The Dragon And The Mareby Creative PunchChaptersChapter 1: Life As Usual Chapter 2: A Dream And RealityChapter 3: Fishing With The HeartChapter 5: Confessions In The BarnChapter 6: Plans And DeparturesChapter 7: Of Comforters And FriendsThe Dragon And The Mare: The condensed versionChapter 4: News and EggsChapter 1: Life As Usual Chapter 1: Life As Usual Sweetie belle sat there at the base of the stairs. Her horn glowing as she turned the pages in her book. A wide smile on her face as she softly sang. "Come little children, I'll show you lala..." She softly sang out as she let out a soft content sigh. It had all seemed so silly now. All those years of trying to find her calling and now it seemed so obvious. In fact, it had come so easy for all of them. Despite the years though, they had stayed friends long after the CMC had dissolved. Her and Apple Bloom even planned to move in together. They offered to let Scootaloo in to, but she had different plans. "Thanks guys, but I'm gonna follow rainbow dash. I'm gonna put in for the reserves!" She said proudly with her chest puffed out at the time. It hadn't been a huge surprise, shed talked about it some. But she still had a few months. Things were changing so much. Apple Bloom had even started dating. The thought seemed to bring her back to the book though. It was the most popular trashy romance novel in all Equestria, and she loved it. "Ugh.....another chapter about Moon Spark and Star Crossed," She said as she tried to push through it. Her concentration interrupted by the jingle of the front door opening. "Oops, um, sorry sir!" She responded as he horn glowed and her book closed, a bit too embarrassed that she got caught reading it to look at the new comer. "Let me go ge-" "Nah it's cool. I'm pretty sure the owner knows me well enough to let me upstairs," A tall and much more mature Spike responded. Giving Sweetie a soft wave as she looked up. "Oh hey Spike," She replied as she stopped hiding the book. "Yeah, she should be upstairs. " The conversation was suddenly interrupted by a loud cry. "I GET THIS BIG BREAK AND THE THREAD IS MISSING? MY LIFE IS FINISHED WITHOUT THAT THREAD!" and it was followed shortly by a loud bang as something hit the floor. "Or maybe I'll just wait for her to come out...." he said as he took a seat beside Sweetie Belle. She gave him an annoyed look. He'd been coming here alot more often, but still it bothered her that he was this close. She pulled the book back out and opened it up. Her eyes skimming the page. Her frown softening. She had to admit though, as much as she hated it, she really liked it. "Whats that You've got there?" He asked as he pointed to the book. "It's just...a book. Crossing hooves." Spike chuckled a bit as he eyed the page. "Isn't that the trashy romance novel? The one everyone claims is anti unicorn and a bad influence on mares?" Sweetie rolled her eyes. "Yes it is. But I think it's pretty good. It even has some action in it. I think if you gave it a chance you'd see-" "That Sky Striker and Percilla make an amazing couple?" Spike butted in, giving her a smirk. "Because they do." Sweetie looked at him astonished. "You mean you read it too?" "Of course. I live with Twilight, Princess of libraries. If there's one thing I get to do lots of, its read. I'm even on the second book," He replied. "Still...." she said as she looked back down. "Sky Striker and Percilla are just a pairing the fans like, they aren't together." Spike leaned over, putting his arm around her as his other claw reached down to start flipping pages. Sweetie blushed as she felt him lean against her. Her mouth opening to protest but she began to find it comforting .She let herself lean against him as finally he pointed. "Her soft lips parted as he ran a....." Her voice trailing off as she turned several shades more red. Her heart racing. She had never read such intimate details before. "Oh, am I interrupting anything?" A familiar voice called out as Rarity appeared at the top of the stairs. Her soft voice chuckling as she saw Spike nervously jump. "Spike, hitting on my sister already? You're horrible," She said jokingly before trotting down and giving him a hug. Sweetie snuck her sister a jealous glare behind her back. Stifling a whimper as that warm feeling left her. "I uhhh...came over to help," Spike said said as he gave Sweetie an apologetic look. "Well then you're just in time," She said as she lead him upstairs by the hand. "I just got in a very big order. Want to join Sweetie Belle?" Sweetie shook her head no and watched as the two disappeared. Her head hung low as she looked back at the book. "I wish....I wish I had somepony like Spike..." she quietly whispered to herself as she turned back to her book. Author's Note Hey there. I know this chapter isn't super long. I promise there's gonna be more coming. The chapters are gonna vary alot in length. That's because I decided to break them not where they were long but where they felt right. I hope you enjoy this expanded version. Chapter 2: A Dream And RealitySweetie finished her cider. Leaning back in her chair with a bit of frustration. Her ears flickering as she slowly undid her sword. "So you came?" she asked as a figure stepped out of the shadow. "And give up on our little game? Never, I enjoy it too much," The figure said as it stepped out. Sweetie felt a bit odd. As if she knew exactly what was going on but didn't know why. This was from something, she had heard all of this before. "I grow tired of this game," She said as she stood up. She couldn't figure out where her words were coming from. As she turned though, her eyes focused on the figure. Gasping as she realized it was Spike. She suddenly knew where she was. The time of Discord's reign, the fighting of the royal families, the past. She also realized this was exactly like her book. She thought hard to recall anything to stop all of this. "Sir Spike, stop this at once. Your king was defeated! Your crimes forgiven! Put down your sword," She said, but to no help. The clang of sword crashes out as she parried a blow. Followed by another. Each one easy enough for a child to deflect. "I can not until my business with the queen is done." Sweetie stepped back, the room suddenly larger then she recalled, her head spinning. "And what business is that? The queen heard your plea for marriage, and she denied you." "She denied me nothing." Sweetie swung back, destroying a chair. "If she denied you nothing then why were you two not wed?" "Because I asked for your hand, not hers." Spike Replied before going into another volley of attacks. Sweetie gasped, face red. The sword in her hand deflecting another blow only to be knocked out of her hand. She looked around quickly. Finding no where to hide, she was forced back across the room farther and farther. "Y-you'll receive no dowry. No power or land. And I will not fall to my knees at your whim like a chamber maid. " "I know. In fact, Id rather it be that way. Chamber maids are so dull," Sweetie finally hit a wall. Looking behind her she noticed it was one of the wooden doors that opened in ward. Then suddenly a loud thwack. She looked down just in time to see the sword, driven through the side of her belt and into the door, trapping her. "Why then? Why me?" She asked, tears in her eyes. "Because Percilla, I love y-" The sentence faded in her mind as she shot up awake. Heart feeling as if it would pound out of her chest. As she sat up she could feel the cool night breeze on her face and thanked Celestia for the pajamas she had on. Her horn started to glow as she reached out to grab a stuffed dragon that she tucked close to her chest and started to sniffle. After a minute she looked down at the toy. She remembered getting it as a gift from Spike after he won it at the fair. 'I don't need it, I get plenty of dragon just being me,' He'd said as he had given it to her. "Fine....." She said as she hugged it tighter. "I like him. I like him a lot," She flopped back down on the bed as she kept sniffling. "Why can't I like somepony normal. Who isn't in love with my sister and isn't a dragon......and sees me as something more." She huffed again before slamming her hooves down on the bed. "Every ones gonna hate me." She reached under her bed, pulling out the extra blanket and hugging it tight. "Rarity will keep being the incredibly popular and oblivious fashonista till I say something and then hate me for moving in on her dragon. Mom and dad are gonna think it's weird and the town is gonna make fun of me. Good job sweetie. Way to screw up. You're an idiot and everyone knows it." Her eyes watered up as tears ran down her cheek and she tried to go back to sleep. Chapter 3: Fishing With The HeartSpike nudged snails in the side as they turned the corner. "So, did you get it?" Snails grinned as he nodded. "Course I did. Put it where we agreed it should be." Spike took a look around nervously before pointing a different direction towards the town pond. "How much did you get?" He asked as Snails walked with him. "Three full gallons of Cider. Took a quick sip of one to make sure I got tha hard stuff." "Spike nodded and gave him a pat on the back. "Snails, you did good." "Hey, helps that I'm dating the girl who's family makes it." They both snickered a little as they got to the edge of the pond. Ruby Pinch waving from a distance before running up to the two."Hey Ruby," They both replied at almost the same time. "What are you guys up to?" She asked as Spike took a seat by edge of the pond. "Stick fishing!" Snails said happily "If you want to you can join us, just gotta get us three good sticks." Ruby nodded and ran off. "So, you tell her yet?" Snails asked as he sat down next to Spike and pulled a line and hooks out. "Nah, sh'es not interested. Never has been," Spike said as a frown found his face and he laid back on the ground. Sails picked up a rock, his horn glowing as he tossed it into the pond. "Why don't you tell her? Whats the worst that happens? Ruby walked back up, Three sticks with her as she sat down with them. Passing one over to Snails. "Still Having troubles with us girls Spike?" Ruby asked mockingly before looking over to him, her ear going flat against her head in regret. "Sorry." "I just freeze up and get scared ok? It's not easy. I mean, what if I tell her and she hates me? Or what if I tell her and she thinks I'm just a creep trying to get with her after her sister rejected me. Then maybe she'll tell Rarity and then she'll tell Twilight and then everyone will-" "Calm down!" Ruby called out as Snails handed Spike one of the sticks. "Yeah, calm down. Sweetie's not like that. At least I don't think so" snails added in. Spike let out a long huff before tossing the line out. Ruby looked at him and then at the stick that Snails handed her. "How does this work exactly?" "Its simple," Snails said as he pulled some bread out. "Since we cant afford fishing rods you put some bread on the hook, toss it out into the water, and when a fish bites you pull your stick up. Its like fishing but harder, and cheaper." Ruby blinked a bit and put some bread on her hook before tossing it out into the lake. "You guys ever catch anything?" "Yeah, We've caught fish like twice doing this," Spike answered "Mostly we just pretend sword fight though when we get bored." "So this mean you ain't gonna go on the dragon migration this year?" Snails asked as he concentrated on his line. "I don't know. Probably. I mean it would be a couple of years but it's not like I've got anyone here to get me to stay." "Hey!" Ruby shouted as she punched Spike's arm. "So me and Snails don't count?" Spike chuckled and suck his tongue out at her. "I"ll bring you guys souvenirs."The water lapped quietly at the shore as the three friends took in the evening air. A silence broken only by the birds singing. "You know," Ruby said as she pulled her stick closer. "You had better ask her out." "And whys that?" Spike asked giving his friend a glance. "Cause shes cute and if you don't then I'll get her in bed." Ruby said as she gave Spike a wry smirk "If me and Apple Bloom break up I call dibs on her," Snails said with a chuckle. "I hate you guys," Spike said as the three all started to laugh. Author's Note So, I edited this while drinking and binge listening to the Gorillaz. So if there's odd things in there, I'm gonna blame that. Chapter 5: Confessions In The BarnThe sound of hammers and nails ran out loudly as Sweetie approached the Sweet Apple Acres barn. Her head drooping a bit as she pushed the door open. She looked around, the normally empty barn having changed quite a bit. The hay that was typically strewn on the floor had been brushed aside. The farm equipment had also been shoved under the hay loft. in its place was a bored pegasus and two earth ponies. Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Twist. Scootaloo waved to her as she rolled over on her back, laying on a bail of hay. In the center of the barn was a wooden cart with a sign above it. It looked more like a mobile stand. Twist and Apple Bloom were working on it. Apple bloom spitting the hammer out of her mouth. "An there we go Twist. That's how you build a stand," Apple Bloom said as she took a few steps back. "Thanks. It looks perfect!" Twist replied before cocking her head to the side. "Are we gonna paint it today?" "Naw, I'm tired and Sweetie just got here. But if you want you can start. Ain't nothing gonna mess the paint up," Apple Bloom responded before turning and hugging Sweetie Belle. She looked her friend in the face for a moment before going on. "Whats wrong?" "You can tell huh?" Sweetie asked as she found a hay bale to flop down on. "Yeah, we can. Whats up?" Scootaloo joined in. "It's......it's just everything. I met a guy...." "Oh? A colt? Is he gonna be your special somepony? Is he somepony we know?" Twist asked as she butted in. The other two giving her angry looks. "What?" She said as she looked to each of the three before an embarrassed expression of realization came over her face. "O-Oh right. Ill just um....get us all something to drink. Hope you like lemonade." she said cheerfully as she walked out the barn door. The three waited till she had left before Apple Bloom started again. "So IS it some colt we know?" Sweetie looked at both her friends before hiding her head with her hooves. "Yeah, I guess you could say you know him. He's....Well....I don't know. I just don't want to talk about it. You guys will think its weird." "Oh come on, cant be that weird. Remember when Apple Bloom and Snails started dating. That was wie-" "HEY!" The orange mare shouted. "Hes very supportive!" Sweetie squirmed some before lifting a hoof to look at her friends again. "Apple bloom, how'd you know Snails was your special somepony?" Apple bloom tapped her chin a few times before patting Sweetie's back. "Well, it was a while ago. It was after I got my cutie mark and the school dance. I danced with him cause he seemed lonely. But he kept hanging around me. In town he'd follow me around." "Sounds a little creepy," Sweetie said as she propped her head up on her hooves. "It kinda was. But he'd also help me out. Then one day he got hurt doing some stupid dare Snips had come up with and I didn't see him for a couple of days, I missed him. I really felt sad without him around. Applejack said it sounded like I was sweet on him. Well he got better and I he came back around-" Scootaloo snickered a bit before butting in. "And that's when you hugged him and had a fairy tale ending. Right?" "Actually....I uh.....I might have threatened to hog tie him if he got hurt like that again. He got a little upset. Told me I couldn't tell him what he could do cause we weren't a couple." Sweetie gave her a puzzled look. "But I thought you two are da-" "We are Sweetie. After he told me that I told him that we were and that he'd better get used to it. I told him I expected a date too as an apology for making me worry." She gave a soft sigh as a warm smile came across her face and she chuckled a bit. "He didn't show up for a week. I was sure I had scared him off. But then he came back. He even brought candy and actually took me out. It was really nice." Sweetie smiled as she let out an 'awww'. "That really does sound nice. I wish I could do something like that." "Then why don't you?" Scootaloo asked as she rolled her eyes. "We'll totally help you out." Sweetie shook her head. "No its not like that it's just...I.." "Sweetie, you can trust us. Who ever it is we'll help." Apple Bloom said as she looked to Scootaloo. "Right?" "I-Its Spike ok!" Sweetie cried out as she threw her hooves over her head slowly starting to sniffle. Scootaloo sat up. "Spike. The Dragon named spike?" She asked as she shot Apple Bloom a worried look. "Yes ok?! Spike. Lives with Twilight Spike, is handsome and cool Spike....is in love with my sister and doesn't notice me at all Spike. Go after him and my sister will hate me forever Spike. That Spike!" Apple Bloom gave her a hug as Scootaloo spoke up after a moment. "Ok. But how do you know? When did it all start?" Sweetie sat up, her voice filling with more confidence as she saw her friends were still there. "A little while ago. I don't really know. It's just, whenever he's around Rarity he's so nice and gives her all this attention. And, well he's gotten so grown up. I started reading romance novels and every time I read it I imagine it's him and me." Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow. "But doesn't he tease you and make fun of you sometimes?" Sweetie shook her head no. "Not really. Its nothing bad. The one time he went too far he apologized to me." Scootaloo smiled a bit. "I could see it. I think they'd be cute." "So does this mean you don't think I'm weird?" "Not at all." Scootaloo said "I don't think so." Apple bloom said. "I think its kinda sweet." Twist said as she popped up behind Scootaloo. "Gah!" Sweetie cried out "How long have you been there?" "Long enough, you three were having a moment and I didn't want to interrupt." Twist gave them a sincere smile as she finished. "It's ok Sweetie, you can trust her." Scootaloo said as she gave Twist a quick hug "Yeah," Twist added. "A friend of Scootsies is a friend of mine. And I always keep a friend's secret." "Scootsie?" Sweetie asked, eye brow arched as she looked the two over. "Aww come on Twist, you promised not to..." The orange mare said as Twist gave her an upset look. "But everyone else is talking about it. I'm tired of hiding..." Apple Bloom and Sweetie looked at each other in confusion. It was Apple Bloom who finally broke the silence. "Uh...hiding from what? Or hiding what?" Scootaloo let out a sigh an a smile. "Me and Twist are dating. Have been for a while." Apple bloom nodded "Makes sense why you wanted me to he-" "How'd it happen?" Sweetie asked quickly. Scootaloo put a hoof over Twist's mouth. "I'll answer this one. You guys remember last summer when I would go to the candy store? Well I was. Because Twist kept giving me free candy and talking to me." "Only cause you're so sweet." Twist added in while fighting the hoof over her mouth. Scootaloo rolled her eyes. "Anyway, After a while she cornered me. Told me if I wanted more it would cost me. I asked her what it was going to cost and she just kissed me. I uhm....I liked it. ALOT, we kept doing it the whole day and things just happened. When it was over, we decided to date." "Lucky, at least she was noticing you." Sweetie said as she hung her head. "Don't worry," Twist said as she put a hoof on Sweetie's shoulder. "I've got an idea." Chapter 6: Plans And DeparturesThe soft sound of singing filled the room. The glow of her horn accompanying the tune as another tid bit from Rarity's office went into a box. This one was a globe from Whinney Land, the most magical theme park in Equestria. It was a cartoon comical dragon surrounded by grey flakes to make it look like smoke when you shook it. She giggled a bit at seeing the globe and gave it a shake to watch the flakes fly. Her mood had become much lighter. Despite the events of the past day, she smiled as she thought about her dream last night. Spike had been there again, but he was a odd red robot, and she was an odd yellow one. They were stuck in space and there was a pale pony and a monkey and all of it seemed silly to her now. She continued her soft tune, swaying her hips in time with the song. The tune being a more recently written one about a mare who was marrying a stallion. The song stopping only when she heard a soft foot step behind her. Startled she spun in place to spot Spike standing behind her. "Awww horse apples," He said as he crossed his arms over his chest. "And here I was enjoying that. Twilight really should get you to officially sing for us. I'm sure we can make up some new holiday with her being a princess " "You think it's that good?" She asked as her face blushed red. Spike smirking at her and nodding his head. "Maybe one day. I don't think I could do something important like that yet," She sighed as she noticed the box was full. "Hold on, let me take care of this first," she said as she closed her eyes and her horn began to glow. The box glowed too as she grunted, trying hard to lift it. She strained, blocking the rest of the world out as she tried. The effort making her wish it was a smaller box. Her balance thrown off as the box suddenly seemed to weigh nothing at all. "W-Wwoah!" she cried put as she stumbled back a bit. Looking up as she felt something on her back. "Where do you want this?" Spike asked as he propped her up. His claw on her back. "Oh...um, by the door please." Sweetie said as as she felt her knees get a bit weak. Spike nodded as he carried it over. Putting it down as Sweetie picked up another tid bit off Rarity's desk as Spike leaned against the door frame. "Rarity said you might need help." She smiled, happy for the help. As she noticed the door was shut her mind began to wander. Watching him help she started to wonder what it would be like in those arms. But she shook her head. "You know, It's ok. You don't have to help," She said, kicking herself inside for giving him a reason to leave. "Nah, It's ok. I want to help. Can't let the little sister of one of my best friends do all this on her own," He said. "Wish you'd see me as more then that," Sweetie grumbled, as she turned away, trying to hide the words from him. "Hmm?" "Nothing," Sweetie replied. Letting out a sigh as she looked over at him. Then a small smile came across her face. "So did you hear she was leaving?" She asked as she flipped the lid of the box closed. Listening carefully to judge his response. Spike ran a hand over his head as he just looked down. "Yeah. Saw the movers yesterday. I kinda figured, honestly surprised she didn't do it sooner." A huge smile burst across Sweetie's face that she was careful to hide. He sounded so upset. It was going to be prefect. She quickly closed the box and pushed it away. Rarity's loss, her gain. She wiped the smile off her face and turned to face him. Looking as concerned as she could. "Are you gonna be ok?" She asked. Slowly walking towards him. "I mean, I thought you had feelings for her." "I did," he said as he looked back at the door. "Bit I've known for a while now it wasn't going to work out. I don't know, I just keep hanging around for...." He looked down at Sweetie as he fought back a tear. "I guess it was just out of hope." Sweetie knew it would work. It had to. Throw herself at him, give him the love he had missed out on, it was fool proof. "You know, if you need-" "I've decided I'm going on the great dragon migration," He said as he ran his hand up and down his arm arm. "It'll be a while but I think it's a good idea. Give me time to sort things out. Maybe do one of those find yourself trips or whatever they call them." Sweetie stood there stunned. Her mouth struggling to find the right words. "Yeah. That might be good." she said as she lied. She bit her lip as started to panic. Spike turned, opening the door. "I gotta go." "WAIT! I..." Spike turned to look at her. "You ok?" He asked. "I...I think Sky Striker and Percilla are a really good couple. I think their the best in the book," Sweetie called out. Desperate to get him to stay. Spike smirked and let out a single chuckle. "But they'd never work. They're too different. Ponies should stick with ponies. That was the whole point of them." Then he reached out and gave her a quick hug. "But I'm glad you like them too." Sweetie heard the door close. She whimpered a bit as she found a corner of the room and sat down. Softly starting to cry. Author's Note I swear, the story gets alot more happy in the next chapters! Also, dont know what whinney land is? Read the comics. Its the equestria version of Disney land. And looks a little more awesome honestly. Chapter 7: Of Comforters And FriendsThe setting sun outside cast odd shadows in the room. Sweetie belle looking them over as she sat there sniffling. For a brief moment she thought about how long she had been there, but the thought faded as she remembered Spike leaving. "Sweetie?" The muffled voice called out. "Sweetie? Are you ok? Is Spike still here or did he leave?" Rarity pushed the door open and stuck her head in. "Sweetie, why are you sitting there all by yourself?" "I.....he.....It's..." her sentence broken as she looked up at her and started sobbing. Rarity stood there in surprise for a second before rushing over to her sister. Wrapping jer hoofs around her. "It'll be ok. Come on Sweetie, calm down." She said as she softly patted her sisters back. "It'll be o-" "No it wont!" Sweetie yelled as she pushed away from her sister. Her eyes narrowed in anger as she she looked her sister in the eye, her words coming out as almost a scream. "First you're leaving, and now he is, and I'm just a weirdo and a screw up and everything is falling apart!" "Oh Sweetie....no. Who told you those horrible things?" She pulled her sister back into her hug. This time sweetie didn't fight it. Instead burying her head into her sisters shoulder. "Here, I'm with you. Just let it all out. If you want, we can go down stairs and I can get you something warm to wrap up in. You told me you like it down there better right?" Sweetie tightened her hooves around her sister. But after a moment looked up and between sobs she nodded. Her mouth trying to move It was an hour later as Rarity walked back to the stairs where Sweetie sat. Her horn glowing as she carried in the glass of milk and handed it to her sister. Sweetie's head being the only visible part of her from the comforter she had been wrapped in. "Now, think you've calmed down enough to talk?" Rarity asked as she watched her sister drink. "Yeah..." Sweetie replied weakly. "I'm sorry I was cr-" "Darling please, we all get upset sometimes. It's ok.." Sweetie smiled and nodded. "Thanks Rarity. Its just this um....colt that I know." Rarity s face lit up as she jumped a little before sitting down next to her sister. "Oh, tell me all about him. I just have to know all about my sister's first special somepony!" Sweetie sniffled as she leaned against her sister. "He's not my special somepony. It doesn't even matter who he is. He's leaving." "Oh," Rarity remarked before she gave her sister a smile. "Well if that's the case, them it's a good thing he's going." Her nose firmly in the air as her sister looked at her with a frown. " Any colt who abandons the mare that loves him is no colt at all." "No it's not like that. He's a really cool guy." "If he's such a great guy, then why is he making you cry and leaving you?" Rarity asked, teh distane for the male never leaving her voice. "He doesn't know I like him." she said as she hung her head. "Well then, that does makes Things different." Her tone softening as she looked back down at Sweetie Belle. "Why haven't you told him?" Sweetie let out a small moan. "I want to but its just....weird. I get scared he wont like me and I keep dropping hints and he just........ I don't think he likes me back." Rarity nodded. "But if you don't tell him then how will you ever know?" Sweetie sniffled a bit. "I don't know. And even if he did I don't know if it'd work out. He so different from me. I mean I'm a unicorn and hes a...um...pega-" "A dragon?" Rarity asked as she gave her a little smile. "A dragon named Spike perhaps?" "Y-you knew?" She asked astonished. "Since whe-" "For a while now. I've seen the way he looks at you. You also talk in your sleep." Rarity said with a giggle. "But I thought you said it was weird." "I meant too weird for me. Really sweetie, are you going to let other ponies determine if you get to be happy?" Sweetie shook her head no with a slight smile, but stopped as there was a knock on the door. "Now who could that be." She said as she trotted over and opened the front door to gaze out. "Heya Rarity." Snails said as he waved. "Can Sweetie Belle come out. We need to talk to her." Apple Bloom added. Rarity took a quick look behind her. "Sweetie, your friends are here. You feel ok to talk to them?" Sweetie nodded as she pulled the blanket off and threw it upstairs. "Yeah, let em in." Rarity nodded. "I'll be upstairs when you three are done. We can talk more then sweetie." She said as she trotted up the stairs. They both walked in to the boutique, closing the door behind them as they did. Apple bloom reaching her first. "Are you ok?" She asked as she noticed the signs of what had happened earlier. "I think so. I just...really had a rough day. Anyway whats up?" Snails smiled. "We had an idea. Like tomorrow, we decided we should all get together to help you get with Spike." Sweetie squirmed a bit as she looked Snails over. "You told him?" "Yeah,I kinda had to. Besides he's cool with it. "Yeah" snails giggled. "I've been slave to an insane unicorn, have discord rain chocolate milk on my house once a month, and I've seen Apple Bloom make zap apple jam. Trust me, this ain't nothing." "We can meet up at the old clearing at sundown tomorrow to start planning. It'll be just like when we were the CMC. Except not so hard to figure out what to do." Sweetie giggled and nodded. "Ill be there then." "Oh Sweetie, are you and your friends done? I need you for something!" Rarity called from upstairs. Apple bloom nudged Snails as they both started to move towards the door. "We can let ourselves out." she said as Sweetie waved good bye. The Dragon And The Mare: The condensed versionAuthor's Note This chapter is the original story. You can read it if you like, just keep in mind that if you want to go through the expanded version, this may spoil it. What do I mean? I mean I posted this and everyone liked it so much I decided it would be good to go back and expand on everything the way I had really wanted. Regardless what order you read this in, I hope you enjoy it. The Dragon And The Mare: The condensed version Sweetie sat there, pages of her book turning as she looked out on the boutique. The sound of Rarity working upstairs could be heard as Sweetie hummed a tune, giggling at how silly it had all seemed. All that time spent worrying about her cutie mark when it had been music all along. It almost seemed too obvious. Still, thinking back all those years ago brought a smile to her face. The original three cutie mark crusaders were no more, almost all grown up and ready to strike out on their own. She knew it would be tough staying friends but they could do it. Apple Bloom and her had plans to move in to an appartment together, and she knew Scootaloo would be back after her time in the royal guard. Until she left though, they decided to hang out almost every day. Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the front door as Spike pushed it open slowly. He too had grown. The gifts he received each year making him larger, about her size now. And she had to admit, a bit handsome even if he was covered in scales. "Heya Sweetie Belle. Is Rarity here?" He asked as he walked over and gave her a friendly hug. His years of chasing after Rarity had meant they had spent enough time together to develop a friendly relationship. "Yeah, shes upstairs working but she asked not to be bothered. I thought I'd read while I waited for Apple Bloom," her magic lifting the book she was reading as Spike nodded. "Is that the newest Daring Doo?" He asked "Nah, its that new series. Crossing Hooves." her head dipping a bit. Embarrassed to admit to reading a romance novel. "You mean that series about ponies in love during Discord's reign? The one Twilight calls trash?" His eyes widening a bit as he started to laugh. "I cant believe you're reading that. Its accidentally anti unicorn and so corny." "Maybe it is a little but, its good. It's got some action and if guys would read it maybe they'd like it too. In fact, I think-" "That Sky Striker and Percilla are a great couple?" Spike asked, cutting her off. "Cause they are," Giving her a smirk as he refereed to the Pegasus and Griffon who were side characters in the book. "Wait, you've read it too?" her face scrunching up as she looked back at the book. "But those two hate each others." Spike put his claw down next to her as he leaned in close. The mare blushing from how close he was as he flipped a few pages. "Of course I've read it, Twilight's the princess of libraries," he said jokingly, finding the page. "Here, that's where they hook up." "Hmmm...he took her hoof, laying her down as she....." Sweetie's face flushed bright red as she read on. It was her first time seeing such intimate details in a romance novel. "O-o-oh spike!" The soft voice exclaimed, Rarity standing by the banister and looking out and over them a little. "Am I interrupting anything?" A look of surprise and shock ran over Spike's face as he reeled back and looked up at the white unicorn. "Errruhhh...no Rarity." Sweetie gave him a sideways glance and stole a jealous look at her sister. Sweetie certainly wasn't boy crazy, but every now and then she wished she could have someone that was willing to throw themselves at her like Spike. But then again, who could be as popular as a fashionista? "I just uhh....came over to see if you needed some help." He said as he started slowly up the stairs A feeling of relief washed over her though as Rarity lead the dragon upstairs. Happy to take him up on his offer of help. She let out a long huff before going back to the book. A frown came to her face as she turned back to her original place. Her mind drifting off. *********************** Sweetie gasped on in astonishment. Her sword crossed with that of Spike, or was it Sky Striker? She really couldn't tell. It looked like Spike, but his voice was what Sky Striker sounded like in her head. Looking around, she almost immediately recognized the room. "Why persist foul dragon? Your lord is dead, my lady victorious." She cried out. Feeling that it was the right thing to say. Her head blank though when she tried to figure out why. Another thrust parried, a blow deflected. "Why do you hold back?" Tears in her eyes as her anger rose. "Is this some joke to you" Spike grinned "Because I cannot harm you." Sweetie let out a scream of frustration as she drove for the dragon's chest. Spike's parry disarming her, causing her sword to fly across the room. "You're toying with me and I hate you for it. Why? Why not kill me now that I am at your mercy?" Her eyes went wide at his answer. Knowing it even as his lips began to move. "Because I lov-" *********************** "Sweetie Belle! Wake up!" came the call as she was shaken awake. "Its already ten in the morning and I have such big news!" Her older sister cried out. As she slid off the couch, she looked at the new stack of boxes. "Umm....rarity?" she asked as she blinked, feeling maybe the stack of boxes were out of place. "What's with all the boxes?" Rarity gave her little sister a big hug. "Well, you know all that packing I've been doing?" Sweetie simply nodded in reply. "Well, originally it was to ship some samples for customers off. But, they loved what they got so much I was asked to do the whole line for Trotting Tantums. One of the biggest trend setting stores in all of Canterlot! Oh isn't this exciting? It means I'll be moving there temporarily, and if things go well, maybe permanently." Sweetie rubbed her head as she yawned. "T-that's great!" the response less then enthusiastic. In Sweetie Belle's mind, things seemed a bit mixed up. The drowsiness from sleep still trying to wear off as her mind slowly started to realize what all this meant. A frown spreading to her face though as she realized Rarity was talking about moving. Rarity began grabbing things out of the room. "Though I am afraid I'm going to have to ask you to leave after breakfast. I've already scheduled some help to come and set up the furniture so it's ready for the move next week. I don't want you hurt or have the help running into you. But you can play with your friends right?" Sweetie nodded, forcing a smile. The rest of the morning went by quickly. Rarity running around, grabbing various cloth and small items. Once Sweetie had finished up though she left. Her saddle bags packed with a few odd things. She could still hear her sister's rummaging as she headed for sweet apple acres. The loud bang of a hammer rang out as Sweetie approached the barn. And familiar voices greeted her ears. "Now hold it up here!" Apple Bloom shouted as Sweetie ducked inside. Her eyes falling on a very odd sight. Scootaloo was off to the side, doing hoof ups as Apple Bloom wiped the sweat from her brow and Twist climbed down off a step stool. "Thanks Apple Bloom, want to paint it tomorrow or after the weekend?" Twist asked as Apple Bloom backed away from what looked like a big stand with odd shapes and swirls all over it. "Let's get it done tomorrow, though you're welcome to put some base color on twist!" Apple Bloom said as she put the hammer down and turned toward Sweetie. "Heya Sweetie, we were just helping Twist with a candy stand.....what's wrong?" Apple Blooms face turning to concern as Twist began to paint. "Yeah, why are you so upset?" Scootaloo tossed in as Sweetie found a bale of hay to lay on. "Do I really look that upset?" she asked as all three nodded at once. "Guess I cant hide it. I am upset....it's this guy and my sister." "Oooohhhh. Found yourself a colt huh? Lucky. Is he somepony we know?" Twist asked, butting in as the other two gave her an annoyed look. "What?" she asked before giving an awkward smile. "oh right, upset.....I'll just go grab us something to drink." Twist trotting off towards the house. "At least she means well...." Sweetie added in as the others found places to sit. Apple Bloom finding a stool in the hay filled barn. Scootaloo leaning against the new candy stand. "It's.......I don't know if I want to say. It's weird." Sweetie chimed out before looking straight down at the ground. Apple Bloom scratched her head. "Awww, come on now, can't be that weird. It's just a colt you like. Nothing weird about that." "Yeah," Scootaloo added in. "Remember when Apple Bloom started dating Snails? That was weird-" "Hey! He's very supportive. And really sweet." Scootaloo rolled her eyes. "But things worked out pretty well." Sweetie belle looked up at them both and gave a weak smile. "Promise not to tell anyone?" Both of her friends nodded. With a little smile she spoke up. "It's spike." The other two instantly going wide eyed and staring at each other. "Assistant to a princess, Spike? Scale covered dragon Spike? " Sweetie nodded. "In love with my sister Spike. Yeah, that one." Tears forming in her eyes as Apple Bloom trotted over and patted her on the back. "I just...I don't even know when it started..." "It's ok. How do you know though?" Sweetie wiped a tear away. "I just....I started thinking about it a while ago. Hes just always there for her and loyal and he's gotten so....so....grown up. I started reading some romance stories and it got me thinking." Apple Bloom raised an eye brow. "But doesn't he tease you?" "Not really. The one time he went too far he apologized." " I could see it." Scootaloo said as she trotted forward. She too going to Sweetie's side. Followed short by twist. "Ah!" Sweetie let out in surprise. "When did you get back?" "A little while ago. You were having your little moment and I didn't want to interrupt." She said as she gave a sincere smile. Scootaloo looked much less pleased. "Don't worry, she wont tell anyone Sweetie." Twist saw the confused looks on the faces of the other two. She shifted awkwardly. "Yeah, I promise. I wouldn't want to upset my Scootsy!" The eyes of the earth and unicorn ponies went wide. Not sure what to make of it. Then, Twist lept forward, bopping noses together with Scootaloo. The other two starting to chuckle. "You two are dating?" They asked as Scootaloo shot another annoyed look at Twist. "Yes, we have been. For a while in secret." The other two couldn't help but keep giggling. "And she calls you Scootsy?!" *********************** Sweetie should have felt better. She knew in her mind that she should. Shed even talked to the group about her sister leaving. but as she approached the boutique, she felt sick. The bell on the door chimed as it opened. The lights inside shining bright as she noticed all the boxes around. Rarity lay, stretched out on a large air mattress. "Oh Sweetie, good to see you back. You and your friends have fun?" Her mouth opened and she hesitated wanting to tell her everything, but instead her head nodded. Rarity taking a moment to wave her over. Giving the mare a hug. "I'm almost ready for my big move, but it looks like you aren't." Tears started to swell in Sweetie's eyes as she hugged her sister close. The stress of it all at flowing out. "I don't want you to go. I'm not ready for it." Rarity patting her mane. "It'll be ok." She whispered in her ear. "I've got to do this. But it won't be so bad. You can always visit." "NO!" She shouted as she started crying harder. "I don't want to visit. I want my sister here. The one that's finally started to listen and have fun and that I could talk to about......." Her voice trailing off. "I've been growing sweetie. You have too. Part of growing up is letting go and moving on to bigger things. " "But why now? Why cant you just stay?" "And miss my calling? Stay stuck in a small town, unable to go after my dream?" Sweetie let out a sniffle as the mare slowly let go. "Here." Rarity said as she began pulling away. "The kitchen hasn't been packed yet, would some tea help?" Sweetie gave a soft nod as they both trotted past the piles of boxes that were developing everywhere and into the kitchen. "I just wish you weren't going to go. I'll feel all alone." The sound of a chair sliding punctuated Sweetie's sentence as she sat down at the small table Rarity had kept. "But you wont be alone. There's your friends, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo." "What about spike?" "Well yes, Spike will always be your friend too." The clatter of a kettle rang out as the flame of the burner whooshed to life. Rarity tossing the tea leaves in. Sweetie sat there. Her mind begging for it to be easy even though she had no clue how that would have been. In her mind she imagined a different conversation. One in which her question was answered with Rarity handing her secret to Spike's love over. "I mean....are you gonna leave spike behind too?" Rarity gave her a weak smile. Trotting to the other side of the table she sat down. "In a way, yes. He's always welcome to visit. I know he's had a.......thing for me but, it's been years. He should move on. Everyone knows it would never work out anyway. I'm so much older then him and.....besides, a pony and a dragon together in that way? It's just, too weird for me." Sweetie could feel her eyes water. It's just too weird. She turned the words over in her head. She wanted to explode, spill it all out, but that sealed it. "Y-yeah....too weird." She hated herself. She hated the way the world worked. *********************** Sweetie swayed her hips as she softly sang. Last night had brought at least one relief. Spike had still been in her dream, but this time it was a much sillier one about jelly, she'd woken up smiling at least. Rarity had been quick to ask her for help as she woke up. As she finished packing Rarity's rare spools of thread, she heard a soft foot step behind her. Her head spinning around to see Spike. "Awww. " he let out as he walked in. "I was really enjoying that. We should get you to sing it for twilight some time." Sweetie blushed at the compliments. "Thanks but I'm not that good." her magic grabbing the box, straining to lift it. She screwed her eyes shut as she concentrated. Suddenly it worked. The box felt like it weighed nothing as she opened her eyes to find it in Spike's claws. "Where do you want it?" He asked as he hefted it up. Sweetie pointed to a spot where some other boxes had been packed. She let out a sigh trying to sound annoyed. Wanting to hit herself in the head as it came out a content one. It was nice having him help. She thought to all the times he had helped Rarity, her jealousy rising a bit. "You know, you don't have to help" "But I want to. Gotta help out my friend's little sister. Besides, now you owe me." Spike said. "Right....just her little sister..." Sweetie mumbled to herself under her breath. "Hm?" spike asked as he turned. "I......you know she's leaving right?" Sweetie asked. "Yeah, I kinda figured. I saw the movers the other day when they came for the large stuff." Spike said as he slumped against a wall. Sweetie looked down very upset. "Are you gonna be ok?" She asked as she slowly sat down next to him. "Its been a few years. I've known it was stupid to hope for a while now. Still....it hurts." "You know....if you want you can still hang out aro-" "Nah" Spike cut in. Not letting her finish. "I think I'll just leave too. I've been starting to feel, kinda alone. All she ever sees me as is a friend. Maybe I should go join the great dragon migration. See what it's like now that I'm not so small." Sweetie stared at him, wide eyed and forced smile. "M-Maybe that would be good." She stammered out, holding back tears. After a bit, spike reached over, giving her a small hug before standing up and starting to walk out. Sweetie sniffling a bit. She heard the door creak open "I!" she almost shouted, scared to say it. "I....I think Sky Striker and Percilla are a really good couple too...." Spike looked back, a small smile on his face. "Yeah, but they're weird. Would never work out with them being so different." Sweeties heart felt like the bottom fell out. "But I'm glad you like them too." he said before walking out. Sweetie sat alone in the room, tear's streaming down her face. "It's all falling apart..." she mumbled to herself. She didn't bother looking around, her mind reeling from it all. It felt like she'd been there forever when the door opened and Rarity walked in. "Sweetie? Sweetie you've been in here packi- SWEETIE! Are you ok?" Rarity asked as she quickly trotted up. "It's not fair...it's....I..." Sweeties stammer was broken as she burst into a full on sobbing. Rarity looked around, unsure exactly what to do. She instead put her arms around her sister. Hugging Sweetie as she quietly started stroked her mane. "Sweetie calm down. Whatever it is it'll be alright." "No it won't!" she managed to yelp out through sobs. "Everyone is leaving me. First you and now him and it's all wrong and I'm scared." Rarity gave her a worried look as she started to pat her on the back. "No one's leaving you. It's just gonna take a little longer to get to my new place." she said with a small chuckle as she could feel Sweetie tighten her grip around her. "Here, why don't we get you out of my office and down stairs. I'll even pull out that comforter you like so much." Sweetie nodded in reply. *********************** It wasn't long till Rarity came back. Comforter in hand. "Here you go hun. Now tell me, whats wrong. Who's he?" "It's s-" Her eyes going wide, unsure what her sister would think. "It's this colt I know, he might be leaving soon too." Rarity raised an eye brow at hearing this. "A colt? And you like him?" "Well....yeah. But it doesn't matter cause he's leaving. And I won't ever see him again." "Maybe that's for the best then." Rarity said as sweetie looked up at her shocked. On the verge of another bought of sobbing. "Sweetie, a stallion who walks out on the innocent mare that loves him is no stallion at all." "He doesn't know." Sweetie said as she hung her head. "I see," Rarity said as she sat down next to her sister. "Well, why doesn't he know?" "I keep trying to tell him but, I just cant." "And why not?" "What if he doesn't like me? What if he gets weirded out or I tell him at the wrong time? What if he thinks it wont work cause we are so different?" "Different Sweetie? How so?" Sweetie started to fidget as she looked away. "Well I'm a unicorn and he's a...umm...ea-" "A dragon?" Rarity interrupted. A wry smile on her face as Sweetie started to sniffle a little. "How'd you know?" Rarity chuckled a bit. "He's been chasing after me for years, over here every chance he gets. Trust me, I started to notice a while back when he started noticing you. And I think he'd be good for you." "But he's a dragon and I'm a unicorn...." Sweetie said as she looked down at the floor. "And? Does it matter? You've grown into a fine young mare. Are you really going to let what others think stop you from being happy?" Sweetie sighed as she kept looking at the ground. Just as Rarity was about to open her mouth, there was a knock at the door. Rarity got up, squeezing past a few boxes she opened the front door. "Hello, sorry but we are clo- Oh Apple Bloom, Snails. Is there something I can do for you?" "Uhh yeah, we've got a very important message for sweetie." Snailss said as Apple Bloom nodded. "Can we please see her?" Apple Bloom said as she looked past to see Sweetie in the back. Rarity looked back, then nodded as her magic strained to clear a small path. "She's a little upset, but I've got a few more things to pack. I'll leave you three alone." Rarity went upstairs, leaving the three to talk. "Are ya'll ok?" Apple Bloom asked as she came in and looked her crying friend over. Sweetie nodded her head. "I'm fine. I just don't feel much like hanging out." The two nodded as they heard her talk. "Well," Apple Bloom started. "We might have something to cheer you up. Twist said that since the dragon migration is in four days, we should get together to figure out how to get you and Spike together." Sweetie gave them a weak smile before looking at Snails. "Hold it, he knows?" "Well yeah, me and Apple Bloom talks about everything." "And you're ok with it?" "We live in Ponyville. We have a crystal palace down the road, I was slave to an insane unicorn who trapped us under a jar, and Discord sometimes makes it rain chocolate on my house. Trust me, a dragon and pony dating ain't nothing weird." Sweetie smiled and gave both of them a hug. "Thanks guys. What time?" "We in figured it should be tomorrow at the clearing. A little before sun set." Apple Bloom said. Rarity poked her head down from upstairs. "Sweetie, when you're done with your friends come up here." Sweetie let out a soft groan, but politely showed the couple the door. Then turning back, she trotted up stairs and to the last room needing to be packed. The sowing room. "Rarity!" she called out as she stuck her head in. Her confusion rising as she saw her sister sowing "What are you doing? Shouldn't you pack that stuff up?" "Can't make your dress if I pack my tools up." She said as she motioned her sister in. "Now stand still, I need to measure you." Sweetie took a few step in. "But why?" she asked as Rarity began to run over her with measuring tape. "To help you get Spike of course." "But how will a dress help?" "Oh Sweetie, boys are very simple. And they don't always get our subtle hints. So sometimes we have to use much less subtle hints. Dressing up can be one of those more direct hints." "If you say so." *********************** Sweetie grumbled a bit as she shoved some shrubbery out of the way, her hooves finally setting down in the clearing. She brushed a few of the leaves off her dress as she looked up. She could see Scootaloo sitting on a log waiting for her. "Like it?" Sweetie asked as she trotted up. She spread her hooves out some to try and show the dress off. It was simple and modest, not revealing too much but she thought it was like Rarity had said, the color really made her eyes stand out. She could hear rustling from the others arriving but she ignored it, too intent on showing off. "It really shows off your girly side. I bet he'll love it." Scootaloo said "You really think so?" Sweetie asked. "What do you think?" She asked as she turned around. Her jaw dropping as her face flushed red. Snails stood there with spike. "S-s-spike?" Sweetie asked as she started to back up a bit. "Well we said we would help." Apple Bloom said nervously as she popped out from behind the two. "Though it was all Twists Idea." "Me and her had this talk. And Snails showed up." spike answered. obviously nervous too. He fidgeted, rubbing his arm as he took a step forward. "Me and Snails are pretty good friends. I told him I like you and he sa- umph!" Spike's eyes went wide as he looked down to see sweeties hooves wrapped around him. A nervous look on her face as she seemed to tear up. "Please...don't go. I.....I..." She scrunched her face up, desperately trying to get the words to come out right. He looked to Snails as he shrugged nervously. Snails answering back with the same. Scootaloo rolled her eyes at the scene. "Come on, you're the guy. Say something cool. Sweep her off her feet." Spike huffed, not sure what to say. His eyes meeting Sweetie's as she looked up at him. His jitters and fears seeming to disappear as he noticed how beautiful the mare seemed. "Yeah," he said with a soft smile. "I think we should date too." before reaching down to kiss her. And they lived happily ever after. (Until discord made their tableware come to life, but that story is for anther time.) Chapter 4: News and Eggs"Sweetie!" Rarity called as she softly shook her little sister awake. "Sweetie wake up. Its already 9. Come on, get up. When you get downstairs I've got a little surprise I need to talk to you about." Sweetie rubbed her eyes and slinked out of bed. Yawning a few times she finally wandered down stairs. Sniffing the air as the aroma of a well cooked breakfast filled her nose. She followed it to the kitchen and sat down just in time for rarity to put a plate down in front of her. "What's up with this breakfast sis?" She asked before digging in. "Well, you know all those boxes and bags I've been packing?" She asked before sitting down. Sweetie simply nodded. "Well, it was all originally to send off samples to clients, but!" Sweetie gulped down some eggs. "But?" "But they loved it all so much they asked me to do the entire line for Trotting Tantums. The premier trend setting store in Canterlot! Isn't it wonderful?" Sweetie nodded happily, clapping her hooves together. "Its amazing. Oh, does this mean I get to help you out more? Cause I really loved learning all those ways to make-" "Well....ummm.....no." "Why not?" Sweetie asked, pushing the meal aside. "Well, it means I've got to move to Canterlot. I've got to be there to over see the details. But you can always come visit!" Sweetie forced a smile. "That's really cool rarity," She said as she started to fidget. "How long are you gonna stay?" "Well, as long as I can. It's been my dream to move to a big city. And Canterlot is a gem of a city. If I can, I'm going to try to live there." Rarity was positively beaming as her sister lost her appetite. "Well, we can hang out today right?" Sweetie asked hopefully. "What? Well no Sweetie, I'm really sorry but you're going to have to leave after breakfast. I've got movers coming to get all the heavy things. Its going to be very busy. I wouldn't want you getting hurt while they work or getting in the way. So it's either play with your friends or stay in your room till sunset." With those choices it hadn't taken sweetie long to decide. Author's Note I almost feel bad about the super short chapter. But those happens I guess. It's one chapter out of like nine.
Chapter 1: Life As Usual Chapter 1: Life As Usual Sweetie belle sat there at the base of the stairs. Her horn glowing as she turned the pages in her book. A wide smile on her face as she softly sang. "Come little children, I'll show you lala..." She softly sang out as she let out a soft content sigh. It had all seemed so silly now. All those years of trying to find her calling and now it seemed so obvious. In fact, it had come so easy for all of them. Despite the years though, they had stayed friends long after the CMC had dissolved. Her and Apple Bloom even planned to move in together. They offered to let Scootaloo in to, but she had different plans. "Thanks guys, but I'm gonna follow rainbow dash. I'm gonna put in for the reserves!" She said proudly with her chest puffed out at the time. It hadn't been a huge surprise, shed talked about it some. But she still had a few months. Things were changing so much. Apple Bloom had even started dating. The thought seemed to bring her back to the book though. It was the most popular trashy romance novel in all Equestria, and she loved it. "Ugh.....another chapter about Moon Spark and Star Crossed," She said as she tried to push through it. Her concentration interrupted by the jingle of the front door opening. "Oops, um, sorry sir!" She responded as he horn glowed and her book closed, a bit too embarrassed that she got caught reading it to look at the new comer. "Let me go ge-" "Nah it's cool. I'm pretty sure the owner knows me well enough to let me upstairs," A tall and much more mature Spike responded. Giving Sweetie a soft wave as she looked up. "Oh hey Spike," She replied as she stopped hiding the book. "Yeah, she should be upstairs. " The conversation was suddenly interrupted by a loud cry. "I GET THIS BIG BREAK AND THE THREAD IS MISSING? MY LIFE IS FINISHED WITHOUT THAT THREAD!" and it was followed shortly by a loud bang as something hit the floor. "Or maybe I'll just wait for her to come out...." he said as he took a seat beside Sweetie Belle. She gave him an annoyed look. He'd been coming here alot more often, but still it bothered her that he was this close. She pulled the book back out and opened it up. Her eyes skimming the page. Her frown softening. She had to admit though, as much as she hated it, she really liked it. "Whats that You've got there?" He asked as he pointed to the book. "It's just...a book. Crossing hooves." Spike chuckled a bit as he eyed the page. "Isn't that the trashy romance novel? The one everyone claims is anti unicorn and a bad influence on mares?" Sweetie rolled her eyes. "Yes it is. But I think it's pretty good. It even has some action in it. I think if you gave it a chance you'd see-" "That Sky Striker and Percilla make an amazing couple?" Spike butted in, giving her a smirk. "Because they do." Sweetie looked at him astonished. "You mean you read it too?" "Of course. I live with Twilight, Princess of libraries. If there's one thing I get to do lots of, its read. I'm even on the second book," He replied. "Still...." she said as she looked back down. "Sky Striker and Percilla are just a pairing the fans like, they aren't together." Spike leaned over, putting his arm around her as his other claw reached down to start flipping pages. Sweetie blushed as she felt him lean against her. Her mouth opening to protest but she began to find it comforting .She let herself lean against him as finally he pointed. "Her soft lips parted as he ran a....." Her voice trailing off as she turned several shades more red. Her heart racing. She had never read such intimate details before. "Oh, am I interrupting anything?" A familiar voice called out as Rarity appeared at the top of the stairs. Her soft voice chuckling as she saw Spike nervously jump. "Spike, hitting on my sister already? You're horrible," She said jokingly before trotting down and giving him a hug. Sweetie snuck her sister a jealous glare behind her back. Stifling a whimper as that warm feeling left her. "I uhhh...came over to help," Spike said said as he gave Sweetie an apologetic look. "Well then you're just in time," She said as she lead him upstairs by the hand. "I just got in a very big order. Want to join Sweetie Belle?" Sweetie shook her head no and watched as the two disappeared. Her head hung low as she looked back at the book. "I wish....I wish I had somepony like Spike..." she quietly whispered to herself as she turned back to her book. Author's Note Hey there. I know this chapter isn't super long. I promise there's gonna be more coming. The chapters are gonna vary alot in length. That's because I decided to break them not where they were long but where they felt right. I hope you enjoy this expanded version.
Chapter 2: A Dream And RealitySweetie finished her cider. Leaning back in her chair with a bit of frustration. Her ears flickering as she slowly undid her sword. "So you came?" she asked as a figure stepped out of the shadow. "And give up on our little game? Never, I enjoy it too much," The figure said as it stepped out. Sweetie felt a bit odd. As if she knew exactly what was going on but didn't know why. This was from something, she had heard all of this before. "I grow tired of this game," She said as she stood up. She couldn't figure out where her words were coming from. As she turned though, her eyes focused on the figure. Gasping as she realized it was Spike. She suddenly knew where she was. The time of Discord's reign, the fighting of the royal families, the past. She also realized this was exactly like her book. She thought hard to recall anything to stop all of this. "Sir Spike, stop this at once. Your king was defeated! Your crimes forgiven! Put down your sword," She said, but to no help. The clang of sword crashes out as she parried a blow. Followed by another. Each one easy enough for a child to deflect. "I can not until my business with the queen is done." Sweetie stepped back, the room suddenly larger then she recalled, her head spinning. "And what business is that? The queen heard your plea for marriage, and she denied you." "She denied me nothing." Sweetie swung back, destroying a chair. "If she denied you nothing then why were you two not wed?" "Because I asked for your hand, not hers." Spike Replied before going into another volley of attacks. Sweetie gasped, face red. The sword in her hand deflecting another blow only to be knocked out of her hand. She looked around quickly. Finding no where to hide, she was forced back across the room farther and farther. "Y-you'll receive no dowry. No power or land. And I will not fall to my knees at your whim like a chamber maid. " "I know. In fact, Id rather it be that way. Chamber maids are so dull," Sweetie finally hit a wall. Looking behind her she noticed it was one of the wooden doors that opened in ward. Then suddenly a loud thwack. She looked down just in time to see the sword, driven through the side of her belt and into the door, trapping her. "Why then? Why me?" She asked, tears in her eyes. "Because Percilla, I love y-" The sentence faded in her mind as she shot up awake. Heart feeling as if it would pound out of her chest. As she sat up she could feel the cool night breeze on her face and thanked Celestia for the pajamas she had on. Her horn started to glow as she reached out to grab a stuffed dragon that she tucked close to her chest and started to sniffle. After a minute she looked down at the toy. She remembered getting it as a gift from Spike after he won it at the fair. 'I don't need it, I get plenty of dragon just being me,' He'd said as he had given it to her. "Fine....." She said as she hugged it tighter. "I like him. I like him a lot," She flopped back down on the bed as she kept sniffling. "Why can't I like somepony normal. Who isn't in love with my sister and isn't a dragon......and sees me as something more." She huffed again before slamming her hooves down on the bed. "Every ones gonna hate me." She reached under her bed, pulling out the extra blanket and hugging it tight. "Rarity will keep being the incredibly popular and oblivious fashonista till I say something and then hate me for moving in on her dragon. Mom and dad are gonna think it's weird and the town is gonna make fun of me. Good job sweetie. Way to screw up. You're an idiot and everyone knows it." Her eyes watered up as tears ran down her cheek and she tried to go back to sleep.
Chapter 3: Fishing With The HeartSpike nudged snails in the side as they turned the corner. "So, did you get it?" Snails grinned as he nodded. "Course I did. Put it where we agreed it should be." Spike took a look around nervously before pointing a different direction towards the town pond. "How much did you get?" He asked as Snails walked with him. "Three full gallons of Cider. Took a quick sip of one to make sure I got tha hard stuff." "Spike nodded and gave him a pat on the back. "Snails, you did good." "Hey, helps that I'm dating the girl who's family makes it." They both snickered a little as they got to the edge of the pond. Ruby Pinch waving from a distance before running up to the two."Hey Ruby," They both replied at almost the same time. "What are you guys up to?" She asked as Spike took a seat by edge of the pond. "Stick fishing!" Snails said happily "If you want to you can join us, just gotta get us three good sticks." Ruby nodded and ran off. "So, you tell her yet?" Snails asked as he sat down next to Spike and pulled a line and hooks out. "Nah, sh'es not interested. Never has been," Spike said as a frown found his face and he laid back on the ground. Sails picked up a rock, his horn glowing as he tossed it into the pond. "Why don't you tell her? Whats the worst that happens? Ruby walked back up, Three sticks with her as she sat down with them. Passing one over to Snails. "Still Having troubles with us girls Spike?" Ruby asked mockingly before looking over to him, her ear going flat against her head in regret. "Sorry." "I just freeze up and get scared ok? It's not easy. I mean, what if I tell her and she hates me? Or what if I tell her and she thinks I'm just a creep trying to get with her after her sister rejected me. Then maybe she'll tell Rarity and then she'll tell Twilight and then everyone will-" "Calm down!" Ruby called out as Snails handed Spike one of the sticks. "Yeah, calm down. Sweetie's not like that. At least I don't think so" snails added in. Spike let out a long huff before tossing the line out. Ruby looked at him and then at the stick that Snails handed her. "How does this work exactly?" "Its simple," Snails said as he pulled some bread out. "Since we cant afford fishing rods you put some bread on the hook, toss it out into the water, and when a fish bites you pull your stick up. Its like fishing but harder, and cheaper." Ruby blinked a bit and put some bread on her hook before tossing it out into the lake. "You guys ever catch anything?" "Yeah, We've caught fish like twice doing this," Spike answered "Mostly we just pretend sword fight though when we get bored." "So this mean you ain't gonna go on the dragon migration this year?" Snails asked as he concentrated on his line. "I don't know. Probably. I mean it would be a couple of years but it's not like I've got anyone here to get me to stay." "Hey!" Ruby shouted as she punched Spike's arm. "So me and Snails don't count?" Spike chuckled and suck his tongue out at her. "I"ll bring you guys souvenirs."The water lapped quietly at the shore as the three friends took in the evening air. A silence broken only by the birds singing. "You know," Ruby said as she pulled her stick closer. "You had better ask her out." "And whys that?" Spike asked giving his friend a glance. "Cause shes cute and if you don't then I'll get her in bed." Ruby said as she gave Spike a wry smirk "If me and Apple Bloom break up I call dibs on her," Snails said with a chuckle. "I hate you guys," Spike said as the three all started to laugh. Author's Note So, I edited this while drinking and binge listening to the Gorillaz. So if there's odd things in there, I'm gonna blame that.
Chapter 5: Confessions In The BarnThe sound of hammers and nails ran out loudly as Sweetie approached the Sweet Apple Acres barn. Her head drooping a bit as she pushed the door open. She looked around, the normally empty barn having changed quite a bit. The hay that was typically strewn on the floor had been brushed aside. The farm equipment had also been shoved under the hay loft. in its place was a bored pegasus and two earth ponies. Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Twist. Scootaloo waved to her as she rolled over on her back, laying on a bail of hay. In the center of the barn was a wooden cart with a sign above it. It looked more like a mobile stand. Twist and Apple Bloom were working on it. Apple bloom spitting the hammer out of her mouth. "An there we go Twist. That's how you build a stand," Apple Bloom said as she took a few steps back. "Thanks. It looks perfect!" Twist replied before cocking her head to the side. "Are we gonna paint it today?" "Naw, I'm tired and Sweetie just got here. But if you want you can start. Ain't nothing gonna mess the paint up," Apple Bloom responded before turning and hugging Sweetie Belle. She looked her friend in the face for a moment before going on. "Whats wrong?" "You can tell huh?" Sweetie asked as she found a hay bale to flop down on. "Yeah, we can. Whats up?" Scootaloo joined in. "It's......it's just everything. I met a guy...." "Oh? A colt? Is he gonna be your special somepony? Is he somepony we know?" Twist asked as she butted in. The other two giving her angry looks. "What?" She said as she looked to each of the three before an embarrassed expression of realization came over her face. "O-Oh right. Ill just um....get us all something to drink. Hope you like lemonade." she said cheerfully as she walked out the barn door. The three waited till she had left before Apple Bloom started again. "So IS it some colt we know?" Sweetie looked at both her friends before hiding her head with her hooves. "Yeah, I guess you could say you know him. He's....Well....I don't know. I just don't want to talk about it. You guys will think its weird." "Oh come on, cant be that weird. Remember when Apple Bloom and Snails started dating. That was wie-" "HEY!" The orange mare shouted. "Hes very supportive!" Sweetie squirmed some before lifting a hoof to look at her friends again. "Apple bloom, how'd you know Snails was your special somepony?" Apple bloom tapped her chin a few times before patting Sweetie's back. "Well, it was a while ago. It was after I got my cutie mark and the school dance. I danced with him cause he seemed lonely. But he kept hanging around me. In town he'd follow me around." "Sounds a little creepy," Sweetie said as she propped her head up on her hooves. "It kinda was. But he'd also help me out. Then one day he got hurt doing some stupid dare Snips had come up with and I didn't see him for a couple of days, I missed him. I really felt sad without him around. Applejack said it sounded like I was sweet on him. Well he got better and I he came back around-" Scootaloo snickered a bit before butting in. "And that's when you hugged him and had a fairy tale ending. Right?" "Actually....I uh.....I might have threatened to hog tie him if he got hurt like that again. He got a little upset. Told me I couldn't tell him what he could do cause we weren't a couple." Sweetie gave her a puzzled look. "But I thought you two are da-" "We are Sweetie. After he told me that I told him that we were and that he'd better get used to it. I told him I expected a date too as an apology for making me worry." She gave a soft sigh as a warm smile came across her face and she chuckled a bit. "He didn't show up for a week. I was sure I had scared him off. But then he came back. He even brought candy and actually took me out. It was really nice." Sweetie smiled as she let out an 'awww'. "That really does sound nice. I wish I could do something like that." "Then why don't you?" Scootaloo asked as she rolled her eyes. "We'll totally help you out." Sweetie shook her head. "No its not like that it's just...I.." "Sweetie, you can trust us. Who ever it is we'll help." Apple Bloom said as she looked to Scootaloo. "Right?" "I-Its Spike ok!" Sweetie cried out as she threw her hooves over her head slowly starting to sniffle. Scootaloo sat up. "Spike. The Dragon named spike?" She asked as she shot Apple Bloom a worried look. "Yes ok?! Spike. Lives with Twilight Spike, is handsome and cool Spike....is in love with my sister and doesn't notice me at all Spike. Go after him and my sister will hate me forever Spike. That Spike!" Apple Bloom gave her a hug as Scootaloo spoke up after a moment. "Ok. But how do you know? When did it all start?" Sweetie sat up, her voice filling with more confidence as she saw her friends were still there. "A little while ago. I don't really know. It's just, whenever he's around Rarity he's so nice and gives her all this attention. And, well he's gotten so grown up. I started reading romance novels and every time I read it I imagine it's him and me." Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow. "But doesn't he tease you and make fun of you sometimes?" Sweetie shook her head no. "Not really. Its nothing bad. The one time he went too far he apologized to me." Scootaloo smiled a bit. "I could see it. I think they'd be cute." "So does this mean you don't think I'm weird?" "Not at all." Scootaloo said "I don't think so." Apple bloom said. "I think its kinda sweet." Twist said as she popped up behind Scootaloo. "Gah!" Sweetie cried out "How long have you been there?" "Long enough, you three were having a moment and I didn't want to interrupt." Twist gave them a sincere smile as she finished. "It's ok Sweetie, you can trust her." Scootaloo said as she gave Twist a quick hug "Yeah," Twist added. "A friend of Scootsies is a friend of mine. And I always keep a friend's secret." "Scootsie?" Sweetie asked, eye brow arched as she looked the two over. "Aww come on Twist, you promised not to..." The orange mare said as Twist gave her an upset look. "But everyone else is talking about it. I'm tired of hiding..." Apple Bloom and Sweetie looked at each other in confusion. It was Apple Bloom who finally broke the silence. "Uh...hiding from what? Or hiding what?" Scootaloo let out a sigh an a smile. "Me and Twist are dating. Have been for a while." Apple bloom nodded "Makes sense why you wanted me to he-" "How'd it happen?" Sweetie asked quickly. Scootaloo put a hoof over Twist's mouth. "I'll answer this one. You guys remember last summer when I would go to the candy store? Well I was. Because Twist kept giving me free candy and talking to me." "Only cause you're so sweet." Twist added in while fighting the hoof over her mouth. Scootaloo rolled her eyes. "Anyway, After a while she cornered me. Told me if I wanted more it would cost me. I asked her what it was going to cost and she just kissed me. I uhm....I liked it. ALOT, we kept doing it the whole day and things just happened. When it was over, we decided to date." "Lucky, at least she was noticing you." Sweetie said as she hung her head. "Don't worry," Twist said as she put a hoof on Sweetie's shoulder. "I've got an idea."
Chapter 6: Plans And DeparturesThe soft sound of singing filled the room. The glow of her horn accompanying the tune as another tid bit from Rarity's office went into a box. This one was a globe from Whinney Land, the most magical theme park in Equestria. It was a cartoon comical dragon surrounded by grey flakes to make it look like smoke when you shook it. She giggled a bit at seeing the globe and gave it a shake to watch the flakes fly. Her mood had become much lighter. Despite the events of the past day, she smiled as she thought about her dream last night. Spike had been there again, but he was a odd red robot, and she was an odd yellow one. They were stuck in space and there was a pale pony and a monkey and all of it seemed silly to her now. She continued her soft tune, swaying her hips in time with the song. The tune being a more recently written one about a mare who was marrying a stallion. The song stopping only when she heard a soft foot step behind her. Startled she spun in place to spot Spike standing behind her. "Awww horse apples," He said as he crossed his arms over his chest. "And here I was enjoying that. Twilight really should get you to officially sing for us. I'm sure we can make up some new holiday with her being a princess " "You think it's that good?" She asked as her face blushed red. Spike smirking at her and nodding his head. "Maybe one day. I don't think I could do something important like that yet," She sighed as she noticed the box was full. "Hold on, let me take care of this first," she said as she closed her eyes and her horn began to glow. The box glowed too as she grunted, trying hard to lift it. She strained, blocking the rest of the world out as she tried. The effort making her wish it was a smaller box. Her balance thrown off as the box suddenly seemed to weigh nothing at all. "W-Wwoah!" she cried put as she stumbled back a bit. Looking up as she felt something on her back. "Where do you want this?" Spike asked as he propped her up. His claw on her back. "Oh...um, by the door please." Sweetie said as as she felt her knees get a bit weak. Spike nodded as he carried it over. Putting it down as Sweetie picked up another tid bit off Rarity's desk as Spike leaned against the door frame. "Rarity said you might need help." She smiled, happy for the help. As she noticed the door was shut her mind began to wander. Watching him help she started to wonder what it would be like in those arms. But she shook her head. "You know, It's ok. You don't have to help," She said, kicking herself inside for giving him a reason to leave. "Nah, It's ok. I want to help. Can't let the little sister of one of my best friends do all this on her own," He said. "Wish you'd see me as more then that," Sweetie grumbled, as she turned away, trying to hide the words from him. "Hmm?" "Nothing," Sweetie replied. Letting out a sigh as she looked over at him. Then a small smile came across her face. "So did you hear she was leaving?" She asked as she flipped the lid of the box closed. Listening carefully to judge his response. Spike ran a hand over his head as he just looked down. "Yeah. Saw the movers yesterday. I kinda figured, honestly surprised she didn't do it sooner." A huge smile burst across Sweetie's face that she was careful to hide. He sounded so upset. It was going to be prefect. She quickly closed the box and pushed it away. Rarity's loss, her gain. She wiped the smile off her face and turned to face him. Looking as concerned as she could. "Are you gonna be ok?" She asked. Slowly walking towards him. "I mean, I thought you had feelings for her." "I did," he said as he looked back at the door. "Bit I've known for a while now it wasn't going to work out. I don't know, I just keep hanging around for...." He looked down at Sweetie as he fought back a tear. "I guess it was just out of hope." Sweetie knew it would work. It had to. Throw herself at him, give him the love he had missed out on, it was fool proof. "You know, if you need-" "I've decided I'm going on the great dragon migration," He said as he ran his hand up and down his arm arm. "It'll be a while but I think it's a good idea. Give me time to sort things out. Maybe do one of those find yourself trips or whatever they call them." Sweetie stood there stunned. Her mouth struggling to find the right words. "Yeah. That might be good." she said as she lied. She bit her lip as started to panic. Spike turned, opening the door. "I gotta go." "WAIT! I..." Spike turned to look at her. "You ok?" He asked. "I...I think Sky Striker and Percilla are a really good couple. I think their the best in the book," Sweetie called out. Desperate to get him to stay. Spike smirked and let out a single chuckle. "But they'd never work. They're too different. Ponies should stick with ponies. That was the whole point of them." Then he reached out and gave her a quick hug. "But I'm glad you like them too." Sweetie heard the door close. She whimpered a bit as she found a corner of the room and sat down. Softly starting to cry. Author's Note I swear, the story gets alot more happy in the next chapters! Also, dont know what whinney land is? Read the comics. Its the equestria version of Disney land. And looks a little more awesome honestly.
Chapter 7: Of Comforters And FriendsThe setting sun outside cast odd shadows in the room. Sweetie belle looking them over as she sat there sniffling. For a brief moment she thought about how long she had been there, but the thought faded as she remembered Spike leaving. "Sweetie?" The muffled voice called out. "Sweetie? Are you ok? Is Spike still here or did he leave?" Rarity pushed the door open and stuck her head in. "Sweetie, why are you sitting there all by yourself?" "I.....he.....It's..." her sentence broken as she looked up at her and started sobbing. Rarity stood there in surprise for a second before rushing over to her sister. Wrapping jer hoofs around her. "It'll be ok. Come on Sweetie, calm down." She said as she softly patted her sisters back. "It'll be o-" "No it wont!" Sweetie yelled as she pushed away from her sister. Her eyes narrowed in anger as she she looked her sister in the eye, her words coming out as almost a scream. "First you're leaving, and now he is, and I'm just a weirdo and a screw up and everything is falling apart!" "Oh Sweetie....no. Who told you those horrible things?" She pulled her sister back into her hug. This time sweetie didn't fight it. Instead burying her head into her sisters shoulder. "Here, I'm with you. Just let it all out. If you want, we can go down stairs and I can get you something warm to wrap up in. You told me you like it down there better right?" Sweetie tightened her hooves around her sister. But after a moment looked up and between sobs she nodded. Her mouth trying to move It was an hour later as Rarity walked back to the stairs where Sweetie sat. Her horn glowing as she carried in the glass of milk and handed it to her sister. Sweetie's head being the only visible part of her from the comforter she had been wrapped in. "Now, think you've calmed down enough to talk?" Rarity asked as she watched her sister drink. "Yeah..." Sweetie replied weakly. "I'm sorry I was cr-" "Darling please, we all get upset sometimes. It's ok.." Sweetie smiled and nodded. "Thanks Rarity. Its just this um....colt that I know." Rarity s face lit up as she jumped a little before sitting down next to her sister. "Oh, tell me all about him. I just have to know all about my sister's first special somepony!" Sweetie sniffled as she leaned against her sister. "He's not my special somepony. It doesn't even matter who he is. He's leaving." "Oh," Rarity remarked before she gave her sister a smile. "Well if that's the case, them it's a good thing he's going." Her nose firmly in the air as her sister looked at her with a frown. " Any colt who abandons the mare that loves him is no colt at all." "No it's not like that. He's a really cool guy." "If he's such a great guy, then why is he making you cry and leaving you?" Rarity asked, teh distane for the male never leaving her voice. "He doesn't know I like him." she said as she hung her head. "Well then, that does makes Things different." Her tone softening as she looked back down at Sweetie Belle. "Why haven't you told him?" Sweetie let out a small moan. "I want to but its just....weird. I get scared he wont like me and I keep dropping hints and he just........ I don't think he likes me back." Rarity nodded. "But if you don't tell him then how will you ever know?" Sweetie sniffled a bit. "I don't know. And even if he did I don't know if it'd work out. He so different from me. I mean I'm a unicorn and hes a...um...pega-" "A dragon?" Rarity asked as she gave her a little smile. "A dragon named Spike perhaps?" "Y-you knew?" She asked astonished. "Since whe-" "For a while now. I've seen the way he looks at you. You also talk in your sleep." Rarity said with a giggle. "But I thought you said it was weird." "I meant too weird for me. Really sweetie, are you going to let other ponies determine if you get to be happy?" Sweetie shook her head no with a slight smile, but stopped as there was a knock on the door. "Now who could that be." She said as she trotted over and opened the front door to gaze out. "Heya Rarity." Snails said as he waved. "Can Sweetie Belle come out. We need to talk to her." Apple Bloom added. Rarity took a quick look behind her. "Sweetie, your friends are here. You feel ok to talk to them?" Sweetie nodded as she pulled the blanket off and threw it upstairs. "Yeah, let em in." Rarity nodded. "I'll be upstairs when you three are done. We can talk more then sweetie." She said as she trotted up the stairs. They both walked in to the boutique, closing the door behind them as they did. Apple bloom reaching her first. "Are you ok?" She asked as she noticed the signs of what had happened earlier. "I think so. I just...really had a rough day. Anyway whats up?" Snails smiled. "We had an idea. Like tomorrow, we decided we should all get together to help you get with Spike." Sweetie squirmed a bit as she looked Snails over. "You told him?" "Yeah,I kinda had to. Besides he's cool with it. "Yeah" snails giggled. "I've been slave to an insane unicorn, have discord rain chocolate milk on my house once a month, and I've seen Apple Bloom make zap apple jam. Trust me, this ain't nothing." "We can meet up at the old clearing at sundown tomorrow to start planning. It'll be just like when we were the CMC. Except not so hard to figure out what to do." Sweetie giggled and nodded. "Ill be there then." "Oh Sweetie, are you and your friends done? I need you for something!" Rarity called from upstairs. Apple bloom nudged Snails as they both started to move towards the door. "We can let ourselves out." she said as Sweetie waved good bye.
The Dragon And The Mare: The condensed versionAuthor's Note This chapter is the original story. You can read it if you like, just keep in mind that if you want to go through the expanded version, this may spoil it. What do I mean? I mean I posted this and everyone liked it so much I decided it would be good to go back and expand on everything the way I had really wanted. Regardless what order you read this in, I hope you enjoy it. The Dragon And The Mare: The condensed version Sweetie sat there, pages of her book turning as she looked out on the boutique. The sound of Rarity working upstairs could be heard as Sweetie hummed a tune, giggling at how silly it had all seemed. All that time spent worrying about her cutie mark when it had been music all along. It almost seemed too obvious. Still, thinking back all those years ago brought a smile to her face. The original three cutie mark crusaders were no more, almost all grown up and ready to strike out on their own. She knew it would be tough staying friends but they could do it. Apple Bloom and her had plans to move in to an appartment together, and she knew Scootaloo would be back after her time in the royal guard. Until she left though, they decided to hang out almost every day. Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the front door as Spike pushed it open slowly. He too had grown. The gifts he received each year making him larger, about her size now. And she had to admit, a bit handsome even if he was covered in scales. "Heya Sweetie Belle. Is Rarity here?" He asked as he walked over and gave her a friendly hug. His years of chasing after Rarity had meant they had spent enough time together to develop a friendly relationship. "Yeah, shes upstairs working but she asked not to be bothered. I thought I'd read while I waited for Apple Bloom," her magic lifting the book she was reading as Spike nodded. "Is that the newest Daring Doo?" He asked "Nah, its that new series. Crossing Hooves." her head dipping a bit. Embarrassed to admit to reading a romance novel. "You mean that series about ponies in love during Discord's reign? The one Twilight calls trash?" His eyes widening a bit as he started to laugh. "I cant believe you're reading that. Its accidentally anti unicorn and so corny." "Maybe it is a little but, its good. It's got some action and if guys would read it maybe they'd like it too. In fact, I think-" "That Sky Striker and Percilla are a great couple?" Spike asked, cutting her off. "Cause they are," Giving her a smirk as he refereed to the Pegasus and Griffon who were side characters in the book. "Wait, you've read it too?" her face scrunching up as she looked back at the book. "But those two hate each others." Spike put his claw down next to her as he leaned in close. The mare blushing from how close he was as he flipped a few pages. "Of course I've read it, Twilight's the princess of libraries," he said jokingly, finding the page. "Here, that's where they hook up." "Hmmm...he took her hoof, laying her down as she....." Sweetie's face flushed bright red as she read on. It was her first time seeing such intimate details in a romance novel. "O-o-oh spike!" The soft voice exclaimed, Rarity standing by the banister and looking out and over them a little. "Am I interrupting anything?" A look of surprise and shock ran over Spike's face as he reeled back and looked up at the white unicorn. "Errruhhh...no Rarity." Sweetie gave him a sideways glance and stole a jealous look at her sister. Sweetie certainly wasn't boy crazy, but every now and then she wished she could have someone that was willing to throw themselves at her like Spike. But then again, who could be as popular as a fashionista? "I just uhh....came over to see if you needed some help." He said as he started slowly up the stairs A feeling of relief washed over her though as Rarity lead the dragon upstairs. Happy to take him up on his offer of help. She let out a long huff before going back to the book. A frown came to her face as she turned back to her original place. Her mind drifting off. *********************** Sweetie gasped on in astonishment. Her sword crossed with that of Spike, or was it Sky Striker? She really couldn't tell. It looked like Spike, but his voice was what Sky Striker sounded like in her head. Looking around, she almost immediately recognized the room. "Why persist foul dragon? Your lord is dead, my lady victorious." She cried out. Feeling that it was the right thing to say. Her head blank though when she tried to figure out why. Another thrust parried, a blow deflected. "Why do you hold back?" Tears in her eyes as her anger rose. "Is this some joke to you" Spike grinned "Because I cannot harm you." Sweetie let out a scream of frustration as she drove for the dragon's chest. Spike's parry disarming her, causing her sword to fly across the room. "You're toying with me and I hate you for it. Why? Why not kill me now that I am at your mercy?" Her eyes went wide at his answer. Knowing it even as his lips began to move. "Because I lov-" *********************** "Sweetie Belle! Wake up!" came the call as she was shaken awake. "Its already ten in the morning and I have such big news!" Her older sister cried out. As she slid off the couch, she looked at the new stack of boxes. "Umm....rarity?" she asked as she blinked, feeling maybe the stack of boxes were out of place. "What's with all the boxes?" Rarity gave her little sister a big hug. "Well, you know all that packing I've been doing?" Sweetie simply nodded in reply. "Well, originally it was to ship some samples for customers off. But, they loved what they got so much I was asked to do the whole line for Trotting Tantums. One of the biggest trend setting stores in all of Canterlot! Oh isn't this exciting? It means I'll be moving there temporarily, and if things go well, maybe permanently." Sweetie rubbed her head as she yawned. "T-that's great!" the response less then enthusiastic. In Sweetie Belle's mind, things seemed a bit mixed up. The drowsiness from sleep still trying to wear off as her mind slowly started to realize what all this meant. A frown spreading to her face though as she realized Rarity was talking about moving. Rarity began grabbing things out of the room. "Though I am afraid I'm going to have to ask you to leave after breakfast. I've already scheduled some help to come and set up the furniture so it's ready for the move next week. I don't want you hurt or have the help running into you. But you can play with your friends right?" Sweetie nodded, forcing a smile. The rest of the morning went by quickly. Rarity running around, grabbing various cloth and small items. Once Sweetie had finished up though she left. Her saddle bags packed with a few odd things. She could still hear her sister's rummaging as she headed for sweet apple acres. The loud bang of a hammer rang out as Sweetie approached the barn. And familiar voices greeted her ears. "Now hold it up here!" Apple Bloom shouted as Sweetie ducked inside. Her eyes falling on a very odd sight. Scootaloo was off to the side, doing hoof ups as Apple Bloom wiped the sweat from her brow and Twist climbed down off a step stool. "Thanks Apple Bloom, want to paint it tomorrow or after the weekend?" Twist asked as Apple Bloom backed away from what looked like a big stand with odd shapes and swirls all over it. "Let's get it done tomorrow, though you're welcome to put some base color on twist!" Apple Bloom said as she put the hammer down and turned toward Sweetie. "Heya Sweetie, we were just helping Twist with a candy stand.....what's wrong?" Apple Blooms face turning to concern as Twist began to paint. "Yeah, why are you so upset?" Scootaloo tossed in as Sweetie found a bale of hay to lay on. "Do I really look that upset?" she asked as all three nodded at once. "Guess I cant hide it. I am upset....it's this guy and my sister." "Oooohhhh. Found yourself a colt huh? Lucky. Is he somepony we know?" Twist asked, butting in as the other two gave her an annoyed look. "What?" she asked before giving an awkward smile. "oh right, upset.....I'll just go grab us something to drink." Twist trotting off towards the house. "At least she means well...." Sweetie added in as the others found places to sit. Apple Bloom finding a stool in the hay filled barn. Scootaloo leaning against the new candy stand. "It's.......I don't know if I want to say. It's weird." Sweetie chimed out before looking straight down at the ground. Apple Bloom scratched her head. "Awww, come on now, can't be that weird. It's just a colt you like. Nothing weird about that." "Yeah," Scootaloo added in. "Remember when Apple Bloom started dating Snails? That was weird-" "Hey! He's very supportive. And really sweet." Scootaloo rolled her eyes. "But things worked out pretty well." Sweetie belle looked up at them both and gave a weak smile. "Promise not to tell anyone?" Both of her friends nodded. With a little smile she spoke up. "It's spike." The other two instantly going wide eyed and staring at each other. "Assistant to a princess, Spike? Scale covered dragon Spike? " Sweetie nodded. "In love with my sister Spike. Yeah, that one." Tears forming in her eyes as Apple Bloom trotted over and patted her on the back. "I just...I don't even know when it started..." "It's ok. How do you know though?" Sweetie wiped a tear away. "I just....I started thinking about it a while ago. Hes just always there for her and loyal and he's gotten so....so....grown up. I started reading some romance stories and it got me thinking." Apple Bloom raised an eye brow. "But doesn't he tease you?" "Not really. The one time he went too far he apologized." " I could see it." Scootaloo said as she trotted forward. She too going to Sweetie's side. Followed short by twist. "Ah!" Sweetie let out in surprise. "When did you get back?" "A little while ago. You were having your little moment and I didn't want to interrupt." She said as she gave a sincere smile. Scootaloo looked much less pleased. "Don't worry, she wont tell anyone Sweetie." Twist saw the confused looks on the faces of the other two. She shifted awkwardly. "Yeah, I promise. I wouldn't want to upset my Scootsy!" The eyes of the earth and unicorn ponies went wide. Not sure what to make of it. Then, Twist lept forward, bopping noses together with Scootaloo. The other two starting to chuckle. "You two are dating?" They asked as Scootaloo shot another annoyed look at Twist. "Yes, we have been. For a while in secret." The other two couldn't help but keep giggling. "And she calls you Scootsy?!" *********************** Sweetie should have felt better. She knew in her mind that she should. Shed even talked to the group about her sister leaving. but as she approached the boutique, she felt sick. The bell on the door chimed as it opened. The lights inside shining bright as she noticed all the boxes around. Rarity lay, stretched out on a large air mattress. "Oh Sweetie, good to see you back. You and your friends have fun?" Her mouth opened and she hesitated wanting to tell her everything, but instead her head nodded. Rarity taking a moment to wave her over. Giving the mare a hug. "I'm almost ready for my big move, but it looks like you aren't." Tears started to swell in Sweetie's eyes as she hugged her sister close. The stress of it all at flowing out. "I don't want you to go. I'm not ready for it." Rarity patting her mane. "It'll be ok." She whispered in her ear. "I've got to do this. But it won't be so bad. You can always visit." "NO!" She shouted as she started crying harder. "I don't want to visit. I want my sister here. The one that's finally started to listen and have fun and that I could talk to about......." Her voice trailing off. "I've been growing sweetie. You have too. Part of growing up is letting go and moving on to bigger things. " "But why now? Why cant you just stay?" "And miss my calling? Stay stuck in a small town, unable to go after my dream?" Sweetie let out a sniffle as the mare slowly let go. "Here." Rarity said as she began pulling away. "The kitchen hasn't been packed yet, would some tea help?" Sweetie gave a soft nod as they both trotted past the piles of boxes that were developing everywhere and into the kitchen. "I just wish you weren't going to go. I'll feel all alone." The sound of a chair sliding punctuated Sweetie's sentence as she sat down at the small table Rarity had kept. "But you wont be alone. There's your friends, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo." "What about spike?" "Well yes, Spike will always be your friend too." The clatter of a kettle rang out as the flame of the burner whooshed to life. Rarity tossing the tea leaves in. Sweetie sat there. Her mind begging for it to be easy even though she had no clue how that would have been. In her mind she imagined a different conversation. One in which her question was answered with Rarity handing her secret to Spike's love over. "I mean....are you gonna leave spike behind too?" Rarity gave her a weak smile. Trotting to the other side of the table she sat down. "In a way, yes. He's always welcome to visit. I know he's had a.......thing for me but, it's been years. He should move on. Everyone knows it would never work out anyway. I'm so much older then him and.....besides, a pony and a dragon together in that way? It's just, too weird for me." Sweetie could feel her eyes water. It's just too weird. She turned the words over in her head. She wanted to explode, spill it all out, but that sealed it. "Y-yeah....too weird." She hated herself. She hated the way the world worked. *********************** Sweetie swayed her hips as she softly sang. Last night had brought at least one relief. Spike had still been in her dream, but this time it was a much sillier one about jelly, she'd woken up smiling at least. Rarity had been quick to ask her for help as she woke up. As she finished packing Rarity's rare spools of thread, she heard a soft foot step behind her. Her head spinning around to see Spike. "Awww. " he let out as he walked in. "I was really enjoying that. We should get you to sing it for twilight some time." Sweetie blushed at the compliments. "Thanks but I'm not that good." her magic grabbing the box, straining to lift it. She screwed her eyes shut as she concentrated. Suddenly it worked. The box felt like it weighed nothing as she opened her eyes to find it in Spike's claws. "Where do you want it?" He asked as he hefted it up. Sweetie pointed to a spot where some other boxes had been packed. She let out a sigh trying to sound annoyed. Wanting to hit herself in the head as it came out a content one. It was nice having him help. She thought to all the times he had helped Rarity, her jealousy rising a bit. "You know, you don't have to help" "But I want to. Gotta help out my friend's little sister. Besides, now you owe me." Spike said. "Right....just her little sister..." Sweetie mumbled to herself under her breath. "Hm?" spike asked as he turned. "I......you know she's leaving right?" Sweetie asked. "Yeah, I kinda figured. I saw the movers the other day when they came for the large stuff." Spike said as he slumped against a wall. Sweetie looked down very upset. "Are you gonna be ok?" She asked as she slowly sat down next to him. "Its been a few years. I've known it was stupid to hope for a while now. Still....it hurts." "You know....if you want you can still hang out aro-" "Nah" Spike cut in. Not letting her finish. "I think I'll just leave too. I've been starting to feel, kinda alone. All she ever sees me as is a friend. Maybe I should go join the great dragon migration. See what it's like now that I'm not so small." Sweetie stared at him, wide eyed and forced smile. "M-Maybe that would be good." She stammered out, holding back tears. After a bit, spike reached over, giving her a small hug before standing up and starting to walk out. Sweetie sniffling a bit. She heard the door creak open "I!" she almost shouted, scared to say it. "I....I think Sky Striker and Percilla are a really good couple too...." Spike looked back, a small smile on his face. "Yeah, but they're weird. Would never work out with them being so different." Sweeties heart felt like the bottom fell out. "But I'm glad you like them too." he said before walking out. Sweetie sat alone in the room, tear's streaming down her face. "It's all falling apart..." she mumbled to herself. She didn't bother looking around, her mind reeling from it all. It felt like she'd been there forever when the door opened and Rarity walked in. "Sweetie? Sweetie you've been in here packi- SWEETIE! Are you ok?" Rarity asked as she quickly trotted up. "It's not fair...it's....I..." Sweeties stammer was broken as she burst into a full on sobbing. Rarity looked around, unsure exactly what to do. She instead put her arms around her sister. Hugging Sweetie as she quietly started stroked her mane. "Sweetie calm down. Whatever it is it'll be alright." "No it won't!" she managed to yelp out through sobs. "Everyone is leaving me. First you and now him and it's all wrong and I'm scared." Rarity gave her a worried look as she started to pat her on the back. "No one's leaving you. It's just gonna take a little longer to get to my new place." she said with a small chuckle as she could feel Sweetie tighten her grip around her. "Here, why don't we get you out of my office and down stairs. I'll even pull out that comforter you like so much." Sweetie nodded in reply. *********************** It wasn't long till Rarity came back. Comforter in hand. "Here you go hun. Now tell me, whats wrong. Who's he?" "It's s-" Her eyes going wide, unsure what her sister would think. "It's this colt I know, he might be leaving soon too." Rarity raised an eye brow at hearing this. "A colt? And you like him?" "Well....yeah. But it doesn't matter cause he's leaving. And I won't ever see him again." "Maybe that's for the best then." Rarity said as sweetie looked up at her shocked. On the verge of another bought of sobbing. "Sweetie, a stallion who walks out on the innocent mare that loves him is no stallion at all." "He doesn't know." Sweetie said as she hung her head. "I see," Rarity said as she sat down next to her sister. "Well, why doesn't he know?" "I keep trying to tell him but, I just cant." "And why not?" "What if he doesn't like me? What if he gets weirded out or I tell him at the wrong time? What if he thinks it wont work cause we are so different?" "Different Sweetie? How so?" Sweetie started to fidget as she looked away. "Well I'm a unicorn and he's a...umm...ea-" "A dragon?" Rarity interrupted. A wry smile on her face as Sweetie started to sniffle a little. "How'd you know?" Rarity chuckled a bit. "He's been chasing after me for years, over here every chance he gets. Trust me, I started to notice a while back when he started noticing you. And I think he'd be good for you." "But he's a dragon and I'm a unicorn...." Sweetie said as she looked down at the floor. "And? Does it matter? You've grown into a fine young mare. Are you really going to let what others think stop you from being happy?" Sweetie sighed as she kept looking at the ground. Just as Rarity was about to open her mouth, there was a knock at the door. Rarity got up, squeezing past a few boxes she opened the front door. "Hello, sorry but we are clo- Oh Apple Bloom, Snails. Is there something I can do for you?" "Uhh yeah, we've got a very important message for sweetie." Snailss said as Apple Bloom nodded. "Can we please see her?" Apple Bloom said as she looked past to see Sweetie in the back. Rarity looked back, then nodded as her magic strained to clear a small path. "She's a little upset, but I've got a few more things to pack. I'll leave you three alone." Rarity went upstairs, leaving the three to talk. "Are ya'll ok?" Apple Bloom asked as she came in and looked her crying friend over. Sweetie nodded her head. "I'm fine. I just don't feel much like hanging out." The two nodded as they heard her talk. "Well," Apple Bloom started. "We might have something to cheer you up. Twist said that since the dragon migration is in four days, we should get together to figure out how to get you and Spike together." Sweetie gave them a weak smile before looking at Snails. "Hold it, he knows?" "Well yeah, me and Apple Bloom talks about everything." "And you're ok with it?" "We live in Ponyville. We have a crystal palace down the road, I was slave to an insane unicorn who trapped us under a jar, and Discord sometimes makes it rain chocolate on my house. Trust me, a dragon and pony dating ain't nothing weird." Sweetie smiled and gave both of them a hug. "Thanks guys. What time?" "We in figured it should be tomorrow at the clearing. A little before sun set." Apple Bloom said. Rarity poked her head down from upstairs. "Sweetie, when you're done with your friends come up here." Sweetie let out a soft groan, but politely showed the couple the door. Then turning back, she trotted up stairs and to the last room needing to be packed. The sowing room. "Rarity!" she called out as she stuck her head in. Her confusion rising as she saw her sister sowing "What are you doing? Shouldn't you pack that stuff up?" "Can't make your dress if I pack my tools up." She said as she motioned her sister in. "Now stand still, I need to measure you." Sweetie took a few step in. "But why?" she asked as Rarity began to run over her with measuring tape. "To help you get Spike of course." "But how will a dress help?" "Oh Sweetie, boys are very simple. And they don't always get our subtle hints. So sometimes we have to use much less subtle hints. Dressing up can be one of those more direct hints." "If you say so." *********************** Sweetie grumbled a bit as she shoved some shrubbery out of the way, her hooves finally setting down in the clearing. She brushed a few of the leaves off her dress as she looked up. She could see Scootaloo sitting on a log waiting for her. "Like it?" Sweetie asked as she trotted up. She spread her hooves out some to try and show the dress off. It was simple and modest, not revealing too much but she thought it was like Rarity had said, the color really made her eyes stand out. She could hear rustling from the others arriving but she ignored it, too intent on showing off. "It really shows off your girly side. I bet he'll love it." Scootaloo said "You really think so?" Sweetie asked. "What do you think?" She asked as she turned around. Her jaw dropping as her face flushed red. Snails stood there with spike. "S-s-spike?" Sweetie asked as she started to back up a bit. "Well we said we would help." Apple Bloom said nervously as she popped out from behind the two. "Though it was all Twists Idea." "Me and her had this talk. And Snails showed up." spike answered. obviously nervous too. He fidgeted, rubbing his arm as he took a step forward. "Me and Snails are pretty good friends. I told him I like you and he sa- umph!" Spike's eyes went wide as he looked down to see sweeties hooves wrapped around him. A nervous look on her face as she seemed to tear up. "Please...don't go. I.....I..." She scrunched her face up, desperately trying to get the words to come out right. He looked to Snails as he shrugged nervously. Snails answering back with the same. Scootaloo rolled her eyes at the scene. "Come on, you're the guy. Say something cool. Sweep her off her feet." Spike huffed, not sure what to say. His eyes meeting Sweetie's as she looked up at him. His jitters and fears seeming to disappear as he noticed how beautiful the mare seemed. "Yeah," he said with a soft smile. "I think we should date too." before reaching down to kiss her. And they lived happily ever after. (Until discord made their tableware come to life, but that story is for anther time.)
Chapter 4: News and Eggs"Sweetie!" Rarity called as she softly shook her little sister awake. "Sweetie wake up. Its already 9. Come on, get up. When you get downstairs I've got a little surprise I need to talk to you about." Sweetie rubbed her eyes and slinked out of bed. Yawning a few times she finally wandered down stairs. Sniffing the air as the aroma of a well cooked breakfast filled her nose. She followed it to the kitchen and sat down just in time for rarity to put a plate down in front of her. "What's up with this breakfast sis?" She asked before digging in. "Well, you know all those boxes and bags I've been packing?" She asked before sitting down. Sweetie simply nodded. "Well, it was all originally to send off samples to clients, but!" Sweetie gulped down some eggs. "But?" "But they loved it all so much they asked me to do the entire line for Trotting Tantums. The premier trend setting store in Canterlot! Isn't it wonderful?" Sweetie nodded happily, clapping her hooves together. "Its amazing. Oh, does this mean I get to help you out more? Cause I really loved learning all those ways to make-" "Well....ummm.....no." "Why not?" Sweetie asked, pushing the meal aside. "Well, it means I've got to move to Canterlot. I've got to be there to over see the details. But you can always come visit!" Sweetie forced a smile. "That's really cool rarity," She said as she started to fidget. "How long are you gonna stay?" "Well, as long as I can. It's been my dream to move to a big city. And Canterlot is a gem of a city. If I can, I'm going to try to live there." Rarity was positively beaming as her sister lost her appetite. "Well, we can hang out today right?" Sweetie asked hopefully. "What? Well no Sweetie, I'm really sorry but you're going to have to leave after breakfast. I've got movers coming to get all the heavy things. Its going to be very busy. I wouldn't want you getting hurt while they work or getting in the way. So it's either play with your friends or stay in your room till sunset." With those choices it hadn't taken sweetie long to decide. Author's Note I almost feel bad about the super short chapter. But those happens I guess. It's one chapter out of like nine.
