady them both.

"I am SO sorry!" She whimpered, her voice muffled by his shirt, "I didn't know my mother was going to use us for her new book, I swear!"

"It's not really that bad, to be honest."

"I know I shouldn't have told...w-what? Not..? You're not upset?" She looked up at him.

"Well, she really should've asked us for permission first, but aside from that, it's pretty good. Actually..." He leaned down and whispered. The new husky tone and hot breath on her ear sending a shiver down her body., "It's given me a few...ideas."

"I-ideas?" She glanced up, only to blush at the smoldering look he was giving her, "W-what did you have in mind-EEP!" She squeaked and blushed harder when she felt his hand get a firm hold of her tush.

"Interested in creating our own sequel?"

Meanwhile, back at Twilight's Parent's house:

"Writer! Senses! TINGLING!" Velvet almost bellowed, a wide grin on her face.

The Protection Plan, Part 1.

-----------At Zecora's House-----------

"...So that's the situation, Zecora. That spell's pretty draining for Twilight, Ponyville isn't really the kinda place to have a store like that, and I'd really prefer Celestia not finding out just yet." Spike said, sitting on a nearby stump as he finished his story. He doubted she'd want details, so he just gave a straightforward account "And given that Twi wants me to keep dating around...well, you get the idea."

"So you seek to ensure you do not unknowingly sire a foal, and you hope I can help you with this goal." She grinned

"Well, yeah. I mean, our first time WAS in the heat of the moment, but I don't wanna get her or possibly another mare pregnant before they want to. I sure know I'M not prepped to be a dad just yet."

Zecora's grin widened to a smile, "The answer I had hoped for, my dragon friend. Come inside, I'll see if I have something to that end."

Following her in, Spike found himself staring around at her collection of herbs, bottles, masks and various other knickknacks she had acquired over the years. The light clink of glass brought his attention back over to her; rifling through the pages of one of her formula books.

"I must admit, although I did not foresee your change towards Miss Rarity, I am glad you have finally seen clarity." She spoke up, setting a small cauldron on her workbench, "Granted, you provided her with much utility; but I am afraid winning her heart was an exercise in futility."

"Tell me about it." Spike chuckled ruefully. "But, on the other hand, if I hadn't given up, I probably would've never seen what was in front of my mug." By the time he finished talking, though, he realized he was staring at Zecora's body the whole time.

And she was now facing him with a brow raised.

'Oh! S-sorry, Zecora! I-I.." He stammered. He hadn't meant to stare at her like that! Though, in all honesty, she WAS really attractive. Twilight and Dash were beautiful, no questions asked; but with her striped coat and dark cyan eyes, Zecora was more in the exotic side of the spectrum. It didn't hurt that the hip-hugger shorts and tank top she had on accentuated a toned, athletic body time in the Everfree had rewarded her with.

"Actually, Spike, I think you've earned a bit of thanks." She smirked and cocked a hip towards him, "It's not often one admires these saggy flanks."

"Are you kidding? You've probably got one of the firmest plots in Ponyville!" He retorted, only to flush red and shut his mouth with an audible 'click', "Ooh, Celestia's fetlocks; WHY did I say that!?" He stood stock for a moment before giggling hit him.

"I'm sorry, it was fun to watch you have that fit." She poured a bottle of viscous, orange liquid and herbs into the cauldron just before. winking at him, "Though I do appreciate the compliment."

"Oh, heh." He said, letting a few chuckles out himself as he calmed back down.

Her bit of fun over, Zecora resumed her work, putting what looked like a stick of silver chalk in her mortar and pestle, "This compound will be ready fast, though I must warn you it will not last. You'll get the solution you seek, but it will only hold a week."

"A week? Well, I can work with that. I'll just have to divvy it up over time then, right?"

"Unfortunately, you cannot; it must all be downed in one shot. The potion also has a vast flaw and I will use no quips, it can be used constantly but will weaken each time it passes your lips. To get by this trouble, each time the amount must double"

"So at best it'd two or three weeks before you'd have to start chugging it?" He scratched the back of his neck, "Well, it'll buy a little time to find something else."

After steeping a gnarled root in the concoction, Zecora strained it into a glass and handed it to him. It looked a little like orange soda...at least until he got a whiff.

"Whoa!" He cringed and held the glass away, his nostrils burning slightly. It reminded him of the time he went to the Canterlot Mall with Twilight to help her pick out a Father's Day present and he'd gotten sprayed with some nasty-ass cologne by one of the counter workers; like a chicken coop that hadn't been cleaned in a month.

"Yes, the smell does make one blink." Zecora coughed slightly, waving a hand over her nose, " I recommend closing your eyes and just drink."

"Ok...here goes." Taking a deep breath, he held it and downed the foul-smelling drink as fast as he could. Thankfully, aside from a slight tartness it was fairly bland.

"Thanks, Zecora" Spike smiled before hugging her, "I owe you one."

"S-simply helping a friend." She replied, a little surprised at the gesture, "Something I'm happy to lend."

He held it for a second before letting go, "Guess I better be getting back or Twilight might start thinking I took a wrong turn somewhere in the woods."

Zecora nodded as he headed out, "May your walk back be sound. It should take full effect by the time you reach town."

-----------A Couple of Hours Later-----------

"Twi? I'm back." Spike called out once he was back inside Golden oaks.

Said mare immediately poked her head out from the large arm chair they had, a smile on her face, "Spike! Did Zecora have a solution?"

"Well, I have good news, bad news, and unexpected new. The good news is she had something, so..well" He turned red, "I'm...I'm now currently shooting blanks."

"Oh, Spike." Twilight stepped over and hugged him, "We both know it's not permanent."

"Well, speaking of that; the bad news is it only lasts a week."

"A week?? That..that's not really a lot of time."

"She said I can take more doses." He replied, "But I'd have to take double the amount each time."

"Not really what I had hoped." She frowned, though it quickly turned back into the smile, "But, thankfully I have a contingency plan!"

"Contingency?"

"After you left, I kinda started to wonder if we should have another plan, just in case, I mean"

"In other words, you went into Worrywart Mode." Spike smirked.

"Spike! I am NOT a worrywart!" She retorted indignantly.

"Twi, I know you." He grinned.

Twilight glared at him, though it faltered rapidly, "Ok, ok; I started worrying that she might not have something, or if she did that something might go wrong. So, I started thinking about who I might be able to ask."

"And..?"

"And Owlowiscious is now currently on his way to the Crystal Kingdom with a letter to Cadence."

"Cadence?" Spike cocked an eye, "You think she might be able to help?"

She grinned and kissed him, "Well, in a way this is a matter of love; and who else to ask than the Love Princess herself?"

"Heh, true." He started to slip his arms around her, but stopped.

"Spike?"

"That kinda brings up the unexpected news: Scootaloo asked me out a little while ago."

Twilight wasn't expecting this. Well, she did expect it, just the who kinda surprised her a little. The young Pegasus had never really expressed visible interest in him. Then again, neither her or Spike knew about ANY of the other mares liking him until after he stopped chasing Rarity, "Hm, I...didn't really expect her to be honest."

Spike just chuckled and shrugged somewhat, "Me either. I had just gotten back into town and was passing Sugar Cube Corner..."

A week...granted it was a window to work with, but it wasn't much. There had to be a more effective solution; plus he didn't want to bother Zecora every week to make bigger and bigger batches...

"Spike?"

He was drawn out of his thoughts by a familiar voice. Looking over, his gaze settled on Scootaloo, standing not too far away and dressed in her usual shorts and t-shirt with the Wonderbolt jacket Rainbow Dash had gotten her, "Oh, hey, guys, what's up?" He smiled, noticing Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle not far off who were, for some reason, making shooing gestures when she looked back at them.

In a rather uncharacteristic action, she looked down, scratching the tip of her hoof on the ground, "Um...can I talk to you about something? Just the two of us?"

"What? Is something wrong?"

"No, no, it's just...can we go in Sugar Cube? Can at least sit down in there."

Spike tilted his head slightly. This was unlike her, "Uh, sure." He followed her in to a corner table. The place was quiet this time of day, so there wasn't anyone to bother them.

"Ok," He said, sitting down across from her, "What'd you want to talk about?"

"W-well, it's kinda-sorta-related to the dates you had with Rose and Tough Break."

"Yeah?"

"Um," Spike couldn't help but notice the rather shy tone she was using, as well as the fact the other two were looking in from the nearby window, trying (and failing) to discreetly gesture to her, "Were...were you planning to go out with anypony else?"

"Well, considering Twi wants...well, to start up a herd with me, it speaks for itself kinda." He chuckled slightly, "In all honestly, I never took her as wanting to share with other gals."

Scootaloo stared, " Herd? Twilight? As in Twilight Sparkle? You two are together??"

" Heh, It's a long story...but, yeah."

"A-and you're really going to get a herd going?" For a moment, he could have sworn he saw the corners of her mouth tilt upward and a hint of pink on her cheeks.

"Me and Twilight are. As I told her, I'm not going to bring any other mare in without talking to her about it first. But, aside from that, it's just a matter of who and when, I guess."

She glanced toward the window were they both began giving 'thumbs-up' and pushing motions, "W-well...would... would you be willing to consider somepony..?" She asked, looking down at the table.

"Scoot..?" Alarm bells were going off in Spike's head. She couldn't be leading to what he thought she was...could she.

Her hand slipped into her pocket and took out a pair of tickets, "Thunderlane won a couple of tickets to the E-Games this weekend, but he and Rumble have a family reunion they have to go to then, so he let me have them." Her eyes then rose up to meet his. This time a blush was noticeable, "I..I was wondering if you'd want to go with me...?"

Spike could only stare. Him? Scootaloo was asking him out? They were friends, that much was true; but, the fact that she thought of him that way...Considering the way she asked, there was no way this was something that had come up recently. Had..had she really been harboring feelings for him this long?

He was forced out of his contemplations when he saw the nervous building on her face from how long he was taking to answer. She was definitely worried about how he'd reply.

Her concerns were quickly dispersed when he smile, "I'll go with you, Scoot."

The way her face lit up and borderline squeal told him he'd made the right choice, though it was hard not to chuckle when she covered her mouth at the squeal and tried to nonchalantly play it off.

"C-cool."

"I mean, she looked almost scared that I'd say no, Twi."

"I know, Spike. I know." Twilight responded, hugging him, "And I'm happy you did say yes.. Hm, if she wants to go with him, then could...? I really need to talk to the others then, and soon. I hope Owlowiscious gets back with a response."

-----------At the Crystal Palace-----------

"Hoo!"

"Shining, isn't that Twilight's owl?"

"Yeah. What're you doing out this way, Owlowiscious?"

"Hoo!"

"He's got a message from Twilight with him."

"Hm, what would she.....Oh come on! You gotta be kidding me!"

"YES! I KNEW IT!"

Author's Note

And now the story continues.

The Protection Plan, Part 2: Of Friends and Fangirls.

Dear Twilight,

Sorry about the long wait, but Shining and I wanted to let Owlowiscious rest up a little before sending him back. As for your letter:

WAY TO GO, GIRL! WOO-HOO! I KNEW you'd find someone before long! And Spike no less! Shining got just a tad sulky about it, but I was quick to set him straight (Threatening three weeks of no access to the 'royal treasury' is pretty effective, hehe.) Anyhow, you'll be happy to know that I do know a spell that'll do the trick for what you two are looking for. If he's reading this with you, just come up here as soon as you're able, Spike, and I'll cast it on you.

Love,
Cadance

Twilight simply rolled her eyes and snickered as she reread the line about her brother

It wasn't until late last night that Owlowiscious had returned with the reply, so neither of them had the chance to read it until that morning. Of course, Spike was eager to head out to get it done; figuring with the spell overlapping the potion, they wouldn't have to worry about forgetting when it'd wear off.

After breakfast and a brief (but vigorous) make-out session to tide them both over, Spike once again headed off to get a longer-lasting solution to his problem.

Meanwhile, Twilight got dressed herself and was on her way to a certain fashionista's home for a much needed chat.

---------------------------------

Rarity hummed to herself as she worked on a dress order, for the first time in a week all the worry and unease she'd felt at Spike's abrupt change in habits was currently one of the farthest things from her mind.

The tinkle of the door opening brought her out of her work, though. Seeing just who it was brought her out of it even more, "T-Twilight! What brings you here?"

"Rarity, can I talk to you for a moment?" Twilight said, letting out a sigh, "It's kind of important."

"Oh, of..of course." She put the garment down.

"Listen, I..I wanna apologize for snapping at you like I did yesterday." She started, "I know you didn't mean it how it sounded. like I said, I know I'm not built like a lot of mares out out there and never really had any stallion look at me like Spike does now. I just took what you said the wrong way, like it was saying there's no way I should be liked in that way, and..." She trailed off.

Rarity chuckled slightly, "Well, I really should have phrased it better. In all honesty, I was so sure you two only saw each other as siblings, given how you normally acted around each other. When I saw you in...in that situation, my surprise overcame my sense of decorum."

Twilight smiled, "So, are we ok?"

She nodded, "We are. I must admit, I'm still rather surprised about the whole thing."

"Still letting it sink in some myself." Twilight looked over at the half-finished dress nearby, "Well, I should let you get back to work. Mostly just wanted to smooth things out between us over that."

"Well, I'm quite grateful my faux pas did no permanent damage"

"Me too, in more ways than one." Twilight thought herself, "Anyway, I'll let you get back to work. I have a couple of hopefuls for the herd to talk to before Spike gets back. I hope Rainbow, Scootaloo, and Pinkie aren't busy.""

"Quite all right, dear. Have fun." Rarity smiled as her fellow unicorn headed out and she went back to work. She had just resumed her embroidering when...

"Wait... 'herd'? Rainbow Dash? 'Hopefuls'!? PINKIE PIE!?" She blurted out, an abrupt twitch forming over her eye.

-----------Crystal Empire-----------

Spike did a quick look around once he had gotten off the coach, "Heh, place hasn't changed a bit." He said, making his way to the palace. True to its name, the Crystal Empire had the appearance of its buildings being made from solid gems. He found himself blushing in embarrassment remembering the first time they had been there after Sombra's defeat; he'd given in to temptation and Applejack caught him trying to take a bite out of one of the windowsills.

Deciding to take in the sights a bit on his way to the palace, he started his way towards the main square. Along the way he began to take notice of how the crystal ponies were reacting when they saw.

"Is..is that..??"

"EEE! It's him!"

"It's Spike! Th-the hero!"

"SIR!"

It made him chuckle the first couple of times he heard them. And being saluted by the guards he passed was kinda cool, though it did sound like they were making a deal out of not much, "Technically it was Cadence who gave everyone the pep talk to get the crystal heart working again. All I really did was grab it and run like Tartarus."

*wonk!*

"Ow!" He was brought out of his thoughts when he accidentally bumped into something. Something large, hard, and slightly translucent; the statue they had made of him afterwards.

Rubbing his nose from the impact, he looked up at it. Almost sixty hooves tall and the same color as the heart, it was portrayed holding it out in a heroic fashion, a look of determined confidence on the face.

"Wow, was I really that skinny back then?" Looking it over, he spotted a plaque imbedded in the base.

HERO OF THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE
In Honor Of The Dragon Spike
And His Hand In Defeating
The Evil Sombra

"Uhh..heh.." Spike chuckled weakly. Back then, Spike would've been on cloud 9 to be called a hero. Now, though, this seemed just a tad much.

Fortunately for him, a distraction came in the form of a small voice to his left. He glanced at a little blue filly looking up at him, holding a little book.

"Hey." He crouched down to her level.

"M-Mistah Spike....Could I...could I have your autograph..?" She asked timidly.

"I really need to hurry, but... ahh, one autograph can't hurt." He chuckled lightly, "Sure." Taking the book and offered pen, he found a mostly empty page, "What's your name, kiddo?"

"H-Hopscotch.."

"Let's see...'To Hopscotch:" Feeling cheeky, he added 'never stop being cute' above his name and handing it back, getting a hug and excited squeak in return before she ran back to who he guessed were her parents.

On the other hand, that caused additional remarks to start piping up.

"So good with kids!"

"He'd make one heck of a father!"

"Welll..maybe someday..." He said sheepishly to no one in particular as he got back up, "I'll settle on working at being a decent boyfriend right now."

"Mmm, maybe I could help you there, Handsome." A voice purred behind him.

Spinning around to see the owner, Spike promptly felt a lump in his throat; before him stood at least a dozen mares, and a couple of stallions. While most appeared to be between his and Twilight's ages and a little older, he could have sworn some were old enough to be Twilight Velvet's sisters-not that he'd say she wasn't attractive-, as well as few who where noticeably younger than him.

And all of them eying him in a rather....hungry manner.

The one that had spoke smirked, "What do you say we go somewhere private for a little playtime."

"P-P-playtime...?" He gulped, beginning to feel like a plate of cookies Pinkie Pie just spotted.

One of the younger mares giggled, pushing her arms together and almost forcing herself out of the low cut shirt she had on, "And I have a lil toy I'm sure you'll have fun with.

Sweat began beading on Spike's face as he recalled similar comments he had received after Sombra, "So THAT'S what that one mare meant by asking if I'd like to 'play with her kitty'...And that one who offered me of a mouthful of 'moist crystal' oh dear...I thought she meant candy!" He had been too young to really know what they meant back then, but now... "At least that explains why Twilight almost zapped her when I asked if she or the other girls wanted any."

"Well, heh...your offer is generous, but I have an appointment..."

"I'm sure it can wait another hour....or eight." Another mare sauntered up, this one noticeably older, if the hint of grey in her orange mane was any indication. Though, the centerfold body she was packing made that point VERY moot.

"Mom! Wait your turn!" The first one retorted.

"Oh, sweetie, who's to say we have to take turns, hmm?" She grinned. The way all their eyes lit up told him they knew what she meant.

"Oh...oh my..." An almost perfect impression of Fluttershy whispered in his head. Normally, a stallion his age would kill to be in his place, but he didn't even know any of these mares! And like he told Twilight, he had no intention of hooking up with just anyone.

Besides, one-night stands weren't really his mug of cider, anyway, "Ok, think, Spike, think! Need to get outta here! I gotta divert their attention. Um..." With that in mind, he did the first thing that came to him: "Look!" He yelled, pointing behind them, "It's forty-two scintillating blue distractions!" The moment they all turned, he took off running full-tilt.

Unfortunately, it didn't take long for them to catch on and gave chase.

-----------Back in Ponyville-----------

Twilight scrunched her nose up in frustration, "Where could that pegasus be?' She muttered, a three hour long search through town had turned up nothing. She had asked Thunderlane to see if she was home; her pet turtle Tank confirmed she wasn't there. None of the Apples had seen or heard her on the property (She also took a moment to ask Apple Bloom to let Scootaloo know she'd like to talk to her later, luckily), and Derpy hadn't seen her anywhere during her rounds. "She's got to be around somewhere."

She tried to think of other spots to look, but unfortunately her searching had given her stomach reason to become a distraction. "Maybe a bite to eat will help. I can clear my head some; and hopefully think of something in the meantime." With that plan in mind, she made her way to Sugar Cube.

"...And I'm telling you it's all up in your noggin, Dashie!" Pinkie Pie's voice called out the moment she opened the door, "You know Twilight and Spikey wouldn't do anything that mean!"

"And I told you what he said, Pinkie." Dash replied from her seat at the counter, her voice a little scratchier than normal. "I've seen enough movies to know the words 'what do we do with her' tends to mean."

"And I'VE seen enough to know 'we can't just leave her there' usually follows. I..." She stopped when she spotted Twilight at the door, "Twilight!" She yelled happily, "C'mere, you can show Dash she's being a silly filly about all this!"

Taking the seat beside Dash, Twilight glanced at her, "Um, Pinkie?"

"Oh! Say no more Twi!" The party mare saluted and immediately vanished into the back, leaving them alone in the room.

Once she was gone, Twilight started to say something. Dash, however, beat her to it, "You don't have to, Twi. I already know. I heard you two talking when I woke, so I'll just go ahead and leave. I won't bother either of you anymore." As she stood up, she rubbed the corner of her eye where Twilight could clearly see a bit of moisture, "Stupid loose eyelashes..." She muttered, ears drooping.

She forgot Twilight Sparkle wasn't one to leave things like that be, "He was talking about you sleeping on the table, Rainbow Dash."

"Hu..huh?" Came the confused response.

"After you left, I got a little curious and asked him what he meant by it while we were cleaning up. His words were, and I quote: 'In hindsight we probably should've put her in bed or on the couch. I mean, that table isn't exactly sleepworthy, Twi.'"

Dash's jaw dropped slightly, "So he...he was just talking about...?"

"Putting you on something a bit more comfortable, yes. Dash, you really think Spike would've done all that to his 'Little Rainbow'..." She grinned at the blush Dash quickly tried to fight down, leaning in "If he didn't feel about you like that?"

"W-well...no, I guess not." Dash replied in a low tone.

"Dashie, we both care about you." Twilight gently cupped her cyan friend's face, "And that's the reason I've been looking for you."

"For me? Why?"

"Well, you already know about me and Spike. We talked about it and..." This time she blushed, "We've decided to start up a herd."

"A herd!? S-seriously?" She almost yelped.

"Seriously." Twilight could sear she heard a muffled squeal of glee, but shook it off, "And, to be quite blunt, I'm here to ask if you'd like to be the first to join."

"ME!?" Came the uncharacteristic squeak, "I...I mean, I'm not really complaining, but...why me?" She sighed and ran a couple of fingers along one of her mane longer locks. Unknown to her, Twlight's eyes widened a bit at that, "You know I've never exactly lived up to the term 'feminine', Twi. I mean, wouldn't you want a more girly pony, like Fluttershy or Sea Swirl?"

"Because, like Spike..." She leaned in, their lips touching briefly, "I care about you as well. I wouldn't have done all of this if I didn't. I might not have had any romantic feelings for you before yesterday, but aside from him, you're one of the few I could always consider one of my dearest friends and damn near a sister." Twilight's blush deepened a little, "And, well, after what happened I can honestly see you being a part of our lives life as more then just a friend. I don't know exactly when it showed, but there was a spark during our time yesterday and that's why it went as far as it did. And to be frank, I don't regret one moment of it."

Dash just stared, a mix of surprise and unabashed relief on her face as her lips slowly turned upward.

"However." She quickly added, "While I would love to have you as you as my herd sister, the only way this relationship will really work is if you come clean about your feelings. Not only to yourself, but to Spike as well."

"Sure...I..I can do that! No...no problem." Rainbow puffed her chest out, trying to get back her usual cocky demeanor, "I..should probably go and start planning out how, shouldn't I?"

"That might be a good idea." After watching her hurry out, Twilight glanced over when the muffled squealing came up again, "All right, Pinkie, you can come back out."

-----------Back at The Crystal Empire-----------

"Maybe I should ask about his workout. That's what..the third time they've circled the statue so far?" Shining Armor commented as he and his wife watched the chase from their balcony, "Gotta admit, I'm still kinda surprised by it. I mean, Spike and Twilight?"

Cadance simply grinned, "I'm not. I always had a feeling about them. "

"Really?" Surprised laced Shining's voice.

"It's that spark; that little something that ignites between certain ponies; or in this case, dragon and pony. It's what can give birth to relationships between strangers or cause childhood friends to blossom into lovers." She clapped when she watched Spike successfully leapfrog over a guard, "I picked up on Spike and Twilight's years ago. It was just a tiny thing back then, too small for them to really notice it themselves. but I could feel it growing. Drove me nuts more than once, actually. You have no idea how often I was tempted to just yell at them to kiss already."

"Well.." Shining chuckled, "Guess that does kind of explain things."

Her smile widened considerably, "Doesn't hurt that he was cute as all get out when he was younger, and now he's quite the heartthrob."

"Ooh, that one almost caught him! Yeah,he always was a bit of a smooth talker, especially when he was trying to help someone out."

"I know." She purred, "Who do you think talked me into going out with you?'

"Really??" He almost did a double-take, "I always thought it was my natural charm and great pick up lines."

""Of course, Dear." She patted his cheek, "Well, I better pop down there and help him. Looks like he's starting to run out of steam and I sincerely doubt Twilight would appreciate us letting her boyfriend get passed around like a copy of Playmare in prison."

Author's Note

Whew, this one kinda took a while, but we got it done.

Things get rolling.

"All right. Mental note: I am NEVER coming back here by myself!" Spike groused once he finally caught his breath after Cadence and Shining got him away from his 'admirers. He was too busy panting to hear what she said after teleporting in between him and them, but it was enough to get them to back off.

Leaving, though, was probably going to be a different story.

Shining Armor snickered, "Yeah, heh, probably should've warned you about that; there's also a fanclub or two that've popped up as well."

"Fun.." Spike muttered.

"Well, luckily they're mostly just foals and adolescent fillies, so I think you'll be all right. Anyhow, I've already got everything set up to cast, so we can start as soon as you're ready."

"Thanks, Cadence," He replied, "Um, before we do...can I ask you two something?"

"Sure. Something wrong?" Shining asked, letting Cadence scooch in beside him.

"No, its-well..." He sighed, "I probably should start from the beginning. Last week I'd gotten up the nerve to go and tell Rarity how I felt......well, that's how I thought it would go at first......"

-----------Back in Ponyville-----------

Twilight stretched in relief as she finally got the last kinks out of her back following a Pinkie Pie-class hug. "Shouldn't be surprised." She told herself.

Pinkie had been quite upfront in her feelings pertaining to Spike when she had heard he wasn't after Rarity anymore and the way she lit up at the word 'herd' was rather adorable in a way, though she did have to talk her out of planning a 'We're-making-a-herd' party.

For the time being, at least.

Twilight had admitted she didn't know if there was a spark between them, but she still considered Pinkie as one of her closest friends, same as Dash. The hug was the end result of giving her the ok to ask him out, provided she told him exactly how she felt.

*KNOCK KNOCK*

"Huh? Come in." She called out, wondering who'd be knocking since it was still the library's opening hours. In stepped a familiar young mare.

"Oh, hey Scoot." She said, smiling.

"Hi, Twilight." Scootaloo replied, "Um, Sweetie Belle said you wanted to talk to me."

"Yeah. Come on and sit down." She motioned to the chair across from her, "I probably should get straight to the point; Spike told me you asked him out. Now, I'm not angry or anything, but I do want to ask you something."

"Oh. Uh, what?"

"Given how he said you reacted to him saying yes, it's obvious you really wanted to go out with him. And from what Spike said, you seemed interested in joining?"

"Y-yeah." She replied, her cheeks pinking heavily.

"Well, she definitely looks like she wants to join." Twilight thought to herself, "Ok, Scootaloo, now the real question is why exactly are you interested? In Spike, to be exact."

"I..well, it's kinda two reasons, actually. He's pretty much the only one who really encouraged me to go after my dream."

"Spike? But what about Bloom and Sweetie, or Rainbow dash?" Twilight cut in in confusion.

Scootaloo sighed, "I look up to Rainbow, that's true. And Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom are my best friends, they...were never really there for that pick-me-up I needed sometimes. They'd tell me good luck and stuff, but...they never really hung around much when I practiced, when I really felt like I needed someone cheering me on to keep at it, you know?" She gave a laugh, "The first time he found me practicing, I was getting ready to try a supermane."

"That's when you take your hooves off the scooter and stretch out like you're flying, but still have hold of the handlebars, right?"

"Right. Anyway...it didn't go like I hoped. Coming off the ramp, I went one way, but my scooter when the other. Needless to say I was scared stiff, thinking I was gonna land hard." She scratched the back of her neck, cheeks pinking, "He actually managed to catch me."

"Well, that's good, you didn't get hurt at least."

"Yeah. Though, once we'd both calmed down, I was half expecting him to act like most of the ponies in town and tell me I was living a pipe dream and be more realistic. But, he didn't. He said it was one of the cooler things he'd seen, at least before it went wrong. Since then he'd be hanging around to watch when he had the time. Even those times when I almost told myself to give up, like from a trick I couldn't get down or some of my worst crashes, he'd just say he believed I could do it and cheer me on."

"Hmm, by any chance would he have brought a first aid kit with him?" Twilight asked, remembering Spike coming home with one he had purchased one time.

"Yeah, he started bringing one after when he almost didn't catch one of my spills. Said he wanted to be ready for when he wasn't able to get there in time." Scootoaloo smiled, "Kinda sweet in weird way. Also brings up the other reason." She stretched her wings a little. They had gotten noticeably bigger over the years, but were still rather small compared to others.

"O-oh?" It was no secret that Scootaloo's wings had always a rather sore subject for the mare. Cloudkicker learned that the hard way a few years back after making an offhand joke about them without thinking.

It took both Soarin and Thunderlane to pull the angry filly off her.

"Well, the doctor said they'll finally be strong enough for me to really fly with them in a couple more years. I'll keep up with Fluttershy, but I'll never be able to fly like Rainbow Dash. "

"Oh, Scoot.." Twilight whispered, "I...I'm sorry..."

"It's ok, Twi. That's pretty much the reason I got into extreme sports. Even if I won't get to fly like that, I can still get that rush, you know. Anyway, the other reason...it's probably silly in retrospect, but he never looked down on me for having skimpy wings like some." She blushed again, "He actually called them cute a couple times."

Twilight giggled at that. "Yeah, that's something Spike would do."

"Yeah. I guess to put it bluntly, he's kinda been a rock for me...and, well...." She sighed, trying to think up the right to say it.

Luckily Twilight caught on, "It's ok, Scoot. I believe I know." She looked at the younger mare for a moment, "In that case, I believe there's only one thing to say...." A grin slowly formed on her face, "If you do decide you want a little private time with him, don't be surprised if he want's to go slow, all right? Then we'll see how it goes from there."

"Oh sure, no pro....wait, you're ok with it?" She lit up at the following nod, "YES! Don't worry, Twi. I'll be a perfect lady....er,, well, as close as I can be." She giggled sheepishly before returing to her excited mode, "I probably should tell Sweetie and Bloom now."

"To help you decide on an outfit?"

"That and so they'll be ready for when they ask him...and I just said that out loud, didn't I?"

"Wait, waitwaitwait...what do you mean 'when THEY ask him'??" Twilight stared.

"Uh..hehe.."

-----------Back at the Crystal Palace-----------

"...And that's pretty much the whole thing. Zecora's remedy is still good for the week, but I'll have to keep doubling the dose every time to keep it going, and that spell Cadence taught has its down sides too." Spike finished his tale. Through out the whole thing the couple had their own reactions. Mentioning how his last attempt with Rarity fell flat had him wrapped up in a princess-class hug courtesy of the pink alicorn.

And a thumbs-up from Shining and giggle from Cadence during his date with Roseluck.

When he reached the so-called 'double-date', however, they both only had one thing to say:

Shining simply looked at him, "Spike, next time you find him, save me a piece."

"Both of you can wait your turn." Cadence's voice was icy enough to them both pause, "IF there's anything left after I get hold of him.."

Thankfully, the mood brightened some when he brought up the herd talk he and Twilight had:

"Seriously!?" Shining wiggled a finger in his ear, "Twilight Sparkle...my little sister...talked you into getting a herd?"

"Oh my!" Cadence piped up, "Well, from what you said, she gave a compelling argument."

"Yeah, though that's the main thing I wanted to ask you. I mean, starting a herd's a big thing; I just don't wanna do something that might wreck it." Spike said.

"Hm..well, in all honesty, Spike, I think the best thing I can say is if you feel like you might be edging towards something like that, don't be afraid to talk to Twilight and the others that join." Cadence said, "A herd is a group effort, after all."

"Granted, Cadence and I considered trying for one a couple of years back." Shining admitted, "But as you can see, it didn't quite pan out.

"Heh. Well, you got a point there. Part of me is still kinda nervous about it."

"Show me a herd-bound stallion that's not, and I'll show you a guy that's not ready for one." Cadence replied, standing up. "Well, we better go and get this spell done. I'll go get set up. Show him where to stand, would you, Shiny?" She asked before trotting off.

Spike snickered, "No matter how many times I hear her call that..."

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, dragon boy." Shining retorted as they followed her, "Be happy the only thing I'm still bummed about in all this the fact I don't get to use my 'BBWS''?

"Your what?"

"Big Brother Warning Speech. Had one all set up for when she did start dating." He pouted a bit.

"Well, what was your speech gonna be?

"Mostly the usual; she's my little sister and I'm trusting the guy-or gal, if she decided to swing that way-with her safety, happiness and well being. That I respect her choice and if they did anything to hurt her, I'd remove their face and genitals with a wood chisel."

Spike blanched slightly at that, "Effective. Slightly disturbing, but effective."

"Just didn't expect her to hook up with a guy I really knew I could trust with her, much less you. No offense."

"Didn't really expect myself either until then." He replied. Once they caught up with Cadence, he noticed she was sitting on one of those little doctor's stools by a dressing screen, "Uh..."

"I'm letting you explain this, Cady." Shining said, "I'm gonna go down a couple energy drinks 'cause I know what's gonna happen afterwards." He walked off without another word.

"Huh? What's he talking about?"

"That's something I probably should've put in the letter, but I didn't know how to phrase it in an innocent manner." Cadence laughed slightly, slipping on doctor gloves, "You see, Spike, the spell I have, The Potency Neutralizer, requires direct application to the...appendage in question when it's primed."

"It wha??" His pupils shrank to points, "You saying I gotta be....?" He straightened a finger out.

"Yes. But don't worry, I've cast this spell of several other stallions who want to wait to be fathers, my husband included. I simply tell them to imagine it's their lovers' hand and I pretend it's Shining's willy I've got. Of course, I drag him to the couch or bedroom afterwards." She finished with quite possibly the most innocent smile he'd ever seen and pointed up to a diploma on the wall, "I even took a medical course to ensure there'd be no side-effects and that it works regardless of species."

"Oh..um, ok." He gulped, "Um...do..do you have cast it on both of them?"

Cadence look at him, "Both?"

"Yeah..I have two. All male dragons do, near as I've read. Or at least the ones that didn't lose one in an accident or something."

This time it was her turn to get shrunk pupils, "Oh. I..I didn't know that. uh, y-yeah, yes. Well, I probably should, in case that's a biological loophole." She cleared her throat to try and alleviate a bit of tension, "So, just step behind the screen and let me know when you're erect. A quick motion down the length and we'll be done."

"Ok..this may take a minute." He stepped behind the screen and took a shuddering breath, All right, Spike. This is for Twilight and the other to be named girls in the herd. Ok, sexy thoughts, think sexy thoughts....Twilight in a t-shirt and nothing else...Rainbow on the table..."

Cadence hummed to herself as she waited on him to get ready. It took a couple of minutes before he spoke back up.

"A-all right. Their ready...jus-just hurry!" His voice was slightly squeaky, apparently from what she guessed was embarrassment.

"Don't worry, Spiky." She chirped, "I'll be done faster than-n-nN-N-HOLY SHIT!" She yelled, jumping back when she saw both Spike Jr.s, "You really DO have two!" Her voice came out in a squeak at the end, "Wow..I know dragons are supposed to be kinda big, but..."

"Cadence! Hurry up!" He squawked, his whole head redder than big Mac's fur, "This is awkward enough!"

"Huh?" She stared in slight fascination at the duo before his yell snapped her out of it, "Oh! Yes! Right, right, sorry! Ok, like I said, just pretend it's Twily's hand." She said, reaching out to them, hand and horn glowing.

-----------Back at Golden Oaks-----------

Twilight's mind was racing; Scootaloo had admitted that the rest of the former CMC had feelings for him!

"If that's the case, then is it just them...?" She scratched her chin in concentration and confusion, "Just how many....? Who?" With a grunt, she hopped to her hooves and made a beeline to her desk.

-----------Back to Crystal Palace-----------

"S-see? That wasn't so bad." Cadence said, throwing away the gloves, though her cheeks were several shades darker at the moment.

Spike looked out from around the screen, pants closed and his face still bright red, "Easy for you to say..." He muttered.

"All right," She said breathily, "I believe that's everything. You feel any tingling?"

"A..a little."

"Good, that means it's taking effect, it should stop in an hour or so. Once you and your girls decided the time is right, just head back and I can undo the spell. Till then, have fun! Now, you can hang around the palace for a while if you want, but..." Her breathing getting slightly shallow as she looked in the direction her husband had gone, "I'm afraid Shining and I will be...indisposed for the rest of the day."

"Right." He watched her walk surprisingly quickly toward the door way. "Um, so.."

"So how'd it...EEP!" That was Shining, or at least it was at the start.

"I'll just, uh...I'll..."

"You. Me. BED. NOW! You're rutting me till I'm cross-eyed, mister!" That was DEFINITELY Cadence.

"Yeah, I'll...I'll just go ahead and let my...self..." He trailed off at the sight of her dress and Shining's pants flying past the doorway, "I'll just go now...um...later." He said, hurrying to the door when the squeals came.

----------------Later That Day.----------------

Deciding pragmatism was the better choice, Spike did the first logical thing he could think of and took off like a bat out of Tartarus towards the first transport heading back to Ponyville the moment he stepped out of the palace's main gates.

Luckily for him, he managed to hop onto a carriage heading that way before his 'fans' could catch him out in the open. And now he was wheeling his way back home.

The trip would be a couple of hours, so he just sat back and mused of all that had happened to him in recent days, "Still amazed all this is happening." He laughed to himself about how his life was changing; going from another victim of sort-of unrequited love to having a mare who honestly loved him...along with the knowledge that there were others who felt the same as well, "Wonder how many that is. For that matter, just how big could this herd get?"

-----------Various Places Around Ponyville-----------

Fluttershy smiled as she finished feeding her birds, "There you go." She said happily in response to the excited chirping. She started to get something for the ferrets when she suddenly giggled. "Oh, my. That...that was strange." She said, looking around to see what the cause was.

Rainbow Dash muttered to herself, pacing around in her house. "Hey, Spike, you know how I feel....no! That sounds stupid! Um....Spike, I talked to Twilight and....no, that won't work either!" She whined, "Why is this so hard!?'

Pinkie Pie bounced around her room cheering excitedly, "Yes!IgetadatewithSpikey! Ooh! This means I get to finally wear that!" She squealed and then cannonballed into her closet with a loud giggle.

"Come on, where'd those shorts go?" Scootaloo muttered while digging through her dresser, tossing out various pieces of clothing and undergarments, "Need to look rocking for this!"

"AJ? You still in there?" Big Mac waved a hand in her face.

"Huh?! Wh-whahuh-who?" Applejack blurted out, shaking the cobwebs out, "W-what happened?"

"Ah could ask you the same thing. Ya jus' kinda froze there fer a moment with this weird lil' smile on yer face."

"Ah...Ah dunno, just kind got a good feeling fer some reason."

"Must be pretty darn good, 'cause yer tail's still waggin' like Winona when she gets a new toy." Apple Bloom smirked nearby.

"The hay??" Applejack muttered, glaring at the offending body part.

"Ya mean like how yer's is right now, Bloom?" Mac added.

"Huh?" Bloom blushed slightly when she realized it.

"Ow!" Rarity shook her finger where the needle had prodded her.

Watching her, Sweetie Belle sighed, "First aid kit?"

"I'm fine, Sweetie. These needles are simply-ow!- Simply defective! I knew I should have ordered from my usual supplier!"

Sweetie sighed, "Maybe if you stopped twitching your eye..."

"My eye is NOT 'twitching', thank you very much! I am just trying to focus on my wor-OW!"

"Fine. Your fingers, Sis." She said, "Anyway, I need to go see Scootaloo. Promised I'd help her pick out an outfit for her date this weekend."

"Really?" Rarity's head bounced up from her work, "Who?"

"Just a guy she's been crushing on for a while. Finally got her chance to ask him out."

"There we go!" Twilight looked at her work in satisfaction: her formally clear desk was now covered with paper and posterboard: probability graphs, charts, lists of names and locations, and sticky notes with additions dotting them all, "It's not complete, but it's a start at least!" Her eyes settled on the title of the center graph...

'Operation: Dragon's Harem'

Author's Note

And thus ends Sea of Amore.

But don't worry: DragonPony and I will be working on the sequel/continuation soon!

Target Aquired

Even though they had finally gotten their cutie marks long ago, the trio of Scootaloo, Sweetie Bell, and Apple Bloom still liked to hang out at their beloved Cutie Mark Crusaders Clubhouse, though nowadays they would use it to help the occasional colt or filly that would be having the same mark trouble they did.

It was this very place Apple Bloom was running full tilt towards, mumbling, "Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy, oh boy..." with each step. Upon reaching the ladder, she barely missed a beat scrambling up it, stopping briefly to smack the door open and fall inside, gasping for air.

Inside, Sweetie Bell was busy polishing her hooves. The white sundress she had on fit snug against her ample bosom and generous curves. Her mane had grown some as well, draping midway down her back and held out of her face by a pair of barrettes.

Not far away, Scootaloo was plopped down in a bean bag chair with the recent Daring Do comic, dressed in a basic pair of shorts and a tank-top. Like Sweetie Bell, she had filled out noticeably as well; though she was a bit more lithe than her unicorn friend and liked to keep her mane a bit shorter

Apple Bloom was no slouch in that department, either, though. She was the more muscular of the three, given all the time she worked at her family' farm, but she was still proud of the shapely body it gave her as well if the coveralls and t-shirt she had on were any indication. And like always, she still wore her favorite old bow up in her mane.

Right now she was too busy trying to catch her breath to really care about any of that.

"Whoa! What's the emergency, Bloom?" Scootaloo exclaimed, squirming out of the chair.

Sweetie quickly pulled her out and the two rushed over to help their friend up, "Yeah, you look like you just went a lap all around Ponyville!"

PANT!" Guys...you..you won't.." PANT! "You won't believe..." GASP! "What Ah just..heard!"

-----------Back at Golden Oak-----------

"I CANNOT believe her!" Twilight snarled, inadvertently causing a few items to levitate nearby...including Pinkie, " I don't give a horseapple if she got distracted! NOW she expects Spike to come running to help her get ready for a date with THE SAME FREAKING Stallion she sidelined him for!? That's IT! i'm giving her a piece of my mind!"

"Um, Twilight?" Pinkie said in an uncharacteristically small voice, "Not that I mind the flying, but..uh..

"What!?" It took Twilight a moment to realize what was happening and a little longer to calm down enough to get her magic back under control, "Sorry, Pinkie. I'm just...Rarity's got me really aggravated right now."

"About the stallion she's going out with?" The pink mare's eyes lit up, "Ooh, so YOU wanna go out with him instead?"

"Wha..'N-no! Pinkie..." She sighed, "The whole thing started yesterday when Spike decided to finally tell Rarity how he felt." Twilight proceeded to explain what happened...

-----------Back at the Clubhouse----------

"Wait, are you SURE that's what you heard him say, Bloom?" Sweetie Bell asked, staring intently as she did.

"One Hundred and Thirty-Seven percent sure!" Apple Bloom responded, "Macintosh asked what was so different 'bout him an' Spike flat out said he ain't going after yer sister anymore, Sweetie. He didn't really give any more details 'cept that he decided that it wasn't doing him or anyone else any good."

The trio sat in contemplative silence before...

"So, this means what I think it does, right?' Scootaloo asked, a sliver of hope evident in her tone. The dawning realization crossing over Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell's faces, as well as their slowly emerging smiles, was all she needed.

-----------At the farm-----------

Big Mac had a slightly uneasy look on his face now, "Um, ya might wanna sit down fer this, Spike. Could take a lil' while." He wait until they were both comfortable before beginning, "Ok..ya know 'bout how there's so many more mares than stallions, right?"

"Yeah. Last I heard it's like 7:1 and even higher in some places."

"Well, 'cause of that, couples; ya know, one gal, one fella; well, that's the rare exception, not the norm."

"Huh? But..you and Cheerilee.."

"True, but we've only been together' a couple months an' she's wantin' to introduce me to her friends Berry Punch, Colgate, an Sparkler, to see if we hit it off." He had the decency to blush then.

"Serious!? Your marefriend is actually wanting you to go out with others!?" Spike was having trouble believing his ears.

"Remember, Spike, it's like Ah said; one-guy-one-gal is the exception. So, Ah doubt it'll be long 'afore they ask me out." He chuckled at Spike's expression when he said that, "On occasion a stallion'll ask a mare he fancies out, but it's more commonly the other way 'round. Sometimes it'll be a group that does the askin' if they all like him. An' like with Cheerilee, if it is one mare, it's usually commonplace that she go about introducin' him to her unattached marefriends to see if they'll want to be with him."

"So..if Rarity had actually hooked up with one of those guys she's chased after, she would've...?" At Mac's nod an unpleasant feeling settled in Spike's gut. For some reason, the very idea one of the other girls going out with the likes of Blueblood or one of those other snobbish upper-class stallions made him feel nauseous...and a little angry

Mac, however, noticed he began to look ill but was quick to defuse the situation, "Easy now, she'd just have to introduce them. It's mostly just a common courtesy; doesn't mean that they HAVE to go out." He gave Spike a moment to relax before continuing, "Though, there is one thing you're REALLY gonna wanna be careful about. An' by 'you', Ah do mean you specifically, Spike."

-----------Back at the library-----------

"Rarity really did that!?" Pinkie squeaked in disbelief, "That's so..so..rude!" She stuck her lower lip out for emphasis, "But, Spikey is
ok, right?"

"Thankfully." She replied, "But that still doesn't excuse forgetting him like that!'

"I know, but going over there like a big rampaging old meanie won't solve things. Plus, you still see her as a friend, right?"

"Well..." Twilight sighed as she felt her anger begin to deflate some, "Yes." All in all, Rarity WAS a decent pony; she just had that one bad habit.

"So why go over there now and risk saying or doing something you might regret? We know you care about him; the rest of us do too. But there's a more effi..efic..efifi..there's a way that'll work better."

Resisting the urge to giggle at the flub, Twilight conceded, "Ok, I'll bite. What is it?"

"Let her find out for herself." Pinkie smiled Though, this time it was kinda devious.

"Pinkie, that's....that's a pretty darn good idea!" Her smile was almost on par with Pinkie's, "She'll learn exactly what she gave up..."

"Especially after she sees the mares lining up after they find out!"

"..Especially after-wha??" Twilight did a double-take.

"Yeah!" Pinkie giggled, though this time it had a strangely...aroused..tone to it "Didn't you know? Our not-so-little dragon's gotten quite a few admirers over the last few years. Only reason we never acted was 'cause he was so focused on Rarity and never really looked at anypony else we thought he'd already made his choice."

"W-we?" Twilight's eyes widened, "Pinkie..you?"

She simply giggled again.

Author's Note

Let the games begin!!

Oh man, this chapter kinda drove me nuts trying to get it as good as it is now.

And now a bit of fun

Who do you guys think should be the first mare he goes out on a date with? (shout out to DragonPony for suggesting this.)
A: Roseluck

B: BonBon

C. One of the wiki-listed background ponies.

P.S.
For those curious about the anthro level I'm going for, there's a batch of pictures by Metalfoxxx on Deviantart I like to call the 'Wake Up' Series. (Spike be a lucky bastard)
I'd post a couple, but they might be a little too risque for the site.

Intermission: Twilight's Contraception Contengency and a Crusader Contest.

-----------Back at Golden Oaks-----------

"Come again!" Twilight called out as the most recent customer left with their books. The following silence was both welcome and a little boring. To kill some time, she decided on a little light reading until somepony else arrived.

"Let's seeee..." She hummed, scanning over the titles on couple of shelves, "Tales of Equestrian Heroes and Heroines? Maybe later...A Thousand and One Saddle Arabian Nights? Tempting. Huh?" Her eyes landed on a thick paperback, "What's this doing here? The A to Z of Segallop game cheats??"

Twilight sighed, "Button Mash's mom really needs to find a better way to get him to tone down the video games. What's he see in those things, anyway?" She asked herself, flipping the book open, "Golden Saddle: All Stage 1 hidden rooms...infinite lives...huh, sounds like that'd take the challenge out..." Her voice dropped to a mumble as she glanced over the page, chuckling a bit at how silly some of them seemed to her.

That lasted, however until..."Never fail the potion mini-game..." Twilight's amused express expression faded quickly when she saw those words.

Never fail the potion...fail the potion....fail...potion... what if the potion failed.. "GAH!" She yelled, shaking her head vehemently, "Now stop that, Twilight Sparkle!" She chided herself, "You were supposed to have quit that habit a long time ago!" With a less than dignified snort, she put the book down and grabbed the Saddle Arabian Nights one to clear her head.

A few pages and Twilight had managed to relax, "Oasis' eyes widened in excitement as she read the scroll, "This is it! Just the thing to wreck that harlot's potion!"

'Thump!'

Twilight slammed the book shut, a deadpan expression on her face

Owlowiscious, woken up from his nap by the noise, looked at her, "Hoo?" He called out sleepily.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Owlowiscious. I'm just trying to get my mind off that stupid thought of the potion Spike's getting from Zecora possibly failing." She chuckled, "I know that's ridiculous; In all the time we've known her, she has yet to make a faulty remedy! The worst that could happen is it wears off or she doesn't have....anything..." Twilight's eyes widened slightly, her mind grabbing the notion and running.

What if the potion she gave him wore off, especially at a bad time? What if she wasn't able to help??

"I...I need to talk to somepony; I mean, in the slim chance Zecora can't help." She said to the less-than-lucid owl, "But who? There has to be somepony who might know a bit about preventing pregnancy before their ready." A mare would probably be the less awkward to ask.

"Hoo.."

"Given how Spike reacted, Celestia is out of the question. Wondering how she'd react even makes ME a little nervous. Maybe Granny Smith might know? She's seen a lot in her time and been a mother, so she's bound to have some idea." As she talked, Twilight's currently active imagination was painting a picture of how that meeting might go...

"Why in sam hill are you asking me, girl? Ah ain't seen a feller's pecker since Ah was Mrs. Cake's age!"

Twilight shook her head and cringed slightly for some reason, "Maybe somepony else. Yeah, definitely somepony else."

Owlowiscious shook his head, "Hoo."

She started pacing, "Wait..the Cakes! Maybe Mrs. Cake has a little advice. She's a recent mother; of twins no less..."

"Oh, well, I'm not sure what to tell you, dearie. Ever since the twins were born I haven't really had much of a chance to hop onto Carrot's happy train, if you get what I'm saying. Although...Carrot Jr. does seem to favor my flank as his hidey-hole..."

"I really didn't need to picture that....!" Twilight muttered, trying to think of something else, her cheeks blazing.

Owlowiscious quickly covered his face with a wing in an attempt to not look amused at her reaction.

"No, No. Maybe I need to approach this on a more scientific level." She snapped her fingers in realization, " Or medical; Nurse Redheart!"

"I believe we might have something to help you, Miss Sparkle. Stallions looking for contraceptives , although rare, do show up on occasion. Now, I'll just need you to answer a few questions. General procedure, I assure you. Now: What's his length? Width? Have you had initial penetration? Vaginal or anal? Have you performed fellatio on him?"

"Eek! Nonono!" Twilight squeaked, shaking her head almost violently.

"Hoohoohoo!" The owl snicked. He wasn't sure what was going through his owner's head, but her reactions were pretty funny.

"It's not funny, Owlowiscious! I need to find a solution to this; neither me or Spike wants him to unintentionally make a mother out of a mare before she's ready." Her eyes lit up, "Mother...of course! I'll ask Mom. Why didn't I think of this before!?"

"Oh! Sweetie! I just KNEW you and Spike would make a WONDERFUL couple! Now, tell me how it started." Her smile turned lecherous as a notepad suddenly appeared in her hand, a slight hint of blood trickling from her nose, "And spare NO details!"

Twilight simply blushed and whimpered at the thought, "I..I forgot how much of a perv Mom can be..." She slumped into a chair, "There's gotta be SOMEONE I can ask for help..!"

Noticing her distress, Owlowiscious decided to take pity and looked around for a photo he remembered her bringing home once. Sighting it on top of a nearby shelf, he quickly flew over to it and hooted loudly to get her attention.

"Huh?" She looked over, "Owlowiscious? What are you..?" She trailed off as he gestured a wing to the picture he now sat beside.

It was her photo of Shining Armor and Cadance's wedding. Her face brightened significantly, "Owlowiscious! You're a genius!" She squealed, immediately hugging her pet, "Who better to ask then the 'Princess of Love' herself? I mean, it has a factor in parenthood too." Letting the owl go, she promptly summoned a scroll and quill, "Owlowiscious, as soon as I'm finished writing this, I need you to take it to Cadance ASAP, ok?"

"Hoo!" Came the response, owl chest puffed out in ready.

"All right, let's do this!" The quill began flying across the paper, "Dear Cadance..."

-----------Outside the Boutique-----------

"Ok, ready? Three...two...one...go!"

"Rock!/Rock!/Paper!" Sweetie Bell, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo called out in unison, their fists held out.

"Aw, come on!" Apple Bloom pouted, looking at the flat palm of her Pegasus friend.

"Yes! I get to ask first!" Scootaloo jumped in excitement.

"Can't Ah get a do-over?"

"No way, Bloom!" She grinned, "You'll just have to try and beat Sweetie for second place."

"What in Equestria are you three doing?" Rarity called out from the door, looking at the trio in a mix of apprehension and confusion.

"We're seein' who gets to ask Spike ou...!" Apple Bloom managed to get out before Sweetie Bell clamped hand over her mouth.

"What..?" Rarity deadpanned, her eye twitching slightly.

"We're going to ask Spike about some of the jobs he's picked up around town, may see if we can work up a few extra bits of our own!" Sweetie Bell piped up, smiling as innocently as possible, "We're just seeing who gets to ask first."

Rarity stared at them for a moment, suspicion etched on her face before going back in.

Once the door close, she sighed in relief and let Apple Bloom go "That was close!"

"What the hay was that for THAT for, Sweetie?" Apple Bloom asked indignantly.

"Shhhh! It's still kind of a sensitive subject." She whispered, "You should've seen her the other day; when Spike didn't act like he used to while he was helping with a cloth delivery, she almost wore the varnish off the floor with her worried pacing." Sweetie Bell sighed, "I don't think it's quite sunk in yet that he's not pining for her any longer."

"Does it matter?" Scootaloo asked, a hand on her hip, "Nothing personal, Sweetie, but your sister had her chance."

"YOU wanna be the one to just blurt out that he's lost interest in her? Guys, she tried flirting with him. RARITY. STYLE. FLIRTING. All he did was tell her 'thanks'! She was up all night eating ice cream after that!"

"Well, that doesn't sound too bad." Apple Bloom said.

Sweetie Bell looked at her, "All the ice cream in the fridge AND the freezer in the basement: TWENTY-THREE quart containers! And she was doing that annoying 'nom nom nom' noise THE. ENTIRE. TIME!

Scootaloo and Apple Bloom looked at each other for a moment, "Good point." They said in unison.

"Exactly." She took a breath and relaxed. "Anyway...where were we? Oh yeah!" She stuck her fist out. "Get over here, 'Bloom! Scoots may be first, but I'm going next!"

"Says you!" Apple Bloom grinned.