The Gift of a Dragons Heartby The MLP Hyena 111ChaptersChapter 2 - Into the EverfreeChapter 3 - Just gone out for the day Chapter 4 - Confrontations and Realisations Chapter 1 - What a great idea!Epilogue Chapter 2 - Into the EverfreeEarly next morning 'Todays the day' Spike thought as he quietly got out of bed, ensuring not to wake his adopted sister/mother. Spike had been thinking about how he and Sweetie Belle were going to pull this off all night. He crept over to the entrance of the room, "I'll be back soon... Please don't freak out to much" he whispered with the faintest of smiles. Taking one last look at Twilight he turned and placed a very brief note on the doorframe before proceeding down the stairs. Once on the first floor of the library he approached one bookshelf in particular. Pushing aside a row of books he smiled to himself. 'I still cant believe Twilight hasn't figured this out yet' chuckling he slid open the secret panel to reveal all the supplies he needed for the trip along with the book on gems and a map of the everfree forest. He grabbed his supplies and headed out the door. 'Ok now I'm ready' he thought as he exited the library 'I just hope the same goes for Sweetie Belle'. "Ok come on Sweetie Belle you got this" Sweetie spoke quietly and with little confidence, looking into a mirror "for Spike". Reaching under her bed she pulled out a small saddlebag containing a few sandwiches and cartons of applejuce she had prepared yesterday. Turning to the door, she gulped "... Well this is it" Opening the door just a crack she looked down the corridor, she couldn't see Rarity but the noises coming from her room told Sweetie that she was still sleeping. Opening the door fully she quickly trotted past Raritys room and down the stairs. Once outside she sighed in relief, "Ok that's the first step out of the way, I just need to meet up with Spike" the mere thought sent a shiver of excitement through her body. 'maybe this isn't so bad after all, I mean I do get to spend the whole day with Spike' she thought as she brightly she skipped forward a few steps but then stopped. 'yeah a whole day with Spike, in the everfree forest looking for a gift for Rarity'. She sighed again, 'It could be worse'. "Sweetie Belle, are you here?" Spike called as he approached the spot they had agreed to meet. "Yes, I'm here" Sweetie called back stepping out from behind a bush. At once Spike noticed a look of worry on the filly's face. "Are you ok?" Spike asked with a concerned voice, "because if you really aren't comfterble with this I'll just go on alone" "No!" Sweetie said hurriedly "I want to come with you" "Great!" Spike smiled as he reached into the strange bag on his back. "Umm Spike? What's that thing on your back?" Sweetie questioned "Huh? Oh this! Well I'm not a pony so I cannot use a saddlebag" Spike explained, "So Rarity designed this for me, its called a back pack! Pretty cool huh?" "Yeah" She said smiling at him warmly. 'I love it when Spike is proud of something, it's so cute!' "Anyway" Spike stated breaking Sweeties train of thought, "We are at the entrance to the forest here" he pointed to a spot on the map of the Everfree forest he had just layed out on the ground. "The gem is located here" Spike pointed to another part of the map. "But that's over a days walk!" Sweetie exclaimed, growing more concerned by the minute. "I know, but trust me it will be worth it" Spike said confidently "I don't know..." Sweetie began, but then looked up at Spike. The look on his face told her just how much he wanted this, and while she was hurt to see him so dedicated to somepony other than her, she just couldn't refuse. "Ok fine, Lets go!" About an hour later Spike and Sweetie Belle were still picking their way through the dence undergrowth, chatting to each other all the while. "So Twilight got all worked up about some disaster for nothing!" Spike laughed Sweetie giggled uncontrollably "Didn't Twilight tell us about how you got sick on ice cream for like a week after?" "Yeah, but come on! It's ice cream! You cant just pass up an opportunity to eat as much ice cream as you want now can you?" "I suppose not..." Sweetie smiled with a look of understanding on her face. 'This is turning out to be a great day, I dont know what Rarity was talking about when she said this place is dangerous ...' Sweetie gulped. 'Now seems to be a better time than any to ask him.' "So Spike, Umm... What is it about my sister that you like so much?" "Well..." Spike thought for a moment, "Isn't it obvious? She's the most beautiful mare in all of Equestria!" "Ok, but isn't there anything else?" she asked Spike thought back to all the time he had spent trying to win Rarity over. "Umm ... well, of course she is a great friend and she's just so generous! You should have seen that one time she gave me this really cool bow tie!" Spike smiled dreamily but deep down he was concerned, 'there must be more reasons than that', yet as hard as he tried he couldn't think of any. "Right..." Sweetie said quietly ... "What about you?" Spike asked "What do you mean?" "Do you like anypony? You must have a crush of some kind" "I-I'd rather not talk about it..." She said blushing slightly "Well, I bet who ever he or she is they would love to go out with you if you just asked" "Thanks Spike but I don't think he would" "Nonsense! Who wouldn't want to go out with you? I mean your sweet, kind, pretty and clever, anypony would be beyond lucky to have you as there special somepony! ... Or what ever you would call it at our age." Sweetie was taken aback by this compliment and her face was burning a bright red. "You... You really think that?" she asked with a look of disbelief. "Of course, why wouldn't I?" Spike said smiling at her. "I-I don't know what to say... THANK YOU SO MUCH!" Sweetie wrapped her hooves around him in a tight hug. "Don't mention it, I mean what are friends for?" He said a little confused as to why Sweetie Belle was so happy. "Anyway! wanna hear about the time me, Twilight, Pinkie and Flutters nearly got eaten by a giant Hydra?" "Sure!" Sweetie said cheerfully "Ok well... It all started when Twilight was practicing this new spell ..." As the day moved swiftly on and the pair travelled deeper and deeper into the forest, their chatting dying down untill they were traveling in near silence. "Its so dark!" Sweetie complained "Who knows what could be lurking this deep in the forest?" "Don't worry Sweetie, theres nothing out hear I cant handle" Spike said rather cockilly Almost on cue a roar sounded from somewhere quite far off "AAAGGGGHHHH!!!! WHAT WAS THAT?" Spike yelled as he dug his face into the ground. Moments later he peaked up from his hiding spot to see Sweetie Belle laughing. "Yeah, you can handle anything around here" she playfully gloated "Stop that Sweetie this is serious!" he scolded Sweetie just rolled her eyes as Spike got up from the floor and dusted himself off. "Anyway, shall we continue?" he asked a little sheepishly. The two continued on, walking a little more closely together now. The sun was beginning to set now and the forest was growing darker by the minute. Suddenly a shadow sweeped over them, causing Sweetie Belle to scream and jump into Spikes unsuspecting arms. Surprised he toppled over and the pair landed in a heap on the forest floor. "What's wrong Sweetie?" Spike asked looking up at the terrified and also extremely embarrassed looking filly on top of him. "Oh I'm so sorry Spike!" she squeaked jumping off of the dragon with slight hesitation. "Its just I-umm... Did you see that shadow?" "Yeah, it didn't look that big!" he said unsure as to where this was heading. "I know what it was" she said with a scared look in here eyes. "Oh what?" he asked "It was a cockatrice, you know chicken head, snake tail, dragon wings" she said quickly "Really? That sounds stupid" he interjected "I thought that too but remember that day Twilight went to the everfree forest and didn't come back until really late?" "Yeah actually she never really told my why she was so late" "Well its because she encountered a cockatrice!" Sweetie urgently explained. "Really? what did it do?" Spike asked "The same thing the elements of harmony did to Discord, IT TURNED HER TO STONE!" "WHAT! but how? She was fine when she got back home" Spike inquired "A cockatrice can reverse its magic and Fluttershy was able to make it turn her back" "Well then what do we do?" "WE RUN" Sweetie yelled. "And what ever you do don't look into it's eyes!" The pair ran as fast as their legs could carry them, once they reached a large bolder they stopped to rest. "D-Do you t-think we lost it?" Spike asked out of breath. Suddenly a rustling of leaves sounded from above and a moment later the cockatrice landed with a squawk right in front of them. The two barely had enough time to sheiled their eyes. Looking towards Sweetie, Spike could see a look of determination on her face. "Just hold on Sweetie Belle!" he said desperately. The cockatrice was advancing now , trying to get a glimpse of their eyes. All of a sudden a chilling howl echoed from somewhere in the dence forest. At once the cockatrice stopped its offence an fled into the night, a panicked squawk escaping its toothy beak as it flew. The two friends stood, stunned as they watched it go. "What was that?" Sweetie asked "I-I think we should get out of here now" Spike said urgently "Ok!" the shaken filly responded still shivering in fear, "but can we please find a place to sleep?" Sweetie Belle yawned "I'm getting really sleepy" "Say no more!" Spike said as he lead Sweetie Belle into the trees a few minutes later they found a good spot, a hollow under a log just large enough for the two of them to squeeze inside. Spike noticed Sweetie was hanging back from him a bit, he did not however notice how red her face had become from being so close to him. "Hey Sweetie Belle are you alright?" "Huh? Oh! I'm fine really" she replied "Are you sure? You know, if there is anything wrong you can tell me" "Well it's just that ... I guess I'm just scared, I mean I've never spent the night anywhere without Rarity beside my room, let alone in the Everfree forest" "Hey now, its ok! I mean you got me" he said with a reassuring smile. "Yeah... I guess your right" Sweetie smiled slightly 'If only I really had you' Sweetie Belle inched closer and closer to Spike until their sides touched. Her already intensely red face lit up even more and even Spikes cheeks reddened a little. There they sat, gazing up at the night sky through a hole in the canopy, at the constellations and at Luna's moon. Slowly Spike put his arm around Sweetie Belle and pulled her a little closer. Sweetie tensed up a little but went with it. 'Oh my! I can't believe it! Spike is so close to me...' Sweetie thought. She felt exited and nervous at the same time, 'what did Pinkie call that? Oh yeah! nervouscited!' but above all else Sweetie Belle felt happy. Happier than she had felt in a long time, and that's saying something. 'She feels a little tense...' Spike thought 'Is she nervous about something? Hmmmm ... no probably not' he glanced over at her, 'gosh I never noticed how beautiful she was... so sweet and kind too' Spike smiled softly 'You can tell she's Rarity's sister.' All at once Spike felt something in his heart, something that told him she was more than just Rarity's sister, but before he could ponder any further he heard a quiet snore followed by another. He looked at Sweetie Belle again only to see that she had fallen asleep, one of his arms still holding her close. Something tugged at Spikes heart as he watched the cute little filly dreaming peacefully. "Sweet dreams, Sweetie Belle" he whispered before he to settled down to rest. Chapter 3 - Just gone out for the day Chapter 3 - Just gone out for the day It was a beautiful morning in ponyville and the sun was rising slowly into the warm, brightening sky. Birds sung happily and ponies all over town were just waking up. everything was peaceful and quiet, until... "SPIKE! WHERE ARE YOU?" A worried purple unicorn ran around her room, desperately searching for her number one assistant. "Oh where could he be? If only Owlowiscious were here and not over with Fluttershy for the weekend, he would know where Spike has run off to!" Twilight sighed and continued her search. "under the bed? No. In the bookshelf? No. Behind the curtains? No. where could he be?. Hmmmm ... AH! He must be downstairs!" Twilight galloped over to the door but upon reaching it she noticed something stuck to the frame. "What's that?" she wondered, removing the small piece of paper and reading it. 'Dear Twilight, I had to go collect something important, probably wont be back until later. Please don't worry I'm fine. From Spike' Twilight folded the note up and put it to one side. "He's growing up so fast" she whispered with a faint smile. "I wish he would have told me this sooner though, I wonder what he's getting..." she thought for a moment before rolling her eyes, her smile growing slightly larger. "He isn't all grown up yet" "Sweetie Belle! Are you awake?" Rarity called opening the door to Sweeties room. When she recieved no reply she entered to see if Sweetie was still asleep, however she was no where to be seen. "Sweetie Belle, are you here?" Rarity called in confusion and concern. "You know it isnt funny playing pranks on your older sister, or anypony for that matter!" When she didnt get a response Rarity became a little annoyed. "Ok Sweetie, come out now! You're breakfast is ready!" Rarity began to search around the room, but she still couldn't find Sweetie Belle. Stopping for a moment, Rarity glanced around the room. Her eyes stopping when she caught sight of a peice of paper stuck to the door. curiously she trotted over and removed it with here magic. 'To Rarity, Gone out early today sis, I'll be back later. From Sweetie Belle' The letter was crudely written but Rarity could easily read her sisters hoofwriting. "Sweetie Belle went out this early without telling me? Whatever for?" Rarity stomped her hoof in frusteration "But she didnt eat her breakfast! Oh well, I'll just have to go over the house rules with her later." Rarity said to herself leaving the room. Two hours later "Ok, I just need a bit more silk and this new dress will be complete!" Rarity chimed reaching for the silk with her magic, however the glowing aura grasped nothing but thin air. "Huh, thats funny..." Rarity said looking at where the silk should be. "I guess I'm out of silk. Oh well! I shall just have to get more, I need a break from dressmaking anyway" With that Rarity turned and trotted up the stairs to retrive her saddlebags and money from her room, then she proceeded to leave for Town. A few minutes later she was in town center and well on her way to her fabric supplier. 'Right... So I need silk, red and blue ribbons, and maybe some ...' "Rarity! Over here!" Her thoughts interrupted by the call, Rarity turned her head to see a familiar purple unicorn trotting over with a smile on her face. "Twilight dear, what a pleasant surprise!" Rarity beamed as Twilight reached her. "What are you doing here?" "Oh, I was just buying some new scrolls" Twilight responded gesturing to her full saddlebags, "Spike usually buys the scrolls but he's out at the moment." "Oh? Out where?" Rarity asked "I don't really know, he left before I woke up this morning and left a note" "Really? That's funny, Sweetie Belle left before I woke up this morning and also left a note" Rarity said with a confused look on her face. "Now that's a coincidence" Twilight laughed "Indeed it is..." Rarity said thoughtfully. 'So Spike left early this morningo to did he? Hmm... That's very strange, I wonder why ... Hold on a minute!' A smile began to form on Rarity's face as she began to piece together what was going on. "Well anyway, I gotta get back to the library now. See you later Rarity!" Twilight waved as she began to trot away in the direction of the library. "Have a lovely day darling!" Rarity called waving back. 'Maybe Spike will get over me after all' Rarity smiled as she continued on to her destination. Unbeknownst to both Rarity and Twilight their conversation had not gone unnoticed. "I KNEW IT!" an exited voice yelled from behind a dustbin, startling a passing stallion. "Oops! Sorry" The mare appologied as the stallion grumbled and carried on walking. "You can deny it all you want Spike, but Pinkie is onto you!" Pinkie giggled happily "Young love is so adorable". Six hours later "Ah, and that's the last dress finnished!" Rarity exclaimed whiping the sweat from her brow. "That was a big order! But its all finished now" She sighed at another days work completed. "Just need to change the sign to closed and then I can relax". She walked over to the door and was about to turn the sign when the door slammed open and a panicked Twilight burst in. "Twilight! What a ..." But Rarity was halted when Twilight grabbed her face. "RARITY! HAVE YOU SEEN SPIKE? HE HASNT COME BACK YET AND ITS STARTING TO GET LATE!" Twilight yelled desperately. "Calm down Twilight! I'm sure Spike is fine and returning home as we speak" Rarity assured her. "BUT WHAT IF HE ISNT? WHAT IF HE IS IN TROUBLE OR HURT? HES LIKE MY LITTLE BROTHER I DONT WANT TO LOSE HIM!" "Twilight, calm down. Spike is fine I'm sure!" Rarity affirmed "I ... B-BUT WHAT IF ... Your probably right, I'm just worried about him..." "Its ok Twilight. Come I'll help search with you! Sweetie Belle hasn't come home yet either" "Really? Oh that's terrible! I hope they are alright" "I'm sure they're fine, Spike is very mature for his age and if he and Sweetie Belle are together I'm sure he will keep her out of trouble". "Why would Sweetie Belle be with Spike?" Twilight questioned "Oh, I have my theories" Rarity replied with a smile "Wait you don't think that they might ... like each other do you? I mean LIKE like each other" "Well, they do spend a lot of time together while Spike helps me at the botique... and now that I think about it, Sweetie Belle has been acting rather strangely around him lately" Rarity explained. "Awwww! that's so sweet!" Twilight cooed "And he will have finally gotten over you too! Not to sound rude, but it does get kind of annoying sometimes" "I know, and I wouldn't feel so guilty all the time either..." Rarity smiled "Anyway! shall we get going?" A few hours of searching passed and the pair still couldnt find Spike or Sweetie Belle anywhere. "Rarity what are we going to do? its nearly eleven o'clock and there's still no sign of them!" Twilight said in a worried voice. "I don't know..." Rarity was starting to panic too now, but didn't show it. "We must report this to the police" "Ponyville doesn't have a police station! have you ever seen a police mare or stallion in ponyville?" "You make a good point..." Rarity sighed ... "Don't worry girls, for your prayers have just been answered!" "Pinkie Pie?" The two exclaimed in unison "Haha! No silly's, I'm a spy!" Pinkie jumped out of the shadows to reveal that she was dressed head to hoof in black with a pair of yellow goggles over her eyes. "Riiiight" Twilight rolled her eyes "Pinkie what are you doing here?" "Well isn't it obvious? I am going to find Spike and Sweetie Belle and nothing is going to stop me!" "Pinkie darling, are you sure you can find them?" Rarity asked "Of course! you two can head home, I'll find them, trust me!" Pinkie lifted up her goggles and smiled at them. "Well, I suppose you are good at this sort of thing... Ok then, thank you Pinkie!" Twilight said. "Don't mention it, I'll have them back to you as soon as possible!" Pinkie waved as the two began to head home. "Don't stay up to late darling!" Rarity called back to her. 'Ok Pinkie, you can find those two love birds and bring them home! You're a secret agent after all!' Pinkie smiled and turned to face a long street. 'Ok, where to start ... Oh, This is going to be harder than I thought!'. Author's Note A little shorter than the other chapters, sorry I've been a little busy lately, I'm not shore if I will be able to get the next chapter out next Sunday but I'll try. I hope you are enjoying it so far . Also I noticed I'm getting a fair number of dislikes so I was just wondering what it is I am doing wrong (unless you just don't like spikebelle, if that's the case don't read this fic). But I really do appreciate all the likes, views and positive comments I have been receiving, this is my first fanfiction and I just want to thank everyone who is reading and enjoying it. YAY! Chapter 4 - Confrontations and Realisations Chapter 4 - Confrontations and Realisations The next morning Sweetie Belle yawned softly and half-opened her eyes. As she glanced out of the hollow, she noticed where she was and remembered the day before. 'OH NO! Rarity is going to be so mad at me for staying away from home all night! We need to get this gem and get home quickly'. Sweetie Belle quickly glanced to the side. Upon seeing Spike so close to her, still fast asleep with his arm around her Sweetie Belle began blushing ferociously and settled down a bit. 'Maybe a lay in could do me good' Sweetie Belle smiled, snuggling up a little closer to Spike and closing her eyes again. "AAUGGH" Spike yawned, causing Sweetie to open her eyes again. "Ah! Good morning Sweetie Belle! Have a nice sleep?" "Yeah..." Sweetie replied, a little down cast. "Hmmm? Is everything alright?" asked Spike looking a little worried "Oh yes! Everything is fine, I'm just a little tired..." "Ok then..." he said, crawling out of the hollow and standing up. "Shall we get going?" "Sure, lets go!" Half an hour later Sweetie Belle and Spike were still trudging through the woods happily chatting to each other. "So, you saved Rarity from diomand dogs?" Sweetie asked excitedly. "Yeah! well, to be honest all our friends were there, and she didn't exactly need saving..." "Oh? Well, she can get pretty feisty some times it's almost scary..." Sweetie said shuddering a little. Spike chuckled "Yeah, your right about that" Sweetie Belle smiled warmly at him and giggled. Spike smiled back, but deep inside his mind was working like clockwork. 'Come on Spike think! You have plenty of reasons for your crush on Rarity, lets see... She is generous, beautiful, a good friend... AGH! THERE MUST BE MORE TO IT!' "Spike?" Sweetie looked confused "Are you ok?" "Huh? Oh! of course!" Spike said with an obvious fake smile. "Okay, but if there is something wrong you can tell me" Sweetie said with a caring look in her eyes. "Thanks Sweetie" Spike said gratefully, he could swear he saw something in Sweeties eyes, yet he couldn't think of what it was. All he knew was that it pulled at his heart in a way that seemed familiar yet very different. As the pair continued on, neither noticed the faint scent of rotting wood or a pair of glowing green eyes peering through the dense brush behind them. Further up the path Sweetie Belle and Spike were still strolling ever closer to their destination, their chatter still holding strong as they continued. "How much further is it Spike?" Sweetie asked "Not far now" Spike repled looking dead ahead "Good! so what exactly does it look like again?" "Well its actually all sorts of colours, mostly black though... hey, do you smell that?" Sweetie took a deep inhail and immediatley spluttered at the scent, "Eww! it smells all rotten! what is it?". "I-I think I know, we need to move NOW!" "Why? What is it?" Sweetie questioned, her concern growing by the second. "I think its a..." Almost out of nowhere the rustling from a nearby bush turned into a burst of branches and leaves as a timberwolf sprung out from behind it. "TIMBERWOLF!" Spike yelled as the beast landed with a thud directly infrount of them, two more following close behind. "What are we going to do!?" Asked Sweetie Belle, her voice shaking as the timberwolves advanced on the pair. "You run, I'll distract them!" Spike said. "No! They'll eat you Spike!" Sweetie yelled with a horrified expression on her face. "It'll be ok, just go!" "NO! I wont leave you!" with that Sweetie jumped in front of Spike, facing the lead timberwolf head on. "LISTEN YOU BIG MEANIES! AS LONG AS IM ALIVE, YOU WILL NOT HURT HIM!" Sweetie Belle shouted with all the ferocity she could muster which admittedly wasn't much, yet coming from such a young filly it was enough to stop the wolves in their tracks. Spike was so surprised he just stood there, mouth hanging open in disbelief. "Please! We're just here to get a gem and then we'll leave, I promise!" She said in a gentler tone. For the longest time, the timberwolves just stood there staring at the filly. They almost looked curious, but then... "A gem? that's it? you come to our territory seeking a gem?" Sweetie Belle and Spike were so surprised the both jumped back, toppling over. "Who said that?" Spike asked in shock. "Me you foolish young drake!" The echoing voice sounded like it was coming from all around them, yet as the pair looked over at the timberwolves the alpha gave a little gesture resembling a wave. "Now tell me, why do you travel out here in search of a gem?" "Ummm ok, Well basically there's this beautiful mare named Rarity, I really like her yet she never sees me as anything more than a friend. So me and Sweetie Belle here are going to get this gem as a gift for her so she will want to be with me" Spike explained, not noticing Sweeties ears flatten and head droop a little. The alpha wolf looked at the pair of friends for a few minutes before speaking, " Young drake, are you sure you have your sight on the one you truly desire?" "What do you mean?" Spike asked in confusion. "Look into your heart young drake and question your intent, if indeed you truly desire this mare then you may need more than a gem to win her heart. However, if you find your heart is set on the wrong pony you may not need a gem at all, for that special somepony may be closer than you think." "I-I don't understand..." Spike said, more confused now than he had been before. "You shall find out soon enough young drake. You may pass and retrieve your gift, but ensure your feelings are true for this mare" "Thank you" Sweetie gratefully beamed at the timberwolves as they stepped aside for the pair to pass. As the two moved on past the timberwolves Spike looked over at Sweetie Belle, "Thanks for what you did back there" he said "I mean, that was the bravest thing I've ever seen!" Sweetie blushed intensely " Thank you, but I'm sure you've done many more brave things than that, I mean you've saved equestria so many times and you were going to distract them" "Yeah, but I have never seen anyone stroll right up to a timberwolf and yell right in its face, and... you did that for me?" "I... well, yes you are my f-friend right?" Sweetie said blushing even more. "Of course, but what you did back there is like something Twilight would do, and she hatched me! I cant imagine anypony else standing up for me in the face of certain doom like that. Even when my friends have done things similar to that, we all ended up either running away or beating whatever it what attacking us. All I can say is... Thank you so much!" Spike leaned in and gave her a hug. Sweetie Belle didn't know how much redder her face could possibly get, her stomach was filled with butterflies and when Spike hugged her She felt so warm and dizzy, she almost stumbled to the ground. "I-I ... I-Its ok Spike, really ... umm could you just give me a minute" With that Sweetie flopped to the ground, overwhelmed with emotions and good feelings. Spike watched this with a raised eyebrow. 'That's funny... come to think of it, she has been acting strange lately with all this blushing an nervousness... towards me?' "I'm ok now!" Sweetie called, getting up of the ground "lets continue" "Sure" Spike said still deep in thought. 'Why has Sweetie Belle been acting so strange lately?' Spike thought 'Ok Spike! enough of that, think about Rarity'. Spike began pulling together a mental image of carousel boutique. He was helping Rarity once again and was fetching some materials for her. He had thought of this scene a lot, yet something seemed different this time. in his previous thoughts she was always commending him oh how helpful, smart, and hansom he was but now, though she was clearly grateful for his support, she was dismissive and clearly not to interested in him. Out of the corner of his eye, Spike saw a young white filly happily smiling at him. 'Agh there she is again! Why do I keep thinking about Sweetie Belle? Ever since last night, that dream started with me helping Rarity but then I was with Sweetie Belle and we were having fun together and we were so happy. What does this mean?' Spike began to think of how he and Sweetie Belle started hanging out together in the boutique and how he and Sweetie Belle had so much fun together and could tell each other jokes and laugh together, but with Rarity he was always the work assistant. They didn't really joke or have fun. 'Was I really helping Rarity out so much just because of her beauty?' He continued to think of the time he spent with Rarity and comparing it to the time he had spent with Sweetie Belle. 'But... But it cant be, I have a crush on Rarity... don't I? Before he could ponder any longer Sweetie Belle shook his shoulder, snapping him out of his trance. "Spike, look up ahead!" she said with excitement. Spike could see she was pointing to a clearing up ahead. Looking at the map confirmed that the gem was there. Together Spike and Sweetie Belle rushed to the clearing and upon reaching it they noticed a large mound crowned by three large pointed boulders. "Well, what are we waiting for?" Sweetie said, beaming at Spike For some reason he couldn't quite explain, that look made Spike blush slightly. "Ok then, lets go!" The two hurried up the side of the mound, stopping at the top they saw markings adorn the three boulders. "What do these patterns mean?" Sweetie asked "Well, when I read the book it said the only way to get the gem was to use dragon fire on the stones" Spike explained "Oh, ok then" Sweetie Belle stepped back as Spike opened his mouth and blew a small green flame so that it touched one of the huge jagged rocks. At once the spiral pattern covering it lit up the same colour as Spikes flame. "Woa" Sweetie and Spike both exclaimed in unison as the light spread from bolder to bolder until all three were covered in green glowing patterns. A beam of light emitted from the very tip of each bolder shining down on a spot of earth directly in the centre on the mound. To the pairs astonishment an object began to rise from the soil, it rose until it was about a pony's body height of the ground, then it just sat there suspended in mid air. Spike reached out and grasped the object in his claws. It was just a rock. Confused, Spike opened his pack and pulled out the book, opening it to the page describing the gem. "This doesn't look right..." He said. Spike tapped the rock with his claw and was surprised when a glowing crack appeared and spread over the rock until it broke apart to reveal the black opal. It glistened in the sunlight like a thousand galaxies. "Wooaaah!" Sweetie exclaimed "That's just beautiful" Spike was lost in the gem and in his thoughts. 'Well this is it... this is what is going to get me Rarity...' The timberwolves words echoed in the back of his mind 'are you sure you have your sight on the one you truly desire?' Spikes mind was a sea of confusion, he thought of Rarity yet the more he thought of her, the more he realised that she was not interested in him, and the more he realised he was becoming less and less interested in her. 'But if I don't love Rarity and she doesn't love me, then who do I love? And... who loves me?' Spike looked up from the gem to see Sweeties face. He could see a sadness in her eyes looking at the gem. As he looked from her and back to the gem he began to think once again of the time he had spent with her. All the laughter and fun they had, how she had agreed to come with him on this journey and how she had saved him from those timberwolves. 'AS LONG AS IM ALIVE, YOU WILL NOT HURT HIM!' No pony had shown so much bravery to help him before besides Twilight. 'If you find your heart is set on the wrong pony, you may not need a gem at all. For that special somepony may be closer than you think'. 'You know' thought Spike 'I think I just got what that timberwolf meant, and I think he was right... So I know who I love, but will she love me back?' 'So we found the gem, now Spike can go back and be with Rarity and they will be happy'. A tear ran down Sweeties cheek as she thought of Spike and Rarity together, 'Its not fair! Why wont Spike notice me? I love him, I'm sure of that now! this isn't just some school filly crush, even if I am a school filly! I just wish that...' "Sweetie Belle? What's wrong?" Sweetie was shaken from her thoughts and looked up to see a concerned dragon staring back at her. "Huh? Oh nothing... I'm fine, Really" She said, wiping the tears from her eyes and trying her best to smile. "Your crying, what's wrong? you can tell me!" Spike said in a comforting tone, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You wouldn't understand..." "Of course I would, what could have possibly be wrong? I..." Spike thought for a moment, 'could it be something to do with us finding the gem? But that's good isn't it? she was helping me find the gem for Rarity so I could be with her... unless... WAIT! could she...?' Spike thought of Sweeties behaviour lately, when they started hanging out she was just having fun, but as time went on Spike recalled Sweetie becoming more awkward in conversation, and all the blushing too. 'Could she... like me back? But if that's the case, for how long? Has she been hiding it all this time? Oh man and there's me, blindly obsessing over my crush on Rarity' all at once Spike felt a surge of guilt pass through him. "Umm... Spike?" Sweetie questioned nudging him with her hoof, her eyes still red with tears. "Are you..." But the filly was stopped by Spike clinging to her in a tight hug. Sweetie was stunned for a moment not knowing what to do, but then hugged him back. after a few moments they broke apart. Upon looking at Sweetie Belles teary-eyed face, Spike knew what he had to do. "Sweetie Belle" Sweetie looked at him and he took a breath before continuing. "I-I just realised something I should have seen a long time ago" Sweeties ears twitched at this and she looked at him with a confused, almost hopeful expression. "But first I need to know something... Do you like me?" Sweeties eyes lit up in disbelief of what she had just heard "I-I w-what do y-you mean?" "Do you, you know... Like me like me?" "I-I umm w-well I..." words were getting harder and harder for Sweetie Belle to say. "I ask because, well yesterday you asked me what I liked about Rarity, I tried and tried but I just couldn't think of anything other than her looks and basic friend qualities... I-I don't love Rarity, it took me a while but I have realised that I just don't, that was nothing more than a... a foolish crush..." Spike sighed "But the more that I think about it, you have been kind to me, you've helped me when I needed it, you've laughed with me and not just that, you are also so kind and sweet to others, and the more I look at you, the more beautiful you become in my eyes, so... do you like me?" Sweetie stood there stunned at what she had just heard, a swarm of butterflies fluttering about her whole body, her face even redder than it had been the previous evening. and then... "Oh YES Spike, yes, yes, yes I do like you, no... I love you! I love you so much!" Sweetie tackled Spike to the ground in a hug so tight a raging mantacore couldn't break them apart. Spike was surprised at the suddenness of Sweeties advancement but soon he was hugging her back happily. The two looked into each others eyes, happiness radiating from both of their faces as they then leaned in to share their first kiss. A while later Sweetie Belle and Spike were laying on the side of the mound hoof in hand, gazing up at the sky in happy silence. "What do you think our friends will think of us?" Spike asked "Well, the crusaders are my best friends so I think they will be supportive. Actually, Apple Bloom already knew about my crush..." Sweetie smiled remembering her friends supportive words. "Ok, you don't think the others will mind do you?" "You know them better than I do" Sweetie said "Yeah... they'll probably be fine with it... Wait! Rarity and Twilight are going to be so worried about us!" "Oh, you're right! Well, I suppose we should get going then..." Sweetie said a little hesitantly. "Aww don't worry! we aren't leaving each other or anything" Spike said giving his new mare friend a comforting hug. Sweetie smiled "Yeah, you're right" she said returning the embrace. "But its going to take forever to get back home" "Not necessarily" an echoing voice replied from all around them. "Huh?" they both turned to see a now familliar figure standing a few feet behind them. "Oh, its you! were you spying on us?" Sweetie asked raising a suspicious eyebrow. "Spying? Why no! I was merely observing" the timberwolf's tail waged as he looked at the pair "I see you found your mate, at such a young age to" he tried to smile but soon gave up "curse these wooden jaws, anyway you two need to return home, correct?" "Um yes, but its going to take at least a day to reach home on foot or hoof" Spike replied "Not on wooden paw, climb on and I shall safely return you to your territory" "That's generous of you" Sweetie squeaked happily. She was about to mount the beast when Spike grabbed get hoof. "Wait Sweetie, I know he let us past but he is still a timberwolf... can we really trust him?" Sweetie Belle looked from Spike to the timberwolf and then back to Spike. "I trust him... you know? I think There's just a big misunderstanding between ponies and timberwolves. I mean, has anyone ever tried talking to them before I did?" "Well... you make a good point, most either run away or throw rocks at them... ok then, I mean... it isn't like I can say no to you" He smiled warmly at her and received a smile in return. The two mounted the timberwolf and set of for ponyville. "There's still one thing I don't get... why doesn't your breath smell anymore?" Spike asked, clinging to one of the many branches sprouting from the wolf's back. "The scent you speak of is a warning for ponies to stay away, we defend the Everfree for it is the last truly wild place in all equestria, if it is lost, us timberwolves will be gone forever" "Oh, well that explains why you attack ponies who enter the forest" Spike realised "Indeed, we used to be spread out across the whole of equestria but nowadays the everfree is our last sanctuary" Sweetie thought she saw a small drop of tree sap form in the creatures glowing eye and run down its face. "Aww its ok, we'll tell everypony how nice and kind you are" Sweetie comforted, gently rubbing one of the beasts many logs affectionately. he replied in the form of a tail wag, much like a dog. A few hours later they were nearing the edge of the forest, the sun was still up and as they got closer and closer to the forest edge, the light began to flood in, illuminating the leaf litter, giving it a golden appearance. "There's the edge of the forest" Sweetie yelled excitedly. Spike smiled at his marefriends excitement. Once they had reached the very edge of the forest, the timberwolf stopped and allowed the pair to hop off. He then turned to face them. "This is where I must leave you, I dare not leave the forest and I to have a family to return to, just remember that every creature no matter how threatening has a heart" "Thank you so much, Mr timberwolf! We will never forget you" Sweetie ran over to the timberwolf and he wrapped one of his wooden legs in a tight hug. "Yeah... I think we can call you a friend, wouldn't you say Sweetie?" Spike proposed "Of course! I hope we see you again some day" "The world is a strange place young one, who knows? Nether the less I to hope to one day see you two again, fare well my friends!" the timberwolf gave a final wag of his tail before turning to leave. "WAIT! Mr timberwolf, what's your name?" Sweetie called to the figure bounding into the distance. "Ardolf" The ecoing voice sounded much fainter now as the pair stood watching the last glimpse of a wooden tail disappear into the bush. As the two lovers ambled nervously into town they both had the same thing on their mind. 'What's going to happen to us?' They figured Rarity and Twilight would be in the library as they had already checked the boutique and discovered Rarity wasn't home. As the two neared the library door they held each other close for comfort, what ever punishment they received at least they had each other. "What do you think will happen Spike?" Sweetie asked quietly "I don't know... Nothing too bad, I hope" They glanced at each other one last time before opening the door to the library, revealing Twilight, Rarity and Fluttershy. "Spike!" Twilight cried in delight. "Sweetie Belle!" Rarity cried in relief and anger. "Where have you two been? you had us worried sick!" "Umm s-sorry... y-you see..." Sweetie began but was interrupted by Spike. "It was all my fault. I've kinda had a crush on you for a while and.." "Wait, all this was about your crush on me?!" Rarity began but then realised her mistake and put a hoof to her mouth. "You knew about it? Since when? Why didn't you tell me?" Spike asked in an annoyed voice. "I... Oh what's the use, yes Spike I knew about your crush. I just couldn't bring myself to tell you that... well, oh Spike I'm sorry but I like you as a friend, not in that way" she then stood there, dreading his response 'Oh Rarity you've probably gone and broken the poor boys heart, I just hope that...' "Oh its ok, I kinda figured that already" Spike smiled "Besides I've found somepony who loves me just as much as I love them" Spike pulled Sweetie Belle close to his side and the two looked up at the surprised adults, wondering what they would say next. Rarity stood speechless for a moment, but then a smile crept onto her face "Sweetie Belle?" she questioned, looking at her little sister. "I-I umm, y-yes I do love Spike" She smiled sheepishly. "Spike?" Twilight stared at them in disbelief "You love somepony who isn't Rarity?" "Well yes, I mean that was just a crush after all" he smiled at her. Twilight just stared at him for a minute, but then broke into a smile "Oh Spike, your growing up so fast" and with that Twilight and Rarity both wrapped the two young lovers in a warm hug. "Awww" Fluttershy said as she watched the affection before her. "Now then you two, were have you been these last few days?" Rarity asked in a firm tone. "Ummm... well that's a funny story" Spike began. After the pair had finished their story they sat, awaiting their punishment. The three adults who had been listening to the story intently looked at each other, obviously concerned at what the two had done. "Did the timberwolf really speak to you?" Fluttershy asked excitedly receiving glares from Twilight and Rarity, she shrugged innocently. "Yeah, he was so nice and helped us get beck hear so soon" Sweetie Belle replied. "Oh, that's wonderful! I never thought of speaking to timberwolves, I'll have to try it sometime" Fluttershy smiled. "Anyway" Rarity quickly interjected "You two do realise you went without permission or supervision into the everfree forest? Not to mention you stayed away from home overnight!" "We're really sorry Rarity" Sweetie looked up at her sister with the cutest expression she could muster. "I know. Never the less you still did it, now me and Twilight have decided that both of you are grounded for a week" Sweetie Belle and Spike looked at each other sadly "We wont be able to see each other for a whole week?" Sweetie said in disbelief. "You didn't let me finish. You will be allowed to see each other in the evenings, you just cannot go out and play in the day time" Rarity said flatly, but the broke into a smile "I'm not cruel enough to get in the way of my little sisters first relationship" Sweetie Belle beamed at her sister "Your the best sister ever!" she exclaimed happily hugging Rarity's leg. "Think nothing of it Sweetums! It's still light out, you and Spike could spend the rest of the evening together" "REALLY? you mean it?" Sweetie said excitedly. "Why not? just be back before nine, ok?" Rarity said happily. "Thanks Rarity! Did you hear that Spike?" "I sure did, lets go! Oh and thanks Twilight" "Its fine Spike really, Just be yourself ok?" Twilight said with a smile. "I will! See you later" With that the two lovers turned and walked out the door, holding each other tightly. Suddenly a black figure fell out of the leaves in front of the pair. The figure jumped up and proceeded to pull of her goggles revealing the pink face beneath. "A-ha! I found you! Twilight and Rarity are going to be so pleased. Oh, Hi Twilight and Rarity! I found them" Pinkie beamed at the ponies and dragon before her. "Oh, and what's this? Well, it looks Like good old Spiky and Sweetums decided to get together after all!" Pinkie beamed at them again "I knew it!" "Yes Pinkie, that's very nice and we appreciate you looking for these two, be we already found them... Well, they came to us. they are just heading out to spend some time together" Rarity explained "Ooooh ok! well, have fun you two!" With that pinkie jumped clean out of her spy costume and bounced of down the street, humming a happy tune. Sweetie Belle and Spike decided to spend the evening together on the edge of town. They soon reached a grassy hill, overlooking a part of the town. it was quiet and peaceful. as the pair sat down together to watch the sunset, a slight breeze brushing by them. "You know... its funny" Spike said calmly. "What?" "My crush on Rarity is what made me realise my feelings for you" he smiled and pulled Sweetie into anther hug, one she was more than happy to return. "Me too, I mean if it weren't for your crush you wouldn't have come round so often to help Rarity, and I wouldn't have gotten to know how nice, helpful and caring you are" Sweetie smiled and closed her eyes as she rested her head on Spikes shoulder. "Sweetie Belle" he said softly. "Hmmm" she replied opening one eye. "Look at that" Spike said, pointing at the setting sun on the horizon. "Wooh, that's beautiful" she commented, staring into the distance. "Not as beautiful as you are" Sweetie blushed and turned to face Spike, who was gazing back at her. "I love you Spike" "I love you Sweetie Belle" They both leaned in, their lips meeting in what was a brief kiss. Yet to the two lovers, it seemed like an eternity. "You know... I think you look even more beautiful in this light" Spike smile once their lips parted. "Did I ever tell you how good you are at complimenting ponies?" Sweetie remarked with a warm smile. They both laughed happily for a minute but stopped upon hearing a familliar sound off in the distance. A howl, the howl of a timberwolf. "Ardolf!" Sweetie yelled happily, jumping to her hooves and rushing to the top of the hill. once there she let out a squeaky howl. She then listened intently until, sure enough another howl sounded from the dark everfree forest. As Spike watched the exited filly giggling and howling he began thinking to himself, 'man I sure am lucky to have somepony like her' his smile grew as he watched her. "Come on Spike! come up here and try howling, its really fun!" She happily called. "I'm coming!" he called back, getting up and running up to join her. She was the perfect match for this dragons heart. The End. "I told you didn't I? Spike and Sweetie Belle loved each other all along, they thought they could hide it from me but they were wrong, weren't they But you believed me didn't you? You bronies are clever and you listen to your good old Pinkie don't you... DONT YOU? That's what I thought! Anyway, see you later every pony!" Author's Note ITS FINALLY OUT!!! Sorry for the long wait but I hope it was worth it. by the way the name Ardolf means home loving wolf, I thought it fit well. I am planning on writing some sequel and prequel stories to this both about this ship and other stuff so see you later. Chapter 1 - What a great idea!"Hmmmmm I think it needs about five more gold ribbons" Said Rarity as she carefully pondered over the dresses design. "Spike, could you get those from the back room please?" "Of course!" Replied Spike as he darted into the small room, returning a few moments later with the requested supplies. "Why thank you Spike!" Rarity beamed as she accepted the supplies and continued her work. "I honestly don't know how I ever managed before I met you". Spike's cheeks flushed lightly as he chuckled sheepishly to himself. "yeah... I don't know how you managed either!" Rarity shot Spike an annoyed expression but let it soften as she let out a small chuckle herself. "Ok Spike, lets focus here. We still need to get this dress finished for the mayor by lunchtime". "The mayor wants a pretty dress?" Spike asked with a quizzical expression on his face," She didn't exactly strike me as a pony who likes to fancy it up". "I know the mayor may seem all work and no play but I assure you even she needs some time off. When she ordered the dress she told me that she was going out with somepony special tonight". Rarity smiled devilishly to herself, amused by this latest development. "Really?" Spike spluttered, desperately trying to contain his laughter. "Shhhhh Spike!" Rarity was desperately trying to hush her friends laughter, "It isn't polite to laugh at others choices in life". "I know, it's just so funny!" Spike was on the verge of falling to the floor in a fit of laughter. "Who's the lucky stallion? I bet its Caramel or Time Turner! Gosh Ditzy's going to be furious!" "Oh! Hello Mayor Mare", Rarity greeted politely "Come to check on your fabulous new dress?" "WHAT!" Spike jolted up in fright only to see Rarity's amused expression. "Sorry Spike" Rarity smiled, "I had to stop you somehow". Spike could tell by her smile that she was fighting back laughter herself now. He grumbled in disapproval and carried on with his work. About half an hour later the dress was complete. "Just in time!" Rarity sighed in relief "Now all I have to do is deliver it to the mayor" "That's great Rarity!" Spike stated "Umm.. I was just wondering if you might want to grab something to eat later?" "Oh Spike you truly are a gentleman, but I'm afraid I was already planning to visit Pinkie Pie this evening... Something about cupcakes? Terribly sorry dear!" Rarity apologized. "Thats fine, I was just wondering is all... I guess I'll see you tomorrow then?" "Of course, thanks again for helping me with the dress Spike!" Rarity called as Spike trudged off. As he got further away, Rarity's smile slowly turned to a frown of despair. "Oh Spike, if only I had the strength to tell you that we cannot be together..." "Rarity still doesn't see how much she means to me" Spike moaned as he continued on his way "What is it going to take to make her see?" He began to think of all the ways he could win over the mare of his dreams. "Lets see... helping her with her work? Well that sure hasn't worked so far. Spending lots of time with her? That's not working either!" Spike groaned in frustration. "WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?" He yelled at the top of his voice. Fortunately, nopony was around to hear it. Suddenly an idea hit him "Of course!" He exclaimed "I just need some help from somepony close to her! somepony who spends more time with her than even me, somepony who has known her for years. Somepony like ... Sweetie Belle!" "Well that was another bust" Scootaloo complained as the trio of friends entered their club house. "Yeah, and a painful one at that" Apple Bloom added looking back at the series of bite marks all over her body. "It's a good thing those weren't venomus snakes or we would have been stuck in the ponyville hospital all week!" "Fluttershy was very apologetic about the whole thing though" Sweetie Belle mumbled with a hint of positivity in her voice. The three sighed in frustration at yet another failure. "Well now what?" Scootaloo asked. As they pondered what to do next, they heard a knock from the door of the clubhouse. "I got it!" Sweetie Belle chimed as she ran over and swung the door open to reveal a wary young dragon. At once Sweetie stepped back, her face reddening a little. "Oh umm... Hey Spike!" She greeted him nervously, "W-what brings you here?" "Hey Sweetie Belle! Hey guys!" Spike said waving at Applebloom and Scootaloo. "I just came by to ask for your help Sweetie Belle. I mean, if you aren't alreay busy... What happened to the three of you?" He asked looking at them a little concerned. "Don't ask." Apple Bloom replied as Sweetie Belle's face turned from a light shade of pink to a much darker shad of red. "You want MY help?" Sweetie could hardly control her excitement. For a while now she had been seeing more of Spike and while she had been speaking with him a lot, he had never gone out of his way to see her, let alone ask for her help. This way the best day ever! "Yeah, so will you help?" Spike asked "Yes Yes Yes Yes! of course I will help you Spike!" Sweetie squealed uncontrollably as she wrapped spike in a tight hug. "T-that's really n-nice Sweetie, but would you mind not hugging me so tight please? I c-can't breath!" "Oh, sorry!" Sweetie Belle said as she released Spike from her tight embrace. "So, what do you need her help with anyway?" Scootaloo questioned "I'll tell you but you all must promise not to tell anypony else, got it?" Said Spike stepping a little closer to them. "Ok Spike" Apple Bloom sighed, she knew where this was going. "CROSS MY HEART, HOPE TO FLY, STICK A CUPCAKE IN MY EYE!" They all Said in unison. "Okay here's the thing... I've been trying to win over Rarity's heart for a while now... Oh wait you don't know do you? Well, I have a crush on Rarity and..." "We know" Apple Bloom said flatly. "YOU DO! WHO TOLD YOU?" Said Spike, stepping back a little in shock. "Oh come on Spike! Everypony has figured it out by now" Scootaloo affirmed. "OH COME ON EVERYONE KNOWS? Everyone... Except Rarity" Spike sighed in frustration. "Anyway, I need Sweetie's help because she knows Rarity better than anyone. Right, Sweetie Belle?" Meanwhile, Sweetie Belle was lost in thought. 'Spike came here to ask me for help on how to get Rarity? But... that's not fair! Why can't Spike see how much he means to me?' her face was to the ground as she fought back tears. "Umm... Sweetie Belle?" Spike asked looking confused. "Huh? Oh! Sure I'll help you Spike..." Sweetie could feel an aching in her heart, something that didn't go unnoticed by Apple Bloom. "Ok cool!" Spike replied brightly. "Well we weren't doing anything anyway, I guess I'll just head home!" Scootaloo said heading towards the door of the club house. "Me too, but before I go could I just have a word with you Sweetie?" Apple Bloom asked "Sure, I'll just be a minute Spike!" Sweetie said, forcing a smile. "Ok I'll wait outside!" Spike replied exiting the clubhouse with Scootaloo, leaving Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom alone. "Are you ok Sweetie Belle?" Apple Bloom asked with a concerned voice. "Yeah... I'm fine! why wouldn't I be?" Sweetie responded forcing yet another smile but sounding far from fine. "You've got a thing for him don't ya?" Asked Apple Bloom matter of factly. "I ... Why would you think that?" Sweetie responded sounding a little shocked that her friend could read her so well. "Its ok, you can tell me Sweetie Belle. I'm one of your best friends!" Apple Bloom reassured her. "Fine, your right! I do like him. I-I have a crush on a dragon who has a crush on my sister. I'm just some freak of nature! No wonder those snakes bit me..." "y'all aint a freak of nature Sweetie Belle. Those snakes bit all of us! And besides, everypony knows about Spikes crush and they don't call him a freak. So why would it be any different the other way around?" "I suppose... But I'm still never going to be with him. He has his sights set on Rarity and nothing is going to change that!" tears began to form in Sweeties eyes as she finished saying those painful words. Apple Bloom placed a forehoof on Sweeties shoulder as she spoke, "Well it may seem hopeless but y'all would be surprised what a little kindness, loyalty and well all that elements a harmony stuff can do. Who knows? Maybe by helping him out he will see ya in a new light?" "You really think so?" replied Sweetie Belle, tears still falling down her cheeks. "I know so" Apple Bloom replied confidently, giving her friend a small smile. "Thank you Apple Bloom..." Sweetie sniffed, wiping the tears from her eyes "You're the best friend ever!" "Ah, don't mention it! I'm just happy to help" Apple Bloom replied removing her forehoof from Sweetie's shoulder. The two friends hugged and proceeded to walk towards the door. Once outside, the two parted ways. Spike and Sweetie walked down the street towards Sugar Cube Corner. "So Spike, what's the plan?" Sweetie asked, still a hint of pink on her cheeks. "Well, I was thinking maybe we could head over to sugar cube corner to get a milkshake?" Spike explained, "Then we can sit down and discuss the best course of action." Sweetie was once again beyond excitement. 'Me and Spike going to get milkshakes together at sugar cube corner? It's almost like a date!' she thought excitedly, 'No, It's just a milkshake... I mean how silly would it be to have a date in sugar cube corner? Even if we are just filly's ... well, a filly and a baby dragon' "Here we are!" Spike announced as they entered the brightly coloured café. "Hey guys!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed the moment she saw them "How are you two doing?" "We're good, just came in to order a couple of milkshakes" Spike replied. "Ooooh I see!" Pinkie said squealing with delight "You two do make quite the couple!" "What? Oh no! We're just hanging, right Sweetie Belle?" "Y-yeah..." Sweetie said quietly, a ton of sadness resonating in her voice. "I mean who would go on a date here anyway? No offense Pinkie, but no one has gone on a date here since the love poison incident" Spike replied crossing his arms. Sweetie Belle looked down at the floor in guilt. Pinkie Pie looked unconvinced but took their word for it. "Sooo what can I get you two 'good' friends" Asked Pinkie giving them a wink at the end of her question. "Do you have any gem milkshakes?" Spike asked, Pinkie shook her head "Well in that case, I'll just have a chocolate milkshake" Pinkie Pie nodded and noted down his order, "What about you Sweetie Belle?" "I'll have a strawberry milkshake" She said still sounding a little disheartened. Pinkie nodded and bounced off with their orders in a happier mood than usual, leaving the two to discuss what happens next. "So Sweetie Belle, what do you think will make Rarity notice my feelings?" Spike asked as he sat down. "Ummm..." Despite her attempts, Sweetie couldn't think. 'Oh my gosh! I'm sitting right next to Spike, and he is asking what I think he should do... Oh what should I say?' "Umm, Sweetie Belle are you ok?" Spike asked with a concerned voice placing a clawed hand on her shoulder. Sweetie jolted at the suddenness of the gesture. "Oh, yes! I'm great, never better!" She replied hurriedly. "uh, ok?" Replied Spike, retracting his hand. 'Oh what am I doing? I just need to give him some advice on how to 'wow' Rarity, that's all! I just need to tell the boy of my dreams how to get ... My sister. No, don't think like that! Just focus on the task at hoof. Now lets see, how to get my sister? Hmm... wait a minute! that's it!" "Order Up!" Pinkie yelled as she appeared seemingly out on no were with their drinks. "Thanks Pinkie!" They both exclaimed as they received their milkshakes. Once Pinkie had left, Sweetie decided to tell Spike about her idea. "Hey Spike, I have an idea. Y'know, about the Rarity thing?" She said sounding a little pleased with herself. "Really, What is it?" Spike asked expectantly "Well, when Stallions ask Rarity out they usually get her a gift. And sometimes she accepts! She hasn't really seen any of them again after the first date of course, but if you got her something she really liked she may accept if you ask her out!" Sweetie knew the plan was far from perfect, but it was the best she could come up with. "That's a great idea Sweetie Belle! You know, you're really clever" Spike said thoughtfully. Sweetie blushed intensely at this complement and attempted to hide her face by holding her milkshake up to it and taking a large gulp of the pink liquid. "But I have given Rarity gifts before, you should have seen the huge fire ruby I gave to her on my birthday!" Spike sighed, "That looked like a really tasty one to... but still!" "Well, maybe you need to get something really super special!" Sweetie pointed out. Spike thought for a minute "You know... Speaking of gems, Rarity does like them a lot" "Well it is what's on her cutie mark" Sweetie Belle pointed out. "Yeah, I can remember reading one of the Books in the library about gems. There was this one really rare gem called ummm... A black opal I think?" "Well, how are we going to get one of those?" Sweetie asked. "I think the Book gave the location of one in the everfree forest" Spike said with a determined look on his face "And I'm going to find it!" "Spike you cant go in there all by your self, its to dangerous!" replied Sweetie Belle with a concerned look on her face. "Look Sweetie" Spike placed both hands on Sweetie Belle's shoulders "This is something I need to do. I've been trying to get Rarity's attention as long as I have known her and I feel like this plan is my only hope!" At those words Sweeties heart sunk like a stone but she forced her self to be strong, for Spike. "And besides I wont be alone, your coming with me of course!" Spike said nonchalantly taking a sip of his milkshake "WHAT!" Sweetie exclaimed only to be quickly hushed by Spike. "Were in a café remember?" he said quickly. "Spike, I cant go into the everfree forest" she whispered, "its far too dangerous" "Sweetie Belle your the only one who knows about our plan! I cant risk telling anypony else. Besides, you've been a great friend to me these last few weeks and I trust you. I promise nothing bad will happen just... Please help me" Sweetie was about to protest further but Spikes compliment and reassuring voice managed to convince her otherwise. "Ok... I'm in" she said sighing in defeat. "Great, I knew I could count on you!" he beamed at her warmly causing Sweeties whole body to go limp and a dreamy smile to spread across her face. "Um, Sweetie are you ok? Hello? Anypony in there?" Spike asked waving a claw in front of her face. Sweetie whom had been staring at Spike in a very odd way, bolted upright, her face once again glowing red. "Oh, sorry! Yes, I'm fine" she squeaked quickly trying to regain her composure. "Ok good! Meet me at the entrance to the everfree forest tomorrow morning around 6am, that should give us enough time to leave before anypony misses us" Spike said pushing away his empty milkshake glass. "Cant we at least leave a note explaining where we have gone?" Sweetie Belle asked looking a little nervous. "Well only a vague note, it can't say exactly where we have gone or exactly why we have gone, deal?" Spike held out a clawed hand for sweetie to shake "Ok, deal!" Sweetie replied holding out a hoof which Spike took in his claws and shook firmly. "Great!" Spike said cheerfully, "Well, I'm going to head back to the library now. Don't worry about paying I'll cover it" Spike walked over to the counter and handed two bits to Pinkie. As he did this Pinkie grinned to herself and gave a small giggle. "Thanks Spike!" Sweetie called "I'll see you tomorrow!" "Bye!" he called back as he exited the café. "Oh Spike, you say you weren't dating Sweetie but I'm onto you!" Pinkie giggled to herself as Sweetie Belle got up to leave. "Why else would you two be whispering to each other and sitting so close?" As Spike began his journey back to the library he noticed the mayor speaking with somepony hidden from view behind a building. Curiously he ran over and poked his head around the wall to get a better look, ensuring he was hidden from view. "So are we still on for dinner tonight Thunderlain?" Asked the mayoress of the town. "I wouldn't miss it for the world pumpkin!" he said playfully as the two leaned in and touched noses affectionately. Spike looked shocked, but then left and continued on his way. "Well well well mayor, I didn't think you were into that kind of stallion" He said to himself, chuckling all the while. Author's Note Ok that's the first chapter of this new story complete. please comment on what you thought of it so far, this is my first fanfiction and I would appreciate some feedback (please no hate though). I will probably bring out the next chapter next weekend as I have real life stuff to do but I will try to get it out as soon as possible. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed it so far. Epilogue Epilogue A few days later "Ok now, Just a few more ribbons!" Rarity said to herself as she fussed about a small dress she had been working on. "This needs to be perfect, absolutely perfect". As Rarity was about to secure the last ribbon in place, the door that had been shut the whole time swung open as somepony walked in. Interrupted by this unexpected visitor Rarity was not in the least bit happy, yet decided to greet them anyway. "Welcome to Carousel Boutique, is there anything I can do for... Well this is a surprise! Mayor Mare! To what do I owe the pleasure?" Rarity left her work station to greet the Mayor. "Oh, hello Rarity! Umm... I was just looking to return this dress you made me a few days ago. It is truly a lovely dress but... I don't think I will be needing it..." the Mayor sighed. "Oh? why is that?" Rarity was a little concerned by the Mayors behaviour. "Did something happen between you and Thunderlane?" "Umm yes... we broke up, I don't know... I guess he just wasn't that interested in politics. Maybe I'm getting too old for this" "Nonsense, why your little over thirty! You just need to go after stallions a little closer to your age" "I suppose... thank you Rarity. So who is this for?" the Mayor said, pointing a hoof at the dress Rarity had been working on. "Oh! Why, this is for my little sister Sweetie Belle. She is going to need to look her best for her date with Spike next week" Rarity smiled brightly. "Oh, that's wonderful! I was not aware they were an item. Well I wish them the best of luck! Anyway, I'll let you get back to work now. Good luck and thanks again." "Oh that's quite alright dear, good bye!" Rarity waved as the Mayor left the room. Smiling she turned back to the small dress. "Ok Rarity focus, this has to be absolutely perfect." Author's Note Sorry just a short teaser of what is to come, and I fixed that mayor joke to. Yep I'm going to write another spikebelle story. Add that to the list. . Also I just used normal human ageing to give the mayor an age, can't be bothered with all this head canon stuff. To complicated.
Chapter 2 - Into the EverfreeEarly next morning 'Todays the day' Spike thought as he quietly got out of bed, ensuring not to wake his adopted sister/mother. Spike had been thinking about how he and Sweetie Belle were going to pull this off all night. He crept over to the entrance of the room, "I'll be back soon... Please don't freak out to much" he whispered with the faintest of smiles. Taking one last look at Twilight he turned and placed a very brief note on the doorframe before proceeding down the stairs. Once on the first floor of the library he approached one bookshelf in particular. Pushing aside a row of books he smiled to himself. 'I still cant believe Twilight hasn't figured this out yet' chuckling he slid open the secret panel to reveal all the supplies he needed for the trip along with the book on gems and a map of the everfree forest. He grabbed his supplies and headed out the door. 'Ok now I'm ready' he thought as he exited the library 'I just hope the same goes for Sweetie Belle'. "Ok come on Sweetie Belle you got this" Sweetie spoke quietly and with little confidence, looking into a mirror "for Spike". Reaching under her bed she pulled out a small saddlebag containing a few sandwiches and cartons of applejuce she had prepared yesterday. Turning to the door, she gulped "... Well this is it" Opening the door just a crack she looked down the corridor, she couldn't see Rarity but the noises coming from her room told Sweetie that she was still sleeping. Opening the door fully she quickly trotted past Raritys room and down the stairs. Once outside she sighed in relief, "Ok that's the first step out of the way, I just need to meet up with Spike" the mere thought sent a shiver of excitement through her body. 'maybe this isn't so bad after all, I mean I do get to spend the whole day with Spike' she thought as she brightly she skipped forward a few steps but then stopped. 'yeah a whole day with Spike, in the everfree forest looking for a gift for Rarity'. She sighed again, 'It could be worse'. "Sweetie Belle, are you here?" Spike called as he approached the spot they had agreed to meet. "Yes, I'm here" Sweetie called back stepping out from behind a bush. At once Spike noticed a look of worry on the filly's face. "Are you ok?" Spike asked with a concerned voice, "because if you really aren't comfterble with this I'll just go on alone" "No!" Sweetie said hurriedly "I want to come with you" "Great!" Spike smiled as he reached into the strange bag on his back. "Umm Spike? What's that thing on your back?" Sweetie questioned "Huh? Oh this! Well I'm not a pony so I cannot use a saddlebag" Spike explained, "So Rarity designed this for me, its called a back pack! Pretty cool huh?" "Yeah" She said smiling at him warmly. 'I love it when Spike is proud of something, it's so cute!' "Anyway" Spike stated breaking Sweeties train of thought, "We are at the entrance to the forest here" he pointed to a spot on the map of the Everfree forest he had just layed out on the ground. "The gem is located here" Spike pointed to another part of the map. "But that's over a days walk!" Sweetie exclaimed, growing more concerned by the minute. "I know, but trust me it will be worth it" Spike said confidently "I don't know..." Sweetie began, but then looked up at Spike. The look on his face told her just how much he wanted this, and while she was hurt to see him so dedicated to somepony other than her, she just couldn't refuse. "Ok fine, Lets go!" About an hour later Spike and Sweetie Belle were still picking their way through the dence undergrowth, chatting to each other all the while. "So Twilight got all worked up about some disaster for nothing!" Spike laughed Sweetie giggled uncontrollably "Didn't Twilight tell us about how you got sick on ice cream for like a week after?" "Yeah, but come on! It's ice cream! You cant just pass up an opportunity to eat as much ice cream as you want now can you?" "I suppose not..." Sweetie smiled with a look of understanding on her face. 'This is turning out to be a great day, I dont know what Rarity was talking about when she said this place is dangerous ...' Sweetie gulped. 'Now seems to be a better time than any to ask him.' "So Spike, Umm... What is it about my sister that you like so much?" "Well..." Spike thought for a moment, "Isn't it obvious? She's the most beautiful mare in all of Equestria!" "Ok, but isn't there anything else?" she asked Spike thought back to all the time he had spent trying to win Rarity over. "Umm ... well, of course she is a great friend and she's just so generous! You should have seen that one time she gave me this really cool bow tie!" Spike smiled dreamily but deep down he was concerned, 'there must be more reasons than that', yet as hard as he tried he couldn't think of any. "Right..." Sweetie said quietly ... "What about you?" Spike asked "What do you mean?" "Do you like anypony? You must have a crush of some kind" "I-I'd rather not talk about it..." She said blushing slightly "Well, I bet who ever he or she is they would love to go out with you if you just asked" "Thanks Spike but I don't think he would" "Nonsense! Who wouldn't want to go out with you? I mean your sweet, kind, pretty and clever, anypony would be beyond lucky to have you as there special somepony! ... Or what ever you would call it at our age." Sweetie was taken aback by this compliment and her face was burning a bright red. "You... You really think that?" she asked with a look of disbelief. "Of course, why wouldn't I?" Spike said smiling at her. "I-I don't know what to say... THANK YOU SO MUCH!" Sweetie wrapped her hooves around him in a tight hug. "Don't mention it, I mean what are friends for?" He said a little confused as to why Sweetie Belle was so happy. "Anyway! wanna hear about the time me, Twilight, Pinkie and Flutters nearly got eaten by a giant Hydra?" "Sure!" Sweetie said cheerfully "Ok well... It all started when Twilight was practicing this new spell ..." As the day moved swiftly on and the pair travelled deeper and deeper into the forest, their chatting dying down untill they were traveling in near silence. "Its so dark!" Sweetie complained "Who knows what could be lurking this deep in the forest?" "Don't worry Sweetie, theres nothing out hear I cant handle" Spike said rather cockilly Almost on cue a roar sounded from somewhere quite far off "AAAGGGGHHHH!!!! WHAT WAS THAT?" Spike yelled as he dug his face into the ground. Moments later he peaked up from his hiding spot to see Sweetie Belle laughing. "Yeah, you can handle anything around here" she playfully gloated "Stop that Sweetie this is serious!" he scolded Sweetie just rolled her eyes as Spike got up from the floor and dusted himself off. "Anyway, shall we continue?" he asked a little sheepishly. The two continued on, walking a little more closely together now. The sun was beginning to set now and the forest was growing darker by the minute. Suddenly a shadow sweeped over them, causing Sweetie Belle to scream and jump into Spikes unsuspecting arms. Surprised he toppled over and the pair landed in a heap on the forest floor. "What's wrong Sweetie?" Spike asked looking up at the terrified and also extremely embarrassed looking filly on top of him. "Oh I'm so sorry Spike!" she squeaked jumping off of the dragon with slight hesitation. "Its just I-umm... Did you see that shadow?" "Yeah, it didn't look that big!" he said unsure as to where this was heading. "I know what it was" she said with a scared look in here eyes. "Oh what?" he asked "It was a cockatrice, you know chicken head, snake tail, dragon wings" she said quickly "Really? That sounds stupid" he interjected "I thought that too but remember that day Twilight went to the everfree forest and didn't come back until really late?" "Yeah actually she never really told my why she was so late" "Well its because she encountered a cockatrice!" Sweetie urgently explained. "Really? what did it do?" Spike asked "The same thing the elements of harmony did to Discord, IT TURNED HER TO STONE!" "WHAT! but how? She was fine when she got back home" Spike inquired "A cockatrice can reverse its magic and Fluttershy was able to make it turn her back" "Well then what do we do?" "WE RUN" Sweetie yelled. "And what ever you do don't look into it's eyes!" The pair ran as fast as their legs could carry them, once they reached a large bolder they stopped to rest. "D-Do you t-think we lost it?" Spike asked out of breath. Suddenly a rustling of leaves sounded from above and a moment later the cockatrice landed with a squawk right in front of them. The two barely had enough time to sheiled their eyes. Looking towards Sweetie, Spike could see a look of determination on her face. "Just hold on Sweetie Belle!" he said desperately. The cockatrice was advancing now , trying to get a glimpse of their eyes. All of a sudden a chilling howl echoed from somewhere in the dence forest. At once the cockatrice stopped its offence an fled into the night, a panicked squawk escaping its toothy beak as it flew. The two friends stood, stunned as they watched it go. "What was that?" Sweetie asked "I-I think we should get out of here now" Spike said urgently "Ok!" the shaken filly responded still shivering in fear, "but can we please find a place to sleep?" Sweetie Belle yawned "I'm getting really sleepy" "Say no more!" Spike said as he lead Sweetie Belle into the trees a few minutes later they found a good spot, a hollow under a log just large enough for the two of them to squeeze inside. Spike noticed Sweetie was hanging back from him a bit, he did not however notice how red her face had become from being so close to him. "Hey Sweetie Belle are you alright?" "Huh? Oh! I'm fine really" she replied "Are you sure? You know, if there is anything wrong you can tell me" "Well it's just that ... I guess I'm just scared, I mean I've never spent the night anywhere without Rarity beside my room, let alone in the Everfree forest" "Hey now, its ok! I mean you got me" he said with a reassuring smile. "Yeah... I guess your right" Sweetie smiled slightly 'If only I really had you' Sweetie Belle inched closer and closer to Spike until their sides touched. Her already intensely red face lit up even more and even Spikes cheeks reddened a little. There they sat, gazing up at the night sky through a hole in the canopy, at the constellations and at Luna's moon. Slowly Spike put his arm around Sweetie Belle and pulled her a little closer. Sweetie tensed up a little but went with it. 'Oh my! I can't believe it! Spike is so close to me...' Sweetie thought. She felt exited and nervous at the same time, 'what did Pinkie call that? Oh yeah! nervouscited!' but above all else Sweetie Belle felt happy. Happier than she had felt in a long time, and that's saying something. 'She feels a little tense...' Spike thought 'Is she nervous about something? Hmmmm ... no probably not' he glanced over at her, 'gosh I never noticed how beautiful she was... so sweet and kind too' Spike smiled softly 'You can tell she's Rarity's sister.' All at once Spike felt something in his heart, something that told him she was more than just Rarity's sister, but before he could ponder any further he heard a quiet snore followed by another. He looked at Sweetie Belle again only to see that she had fallen asleep, one of his arms still holding her close. Something tugged at Spikes heart as he watched the cute little filly dreaming peacefully. "Sweet dreams, Sweetie Belle" he whispered before he to settled down to rest.
Chapter 3 - Just gone out for the day Chapter 3 - Just gone out for the day It was a beautiful morning in ponyville and the sun was rising slowly into the warm, brightening sky. Birds sung happily and ponies all over town were just waking up. everything was peaceful and quiet, until... "SPIKE! WHERE ARE YOU?" A worried purple unicorn ran around her room, desperately searching for her number one assistant. "Oh where could he be? If only Owlowiscious were here and not over with Fluttershy for the weekend, he would know where Spike has run off to!" Twilight sighed and continued her search. "under the bed? No. In the bookshelf? No. Behind the curtains? No. where could he be?. Hmmmm ... AH! He must be downstairs!" Twilight galloped over to the door but upon reaching it she noticed something stuck to the frame. "What's that?" she wondered, removing the small piece of paper and reading it. 'Dear Twilight, I had to go collect something important, probably wont be back until later. Please don't worry I'm fine. From Spike' Twilight folded the note up and put it to one side. "He's growing up so fast" she whispered with a faint smile. "I wish he would have told me this sooner though, I wonder what he's getting..." she thought for a moment before rolling her eyes, her smile growing slightly larger. "He isn't all grown up yet" "Sweetie Belle! Are you awake?" Rarity called opening the door to Sweeties room. When she recieved no reply she entered to see if Sweetie was still asleep, however she was no where to be seen. "Sweetie Belle, are you here?" Rarity called in confusion and concern. "You know it isnt funny playing pranks on your older sister, or anypony for that matter!" When she didnt get a response Rarity became a little annoyed. "Ok Sweetie, come out now! You're breakfast is ready!" Rarity began to search around the room, but she still couldn't find Sweetie Belle. Stopping for a moment, Rarity glanced around the room. Her eyes stopping when she caught sight of a peice of paper stuck to the door. curiously she trotted over and removed it with here magic. 'To Rarity, Gone out early today sis, I'll be back later. From Sweetie Belle' The letter was crudely written but Rarity could easily read her sisters hoofwriting. "Sweetie Belle went out this early without telling me? Whatever for?" Rarity stomped her hoof in frusteration "But she didnt eat her breakfast! Oh well, I'll just have to go over the house rules with her later." Rarity said to herself leaving the room. Two hours later "Ok, I just need a bit more silk and this new dress will be complete!" Rarity chimed reaching for the silk with her magic, however the glowing aura grasped nothing but thin air. "Huh, thats funny..." Rarity said looking at where the silk should be. "I guess I'm out of silk. Oh well! I shall just have to get more, I need a break from dressmaking anyway" With that Rarity turned and trotted up the stairs to retrive her saddlebags and money from her room, then she proceeded to leave for Town. A few minutes later she was in town center and well on her way to her fabric supplier. 'Right... So I need silk, red and blue ribbons, and maybe some ...' "Rarity! Over here!" Her thoughts interrupted by the call, Rarity turned her head to see a familiar purple unicorn trotting over with a smile on her face. "Twilight dear, what a pleasant surprise!" Rarity beamed as Twilight reached her. "What are you doing here?" "Oh, I was just buying some new scrolls" Twilight responded gesturing to her full saddlebags, "Spike usually buys the scrolls but he's out at the moment." "Oh? Out where?" Rarity asked "I don't really know, he left before I woke up this morning and left a note" "Really? That's funny, Sweetie Belle left before I woke up this morning and also left a note" Rarity said with a confused look on her face. "Now that's a coincidence" Twilight laughed "Indeed it is..." Rarity said thoughtfully. 'So Spike left early this morningo to did he? Hmm... That's very strange, I wonder why ... Hold on a minute!' A smile began to form on Rarity's face as she began to piece together what was going on. "Well anyway, I gotta get back to the library now. See you later Rarity!" Twilight waved as she began to trot away in the direction of the library. "Have a lovely day darling!" Rarity called waving back. 'Maybe Spike will get over me after all' Rarity smiled as she continued on to her destination. Unbeknownst to both Rarity and Twilight their conversation had not gone unnoticed. "I KNEW IT!" an exited voice yelled from behind a dustbin, startling a passing stallion. "Oops! Sorry" The mare appologied as the stallion grumbled and carried on walking. "You can deny it all you want Spike, but Pinkie is onto you!" Pinkie giggled happily "Young love is so adorable". Six hours later "Ah, and that's the last dress finnished!" Rarity exclaimed whiping the sweat from her brow. "That was a big order! But its all finished now" She sighed at another days work completed. "Just need to change the sign to closed and then I can relax". She walked over to the door and was about to turn the sign when the door slammed open and a panicked Twilight burst in. "Twilight! What a ..." But Rarity was halted when Twilight grabbed her face. "RARITY! HAVE YOU SEEN SPIKE? HE HASNT COME BACK YET AND ITS STARTING TO GET LATE!" Twilight yelled desperately. "Calm down Twilight! I'm sure Spike is fine and returning home as we speak" Rarity assured her. "BUT WHAT IF HE ISNT? WHAT IF HE IS IN TROUBLE OR HURT? HES LIKE MY LITTLE BROTHER I DONT WANT TO LOSE HIM!" "Twilight, calm down. Spike is fine I'm sure!" Rarity affirmed "I ... B-BUT WHAT IF ... Your probably right, I'm just worried about him..." "Its ok Twilight. Come I'll help search with you! Sweetie Belle hasn't come home yet either" "Really? Oh that's terrible! I hope they are alright" "I'm sure they're fine, Spike is very mature for his age and if he and Sweetie Belle are together I'm sure he will keep her out of trouble". "Why would Sweetie Belle be with Spike?" Twilight questioned "Oh, I have my theories" Rarity replied with a smile "Wait you don't think that they might ... like each other do you? I mean LIKE like each other" "Well, they do spend a lot of time together while Spike helps me at the botique... and now that I think about it, Sweetie Belle has been acting rather strangely around him lately" Rarity explained. "Awwww! that's so sweet!" Twilight cooed "And he will have finally gotten over you too! Not to sound rude, but it does get kind of annoying sometimes" "I know, and I wouldn't feel so guilty all the time either..." Rarity smiled "Anyway! shall we get going?" A few hours of searching passed and the pair still couldnt find Spike or Sweetie Belle anywhere. "Rarity what are we going to do? its nearly eleven o'clock and there's still no sign of them!" Twilight said in a worried voice. "I don't know..." Rarity was starting to panic too now, but didn't show it. "We must report this to the police" "Ponyville doesn't have a police station! have you ever seen a police mare or stallion in ponyville?" "You make a good point..." Rarity sighed ... "Don't worry girls, for your prayers have just been answered!" "Pinkie Pie?" The two exclaimed in unison "Haha! No silly's, I'm a spy!" Pinkie jumped out of the shadows to reveal that she was dressed head to hoof in black with a pair of yellow goggles over her eyes. "Riiiight" Twilight rolled her eyes "Pinkie what are you doing here?" "Well isn't it obvious? I am going to find Spike and Sweetie Belle and nothing is going to stop me!" "Pinkie darling, are you sure you can find them?" Rarity asked "Of course! you two can head home, I'll find them, trust me!" Pinkie lifted up her goggles and smiled at them. "Well, I suppose you are good at this sort of thing... Ok then, thank you Pinkie!" Twilight said. "Don't mention it, I'll have them back to you as soon as possible!" Pinkie waved as the two began to head home. "Don't stay up to late darling!" Rarity called back to her. 'Ok Pinkie, you can find those two love birds and bring them home! You're a secret agent after all!' Pinkie smiled and turned to face a long street. 'Ok, where to start ... Oh, This is going to be harder than I thought!'. Author's Note A little shorter than the other chapters, sorry I've been a little busy lately, I'm not shore if I will be able to get the next chapter out next Sunday but I'll try. I hope you are enjoying it so far . Also I noticed I'm getting a fair number of dislikes so I was just wondering what it is I am doing wrong (unless you just don't like spikebelle, if that's the case don't read this fic). But I really do appreciate all the likes, views and positive comments I have been receiving, this is my first fanfiction and I just want to thank everyone who is reading and enjoying it. YAY!
Chapter 4 - Confrontations and Realisations Chapter 4 - Confrontations and Realisations The next morning Sweetie Belle yawned softly and half-opened her eyes. As she glanced out of the hollow, she noticed where she was and remembered the day before. 'OH NO! Rarity is going to be so mad at me for staying away from home all night! We need to get this gem and get home quickly'. Sweetie Belle quickly glanced to the side. Upon seeing Spike so close to her, still fast asleep with his arm around her Sweetie Belle began blushing ferociously and settled down a bit. 'Maybe a lay in could do me good' Sweetie Belle smiled, snuggling up a little closer to Spike and closing her eyes again. "AAUGGH" Spike yawned, causing Sweetie to open her eyes again. "Ah! Good morning Sweetie Belle! Have a nice sleep?" "Yeah..." Sweetie replied, a little down cast. "Hmmm? Is everything alright?" asked Spike looking a little worried "Oh yes! Everything is fine, I'm just a little tired..." "Ok then..." he said, crawling out of the hollow and standing up. "Shall we get going?" "Sure, lets go!" Half an hour later Sweetie Belle and Spike were still trudging through the woods happily chatting to each other. "So, you saved Rarity from diomand dogs?" Sweetie asked excitedly. "Yeah! well, to be honest all our friends were there, and she didn't exactly need saving..." "Oh? Well, she can get pretty feisty some times it's almost scary..." Sweetie said shuddering a little. Spike chuckled "Yeah, your right about that" Sweetie Belle smiled warmly at him and giggled. Spike smiled back, but deep inside his mind was working like clockwork. 'Come on Spike think! You have plenty of reasons for your crush on Rarity, lets see... She is generous, beautiful, a good friend... AGH! THERE MUST BE MORE TO IT!' "Spike?" Sweetie looked confused "Are you ok?" "Huh? Oh! of course!" Spike said with an obvious fake smile. "Okay, but if there is something wrong you can tell me" Sweetie said with a caring look in her eyes. "Thanks Sweetie" Spike said gratefully, he could swear he saw something in Sweeties eyes, yet he couldn't think of what it was. All he knew was that it pulled at his heart in a way that seemed familiar yet very different. As the pair continued on, neither noticed the faint scent of rotting wood or a pair of glowing green eyes peering through the dense brush behind them. Further up the path Sweetie Belle and Spike were still strolling ever closer to their destination, their chatter still holding strong as they continued. "How much further is it Spike?" Sweetie asked "Not far now" Spike repled looking dead ahead "Good! so what exactly does it look like again?" "Well its actually all sorts of colours, mostly black though... hey, do you smell that?" Sweetie took a deep inhail and immediatley spluttered at the scent, "Eww! it smells all rotten! what is it?". "I-I think I know, we need to move NOW!" "Why? What is it?" Sweetie questioned, her concern growing by the second. "I think its a..." Almost out of nowhere the rustling from a nearby bush turned into a burst of branches and leaves as a timberwolf sprung out from behind it. "TIMBERWOLF!" Spike yelled as the beast landed with a thud directly infrount of them, two more following close behind. "What are we going to do!?" Asked Sweetie Belle, her voice shaking as the timberwolves advanced on the pair. "You run, I'll distract them!" Spike said. "No! They'll eat you Spike!" Sweetie yelled with a horrified expression on her face. "It'll be ok, just go!" "NO! I wont leave you!" with that Sweetie jumped in front of Spike, facing the lead timberwolf head on. "LISTEN YOU BIG MEANIES! AS LONG AS IM ALIVE, YOU WILL NOT HURT HIM!" Sweetie Belle shouted with all the ferocity she could muster which admittedly wasn't much, yet coming from such a young filly it was enough to stop the wolves in their tracks. Spike was so surprised he just stood there, mouth hanging open in disbelief. "Please! We're just here to get a gem and then we'll leave, I promise!" She said in a gentler tone. For the longest time, the timberwolves just stood there staring at the filly. They almost looked curious, but then... "A gem? that's it? you come to our territory seeking a gem?" Sweetie Belle and Spike were so surprised the both jumped back, toppling over. "Who said that?" Spike asked in shock. "Me you foolish young drake!" The echoing voice sounded like it was coming from all around them, yet as the pair looked over at the timberwolves the alpha gave a little gesture resembling a wave. "Now tell me, why do you travel out here in search of a gem?" "Ummm ok, Well basically there's this beautiful mare named Rarity, I really like her yet she never sees me as anything more than a friend. So me and Sweetie Belle here are going to get this gem as a gift for her so she will want to be with me" Spike explained, not noticing Sweeties ears flatten and head droop a little. The alpha wolf looked at the pair of friends for a few minutes before speaking, " Young drake, are you sure you have your sight on the one you truly desire?" "What do you mean?" Spike asked in confusion. "Look into your heart young drake and question your intent, if indeed you truly desire this mare then you may need more than a gem to win her heart. However, if you find your heart is set on the wrong pony you may not need a gem at all, for that special somepony may be closer than you think." "I-I don't understand..." Spike said, more confused now than he had been before. "You shall find out soon enough young drake. You may pass and retrieve your gift, but ensure your feelings are true for this mare" "Thank you" Sweetie gratefully beamed at the timberwolves as they stepped aside for the pair to pass. As the two moved on past the timberwolves Spike looked over at Sweetie Belle, "Thanks for what you did back there" he said "I mean, that was the bravest thing I've ever seen!" Sweetie blushed intensely " Thank you, but I'm sure you've done many more brave things than that, I mean you've saved equestria so many times and you were going to distract them" "Yeah, but I have never seen anyone stroll right up to a timberwolf and yell right in its face, and... you did that for me?" "I... well, yes you are my f-friend right?" Sweetie said blushing even more. "Of course, but what you did back there is like something Twilight would do, and she hatched me! I cant imagine anypony else standing up for me in the face of certain doom like that. Even when my friends have done things similar to that, we all ended up either running away or beating whatever it what attacking us. All I can say is... Thank you so much!" Spike leaned in and gave her a hug. Sweetie Belle didn't know how much redder her face could possibly get, her stomach was filled with butterflies and when Spike hugged her She felt so warm and dizzy, she almost stumbled to the ground. "I-I ... I-Its ok Spike, really ... umm could you just give me a minute" With that Sweetie flopped to the ground, overwhelmed with emotions and good feelings. Spike watched this with a raised eyebrow. 'That's funny... come to think of it, she has been acting strange lately with all this blushing an nervousness... towards me?' "I'm ok now!" Sweetie called, getting up of the ground "lets continue" "Sure" Spike said still deep in thought. 'Why has Sweetie Belle been acting so strange lately?' Spike thought 'Ok Spike! enough of that, think about Rarity'. Spike began pulling together a mental image of carousel boutique. He was helping Rarity once again and was fetching some materials for her. He had thought of this scene a lot, yet something seemed different this time. in his previous thoughts she was always commending him oh how helpful, smart, and hansom he was but now, though she was clearly grateful for his support, she was dismissive and clearly not to interested in him. Out of the corner of his eye, Spike saw a young white filly happily smiling at him. 'Agh there she is again! Why do I keep thinking about Sweetie Belle? Ever since last night, that dream started with me helping Rarity but then I was with Sweetie Belle and we were having fun together and we were so happy. What does this mean?' Spike began to think of how he and Sweetie Belle started hanging out together in the boutique and how he and Sweetie Belle had so much fun together and could tell each other jokes and laugh together, but with Rarity he was always the work assistant. They didn't really joke or have fun. 'Was I really helping Rarity out so much just because of her beauty?' He continued to think of the time he spent with Rarity and comparing it to the time he had spent with Sweetie Belle. 'But... But it cant be, I have a crush on Rarity... don't I? Before he could ponder any longer Sweetie Belle shook his shoulder, snapping him out of his trance. "Spike, look up ahead!" she said with excitement. Spike could see she was pointing to a clearing up ahead. Looking at the map confirmed that the gem was there. Together Spike and Sweetie Belle rushed to the clearing and upon reaching it they noticed a large mound crowned by three large pointed boulders. "Well, what are we waiting for?" Sweetie said, beaming at Spike For some reason he couldn't quite explain, that look made Spike blush slightly. "Ok then, lets go!" The two hurried up the side of the mound, stopping at the top they saw markings adorn the three boulders. "What do these patterns mean?" Sweetie asked "Well, when I read the book it said the only way to get the gem was to use dragon fire on the stones" Spike explained "Oh, ok then" Sweetie Belle stepped back as Spike opened his mouth and blew a small green flame so that it touched one of the huge jagged rocks. At once the spiral pattern covering it lit up the same colour as Spikes flame. "Woa" Sweetie and Spike both exclaimed in unison as the light spread from bolder to bolder until all three were covered in green glowing patterns. A beam of light emitted from the very tip of each bolder shining down on a spot of earth directly in the centre on the mound. To the pairs astonishment an object began to rise from the soil, it rose until it was about a pony's body height of the ground, then it just sat there suspended in mid air. Spike reached out and grasped the object in his claws. It was just a rock. Confused, Spike opened his pack and pulled out the book, opening it to the page describing the gem. "This doesn't look right..." He said. Spike tapped the rock with his claw and was surprised when a glowing crack appeared and spread over the rock until it broke apart to reveal the black opal. It glistened in the sunlight like a thousand galaxies. "Wooaaah!" Sweetie exclaimed "That's just beautiful" Spike was lost in the gem and in his thoughts. 'Well this is it... this is what is going to get me Rarity...' The timberwolves words echoed in the back of his mind 'are you sure you have your sight on the one you truly desire?' Spikes mind was a sea of confusion, he thought of Rarity yet the more he thought of her, the more he realised that she was not interested in him, and the more he realised he was becoming less and less interested in her. 'But if I don't love Rarity and she doesn't love me, then who do I love? And... who loves me?' Spike looked up from the gem to see Sweeties face. He could see a sadness in her eyes looking at the gem. As he looked from her and back to the gem he began to think once again of the time he had spent with her. All the laughter and fun they had, how she had agreed to come with him on this journey and how she had saved him from those timberwolves. 'AS LONG AS IM ALIVE, YOU WILL NOT HURT HIM!' No pony had shown so much bravery to help him before besides Twilight. 'If you find your heart is set on the wrong pony, you may not need a gem at all. For that special somepony may be closer than you think'. 'You know' thought Spike 'I think I just got what that timberwolf meant, and I think he was right... So I know who I love, but will she love me back?' 'So we found the gem, now Spike can go back and be with Rarity and they will be happy'. A tear ran down Sweeties cheek as she thought of Spike and Rarity together, 'Its not fair! Why wont Spike notice me? I love him, I'm sure of that now! this isn't just some school filly crush, even if I am a school filly! I just wish that...' "Sweetie Belle? What's wrong?" Sweetie was shaken from her thoughts and looked up to see a concerned dragon staring back at her. "Huh? Oh nothing... I'm fine, Really" She said, wiping the tears from her eyes and trying her best to smile. "Your crying, what's wrong? you can tell me!" Spike said in a comforting tone, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You wouldn't understand..." "Of course I would, what could have possibly be wrong? I..." Spike thought for a moment, 'could it be something to do with us finding the gem? But that's good isn't it? she was helping me find the gem for Rarity so I could be with her... unless... WAIT! could she...?' Spike thought of Sweeties behaviour lately, when they started hanging out she was just having fun, but as time went on Spike recalled Sweetie becoming more awkward in conversation, and all the blushing too. 'Could she... like me back? But if that's the case, for how long? Has she been hiding it all this time? Oh man and there's me, blindly obsessing over my crush on Rarity' all at once Spike felt a surge of guilt pass through him. "Umm... Spike?" Sweetie questioned nudging him with her hoof, her eyes still red with tears. "Are you..." But the filly was stopped by Spike clinging to her in a tight hug. Sweetie was stunned for a moment not knowing what to do, but then hugged him back. after a few moments they broke apart. Upon looking at Sweetie Belles teary-eyed face, Spike knew what he had to do. "Sweetie Belle" Sweetie looked at him and he took a breath before continuing. "I-I just realised something I should have seen a long time ago" Sweeties ears twitched at this and she looked at him with a confused, almost hopeful expression. "But first I need to know something... Do you like me?" Sweeties eyes lit up in disbelief of what she had just heard "I-I w-what do y-you mean?" "Do you, you know... Like me like me?" "I-I umm w-well I..." words were getting harder and harder for Sweetie Belle to say. "I ask because, well yesterday you asked me what I liked about Rarity, I tried and tried but I just couldn't think of anything other than her looks and basic friend qualities... I-I don't love Rarity, it took me a while but I have realised that I just don't, that was nothing more than a... a foolish crush..." Spike sighed "But the more that I think about it, you have been kind to me, you've helped me when I needed it, you've laughed with me and not just that, you are also so kind and sweet to others, and the more I look at you, the more beautiful you become in my eyes, so... do you like me?" Sweetie stood there stunned at what she had just heard, a swarm of butterflies fluttering about her whole body, her face even redder than it had been the previous evening. and then... "Oh YES Spike, yes, yes, yes I do like you, no... I love you! I love you so much!" Sweetie tackled Spike to the ground in a hug so tight a raging mantacore couldn't break them apart. Spike was surprised at the suddenness of Sweeties advancement but soon he was hugging her back happily. The two looked into each others eyes, happiness radiating from both of their faces as they then leaned in to share their first kiss. A while later Sweetie Belle and Spike were laying on the side of the mound hoof in hand, gazing up at the sky in happy silence. "What do you think our friends will think of us?" Spike asked "Well, the crusaders are my best friends so I think they will be supportive. Actually, Apple Bloom already knew about my crush..." Sweetie smiled remembering her friends supportive words. "Ok, you don't think the others will mind do you?" "You know them better than I do" Sweetie said "Yeah... they'll probably be fine with it... Wait! Rarity and Twilight are going to be so worried about us!" "Oh, you're right! Well, I suppose we should get going then..." Sweetie said a little hesitantly. "Aww don't worry! we aren't leaving each other or anything" Spike said giving his new mare friend a comforting hug. Sweetie smiled "Yeah, you're right" she said returning the embrace. "But its going to take forever to get back home" "Not necessarily" an echoing voice replied from all around them. "Huh?" they both turned to see a now familliar figure standing a few feet behind them. "Oh, its you! were you spying on us?" Sweetie asked raising a suspicious eyebrow. "Spying? Why no! I was merely observing" the timberwolf's tail waged as he looked at the pair "I see you found your mate, at such a young age to" he tried to smile but soon gave up "curse these wooden jaws, anyway you two need to return home, correct?" "Um yes, but its going to take at least a day to reach home on foot or hoof" Spike replied "Not on wooden paw, climb on and I shall safely return you to your territory" "That's generous of you" Sweetie squeaked happily. She was about to mount the beast when Spike grabbed get hoof. "Wait Sweetie, I know he let us past but he is still a timberwolf... can we really trust him?" Sweetie Belle looked from Spike to the timberwolf and then back to Spike. "I trust him... you know? I think There's just a big misunderstanding between ponies and timberwolves. I mean, has anyone ever tried talking to them before I did?" "Well... you make a good point, most either run away or throw rocks at them... ok then, I mean... it isn't like I can say no to you" He smiled warmly at her and received a smile in return. The two mounted the timberwolf and set of for ponyville. "There's still one thing I don't get... why doesn't your breath smell anymore?" Spike asked, clinging to one of the many branches sprouting from the wolf's back. "The scent you speak of is a warning for ponies to stay away, we defend the Everfree for it is the last truly wild place in all equestria, if it is lost, us timberwolves will be gone forever" "Oh, well that explains why you attack ponies who enter the forest" Spike realised "Indeed, we used to be spread out across the whole of equestria but nowadays the everfree is our last sanctuary" Sweetie thought she saw a small drop of tree sap form in the creatures glowing eye and run down its face. "Aww its ok, we'll tell everypony how nice and kind you are" Sweetie comforted, gently rubbing one of the beasts many logs affectionately. he replied in the form of a tail wag, much like a dog. A few hours later they were nearing the edge of the forest, the sun was still up and as they got closer and closer to the forest edge, the light began to flood in, illuminating the leaf litter, giving it a golden appearance. "There's the edge of the forest" Sweetie yelled excitedly. Spike smiled at his marefriends excitement. Once they had reached the very edge of the forest, the timberwolf stopped and allowed the pair to hop off. He then turned to face them. "This is where I must leave you, I dare not leave the forest and I to have a family to return to, just remember that every creature no matter how threatening has a heart" "Thank you so much, Mr timberwolf! We will never forget you" Sweetie ran over to the timberwolf and he wrapped one of his wooden legs in a tight hug. "Yeah... I think we can call you a friend, wouldn't you say Sweetie?" Spike proposed "Of course! I hope we see you again some day" "The world is a strange place young one, who knows? Nether the less I to hope to one day see you two again, fare well my friends!" the timberwolf gave a final wag of his tail before turning to leave. "WAIT! Mr timberwolf, what's your name?" Sweetie called to the figure bounding into the distance. "Ardolf" The ecoing voice sounded much fainter now as the pair stood watching the last glimpse of a wooden tail disappear into the bush. As the two lovers ambled nervously into town they both had the same thing on their mind. 'What's going to happen to us?' They figured Rarity and Twilight would be in the library as they had already checked the boutique and discovered Rarity wasn't home. As the two neared the library door they held each other close for comfort, what ever punishment they received at least they had each other. "What do you think will happen Spike?" Sweetie asked quietly "I don't know... Nothing too bad, I hope" They glanced at each other one last time before opening the door to the library, revealing Twilight, Rarity and Fluttershy. "Spike!" Twilight cried in delight. "Sweetie Belle!" Rarity cried in relief and anger. "Where have you two been? you had us worried sick!" "Umm s-sorry... y-you see..." Sweetie began but was interrupted by Spike. "It was all my fault. I've kinda had a crush on you for a while and.." "Wait, all this was about your crush on me?!" Rarity began but then realised her mistake and put a hoof to her mouth. "You knew about it? Since when? Why didn't you tell me?" Spike asked in an annoyed voice. "I... Oh what's the use, yes Spike I knew about your crush. I just couldn't bring myself to tell you that... well, oh Spike I'm sorry but I like you as a friend, not in that way" she then stood there, dreading his response 'Oh Rarity you've probably gone and broken the poor boys heart, I just hope that...' "Oh its ok, I kinda figured that already" Spike smiled "Besides I've found somepony who loves me just as much as I love them" Spike pulled Sweetie Belle close to his side and the two looked up at the surprised adults, wondering what they would say next. Rarity stood speechless for a moment, but then a smile crept onto her face "Sweetie Belle?" she questioned, looking at her little sister. "I-I umm, y-yes I do love Spike" She smiled sheepishly. "Spike?" Twilight stared at them in disbelief "You love somepony who isn't Rarity?" "Well yes, I mean that was just a crush after all" he smiled at her. Twilight just stared at him for a minute, but then broke into a smile "Oh Spike, your growing up so fast" and with that Twilight and Rarity both wrapped the two young lovers in a warm hug. "Awww" Fluttershy said as she watched the affection before her. "Now then you two, were have you been these last few days?" Rarity asked in a firm tone. "Ummm... well that's a funny story" Spike began. After the pair had finished their story they sat, awaiting their punishment. The three adults who had been listening to the story intently looked at each other, obviously concerned at what the two had done. "Did the timberwolf really speak to you?" Fluttershy asked excitedly receiving glares from Twilight and Rarity, she shrugged innocently. "Yeah, he was so nice and helped us get beck hear so soon" Sweetie Belle replied. "Oh, that's wonderful! I never thought of speaking to timberwolves, I'll have to try it sometime" Fluttershy smiled. "Anyway" Rarity quickly interjected "You two do realise you went without permission or supervision into the everfree forest? Not to mention you stayed away from home overnight!" "We're really sorry Rarity" Sweetie looked up at her sister with the cutest expression she could muster. "I know. Never the less you still did it, now me and Twilight have decided that both of you are grounded for a week" Sweetie Belle and Spike looked at each other sadly "We wont be able to see each other for a whole week?" Sweetie said in disbelief. "You didn't let me finish. You will be allowed to see each other in the evenings, you just cannot go out and play in the day time" Rarity said flatly, but the broke into a smile "I'm not cruel enough to get in the way of my little sisters first relationship" Sweetie Belle beamed at her sister "Your the best sister ever!" she exclaimed happily hugging Rarity's leg. "Think nothing of it Sweetums! It's still light out, you and Spike could spend the rest of the evening together" "REALLY? you mean it?" Sweetie said excitedly. "Why not? just be back before nine, ok?" Rarity said happily. "Thanks Rarity! Did you hear that Spike?" "I sure did, lets go! Oh and thanks Twilight" "Its fine Spike really, Just be yourself ok?" Twilight said with a smile. "I will! See you later" With that the two lovers turned and walked out the door, holding each other tightly. Suddenly a black figure fell out of the leaves in front of the pair. The figure jumped up and proceeded to pull of her goggles revealing the pink face beneath. "A-ha! I found you! Twilight and Rarity are going to be so pleased. Oh, Hi Twilight and Rarity! I found them" Pinkie beamed at the ponies and dragon before her. "Oh, and what's this? Well, it looks Like good old Spiky and Sweetums decided to get together after all!" Pinkie beamed at them again "I knew it!" "Yes Pinkie, that's very nice and we appreciate you looking for these two, be we already found them... Well, they came to us. they are just heading out to spend some time together" Rarity explained "Ooooh ok! well, have fun you two!" With that pinkie jumped clean out of her spy costume and bounced of down the street, humming a happy tune. Sweetie Belle and Spike decided to spend the evening together on the edge of town. They soon reached a grassy hill, overlooking a part of the town. it was quiet and peaceful. as the pair sat down together to watch the sunset, a slight breeze brushing by them. "You know... its funny" Spike said calmly. "What?" "My crush on Rarity is what made me realise my feelings for you" he smiled and pulled Sweetie into anther hug, one she was more than happy to return. "Me too, I mean if it weren't for your crush you wouldn't have come round so often to help Rarity, and I wouldn't have gotten to know how nice, helpful and caring you are" Sweetie smiled and closed her eyes as she rested her head on Spikes shoulder. "Sweetie Belle" he said softly. "Hmmm" she replied opening one eye. "Look at that" Spike said, pointing at the setting sun on the horizon. "Wooh, that's beautiful" she commented, staring into the distance. "Not as beautiful as you are" Sweetie blushed and turned to face Spike, who was gazing back at her. "I love you Spike" "I love you Sweetie Belle" They both leaned in, their lips meeting in what was a brief kiss. Yet to the two lovers, it seemed like an eternity. "You know... I think you look even more beautiful in this light" Spike smile once their lips parted. "Did I ever tell you how good you are at complimenting ponies?" Sweetie remarked with a warm smile. They both laughed happily for a minute but stopped upon hearing a familliar sound off in the distance. A howl, the howl of a timberwolf. "Ardolf!" Sweetie yelled happily, jumping to her hooves and rushing to the top of the hill. once there she let out a squeaky howl. She then listened intently until, sure enough another howl sounded from the dark everfree forest. As Spike watched the exited filly giggling and howling he began thinking to himself, 'man I sure am lucky to have somepony like her' his smile grew as he watched her. "Come on Spike! come up here and try howling, its really fun!" She happily called. "I'm coming!" he called back, getting up and running up to join her. She was the perfect match for this dragons heart. The End. "I told you didn't I? Spike and Sweetie Belle loved each other all along, they thought they could hide it from me but they were wrong, weren't they But you believed me didn't you? You bronies are clever and you listen to your good old Pinkie don't you... DONT YOU? That's what I thought! Anyway, see you later every pony!" Author's Note ITS FINALLY OUT!!! Sorry for the long wait but I hope it was worth it. by the way the name Ardolf means home loving wolf, I thought it fit well. I am planning on writing some sequel and prequel stories to this both about this ship and other stuff so see you later.
Chapter 1 - What a great idea!"Hmmmmm I think it needs about five more gold ribbons" Said Rarity as she carefully pondered over the dresses design. "Spike, could you get those from the back room please?" "Of course!" Replied Spike as he darted into the small room, returning a few moments later with the requested supplies. "Why thank you Spike!" Rarity beamed as she accepted the supplies and continued her work. "I honestly don't know how I ever managed before I met you". Spike's cheeks flushed lightly as he chuckled sheepishly to himself. "yeah... I don't know how you managed either!" Rarity shot Spike an annoyed expression but let it soften as she let out a small chuckle herself. "Ok Spike, lets focus here. We still need to get this dress finished for the mayor by lunchtime". "The mayor wants a pretty dress?" Spike asked with a quizzical expression on his face," She didn't exactly strike me as a pony who likes to fancy it up". "I know the mayor may seem all work and no play but I assure you even she needs some time off. When she ordered the dress she told me that she was going out with somepony special tonight". Rarity smiled devilishly to herself, amused by this latest development. "Really?" Spike spluttered, desperately trying to contain his laughter. "Shhhhh Spike!" Rarity was desperately trying to hush her friends laughter, "It isn't polite to laugh at others choices in life". "I know, it's just so funny!" Spike was on the verge of falling to the floor in a fit of laughter. "Who's the lucky stallion? I bet its Caramel or Time Turner! Gosh Ditzy's going to be furious!" "Oh! Hello Mayor Mare", Rarity greeted politely "Come to check on your fabulous new dress?" "WHAT!" Spike jolted up in fright only to see Rarity's amused expression. "Sorry Spike" Rarity smiled, "I had to stop you somehow". Spike could tell by her smile that she was fighting back laughter herself now. He grumbled in disapproval and carried on with his work. About half an hour later the dress was complete. "Just in time!" Rarity sighed in relief "Now all I have to do is deliver it to the mayor" "That's great Rarity!" Spike stated "Umm.. I was just wondering if you might want to grab something to eat later?" "Oh Spike you truly are a gentleman, but I'm afraid I was already planning to visit Pinkie Pie this evening... Something about cupcakes? Terribly sorry dear!" Rarity apologized. "Thats fine, I was just wondering is all... I guess I'll see you tomorrow then?" "Of course, thanks again for helping me with the dress Spike!" Rarity called as Spike trudged off. As he got further away, Rarity's smile slowly turned to a frown of despair. "Oh Spike, if only I had the strength to tell you that we cannot be together..." "Rarity still doesn't see how much she means to me" Spike moaned as he continued on his way "What is it going to take to make her see?" He began to think of all the ways he could win over the mare of his dreams. "Lets see... helping her with her work? Well that sure hasn't worked so far. Spending lots of time with her? That's not working either!" Spike groaned in frustration. "WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?" He yelled at the top of his voice. Fortunately, nopony was around to hear it. Suddenly an idea hit him "Of course!" He exclaimed "I just need some help from somepony close to her! somepony who spends more time with her than even me, somepony who has known her for years. Somepony like ... Sweetie Belle!" "Well that was another bust" Scootaloo complained as the trio of friends entered their club house. "Yeah, and a painful one at that" Apple Bloom added looking back at the series of bite marks all over her body. "It's a good thing those weren't venomus snakes or we would have been stuck in the ponyville hospital all week!" "Fluttershy was very apologetic about the whole thing though" Sweetie Belle mumbled with a hint of positivity in her voice. The three sighed in frustration at yet another failure. "Well now what?" Scootaloo asked. As they pondered what to do next, they heard a knock from the door of the clubhouse. "I got it!" Sweetie Belle chimed as she ran over and swung the door open to reveal a wary young dragon. At once Sweetie stepped back, her face reddening a little. "Oh umm... Hey Spike!" She greeted him nervously, "W-what brings you here?" "Hey Sweetie Belle! Hey guys!" Spike said waving at Applebloom and Scootaloo. "I just came by to ask for your help Sweetie Belle. I mean, if you aren't alreay busy... What happened to the three of you?" He asked looking at them a little concerned. "Don't ask." Apple Bloom replied as Sweetie Belle's face turned from a light shade of pink to a much darker shad of red. "You want MY help?" Sweetie could hardly control her excitement. For a while now she had been seeing more of Spike and while she had been speaking with him a lot, he had never gone out of his way to see her, let alone ask for her help. This way the best day ever! "Yeah, so will you help?" Spike asked "Yes Yes Yes Yes! of course I will help you Spike!" Sweetie squealed uncontrollably as she wrapped spike in a tight hug. "T-that's really n-nice Sweetie, but would you mind not hugging me so tight please? I c-can't breath!" "Oh, sorry!" Sweetie Belle said as she released Spike from her tight embrace. "So, what do you need her help with anyway?" Scootaloo questioned "I'll tell you but you all must promise not to tell anypony else, got it?" Said Spike stepping a little closer to them. "Ok Spike" Apple Bloom sighed, she knew where this was going. "CROSS MY HEART, HOPE TO FLY, STICK A CUPCAKE IN MY EYE!" They all Said in unison. "Okay here's the thing... I've been trying to win over Rarity's heart for a while now... Oh wait you don't know do you? Well, I have a crush on Rarity and..." "We know" Apple Bloom said flatly. "YOU DO! WHO TOLD YOU?" Said Spike, stepping back a little in shock. "Oh come on Spike! Everypony has figured it out by now" Scootaloo affirmed. "OH COME ON EVERYONE KNOWS? Everyone... Except Rarity" Spike sighed in frustration. "Anyway, I need Sweetie's help because she knows Rarity better than anyone. Right, Sweetie Belle?" Meanwhile, Sweetie Belle was lost in thought. 'Spike came here to ask me for help on how to get Rarity? But... that's not fair! Why can't Spike see how much he means to me?' her face was to the ground as she fought back tears. "Umm... Sweetie Belle?" Spike asked looking confused. "Huh? Oh! Sure I'll help you Spike..." Sweetie could feel an aching in her heart, something that didn't go unnoticed by Apple Bloom. "Ok cool!" Spike replied brightly. "Well we weren't doing anything anyway, I guess I'll just head home!" Scootaloo said heading towards the door of the club house. "Me too, but before I go could I just have a word with you Sweetie?" Apple Bloom asked "Sure, I'll just be a minute Spike!" Sweetie said, forcing a smile. "Ok I'll wait outside!" Spike replied exiting the clubhouse with Scootaloo, leaving Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom alone. "Are you ok Sweetie Belle?" Apple Bloom asked with a concerned voice. "Yeah... I'm fine! why wouldn't I be?" Sweetie responded forcing yet another smile but sounding far from fine. "You've got a thing for him don't ya?" Asked Apple Bloom matter of factly. "I ... Why would you think that?" Sweetie responded sounding a little shocked that her friend could read her so well. "Its ok, you can tell me Sweetie Belle. I'm one of your best friends!" Apple Bloom reassured her. "Fine, your right! I do like him. I-I have a crush on a dragon who has a crush on my sister. I'm just some freak of nature! No wonder those snakes bit me..." "y'all aint a freak of nature Sweetie Belle. Those snakes bit all of us! And besides, everypony knows about Spikes crush and they don't call him a freak. So why would it be any different the other way around?" "I suppose... But I'm still never going to be with him. He has his sights set on Rarity and nothing is going to change that!" tears began to form in Sweeties eyes as she finished saying those painful words. Apple Bloom placed a forehoof on Sweeties shoulder as she spoke, "Well it may seem hopeless but y'all would be surprised what a little kindness, loyalty and well all that elements a harmony stuff can do. Who knows? Maybe by helping him out he will see ya in a new light?" "You really think so?" replied Sweetie Belle, tears still falling down her cheeks. "I know so" Apple Bloom replied confidently, giving her friend a small smile. "Thank you Apple Bloom..." Sweetie sniffed, wiping the tears from her eyes "You're the best friend ever!" "Ah, don't mention it! I'm just happy to help" Apple Bloom replied removing her forehoof from Sweetie's shoulder. The two friends hugged and proceeded to walk towards the door. Once outside, the two parted ways. Spike and Sweetie walked down the street towards Sugar Cube Corner. "So Spike, what's the plan?" Sweetie asked, still a hint of pink on her cheeks. "Well, I was thinking maybe we could head over to sugar cube corner to get a milkshake?" Spike explained, "Then we can sit down and discuss the best course of action." Sweetie was once again beyond excitement. 'Me and Spike going to get milkshakes together at sugar cube corner? It's almost like a date!' she thought excitedly, 'No, It's just a milkshake... I mean how silly would it be to have a date in sugar cube corner? Even if we are just filly's ... well, a filly and a baby dragon' "Here we are!" Spike announced as they entered the brightly coloured café. "Hey guys!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed the moment she saw them "How are you two doing?" "We're good, just came in to order a couple of milkshakes" Spike replied. "Ooooh I see!" Pinkie said squealing with delight "You two do make quite the couple!" "What? Oh no! We're just hanging, right Sweetie Belle?" "Y-yeah..." Sweetie said quietly, a ton of sadness resonating in her voice. "I mean who would go on a date here anyway? No offense Pinkie, but no one has gone on a date here since the love poison incident" Spike replied crossing his arms. Sweetie Belle looked down at the floor in guilt. Pinkie Pie looked unconvinced but took their word for it. "Sooo what can I get you two 'good' friends" Asked Pinkie giving them a wink at the end of her question. "Do you have any gem milkshakes?" Spike asked, Pinkie shook her head "Well in that case, I'll just have a chocolate milkshake" Pinkie Pie nodded and noted down his order, "What about you Sweetie Belle?" "I'll have a strawberry milkshake" She said still sounding a little disheartened. Pinkie nodded and bounced off with their orders in a happier mood than usual, leaving the two to discuss what happens next. "So Sweetie Belle, what do you think will make Rarity notice my feelings?" Spike asked as he sat down. "Ummm..." Despite her attempts, Sweetie couldn't think. 'Oh my gosh! I'm sitting right next to Spike, and he is asking what I think he should do... Oh what should I say?' "Umm, Sweetie Belle are you ok?" Spike asked with a concerned voice placing a clawed hand on her shoulder. Sweetie jolted at the suddenness of the gesture. "Oh, yes! I'm great, never better!" She replied hurriedly. "uh, ok?" Replied Spike, retracting his hand. 'Oh what am I doing? I just need to give him some advice on how to 'wow' Rarity, that's all! I just need to tell the boy of my dreams how to get ... My sister. No, don't think like that! Just focus on the task at hoof. Now lets see, how to get my sister? Hmm... wait a minute! that's it!" "Order Up!" Pinkie yelled as she appeared seemingly out on no were with their drinks. "Thanks Pinkie!" They both exclaimed as they received their milkshakes. Once Pinkie had left, Sweetie decided to tell Spike about her idea. "Hey Spike, I have an idea. Y'know, about the Rarity thing?" She said sounding a little pleased with herself. "Really, What is it?" Spike asked expectantly "Well, when Stallions ask Rarity out they usually get her a gift. And sometimes she accepts! She hasn't really seen any of them again after the first date of course, but if you got her something she really liked she may accept if you ask her out!" Sweetie knew the plan was far from perfect, but it was the best she could come up with. "That's a great idea Sweetie Belle! You know, you're really clever" Spike said thoughtfully. Sweetie blushed intensely at this complement and attempted to hide her face by holding her milkshake up to it and taking a large gulp of the pink liquid. "But I have given Rarity gifts before, you should have seen the huge fire ruby I gave to her on my birthday!" Spike sighed, "That looked like a really tasty one to... but still!" "Well, maybe you need to get something really super special!" Sweetie pointed out. Spike thought for a minute "You know... Speaking of gems, Rarity does like them a lot" "Well it is what's on her cutie mark" Sweetie Belle pointed out. "Yeah, I can remember reading one of the Books in the library about gems. There was this one really rare gem called ummm... A black opal I think?" "Well, how are we going to get one of those?" Sweetie asked. "I think the Book gave the location of one in the everfree forest" Spike said with a determined look on his face "And I'm going to find it!" "Spike you cant go in there all by your self, its to dangerous!" replied Sweetie Belle with a concerned look on her face. "Look Sweetie" Spike placed both hands on Sweetie Belle's shoulders "This is something I need to do. I've been trying to get Rarity's attention as long as I have known her and I feel like this plan is my only hope!" At those words Sweeties heart sunk like a stone but she forced her self to be strong, for Spike. "And besides I wont be alone, your coming with me of course!" Spike said nonchalantly taking a sip of his milkshake "WHAT!" Sweetie exclaimed only to be quickly hushed by Spike. "Were in a café remember?" he said quickly. "Spike, I cant go into the everfree forest" she whispered, "its far too dangerous" "Sweetie Belle your the only one who knows about our plan! I cant risk telling anypony else. Besides, you've been a great friend to me these last few weeks and I trust you. I promise nothing bad will happen just... Please help me" Sweetie was about to protest further but Spikes compliment and reassuring voice managed to convince her otherwise. "Ok... I'm in" she said sighing in defeat. "Great, I knew I could count on you!" he beamed at her warmly causing Sweeties whole body to go limp and a dreamy smile to spread across her face. "Um, Sweetie are you ok? Hello? Anypony in there?" Spike asked waving a claw in front of her face. Sweetie whom had been staring at Spike in a very odd way, bolted upright, her face once again glowing red. "Oh, sorry! Yes, I'm fine" she squeaked quickly trying to regain her composure. "Ok good! Meet me at the entrance to the everfree forest tomorrow morning around 6am, that should give us enough time to leave before anypony misses us" Spike said pushing away his empty milkshake glass. "Cant we at least leave a note explaining where we have gone?" Sweetie Belle asked looking a little nervous. "Well only a vague note, it can't say exactly where we have gone or exactly why we have gone, deal?" Spike held out a clawed hand for sweetie to shake "Ok, deal!" Sweetie replied holding out a hoof which Spike took in his claws and shook firmly. "Great!" Spike said cheerfully, "Well, I'm going to head back to the library now. Don't worry about paying I'll cover it" Spike walked over to the counter and handed two bits to Pinkie. As he did this Pinkie grinned to herself and gave a small giggle. "Thanks Spike!" Sweetie called "I'll see you tomorrow!" "Bye!" he called back as he exited the café. "Oh Spike, you say you weren't dating Sweetie but I'm onto you!" Pinkie giggled to herself as Sweetie Belle got up to leave. "Why else would you two be whispering to each other and sitting so close?" As Spike began his journey back to the library he noticed the mayor speaking with somepony hidden from view behind a building. Curiously he ran over and poked his head around the wall to get a better look, ensuring he was hidden from view. "So are we still on for dinner tonight Thunderlain?" Asked the mayoress of the town. "I wouldn't miss it for the world pumpkin!" he said playfully as the two leaned in and touched noses affectionately. Spike looked shocked, but then left and continued on his way. "Well well well mayor, I didn't think you were into that kind of stallion" He said to himself, chuckling all the while. Author's Note Ok that's the first chapter of this new story complete. please comment on what you thought of it so far, this is my first fanfiction and I would appreciate some feedback (please no hate though). I will probably bring out the next chapter next weekend as I have real life stuff to do but I will try to get it out as soon as possible. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed it so far.
Epilogue Epilogue A few days later "Ok now, Just a few more ribbons!" Rarity said to herself as she fussed about a small dress she had been working on. "This needs to be perfect, absolutely perfect". As Rarity was about to secure the last ribbon in place, the door that had been shut the whole time swung open as somepony walked in. Interrupted by this unexpected visitor Rarity was not in the least bit happy, yet decided to greet them anyway. "Welcome to Carousel Boutique, is there anything I can do for... Well this is a surprise! Mayor Mare! To what do I owe the pleasure?" Rarity left her work station to greet the Mayor. "Oh, hello Rarity! Umm... I was just looking to return this dress you made me a few days ago. It is truly a lovely dress but... I don't think I will be needing it..." the Mayor sighed. "Oh? why is that?" Rarity was a little concerned by the Mayors behaviour. "Did something happen between you and Thunderlane?" "Umm yes... we broke up, I don't know... I guess he just wasn't that interested in politics. Maybe I'm getting too old for this" "Nonsense, why your little over thirty! You just need to go after stallions a little closer to your age" "I suppose... thank you Rarity. So who is this for?" the Mayor said, pointing a hoof at the dress Rarity had been working on. "Oh! Why, this is for my little sister Sweetie Belle. She is going to need to look her best for her date with Spike next week" Rarity smiled brightly. "Oh, that's wonderful! I was not aware they were an item. Well I wish them the best of luck! Anyway, I'll let you get back to work now. Good luck and thanks again." "Oh that's quite alright dear, good bye!" Rarity waved as the Mayor left the room. Smiling she turned back to the small dress. "Ok Rarity focus, this has to be absolutely perfect." Author's Note Sorry just a short teaser of what is to come, and I fixed that mayor joke to. Yep I'm going to write another spikebelle story. Add that to the list. . Also I just used normal human ageing to give the mayor an age, can't be bothered with all this head canon stuff. To complicated.
