Bitten By a Dragon

by FaelaArts

Chapters

One
Two
Three
Four
Five

One

Twilight hadn’t meant to be so curt with Spike.

“Spike come on, I don’t ask you to do much these days.”

Nor has she meant to try and guilt trip him.

“You know, I do a lot for you, getting Rarity to agree to see you even when she’s busy. Why can’t you do this for me?”

If Twilight looked back, she would probably say the last straw was when she had said that final sentence.

“Damn it Spike, fine. You’re a baby dragon, I get it. It’s too much for you to handle.” Twilight put a hoof to her face, looking at the angry purple dragon glaring at her, fingers clenched as he shook from unbridled rage. Twilight put her hoof down, feeling the pain start to hit her cheek. A stinging sensation, perfectly complimented by her shock.

“You just hit me,” she spoke, looking down once more. Spike blinked, and for a moment his anger was swept to the back of his mind, before quickly returning. Spike did not relent his glare. No more, he could not let Twilight walk over him any longer. Spike forced himself to not let his anger control his actions, taking a few calming breaths.

“How dare you.” Twilight glared at Spike, looming over him in anger. Spike was HER dragon, how dare HE hit her! Twilight ignored the rational part of her mind, and focused on the fact of what Spike had just done to her. Never mind the why, the fact was he had done it. Spike met her gaze, and Twilight felt her fur bristle in response.

“That’s it, you’re grounded! And I’m going to tell Rarity not to give you any spare gems she has lying around either!” Twilight leaned forward, putting her face right in Spike's. Spike felt a guttural growl leave his mouth, and Twilight scoffed, turning and storming away.

“Growl all you want mister, you deserve it. You’re still too young to know actions have consequences, so I’m going to have to teach you the hard way.” Twilight paused, and glanced back at Spike, who was shaking in anger again.

“Oh yeah?! Well-” Spike cut himself off and clenched his mouth shut. However, Twilight turned, and slowly began to walk back over, eyes blazing.

“Oh yeah what?” Twilight narrowed her eyes, getting uncomfortably close to Spike once more. Spike forced himself to not say anything, despite the fact he was so angry. Spike desperately wanted to shout, scream, screech, anything. But he forced himself to stay silent. Speaking up would only make things worse.

“Nothing,” he spoke, looking down as he forced himself to not react. Twilight snorted, and turned, glancing toward the door as a knock came.

“Good,” she spoke, turning. Spike bit his lip, feeling as if he was trying to plug up a volcano. Twilight opened the door, it was Rainbow Dash. Spike forced himself to calm down, and turned to begin putting books away.

“Don’t worry, I’ll get Spike to do it.” Spike let the book drop, letting it thud into the floor. Closing his eyes, he turned, and looked directly at Twilight. There was a hidden warning, don’t you dare in front of Rainbow Dash.

“No, you can do it,” he spoke, pointing at Twilight. Twilight blinked, and rolled her eyes, turning back to Rainbow Dash.

“So yeah, don’t worry, the new Daring Doo will be here by the time we return from Canterlot.” Twilight smiled warmly, and Rainbow Dash flew away. Slowly turning, Twilight closed the door, and walked into the kitchen without another word.

Canterlot, Spike clenched his teeth, grinding them. Gripping the book as he picked it up he wondered why he bothered not speaking up. Swallowing his pride, was this really the only way to curb his dragon greed like Twilight said? Why could she not understand why he was so angry? Spike clenched his teeth together harder, and forced himself to put the book away.

“Goodnight Spike, you won’t see me in the morning, as we’re leaving early for Canterlot. Thank you for helping me restock the shelves in our Castle library today.” Twilight turned, heading toward the part of the castle where they were sleeping. Spike turned, breathed in, and forced himself to speak, despite the fear at doing so.

“I’m going to Canterlot with you.” Spike watched as Twilight stopped mid stride, and turned to look at him, eyes narrowing.

“I told you Spike, we need somepony here to watch the Castle.” Twilight smiled warmly as she walked over, fully expecting Spike to nod and smile.

“Then you stay, because I’m not.” Spike dropped the book he had just put away onto the ground, and glared at Twilight. Twilight blinked, and then chuckled, scratching the top of his head with a hoof. Spike tried to swipe it away, but wasn’t fast enough.

“Come on Spike, I know you really want to spend time with Rarity, but I need you to do this. You were fine with it last week when I asked you. Besides, you’re grounded now.” Twilight smiled warmly, and turned to walk away.

“You can’t stop me.” Spike stood his ground, narrowing his eyes as he tried to stand taller, despite the fact Twilight towered above him. Twilight sighed, and turned.

“Spike, don’t force me to pull rank on you. Can’t you be a good little dragon?” Twilight looked down at Spike, closed her eyes, and sighed sadly. Suddenly, Spike was lifted up in the magic, and put down on a seat.

“I, Princess Twilight Sparkle, order you to watch my Castle. Failure to do so will result in me telling Rarity your deepest darkest secrets.” Twilight flared her wings, covering all escape routes as she loomed over Spike.

“You-I just-ARRGH!” Spike cried out, pulling at his ears as he tried to figure out how to say what he wanted to Twilight. Spike lunged forward, only vaguely realising what he was doing, and bit down on Twilight’s shoulder, digging his claws in and giving a guttural growl. Twilight leapt back, and wrenched Spike off herself, tossing him to the side.

Spike shook his head, feeling an unfamiliar taste in his mouth, one that filled him with revulsion, and at the same time, desire. Turning, he looked toward Twilight as she stumbled, one wing hanging limp, and looked at him in shock and horror. Spike gasped, standing up and taking a step closer, but Twilight skidded backward in fright, instinct eating at her.

“I’m sorry Twilight! I just got so angry I-” Spike paused his apology, noticing how Twilight was still swaying. Taking another step, Spike dove forward as Twilight collapsed, breathing heavily, and he bit his lip. Dragons weren’t poisonous, right?

“Don’t worry, I’ll go get help.” Spike turned, and dashed for the door, knowing the closest pony was Rarity. Guilt gnawing at him, Spike felt terrible, knowing that he had caused Twilight injury. Shaking it aside, Spike focused on putting as much speed as possible into his gait. Twilight’s life might depend on it.

Two

Spike clenched the two train tickets in his claw, looking at the mirror. Gulping, he practiced saying the sentence once more, knowing this moment would be his last chance to make a good impression. Spike felt nervousness eat him up, and paused once more, slapping himself in the face.

“Spike, focus! It’s time to get some guts! You can do this!” Spike breathed in and glared at the mirror for a moment. Expression changing to a small smile, he opened his mouth to speak.

“Hi Rarity, I was wondering if you would like to go to Canterlot with me for the weekend. Not this weekend but the following. I booked a motel and a restaurant, and there’s also a theater we can go to if you’re into that sort of thing.” Spike waited, imagining Rarity looking toward him. ‘Oh I’d love to Spikey Wikey, but I have so much work to do’. Spike leaned forward, taking the imaginary hoof as he crouched down, and looked up.

“Rarity please, I’ve been organising this for months, just so it can be perfect. I even got you flowers! Note to self; get flowers.” Spike held out the pretend flowers. ‘Well, if you insist.’ Spike smiled warmly and stood up, holding out the ticket. After a moment, he blinked back to reality and sighed, closing his eyes.

“I really hope this goes to plan, I had to get a side job to pay for this.” Spike bit his lip, and left the bathroom. Entering his room, he placed his tickets under his pillow for safekeeping, and glanced toward Twilight’s bed. Spike turned and headed downstairs, seeing Twilight already eating breakfast.

“Good morning Spike, sleep well?” Twilight bit into her oats, enjoying the taste as she watched Spike sit down at his bowl of gems. Picking one up, Spike slowly ate it with relish.

“Mmh, yeah, what about you?” Spike glanced to Twilight, who seemed a bit off for a morning. For one thing, she was chipper. Obviously some good news had come in, and Spike knew Twilight was going to tell him eventually.

“Yes! But you won’t believe what happened when I woke up. You barfed a letter in your sleep, and it was from Princess Celestia! She wants me and my friends to come to Canterlot to attend a parliament meeting. Honestly, I think she’s expecting it to go the way of the gala, but it means I get to spend time with her and Princess Luna.” Twilight giggled, giving an eager squee as her wings opened up.

“That’s great, when are we leaving? And for how long?” Spike bit down on the only sapphire in his breakfast, and forced himself to savour it. Twilight blinked, folded her wings, and scratched the back of her head.

“Well actually, you won’t be going. I need somepony to watch the Castle. And it’s for next weekend. I already agreed and told the other’s about it because I know you don’t mind watching the Castle. I know I should have asked, but I kinda got over-excited.” Twilight smiled sheepishly, and frowned as Spike bit his lip.

“Uh, actually I kinda have plans. can you get someone else to watch the Castle?” Spike ignored his breakfast, focused on something more important than his stomach.

“Oh, I’m sorry to ask this but can you cancel your plans?” Twilight bit her lip and ate another bite of her meal. Twilight didn’t like asking Spike to cancel his plans, but she really needed somepony to stay at the Castle.

“Isn’t there someone else you can get to watch the Castle?” Spike leaned forward, insistent. All his plans were washing down the drain. Today had been the day he would ask Rarity and everything, he’d practiced so hard. Twilight shook her head, and Spike sighed.

“Alright,” he spoke sadly, fingering his food. Twilight walked around the table and brought Spike into a hug.

“Thank you.” Twilight stepped back and returned to her meal. Spike slowly ate his, closing his eyes as he thought about all the money he couldn’t get back. Sighing, Spike knew it would be another 6 months before he could afford to do it again.

Spike jolted awake as a large boom sounded downstairs. Leaping up, Spike dashed down and noticed that the sound was actually just a large, burly, stallion delivering a large box. Twilight levitated up a pen and signed it, and the stallion left. Turning, Twilight smiled in greeting at Spike.

“Good morning, you’re just in time!” Twilight trotted over to the box and opened it. Spike stood on his tiptoes and glanced inside. It was books, packed to the brim inside the large box. Twilight beamed a smile as Spike stepped back, and rubbed his eyes.

“This is for the library in the Castle. I wasn’t able to replace some of the books that got lost, but most of them are here. Not to mention some new one’s I purchased as well. It’ll give you plenty to do this weekend.” Twilight smiled warmly as she levitated the books out, stacking them neatly in piles, and tossing the box away.

“Weekend?” Spike rubbed his eyes, looking toward the part of the Castle dedicated to shelving. Twilight smiled, and giggled as she pointed toward the shelves.

“Well yeah, you need to put all of them away. I figure since you’re watching the Castle you can keep yourself busy doing that. Oh! There’s a second box due to arrive then too. Here, help me start putting them away.” Twilight smiled warmly, and plucked out one of the books, flicking through it quickly before holding it under her wing.

“But I thought I could just relax…” Spike trailed off, and looked down at the ground. After a moment, he plucked one of the books off the stack, and began to walk toward the shelf.

“Spike, come on, I don’t ask you to do much these days.” Twilight turned to head for the door.

“But-” Spike tried to object, but Twilight quickly cut him off, giving a begging smile.

“You know, I do a lot for you, getting Rarity to agree to see you even when she’s busy. Why can’t you do this for me? Please?” Twilight was right, Spike knew that, and yet her tone sparked off something in his mind. How many times had Twilight asked him to do something, and he had just done it?

“No.” Spike narrowed his eyes, making a stand. If Twilight wanted him to watch the Castle, he wanted to spend it having some relaxation, not doing chores for her. Twilight turned and blinked in surprise.

“Pardon?” Twilight slowly walked closer to Spike.

“No, I am not doing your chores while you are away.” Spike clenched his claws, and forced himself to stay level headed. Twilight straightened up, and narrowed her eyes.

“What’s that tone you’re taking with me? Are you talking down to me?” Twilight bristled, and Spike blinked, putting his arms up as he shook his head.

“No, it’s not that!” Spike realised he had just lost his advantage, and silently cursed that fact.

“Then why can’t you do this one favor for me?” Twilight tilted her head, wings half-opening.

“Because I don’t want to.” Spike narrowed his eyes again, and a silent battle waged between them. Twilight growled, and turned her head sideways.

“Damn it Spike, fine. You’re a baby Dragon, I get it. It’s too much for you to handle.” Twilight blinked, realising that had come out meaner then she had meant, and turned to apologise.

Twilight slowly opened her eyes, hearing a form slightly snoring beside her. As the white room began to grow clearer, she realised she was in a hospital. Glancing to the source of the snoring, Twilight saw it was Spike, sleeping on a chair. For a small moment, she smiled warmly, before images of how she had gotten here returned.

“Gyah!” Twilight fell off the bed, startling Spike awake. Wincing, she touched her sore shoulder, noticing the bandage holding her wing in place. Spike held out a claw, about to help, and quickly withdrew it as he looked away.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.” Spike watched from the corner of his eyes as Twilight slowly settled back on the bed, and looked at him, forcing herself to remain calm.

“How does one not mean to bite somepony?!” Twilight blinked, and motioned with her hoof, taking a few calming breaths. Turning, she glanced to Spike’s guilty face, and sighed.

“It’s alright, things just got a bit heated. I’m sorry for snapping at you.” Twilight glanced toward the window, it was very early in the morning. Twilight vaguely wondered if she had missed the trip to Canterlot, but quickly discarded it for more important things.

“It’s just, sometimes I say something, and it’s like you hear something completely different.” Spike rubbed his hands together as he looked down at the ground. Twilight bit her lip, that wasn’t the only problem, she turned toward Spike.

“Well, I’m listening now. What are the fearsome Dragon’s demands?” Twilight let a very weak smile fall on her face, and Spike finally looked at her. After a moment, he looked away, and Twilight let the smile fall.

“Well, I want my own room.” Spike scratched his arm, feeling like dirt for demanding things after what he had done to Twilight. Twilight blinked, and then chuckled.

“Done, anything else?” Twilight felt some of her own guilt ease. Yes Spike had bitten her, but Twilight had said some awful things in the heat of the moment too. Spike glanced up, and then back down.

“Well, it would be nice if you’d stop assuming I can do stuff all the time…” Spike bit his lip and picked at the scales on his cheek.

“Right, I can do that too.” Twilight scratched the back of her head, knowing that was something she shouldn’t have been doing, but hadn’t been.

“Uh well, that’s kinda it…” Spike glanced up once more, and both met the other’s eyes, before glancing away.

“Right, okay,” replied Twilight. Everything was silent for a few moments.

“Uh, are my friends coming to visit?” Twilight glanced to Spike, who jumped and launched into a flurry of words.

“Yeah! They were here yesterday but they only allow one visitor to stay of a night. They, uh, said I should be the one to do so.” Spike scratched the back of his head, and both went silent again.

The door slammed open, “Twilight!” Rarity and Pinkie Pie were the first to enter, followed quickly by the others. Twilight smiled warmly and greeted each, her face lighting up with a smile as conversation filled the room.

Three

“Don’t worry Twilight, I’ll get the door!” Shouting over his shoulder, Spike let a contented smile fall on his face. The image of Twilight constructing the basics of his new room, of putting the books away without asking him to do it; was freeing. Sure Twilight still asked him for help, but there were fewer occurrences, and he could say no.

“Hello?” Opening the door, Spike was greeted by Ditzy, who handed him a letter before flying off. Raising an eyebrow, Spike turned around, closing the door with the back of his foot as he opened the letter. Eyes widening, he breathed in sharply, barely registering Twilight walking towards him.

“So who was at the door?” Dusting herself off, Twilight frowned, concern painting her features as Spike stood there frozen. Trotting over, she looked over his shoulder, reading the letter aloud.

“Dear Spike, we received your cancellation and as such have refunded the money, in the form of a gift card, for such a time as when you can re-book. This card is valid for half a year, so be sure to note the expiry date, and plan your booking plans more carefully in the future.” Finishing, Twilight watched as Spike pulled out a small slip of paper with a signature on the bottom.

“Were these the plans you mentioned? I thought you meant plans like a relaxing book-reading night, not this.” Putting a hoof to her chin, Twilight slowly realised the severity of her actions. Spike had been saving for that, Twilight had known about it and had fully supported it. And yet, she had forced him to cancel.

“Oh Spike, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know these were the plans. And after you saved so long, and mustered up the courage. What a terrible friend I’ve been.” Ears flopping down, Twilight stepped back, looking at Spike with honest regret. Biting his lip, Spike looked to the letter, and gave a warm smile.

“Twilight, I got a refund for my booking on the hotel. That was where most of my money went. It will only take me another month to get the money for the restaurant, this is great news. I didn’t think I’d even get a response, let alone a refund.” Hugging the letter, Spike allowed himself a moment of open joy, before walking over to Twilight. Placing a hand on her bandaged shoulder, he let a depressed sigh escape his mouth.

“If anything, I should be the one sorry. I just don’t think I’ll ever forgive myself for physically hurting you. I mean, what does that make me?” Looking down, Spike brought his hands in front of his face. Just what sort of dragon did that make him? To hurt the one he most cared about…

“Oh Spike, it’s not your fault. I don’t know if even telling me would have made me listen. I was so blinded by how much I was using you, that I didn’t realise what a terrible friend I was being.” Bringing Spike into a hug, Twilight felt her fur brush up against the hard scales, and winced slightly.

“No, it is my fault. I should have expected them to refund my money with something so expensive. I should have told you.” Returning the hug, Spike could feel the guilt, and bit his lip to keep the moisture from leaking down his eyes. Chuckling, Twilight released Spike, and leaned down, putting a hoof under his chin.

“I’ll make you a deal spike, let’s agree to disagree on whom is to blame, and instead agree to forgive each other.” Wiping the moisture out of her own eyes, Twilight levitated over some tissues, holding it out for Spike.

“O-Okay, I can agree to that.” Giving a weak smile, Spike once more embraced Twilight, feeling a wave of relief. Their friendship hadn’t been irrevocably damaged, and he no longer had to resent Twilight at times. Rising, he placed the letter down on the table, and the two began walking back toward his new room. Furniture didn’t build itself, after all.

“Aaah,” sighed Twilight as she slipped into her bath. Letting her mind dwell on Spike’s open smile, she allowed one to also fall on her face. It hadn’t been too late to make things right with Spike, she was lucky. Turning her eyes to her shampoo, she began to scrub her hair and fur, pausing as once more it hurt to apply pressure.

“That’s strange,” she commented, raising a hoof to her eye. Looking at her fur, she noticed it was extremely brittle for some reason. Had she been using too much conditioner? Or maybe not enough…

“Just to be sure...” Squirting the entire bottle of conditioner over herself, Twilight’s smile returned. Rubbing it into the hair, she brushed her hoof against the fur, and nodded as it responded much less like a porcupine.

“Maybe I’m just getting old.” Scowling, Twilight examined her body for gray hairs, worried she might be right. Finding none, she tilted her head.

“Hold on, does fur lose color likes hair and beards can?” Pursing her lip, she shrugged, and continued her bath, making a mental note to research it later.

Yawning, Twilight rose from her bed, looking toward the sun streaming in from the window. Glancing toward Spike’s old bed, a feeling of melancholy passed by her, and she stood up. Walking over to her dresser, she began to brush her mane. Moving on to her fur, she placed a hoof on it once more, and visibly cringed as pain passed through her body.

‘Well, the conditioner didn’t help for very long. Maybe Rarity can help.’ Nodding once, Twilight turned away from her mirror, and blinked. There were a few feathers on her bed. Shrugging it off as her molting, she trotted downstairs, planning on cleaning them up later. Seeing Spike making breakfast, and noting the two plates, Twilight took a seat.

“You didn’t have to make me breakfast, Spike.” Giving an endearing smile, Twilight watched as Spike rolled his eyes.

“Come on Twilight, is doing you a favor against the rules now? I like helping you. I just don’t like being forced to do it.” With their memories of the event triggered, both winced, looking away for a moment. Thinking quickly, Twilight thought of a new subject.

“Oh by the way Spike, I heard you got a present. It should be next to your letter.” Coughing into her hoof, Twilight watched as Spike raised an eyebrow. Serving their food, he left the room to go check on it. Smirking, Twilight grinned as she heard the pitter patter of two dragon feet, and fell off her chair as she was tackle-glomped.

“Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!” Hugging her tight, Spike noticed the brittleness of Twilight’s fur, but was too caught up in celebration to comment on it. Leaping into his food, Spike couldn’t wait to book everything.

“Have fun Spike, and good luck.” Smiling, Twilight felt another weight leave her chest as Spike began to rapidly tell her his plans for Rarity’s all-expense paid trip to Canterlot.

Four

Breathing in, Spike knocked on the door, holding the roses behind his back. As Rarity opened the door, Spike was relieved to see she wasn’t in her working outfit. That meant she didn’t have any current orders. Gulping down his fear, he mustered up all his courage, and squeaked out his answer.

“Hi R-Rarity, I was w-wondering if you would like to go to C-CANanterlot with me for the weekend. N-Not this weekend but the following. I booked a motel and-and a restaurant, and t-there’s also a th-theater we can go to if you-r-you are into that sort of thing.” Clenching his eyes shut, Spike forced himself to stand in place.

“Oh I’d love to Spikey Wikey, but I have some work to finish up.” Giving a reassuring smile, Rarity hoped Spike bought her lie. While the weekend did sound lovely, Rarity really didn’t want to hurt Spike. Even if it would have to be done eventually.

“Rarity please, I’ve been organising this for months, just so it can be perfect. I even got you flowers!” Presenting the flowers, Spike kept his eyes clenched shut, trying to keep his breathing from being too loud as he felt the rejection coming. There was no way Rarity would ever consider it, but he still had to try!

“Oh Spike…” Taking the flowers, Rarity guiltily looked toward the stiff dragon. So afraid of her response, he was already trying to prepare for her ‘no’. Sighing mentally, Rarity looked toward her boutique, remembering all the work Spike had done for her. Had she been using him like Twilight? Biting her lip, she gulped down her feelings, and smelled the roses.

“Alright Spike, if you insist.” To deny such generosity was something Rarity couldn’t do, not to Spike. After his and Twilight’s fight, she had dwelled more and more on her behavior toward him. Even if it meant she would lose her best assistant, she knew what she had to do. Gulping, she noticed the open shock on Spike’s features.

‘I’ll give him the weekend of his life before I let him down. It’s the most generous thing I can do in this situation, give him some fond memories of his first crush.’ Before she ripped the poor guy’s heart out. Wincing, Rarity shook her head, discarding her thoughts as Spike snapped out of his stupor.

“R-Really? Thank you! Seriously, you won’t regret this. I’ll pick you up friday morning, and we can spend the day shopping, or whatever you want, until dinner. I booked us at Chateau De Viola.” Grinning, Spike felt a buzzing in his chest as Rarity remembered the name.

“You mean that restaurant that takes months to make a reservation? How did you ever get us a seat?” Truly, Rarity couldn’t believe her eyes. Mouth open, she had a hoof covering her mouth as she realised Spike must have earned it all by himself.

“Well, I know a guy on the inside, and he agreed to help me book another table with a week’s advance notice so long as I allowed him to take the money from my cancellation because of your planned trip to Canterlot.” The soaring feeling in his chest, Spike had to glance to his shoulders and make sure he hadn’t sprouted wings.

“The trip…” Understanding dawned on Rarity, and she once more shook off her thoughts, giving Spike a warm smile as he left. Closing her door, she sighed, rubbing her forehead.

“I thought it was a little out of character, he’s been planning this for months hasn’t he.” Giving a sly smile, Rarity allowed herself a chuckle. The glow around Spike, it had been an inspiration for many dresses. Looking to her clothes, she found another spark sizzling through her brain.

“Well, I should look my best,” she spoke, picking up her tools and preparing to design the dress.

“Wow Twilight, you look terrible.” Raising an eyebrow, Rainbow Dash held the book in her wing, noticing the hair falling off Twilight whenever she scratched her legs. Watching another feather fall off her wing, Dash bit her lip.

“I’m fine, it’s just a little molting.” Holding out a hoof, Twilight took the money as Dash handed her it. Writing out the receipt, she handed it to Dash. Looking toward the book, she made a mental note to find a way to surprise Dash with a free book, one she couldn’t put a price on and repay her with.

“Twilight, Pegasi don’t...molt that much. We can lose feathers, yes, but when we do lose one it’s not in the amount you’re losing.” Concerned, Dash stepped inside, slowly brushing a hoof over Twilight’s wing. A rain of feathers fell, and Dash leapt back, wings flaring.

“Mother of Celestia, Twilight!” The wing was nearly completely devoid of feathers, and the fur falling off Twilight’s body was not a good sign either. Looking at her wing, Twilight gulped, before shaking it off.

“I’ll book an appointment with the doctor. I might have just caught a common disease due to me being a new Pegasus.” Giving a weak smile, Twilight followed Dash outside.

“O-Oh yeah! That might be it. You’re coming down with a jungle fever like Daring Do did in book-” Cutting Dash off, Twilight pointed to the book. Gasping, Dash quickly bid goodbye, rushing home to read it. Turning, Twilight walked back inside, writing a letter to send to the doctor.

“SHE SAID YES!” The door opening was accompanied by a loud shout, and Twilight chuckled. It was nice to hear Spike so happy. After all, he deserved to be happy. Hopefully Rarity found a kind way to let him down. Really, she didn’t want to see Spike cry again, it was too soon. Shaking her head, Twilight turned toward Spike.

“Good luck on your weekend, I’m sure you’ll be fine.” Bringing Spike into a hug as he leapt at her, she felt moisture cloud her eyes, and laughed. Had it really been so long since she’d seen Spike this happy? What a terrible pony she’d been. No, what a terrible friend.

'Well', she scolded herself, 'you’re going to make sure that you are never the cause of it again.'

Author's Note

so I'll see you all next year when the next chapter happens

Five

For some reason, Twilight had been locked up in her room, and wouldn’t let Spike in. Knocking on the door once more, he wondered what she was doing.

“Uh Twilight? Are you sure you’re ok? I-I could cancel my date if you really want.” The offer was false, Spike would have to be incredibly worried to cancel it. However, it was simply polite to offer.

“I’ll be fine Spike, I’m going to see the doctor about it today. I just don’t want you to catch it, in case it’s contagious.” Lying was not something Twilight liked to do, but she didn’t want to be the cause of a second cancellation. Besides, the doctor would know the problem, so there was no point worrying Spike.

“Well… If you’re sure…” Pausing, Spike hesitated, glancing to his packed bag.

“Yep! Have fun Spike. And good luck!” Diving into her bed, Twilight pulled the blanket around her body. Just in case Spike decided to open the door anyway.

“Well, okay then. Goodbye…” Biting his lip as he picked up his bags, Spike shook away his worry. Twilight was a smart pony, if there was a problem, she wouldn’t hide it.

“Have fun!” Heaving a sigh of relief as she heard the dragon walking away, Twilight threw the blanket into one corner, and looked to the bed of feathers that had been created just from that movement.

“I’m sure everything’s fine,” she spoke to herself reassuringly.

Adjusting his tie, Spike checked his suit for any creases. Knocking on Rarity’s door, he smiled at the memory of ordering the suit. Rarity had made it a perfect fit, as always. Breathing in, he presented the flowers to the door, and waited for it to open.

“Just a minute, I’m putting my face on!” Calling down her reply, Rarity checked her bags, making sure she had an outfit for every day. Most of them weren’t all that special, excluding one that was for the dinner. Today, she was wearing a simple buttercup dress with a sun hat. Fashionable, and great for traveling in.

Opening the door, Rarity flicked her hair and fluttered her eyes, taking the roses and giving them a graceful sniff. Looking down to Spike, she gave a warm smile, and took a single bite from the bouquet.

“My favorite once again. And out of season too, how did you ever accomplish this?” Stepping outside, Rarity locked the door, placing a note on it.

“Roseluck saved them for me, I want this weekend to be perfect.” Stepping back, Spike began walking side by side with Rarity to the train station, nervous beyond compare.

“Well, you’re certainly dressed to impress. I’m amazed I never once considered you wanted that made for me.” Giving a chuckle, Rarity noticed the nervous laugh of Spike as he scratched the back of his head.

“Well, you were likely more focused on the fact you were making clothes for a dragon. You get very into your work.” Giving a warm smile, Spike noticed the raised eyebrow, and panicked slightly.

“Uh! T-That’s not a bad thing, I mean it like you get very into it and it’s amazing that you can be so absorbed in...your work.” Looking down, Spike twiddled his thumbs, and bit his lip.

“No need to be so nervous Spike, I know what you meant.” Chuckling, Rarity loved the timidness of Spike. It was so different from how he normally was. Sure, a lovestruck dragon was a sight on it’s own, but Rarity couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen anypony so nervous around her.

‘Come to think of it, my last time trying to date was Blueblood.’ Hiding her grimace, Rarity watched as Spike paid for their tickets.

’Has Spike always been such a gentlecolt?’ Taking a seat, Rarity looked at Spike as he sat down. It was obvious he was trying to think of conversation topics. Rarity looked out the window, waiting to see what topic he decided on.

“So hows your latest garment going? I noticed you’ve been very secretive about it.” Topic chosen, Spike showed his interest, and waited for a response. Raising an eyebrow, Rarity gave a sly smile, and returned to looking out the window. She had taught him well.

“Well, I finished it just in time for our weekend. So that means you’ll be seeing it very soon.” Watching as the train left the station, she turned her attention to Spike.

“Well I can’t wait, I’m sure it will be almost as beautiful as you.” Giving a warm smile, Spike simply took in Rarity.

“Well played Spike. Well played.” Chuckling, Rarity waited only seconds before Spike launched into another topic.

“So did you hear about Coco Pommel’s new fashion line?”

Arriving in Canterlot, Rarity was shocked as Spike led them toward a hotel right beside the Castle. It was vibrant, flashy, and fancy. And it must have cost a fortune to book places for. Spike swiftly walked up to the counter, paying for their rooms, and taking the key. Following him upstairs, Rarity breathed in sharply, rushing toward the balcony overlooking Canterlot.

“It would have been too easy for me to get us rooms in the castle, but the fanciest hotels are right around it, so I choose this one. Is it okay?” Worried slightly, Spike placed their bags, that he had been carrying, on the table. Walking out to join Rarity on the balcony, he whistled, admiring the view.

“Oh Spike, this is...amazing.” While Rarity didn’t want to admit it, this was one of the most romantic things anypony had done for her. But to say it would give Spike false hope, something she couldn’t afford.

“Then I have succeeded in giving you a view that perfectly compliments you. I mean, you’re so more amazing that it brings into focus just how amazing you are by contrast.” Turning around, Spike opened his bags, pulling out a list of shops and stores along with restaurants. Glancing back, Rarity binked at how nonchalant he was after saying such things.

“Oh Spike…” Accidentally speaking aloud, Rarity watched as Spike pulled out a rose and placed it in his suit. Turning, he paused, and looked down once more. Holding out the papers, Rarity took them, going over the extensive list of places they could visit.

“We can have dinner here tonight, as our reservations are for tomorrow. Or you can pick any of these locations. There’s also plenty of jewelry and clothing shops in the area if you want to spend some time shopping before we eat.” Waiting patiently, Spike smiled. Glancing to the list, Rarity decided to test Spike once more.

“You know what Spike? You decide where we go. I’m sure you’ll pick the perfect locations for our evening.” Holding out the papers, Rarity watched as Spike shook his head.

“Rarity, my evening is perfect as long as it’s by your side. This weekend is about making it as perfect for you as being beside you is to me. I couldn’t possibly pick for you.” Completely open eyes, sincere response, Spike was telling the truth. Sighing, Rarity looked over the many places, wishing, not for the first time, that Spike was a pony.

“Alright, let’s go eat, and then shop for the rest of the night.”

“Your order?” Looking to the strange couple, the waiter made no comment. Ordering swiftly, Spike looked to Rarity.

“I’ll have whatever he’s having,” was her reply. Surprised, Spike glanced to the menu, and began to stutter about possibly changing his order. A white hoof gently pressed down on his mouth.

“That will be all Waiter,” she spoke, watching the waiter leave. After another moment, she removed her hoof.

“But Rarity, there were many more expensive dishes that you could have ordered. What about that dish that you said is your favorite not five minutes ago?” Pointing to the menu, Spike scratched his head.

“Well, I want to see if we have similar tastes. And what you ordered sounds interesting.” Winking, Rarity wondered just what clothes she should get while in Canterlot. Of course, she had no idea Spike was planning on buying every single one he was allowed for her.

“If you’re sure,” replied Spike, striking up conversation as they waited for the meal. Upon arriving, he picked up the utensils, using knowledge imprinted on him by Rarity to eat with as much grace as he could muster.

“Spike, we need to talk…” There was no point in delaying it, Rarity had decided. With how much work Spike was putting into making her night as perfect as possible, sooner would be better than later. Pausing in his meal, Spike placed his utensils down.

“Spike, this will never work. Us. Us will never work.” Placing a hoof on his shoulder, Rarity felt guilty for having to do this.

“What? Why? Is it the meal? I can order you something else!” Raising a claw to bring the waiter back over, Spike watched as Rarity pushed it back down gently.

“Spike, I’m a pony, you're a dragon. We’re too different. It could never work.” It was the truth. Rarity knew that while she wasn’t planning on having kids, it was something she wanted open. A Princess had to continue the bloodline, after all.

“That doesn’t stop Mules from being born,” muttered Spike under his breath. Blinking, he stood up on the chair, leaning over the table towards Rarity.

"Rarity, what's the real reason." Narrowing his eyes, Spike waited. Grimacing, Rarity sighed, closing her eyes.

"Spike, you're just a kid..." Looking away, Rarity felt guilty immediately after saying it. It was true, but after Twilight and Spike's fight, she didn't want to cause more conflict. Spike sat back down.

"A kid huh, so you think that too," he sighed, looking down to his claw.

"You know Rarity, I'm only a few years younger than Twilight." Looking at her seriously in the eyes, Spike wondered how long they had seen him as such.

"Yes, but how young in dragon years Spike?" Looking away, Rarity shifted in her seat as she messed with her hair.

"..." Spike looked at Rarity, and closed his eyes, giving a sigh. Standing up, he pulled out the money to pay for their meal, counting it out.

"I guess I should have expected such an answer. Enjoy your meal. I'll return to Ponyville in the morning so you can enjoy your weekend in privacy." Turning, Spike began to leave. Watching him go, Rarity noticed the slight smudging of his makeup as he rubbed his eye.

"Wait." Rarity held out a hoof, grabbing Spike by the shoulder. To see Spike using makeup just like she had shown him only further added to how far he was willing to go for her. Didn’t everypony deserve a chance? Rarity picked up her fork, and took a bite of her food. It was delicious, how had she never tried this before?

“Alright Spike, one chance. But don’t think for one second I’m going easy on you.” Pointing her fork at him, Rarity raised an eyebrow. Breathing in, Spike broke out into a smile that Rarity had seen only a few times. One time being when she had said yes.

“Of course not! Oh Rarity, thank you so much! I’ll prove to you I can treat you right. I will make this weekend the most perfect night of your life, or die trying!” Determined, Spike once more picked up his utensils, and began eating. Chuckling, Rarity admired how adorable Spike was as he tried to keep himself from devouring the entire dish in one bite.

’I really hope I don’t regret this decision’

“Well Miss Sparkle, the results of your physical are inconclusive. Your symptoms don’t match any common Pegasus disease. As such, we are going to take blood and urine samples, and send them to Canterlot to get it tested. I would advise planning a trip to see them sooner rather than later.” Placing the clipboard on the table, the doctor brought his hooves together in contemplation.

“How long will the samples take to get there?” Worry painted over her face, Twilight looked to her wing, where only a few feathers remained. It was like a triangle of skin with a claw on the end. One part of her mind found it fascinating to see what her wing looked like without feathers. The other part was more worried about why.

“Two to three days. I’d like to wrap a bandage around your waist and bind your wings for safety, unless you have any objections.” Standing up, the doctor opened up a cabinet, removing a large roll of bandage. Glancing down, Twilight sighed, biting her lip.

“No objections, go ahead doctor.” Standing still, Twilight winced as the bandage was wrapped tightly around her waist. Keeping her breathing regular, she ignored the instinctive desire to take a deep breath and loosen the bandages. Stepping back, the doctor gave an encouraging smile.

“I will call the Canterlot Hospital and tell them to expect you.”