The Bell Tolls

Both princesses, Spike, and Twilight stopped in front of Celestia’s room.

“Twilight, Spike, I’m sorry that I had to involve the two of you with this, however, I cannot take any chances. The murderer could be anything, an earth pony, a pegasus, a unicorn, or anything else. I need my guards to be ready for anything, which is why I will be sending them in groups of three at least, with multiple groups patrolling every area in the hope that most of the town will be covered at once. We shall continue business as normal, and Spike, since you are a dragon and you are almost immune to magic, I want you to protect Luna during the night, when they will most likely strike. I ask that you do as she asks and keep watch of all entry points in her room to make sure no one can sneak in. Twilight, you will do the same for me, except for the fact you don’t have magical resistance. Now, let us each go to our rooms and keep our ears open.” Celestia explained before the two pairs left for their respective rooms.

As Spike and Luna made their way to her room, Luna couldn’t help but feel a tinge of joy at the thought of having someone there with her, but that wasn't all she felt, she was nervous, as she never had a friend stay over before. Walking down that familiar hallway, Luna finally spotter her bedroom door, and as they arrived to it, she opened it with her magic, letting them both in.

The first thing Spike saw was the beautiful magenta drapes cascading down the sides of each window, then to the largest bed he's ever seen on the other side of the room, with regal pillows and sheets, both laced with golden linings. Then his gaze fell upon the gilded dresser, made of the rarest dark wood and covered with expensive gifts, then to her floor, one would not imagine gawking at a simple carpet, but this was crafted with the finest precision of royal crimson. There were also numerous bookshelves filled to the brim with what he assumed were spell books. Spike had been staring with his mouth agape so long it was concerning Luna.

“Spike, are you alright?” She asked with concern in her voice, causing him to snap back into reality.

“Oh! I’m fine, it’s just… this room is amazing! You’re so lucky!” Spike said with joy.

“Well, thank you, Spike. I do try to maintain it as best as I can,” she smiled back.

“And I thought Twilight’s library was hard to keep up.” Spike said, as he was picturing how it took him an entire day to keep up the library.

“It's not that difficult when one has memorized a library’s worth of spells.” She smirked.

Starting to feel a little uneasy, she invited him in.

“Where are my manners? Spike, please seat yourself on the bed,” she directed him towards her obvious bed. He took a seat, amazed at how comfortable it was, not noticing as Luna sat next to him.

“So, how have you been?” Luna said, trying to make small talk, not being used to have a guest.

“I’m doing well. How've you been?”

“I am also doing well.” Luna replied, trying to think of something to talk about.

"Yeah, that's good," Spike said, unwillingly letting the silence overtake them.

“I’m sorry Spike, I’m not used to having guests.” Luna said, feeling slightly embarrassed.

“It’s alright, I can imagine it must be lonely, seeing how not many ponies are up at night.” Spike said with immediate regret. He could already see the sad look on Luna’s face.

“It is.”

“I enjoy the night, though. It’s very relaxing. Most ponies are in bed, it’s nice and quiet outside. I usually like to take strolls by myself, looking at the moon. Gives me time to think, time to breathe… time to do whatever.” Spike said, trying to cheer her up.

“You enjoy looking at the moon?” Luna asked, a smile on her face.

“It’s calming and peaceful.” Spike spoke.

“I’m glad you think that, Spike. Most ponies don’t get to enjoy my moon as they are sleeping. I put a lot of work in it, making it perfect. Making sure the stars are not overshadowing its beauty.” Luna spoke, pride in her voice.

“Can I tell you something Spike? Something I haven’t told anypony?”

“Of course, Luna.” Spike said, giving her his full attention.

“Even after being accepted back, I still feel alone, out of place. I can feel that these ponies are subconsciously afraid that I could become Nightmare Moon again. Especially in their dreams, where their emotions are raw and untamed by their social ties, no matter how hard I try to prove them wrong...”

“You feel alone in the crowds, as if everyone's staring at you, never looking you in the eye, waiting for you to make even the simplest mistake... I know far too well how that feels.”

“Really?”

“Ever since I was a newborn, I’ve felt like a stone out of place. Sure at first it was fine, as I was young and the fear had not entered their mind yet. As I was getting older, I could tell they were starting to feel uneasy around me. That uneasiness was starting to bring thoughts of dragon stereotypes in their minds. No matter how much I prove that I am different from other dragons, that I’ve been raised by ponies, that I’ve lived in a pony society, it doesn’t seem to change anything. In their mind, as soon as they saw what greed did to me, and what I became, it’s almost like they thought that’s what I was destined to become.” Spike confessed, remembering their haunting stares.

Luna was speechless, she had no idea Spike felt the same way she did. All she could do was give him a hug, as if saying both, I know your pain and finally someone understands how I feel.

Spike returned the hug, looking into her eyes, and hearing those unspoken words, while saying the same back.

“I never noticed how much your deep blue eyes shined in the moonlight.” Spike said, in his most suave voice.

“Thank you?...”

“Great, now I’m making things awkward,” Spike’s cheeks blushed a deep red.

“You? Awkward? Have you seen how I am? I not even sentences say normally,” Luna giggled.

“You should see Twilight.” he said, bursting out laughing, Luna joining in.