Chapters Just an ordinary day in Ponyville for Spike. He was spending the day, as he usually did, assisting his friend Twilight with her as she tried new spells. He was waiting patiently by the desk with the open book, watching her as she prepared to cast the spell.
Today, Twilight was attempting a spell from a book she’d found in the Castle of the Two Sisters; it was a spell she’d been trying for days, but without luck. The spell was one that could turn any animal or creature into either a unicorn, pegasus, or earth pony, whichever the subject or spell caster desired. Twilight had learned a spell that could turn creatures into ponies, but they were odd-looking and retained their animalistic behavior. But this new spell actually turned them into a pony, one with more civilized actions and behaviors. So this spell would certainly be a better choice if the opportunity to use it should come up.
As per usual, Spike had offered himself up as a test subject, to which Twilight happily obliged. The spell wasn’t dangerous, so Twilight had no problem using her trusted assistant as an experimentee.
In the library, Twilight prepared to cast the spell on Spike, for a final test to see if she’d mastered it yet. She’d been using mice, but still wasn’t able to concentrate quite enough.
So, in light of this, she’d figured it was because she was using mice that she wasn’t taking things seriously enough, thus, not trying hard enough. So she’d raised the stakes, now about to use Spike for a final attempt, at least, for the day.
Twilight got into her spellcasting stance, as if bracing herself for the power which she was about to use. “Are you ready, Spike?”
Spike nodded. “Ready!”
Twilight initiated the spell for the umpteenth time that day, feeling hopeful that this was it: she was going to get this spell right this time.
As the spell swirled around him, Spike rose slowly into the air, enveloped in the multi-colored cloud of magic. With a blinding flash, the spell was done, and Spike came crashing to the floor, still a dragon.
Twilight sighed . “Oh, well, Spike. We’ll try again tomorrow…”
Spike watched her trudge away. He calmly walked over to put the spell book up for her, but something on the page caught his eye. It looked as if there was something smudged on the page, near the bottom, inhibiting the reader from seeing what it was beneath.
Spike frowned and licked his thumb, then smeared the mark off the page, revealing a part of the spell that Twilight was missing.
He called out for Twilight to return, who rushed up beside him so quickly, it startled him.
“What is it?” Twilight asked, her eyes glued to the page in the book.
Spike pointed at the now readable part of the spell. “You were doing the spell wrong this whole time. I noticed a spot that needed to be cleaned on the page, so I wiped it off and found this.”
Twilight stared in wonder at the now exposed part of the spell. “How in Equestria did I not notice that…?”
Spike shrugged. “You have been pretty worked up about this. Maybe you just weren’t paying attention. We should try it one more time.”
“Good idea, Spike. Let’s try once more.”
Spike assumed the position again in the middle of the room.
“Here it goes!” Twilight exclaimed, casting the spell with new-found hope.
Spike was picked up by the spell and encased in its magic. For a few seconds, he was out of sight in the twisting mass of colors, but the blinding flash was different this time
A few moments later, Twilight rubbed her eyes and saw a unicorn standing before her. The lime green mane and tail, purple coat, and green eyes confirmed that it was indeed Spike… in pony form.
“Twilight?” Spike murmured, giving himself a complete once-over, then he realized what had happened. “It worked…”
Twilight leapt on him in a tight embrace. “Yes! Finally it worked!”
Spike smiled at her. “It feels…different. It’s kind of cool.”
Twilight returned his smile and hugged him again, tighter. “This is great! Now I know it works. Oh, there’s so much to do!” She got up, running back and forth through the room, carrying a conversation with herself. “Now that I’ve got this down, there’s a few things I need to do. Let’s see…” She glanced over at Spike, who was still enjoying the new form he was in. She sighed and edged over to him. “Hey, sorry, but I have to change you back now. There’s a lot that needs to be done.”
Spike pouted. “Oh, okay…” He suddenly perked up. “Hey! You think that I could stay like this…you know, just for today? I mean, it couldn’t do any harm…”
Twilight scratched her chin thoughtfully. “Well, I suppose it wouldn’t be a problem…” She saw the big-eyed stare Spike was giving her, pleading with her speechlessly to let him stay this way for a while. “Oh, alright. But just until midnight. No later. Be back here by then, okay?”
Spike took off, yelling back, “Got it, see ya!”
“I mean it, Spike!” Twilight called after him, concern forcing its way into her mind as she wondered if this was a good idea.
Spike trotted outside, taking in a deep breath of fresh air and smiling up at the sun. “I have a good feeling about this,” he told himself aloud, then making his way to a very special pony in his heart.
As he crossed town, he encountered Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, both gathering some food from the various stands. At first, they overlooked him, but Fluttershy stopped after she and Pinkie passed Spike, and turned back to him, a confused look on her face. “S-Spike? Is that y-you…?”
Spike nodded proudly. “Sure is! Like the new look?” he asked, prancing around the two mares, who were both completely shocked.
“Wowwie! This is so cool!” Pinkie said, leaping up and down in circles around Spike. She stopped suddenly, looking muddled. “Wait – why are you a pony again?”
Spike waved a hoof dismissively. “Oh, Twilight was just trying this awesome spell out and it happened to be me that she was using as a test mule.”
Cranky Doodle lumbered by them, pulling a cart of goods behind him. “Watch your mouth, kid,” he muttered.
Spike shrugged and turned his attention back to his two friends. “Anyway, so Twilight turned me into a unicorn for the rest of the day. Isn’t it great? I can do all sorts of things that I couldn’t do before.”
“Like what?” Fluttershy inquired.
Spike hesitated. “Um, well…there’s tons of things. Like…” he paused again, thinking deeply about his response. “I don’t know. But I’m sure there’s something. No doubt about it,” he said matter-of-factly.
“Okie dokie, then. We’ll see you later. Come on, Fluttershy, there’s not a moment to lose on this cake!” Pinkie said, taking Fluttershy’s hoof and dragging her away.
“See you later Spike! Enjoy your day!” Fluttershy called back to him as she was being led away.
He waved a hoof back at them. “Later, girls!” Then he turned back to his original destination. “Oh, I hope she’s there…”
The Carousel Boutique was just like he remembered. The rotunda stood out from the buildings around it, well designed and beautifully engineered. But for Spike, it was the occupant that he really desired, not the building.
He came to the front door, giving a rushed knock and hurrying in, the bell above the door ringing his arrival.
"Rarity? Are you here?" he called aloud. His voice echoed.
A few seconds later, he heard a faint voice call him upstairs.
With an eccentric grin glued to his pony face, he flew up the stairs, only stopping when he realized what he was doing, what he was about to do.
"Am I - really going to ask her on a date tonight? Oh, will she even like me in pony-form?" He sighed, shaking his head. "Rarity is worth the risk..."
With that, he made himself slip into Rarity's design room.
When he went in, he found her concentrating hard on a new gown line. She had her glasses on, using her magic to add some trim.
Spike flaunted himself proudly, hoping to impress her. "Check it out - new and improved Spike! Sweet, huh?"
She didn't look over at him, but instead continued working on the gown. "Mmhm lovely, dear. Could you please do me a favor and get me those sequins out of the chest over there?"
Spike shrugged and tried using his magic to get the jar of multicolored sequins out of the open chest, but because he wasn't nearly as seasoned as Rarity or Twilight, he was unsuccessful. He tried a few times and gave up.
"Did you get it, darling?" Rarity asked, squinting with determination at some detailed spots.
"No," Spike admitted. "My magic isn't good enough." He was going to say more, but upon second thought, he figured he'd earn her curiosity with the magic thing.
She paid no mind and used her own magic to grab it and bring it to herself.
Spike sighed with frustration. "Hey, uh...Rarity, I know you're kind of...busy, but can you just look at me for a second? I have something to show you."
"Spike, honey, I already know what you look like," she said without looking at him.
He fumed. "Rarity, can you please just look at me for one second?" He was afraid to upset her, but she was being stubborly distracted today, as she sometimes was when a great idea popped in her head.
She ignored him. "What do you think on the color of this hat, dear, aquamarine or chartreuse? Oh, dear, chartreuse doesn't match at all with the design theme," she complained to herself. "Perhaps royal blue...?"
"Rarity!" Spike yelled, immediately covering his mouth in embarrassment. He didn't mean to yell, but talking to Rarity while she was busy was like talking to yourself.
She sighed and looked over at him finally. "Spike, this had better be - " she paused and her eyes grew wide," - good?"
Spike's giddy grin returned as Rarity gawked at him. "Neat, huh? Twilight turned me into a Unicorn for today, until midnight. How do I look?"
Rarity shook her head with surprise. "I...I...you...look..." She blushed lightly, turning her head and looking at him from the side. "Handsome..."
Handsome ? Spike thought happily. She thinks I'm handsome ? He tried to maintain his smile, but now he was not sure what to say. He wished and hoped she would like him, think he was handsome, but didn't actually think she would. Now that she did, he was at a loss for words.
"Well, I think I should make you a suit for just this occasion!" Rarity said excitedly, wandering around the room looking for fabric.
"Uh, I think...I was thinking...I don't really have that long in this form..."
Rarity gave him a concerned, half-lidded gaze. "How long do you have, then? Surely I can make you something in time..."
He scratched the back of his head nervously. "Um...just until...midnight," he replied unhappily.
"Midnight?" Rarity repeated. "Well, that's not very long now, is it? I won't have time to really do anything for you." She sighed with disappointment.
You're losing her, Spike, reel her in! Don't let her get away! He cleared his throat. "I was thinking that maybe..." He searched for the right words before continuing. "Maybe you and I could...you know...just...well..."
Rarity came up to him, smiling femininely. It made Spike's heart race. "Spike, I know what you're asking."
"Y-you do?" he asked, stuttering.
She nodded. "Of course, sweety - I knew you'd ask, as soon as I saw you. You never were too subtile with your crush, dearie."
Spike blushed. "Oh...I guess not. Well, what do you say?" he asked hopefully. At this point, he wasn't sure what to expect. He never thought he'd get this far.
She batted her eyes. "I say, of course I'll go on a date with you tonight. Just let me get ready." She gave his cheeks a pinch. "You get fixed up, too, okay?"
He nearly collapsed on the floor. "Okay...whatever you want..."
She shoved him out the door. "Run along, darling! I need some time to get ready. Come back at seven sharp, okay?"
He nodded, still lovestruck. "I'll be here."
She blinked rapidly - no, provocatively - at him. "I'll be waiting..." She closed the door.
Spike crumpled to the floor in a heap. "I'm going on a date with Rarity..." he said to himself, as if he didn't believe it.
He didn't.
A few moments later, he was scurrying home to Twilight to prepare for the best night of his life.
When Can We Do This Again?
It was just barely after six-thirty, and Spike was not ready.
Twilight was helping him get dressed up and prepared for his date with Rarity, and the whole time she was chatting ceaselessly about how he was growing up and how proud she was of him.
Spike wore a dark green tuxedo with a purple bow. It was something Twilight had helped him pick out. Although he liked her help, he felt she was being a little overwhelming, like she was rushing things.
"Twilight, I'm not going to the gala, it's just a date, here in Ponyville." He closed his eyes as she sprayed him with way too much cologne.
She straightened up his tie, rolling her eyes at him. "Spike - this is Rarity we're talking about. She's probably expecting you to look nice. The least you could do is dress that way for her. Isn't she dressing up for you?" Twilight asked him, finally stepping back to see how he looked.
"Yes, but I still think this is enough," he said, looking himself over and being slightly impressed. He smiled at Twilight. "Thanks, but I've gotta go now, she'll be waiting for me. I'll see you later!" He ran out the door.
"Good luck!" Twilight hollored as he left.
Spike wasted no time getting over to the Carousel Boutique. It was starting to get that beautiful orange glow in the sky as the sun set, and he wanted desperately to take her out to eat in view of that very sunset.
He plodded up the stairs when he came in and couldn't find her. He knocked on her door nervously.
"Just a minute!" Rarity said in singsong.
He decided to go back downstairs and wait for her. Not long after, he heard her coming down the stairs and watched in awe. She was decked out with the most beautiful white-and-purple dress and sparkling jewelry he'd ever seen. She smiled modestly at him as she got to the bottom of the stairs and stood before him.
"Well, you clean up nicely," she noticed, giving him a wink. "So, how do I look?"
Spike didn't have the words to describe this to her. She seemed to radiate with beauty, igniting a whole new passion for her in his heart. His heart raced like he'd just run a marathon, and he stuttered with his response.
She put a hoof over his mouth and giggled. "I'll take that as a compliment. Why don't we head out now? Before it gets too late?"
Spike shook his head to snap out his daydreaming. "Uh...well, did you have someplace in mind? We can go anywhere you want."
They went out the front door, Spike holding it open for her.
"Why, Spike, I'm flattered," she mused.
Spike blushed. "It's no problem..."
They walked around town for a while, just talking about random things. Life, Ponyville, Rarity's clothing line, Twilight's failed spells - just having a good time, in each others' presence. As the sun set below the horizon, they made their way over to the cafe for their dinner.
It was nearly empty, which was exactly what Spike was hoping for. He wanted to finally spend some quality romantic time with Rarity, with no interruptions.
They sat as far away from other ponies as they could get, ordering their drinks and food within moments of sitting down.
"It's such a lovely night," Rarity said, smiling at Spike from across the table, her head resting on her hooves. It seemed that she was intentionally intimidating him with the fact that she looked so beautiful. And if she truly was, it was working.
Spike broke into a light sweat. He felt a drip trickle down his forehead, just above his eye. "Yeah, it sure is." He gave his best toothy grin. "And I'm glad I get to spend it with you. I mean, cause it wouldn't be such a great night without you...I mean..."
"Oh, Spike," Rarity laughed, "you're such a charmer."
He laughed along with her, still anxious. "Yep, that's me - Spike the Charmer..."
"Well, you picked a splendid place to eat tonight, and I must commend you on your taste in food, as well." Rarity glanced casually out the window at the sunset. Her eyes glittered like diamonds, and Spike unintentionally gasped.
Rarity frowned. "Uh...is something wrong dear?"
Spike shook his head. "No, nothing's wrong. Nothing wrong at all..." he replied dreamily, his gaze going back and forth from the colorful sunset outside and the gorgeous Rarity in front of him.
She cocked her head to the side. "I suppose you're right. I'm having a wonderful time." After careful thought, she added, "Aren't you?"
Spike wasn't paying attention - he was lost in his romantic feelings for her. Thinking about what it would feel like to hold her close, to feel her breathing, to kiss her forehead, to tell her how much he -
"Spike, are you okay darling?"
Spike laughed nervously. "Hehe...yeah, I was just thinking..."
She leaned closer on the table. "About what, sweetie?"
He blushed again. Just be honest, Spike. Just tell her. That's what dates are for. "I was thinking...about..." He gulped. "Uh...well...you."
For a moment she didn't say anything. She just stared at him with those big, blue eyes. Spike stared back, unsure what to say, but not wanting to ruin the moment by saying anything. But finally, Rarity spoke.
"Spike, you know you're the sweetest, handsomest drag- I mean stallion I've ever met?"
"Aw, thanks, Rarity. You're the most amazing, beautiful, perfect, unique, irreplaceable mare in..." he paused. "In my life."
It was Rarity's turn to blush now. "Oh, Spike had no idea you could talk so...romantically."
Just then, their food came, steaming and smelling delicious.
"Wonderful!" Rarity exclaimed, putting on a cloth bib as the waiter placed the plates in front of them.
Spike started eating without a word, which, unfortunately was how the rest of the meal went. For some reason, Rarity fell silent. Spike wasn't sure why, but he decided to spend the rest of the evening talking to her before he had to go home and be transformed back into a dragon.
A little while later, after the sun had already set, they finished eating and left, taking a stroll around the park.
They stopped near a pond, with the full moon in the background, gleaming off the surface of the water.
"Spike," Rarity started, standing beside him, facing the pond. "I really must say, I did enjoy this. I hope you know that."
He nodded. "I know. I did too, even though we didn't talk the last little bit," he replied, shaking his head.
Rarity put her hoof on his cheek and turned his head to face her. Her face was barely a few inches from his.
"Whoever said the date ended?"
"But...but I've gotta go in a little bit to get changed back. You know, to the little useless dragon I am..." he said sadly.
"Spike!" she scolded him. "Don't ever say such things about yourself. Dragon or unicorn, you'll always be important to me. No matter what anypony says, I'll always think you're my handsome friend."
He smiled appreciatively. "Thanks, Rarity. I...feel the same about you. I mean, I've always had a crush on you."
"I know," she said softly. "We had this discussion before, you know. Remember our little accident?"
Spike scratched the back of his head nervously. "Yeah..."
Rarity went on. "But I still feel the same now as I did then."
Spike looked at her, into her eyes. "How do you feel about me?" he asked.
She leaned closer. "I love you just as much now as I did then. That will never change, sweetie."
At that moment, Spike decided he couldn't hold himself back anymore. Rarity had his heart, and now he knew for sure he had hers. With extreme carefulness, he leaned in and kissed her.
For a few exciting seconds, their lips were locked in a passionate kiss, just like the ones in Spike's romance-ruled dreams. But this was real, not a dream, and no dream could ever make him feel the way he did now, no matter how detailed or realistic.
When Rarity pulled away, they both blushed at each other.
"Sorry..." Spike murmured.
"Don't be," she said quietly. "I wanted you to do that. I love you, Spike. I sincerely do." She snuggled up to him, and he put his arm around her. They stayed like that, in a warm, loving embrace, until just before midnight.
When they got back over to the library, they stood outside to say their goodbyes.
"Well," Spike breathed. "This was...fun."
"I agree totally," Rarity said, smiling brightly at him. But for some reason, she looked a bit disappointed.
Spike got ready to go in the library. "Well, I'd better go in. Twilight likes to be on time with everything."
Rarity nodded. "I understand."
They stood around in silence again. Then, Rarity asked serenely, "When can we do this again? With you as a pony?"
Spike hoped soon. "I'll see what I can do. Twilight can be hard to convince sometimes."
Rarity chuckled. "Yes, I suppose you're right." She sighed and moved closer to him, giving him a peck on the lips. "I'll see you tomorrow, Spikey-wikey."
He grinned and watched her trot away. "I'll see you..." he pushed the door open. "Tomorrow..." He took a final glance in her direction, then went in the library.
