Come Home Soon

Spike sat in front of his desk reading and signing various reports from his troops. He had been doing it for the past couple of hours and, judging the size of the stack of papers to his left, a few hours still remained until he was done.

He placed the latest scout report he had read on top of his desk. He signed it and then put it atop the smaller stack of papers to his right. There was a knock at his door just as he grabbed the next report.

“Come in.” Spike said without looking at the opening door.

“Sir, sorry to interrupt your work, but you have mail.” A unicorn mare clad in light steel armor and a leather bag filled with letters at her left side said walking to the desk.

“Thank you. You can leave it there.” Spike said never taking his eyes off from the report he was reading. The mare placed a small stack of envelopes on his desk and then quickly left the room.

Spike continued to work, occasionally turning a report or two to ashes, until he was done. Placing the last report on the stack on his right he allowed himself to lean back on his seat while a long, heavy sigh escaped his lips. He stretched popping several of his joints and back grunting in satisfaction as he did so. He then slumped down on his seat for several minutes until he reached for a the drawer to his left. Reaching inside, he moved his hand around searching for something until he pulled out a bottle of apple cider made in Sweet Apple Acres.

The dragon clad in leather armor with a chainmail over it pulled out the cork of the bottle before gulping down half of the refreshing liquid in one go.

“That hits the spot!” Spike exclaimed putting the bottle on the desk while he straightened his posture on the chair. He waited a few moments before taking the bottle again and drank the rest of his cider, albeit actually enjoying it this time.

Once he was done, he threw the bottle to a nearby trash bin. He then looked around his small office finding it empty as always. Well, not completely empty. There was the chair at the other side of his desk and two extras near the wall, the desk, the trash bin, a lightbulb hanging from the ceiling, an Equestrian flag on the wall, a desk lamp, and three pictures. One was of him in his previous small form and the girls waving to the camera. The second one was of his mother, Celestia, with a mouthful of cake looking quite embarrassed. The third one was of him saluting while wearing a set of Royal Guard armor.

Reaching for the first photo, he traced his thumb over the glass while smiling at it. After a couple of seconds he put it next to the other photos. He was about to pull back when he noticed the letters.

“Huh, I forgot about those.” Spike said to himself before reaching further to retrieve them. “Let’s see what we got here.” He leaned back on his seat counting four letters in total. Reading who the first one was from caused him to groan. “How is it that even here I still get this junk?” Spike asked to no one seeing the letter was from a magazine he had subscribed by accident a few years ago. Spike had cancelled his subscription the following week, but they still sent him letters asking him if he wanted to renew his subscription for some reason. He set it on fire without a second doubt.

Moving to the second letter made him forget his sour mood. “Has it been two weeks already?” He chuckled opening it and unfolding the letter. He read the contents mumbling as he did stopping only to laugh or hum at certain points. “‘With love, Twilight Sparkle.’ Good to hear the girls are doing well back home.” He set the letter on his desk. “I’ll write back tomorrow, I promise.” He then moved to the third letter, this one belonging to Celestia herself putting another smile on his face.

Unfolding the letter he read the usual content his mother’s letters came with; basically asking him how he was, if he was comfortable, eating well, keeping his soldiers in line, etc. Usual stuff.

“Why do they keep sending me these letters through the mail system when they could send them directly and be over with? I mean, Twilight I can sorta understand, but mom? They’ve been doing it since the war started.” Spike read the letter of his mother again before setting his sights on his third picture.

The war...It’s been over a year since it started. Wow, a whole year already. Feels like it was just yesterday I was cooking dinner back in the castle. Spike thought setting his mother’s letter next to Twilight’s.

The war had struck swiftly. Looking back it still seemed so unreal. It started with the changelings kidnapping and assassinating several griffons and ponies near the borders of the Badlands. Both sides sent a joint force to rescue the survivors, a task in which they succeeded. Sadly, the changelings and their Queen, Chrysalis, had perpetrated those crimes in order to create a distraction...and use said distraction to kidnap the Prince of the Griffon Kingdom for unknown purposes. Too bad for them the Prince was a fearsome fighter, so instead of kidnapping him the prince went down fighting alongside at least two hundred of his guards.

Two days later the griffons declared war on the Changeling Hives. Almost immediately after, the Diamond Dog Empire and the Minotaur Monarchy, old enemies of the griffons, declared war to Gryphos siding with the changelings. As a result the griffons called upon their long lasting allies for support. And thus Equestria, the Crystal Empire, and Zebrica answered the call declaring war on the three enemy nations. The rest of the nations across Equis decided to remain neutral seeing the conflict didn’t affect them directly.

The following month Equestria suffered numerous attacks from its enemies on all sides despite the efforts of local militias, the army, and the Royal Guards. The worst attack, however, was the sacking of Trottingham by diamond dog forces and the kidnapping of several thousands of ponies at the hands of the changelings.

That ignited the flame the rest of Equestria needed take up arms against their enemies, managing to push back the relative small enemy forces inside their land. The following week there were kilometer long lines outside the enlistment centers all over Equestria and the Crystal Empire.

He had planned to join the army but Celestia informed him that, since he was a member of the Royal Family (even if it was not yet of public knowledge), he technically couldn’t join the army unless he renounced his title. Luckily for him he could join the Royal Guard despite being a prince, much like Blueblood did. Having grown up under Celestia’s care, having the big brother figure and example in Shining Armor, being taught by Twilight, the will to fight for his home and protect those precious to his heart allowed him to rise far and above the rest of his peers. So much so that he reached the rank of Commander in record time, a position second only to Captain in the Royal Guard.

At first Celestia had attempted to keep him close, but not even she could deny his talents and his unexpected tactical ingenuity. His friends had also attempted to join in the fight, but being the Bearers of the Elements meant they helped more back home than in the front lines, especially with Twilight being a princess. Rainbow Dash and Applejack didn’t like it, but they promised the princesses they would obey them despite wanting to fight.

Before his departure he made a promise with Twilight to write to each other every two weeks to catch up and to see how they were doing. He hugged his loved ones goodbye ready to do his part in the war.

And so he was sent to the Crescent Fortress to watch, and intercept if necessary, diamond dog forces attempting to invade from the south entrance. The Crescent Fortress, blocking off one of the few (and fastest) passages in the south to Equestria, was an ugly piece of marvel masterfully carved in the valley of two huge mountain chains that extended hundreds of kilometers at both sides. Meaning that not even the diamond dogs could dig their way through or below them, forcing them to either take the longer routes or try their chances taking down the fortress.

They had already attempted it three times while under his command. And three times they had failed.

Sadly, the fortress was not impugnable, although the walls were thick and solid like granite, and the temperature was tolerable all year long, it wasn’t really that big in overall size. Being capable of housing up to three thousand units, plus the surrounding terrain was awful making farming impossible. Not to mention the nearest village was almost a week long trip back, forcing them to rely on supply lines to feed and arm the stationed army. It also meant that reinforcements were unlikely to come to their aid on time.

Luckily for him and his one thousand troops, the diamond dogs were busy fighting against the allied forces and trying to take far more important strategic places, or trying to gain entrance from the other roads. Which were even more heavily guarded, but still offered more tactical options than just a headstrong assault. That was fine with him. He wasn’t dying to face a well trained, well supplied army big enough to lay siege for days, maybe even weeks, on end without giving him or his troops time to rest anytime soon. His troops could retreat safely back to Equestria thanks to the protection and cover of the fortress, sure, but not without leaving a small force behind to repeal the aggressors to ensure the safety of those retreating.

“That'll be over my dead body.” Spike snarled angrily. He had already lost over a hundred soldiers during the last defences, and was unwilling to sacrifice his troops to save his own scales if the worst came to happen. Shaking his head a few times he regained his composure. Feeling calm once again he placed his mother’s letter next to Twilight’s. “Alright, last one.” Spike did a double take reading from who was from. “What the...it’s from Rarity?” Taking the letter, and placing aside three blank photos barely small enough to fit the envelope, he began to read. It struck him as odd that Rarity would send him a separate letter after their...last meeting before he left.

“Dearest Spike.

This is my fourth attempt to write to you, not for lack of want, mind you, but because I couldn’t find the words to properly describe what I want to express.

Darling, after you left I couldn’t stop thinking about you and your well being. So much so that I went to see Princess Celestia herself to put my mind at ease. She assured me that you were performing your duties admirably, and while you weren’t away from harm, you were on a safe position.

A week later Twilight informed us about your first battle against the diamond dog forces attempting to overpower your fortress. Twilight, bless her heart, was quick to point out you were unharmed and managed to bravely send those despicable ruffians running with their tails between their legs. As Twilight mentioned, we celebrated your victory throwing a quaint small party in her castle. What you may not know is that nightmares plagued my mind for several days after. All of them showing me horrible scenarios of you not coming back to us.

To me.

Then I learned about your second and third battle. I was overjoyed to know you held your position despite the loss of those brave souls, but at the same time I dreaded my nightmares would become a reality. Day after day I prayed to every divine creator to protect you. Until finally something dawned at me.

Spike, sweetheart, precious scales. I’m so sorry. I’m sorry for not realising sooner what you really mean to me. For ignoring your advances and pushing you aside like you were a mere object. Darling, it was never my intention to make you feel unwanted or used in any way. I was afraid to look past my own fear and doubts, too stupid to see you for what you truly are.

Like a fool I distanced myself from you when your body changed to match your spirit and mind. I was so torn inside, Spike. Half of me wanted to be at your side. While the other wanted to hide away. And like a cowardly, pathetic fool I allowed my own doubts and fear to choose over my own heart. Even when you departed and you...and you confessed your love for me I couldn’t help but run away.

Spikey-Wikey. I don’t know if your own precious heart holds a special place for me in it after the terrible things I’ve done. If you still harbor feelings for me then keep reading. Otherwise, stop now and burn this letter. I enchanted it with a spell Twilight taught me, so the moment you burn it a lit candle linked to it in my room will extinguish itself. That way I will know that I have lost my chance to earn your affections.”

“Rarity…” Spike whispered her name while his lips started to form a smile. His heart pounding against his ribcage like never before. “Of course I still love you. I have never stopped, even for a second.” He said to the letter before continuing.

“Spike. My sweet, kind, generous Spike. If you are reading this, then it means I can still dare hope to embrace you once you come back to me. To give you the love you deserve and I yearn to give. To feel your lips against mine as time itself vanishes around us. To hold your hand as we walk together against all odds. To lay together in bed; sweaty, out of breath, and satisfied after making love for hours on end while you whisper sweet nothings to my ear.

Spikey-Wikey. Please believe these words that so much strife caused me to properly spell, for they come from the deepest center of my heart.

I love you.

I’ve fallen in love with you without me even noticing until now. My past infatuations can’t compare in the slightless to what I feel for you, my love. Describing how or why I love you would be insulting. For we both know of that seed you nurtured within me, and that has blossom to become the most beautiful fruit I’ve seen.

Love of my life, I cannot wait until you wrap your arms around my body, protecting me from all harm while at the same time your embrace showers me with your warmth and love. Alas, you’re far away from my side, performing your royal duty in protecting our homeland from our vile, repugnant enemies.

Spike, I don’t care what your orders may be or what you must do. I want you to come back to me no matter the circumstances. Do whatever you must do, my fanged sweetheart. I shall wait eagerly for your reply and pray for your safe return.

Forever yours, Rarity Belle Unicorn.

PS.- This letter had another enchantment placed on it. I hope they are to your enjoyment, darling, and that they help ‘inspire’ you to come back home safe and sound.”

“YES!” Spike roared while small streams of fire emerged from his nostrils. “YEEEESSSS!” He roared even louder almost shattering his windows. He then jumped tumbling his seat back before landing in the middle of his office. “Sweet Celestia, yes!”

Suddenly his doors burst open with three soldiers, two white pegasi stallions and a grey unicorn mare, entering holding their weapons out. “Sir, we heard you--AHHH!” The mare was cut off as Spike took a hold of her, hugging her close with one arm while shoving the letter to her face with the other.

“She loves me! She really loves me!” Spike yelled before retreating the letter from the guard’s face.

The poor mare could only stare in confusion as her commander gave her the biggest (and creepiest) face-splitting smile she had ever seen. “Uhhh...what?”

“Rarity! Rarity said she loves me!” Spike said hugging the soldier mare.

“I’m...glad for you...sir?”

“I gotta tell mom! I gotta tell Cadance! I gotta tell Discord! Wait, forget Discord. I gotta tell Twilight!” Spike yelled before giving the mare a kiss ending it with a loud *MUAH*. “Go tell the garrison and the rest of the troops that they have my permission to bring out the hard cider. And the wine too while they’re at it: ON ME!”

The two pegasi shared a short glance between themselves. “All of it, sir?”

“ALL OF IT!” Spike yelled handing them the frozen, wide-eyed, muttering mare to her fellow soldiers. “You’re still here? Go!”

“Sir, yes sir!” The two soldiers saluted before darting out of the office carrying their seemingly paralyzed comrade.

Alone once more Spike hugged the letter humming a chirpy tone as he did. After a few moments he read through the letter once more with a massive grin on his face. Eventually he reached the end of the letter, his expression changing to one of confusion.

“Another enchantment? For my enjoyment? Help inspire me? What are you talking about, Rarity?” Spike read the letter two more times before he looked at his desk and noticed the other two letters and the small blank photos he pulled out in the beginning. A blush crossed his face while his legs moved on their on walking toward his desk; his tail wagging ever so slightly behind him. He noticed the photos were face down once he was close enough. So, with a nervous gulp he pulled up his seat, sat on it, and then reached for the photos.

Turning them over he gave out a raspy gasp and his eyes turned wide when he saw the top one.

It was a photo of Rarity on her knees wearing a size too small black garter belt complete with socks and gloves. The socks covered her legs from little above the middle of her thighs down to her hooves. Her arms were covered from a few inches above her elbows, they were raised and rested on her trademark mane style that he liked so much. She was blushing while smiling at the camera with half lidded eyes, the only makeup he could notice were her signature eyelashes and light blue eyeshadow.

Her impressive F-cup breasts were held tightly in place by her frilly bra that matches her panties, that honestly looked more like a thong than regular panties. Her toned, slick belly was accentuated by her firm, strong hips and nearly hourglass curves. A testament of the daily hard work she did to keep her alluring figure.

“By the Moon.” Spike said before his shaky hands moved the photo away to see the second one. His tail instantly went rigid behind him upon seeing the next photo.

This time Rarity was standing up facing away from the camera. She was wearing what he guesses were the same black bra and thong. Her mane was held up in a ponytail, while she was looking back at the camera with a tiny smirk and half lidded eyed. She was pulling down the top string supports of her bra; her pose and stance serving only to showcase her curves even more than in the first photo.

What made him drool, however, was her rather generous, firm looking, soft, squishy, perfectly round derriere. The middle line of her thong was lost in between her marvelous lower marshmallows. He barely registered the fraction of her cutie marks that could be seen on the sides of her tush.

Spike blinked for the first time since he sat down before he slowly moved the second photo to see the third and last one. It took his brain a moment to take in what he was seeing, and when it did, his heart nearly jumped up his throat.

Rarity was laying on her side and on her fluffy pink robe over her own bed, whilst wearing absolutely nothing as a few rays of sun illuminated her form. She was glancing back at the camera with a playful, sultry look and a knowing smile. He could see her generous buttocks, her curvaceous body, her slender yet strong legs, her clean, well kept hooves, fur, and blocking tail.

Spike’s right hand began to move on it’s own down the desk feeling his pants were strangely tight for some reason.

“Sir!”

“It wasn’t me!” Spike blurted out hiding the photos inside his chestplate. After a few seconds he cleared his throat. “What do you need, Stalwart?”

“Sir, the troops are wondering if your orders were accurate?” The brown coated earth pony stallion wearing a royal guard armor asked with a Trottingham accent.

“They are. Tell them to enjoy themselves but that rule seventy seven still is up, alright? And tell them that I’ll join the party in a few minutes.”

“By your command.” The guard saluted. “Oh, and congratulations, sir.”

“Thanks, Stalwart.” Spike waited until the earth pony, his most experienced lieutenant, exited his office and closed the door as he left. Spike pulled the photos out again and spent the following couple of minutes staring at them one by one over and over. When he felt he had enough, he put the photos inside his drawer. He then took a clean parchment, a bottle of ink, and a quill.

“My dearest Rarity...No. Rarity of my heart...Too cheesy.” He muttered staring at the piece of paper. “ ‘My Fairest Lady.’ Now that’s more like it. ”

With a good start, Spike began to write his reply.

Author's Note

Special thanks to anyone that read this!

Special thanks to Trithtale for proofreading and minor editing!