//-------------------------------------------------------// Broken Hearts and Hard Truths -by WildStallion- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// Prologue //-------------------------------------------------------// Prologue Prologue      Spike has been traveling through the Everfree forest heading back to Ponyville after a visit at Zecoras hut. Spike is now a tall dragon that he lost some of his baby features. He is bigger, a head taller then Big Mac, he has a muscular build body. Though he does get the occasional stares from many of the mares he has been trying to get the attention of one. Though every time tries the mare keeps making excuses. Though he thinks she's just dense part of him thought she is hiding something. So he visited Zecora and asked for some help and persuaded her to help him. So she made him a certain potion for him, though she thinks he's better off knowing he took it and left.      He arrived back in Ponyville and as usual some mares are glancing at him. Some turned away blushing as he walks down the streets towards the boutique. As he arrived he sees That Rarity was just coming back from her spa with Fluttershy. He quickly hides the bottle and smiles as he walks up to her. "Hello Rarity."      Rarity suddenly turned and smiled. "Why hello Spikey darling. What brings you here?"      Spike shrugged his shoulders and said "Oh just passing by and when I saw you I decided to come by and visit."      Rarity smiled and pats his head. Though she has to barely stands on her hinds legs to reach up. "Well that's nice of you. Why don't you come inside and join me for some tea?"      Spike nods and smiled at this. "I would gladly join you." Though his face shows he's happy, underneath it is hidden another smile. One that his plan is in motion and might go well. He enters the building after holding the door for her and she smiles at him and enters. He soon follows and sits at the table and waits for her.      Rarity collects some cups and teacup and she soon sets up the tea. Spike waits as he watches her and rolls the bottle in his hand under the table. It takes her a short time to set it up and comes back levitating a tray back. "Well darling, it sure has been some time since we last seen each other."      Spike smiled a fake smile that fools Rarity easily and one he had for many months now. "Yea, though we saw each other a month ago at Applejacks and Caramels wedding reception. Before you left on a months trip to Manehatten for that fashion show you had."      Rarity nodded as she pours the tea into the cups and gives one to Spike which he takes happily and takes a sip. "Oh yes that was a good time." Said Rarity "So much apple related foods I thought it was an Apple family reunion. Though they did invite many of their relatives. Including the Oranges."      Both laughed at this as they talk for some time until Rarity put a hoof to her lips. "Oh silly me, I should've gotten some snacks for this. I'll be back." Rarity then stood up and walked into the kitchen and as she does this Spike quickly got up and opened the bottle and poured the contents into her cup along with some tea. Surprisingly the contents is odorless and tasteless. He quickly hides it and sits down like nothing happened.      Rarity comes back with a tray of cookies and sits back down. "So Spike what have you been up to lately?"      "Well not much. Twilight seems to handle things well so far since she finally gotten a staff. Honestly, I'm glad she did. All that paperwork is hard to do and I barely had time to myself. At least Twilight realized it and now has me do whatever I want." He takes a sip and watches as Rarity brings up the cup towards the lip and takes a sip of hers.      "Hmm, this tea sure is good right Spike?" Rarity asked.      Spike nods his head knowing it will take a minute until the serum works. "Yes it does." He again takes a sip as he watches for the sign that it's working. A minute later Rarity grabbed her head like a sudden pain came upon her. "Ouch my head. Guess I had been working hard lately."      Spike sighs as he puts down his cup and folds his arms across his chest like he has something serious on his mind.      "So Rarity, we known each other for dome time right?"      Rarity's mind somehow can't think as she suddenly speaks without thinking. "Why Yes Spike. We known each other for years now."      Spike nods since he now knows that it works well. Though it lasts for about an hour so he asked a few more questions that Rarity seem too answer truthfully that he knows that are true. Now after dome time Spike decided to ask what he wanted to know for months. "Rarity, I want to know what you think of me if I were to ask you to be my special some dragon"      In Rarity's mind she doesn't want to say anything but her mouth suddenly said "Well Spike I think of you as a friend and nothing more, so I would say no."      Spike growls under his breath since he was afraid of this happening. But he wants to know one more thing. "Why?      Rarity again can't stop herself. "Well Spike I don't think it will work out between us since you know, you being a dragon and I was afraid what others will think of me. And that you never met my standards."      Spike can't believe what he is hearing! He thought it was something else but this is something totally different. "What was all that with flirting with me and leading me on!?"      "Well I had no idea why I did that."      Spike suddenly slammed onto the table and ran out of the building with tears coming out of his eyes as he heads towards the castle.      Rarity shakes her head after he left and tears were coming out of her eyes as she realizes she heard and saw everything she did. "W-what was in that tea?" (**)      Spike ran through the front door passing by some guards and staff as he heads towards his room. As he reaches it he slams the door shut and he jumps into bed upset and cries into his pillow. He then pulls out a picture of him and Rarity from under his pillow and he glares at it and tears it up. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 1 //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 1 Chapter 1      Spike stayed in his room for the rest of the day crying into his pillow. His mind is in shambles at the revelation of what Rarity thinks of him. He wipes his eyes and took a tissue that's nearby and blew his nose. He sighs as he looks down onto the floor until he hears a knock at the door and a familiar voice. "Hey Spike, is everything all right?"      Spike looks up and wipes his eyes again. "No, not really."      The door opened slowly and a lavender alicorn pony walks in. "Do you want to talk about it?"      Spike sighs as he looks down at the floor saddened dome more. "Guess so. But you might hate me a little Twilight."      Twilight walks over and sits on the bed beside him and puts a hoof on his shoulder. "I'm sure I won't be mad at you. Now tell me what's troubling you."      Spike then takes a deep breath as he explained what he did and what happened at Rarity's. Twilight listens and after he was done she says with calm in her voice. "So you had Zecora make you a truth serum which you used on Rarity whom you also asked what she thought of you?" Spike nods. "Spike, what was your reason for this?"      "Maybe I was just tired of getting blindsided by her excuses and every time I spend time with her she acted oblivious to how I felt. Other then that I don't know."      Twilight thinks there was more but decided not to ask since he seems confused right now. So instead she pulls him into a hug which he gladly accepted and cried into her shoulder. Both sat there for a short time until Twilight gotten an idea. "Hey Spike, want to go visit our parents?"      Spike looks up at her and smiled and nodded his head. "Sure. I feel like I need to leave this place for a while."      Twilight nods and gets up as he starts levitating some of his stuff. "Don't worry, I'll get us ready."      Spike nods as she continues packing and he stays on his bed and thinks a bit. (**)      After about less then an hour, Twilight and Spike are at the train station with Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. "Sorry if the others were unable to be here Twilight."      "It's alright Fluttershy, I know Pinkie is busy with some birthday parties that are coming up. And AJ is busy on the farm."      Rainbow nods and looks around a bit. "I'm surprised that Rarity isn't here. What do you think she's doing? Usually she jumps at the chances to go to Canterlot."      Twilight thinks for a bit as she looks at Spike whom is already on the train and back at Dash. "Well something happened between her and Spike and let's just say she said some stuff that hurt him and that's why we decided to take a family trip."      Dash tilts her head and looks between Spike and Twilight and said "Well alright. I guess I can ask Rarity about it later. So see you two in sometime."      "Say hello to your parents for me Twilight." Said Fluttershy      "Sure thing Fluttershy." Twilight replied as she gets on the train just as the whistle blew and the train heads off. After it left Dash then looks towards Fluttershy and asks "So should we visit Rarity to find out what happened?"      "Oh I don't think I can, I'm busy later today."      Dash sighs at this and simply flaps her wings "Oh yea, you are seeing that Bulk Biceps today. Well later. I'll tell you what happened at Rarity's later." Dash then takes off leaving a blushing Fluttershy behind. (**)      After some time the train finally arrived at the Canterlot train station and Twilight and Spike disembarked off the train and heads off towards the upper district smiling at any pony that bowed their heads towards her. Though Twilight wishes she was treated like she was treated in Ponyville, just a simple pony. Though she does remember Canterlot is full of those ponies that seem to not do that. She smiles as she knows that since she became a princess her parents are now living in a mansion that is right next to the castle.      They took a carriage and heads towards their parents home. It took about thirty minutes to get there since it was a busy day and news spread that Princess Twilight is in the city and many higher ups wanted to see her. They arrived and the mansion is huge! It's bigger then any building in Ponyville and there are staff ponies everywhere. Twilight and Spike gotten off the carriage and heads up to the door. Before Twilight could knock the door opened to reveal a white pony mare. "Twilight! So good of you to visit."      Twilight was about to sake his she knew until she remembered news can also spread fast in this city. She smiles as she hugs her. "Hey mom. Sorry if I didn't send a letter in advance."      "Oh don't worry. A surprise visit will be most welcome." She sees Spike and hugs him. "Hello my little Spikey."      "Mom! I'm not little anymore." Spike said as he smiles and hugs her.      All three laugh as she lets them enter and they walk into the living room as they talk. "So Twilight, how has it been so far?"      "So far it has been a hassle. But I think I gotten the hang of it."      A maid pony brings in some tea and treats for them and as they talk some more until a blue unicorn comes downstairs. "So Velvet, I heard Twilight is home?"      Velvet looks up at him and pats the seat next to her. "Yes indeed Night."      He then walks over and hugs Twilight. "So good to see you Twilight."      "Same here dad."      Spike sat there on the couch listening in on them but also thinking a bit. Velvet noticed his gloom like look and she suddenly gotten an idea. "Spike, want to help me carry up your things?"      "Oh Velvet let the staff handle that." Said Night      "No no no, I want to do something. I don't want to be like some of those lazy nobles." She said as she gets the bags and pulls Spike along with her. As they reach the steps she turns towards Spike and asked "Spike, is there something the matter?"      Spike is surprised at this and sighs. "Yea."      "You can tell me if you want to."      Spike looks down at the steps. "Well mom, it's about dome mare I used to had a crush on."      Velvet then stopped as she was just about on the steps. "Did this mare broke your heart?"      "Yes. Though more like shattered it."      Velvet's face went red with anger as she yells "How dare this mare broke my little Spikes heart!" She then hugs him as he stands there surprised since rarely she gets mad. "Don't worry Spike, I'm sure there is a mare out there who will accept you."      Spike smiles a bit since she was mad but is now calm. But he hugs her as tears come out of his eyes. "I hope so too."      Twilight and Night came around the corner after hearing her scream and heard what they said. Both then walked up to them and Night pats Spikes shoulder and Twilight smiles. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 2 //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 2 Chapter 2      Rainbow Dash exits the Boutique grumbling under her breath. She didn't find Rarity inside. Though there is a mess inside and Sweetie Belle and Button were cleaning up. Though at first she thought both of them made the mess until Sweetie says she saw Rarity in a panic like state. Though one thing that stood out was the shards of glass on the floor by the table. Dash may not be a detective, but she could guess where it came from since she heard that Spike was in the Everfree forest this morning. So she flew out fast like heading towards Zecoras.      What she found out was a bit disturbing. Zecora told her that Spike was there and that he wanted a truth serum and Dash putted two and two together and quickly thanked her and left to find AJ. As she comes close to Sweet Apple Acres she spots Caramel working on the fence. She shrugged her shoulders and decided Caramel might help. As she nears him, she sees he's concentrating on the fence. She then sees AJ coming over with a tray and some cider. She then lands and trots over. "Hey AJ, I need to talk to you about something."      Applejack looks over and nodded her head. "Sure thing Rainbow."      Caramel hears them and stops what's he's doing and wipes his brow of sweat. "Hi Dash, hi AJ. I see you brought me drinks."      Applejack smiled warmly at Caramel and puts the tray of drinks onto the ground. "Eeyup sugercube, I just thought you needed some after working out here."      Dash though is floating in the air as the two of them gotten to giggling and sweet talking. She crosses her hooves and cleared her throat just to get them to stop. "Okay now, that's all good and all but AJ do you know where Rarity is?"      Applejack stops and thinks for a bit. "Nope. Can't say that I have. Why are you looking for her?"      Dash then told them all that she knew and heard from Twilight and Spike leaving too the broken bottle of possibly truth serum. "So my guess is Spike got fed up with a Rarity dodging him so he made her drink it and didn't like what he heard from her."      "Gosh, ah can't believe Spike did that."      Caramel was listening as he took a sip of the drink when he remembered something. "Uh AJ, I could guess what your friend a Rarity said that Spike didn't like."      Dash and Applejack then look at him with raised eyebrows. "How would you know?" Asked Rainbow      "Well, you do know I hang out with some of my friends right?" Applejack nodded. "Well you see, now don't take this the wrong way but they said some choice words about her. Like how she's so demanding, high maintinance, high standards and bossy and makes rash judgements over the smallest detail. And I know this because some of my friends tried dating her. Though each one ended badly."      "How badly sugercube?"      Caramel sighed as he takes a deep breath. "Well, Lucky was like a few minutes late and Rarity acted like he was an hour late, Blue took her to a simple resteraunt though Rarity lectured him on his poor manners even though the one time he burped and he said excuse me for one and for forgetting to pull the chair out for her, Pokey tried to date her but she didn't want to go out with some heir to a business that makes baby supplies and finally, Thunderlane tried but seems like she listened to rumors that says he has a polygamy relationship with some mares."      After hearing this Dash was sitting on the ground and Applejack had a surprised look on her face. "Gosh darn it. Rarity made those dates sound bad when in fact they weren't. Ah knew she over exaggerated about them."      "Yea, guess Spike didnt met up with her standards and simply played with his emotions and just crushed them." Said Caramel      Dash then took a deep breath and floated upwards. "Well I'm going to find her. You two have fun." She then flew off in the direction of Ponyville leaving Applejack and Caramel alone and talking. (**)      Spike woke up in his room in the Sparkle hom after a good nap. He stretches and yawned as he knew his family let him sleep. He then decided to head downstairs to get breakfast. As he comes down after taking a bath he sees Night Light at the table. "Morning son. Slept well?" He asked      Spike nodded his head as he sits at the table. "Yea."      They then sat in silence for some time until Night said "Well if you don't have any plans, Velvet wanted to take you somewhere she thinks might cheer you up."      Now Spike looked up suddenly and looks at him with a questioned look. "Where is she taking me?"      "She wouldn't say. But she thinks you would like it."      Spike sighed and smirked as he somehow wondered where Velvet is taking him. "Alright. Guess I'll have no choice about it."      Both of them laughed at this and Night gotten him dome crystals and they ate some brunch. Spike then looked around and wondered. "Where are Twilight and Velvet?"      "Twilight went to see the princess since Shinning and Cadence is here visiting and Velvet went to prepare too take you to somewhere."      Spike nodded as he finishes his meal and hit up and stretched a bit. "Well can't wait for this evening now. Wonder where she's taking me?" He asked himself as he heads towards the library. Night smirked as he pulls up a newspaper and reads it knowing Spike will be fine now. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 3 //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 3      Spike was putting on a suit and tie as he wondered where Velvet is taking him. He knows Twilight and Night are heading somewhere else for father and daughter time. As he finishes up he heads downstairs and sees Velvet waiting at the bottom. "Hello Spike. My what a handsome drake you are."      Spike laughed at this as he knows she's just being a mother to him. "Yea thanks."      "Well let's go."      Spike stops at the door as he looked back at her. "Where are we going?"      "Why to a concert."      Spike is now surprised but decided to go with it since some reason good classical music seemed to calm him down recently like ice cream did when he was younger. He and Velvet stepped outside and enter a carriage. Spike then looked outside as the carriage heads towards the music hall. The music hall is a big place usually filled to the brim of ponies that listen to classical music. Spike and Velvet then exits the carriage as it stops in front of it and head up inside the building. Velvet then paid for the two of them. Both are allowed in and head up onto the balcony seats which seem to look comfortable with its red cushioned chairs.      As Spike sits down he waits a bit as Velvet sits next to him. He looks out and sees many ponies are around. He then turned his attention towards the stage and sees the curtains are closed. He's not surprised since they are a few minutes early. He then looks at the program page and sees there are a few ponies that will be playing. He looks at each name until he reaches the last one that surprises him.      "Octavia!" He said quietly and with a hint of surprise and excitment.      He then looks back up and sees that it's starting. He then sits back as the music plays. Though he prefers Octavia's music since her music is unique and different from the other ponies music. He sighed as he waits for a half an hour until Octavia comes on. It's not so hard to miss her since she's an earth pony with a grey coat and black mane and tail. And her cutie mark is of an octave. Spike then sits back as he listens to her music that he finds very good and relaxing. He also remembered that he bought few of her albums at one point.      It has been about five minutes until Octavia is done and few ponies clopped their hooves together. Though Spike smiled as he clapped and finds himself standing up not caring at those that look at him strangely. Though Velvet sees him doing this and giggled. As the show ended Velvet grabbed his hand with her magic and dragged her along. "Mom! What are you going?"      Velvet gleefully smiled at him. "Why we are going to meet Octavia since by your reaction in the theater you like her music."      Spike blushed at this since he never told anyone about it and hits himself for making it obvious. "But don't we need something to go backstage?" He asked as they head through a door marked Backstage. Velvet laughs "Yes. But I'm going to be abusing my position for you."      Spike sighed at this as he remembered Velvet is now like an important pony alongside Night Light, FancyPants and Fleur. He then allowed himself to be dragged along until they see Octavia carrying her cello on her back and is about to head out until Velvet waved at her saying "Hello miss. I was hoping to meet you before you go."      Octavia looked towards her and sighed a bit. To her Velvet seemed familiar. Though all nobles to her are the same. "Hello miss. Though what do you need too see me for?"      Velvet shook her head "Oh forgive me I don't want to meet you. My son here wanted too meet you."      As Octavia sees Spike she then remembered whom this pony is. Twilight Velvet! Mother too a Princess Twilight Sparkle and Prince Shining Armor whom is married to Princess Cadence. And wife to Night Light whom is Princess Lunas Night Court assistant.      As Octavia sees Spike she knew right away as she looked at the dragon. He seems to be her height and is well dressed. Though for all she knows he could be just an obssessive fan. She decided to just be calm and get a feel of him. She smiled at him and stick a hoof out towards him. "Hello. I'm sure you know my name already."      Spike smoothly moves his hand and shakes her hoof as he feels flustered and can't help but smile. "Yea. I'm Spike miss Octavia."      Velvet though can't help but smile and giggle as she watches them.      "So Spike, enjoyed the show? And please, no need for the miss." Asked Octavia as she's curious what Spike is like.      "W-Well Octavia, I think it was amazingly good."      Octavia nodded and smirked a bit since that was the first time someone complimented her music like that. "Thank you. I assume you are a fan?"      "Yes. You could say I have many of your music."      "Well, glad you liked it. Even though," she stopped suddenly as she looked at the time "Excuse me I got to get home." She said as she hurriedly head out. Though as she exits she turned towards Spike "Nice meeting you."      Spike walks forward as he suddenly said "Same. Want to hang out sometime?" He asked but then just as quickly added "As friends!"      Octavia bites her lip as she thinks. "Maybe." she said as she leaves leaving Spike sighing and somehow bit happy. Velvet then helped him back outside and into the carriage and head home. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 4 //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 4      It has been two days since the concert and Spike is helping Twilight pack up since she needs to be back at Ponyville. Though surprisingly he's allowed to stay in Canterlot. Though part of it was his choice and Twilight agreed too it. As he helps her pack up Velvet comes into the room smiling but a little saddened. "Oh Twilight. Wish you didn't have to go."      Twilight looks at her mother sighing. "I know mom. But I need to get back. I've been busy ever since I became a princess." She said.      Spike smiled as he remembered something. "Or you want to see that stallion you like." He said giggling      Twilight blushes suddenly and Velvet is surprised but grins an even grin "Oh! Twilight has a coltfriend. Who is it?" She asked but then her face turns serious "Is it that Flash Sentry guard?"      "No mom. It's not him. That was that one time." Twilight said shaking her head and blushes "The stallion I like though is a unicorn. Though he probably doesn't know I exist." She said      "Oh Twilight, you are so smart but still need help." Velvet said to a blushing Twilight and Spike laughing as he holds his chest.      "Though Twilight, my advice is don't wait. You should approach him." Spike said as he stopped laughing.      Twilight at first wanted to say something but realized he has a point. Even though his and hers situation are completely different. She simply smiled and patted him on the head. "Sure thing Spike. Thanks." She said instead. Spike smiled as he finishes up packing her stuff. All three of them were halfway down the stairs when suddenly the door was being knocked on. A white pony in a tux walks up to the door and the three of them can hear them. "Ah welcome miss. How may I help you?"      Spike then hears a familiar voice as he gets to the bottom of the steps. "Hello, I'm just wondering if a Spike lives here?"      The door was then opened and standing there was Octavia. Spike was at first speechless since he forgotten about talking to her two days ago. He then shakes his head and somewhat does a fast walk up to the door. "Hi Octavia. I....I wasn't expecting you too appear." He said nervously.      Octavia smiled at him which strangely makes Spike heart rate goes up. "It's alright. I sort of did the same. I remembered recently since I had nothing to do and my friend, thank Celestia, isn't around."      Spike smiled and before he can say anything Twilight steps beside him saying "Who's your new friend Spike?"      Spike almost jumped out of his scales as he noticed her and smiled. "This is Octavia. Octavia this is my sister Twilight Sp-"      "Twilight Sparkle, student of Princess Celestia and whom is now a princess." Replied Octavia      "Wow, I'm surprised you knew about me." Said Twilight      "Well when you become a princess ponies start taking notice of you."      Before Twilight could say anything Velvet comes up saying "Spike, why not go hang out with your friend. I'll make sure Twilight gets to the train station." She now said as she carries the bags and suitcase with her magic.      Before Spike could say anything both Twilight and Velvet leave and Velvet can't help but smile with a confused Twilight beside her. "Mom, why did you do that?"      "Oh Twilight, sometimes the best way to fix a broken heart is sometimes to bring another mare into the stallions heart." She said as she trotted along the street with Twilight thinking about what her mother said still bit confused even though she thinks she gets it. "Is that how you and dad met? If I remember."      "Indeed Twilight. Some mare crushed his heart and he wasn't the same until I came along."      Twilight nodded as she moved along with her mother towards the train station. (**)      As the two left Spike and Octavia stands alone in silence. Until Octavia spoke up "So Spike, any plans?"      Spike shakes his head as he realized he has nothing and hope Octavia doesn't mind. "Well....Uh....no sorry." He said blushing a little and feeling nervous. Octavia smiled and giggled "It's alright Spike. I sort of knew you won't have any plans. Guess part of it was my fault. Sorry." She said moving a hoof along her keg also bit nervous.      "No no Octavia, it's alright." Spike said and gets an idea "Want to maybe just hang out at the Canterlot gardens?"      Octavia is shocked as she hears this "But but aren't those in the castle!?" She said somehow scared but also excited.      "Well me and my family are good friends with the princesses. So I'm sure they won't mind." Spike said with much enthusiasm.      Octavia smiled as she nodded and Spike showed her a way that leads to the gardens. As they reach it Octavia is surprised at the gardens. To her it's more beutiful then she can imagine. Statues, flowers and even a water fountain that seems simple and beutiful. "Wow! This place is more gorgeous then I imagine."      "Glad you like it." Spike said as he can't help but smile.      Both of them then ended up walking around and talking about the statues as he shows her around a bit. Spike looks down at her and smiled as he sees her smiling which makes him feel good. They then sat on a bench as Spike then thinks and says "So, what can you tell me about you?"      "Well, besides me knowing music and play the cello, I'm from Canterlot, traveled around a bit and have few memories." She then suddenly sighed as she hangs her head. "And few bad ones."      Spike now grew concerned at first but decided to not push it. "Yea, same here. Strange both of us seem similar but do different."      Octavia giggled as she sits up on the bench "Yea, it sure does."      "Both of them then giggled and laugh at this. Spike now can't help but enjoy this. Though a part of him seems to be holding him back and being cautious. Octavia now finds herself enjoying Spikes company and somehow is starting to think of him as a friend. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 5 //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 5      It has been nearly two weeks and Ponyville is going on just as normal. Though Twilights friends are curious how Spike us doing. Though she reassures them that he's doing fine and they both keep in touch. Though she doesn't mention he made a new friend there, yet. She thinks it would be better if Spike told them when he gets back. Though seems like Rarity haven't been seen a lot. Though whenever Twilight or her other friends try to talk too her she makes an excuse that she's working on lots of orders for multiple clients. Even though Sweetie Belle tells them she's been in her room a lot.      Twilight thinks what happened between her and Spike must be affecting her. She sighed as she decided to see if she can help. Even if she has to bash the door down. Though tempting that is she thinks that might be extreme. As she walks from her castle heading towards the boutique she spotted Rarity heading towards the train station. Curious she followed her and her head thinks if she's getting onto a train the only one that's availible now is the one too Canterlot. She thinks Rarity could be heading there to find Spike. "Rarity, are you heading to Canterlot to talk to Spike?" She asked herself.      Twilight then tried to catch up to Rarity but Rarity gets onto the train and the door closes. Twilight then stomped her hooves. She then decided to send Spike a letter about it. Even though he seems to be doing fine. She then quickly heads towards the post office thinking it will be faster there. (**)      Spike finds himself walking towards Octavia's home. He's bit glad a week ago she gave him her address and said he's always welcome to visit. He smiled as he sees the building. Surprisingly she lives in the lower district of Canterlot. The place is filled with what the ponies in the upper part will call 'riff raff' even though the ponies living in this part are hard working ponies whom a lot font really care about status, power and money. He looks over Octavia's house and can't help but admire the simplicity of the building. It's only two stories tall with some windows, a front porch with a few seats and a table. He takes a deep breath and head onto the porch and knocks. Spike then quickly made sure he looks nice. Somehow he can't help but do it even though he learned Ocyavia is not really a high maintenance mare.      The door suddenly opened and standing there isn't Octavia but a white unicorn mare. Before Spike can do anything the mare turned around shouting "Octavia! Your dragon friend is here!"      "Vinyl! No need to shout." Said a familiar voice Spike knows well. He looks over the mare whom he assumed is Vinyl and smiled at her "Hi. I'm Spike."      Vinyl then moves her shades up onto her forehead showing her red eyes. "Hello Spike. So you are the one that my friend is growing fond of." She said giggling as Spike blushes as he hears that.      "Uh....wait what!?" Spike said confused. Before Vinyl can say anything she was shoved gently out if the way. Spike smiled as he sees Octavia. Though he noticed she has a hair clip that has a pink flower on it and it seems to be holding her mane back more. Spike blushes a bit as Octavia smiled "Hi Spike. I see you made it here fine."      "Yep." Spike said with a hint of enthusiasm as he cant help but smile. "So um, want to head too Donut Joes?" He asked      "Sure thing Spike." Octavia said      Both then walked only a few steps until Vinyl shouted to them "Have fun on your date you two!"      Both Spike and Octavia turned to her and before any of them can say anything Vinyl laughs leaving the two of them walking and blushing a little. They walked in silence for a while until Spike said "This isn't a date right?"      "No no of course not." Octavia said quickly even though part of her thinks it's a little like a date. They then walked on until they reach the place and enter. Spike then opened the door for her and let's her enter first. Both then sit at a booth and ordered a jelly donut and a glazed donut. After a while Octavia said "So Spike, I'm sure you miss any friends back home right?"      "Yea. Though it's alright. I send Twilight a letter." Spike said      "Oh, why not tell me about them." She said bit interested      "Well, Rainbow Dash is a Pegasus whom is trying out for the Wonderbolts. Though she's close now I think. Pinkie is, well Pinkie is a party earth pony who likes to party, Fluttershy is a shy Pegasus whom takes cares of animals, Applejack is a farm earth pony whom farms apples." He said though looks down. Octavia is curious though part of her thinks it's better to let it be. Though she decided to ask him. "And some other pony?"      Spike growls a bit but calmed down a little. "Well, let's say I had a crush on a mare. But she rejected me and broke my heart." He said angry and tears are coming out of his eyes.      Octavia then now feels sorry as she scoots beside him and pats him on the shoulder. "So sorry to hear that. I...don't know how I can compare."      Spike then looks up at Octavia confused "What do you mean?"      "Well Spike, I myself had a coltfriend. But it turns out he only saw the fame and fortune and didn't want us to further our relationship. So I broke it off when I caught him with another mare." She said now finding herself sad.      Spike now looks at her and can't help but wipe away her tears. "Guess both of us are just a couple broken hearts looking for a second chance."      Octavia then looks at him into his eyes and nodded. "Yea, I guess so."      Both sat on the bench for some time in silence still in each others arms and hooves. Spike then bites his lip as he sighed "Octavia, if this were a date, do you think we are moving too fast? Because we just met like two weeks ago."      Octavia then looks at him surprised and blushes "Well uh, I don't know." Spike sighed at hearing this but the she said "If you asked me that a week ago I'll maybe just say we are friends. But now, now I guess I grew fond of you."      Spike is now surprised at this that he wondered if Octavia likes her more then a friend. He then coughed as he gets up blushing. Octavia blushes as she thinks he's now confused just as she is. Everyday for the past two weeks they always found time to spend time together. She then gets up just as Spike pays for the donuts and he helps her home.      About a half an hour later they arrive at her house. Octavia then walked up to the porch with Spike behind her. She then turned around and looked up at Spike. Both stood there for a minute before Octavia leans up suddenly and pecks him on the lips. She then blushes as Spike is now surprised. "Oh uh....sorry...I....I...." She said stammering.      "It's alright Octavia. It....it was nice." He said bit nervous.      Octavia smiled as she then leans up again and gives him another peck on the lips but this time she stays bit longer. Spike then suddenly pulls her close and fully kisses her. Though Octavia doesn't care as she kisses him back. After what felt like an eternity they broke it up and smiled as Spike staggered backwards and Octavia giggled as she heads into her house. Spike then gets a carriage and heads home still smiling. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 6 //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 6      Sometime later the next day Spike wakes up from what he could call a good dream. Before his dreams were filled with ice cream and Rarity. Now this dream was filled with the sound of a cello and Octavia. Though he also found himself playing the piano alongside her. Part of him was glad and happy while the other part was nervous. Though before the dream ended Octavia kissed him on the lips and flutters her eyes at him. Strangely before in his dreams Rarity never kissed him on the lips. Maybe that should've been his first clue about her. Now though Octavia is on his mind and he decided to go see her.      As he comes downstairs he sees Velvet standing at the bottom of the stairs grinning. "So Spike, how did it go last night?"      "What do you mean?" Spike said nervously as he reaches the bottom of the steps.      Velvet giggled as she puts a hoof to her lips "You and Octavia. How was the date?"      A hint of pink appears onto his cheek. Though it wasn't a date part of him thinks it was a bit of a date. He smiled as he sighed "Well it went well. Infact it went great." He said excitedly. "I'm maybe going to go see her again."      Velvet sighed as she smiled and pats his head "My little Spikey is growing up so fast."      Both giggled at this as Spike then heads towards the door. As he reached it though a knock came at it. Confused, Spike then opens it and is surprised but happy as a familiar grey mare is standing at the doorway. "Octavia! Wha-What are you doing here? Not that I'm complaining." He said quickly.      Octavia smiled and giggled as she nuzzled him causing him to blush. "Oh, can't I see my favorite dragon whenever I want."      "I'm the only dragon you know Octy." Spike said as he pats her head.      "Exactly!" Octavia said as she was let in by Spike. Velvet comes around a corner and sees Octavia and says "Welcome Octavia. I see you are visiting for a bit?"      "Yes. Though hope you don't mind."      "Nonsense dear." Velvet said waving her hoof. "Any friend of Spike is welcome here." She then smiled as she heads to the kitchen "Though you must stay for lunch. And I'll never take no for an answer."      Spike laughs as Octavia looks at him confused "Guess you are staying over." Octavia smiled at this and nodded her head as she and Spike head into the living room. Octavia looks around as she can't help but admire the inside. It's not like any other rich ponies house. Their homes are filled, sometimes to the brim, with nothing but lavish things that to her shouts 'I'm rich! Notice me. I'm important.' Though the Sparkle home isn't like that. It's simple, clean, has a sort of charm to it and feels like home. As Octavia sits beside Spike she noticed the couch is also simple and not an expensive one.      Spike looked at her smiling and fiddles with his fingers trying to think of anything. "So uh, find day today I see."      Octavia nodded as she giggled "It sure is."      Both of them sat there in silence and glance at each other. Spike looks at Octavia and he then suddenly pets her mane which made her flinch and blush. Spike then stopped as he looks away saying "S-Sorry Octavia."      Octavia looked at him and then leans against him as she nuzzled his cheek. "It's fine. I-I kind of liked it."      Spike smiled at this and his face goes redder as he moves his hand and pets her mane more. As he does this he can feel his heart beat at like a hundred miles per hour. Though he pets her more as he then noticed she then lays across his lap.      Velvet then comes in and was about to say lunch is ready. But as she sees them she can't help but squeal in delight quietly. She then smiled also and doesn't feel like disrupting the sight before her. But she knows the food will get cold. "Lunch is ready Spike and Octavia."      Spike and Octavia then get up blushing little more as they head towards the dining room. Though as they arrived they see it's set up for two. "Uh mom, why is there two seats? Aren't you and Night going to be here?"      Velvet giggled as she simply says "Oh I forgot to mention, me and Night are going out you two have fun." She said giggling as she then heads towards the front door as Night was coming in. Though before he could say anything he was dragged out by Velvet as she explained to him what's going on. Surprisingly he nodded as he heads out with her.      Spike and Octavia then found themselves alone as they sat in the chairs and Spike helped her into one. "So uh, seems like Velvet wanted us to eat lunch alone together." Octavia said.      Spike nodded as he sits down thinking the same thing. "Yea, I agree." He replied      Both of them giggled as they then start to eat the food. Spike smiled as he sees Velvet knew he liked gems. Then again he grew up here for a while and they learned the hard way about his diet. He then sees Octavia eating a dandelion sandwhich with a salad. He then poured her some of the cider that Velvet seemed to let out. "So Octavia, tell me about yourself."      Octavia thinks for a bit as she moves a hoof to her chin. "Well, I grew up in the upper part of Canterlot among the rich snobs. Went to a music university after I found my cutie mark after I grew an interest in it. I became good until my, ex came along. He somehow wanted to be famous as I just wanted to play. Now I'm living in lower Canterlot with my roommates Vinyl and Neon."      As she said this Spike listened and says "That sounds tough."      "Yes Spike, music is tough and in the industry every pony is at each other's throats. One mistake and your career goes down the drain. My ex almost did that to me." She said with a hint of anger and sadness.      Spike now gets a saddened look and he moves a hand onto her hoof. "Sorry to hear that. Also sorry to bring up your ex."      Octavia then wiped her eyes trying to get rid of dome tears. "It's alright. I just needed to tell someone." She looked up at him smiling "I'm glad it's you I'm telling Spike."      Spike smiled as he looks into her eyes. Unknown to them they are leaning in towards each other. As the get close they were about to kiss until a loud knock came at the door. Spike then tilts his head as he gets up "What the?! Who would come here?" He then starts towards the door with Octavia following him. He approached the door and puts a hand on the door handle. He then opens it and his eyes suddenly goes wide and they shrink to pinpricks at who appeared.      "Rarity!?" //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 7 //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 7      An awkward silence as Spike saw Rarity standing outside. Many emotions comes forth. Though many are which aren't good. His claws made grooves in the doorway as he glares at her anger fills up as he says with a hint of here in his voice. "What are you doing here Rarity?"      Rarity at first doesn't say anything as she tries to think up something to say. "Well uh Spikey I-"      "Don't call me that!" Spike said suddenly as he glares at her. "You lost the privlage of calling me that."      Rarity was shocked when she heard this she puts a hoof to her lips and tears are almost forming at her eyes. "Bu-But Spike, you always loved me calling you that."      "Maybe I did once. But not anymore." Spike said as he tried to shut the door but Rarity decided to be persistent and keeps the door open as she tries to talk to Spike. "Spike, please let me talk to you."      As this was going on Octavia is nearby listening in on them. Part of her thinks to let Spike handle this while the other thinks to jump in and help. As she quickly thinks the door was blown open and what she saw made her eyes go wide. Rarity jumps at Spike as he moves his arms up to block her as he stumbled backwards. But Rarity slams into him causing him to lose his balance falling onto his back. Rarity then looks at him with a pleading look. "Spike, please I just wanted to talk to you. After what happened I've been thinking and I'm willing to give us a try." She said as she tries to lean in for what Spike seems to not want to know what she's doing.      But suddenly Rarity was knocked clear off him and slides along the floor. Rarity gets up rubbing a red hoof mark on her cheek. She then noticed Octavia standing over Spike glaring at her. "Stay away from him bitch! Spikey doesn't want you!" She said nuzzling Spike.      Rarity is shocked at what she's seeing. Another mare over Spikey and she then gets up glaring at Octavia. "Who are you and what are you doing with my Spikey!"      Octavia glares harder at Rarity so hard she could be drilling into her head. "Spikey is my drake friend! You lost your chance of having him!" She shouted now getting in between Spike and Rarity. Rarity then glares at her and suddenly jumps at her screaming forgetting about her horn since she's to angry to use her magic. Both Octavia and Rarity stumbled around throwing hoof punches and pulling each other's manes.      "Bitch! You don't deserve him!" Yelled Rarity      "No way! He came to me after you broke his heart!" Shouted Octavia      "Who gave you the right to fix his heart!"      "After what you did to him I had every right!"      Spike could only watch in horror at what he's seeing. His new mare friend is fighting his old crush. He somehow doesn't know what to do as he gets up and continues watching as he backs up. Just then Octavia quickly then does an uppercut right at Raritys chin causing her to flip backwards onto her belly. She then gets up in pain but also crying. "I....I...." She then sees she can't say anything as she runs out of the building.      Octavia pants for breath as her mane and tail were messed up and her tie is ruined. She then sits down as she looks down feeling ashamed. She then feels two arms around her as Spike hugs her. "Octavia, thank you."      Octavia wipes her eyes a bit. "No, I should be apologizing. I....I never gotten that mad before."      Spike smiled at her as he nuzzles her neck. "It's alright. Somehow I can guess it was any built up anger you had."      Octavia then smiled at him as she kisses him on the lips. Spike then returns the kiss as he looks her over. "Come on, let's go take care of you."      Octavia nodded as she lets Spike carry her upstairs and towards his room. Though a hint of pink appears around her cheeks she can't help but smile that she's in good arms now. (**)      After about a few minutes Octavia is on the bed covered in bandages and ice packs. She lays on the bed smiling as Spike went to get some dinner. She sniffs the bed sheets seeing they are a nice shade of purple like his scales. She then sees him come in and lays a tray of salad on the bed near her. She then starts eating it up. "Thank you Spike."      Spike smiled as he lays behind her and pets her. "Your welcome." He said as he kisses her cheek. She blushed as she nuzzled him and he pets her more as he moves a claw along her cutie mark. Octavia knows this but isn't complaining as she enjoys his warmth laying next to him.      After a while Octavia and Spike looked at each other into each others eyes. Spike smiled as he kisses her on the lips again. Octavia doesn't resist as she starts kissing him back feeling her heart beat faster and  her stomach do somersaults. To Spike fireworks go off in his head as he holds her close against him. Before he realized it Octavia wraps her hooves around him as he moves his arms around her kissing her deeply as she dies the same.      Both are kissing each other so much that they didn't notice Velvet and Night Light saw it and both left them alone. Though Velvet wondered why there's a mess near the front door but decided to let it wait until morning. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 8 //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 8      Rainbow Dash is busy flying around as she prepares today's weather that calls for light rain in the afternoon. Surprisingly she's helping out when before she usually have other ponies handle it. Then again last time weather called for light rain it ended up a down pour. She's busy until she spots Twilight walking along. She then flew down and hovered beside her. "Hey Twilight. Heard from Spike?"      Twilight looks up at her and replied "Not yet. Not after I sent him the letter about Rarity. Wonder what happened?"      Rainbow Dash nodded as she looks around. "Who knows. Though I need to get back to work."      Twilight giggled at Dashs comment. "You working? That's new."      "Hey now. The weather calls for light rain and last time that happened it was a downpour and I was scolded on it which made me had to scold the weather team."      Twilight nodded remembering the day of the downpour. "Alright. Later Dash."      Dash nodded as she waved her hoof and flies off quickly leaving Twilight heading back towards where she was going. (**)      Meanwhile in Canterlot Spike sleeps peacefully until the suns rays hits his face and he opens his eyes but quickly closes them and moves his arm over them. As he tried to move his other arm he finds he can't. He then opens them as he looks to the side to see a grey pony. He then recgonizes it as Octavia whom is snuggled close to him. He smiled as he reaches over and pets her mane causing her to roll her head and open her eyes and look up at Spike smiling. "Morning Spike."      "Morning Octavia. Slept well?" Spike asked.      "Yes." Octavia replied as she starts to get up and stretches. Though she stretches over him and gives him a peck on the cheek causing Spike to blush and smile. "So any plans for today?"      Spike thinks after hearing the question. "Well no. Not really."      Octavia giggled as she gets up and grabs a brush which she gives to Spike whom starts brushing her mane after he sits up. "You thinking of something?" Asked Spike.      "Maybe." Octavia replied. "How about we go somewhere."      Spike is now confused. Though he's still brushing her mane. "Where shall we go?"      "Oh what about to Ponyville. Now I know that Rarity lives there. I'm just thinking of meeting your other friends." She said      Spike then thinks as he brushes her mane. He could always try to avoid Rarity as he shows her around. Maybe it would be good for Octavia to meet his other friends. Might be interesting in some cases. "Sure. Alright. Might be good." He said bit nervous.      Octavia smiled as she gets up and gives him a peck on the cheek. "I'll meet you at the train station." She said heading out the room leaving a grinning Spike on the bed. He stays like that for about ten minutes until he finally gets up and starts packing some of his things. Though he wondered whom he should take her to meet. Pinkie might be first since she greets every pony and she might be planning a party of sorts.      And if she does that he might introduce the rest of his friends at the party. He sighed as he finished up packing and heads out. He says his goodbyes to Velvet and Night Light and head towards the train station.      About an hour later he arrived and looks around for Octavia. He spots her at the ticket booth and thinks she's buying two tickets to Ponyville. He smiled as he comes up behind her and pets her mane. As he does that she nearly jumped and turns around. As she sees its Spike she smiled. "Hi Spike. You are just in time."      Spike smiled as he nodded and takes one of the tickets. He looks up at a clock and sees they have only fifteen minutes till the train leaves. "Yep. Let's go." He said and both of them head onto the train as their bags are being loaded. Though they didn't bring much they decided to carry them themselves. They then find a seat in the back and put their bags underneath their seats and ended up cuddling each other as the train starts to move. Spike then tells her about Ponyville as they travel and the train ride is going to be a while.      After sometime the train arrives in Ponyville and Spike and Octavia starts to get off and just as they get off the train a pink blur runs up and stops in front of them in the form of Pinkie Pie. "Oh my gosh! Spike! You are home this is so exciting!" She then noticed Octavia and smiled "And a new pony!" She then gasped "Oh my! I should go and throw a double party!" She said and runs off.      Spike and Octavia stood there for like a minute until Spike giggled. "That was Pinkie Pie. She's energetic."      Octavia then giggled. "Energetic is an understatement."      Both of them then go and head off towards the big Crystal castle as Spike shows Octavia around on there way to there. As they walk Octvia also looks around and can't help but admire the place. A part of her thinks about if she can stay here with Spike. Though she decided to wait and see.      "Hey Spike, this party that Pinkie is going to throw she's doing it tonight I assume?" Octavia asked.      "Yep. That's the way she does it. She might hold it at the castle." He replied as he rubs his chin. "Guess if it's going to be a double party she might invite many ponies."      Octavia then gets a picture of a lot of ponies all crammed into a room. She shakes her head. "Sounds like it's going to be a riot."      Spike giggled at her comment as they arrive at the castles door. "Yep. Many of her parties are like that."      Both of them then giggled as Spike starts opening the door and let's Octavia in first.