The Big Man

An Always Friends, Always More Story

A Humanized Pony Fic By Duke Moon II

Inspired by “The Girls of My Life” by Wildcard25

Chapter 3 – A Lunchtime Exchange

Golden Oaks Park was where we had our lunchtime lottery. Basically, we took an old spinner from a board game, one of us spins it and whoever the spinner pointed at has to try out whatever the one who spun the spinner brought to lunch. Usually, it was just regular lunches like sandwiches and candy bars, but on special occasions, like Halloween, Christmas, or the First Day of School, we went all out with what we brought. One time during Valentine’s Day, I brought a dark chocolate crème brulee cheesecake with strawberry pieces from a bakery in Canterlot City. I remember once Spike brought these chocolate-dipped sweet potato waffles (one of the few times he did not bring anything spicy). The point is we each brought something special to the table.

That first day of school, which was also Spike’s first day of high school, he brought us something special…and to be perfectly honest, it was better than the food he brought that day.

Rarity Jones

Tales From Ponyville

Golden Oaks Park was… is generally a college student hang out since it was located near Ponyville Community College in Downtown Ponyville, a bit far from Canterlot High School. The entire block was surrounded by all manners of food trucks. Golden Oaks Library was located at the end of the park, and there were several round and rectangular lunch benches scattered across the park. There was also a playground with swings, sandboxes, a plastic jungle gym, and a teeter totter near the library. The park was already filled with college students eating their lunches at the benches, giving the park a livelier atmosphere.

At the center of the park was the Golden Oaks Tree… or rather, what was left of it. What was once a big tree that was planted many years ago was just a burned stump with only two branches. A year ago during a storm, lightning struck the tree, almost destroying it completely. The city had never removed the stump, which was just fine as far as Spike and the Harmony Hotties were concerned. The tree, or what was left of it, marked their favorite spot in the park, whether it be lunchtime or just hanging out. Also, there was a little heart mark on the stump that read: S + HH, one of the few markings that survived.

Spike smiled nostalgically, sighing as he looked at the heart-shaped mark. Like the tree, he and the Harmony Hotties had been through some tough times, and also like the tree, their friendship still stood.

“Still a darned shame,” Applejack sighed as she walked toward Spike. “My Great Grand-Pappy planted this here tree, you know. Better than getting a key to the city, or so Granny Smith used to tell it.”

“I tried climbing this tree when I was younger,” Spike remembered.

“Need I remind you that it was a dumb idea to even try that?” scolded Twilight a she spread a white cloth on the round park bench. “You could have hurt yourself back then.”

“Aw, c’mon, Twilight,” Spike said. “I could have made it to the top.”

“Yeah, Twilight,” Rainbow said as she placed the spinner at the center of the bench. “Why do you have to be such a fuddy duddy?”

“Well, at least I was concerned for his welfare, Iris,” Twilight said with her voiced raised and facing Rainbow in anger. “You were just egging him on!”

“Girls, please,” pleaded Fluttershy.

“We are here to enjoy lunch,” said Rarity. “I’m sure we could all use a break after one hectic first half of school.”

“That’s right,” Pinkie said empathically as she placed her hands on her hips. “Less fighting and more lunching.”

“Fine,” sighed Twilight as she took out the spinner and placed it at the center of the round bench.

Spike and the Harmony Hotties took their places at the table. Spike sat next to Twilight, Rainbow placed herself next to Spike, placing her arms around his neck, causing him to blush and Twilight to frown a bit. Applejack then sat next to Rainbow, and Pinkie sat next to Twilight. Rarity sat next to Applejack, and Fluttershy sat between Applejack and Pinkie.

“Alright,” announced Twilight. “Let the first lunchtime lottery of the year commence!”

Twilight proceeded to spin the spinner, earning applause from Spike and the rest of the Harmony Hotties. The spinner stopped and pointed at Spike.

“Well Spike,” began Twilight with a smile as she rummaged through her school bag, taking out a bag of bite sized chocolate covered wafers. “I know you’re going to love these. They’re chocolate wafers from Japan that come in all sorts of strange flavors like sweet tea, soy sauce, and even cheesecake. I ate the sweet potato nut crunch flavor before school. Since you like spicy things, Spike…I’m giving you the Ghost Pepper flavor.”

Twilight then handed the Ghost Pepper Chocolate to Spike, who was smiling widely.

“You really shouldn’t have, Twilight,” complemented Spike as he unwrapped the chocolate from the wrapper. He wasted no time throwing it into his mouth, chewing on it fiercely. One second later, Spike’s cheeks expanded while steam came out of his ears. Then fire came from his mouth. After a few more seconds, Spike finally calmed down, puffing a bit of smoke. He shook his head and smiled a relaxed smile.

“Eh, not bad,” Spike said.

“Not bad!?” exclaimed Applejack incredulously. “I’ve tasted ghost peppers, Spike! There’s a reason they make weapons out of those things!”

“Takes more than a pepper to knock me out, Applejack,” Spike said smugly.

“Okay, I’m next,” said Pinkie excitedly, spinning the spinner. The spinner stopped and pointed at Applejack. Pinkie then took out a box from her bag and opened it, revealing many pieces of chocolate bark.

“Just something I whipped up,” began Pinkie. “Bittersweet chocolate bark drizzled with white chocolate, walnuts, dried fruit pieces, almonds and a cinnamon for that extra kick. I even added some mint for coolness and cookies for extra crunch.”

“Let’s see if the bark has any bite, Sugarcube,” Applejack said as she took a piece of chocolate bark. She took a bite out of it and savored the taste of the bark. Applejack then proceeded to eat the entire bark piece, smiling at how good it was.

“Ah-mazing!” shouted Applejack. “Chewie, crunchy, and everything else… though we got to get into a bark duel come this Halloween ‘cause I got my own bark recipe that can beat this.”

“Bring it on, Jacquelyn,” said Pinkie with a smirk.

“I will, Pinkamena,” Applejack smirked as she gave the spinner a spin. This time the spinner stopped at Twilight. Applejack then took a small paper bag from her backpack and took out a small, glazed pastry.

“This is my take on the Apple Family Fritter,” Applejack said as she showed of her pastry. “Travel-sized so you can take a piece of home wherever you go. It’s got a blend of different types of apples all brought together in an apple cider batter, fried and glazed to perfection… and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. I tell you, Twilight, it’s a crime your daddy doesn’t have this at his bookstore/café.”

“I’ll talk to dad if the fritter passes the test,” said Twilight as she took the offered fritter. Taking a single bite, Twilight smiled as she licked her lips. “Definitely an A plus, Miss Apple! I’m sure dad wouldn’t mind having a few dozen of these.”

“Glad to hear it,” said Applejack with a smile.

Twilight’s smile turned mischievous as she turned to look at Spike. Spike looked curious and was about to ask what Twilight was up to, but Twilight beat him to it.

“Would you like a taste, Spike?” asked Twilight.

“Sure,” nodded Spike. As Spike was about to take the offered piece, Twilight yanked him from Rainbow Dash, put her around his waist and dipped him.

Spike’s eyes went wide at Twilight’s action, but made no move to stop her. His cheeks went flush in embarrassment. Spike slowly opened his mouth and Twilight put the pastry inside. Spike closed his mouth, chewed on the pastry, and Twilight licked the glaze from her fingers. Spike then shook his head and noticed the look of shock on some of the other girls. For Rainbow, she looked at Twilight with a flat look, eyes narrowed.

“Um, Twilight…” Spike said shyly, looking away.

“We have a lot to talk about, Spike,” said Twilight in a low tone and a smile, her eyes half-lidded.

“Geez, Twilight,” Rainbow grumble. “Why don’t you just blow him while you’re at it?”

“Do you have to be so crass!?” Shouted Twilight.

“Hey, I figured since you and Spike shared a little spit…” Rainbow trailed off.

“Twilight, you told them!?” gasped a shocked Spike.

“Our little poker night got a bit out hand last night,” said Twilight, sheepishly. “The girls were sharing stories about you, I was going on about how irresponsible they were being… and then I shared our little experience with them. Spike, I’m so sorry.”

“Aw, it’s nothing Twilight,” Spike sighed, getting over his shock. “They were going to know eventually. I’d be mad if someone else other than you girls knew about it.”

“What goes on in a harem, stays in the harem,” Pinkie declared.

“Harem?” asked Spike, confused.

“Like I said, a lot to talk about,” Twilight sighed.

“So, how come you never gave me a back massage?” asked Rainbow.

“Hey, I give you plenty of-” Spike instantly slapped a hand over his mouth, his eyes wide. He then looked at the girls who had these curious and stern looks on their faces. For Rainbow, it was a smirk.

Spike sighed, slid his hand from his mouth, and said, “I give you plenty of leg rubs, Rainbow Dash.”

“I know you do,” said Rainbow slyly. “Though one time, I swear your hands were getting too close to my-

“Can we just get on with the exchange, please!?” an embarrassed Spike said hastily.

“Oh, alright,” Rainbow said as she spun the spinner. “We can talk about your pervy hands later.”

“Rainbow,” pleaded Spike.

The spinner stopped and pointed at Rarity. Rainbow smiled and took out a paper bag from her schoolbag.

“Hey, Pinkie, you got a battery-powered microwave with you?” asked Rainbow.

“Always do,” said Pinkie as she took out the microwave from her bag. She then placed it at the middle of the table.

“Not even going to question it,” said Twilight.

Rainbow then placed the paper bag inside the microwave, slammed the door shut and dialed in thirty seconds. While this was happening, Rarity had a look of curiosity, and a bit of fear. When thirty seconds passed, Rainbow opened the microwave door and took out the paper bag. As Pinkie put away the microwave, Rainbow took out the contents of the bag, revealing a whole waffle that was oozing cheese in the middle.

“Ms. Dash, what in all that is sane is that?” Rarity trembled.

“I call it the Root Beer Meat Lovers Waffle Pizza Sandwich,” Rainbow said proudly. “Basically, it’s a regular Root Beer Waffle that’s sliced in middle, filled with all kinds of cheese, pepperoni, bratwurst pieces, Italian sausage, bacon, ham, and I don’t know what other ingredients, plus dad’s homemade pizza sauce.”

“So basically it’s a glorified grilled cheese sandwich,” said smirked Applejack.

“Baked and nuked cheese sandwich, Applejack,” corrected Rainbow.

“And you expect me to eat that?” said Rarity fearfully.

“Only a slice, Miss Jones,” said Rainbow as she offered a slice to Rarity. “Not like anyone will notice that you put on a few pounds.”

“I resent that!” shouted Rarity as she stood. “I’ll have you know that I have flawless hourglass figure! Right, Spike!?”

“The best,” replied Spike, a dreamy look adorning his face.

“Yeah, an hourglass that’s a bit wide at the bottom,” laughed Rainbow.

“Ooh, just give me that monstrosity,” Rarity said as she angrily snatched the waffle piece from Rainbow. Rarity couldn’t help but cringe at the sight of the Pizza Waffle Sandwich as the cheese oozed from it. She then looked at her friends and saw the expectant looks on their faces. Rarity steeled herself and took a small bite of the waffle. Her eyes went wide as she looked at the food in her hands. She was speechless.

“Rarity,” Fluttershy spoke up sympathetically. “You don’t have to eat if you don’t-

Rarity then proceeded to scarf down her piece of the waffle.

“Um, never mind,” Fluttershy said in shock.

“Oh yeah, fancy panties! Take it all in!” cheered Rainbow.

“Wow,” Spike said in awe by what was transpiring.

“Like Big Macintosh in a pie eating contest,” laughed Applejack.

“What an appetite!” exclaimed Pinkie Pie as she took a picture with her smart-phone.

“Rarity, calm down!” a concerned Twilight said. “All you had to do was taste it!”

After chewing the waffle thoroughly, Rarity swallowed it hard and quickly went to her bag, pulled bottled water from it, uncapped it and chugged the water down her throat. She breathed a sigh of relief, but gave out a small belch. She covered her mouth in embarrassment, her cheeks red.

“So, how was the ‘monstrosity’?” asked Rainbow in a rather pleased voice.

It only took a moment for Rarity to register what she had eaten. A terrified expression took hold and tears streamed down from her eyes. She shut her eyes tightly, and started to cry.

“Uh, Rarity…” said a concerned Rainbow.

“DAMN YOU, IRIS DASH!” bawled Rarity. “IT WAS…IT WAS…SO SINFULLY DELICIOUS!!”

Spike and the rest of the Harmony Hotties were speechless as Rarity continued to cry and sob, covering her head with her arms on the bench table. After a few moments, calmed down, wiped the tears from her face and regained a semblance of dignity.

“Sorry, everyone,” apologized Rarity. “That was very unladylike of me. I don’t know what came over me.”

“Maybe I should go next,” Fluttershy said. “That is, if it’s okay with you.”

“No, Fluttershy,” said Rarity dramatically. “The game goes on and I must play through the pain. What is a couple of pounds gained anyway?”

Rarity spun the spinner and after a few seconds, the spinner stopped and pointed at Spike. Whatever sorrow Rarity was feeling left as she happily perked up. Rarity went through her school bag and pulled a plastic round tray. She opened it and revealed a chocolate swirl cheesecake with strawberry bits and chocolate pieces.

“I know you like it spicy, Spikey-wikey,” said Rarity with a sultry smile. “But I also know that you also love the sweet things in life, which includes a creamy cheesecake from Canterlot City’s own Chez Belmont. This one is a bittersweet chocolate swirl with strawberry and chocolate bits. A dessert fit for those with great taste and a sweet tooth. It even comes pre-sliced.”

“It does look tasty, Rarity,” commented Spike, licking his lips.

“Now, before I let you have a taste, I want you to be honest with me,” stated Rarity.

“Um, okay,” said a confused Spike.

“Firstly… between Applejack and I, which one us seemed to enjoy your magic fingers the most that time at the country club?” asked Rarity.

“Rarity!” exclaimed Spike, red-faced.

“Spike, I really want you to be honest,” pouted Rarity.

Spike began to sweat. He tugged at his collar and gulped as he felt and saw his friends expecting him to answer. He took a glance at Applejack who shyly smiled and uncharacteristically looked away with a blush. Spike then looked at Twilight who had her arms folded, had an unreadable look on her face. He sighed and took a deep breath. Spike knew he couldn’t lie to his friends, nor would he want to.

Spike looked up to Rarity and said with a deep crimson blush, “You enjoyed it the most, Rarity.”

“Well, I will admit that your hands were simply divine,” Rarity said with a blush as she looked away with a smile. “Though I would not have had a problem if you said Applejack enjoyed it more. As I recall, she wanted you to do her front.”

“He would have if you hadn’t stopped him,” mumbled Applejack.

“I’m curious, though,” wondered Rarity. “Not that I’m complaining, but why me?”

Spike clammed up and tilted his head down towards the table, his eyes wide and his face redder than before. The girls saw this and could practically hear Spike’s heart beating a millions miles per second. They knew he was hiding something.

“Yes, I’m also curious,” said Twilight in an even tone. She then directed her gaze towards Rarity, eyes narrowed. “Why did you enjoy his hands more than Applejack?”

“Twilight, I’m sure he has a very good reason,” said Rarity flatly. “I’m sure it’s something Spike can share with all of us.”

“No it’s not,” Spike trembled.

“Spike, I really want to know,” spoke Rarity firmly.

Spike breathed heavily but he was till blushing with his head tilted down. There was no getting out of this and no turning back.

“Before Applejack caught us,” began Spike in a low almost whisper. “I noticed that your hand was sliding towards your-

Rarity let out a nervous, hysterical laugh, interrupting Spike. She instantly handed a cheesecake piece to Spike. “Congratulations, Spikey-Wikey! You are honest beyond compare!”

There were several emotions going through the rest of the Harmony Hotties. Applejack looked furious and shot an accusing look at Rarity. Rainbow had a very disappointed look on her face as she shook her head. Pinkie’s mouth was hanging in shock. Fluttershy covered her face in embarrassment and Twilight’s right eye was twitching.

As for Spike, he was wishing that he just kept his mouth shut.

“You… you were going to…” said Fluttershy. She then looked around and whispered, “Diddle yourself in front of poor Spike!?”

“Yeah, it would have been a lot more fun if Spike was helping you with THAT itch,” said Pinkie said with her arms folded.

“Pinkie!” both Spike and Rarity shouted, now even more red-faced.

“So that’s why you didn’t want Spike to touch my front!” Applejack accused Rarity. “You just wanted to get back at me!”

“Talk about no self-control,” Rainbow said disapprovingly.

“Well excuse me for trying to have a little fun!” screamed Rarity.

“Rarity…” growled Twilight dangerously.

Rarity slowly turned to face Twilight and found that her friend’s face had contorted to anger. Twilight’s eyes were squarely on Rarity with dangerous intent, her teeth grinding as she growled. Rarity also swore that Twilight’s eyes turned red, as if on fire.

“Now, Twilight,” Rarity said, nervously shaking, trying to calm Twilight down. “I admit that what I was going to do was very unladylike and…OH, PLEASE NOT THE FACE!!”

“Twilight!” shouted Spike, trying to hold Twilight back. “Nothing happened! If anything, I was only encouraging her! It was my fault, so just calm down, please!”

Twilight slowly cooled down and took a few deep breaths. She then turned her attention to a really embarrassed Spike. She suddenly took his hands in hers and inspected them. She slowly smiled and remembered how Spike caressed her when they made out not too long ago. She had to admit, having Spike’s hands touching her did feel good, and she could understand Rarity’s lapse of control.

“Well, they are good hands,” said Twilight softly. She then turned to Rarity with a stern look on her face. “Still, Miss Jones, Spike could have gotten into real trouble, and he has enough troubles without his friends getting him into them. Got it?”

“I understand,” said Rarity, ashamed. She then faced Spike and said. “I guess I was enjoying your hands too much that time, Spike.”

“To tell you the truth, I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity,” admitted an embarrassed Spike. “Guess I wasn’t thinking straight, either. So we’re even.”

“Oh, really Spike,” said Rarity, smiling wickedly. “Girls, I do believe our dear Spikey-Wikey is not the sweet, innocent boy we all believed him to be.”

“Always knew he was a bit of a perv,” nodded Rainbow.

“Can we just get on with game?” groaned Spike.

“Spoilsport,” Rainbow Dash smirked.

“I’m next then,” Fluttershy said as she spun the spinner. The spinner stopped at Rainbow Dash, which slightly disappointed Fluttershy.

“So what you got for me, Ms. Flutters?” asked Rainbow, licking her lips.

“Oh, nothing special,” a humble Fluttershy said as she took out a paper bag from her school bag. She took a coned pastry filled with custard. “I went to Donut Joe’s yesterday and saw these puff pastry cones in different flavors like white chocolate and vanilla custard, chocolate crème, and others. I decided to get vanilla custard strawberry and dark chocolate crème. They are all sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar and also have a slight buttery taste.”

“I do love me some Donut Joe’s, Fluttershy,” smiled Rainbow as she took the vanilla custard pastry. She then looked at Spike and smiled wickedly, an idea forming. She took a bite of the tip of the pastry and then proceeded to take long licks around the pastry, practically licking off the sugar and cinnamon. Rainbow moaned as she eyed Spike, smiling at the young Drake’s discomfort. As for the girls, they all looked at Rainbow in disbelief, with Fluttershy covering her eyes. What really did for Spike was when Rainbow started to shove the pastry in and out of her mouth, which caused him to bleed from his nose. After a few seconds, Rainbow moaned and sucked the custard from the pastry and finally took a huge bite out of it. Spike promptly fainted to the ground, which earned a lustful smile from Rainbow.

The rest of the girls were at Spike’s side, with Twilight trying to wake him up, slightly slapping his face. Rainbow was giggling madly, which earned her angry glares from the rest of girls, especially from Twilight. Surprisingly, it was Fluttershy who stomped over to Rainbow, her fists clenched with a furious expression on her face.

“Iris Dash, how could you!?” shouted Fluttershy as she confronted Rainbow.

“Oh, lay off, Fluttershy,” Rainbow said as she rolled her eyes. “It was just a bit of harmless fun.”

“HARMLESS!?” Fluttershy shouted, her voice rising. “Look what you did to poor Spike with your… your… after the day he’s had, the last thing Spike needed was you teasing him!”

“Spike likes it when I tease him,” said Rainbow.

“NOT LIKE THAT!!” Fluttershy shouted again.

“Girls, enough,” said Twilight sternly, still slapping Spike. She then directed her attention towards Rainbow. “Fluttershy’s right, Rainbow. That was taking teasing a little too far.”

“Ow, Twilight, cut it out!” Spike said already awake but still being slapped by Twilight.

“Oops, sorry,” Twilight said sheepishly, stopping her slapping.

Spike shook his head and got up. He then approached Rainbow with an even stare.

“So, you think that was funny,” said Spike flatly.

“A riot, little man,” Rainbow said with a smug smile as she put her hands on her hips. “Whatcha going to do about it?

One thing that bugged Spike the most was being teased about his height. It was an easy bait to take, and hearing it from Rainbow Dash, one of his best friends, made him frown and growl. Spike knew Rainbow was just teasing him and meant no harm, but, along with her rather lewd display with the cone pastry, plus other times she egged him on, made him think that the rainbow-maned girl needed to be taught a lesson.

It was at that moment that a thought occurred to Spike. He smiled a smug smile, which made Rainbow curious.

“It’s my turn, Rainbow,” said Spike. “I think you know what I brought to the table.”

“You gotta spin the spinner first, Spike,” said Rainbow confidently.

“I think I like my chances,” smiled a confident Spike.

Everyone got back to their places at the bench. Spike put his finger on the dial and got a good look at each and every one of the girls. He then concentrated on the spinner, deep in thought, trying to remember something. He then brightened up and slightly spun the spinner. It only made one full turn and the spinner finally pointed at Rainbow. Rainbow herself sweated nervously, which made Spike smile in victory.

“Um, Spike,” Rainbow laughed nervously. “You know I was just teasing, right? I mean, come on. We’re friends.”

“I know,” Spike said as he went to his bag, took a paper bag and took out a dark red cupcake with chocolate frosting. Though the cupcake didn’t look very intimidating, the girls, especially Rainbow, knew far too well what kind of cupcake it was: the Time Bomb Cake. A pastry loaded with so much spice and various types of chili peppers that one has to sign an insurance form before eating.

“For you girls, the Time Bomb Cupcake needs no introduction,” Spike started as he showed off his pastry invention. “The cake itself is made of red velvet batter with my own chili blend. In the middle is my own time bomb filling, which is just BBQ pork and ghost pepper marmalade of my own design. To top it off is a vanilla pepper icing. It’s a popular dessert at dad’s place: The Dragon Pub.”

“Only for risk takers, I wager,” stated Rarity.

“I still can’t believe how famous this little baby got after BBQ Fest some months ago,” said Spike.

“I remember that event,” said Applejack nostalgically. “Big Macintosh took two of those things before he keeled over. Guess he wanted to impress one of his dates that he could take anything spicy.”

“I actually got Big Mac started on a low heat variation of the Time Bomb Cupcake some time ago,” explained Spike. “He was up to medium heat the last time he was at the pub, so Big Mac’s making progress. ‘Course, we always have a cup of water in case of emergency.”

“So, what variation did you bring?” asked Fluttershy.

“To tell you the truth, I don’t know,” replied a sheepish Spike.

“Wait, you baked this and you don’t know which variation you baked?” asked an incredulous Pinkie.

“I made this and a few others on the fly,” admitted Spike. “So, I don’t know if I made the medium or the high heat ones.”

“Well, you better have brought the heat, Spike, because I’d be pretty pissed if you brought some downgraded spice,” said Rainbow with a sudden bravado.

“Only the best for the best, Ms. Dash,” said Spike as he handed the cupcake to Rainbow.

“Damn straight,” said a determined Rainbow.

Though Rainbow looked determined and up to the challenge, inside she was terrified as she inspected the cupcake. She had heard from Pinkie Pie that she had invited Spike to Sugar Cube Corner some time ago and had let him invent his own cupcake for an event called the Super Duper Taste Challenge Party. Pinkie described Spike as being very gleeful when making his cupcake, even laughing. It wasn’t a funny ha-ha laugh… more like when Twilight gets an idea whenever she goes into mad scientist mode, Rainbow recalled Pinkie Pie telling her. She also remembered Pinkie telling her that she only bit into the cupcake and instantly went running across Ponyville with her mouth on fire, jumping into a lake minutes later just to cool down.

At first, Rainbow doubted the story, but the cupcake was made again in time for Ponyville BBQ Fest as an entrant for the new Savory Dessert Contest. Spike had said that he perfected the recipe for his Time Bomb Cupcakes and, in true thrill-seeking fashion, couldn’t wait to try one. Of course, the judges had the first crack at the cupcakes. The judges at first began to praise Spike for making such great dish…until ten seconds later the judges began spewing fire from their mouths, fainting a few more seconds later. In an uncharacteristic act, Rainbow decided to back out of tasting the cupcake, citing that she already filled up on fried sponge cakes and fried ice cream.

Right now, though, there was no backing out. Rainbow had no excuse not to bite into Spike’s cupcake.

Rainbow’s friends, the Harmony Hotties, were tensely waiting if she was going to actually bite into the cupcake. Like Rainbow, they knew of the Time Bomb Cupcake’s reputation because they heard Pinkie’s stor,y as well as seeing the TBC’s effects at the BBQ Fest. To say they were reluctant to eat the infamous cupcake was an understatement, and Rainbow was actually taking the plunge.

As for Spike, he was actually having second thought about the whole thing. He was about to speak until Applejack, with a smirk, beat him to it.

“You know, you can back out if you want,” said Applejack. “No will blame you if-

Rainbow instantly gobbled the cupcake down, making everyone, including Spike, gasp in shock. Rainbow tried not to think too much as she munched down every piece of the cupcake. She swallowed not long after.

For about a few seconds, there was nothing. Just tension for what was coming next.

More seconds passed and Rainbow smiled, then she directed a smug expression towards Spike.

“I’m really disappointed in you, Spikey,” said Rainbow. “I thought this cake was all that and-“

Rainbow felt a surge of heat in her mouth and literally started to breathe fire. She got up and started running around the park, screaming loudly and gaining bewildered looks from the college students and the food truck vendors. Meanwhile, Spike took out a bottle of water and as soon as Rainbow was close enough, handed it to Rainbow. Rainbow stopped and drank the whole bottle of water, quenching the heat in her mouth and throat. After a few seconds, she fainted.

“Spike, what variation would you say that was?” asked a shocked Twilight.

“I’d say it was the medium-heat one,” answered Spike. “It did take about almost thirty seconds for the flavor to hit.”

Rainbow groaned as she got up. She then slowly walked to the bench and sat down, a weary expression on her face. She then looked at Spike and said, “You and me… pepper showdown on Friday. Got it?”

“Alright,” responded Spike.

“Okay, that was an… interesting food exchange to start of the new school year,” said Twilight in a nervous tone, clapping her hands together, gaining everyone at the bench’s attention. “Now that we sampled what everybody has brought, what do you say we have a wider lunch exchange?”

“Here, here!” cheered the rest of the Harmony Hotties.

“Before we start, girls, I want to say something,” announced Spike.

“Ooh, sounds like you have a surprise,” Pinkie said with excitement.

“What is it this time, a hot pepper custard pie?” asked Applejack jokingly.

“It’s actually something I’ve been saving up for since New Years,” explained Spike in a serious tone.

“Since New Years? That was when we…” Twilight began then trailed off.

“Became friends again,” finished Fluttershy.

“Yeah,” sighed Spike. “I became a real jerk to you girls and you didn’t deserve it. I let that Discordia get into my head and I ended up destroying something great, and then she destroyed me because she had a real problem with seeing people happy. That New Years night I invited you girls and I seriously didn’t believe you all wanted me back as a friend…like you would never forgive me for what I did.”

Spike then took out a medium size square flat box from his bag and placed it in front of him.

“When we got back together, I promised myself to be a better person, to be a better friend,” started Spike. “But I also wanted to give you girls something that says thank you for being there for me… and for forgiving me even though you had no reason to.”

“Spike, you really shouldn’t have,” Twilight said with sympathy.

“You didn’t have to go through all that trouble,” Fluttershy assured.

“Yeah, Spike, we’re cool,” Rainbow also assured.

“We even had a ‘Friends Forever/All is Forgiven Super Party’ to celebrate,” Pinkie cheered.

“We’re just darned happy to have ya back, Sugarcube,” said Applejack with a smile.

“All is forgiven, my dear Spike,” said Rarity, but then got a curious look on her face and directed her attention to the box. “So what did you get us?”

“Open and see,” responded Spike.

The girls nodded to each other and together, they opened the box. They gasped at what they saw: six pairs of earrings with small jewels that shined in the noon sun, each with a different shape. One earring was a purple-jeweled, six-pointed star. Another pair had three small blue diamond shaped jewels. Another pair was shaped in a cloud with a red, yellow, and blue-jeweled thunderbolt. There was also another that had the shape of three small red apple-shaped jewels. Next was a pair with the jewels shaped like three balloons, one light yellow and the other two blue. Lastly, there was pair of earrings with pink jewels shaped like three butterflies. The Harmony Hotties were at a loss for words, not really knowing how to react.

“Um… girls?” Spike spoke, feeling a bit nervous.

“Spike, I…” Twilight said her voice breaking.

“Wowie-Zowie,” Pinkie said in amazement.

“They’re beautiful,” Rarity spoke, clearly touched by Spike’s generous gesture.

“They certainly are,” agreed Fluttershy.

“Darn tootin’,” Applejack said in awe.

“Okay, how many banks and quickie marts did you knock over to get these?” asked and incredulous Rainbow.

“Funny you should mention banks,” said Spike.

“Spike, you didn’t!” gasped a horrified Twilight.

“Actually, I had to dip into my college savings account to pay for most of it,” explained Spike. “That and I did a few jobs here and there, plus allowances. It’s also a plus when your uncle happens to know a jewelry store owner in Canterlot City who is willing to give you a discount.”

“You really did all that just for us?” asked Fluttershy.

“I’d do anything for you girls,” said Spike with conviction.

“Spike, you really shouldn’t have, but thanks all the same,” said Twilight, smiling sweetly.

“That goes for the rest of us,” smiled Applejack.

“Right!” cheered Pinkie, Fluttershy, Rainbow and Rarity.

“So, I’m guessing you guys know which ones are yours, then,” inquired Spike.

“Oh, I know which ones are mine,” said Rainbow as she took the thunderbolt earrings and immediately put them on. “These babies are just better now that they’re on me.”

“And I do believe that diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” Rarity said as she took the diamond shaped earrings.

“You can have your diamonds, Ms. Fancy,” said Applejack as she took the apple earrings. “I’ll just have them apples.”

“I’ll have those balloons, then,” said Pinkie, picking up the balloon earrings, instantly putting them on. “I always wanted balloons attached to my ears.”

“Butterflies are my favorite animals next to bunnies,” said Fluttershy as she picked up the butterfly earrings.

“Well, my dad does say that I spend my time looking at the stars,” said Twilight as she picked up the star earrings. “That and he always called me ‘his little sparkle’.

“So, the earrings are a winner, then,” said Spike.

“They certainly are, Spike,” said Rarity as she admired herself with her pocket mirror, especially now that she put on her earrings.

“Um, Spike…” Fluttershy spoke shyly. “You wouldn’t mind if you put them on me? That is…if it’s okay.”

“Oh, sure thing, Fluttershy,” Spike said, coming over to Fluttershy and putting the earrings on her.

“How’s about givin’ a cowgirl a hand there, big boy,” said Applejack, winking at Spike.

“At your service,” said Spike as she dashed towards Applejack and putting the earrings on her.

“Don’t forget about me,” Twilight said with a bashful look.

“Never,” said Spike, sitting next to Twilight, proceeding to the earrings on her.

“Thank you again, Spike,” Twilight said as she hugged Spike, causing the young Drake to blush a bit.

“Hey, don’t hog him,” Rainbow said, hugging Spike from behind.

“Leave some of that for me!” Applejack shouted, joining in the hug.

“Give me some loving, Spikey!” Pinkie shouted as she yanked Spike towards her breast, causing Spike to blush a deeper shade of red.

“Let a lady show you real affection, Spikey-Wikey,” Rarity said in a seductive tone as she yanked Spike from Pinkie.

“Does puppy want some love?” cooed Fluttershy as she hugged Spike from behind and rubbed her face against his.

“Girls, come on,” a flustered Spike said.

“Well isn’t this sweet,” a voice spoke in an obnoxious tone.

Spike and the girls turned and saw who at was and frowned. They were three teenage boys, all of them wearing cut-off vests of different color and black pants. On the right was a blue-vested thin teenage boy with blonde hair that covered his eyes. On the right was a shorter, blue-haired boy in a brown vest. At the center was taller, more built teenager with orange blonde hair in a red vest. The one in the red vest was currently cracking his knuckles, chuckling at Spike and the girls with an evil smile.

“Garble,” spat Spike.

“Spike Drake, it’s been too long,” Garble said with a sneer and a mock vow. “And I see you have a feast ready for me and my boys. How nice.”

“I don’t think we invited any party poopers,” Pinkie said, folding her arms.

“Oh, we invite ourselves and help ourselves,” laughed Garble. “And I guarantee that no one is going to make us leave.”

“First in school, now here”, thought Spike miserably. “I’ll be glad if I make it out of this day alive”.

Author's Note

Sorry for the long wait. I'd like to thank both Wildcard25 and F14m3rz for pre-reading this before publishing this. Next up for this story: A lunchtime clash...hoodlums, hotties and a boy who wants no trouble...join us won't you? Yours Truly, Duke Moon II.