A Sweetie Tailby PegraChaptersprologueChapter one: What is this I feel? Could it be...Chapter Two: Lets face it head onChapter Three: A Guys night confessionChapter Four: Spark on the farmprologue"I now pronounce you Mare and Mare." said Shining Armor, standing atop a wooden alter constructed in the center of Ponyville. A great number of ponies had gathered to witness the marriage between Princess Twilight Sparkle and Princess Luna. Sweetie Belle siting near her older sister Rarity stomped her hoofs along with the others as Twilight and Luna kissed and Rainbow Dash created a triple sonic rain-boom completing the ceremony, after they had kissed the crowd stood up and lined up by row to congratulate the newly wed couple. The first row was reserved for family Twilight's mainly which included Rarity, herself and the other Mane six members being a family to Twilight and to one another, Princess Cadance and Flurry Heart joined next to Shining armor near the head of the line directly behind Twilight's parents Twilight Velvet and Night Light who were in turn right behind Princess Celestia. After the Princess had congratulated them she had directly headed for her chariot and headed back to Canterlot, Sweetie Belle had noted the sour look upon her face as she had left, and the look on Luna's face as she watched form the corner of her eye with a concealed look of sadness that only showed through her eyes. As the line moved on with Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo, and Fluttershy being ahead of them along with Apple Jack and Apple Bloom directly in front of herself and Rarity, as Rainbow and Twilight hugged she noted that from somewhere Spike had emerged to stand as always faithfully by Twilight's side. Like she, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo, Spike had also grown in the last few years since Twilight first came to Ponyville he was a baby dragon then, now he was a mature dragon slightly taller then Twilight. In the last few years Spike and them had become closer as the Cutie Mark Crusader's had been studying magic, potion mixing and cultural history under Twilight to help them better in their on going mission in life of helping others discover themselves Spike was always around giving them material to read or fetching them refreshments at Twilight's request, sometimes Starlight was present but she would usually go out and help with Twilight and the other Mane six. Now it came to be Rarity and hers turn to congratulate the couple, "Congratulations dears." said Rarity as she hugged them both. "Yeah congratulations on your marriage Twilight, its about time you two tied the knot!" said Sweetie Belle enthusiastically "With all those late nights staying up and mornings sleeping in I was begging to wonder if you would ever get married." "O-oh well Sweetie Belle you can't just rush love like friendship its a give and take for both sides." Twilight said slightly riled up at her remark. "Serious Twilight I was worried as well it took you two long enough it was getting a bit annoying to keep you from going crazy and casting an attraction spell like you did on every pony in Ponyville." Spike said "Spike we don't talk of such things anymore that was in the past." Twilight said trying to regain composer, "Besides, I learned my lesson form that and apologized to every pony else." Princess Luna draped one of her wings over Twilight then said "I as well was worried I had begun to believe my courting ritual wasn't the proper one after only reading about in a book." Having been locked away in the moon for a thousand years would do that to you so much had changed since then, remarked Sweetie Belle to herself as Twilight and Luna shared a light laugh. Smiling she looked at the group before her seeing the happiness on their faces but as she looked upon Spike she noticed his eyes as always were fixed on her sister Rarity his long running one sided love has been full of ups and downs. At one point she and the other Crusaders had tried in vain to help him and Rarity further a romantic relationship she had truly wanted her dragon friend to have his love returned but he has been so unlucky in love, be it her sister Rarity or the Dragon Lord Amber. For awhile there it seamed as if he had gotten over it but recently he's seamed to have relapsed and now looks as if hes going to try yet again to gain Rarity's attention and she hope's for his sake that it will actually succeed this time. ********* As the night played on several memorable events stuck out from her slightly buzzed memory Discord trying and failing to do yet another stand up comedic routine only to be helped out by Pinkie Pie and Trixe. Thorax and his few fellow Changelings played a mass game of who's the real Pony, a duet with Vynail and Octavia played for the final dance before Twilight and Luna left for their honey moon. Once Twilight and Luna left for their honey moon to the Crystal Empire by train she saw Spike slip away form the crowd over to Rarity who was saying farewell to Rainbow and Fluttershy, Spike waited till the two were out of earshot then he approached Rarity. Rarity smiled friendly to him and he begun to talk a bit fast his claws flexing and un flexing, his tail moving side to side along the ground and his eyes all the while were nothing but determined to get out everything that he had wanted to say, once he was done he finally looked at Rarity and instantly he along with Sweetie Belle knew what her answer would be. She smiled a small gentle smile at him shook her head and said something then tapped him on the shoulder once and walked off towards Sweetie Belle, after making herself more visible and acting as if she was looking around for Rarity as well, after meeting back up with her they begun to walk towards Rarity's home and boutique. Sweetie Belle couldn't help looking back at Spike and seeing him heading off towards Twilight castle his tail dragging heavily on the ground and slouched over in defeat in complete despair. She couldn't help but feel pity and sadness for her dragon friend but what surprised her most was deep down she felt relived that he was turned down. And for the life of her she couldn't figure out why, she vowed to come and check up on him in a few days, after he's had time to process everything, visiting him at the castle. Chapter one: What is this I feel? Could it be...The long familiar sound of the Ponyville school house's bell rang loud and clear across the town, it was midday and Sweetie Belle was anxious about what she had in mind for today, she was going to check up on Spike today and see how he's doing after being turned down by her older sister Rarity. That was three days ago at princess Luna and Twilight's wedding just after the ceremony as everyone was leaving, he had waited until rarity was alone and then had come out to confess his feelings for her. Sweetie Belle had happened to see them from other side of were the ceremony was being held she had watched as they had talked Spike obviously ready to bear it all and then the aftermath as her sister turned him down. Afterwards as she watched him leave she had vowed to check up on him after he's had time to come to terms and sort out his feelings, despite worrying for her friend she has was struggling to figure feelings out as well, such as why she had felt relived when Rarity had turned him down. Why had she felt that way, she wanted nothing but for her friend to be happy and yet she couldn't help but feel relived about the events. But why? Why did she feel relived that one of her closest friends got his heart broken? None of those close enough to her were in Ponyville at the moment, Rarity was in Manehatten delivering her new line personally and ensuring everything is running perfectly. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were out visiting some of Apple Blooms cousins, and Twilight whom has been teaching her magic for years now, and has become a close confident, is with Luna some were in or around the Crystal Empire for their honeymoon. So shes left here by herself to sort out the feelings she has and what they could mean and failing to understand it and it didn't help that all this anxiety was building up and she cant relive some of it until Silver Spoon takes her shift at the boutique. With her increased fame Rarity had taken to hiring help Sweetie Belle helped when ever she could since things have calmed down a bit with CMC business she been helping out here more when not learning magic from Twilight. Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara were one of the few Ponyville locals that Rarity had hired but they to had taken some vacation time a week ago but today Silver Spoon was supposed to be back, and she's late. The front door burst open startling Sweetie Belle as Silver Spoon breathing a bit heavily rushed in and trotted over to her side. “I am so sorry I'm late we missed our first train and had to wait for the next one Pipsqueak's meeting took longer then we thought.” said Sliver Spoon. “Its not easy being the wife of the mayor of Ponyville huh?” Sweetie Belle said Silver Spoon sighed then said “Totally even a vacation turns out to be a business trip, but we did managed to get some alone time after the first few days we even got to see a few sights before he got dragged into a meeting.” Sweetie Belle laughed awkwardly then started to head towards the door saying as she did “ I'll leave the store in your care then, I need to go pick up some material that Twilight assigned to me.” Silver Spoon only smiled a nearly to corny smile and waved her out, once the door was closed behind her Sweetie Belle had wondered what that smile was about, nearly every pony she had been around when she was a filly gave her that near exact smile when she said she was going to Twilight's and she had no idea what it was about. She tried to forget about what it all meant and instead decided to take in the scenery since she was a filly Ponyville had grown, just slightly, new homes popped up and business's as well Twilight's accession to being a princess had brought in various ponies for wanting to simply be near the new Princess and slowly as her popularity grew so did Ponyville. Like the addition of Twilight's own royal guards and the addition of their own barracks, she even got her own squad of wonder bolt's lead by Rainbow Dash and even now both were under going expansion since Luna's guards would be joining their ranks along with the Dream Walkers. She passed by the open market were she saw Big Mac and Marble Pie with their young filly Mica who in shape, mane style, and personality are very similar to her mother but inherited her fathers red coat, with orange eyes. After passing other familiar faces she ended up outside of Twilight's castle , the guards allowed her to pass with out stopping her, Twilight had a garden built on the sides and in the back of her castle allowing many of the animals that Flutter Shy watched over and took care of to reside in the garden some were exotic animals from other lands gifts from foreign dignitaries visiting Equestria. Even Peewee the Phoenix, that spike rescued and adopted then returned back to his parents, and its mate along with several other Phoenix's had come to live in Twilight's garden. As she passed by a statue Sweetie Belle noticed that the eyes fallowed her and then the familiar slightly evil and slightly maniacal laugh of the only pony or rather Draconequus, that she could rarely deal with had to appear just at that time. “Well if it isn't the the infamous Cutie Mark Crusader Sweetie Belle, still having trouble sorting out everything or are you just here to see a Friend. Said Discord as he appeared out of the statue mixing up a cider cocktail and hovering in the air in front of Sweetie Belle. “H-how... What do you mean by Friend I'm here to see Spike and collect some materials Twilight wanted me to look over before she got back.” Sweetie Belle said confused and slightly jolted not even wondering how Discord knew what she was thinking. He seamed to recently always have a knack for that often getting involved in crucial decisions like when Rainbow and Flutter Shy became a couple or when Luna and Twilight were dating behind the scenes, Rarity even thinks he had something to do with Big Mac and Marble getting married but there was never any proof. Discord drank form a straw he had placed in his cocktail while she was talking and thinking to herself then he continued on by saying. “Why I mean just what I mean couldn't you here me?” He turned around with his back to her before saying. “Why is it that you and your sister have the hardest problems with just being honest with yourself it often makes everything just to easy but then again seeing you struggle to find the answer instead of simply being told is also quite fun, in a way manner of speaking that is.” Hearing that she and her sister had the same problem she instantly became curious, “What problems do I and my sister have exactly.” she asked Discord but a smile that was anything but innocent was all she got before he begun to slowly disappear. “Now what kind of friend would I be if I just gave you the answers you're smart you'll figure it out on your own, but why not simply asks your heart if your really curious you just have to listen to the beats.” again he laughed and disappeared fully. “W-Wait Discord answer my question and how am I supposed to ask my heart what does that even mean?” she asked the air Discord long gone by now. As she headed towards the main entrance to the castle she was pondering what Discord said, what did she and Rarity have in common about not being honest with themselves, how can she asks or listen to her heart, and how does he always find these things out! Frustrated she was lost in thought and didn't notice the door open or here Spike call her name the first few times rather she felt him touching the base of her neck close to her back. Felling him touch her she snapped back into reality, “What did you say Spike I'm sorry I was lost in thought.” she said slightly embarrassed. Spike cleared his throat then repeated, “I said, good afternoon Sweetie Belle are you here to pick up the materials Twilight wanted you to look over while she was gone?” “That's right I'm here for those.” she said as Spike stepped inside and she fallowed after him walking past him as he shut the door behind her, “But I'm also here to check up on you.” Spike looks at her with a confused look on his face, “Why would you need to check up on me? I'm fine.” Sweetie Belle lead the way to the library where the materials are stored at then she continued on with Spike walking behind her, “Ah well you see the other night I happen to see you walking away sort of down, and was wondering if my sister and you talked since she trotted over form your direction.” She heard the slightly saddened tone in Spikes voice when he replied back to her, “Oh so you saw that then huh?” “No no no I didn't see anything but you walking back looking down and Rarity heading towards me from your direction that's all I saw.” She lied talking back to Spike. “Well actually I confessed again to Rarity and again she turned me down I was feeling pretty down before but now I think its for the best now I can move on to something else.” Spike said a brighter tune entering his voice towards the end of his reply. “That's good, I was worried about you.” said Sweetie Belle. Before Spike could reply Sweetie Belle decided to change the topic surprised just a bit about the giddiness stirring up inside of her, “So what else is new?” she asked Spike. “Well I had another growth spurt before Twilight left and she made me a special amulet that makes me my previous size when I wear it so I can fit into the castle still.” Spike said. Sweetie Belle turned her head around back towards him and for a second she could have sworn he was looking her over before meeting her eyes, slightly embarrassed and just ever so slightly happy, she turned back to face forward then said “R-really how much bigger did you get?” “Well... big enough to destroy a table in the main hall and hit my head on the ceiling standing up.” embarrassed as Sweetie Belle laugh's a little bit he gets a bit defensive as he continues to explain, “I had to walk all of my claws until I found Twilight and she managed to cast a temporary spell to shrink me down until she made and enchanted the amulet.” Reaching the library she opened the door magically and stepped off to one side as Spike entered after her, he lead's the way to a table with four books, a bag of various objects, and several scrolls tide up in a bunch, Spike turns back towards her and she notices that he does indeed have an amulet around his neck hanging low on his chest, the chain that held it around his neck was made of gold but instead of an gem for the amulet it was a type of purple stone that seamed to glow which she realized was the actual magic working. Then she started to look even closer at Spike looking him over but she was brought back when he coughed to gain her attention, she blushes and Spike points over to an extra saddle bag leaning against the wall, “You can borrow that since you didn't bring your own I just got finished repairing it for Twilight she wanted to have a few spares around just in case.” Spike says “Thanks, I had some stuff on my mind earlier and forgot my bag back at Rarity's.” she said as she uses magic to bring the bag over filling it with the materials, and then placing it on her back. “Twilight and Luna will be back in another week if you need any help I can send her a message or look through the check list she left behind.” Spike said as he held up an ominously thick looking scroll one of Twilight's notorious check list. “Ok, Thanks for your help Spike, what are you going to be up to while shes gone?” asked Sweetie Belle as she and he headed back to the main entrance. Spike walking evenly with her now scratched the side of his head and replied, “Well Luna had some things brought down form Canterlot and she wanted me to start unpacking them in her and Twilight's room, then I have to go shopping before they get back and restock the supplies, in between then I'm going to be cleaning the rooms and making sure the gardens just the way Twilight likes it.” Then Spike rubs his claws together and smiles a bit as he says “But of course the night before she gets back I'm having a guys night with Discord and Big Mac, were going to have a blast.” Sweetie Belle recalled about when Rarity told her about Guys night when they were playing Ogres & Oubliettes, sometimes Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash would join them despite it being guys only rules. Once at the main entrance Sweetie Belle walks just outside of the door and turns her head back looking at Spike one more time, he smiles at her and and holds a claw up then say's “I'll be here if you need anything, see ya later Sweetie Belle.” She blushes a bit hearing him say her name, her ears pinned back and tapping her hoof on the stairs she looks down unable to look him in the eye, “Y-Y-Yeah I'll be around if I need anything I mean I'll see you later Spike thanks fro your help.” she said as she smiles sweetly at him and quickly trot's off back to the boutique. She may have just figured out what Discord meant by listening to her heart beats, she can't believe it, shes had attractions to other ponies before, stallions here and there when ever she goes out on business or trips with Rarity. It can't be can it? After all she's never been in love before. Chapter Two: Lets face it head on“Add in a Griffin's feather and cast the transmute spell.” said Sweetie Belle reading quietly aloud to herself in her room inside of Rarity's boutique, she found that reading out loud to herself no matter the volume of her voice helped her concentrate on her studies and lessons easier and being in her own room helped her even more. It has been two days since she last talked to Spike and when she had felt what could possibly be love for her dragon friend. She hadn't really thought about it lately besides the strange erotic dreams shes had the last few nights and the few day dreams of him and her raising a foal together. Though in her day dream the foal was in a bundle and being cradled by Spike, and she thought it had a dragons tail, green like Spikes under belly, Sweetie Belle shook her head to ride herself of those thoughts and decided to focus on the task at had. Finishing a transmute spell to change an assortment of materials into a gem but not just any gem into a ruby by combining them and then using a spell Twilight taught her she should be able to turn it into a richly colored ruby. Or worse case it could imploded and turn her desk into nothing but ashes which has happened before when she first attempted the spell in front of Twilight a year ago, since then shes been studying and building up to this spell and now she was finally ready. That is as long as the thoughts of her and Spike becoming a couple, having sex, or even having a foal remains in the back of her mind, and hopefully it would since Rarity had bought this desk for her a few years ago she'd hate to ruin it. She begins to build the spell in layers slowly in order to not make a mistake, getting better as she became more comfortable practicing until it was as natural as breathing. She manages to just finish the complex arranging of the spell, and had just cast it when her bedroom door slams open scattering papers she had laying on a night stand next to her bed, and nearly causing her to lose her concentration and lose the desired affects of the spell. In walked Apple Bloom and Scootaloo “Hey Sweetie Belle were back form our trip seeing Apple Bloom's family.” said Scootaloo Fallowing behind her as they entered the room was Apple Bloom who looked around at all the papers on the floor or still floating down to the floor said to Sweetie Belle “A few of um weren't to keen on our relationship, I reckon most of them were fine but we decided to skedaddle before we over stayed our welcome.” “Was Bab's one of those few that weren't comfortable with your decision?” ask Sweetie Belle generally concerned for her friends, who had become lovers a few years back after helping one particular stallion realizes what his own feeling had meant and discovering their own feeling's in the process. Scootaloo lower her head a bit and pinned her ears back then said “Well she didn't approve of it or understand it all that much but she didn't full out denounce our love like some of the others.” “If anything she was at least willing to keep an open mind about it, unlike some of the others, to be fair Apple Jack did warn us before hand and even Granny Smith was willing to accept it as long as we were happy.” said Apple Bloom Sweetie Belle sighed “Well at least a few accepted your decision, if not fully supporting it...” she said trailing off as she begun to wonder about asking her friends about what had been going through her mind for the last few days. “What's on your mind Sweetie Belle y'all looking a bit antsy, something bothering ya?” asked Apple Bloom as she walked over to Sweetie Belle's side and sat down next to her. Scootaloo joined them and sat on her other side draping a wing on her side “Is it something with your magical studies or did something happen while we were gone?” Sweetie Belle looked back and forth between her two best friends she finally got the courage to deiced and talk to them about and confirm if this was love or not after all who would know her better besides herself then the two ponies she had nearly spent every day with since they were blank flanks. “Something did happen but lets talk about this somewhere its private and maybe get something to eat on the way I haven't left my room since last night.” she said with a small smile towards the end. ********************* “And that's what happened while you were gone the last few days, I honestly have no idea if I really am in love or not or if its something else, if its not love then I'm worried as to why I felt relived after he was turned down by Rarity.” said Sweetie Belle. They had stopped by Sugar Cube Corner on the way getting some cakes and cupcakes, also stopping by a new restaurant to get a to go order of food before heading to Scootaloo home in the Cloud District of Ponyville, Sweetie Belle using magic to transport herself and Apple Bloom up and casting a spell to enable them to walk on clouds had helped to set a table and get drinks before she begun to recount the last few days. And that's were they are now after explaining it all Sweetie Belle took a sip form her cup of coffee, a highly sought after imported drink form a far off southern kingdom, luckily being Twilight's student and friend she and the others managed to get a steady supply as often bags were sent to all the princess as good will gifts. Apple Bloom was in the middle of eating and Scootaloo just finishing the last piece of her cupcake begun the questions. “So you have no idea if its love or not? But didn't you tell us that you found some stallions attractive before?” she asked Sweetie Belle. Sweetie Belle nodded then said “yes but it wasn't anything like this its sort of hard to explain it felt like I was hot and warm but at some times it felt like my chest was heavy and painful, before when it was just an attraction it was just a warm feeling like walking under a hot summers day.” Apple Bloom raised a hoof and pointed to Sweetie Belle's chest and asked “How much did it hurt, exactly?” Sweetie Belle placed a hoof over her heart and pressed it tight as she looked down as if gazing into her self, “It was very painful but that was only when I was away form his side when I was around him it was all fluttery like a butterfly.” she said. Scootaloo looked over to Apple Bloom who looked back at her and both of them nodded before Apple Bloom talked again. “When you saw ya sister turn him down at the weddin did ya happen to feel a might bit relived?” “Relived?” asked Sweetie Belle confused looking back and forth between them both. “Yeah did you feel like something heavy was off of your back?” asked Scootaloo. “Come ta think of it haven't ya always been looking after Spike?” asked Apple Bloom think back over the past few years. Sweetie Belle thought back to it as well and as she did she discovered that the feeling she had felt had always been their just under the surface sometimes it would burst forth but other times it was always hidden, bound up behind a feeling of friendship until recently that is after Rarity had turned him down for the last time. “I guess its always been there I just always kept it hidden and tried to convince myself with friendship.” Sweetie Belle said to her best friends. “So, exactly how long have ya been in love with Spike?” asked Apple Bloom Thinking back on it how long had she been feeling like that towards Spike, she thought back to when Twilight first came to Ponyville but that was to far back she had barely seen him and known him. She looked further ahead but nothing she remembered starting to feel friendship towards him and then.... The wedding in Canterlot for Princess Cadance and Shining Armor when they danced as Twilight sang her song for the newly wed couple. She and he had danced together awhile, having fun and laughing with one another, until he went to Twilight's side when she bid Cadance and Shining farewell, after that she went to be with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. “It was at Princess Cadance and Shining Armor's wedding in Canterlot, we were dancing and having fun and it was after that, that the feeling of friendship bloomed into love.” said Sweetie Belle with a look of remembrance and nostalgic. “Ohhhhhh, I remember that.” said Scootaloo as she smiled “Yeah we were all excited and memorized as Cadance and Shining were dancing, then Pinkie Pie and DJ Pon-3 changed the music and Twilight sang her Love is in bloom song, that became really popular after she became a princess.” “Yeah I love that song I got an original bootleg took me a lot of bargain to get that bootleg.” said Apple Bloom caught up in the moment. Sweetie Belle looking a bit annoyed coughed and both mares turned their heads to look at her and they scrambled to get back on topic. “Any who, that was a magical night I reckon in more ways then one.” said Apple Bloom. “Yeah, and after that dance you fell in love with Spike right?” asked Scootaloo. “Well I guess it started out as a crush more then Love but after that we started to spend more time around our sisters and the others, I got to see other sides of Spike and I wanted nothing more then to make hi happy so I convinced myself that it would be better to help Spike with his relationship rather then pursue one with him myself.” Sweetie Belle said. “Why didn't ya just go after him yourself?” asked Apple Bloom “You saw how infatuated with my sister he was, and then with Amber, I just felt like I could never compete with my sister let alone another dragon.” Sweetie Belle said as she paced about the room. “Well we could have helped ya and I bet ya sister would have helped you out as well she does care about you in her own way after all, ya just need to be more confident and aggressive.” Said Apple Bloom. “Its your time Sweetie Belle, find your happiness well support you all the way, but you need to start laying the ground work before Rarity returns and before he can change his mind.” said Scootaloo Sweetie Belle thought about it for a moment and then nodded to herself coming to a decision. “Your right its time I stop making excuses and start to pursue my own future.... But how do I do that?” she asked her friends. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom looked at one another and smiled then looked back to Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom said to her “We may have an idea for that, here's what we do....” ************** “Well well well, looks like its time for another helpful push form a friendly Draconequus.” Discord said after blinking several times and floating up from the chair in which he had been seated at in his home in the chaos dimension. “But of course dear little Sweetie Belle has her little friends to help her, and my what a good thin it is that Spike has such a good friend as me.” he said to himself rubbing his mismatched clawed hands together. “Ah how I missed these times, the trills of seeing the results as the pillars holding up their old world comes crumbling down and the excitement of a new building being built upon the ruins of the old. Its time to play match maker yet again.” “And what better chaos is there but the chaos of a budding relationship, oh I'm such a good friend.” Discord said as he laughed and disappeared form the chaos realm leaving for a very special meeting tonight, causing chaos wasn't the only fun he had planned for tonight. After all it was guy's night. Chapter Three: A Guys night confessionI've got the snacks, the board, my character sheet, the dice, and the drinks all set and ready to go in the secondary dining room Spike said to himself going through a mental list he had made for the up coming guys night. After everything he had been through the last few days he need a night to let lose and not dwell on what had been happening, first Rarity had turned him down at Twilight's reception after the weeding and had pushed the point home that this would be the last time she wanted to hear of it. Then after a few days of moping Sweetie Belle had come to get her studying materials and to check up on him telling him that she had witnessed what had happened at the reception, and then after hearing her tell him that he couldn't help but look at her for who she was now a young attractive mare. That is what has been bothering him the most he truly cherished his friendship with all his friends and besides pursuing Rarity he had tried not to rock the boat to much. But now he was looking at a friend whom he had spent nearly as much time as he had with Twilight almost everyday he spent looking after Sweetie Belle as she struggled in her studies often helping her by getting her a book that could help her, or by getting a secret journal that twilight had kept detailing her failures and successes in her early training. And of course Sweetie Belle was the younger sister of Rarity which made it harder for him to accept that he actually like Sweetie Belle more then a friend, wouldn't it be seen that he was just pushing his unrequited love of Rarity over to Sweetie Belle? Technically they were around the same age give or take a few years but being around Twilight he had to mature fast in order to do his job right, though he never did really mature enough to get over reading comic books or playing role playing games. He always thought that if he would love some one it would be some one older but all the older ones in the mane six that were still single were Rarity and Apple Jack, Pinkie Pie was sort of in a relationship and sort of not with Discord or with some other mare's she was just all over the place. Rarity and Pinkie Pie aside Apple jack only saw him at most as a brother and she never really showed a romantic interest in anyone, besides the mane six there was also Amber. But the last time they were together they had argued after Amber wanted him to abandoned everything to do with ponies and come to the dragon lands which he refused, and after that they stopped talking. The only ones he could talk to about this was Twilight who had often enough told him to just give up on Rarity generally concerned she had told him to not get involved with close friends, and of course Big Mac but he has his hoofs full raising his own family. Discord was a friend but.... Spike didn't want to involve him after all he had seen how much chaos he had caused to get Flutter shy and Dash and then Twilight and Luna together, it was painful to watch, something he didn't want to experience for himself. So who else could he talk to that would understand what he was going through, maybe he could talk to Flutter Shy or Princess Luna both of them were understanding and they may provide some insight since Luna has similar sister problems towards her sister like between Rarity and Sweetie Belle. Flutter Shy had a hard time confessing to Rainbow Dash or even admitting openly that she had feelings for her and right now hes having trouble with both dealing with how she may react to him possibly pushing his feeling for Rarity to her and him maybe actually loving Sweetie Belle herself and not just her for her connection to Rarity. Before he could wonder more on the subject a a knock came at the front door, he speed walked over to the door and opened it to see Big Mac “Hey Big Mac are you ready to dwell into dungeons battling legions of un-dead, monsters and beast of magic.” said Spike with an air of mysteriousness. “Yuuuup” said Big Mac dragging it out a bit slightly reveling his excitement. They walked to where the game would be held and when they opened the door unsurprisingly Discord had made himself at home siting long ways in the chair slightly hovering in the air with his neck leaning out over one side and his tail hanging out over the other side. He was rolling dice using his magic in the air looking bored, until the door had closed then still rolling the dice in the air he looked over at the two of them and locking eyes with Spike he smiled a very spine chilling smile that Spike knew meant that he was up to something. What you never knew until it was to late. As Spike and Big Mac took their seats Discord said “Well now that were all here let the game begin.” ********************* Surprisingly they actually played Ogres & Oubliettes, Spike as the dungeon master was leading them through a very successful game facing against an evil prince Unicorn who had kidnapped a village of earth ponies. Finally at the end of their journey Spike in an evil and deep voice said, “Blasted hero's of the Sacred Empire, you have stopped my plans for now, but know this I shall return and I will claim what is rightfully mine.” He paused and then returning back to his normal voice acting as a narrator to a story said “And so the evil unicorn prince fled back to the dark lands he had came form and the hero's though rejoicing in their victory knew that he would return one day.” Ending the game Big Mac stretched and groan a bit in his chair, Discord who had coiled himself up like a snake midway through the game begun to unwind and stretch out. “That was a blast a very nice Tail, Spike.” said Discord laughing at his little joke then placing a talon on his cheek he looked slyly over towards Spike while asking, “Though I do wonder what happened to that dear Princess Shmarity hmm?” Spike paused in mid motion of putting away character sheets and dice then looked at Discord with a wondering look on his face and asked, “What are you getting at Discord?” Discord feigning shock at the accusation of him implying anything said defensively, “Why nothing, it juts so happens that the princess so happens to be in every one of your tales and I was genuinely shocked that she wasn't present tonight.” Bic Mac nodded his head and said, “Yup.” agreeing with Discord. Spike rolled his eyes before saying back “I just decided that she should take a break and we start with a different story after all not every story focuses on or around the princess.” Discord smiled that smile again and this time Spike felt he should stop it before it was to late but the thought struck him seconds to late as Discord commented back, “It wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that Rarity turned you down at Twilight's wedding reception, wouuuuld it?” Spike felt a lump in his stomach form as Discord said that not because he knew but because he didn't want to many ponies knowing that he was turned down yet again, and looking at Big Mac he saw shock and then he saw pity in his stallions friends eyes. Pity from a pony that had a family and a successful romance unlike him. “Ya doin alright?” asked Big Mac concerned and after hearing the tone of in his voice Spike realized it wasn't pity in his friends eye it was concern, when he looked back to Discord he still saw that anger inducing smile of mischief but in his eyes he also saw concern. Spike took a deep breath before saying “I'm fine, I had some time to think and I decided to finally give up on chasing after Rarity.” Discord raised an eyebrow and as he slid his arm around Spikes shoulder he said, “Is that all that's on your mind or perhaps you have your sights set on some pony else?” Spike didn't see any malevolent meaning behind his question but not for the first time or the last he wondered how Discord found out these things. “I do have some pony that I'm interested in, but it may be inappropriate to pursue it so I'm not so sure I should go through with it.” Spike said “Who's ya pinin after?” asked Big Mac “Yes yes yes, whom are you interested in?” asked Discord Spike looked at Discord with an accusing look on his face as he said, “Discord, I'm pretty sure you already know you've been hinting at it all night after all.” “Well what can I say but yes I do know for a fact who it is, but poor Big Mac has no idea, and if you can't trust us your best friends then who can you trust?” asked Discord “Big Mac yes but your one of my best friend's to?” asked Spike. “Well who else do you constantly hang around with, play games with, read comic books, and go out on the town with besides Big Mac, Doughnut Joe? Mr. Cake? Snips & Snails? No, I am the only other best friend you have.” said Discord as he paced upside down on the ceiling as he talked wearing a old detective style hat. “Holy Celestia how did this happen?” Spike wondered out loud as he placed his head in his talons and shook it slightly back and forth completely in disbelief that Discord was in fact one of his best friends, and it really pained him to admit it. “Ah but you don't actually hate the idea of me as a best friend after all I'm quite helpful to my friends.” Discord said patting Spike on the back. “Well, now that we got that worked out who's the some pony ya interested in Spike?” asked Bic Mac Spike clutched the edge of his chair digging his talons into them slightly as he muttered out the name of the some pony he has been having feelings for lately but he purposely said it so low that no one could hear it he could hardly hear it himself. “What ya say?” asked Big Mac “I said ..... lle.” Muttering again over all but the last part of Sweetie Belle's name. “Come again? Did you say Vynail?” asked Discord purposely saying the wrong ponies name and smiling wickedly for it. Embarrassed and flustered Spike dug his claws into the chairs arm and stood half way up getting closer to Discord and as he said slightly discharging a few small tongues of flames, “I didn't say Vynail I said Sweetie Belle.” And as he said her name out loud and realized that he had been goaded into yelling out his confession loud enough that it was now echoing around Twilight's castle as if repeating for ever. Discord laughed at how his plan had worked out flawlessly, Big Mac had is mouth slightly gaped open and was piecing it all together, truthfully he had been like this since Discord said Vynail but before he could ask Spike if it was true he had blurted out the truth and now he was just recovering form this. “Now now Spike you just needed a little push is all don't be to mad it was to help you, now that your talking about it aren't you a bit more relived and no longer brooding over it and you feel like a weight has been lifted off of your shoulders right?” said Discord. In fact as soon as it was out in the open he had felt relived more then he had for awhile possibly since he had decided to give up on Rarity. But he wasn't going to let Discord know that. Big Mac finally recovering nodded and said, “So hows this inappropriate? I figure that y'all can have a happy relationship together ya the same age and all and ya seam to get along as well as a pig and mud do.” “I mean isn't it? It's Rarity's little sister isn't like I'm pushing my feelings of Rarity over to Sweetie Belle?” asked Spike in a worried and nervous tone. “Well I reckon if ya like Sweetie Belle for Sweetie Belle then how is that pushin ya feelings from Rarity on over to her? Ya like her for her don't cha?” said Big Mac “Well yeah I do like Sweetie Belle for herself.” said Spike “Then by all means you should definitely go and fall in love.” said Discord to Spike shrunken down and walking on the table eating some fruits and snacks Spike had placed out before and during the game. “Yeah your right I should, I like Sweetie Belle because she is her own pony and because shes fun to be around, has a fun personality and above all else is kind and helpful to everyone.... and she's very beautiful as well.” Spike said slightly embarrassed admitting she is beautiful. As Discord laugh Big Mac remembered something he had heard in town a while ago he had intended to ask Apple Bloom if the rumor was true but he forgot until now, “Hey ya Spike I may be wrong but aint Sweetie Bell and that Button Mash fella goin out?” Suddenly the room was deathly quite as all three of them stopped midway of what they were doing, Discord chewing up a tart was a bit wide eyed, Spike who was in the middle of stretching after feeling relived about finally having it all in the open was now stuck mid stretch and his eyes were to side open, and Big Mac as he was saying his last comment had his hoof held up and pointed towards Ponyville with his mouth slightly open. Spike still shocked simply said “Huh.” trying to think about it over and over in his head and sure enough he remembered Rarity saying something along those lines as well years ago though at the time he was still interested in her and got lost in thoughts about the two of them dating and didn't remember what she had said about it, could it be true? Chapter Four: Spark on the farmIt was early in the morning and Spike had barely slept a wink. After last night's guy's night he thought he had gained some peace of mind. But then Big Mac had told him of a rumor that was going around Ponyville. The rumor concerned Sweetie Belle who he had feelings for may actually be dating somepony else, Button Mash. Button Mash was around their ages and had actually gone to the same school as Sweetie Belle. Spike didn't know much else of Button Mash, besides the fact that he liked playing games. Mostly the video variety. Spike had hardly played any of those games before he has only ever played Pegasus Rely. Other then that one racing game he hasn't taken an interest in those kind of games sticking mainly to board games. What had kept him up most the night was the thought of Sweetie Belle and Button Mash together doing “things” of all sorts. He couldn't stop himself form imagining their daily life as a couple. Not even a cup of Emerald Tea could calm him down. He was just imagining for the hundredth time Sweetie Belle and Button mash kissing when there was a knock on the castle door. He made his way to the door trying, along the way, to look normal. When he opened the door he was surprised to see the young filly Mica. Big Mac and Marble's daughter. Her body shape, personality, and mane style were the spitting image of her mother, yet she had her fathers coat and hair color. Yet unlike her parents she had Orange eyes instead of Marbles purple or Big Macs green. “Hey Mica what brings you here today?” Spike asked genuinely happy to see the young shy filly, he is one of her guardians after all. And he was very protective of the young filly. “mm-mm.” she replied gently nodding her head moving a note she had in her mouth. Spike took the note and unrolled it. It was a note form Big Mac concerning two things. The first was that Mica had just gotten her Cutie Mark. Spike lowered the note and looked at Mica's flank where sure enough, as she was proudly displaying, was her Cutie Mark five rock shaped apples that were gray in color. Since it has appeared Marble and Big Mac were trying to figure out if it has to do with apples or with rocks. Mica likes to do both apple farming and rock farming. Which brings up the second issue, Marble wants to start mining precious stones and crystals. She recently found a vein of quartz crystal when she was helping to dig some new holes for apple trees. She believes there is a richer deposit of crystal and possibly gems near the farm and with the okay from Applejack, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom she's getting ready to start the process. But first she need's some help locating the deposit. That's were Spike comes in. Spike has an affinity for finding precious stones a bonus perk is that he can dig them up to. However, Spike thinks Rarity would be better suited to this task as she has a spell to locate gems. But with Rarity gone for another few days its up to Spike. “Alright, well lets get going then Mica.” Spike said as he stepped out of the castle and closed the door behind him. He lead Mica past the new guards and out towards Ponyville. It was just another peaceful day in Ponyville. Derpy was delivering mail, the entire Cake family was busy with the morning rush at Sugar Cube corner. Apparently Pinkie Pie was still out where ever she was at. They walked through the new district of Ponyville were new homes were built an dare still being built. Many of which belonged to families of guards that were transferred form Canterlot assigned to Twilight or to Luna. Some were private homes of Wonderbolt's team here in Ponyville. Twilight over the years has made many enemies and in doing so has needed a higher security guarantee. Which was fine with Spike as he and Twilight were family and when anything bad happened to her he was hurt along with her. Be it in body or in mind. They finally made it to the country side were the Apples lived. Some other ponies lived out on the outskirts of town like Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. Recently some other farming ponies had set up smaller farms around Ponyville supplying fresh food to the town and its citizens. They were close to Sweet Apple acres now Mica as usual wasn't talking the entire way, but Spike didn't mind it's just how she was. As they headed to the barn spike could make out that at least six ponies were gathered around and talking. But when Spike added it up in his head it seamed like their was one extra and it was somepony with a white coat. Mica ran to her mothers side and Spike called out a greeting to everyone, “Good morning everypony.” He said raising his claw to wave slightly to them. As they turned to look at him he completely froze in place the one pony he didn't want to see today of all days was here. But he should have know she would be here after all Sweetie Belle often helped out her best mare-friend's out when they needed help. He recovered and started to walk towards them again and as he did he glared at Big Mac. Sending a silent message to him that he was pissed that he hadn't told him Sweetie Belle was going to be here. Big Mac simply smiled and winked at him. “Well hey there Spike whatcha doin' here today?” asked Applejack. “Well Big Mac sent Mica to get me to help out Marble.” Spike said glancing over at Sweetie Belle who appeared to be arguing with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. “Ah ya here to help find the right spot fer that mine of her and Mica's.” said Applejack. Applejack looked over at Sweetie Belle and the others with a confused look on her face then to Big Mac and said, “I thought that why y'all called Sweetie Belle since she got that gem findin' spell Rarity uses.” Big Mac said back to her, “Yup.” and then looked to Marble. Who agreed by saying “mm-hmm.” “Y'all wanted both of their help Sweetie Belle using her magic to locate um and Spike digs the hole.” with only that form both of them Applejack understood what they needed done. “It always amazes me how you and Pinkie Pie can understand yup and mm-hmm.” Spike said shaking his head. “Well y'all get it after a while, ya understand Big Mac sometimes don'tcha Spike?” Applejack asked Spike. “Only sometimes.” he said back stretching his arms and tail out. “So how ya doin' Spike after the whole Rarity thing at Twilight's reception?” Applejack asked honestly wanting to check on her dragon friend, who is like a little brother to her. “Applejack!!” said Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle. While Big Mac, Marble, and Mica made distressing gasps. Applejack was about to defend herself but Spike responded before that saying, “Uh oh I'm fine I got something else on my mind now. Lets get started on finding the spot shall we?” he said in a confident and sure tone saying the lat part to Sweetie Belle as he started to head off towards eastern side of Sweet Apple Acres. Sweetie Belle trotted over to catch up, “I'll come wit-” Applejack was beginning to say but got stopped by the others before she could say more or move closer to them. Spike was walking side by side with Sweetie Belle as they walked along the path towards the spot were Marble wanted them to investigate. Neither of them said a word to one another why Sweetie Belle didn't say anything he had no idea. But Spike only ha done question on his mind and that was wondering if that rumor was true. Were Sweetie Belle and Button Mash dating. “W-we're getting close to the spot so once were out side of the apple trees we'll start looking right?” asked Sweetie Belle with a slight hint of nervousness in her voice. Which in his current condition Spike missed. “Uh, ah yeah sounds good to me, lead the way and I'll handle the digging.” Spike said standing taller. Sweetie Belle smiled at him before pulling out in front to lead the way. Spike as soon as he saw that smile melted on the inside, on the outside he grinned like an idiot in love. Which he quickly shook away as he tried to recompose himself before fallowing after her. Once they were clear of the apple trees a little ways away Sweetie Belle's horn begun to glow signaling she was using magic. Then she walked a few steps here or their moving her head form side to side searching for gems or crystals. Both of them didn't find anything right off the bat. The spell does have limitations however only able to go down so far. “Let me dig a little bit here, I'll make it big enough so you can walk in and check if there's anything deeper down.” Spike said after awhile of searching and finding nothing. “Okay I'll leave it to you.” Sweetie Belle said as she stepped back giving Spike some room to dig. Spike dropped down to all fours like a pony then sniffing the ground he walked a few step's until he smelt something besides dirt. He started slowly digging into the earth checking to see if he was throwing dirt at Sweetie Belle at first. But after seeing he wasn't getting anywhere close to her he begun to dig full blown as he dug down a little ways. Then he extended out the hole slightly so Sweetie Belle could walk in and out with out trouble. All in all it was a relatively quick job instead of digging a tunnel he simply made a giant hole with a ramp down into it. And once it was done he called up to Sweetie Belle, “Alright I dug it down to as far as the spell can detect and I made a way down, so when ever your ready.” It wasn't long before Sweetie Belle was poking her head over to look down into the hole. She walked over to were Spike started digging at and walked down the slight earthen ramp until she got to Spikes side at the bottom of the hole. Again her horn lit up as she searched for gems and crystals. She was closing her eyes as she was searching, concentrating on feeling the magical pull of when a gem was discovered. Spike was taking this moment to gaze at her longingly more and more now he found that he was looking at her something was driving him to simply look at her. Then he realized what it was it was his dragon instincts. Normally he had them under control he'd been working on it since he went crazy one time on his birthday and had stolen others belongings growing larger and larger every time. But right now that same feeling had broken free of his control and he had a good idea why. Since he was obsessing over if Sweetie Belle and Button Mash were dating or not he had a feeling that she was something he could ever have and that just brought out his dragons greed. She was something that he could probably never have and it drove his dragons basic needs crazy. But he had to scold himself, as not only was Sweetie Belle one of his closest friends she was also not a possession he could simply take or buy for himself. He was slightly depressed as he was scolding himself when Sweetie Belle suddenly opened her eye and started to stomp the ground excitedly. “I found it, I found it there's a large deposit of crystals and gems just a ways in and then down deeper and then it goes off in several directions.” she looked over to Spike with a beaming smile and still stomping the ground in excitement said. “It was hard to detect it because it was behind some metals but I slipped through the cracks and found the vein.” She was enthusiastically happy and Spike couldn't help but get infected by it he smiled as well and was going to pat her on the head in a sort of friendly congratulations. Instead he found himself with his claw on the side of her face gently caressing her. Sweetie Belle stopped in surprise and looked up at Spike both of them staring into each others eyes. With out really noticing both of them started to get closer and closer to one another their mouths just a hair's space away. It was slight but Spike defiantly heard, felt, and smelt something dangerous he had only a split second to yell out. 'Look out!” before shielding Sweetie Belle with his own body as several medium sized rocks that were embedded in the soft soil came free. They would have hit Sweetie Belle on the head and back if not for Spike using his own body to shield her. Since his latest growth spurt his scales had become stronger which meant right now as these rocks fell on his back it only felt like he had just stubbed a claw on his foot. The small landslide didn't last long and once it was over he pulled back form Sweetie Belle then said. “Lets get out of here before more rocks fall.” He let Sweetie Belle go first and fallowed up behind her once back up on top of the hole they both let out a sigh. Spike soon found himself being looked over by Sweetie Belle and barraged by questions as she did. “Are you okay? You're not hurt? Are you bleeding? Is anything broken?” and many other similar questions fallowed to all he said no or I'm fine. He allowed her to look at his back closely and he even stretched out his body to prove everything was okay. He was touched that she had cared so much about his well being and above all else he was relived that she was not harmed. “Well we'll have to warn them about the lose soil but we did manage to find the deposit so shall we head back to let them know?” He said intending to lead the way back but stopped after feeling a hoof on his side. When he looked back he saw Sweetie Belle with her head lowered siting on the ground and her hoof on his side. “You okay Sweetie Belle?” he asked a bit worried that he hadn't actually shielded her like he had thought. But his worries were in vain, as she stood up and raised her head to look him in the eyes. Normally he was taller then her but right now he was slightly hunched down, he had lowered himself when he had seen her sitting and her head lowered. But now they were face to face and she had a strange look in her eyes, she begun to lean in closer and closer to him angling to the side of his face. He realized she was going to kiss him on the check and time seamed to slow to a near halt. But as she was stepping slightly closer to him she tripped. Ending up with both of them kissing on the lips, which surprised them both. Sweetie Belle after she realized what had happened quickly pulled back and made various embarrassing sounds unable to talk until she just ran off as fast as she could back towards the Apple family house. Spike was still stunned form the kiss he was going through the stages of surprise, then happiness, then giddiness and then only realizing that Sweetie Belle had run off. By the time he had actually chased after her she was gone and everypony but Apple Bloom and Scootaloo was in a small semi circle near the road back to Ponyville. When he approached they all turned to him and Applejack asked. “What in tarnation happened?” Spike caught his breath before answering back, “We found the deposit and I dug down a bit it goes back in then down and then off in different directions. But you need to be careful of landslides the soil is lose and we had a small one before coming back.” Applejack didn't seamed to be satisfied with that answer so Spike continued on, “I Shielded her form the landslide and when we got out of the hole she tripped and we ended up kissing each other.” “And that's why she bolted faster then a sheep in a round up?” asked Applejack. Spike simply nodded and Applejack sighed walking back towards the farm offering a counseling pat on the back to Spike as she passed him. Spike then wondered if she knew how he felt, it was highly likely after all she had known he was in love with Rarity only second to Twilight. Marble and Mica fallowed after leaving Spike and Big Mac to talk. Spike was trying to go over things in his head about how this could have happened and then it hit him. “Discord!!” Spike yelled out in a bit of anger. But instead of his usual laughing and then appearing out of nowhere to claim his little prank or push nothing happened. Spike looked around though waiting for Discord to appear convinced he had something to do with all of this. “He was around this mornin' Spike but he had some stuff to do and he would be away for awhile, he wanted Applejack to tell Fluttershy that when she came back tomorrow. He didn't have anything to do with it.” Big Mac said to Spike. Spike juts simply looked at him stunned but he eventually accepted that it was nothing more then an accident and yet again he was excited. It was short lived though as he thought back again to how Sweetie Belle may be dating somepony else. Maybe that's why she ran off as fast as she did.
prologue"I now pronounce you Mare and Mare." said Shining Armor, standing atop a wooden alter constructed in the center of Ponyville. A great number of ponies had gathered to witness the marriage between Princess Twilight Sparkle and Princess Luna. Sweetie Belle siting near her older sister Rarity stomped her hoofs along with the others as Twilight and Luna kissed and Rainbow Dash created a triple sonic rain-boom completing the ceremony, after they had kissed the crowd stood up and lined up by row to congratulate the newly wed couple. The first row was reserved for family Twilight's mainly which included Rarity, herself and the other Mane six members being a family to Twilight and to one another, Princess Cadance and Flurry Heart joined next to Shining armor near the head of the line directly behind Twilight's parents Twilight Velvet and Night Light who were in turn right behind Princess Celestia. After the Princess had congratulated them she had directly headed for her chariot and headed back to Canterlot, Sweetie Belle had noted the sour look upon her face as she had left, and the look on Luna's face as she watched form the corner of her eye with a concealed look of sadness that only showed through her eyes. As the line moved on with Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo, and Fluttershy being ahead of them along with Apple Jack and Apple Bloom directly in front of herself and Rarity, as Rainbow and Twilight hugged she noted that from somewhere Spike had emerged to stand as always faithfully by Twilight's side. Like she, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo, Spike had also grown in the last few years since Twilight first came to Ponyville he was a baby dragon then, now he was a mature dragon slightly taller then Twilight. In the last few years Spike and them had become closer as the Cutie Mark Crusader's had been studying magic, potion mixing and cultural history under Twilight to help them better in their on going mission in life of helping others discover themselves Spike was always around giving them material to read or fetching them refreshments at Twilight's request, sometimes Starlight was present but she would usually go out and help with Twilight and the other Mane six. Now it came to be Rarity and hers turn to congratulate the couple, "Congratulations dears." said Rarity as she hugged them both. "Yeah congratulations on your marriage Twilight, its about time you two tied the knot!" said Sweetie Belle enthusiastically "With all those late nights staying up and mornings sleeping in I was begging to wonder if you would ever get married." "O-oh well Sweetie Belle you can't just rush love like friendship its a give and take for both sides." Twilight said slightly riled up at her remark. "Serious Twilight I was worried as well it took you two long enough it was getting a bit annoying to keep you from going crazy and casting an attraction spell like you did on every pony in Ponyville." Spike said "Spike we don't talk of such things anymore that was in the past." Twilight said trying to regain composer, "Besides, I learned my lesson form that and apologized to every pony else." Princess Luna draped one of her wings over Twilight then said "I as well was worried I had begun to believe my courting ritual wasn't the proper one after only reading about in a book." Having been locked away in the moon for a thousand years would do that to you so much had changed since then, remarked Sweetie Belle to herself as Twilight and Luna shared a light laugh. Smiling she looked at the group before her seeing the happiness on their faces but as she looked upon Spike she noticed his eyes as always were fixed on her sister Rarity his long running one sided love has been full of ups and downs. At one point she and the other Crusaders had tried in vain to help him and Rarity further a romantic relationship she had truly wanted her dragon friend to have his love returned but he has been so unlucky in love, be it her sister Rarity or the Dragon Lord Amber. For awhile there it seamed as if he had gotten over it but recently he's seamed to have relapsed and now looks as if hes going to try yet again to gain Rarity's attention and she hope's for his sake that it will actually succeed this time. ********* As the night played on several memorable events stuck out from her slightly buzzed memory Discord trying and failing to do yet another stand up comedic routine only to be helped out by Pinkie Pie and Trixe. Thorax and his few fellow Changelings played a mass game of who's the real Pony, a duet with Vynail and Octavia played for the final dance before Twilight and Luna left for their honey moon. Once Twilight and Luna left for their honey moon to the Crystal Empire by train she saw Spike slip away form the crowd over to Rarity who was saying farewell to Rainbow and Fluttershy, Spike waited till the two were out of earshot then he approached Rarity. Rarity smiled friendly to him and he begun to talk a bit fast his claws flexing and un flexing, his tail moving side to side along the ground and his eyes all the while were nothing but determined to get out everything that he had wanted to say, once he was done he finally looked at Rarity and instantly he along with Sweetie Belle knew what her answer would be. She smiled a small gentle smile at him shook her head and said something then tapped him on the shoulder once and walked off towards Sweetie Belle, after making herself more visible and acting as if she was looking around for Rarity as well, after meeting back up with her they begun to walk towards Rarity's home and boutique. Sweetie Belle couldn't help looking back at Spike and seeing him heading off towards Twilight castle his tail dragging heavily on the ground and slouched over in defeat in complete despair. She couldn't help but feel pity and sadness for her dragon friend but what surprised her most was deep down she felt relived that he was turned down. And for the life of her she couldn't figure out why, she vowed to come and check up on him in a few days, after he's had time to process everything, visiting him at the castle.
Chapter one: What is this I feel? Could it be...The long familiar sound of the Ponyville school house's bell rang loud and clear across the town, it was midday and Sweetie Belle was anxious about what she had in mind for today, she was going to check up on Spike today and see how he's doing after being turned down by her older sister Rarity. That was three days ago at princess Luna and Twilight's wedding just after the ceremony as everyone was leaving, he had waited until rarity was alone and then had come out to confess his feelings for her. Sweetie Belle had happened to see them from other side of were the ceremony was being held she had watched as they had talked Spike obviously ready to bear it all and then the aftermath as her sister turned him down. Afterwards as she watched him leave she had vowed to check up on him after he's had time to come to terms and sort out his feelings, despite worrying for her friend she has was struggling to figure feelings out as well, such as why she had felt relived when Rarity had turned him down. Why had she felt that way, she wanted nothing but for her friend to be happy and yet she couldn't help but feel relived about the events. But why? Why did she feel relived that one of her closest friends got his heart broken? None of those close enough to her were in Ponyville at the moment, Rarity was in Manehatten delivering her new line personally and ensuring everything is running perfectly. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were out visiting some of Apple Blooms cousins, and Twilight whom has been teaching her magic for years now, and has become a close confident, is with Luna some were in or around the Crystal Empire for their honeymoon. So shes left here by herself to sort out the feelings she has and what they could mean and failing to understand it and it didn't help that all this anxiety was building up and she cant relive some of it until Silver Spoon takes her shift at the boutique. With her increased fame Rarity had taken to hiring help Sweetie Belle helped when ever she could since things have calmed down a bit with CMC business she been helping out here more when not learning magic from Twilight. Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara were one of the few Ponyville locals that Rarity had hired but they to had taken some vacation time a week ago but today Silver Spoon was supposed to be back, and she's late. The front door burst open startling Sweetie Belle as Silver Spoon breathing a bit heavily rushed in and trotted over to her side. “I am so sorry I'm late we missed our first train and had to wait for the next one Pipsqueak's meeting took longer then we thought.” said Sliver Spoon. “Its not easy being the wife of the mayor of Ponyville huh?” Sweetie Belle said Silver Spoon sighed then said “Totally even a vacation turns out to be a business trip, but we did managed to get some alone time after the first few days we even got to see a few sights before he got dragged into a meeting.” Sweetie Belle laughed awkwardly then started to head towards the door saying as she did “ I'll leave the store in your care then, I need to go pick up some material that Twilight assigned to me.” Silver Spoon only smiled a nearly to corny smile and waved her out, once the door was closed behind her Sweetie Belle had wondered what that smile was about, nearly every pony she had been around when she was a filly gave her that near exact smile when she said she was going to Twilight's and she had no idea what it was about. She tried to forget about what it all meant and instead decided to take in the scenery since she was a filly Ponyville had grown, just slightly, new homes popped up and business's as well Twilight's accession to being a princess had brought in various ponies for wanting to simply be near the new Princess and slowly as her popularity grew so did Ponyville. Like the addition of Twilight's own royal guards and the addition of their own barracks, she even got her own squad of wonder bolt's lead by Rainbow Dash and even now both were under going expansion since Luna's guards would be joining their ranks along with the Dream Walkers. She passed by the open market were she saw Big Mac and Marble Pie with their young filly Mica who in shape, mane style, and personality are very similar to her mother but inherited her fathers red coat, with orange eyes. After passing other familiar faces she ended up outside of Twilight's castle , the guards allowed her to pass with out stopping her, Twilight had a garden built on the sides and in the back of her castle allowing many of the animals that Flutter Shy watched over and took care of to reside in the garden some were exotic animals from other lands gifts from foreign dignitaries visiting Equestria. Even Peewee the Phoenix, that spike rescued and adopted then returned back to his parents, and its mate along with several other Phoenix's had come to live in Twilight's garden. As she passed by a statue Sweetie Belle noticed that the eyes fallowed her and then the familiar slightly evil and slightly maniacal laugh of the only pony or rather Draconequus, that she could rarely deal with had to appear just at that time. “Well if it isn't the the infamous Cutie Mark Crusader Sweetie Belle, still having trouble sorting out everything or are you just here to see a Friend. Said Discord as he appeared out of the statue mixing up a cider cocktail and hovering in the air in front of Sweetie Belle. “H-how... What do you mean by Friend I'm here to see Spike and collect some materials Twilight wanted me to look over before she got back.” Sweetie Belle said confused and slightly jolted not even wondering how Discord knew what she was thinking. He seamed to recently always have a knack for that often getting involved in crucial decisions like when Rainbow and Flutter Shy became a couple or when Luna and Twilight were dating behind the scenes, Rarity even thinks he had something to do with Big Mac and Marble getting married but there was never any proof. Discord drank form a straw he had placed in his cocktail while she was talking and thinking to herself then he continued on by saying. “Why I mean just what I mean couldn't you here me?” He turned around with his back to her before saying. “Why is it that you and your sister have the hardest problems with just being honest with yourself it often makes everything just to easy but then again seeing you struggle to find the answer instead of simply being told is also quite fun, in a way manner of speaking that is.” Hearing that she and her sister had the same problem she instantly became curious, “What problems do I and my sister have exactly.” she asked Discord but a smile that was anything but innocent was all she got before he begun to slowly disappear. “Now what kind of friend would I be if I just gave you the answers you're smart you'll figure it out on your own, but why not simply asks your heart if your really curious you just have to listen to the beats.” again he laughed and disappeared fully. “W-Wait Discord answer my question and how am I supposed to ask my heart what does that even mean?” she asked the air Discord long gone by now. As she headed towards the main entrance to the castle she was pondering what Discord said, what did she and Rarity have in common about not being honest with themselves, how can she asks or listen to her heart, and how does he always find these things out! Frustrated she was lost in thought and didn't notice the door open or here Spike call her name the first few times rather she felt him touching the base of her neck close to her back. Felling him touch her she snapped back into reality, “What did you say Spike I'm sorry I was lost in thought.” she said slightly embarrassed. Spike cleared his throat then repeated, “I said, good afternoon Sweetie Belle are you here to pick up the materials Twilight wanted you to look over while she was gone?” “That's right I'm here for those.” she said as Spike stepped inside and she fallowed after him walking past him as he shut the door behind her, “But I'm also here to check up on you.” Spike looks at her with a confused look on his face, “Why would you need to check up on me? I'm fine.” Sweetie Belle lead the way to the library where the materials are stored at then she continued on with Spike walking behind her, “Ah well you see the other night I happen to see you walking away sort of down, and was wondering if my sister and you talked since she trotted over form your direction.” She heard the slightly saddened tone in Spikes voice when he replied back to her, “Oh so you saw that then huh?” “No no no I didn't see anything but you walking back looking down and Rarity heading towards me from your direction that's all I saw.” She lied talking back to Spike. “Well actually I confessed again to Rarity and again she turned me down I was feeling pretty down before but now I think its for the best now I can move on to something else.” Spike said a brighter tune entering his voice towards the end of his reply. “That's good, I was worried about you.” said Sweetie Belle. Before Spike could reply Sweetie Belle decided to change the topic surprised just a bit about the giddiness stirring up inside of her, “So what else is new?” she asked Spike. “Well I had another growth spurt before Twilight left and she made me a special amulet that makes me my previous size when I wear it so I can fit into the castle still.” Spike said. Sweetie Belle turned her head around back towards him and for a second she could have sworn he was looking her over before meeting her eyes, slightly embarrassed and just ever so slightly happy, she turned back to face forward then said “R-really how much bigger did you get?” “Well... big enough to destroy a table in the main hall and hit my head on the ceiling standing up.” embarrassed as Sweetie Belle laugh's a little bit he gets a bit defensive as he continues to explain, “I had to walk all of my claws until I found Twilight and she managed to cast a temporary spell to shrink me down until she made and enchanted the amulet.” Reaching the library she opened the door magically and stepped off to one side as Spike entered after her, he lead's the way to a table with four books, a bag of various objects, and several scrolls tide up in a bunch, Spike turns back towards her and she notices that he does indeed have an amulet around his neck hanging low on his chest, the chain that held it around his neck was made of gold but instead of an gem for the amulet it was a type of purple stone that seamed to glow which she realized was the actual magic working. Then she started to look even closer at Spike looking him over but she was brought back when he coughed to gain her attention, she blushes and Spike points over to an extra saddle bag leaning against the wall, “You can borrow that since you didn't bring your own I just got finished repairing it for Twilight she wanted to have a few spares around just in case.” Spike says “Thanks, I had some stuff on my mind earlier and forgot my bag back at Rarity's.” she said as she uses magic to bring the bag over filling it with the materials, and then placing it on her back. “Twilight and Luna will be back in another week if you need any help I can send her a message or look through the check list she left behind.” Spike said as he held up an ominously thick looking scroll one of Twilight's notorious check list. “Ok, Thanks for your help Spike, what are you going to be up to while shes gone?” asked Sweetie Belle as she and he headed back to the main entrance. Spike walking evenly with her now scratched the side of his head and replied, “Well Luna had some things brought down form Canterlot and she wanted me to start unpacking them in her and Twilight's room, then I have to go shopping before they get back and restock the supplies, in between then I'm going to be cleaning the rooms and making sure the gardens just the way Twilight likes it.” Then Spike rubs his claws together and smiles a bit as he says “But of course the night before she gets back I'm having a guys night with Discord and Big Mac, were going to have a blast.” Sweetie Belle recalled about when Rarity told her about Guys night when they were playing Ogres & Oubliettes, sometimes Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash would join them despite it being guys only rules. Once at the main entrance Sweetie Belle walks just outside of the door and turns her head back looking at Spike one more time, he smiles at her and and holds a claw up then say's “I'll be here if you need anything, see ya later Sweetie Belle.” She blushes a bit hearing him say her name, her ears pinned back and tapping her hoof on the stairs she looks down unable to look him in the eye, “Y-Y-Yeah I'll be around if I need anything I mean I'll see you later Spike thanks fro your help.” she said as she smiles sweetly at him and quickly trot's off back to the boutique. She may have just figured out what Discord meant by listening to her heart beats, she can't believe it, shes had attractions to other ponies before, stallions here and there when ever she goes out on business or trips with Rarity. It can't be can it? After all she's never been in love before.
Chapter Two: Lets face it head on“Add in a Griffin's feather and cast the transmute spell.” said Sweetie Belle reading quietly aloud to herself in her room inside of Rarity's boutique, she found that reading out loud to herself no matter the volume of her voice helped her concentrate on her studies and lessons easier and being in her own room helped her even more. It has been two days since she last talked to Spike and when she had felt what could possibly be love for her dragon friend. She hadn't really thought about it lately besides the strange erotic dreams shes had the last few nights and the few day dreams of him and her raising a foal together. Though in her day dream the foal was in a bundle and being cradled by Spike, and she thought it had a dragons tail, green like Spikes under belly, Sweetie Belle shook her head to ride herself of those thoughts and decided to focus on the task at had. Finishing a transmute spell to change an assortment of materials into a gem but not just any gem into a ruby by combining them and then using a spell Twilight taught her she should be able to turn it into a richly colored ruby. Or worse case it could imploded and turn her desk into nothing but ashes which has happened before when she first attempted the spell in front of Twilight a year ago, since then shes been studying and building up to this spell and now she was finally ready. That is as long as the thoughts of her and Spike becoming a couple, having sex, or even having a foal remains in the back of her mind, and hopefully it would since Rarity had bought this desk for her a few years ago she'd hate to ruin it. She begins to build the spell in layers slowly in order to not make a mistake, getting better as she became more comfortable practicing until it was as natural as breathing. She manages to just finish the complex arranging of the spell, and had just cast it when her bedroom door slams open scattering papers she had laying on a night stand next to her bed, and nearly causing her to lose her concentration and lose the desired affects of the spell. In walked Apple Bloom and Scootaloo “Hey Sweetie Belle were back form our trip seeing Apple Bloom's family.” said Scootaloo Fallowing behind her as they entered the room was Apple Bloom who looked around at all the papers on the floor or still floating down to the floor said to Sweetie Belle “A few of um weren't to keen on our relationship, I reckon most of them were fine but we decided to skedaddle before we over stayed our welcome.” “Was Bab's one of those few that weren't comfortable with your decision?” ask Sweetie Belle generally concerned for her friends, who had become lovers a few years back after helping one particular stallion realizes what his own feeling had meant and discovering their own feeling's in the process. Scootaloo lower her head a bit and pinned her ears back then said “Well she didn't approve of it or understand it all that much but she didn't full out denounce our love like some of the others.” “If anything she was at least willing to keep an open mind about it, unlike some of the others, to be fair Apple Jack did warn us before hand and even Granny Smith was willing to accept it as long as we were happy.” said Apple Bloom Sweetie Belle sighed “Well at least a few accepted your decision, if not fully supporting it...” she said trailing off as she begun to wonder about asking her friends about what had been going through her mind for the last few days. “What's on your mind Sweetie Belle y'all looking a bit antsy, something bothering ya?” asked Apple Bloom as she walked over to Sweetie Belle's side and sat down next to her. Scootaloo joined them and sat on her other side draping a wing on her side “Is it something with your magical studies or did something happen while we were gone?” Sweetie Belle looked back and forth between her two best friends she finally got the courage to deiced and talk to them about and confirm if this was love or not after all who would know her better besides herself then the two ponies she had nearly spent every day with since they were blank flanks. “Something did happen but lets talk about this somewhere its private and maybe get something to eat on the way I haven't left my room since last night.” she said with a small smile towards the end. ********************* “And that's what happened while you were gone the last few days, I honestly have no idea if I really am in love or not or if its something else, if its not love then I'm worried as to why I felt relived after he was turned down by Rarity.” said Sweetie Belle. They had stopped by Sugar Cube Corner on the way getting some cakes and cupcakes, also stopping by a new restaurant to get a to go order of food before heading to Scootaloo home in the Cloud District of Ponyville, Sweetie Belle using magic to transport herself and Apple Bloom up and casting a spell to enable them to walk on clouds had helped to set a table and get drinks before she begun to recount the last few days. And that's were they are now after explaining it all Sweetie Belle took a sip form her cup of coffee, a highly sought after imported drink form a far off southern kingdom, luckily being Twilight's student and friend she and the others managed to get a steady supply as often bags were sent to all the princess as good will gifts. Apple Bloom was in the middle of eating and Scootaloo just finishing the last piece of her cupcake begun the questions. “So you have no idea if its love or not? But didn't you tell us that you found some stallions attractive before?” she asked Sweetie Belle. Sweetie Belle nodded then said “yes but it wasn't anything like this its sort of hard to explain it felt like I was hot and warm but at some times it felt like my chest was heavy and painful, before when it was just an attraction it was just a warm feeling like walking under a hot summers day.” Apple Bloom raised a hoof and pointed to Sweetie Belle's chest and asked “How much did it hurt, exactly?” Sweetie Belle placed a hoof over her heart and pressed it tight as she looked down as if gazing into her self, “It was very painful but that was only when I was away form his side when I was around him it was all fluttery like a butterfly.” she said. Scootaloo looked over to Apple Bloom who looked back at her and both of them nodded before Apple Bloom talked again. “When you saw ya sister turn him down at the weddin did ya happen to feel a might bit relived?” “Relived?” asked Sweetie Belle confused looking back and forth between them both. “Yeah did you feel like something heavy was off of your back?” asked Scootaloo. “Come ta think of it haven't ya always been looking after Spike?” asked Apple Bloom think back over the past few years. Sweetie Belle thought back to it as well and as she did she discovered that the feeling she had felt had always been their just under the surface sometimes it would burst forth but other times it was always hidden, bound up behind a feeling of friendship until recently that is after Rarity had turned him down for the last time. “I guess its always been there I just always kept it hidden and tried to convince myself with friendship.” Sweetie Belle said to her best friends. “So, exactly how long have ya been in love with Spike?” asked Apple Bloom Thinking back on it how long had she been feeling like that towards Spike, she thought back to when Twilight first came to Ponyville but that was to far back she had barely seen him and known him. She looked further ahead but nothing she remembered starting to feel friendship towards him and then.... The wedding in Canterlot for Princess Cadance and Shining Armor when they danced as Twilight sang her song for the newly wed couple. She and he had danced together awhile, having fun and laughing with one another, until he went to Twilight's side when she bid Cadance and Shining farewell, after that she went to be with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. “It was at Princess Cadance and Shining Armor's wedding in Canterlot, we were dancing and having fun and it was after that, that the feeling of friendship bloomed into love.” said Sweetie Belle with a look of remembrance and nostalgic. “Ohhhhhh, I remember that.” said Scootaloo as she smiled “Yeah we were all excited and memorized as Cadance and Shining were dancing, then Pinkie Pie and DJ Pon-3 changed the music and Twilight sang her Love is in bloom song, that became really popular after she became a princess.” “Yeah I love that song I got an original bootleg took me a lot of bargain to get that bootleg.” said Apple Bloom caught up in the moment. Sweetie Belle looking a bit annoyed coughed and both mares turned their heads to look at her and they scrambled to get back on topic. “Any who, that was a magical night I reckon in more ways then one.” said Apple Bloom. “Yeah, and after that dance you fell in love with Spike right?” asked Scootaloo. “Well I guess it started out as a crush more then Love but after that we started to spend more time around our sisters and the others, I got to see other sides of Spike and I wanted nothing more then to make hi happy so I convinced myself that it would be better to help Spike with his relationship rather then pursue one with him myself.” Sweetie Belle said. “Why didn't ya just go after him yourself?” asked Apple Bloom “You saw how infatuated with my sister he was, and then with Amber, I just felt like I could never compete with my sister let alone another dragon.” Sweetie Belle said as she paced about the room. “Well we could have helped ya and I bet ya sister would have helped you out as well she does care about you in her own way after all, ya just need to be more confident and aggressive.” Said Apple Bloom. “Its your time Sweetie Belle, find your happiness well support you all the way, but you need to start laying the ground work before Rarity returns and before he can change his mind.” said Scootaloo Sweetie Belle thought about it for a moment and then nodded to herself coming to a decision. “Your right its time I stop making excuses and start to pursue my own future.... But how do I do that?” she asked her friends. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom looked at one another and smiled then looked back to Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom said to her “We may have an idea for that, here's what we do....” ************** “Well well well, looks like its time for another helpful push form a friendly Draconequus.” Discord said after blinking several times and floating up from the chair in which he had been seated at in his home in the chaos dimension. “But of course dear little Sweetie Belle has her little friends to help her, and my what a good thin it is that Spike has such a good friend as me.” he said to himself rubbing his mismatched clawed hands together. “Ah how I missed these times, the trills of seeing the results as the pillars holding up their old world comes crumbling down and the excitement of a new building being built upon the ruins of the old. Its time to play match maker yet again.” “And what better chaos is there but the chaos of a budding relationship, oh I'm such a good friend.” Discord said as he laughed and disappeared form the chaos realm leaving for a very special meeting tonight, causing chaos wasn't the only fun he had planned for tonight. After all it was guy's night.
Chapter Three: A Guys night confessionI've got the snacks, the board, my character sheet, the dice, and the drinks all set and ready to go in the secondary dining room Spike said to himself going through a mental list he had made for the up coming guys night. After everything he had been through the last few days he need a night to let lose and not dwell on what had been happening, first Rarity had turned him down at Twilight's reception after the weeding and had pushed the point home that this would be the last time she wanted to hear of it. Then after a few days of moping Sweetie Belle had come to get her studying materials and to check up on him telling him that she had witnessed what had happened at the reception, and then after hearing her tell him that he couldn't help but look at her for who she was now a young attractive mare. That is what has been bothering him the most he truly cherished his friendship with all his friends and besides pursuing Rarity he had tried not to rock the boat to much. But now he was looking at a friend whom he had spent nearly as much time as he had with Twilight almost everyday he spent looking after Sweetie Belle as she struggled in her studies often helping her by getting her a book that could help her, or by getting a secret journal that twilight had kept detailing her failures and successes in her early training. And of course Sweetie Belle was the younger sister of Rarity which made it harder for him to accept that he actually like Sweetie Belle more then a friend, wouldn't it be seen that he was just pushing his unrequited love of Rarity over to Sweetie Belle? Technically they were around the same age give or take a few years but being around Twilight he had to mature fast in order to do his job right, though he never did really mature enough to get over reading comic books or playing role playing games. He always thought that if he would love some one it would be some one older but all the older ones in the mane six that were still single were Rarity and Apple Jack, Pinkie Pie was sort of in a relationship and sort of not with Discord or with some other mare's she was just all over the place. Rarity and Pinkie Pie aside Apple jack only saw him at most as a brother and she never really showed a romantic interest in anyone, besides the mane six there was also Amber. But the last time they were together they had argued after Amber wanted him to abandoned everything to do with ponies and come to the dragon lands which he refused, and after that they stopped talking. The only ones he could talk to about this was Twilight who had often enough told him to just give up on Rarity generally concerned she had told him to not get involved with close friends, and of course Big Mac but he has his hoofs full raising his own family. Discord was a friend but.... Spike didn't want to involve him after all he had seen how much chaos he had caused to get Flutter shy and Dash and then Twilight and Luna together, it was painful to watch, something he didn't want to experience for himself. So who else could he talk to that would understand what he was going through, maybe he could talk to Flutter Shy or Princess Luna both of them were understanding and they may provide some insight since Luna has similar sister problems towards her sister like between Rarity and Sweetie Belle. Flutter Shy had a hard time confessing to Rainbow Dash or even admitting openly that she had feelings for her and right now hes having trouble with both dealing with how she may react to him possibly pushing his feeling for Rarity to her and him maybe actually loving Sweetie Belle herself and not just her for her connection to Rarity. Before he could wonder more on the subject a a knock came at the front door, he speed walked over to the door and opened it to see Big Mac “Hey Big Mac are you ready to dwell into dungeons battling legions of un-dead, monsters and beast of magic.” said Spike with an air of mysteriousness. “Yuuuup” said Big Mac dragging it out a bit slightly reveling his excitement. They walked to where the game would be held and when they opened the door unsurprisingly Discord had made himself at home siting long ways in the chair slightly hovering in the air with his neck leaning out over one side and his tail hanging out over the other side. He was rolling dice using his magic in the air looking bored, until the door had closed then still rolling the dice in the air he looked over at the two of them and locking eyes with Spike he smiled a very spine chilling smile that Spike knew meant that he was up to something. What you never knew until it was to late. As Spike and Big Mac took their seats Discord said “Well now that were all here let the game begin.” ********************* Surprisingly they actually played Ogres & Oubliettes, Spike as the dungeon master was leading them through a very successful game facing against an evil prince Unicorn who had kidnapped a village of earth ponies. Finally at the end of their journey Spike in an evil and deep voice said, “Blasted hero's of the Sacred Empire, you have stopped my plans for now, but know this I shall return and I will claim what is rightfully mine.” He paused and then returning back to his normal voice acting as a narrator to a story said “And so the evil unicorn prince fled back to the dark lands he had came form and the hero's though rejoicing in their victory knew that he would return one day.” Ending the game Big Mac stretched and groan a bit in his chair, Discord who had coiled himself up like a snake midway through the game begun to unwind and stretch out. “That was a blast a very nice Tail, Spike.” said Discord laughing at his little joke then placing a talon on his cheek he looked slyly over towards Spike while asking, “Though I do wonder what happened to that dear Princess Shmarity hmm?” Spike paused in mid motion of putting away character sheets and dice then looked at Discord with a wondering look on his face and asked, “What are you getting at Discord?” Discord feigning shock at the accusation of him implying anything said defensively, “Why nothing, it juts so happens that the princess so happens to be in every one of your tales and I was genuinely shocked that she wasn't present tonight.” Bic Mac nodded his head and said, “Yup.” agreeing with Discord. Spike rolled his eyes before saying back “I just decided that she should take a break and we start with a different story after all not every story focuses on or around the princess.” Discord smiled that smile again and this time Spike felt he should stop it before it was to late but the thought struck him seconds to late as Discord commented back, “It wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that Rarity turned you down at Twilight's wedding reception, wouuuuld it?” Spike felt a lump in his stomach form as Discord said that not because he knew but because he didn't want to many ponies knowing that he was turned down yet again, and looking at Big Mac he saw shock and then he saw pity in his stallions friends eyes. Pity from a pony that had a family and a successful romance unlike him. “Ya doin alright?” asked Big Mac concerned and after hearing the tone of in his voice Spike realized it wasn't pity in his friends eye it was concern, when he looked back to Discord he still saw that anger inducing smile of mischief but in his eyes he also saw concern. Spike took a deep breath before saying “I'm fine, I had some time to think and I decided to finally give up on chasing after Rarity.” Discord raised an eyebrow and as he slid his arm around Spikes shoulder he said, “Is that all that's on your mind or perhaps you have your sights set on some pony else?” Spike didn't see any malevolent meaning behind his question but not for the first time or the last he wondered how Discord found out these things. “I do have some pony that I'm interested in, but it may be inappropriate to pursue it so I'm not so sure I should go through with it.” Spike said “Who's ya pinin after?” asked Big Mac “Yes yes yes, whom are you interested in?” asked Discord Spike looked at Discord with an accusing look on his face as he said, “Discord, I'm pretty sure you already know you've been hinting at it all night after all.” “Well what can I say but yes I do know for a fact who it is, but poor Big Mac has no idea, and if you can't trust us your best friends then who can you trust?” asked Discord “Big Mac yes but your one of my best friend's to?” asked Spike. “Well who else do you constantly hang around with, play games with, read comic books, and go out on the town with besides Big Mac, Doughnut Joe? Mr. Cake? Snips & Snails? No, I am the only other best friend you have.” said Discord as he paced upside down on the ceiling as he talked wearing a old detective style hat. “Holy Celestia how did this happen?” Spike wondered out loud as he placed his head in his talons and shook it slightly back and forth completely in disbelief that Discord was in fact one of his best friends, and it really pained him to admit it. “Ah but you don't actually hate the idea of me as a best friend after all I'm quite helpful to my friends.” Discord said patting Spike on the back. “Well, now that we got that worked out who's the some pony ya interested in Spike?” asked Bic Mac Spike clutched the edge of his chair digging his talons into them slightly as he muttered out the name of the some pony he has been having feelings for lately but he purposely said it so low that no one could hear it he could hardly hear it himself. “What ya say?” asked Big Mac “I said ..... lle.” Muttering again over all but the last part of Sweetie Belle's name. “Come again? Did you say Vynail?” asked Discord purposely saying the wrong ponies name and smiling wickedly for it. Embarrassed and flustered Spike dug his claws into the chairs arm and stood half way up getting closer to Discord and as he said slightly discharging a few small tongues of flames, “I didn't say Vynail I said Sweetie Belle.” And as he said her name out loud and realized that he had been goaded into yelling out his confession loud enough that it was now echoing around Twilight's castle as if repeating for ever. Discord laughed at how his plan had worked out flawlessly, Big Mac had is mouth slightly gaped open and was piecing it all together, truthfully he had been like this since Discord said Vynail but before he could ask Spike if it was true he had blurted out the truth and now he was just recovering form this. “Now now Spike you just needed a little push is all don't be to mad it was to help you, now that your talking about it aren't you a bit more relived and no longer brooding over it and you feel like a weight has been lifted off of your shoulders right?” said Discord. In fact as soon as it was out in the open he had felt relived more then he had for awhile possibly since he had decided to give up on Rarity. But he wasn't going to let Discord know that. Big Mac finally recovering nodded and said, “So hows this inappropriate? I figure that y'all can have a happy relationship together ya the same age and all and ya seam to get along as well as a pig and mud do.” “I mean isn't it? It's Rarity's little sister isn't like I'm pushing my feelings of Rarity over to Sweetie Belle?” asked Spike in a worried and nervous tone. “Well I reckon if ya like Sweetie Belle for Sweetie Belle then how is that pushin ya feelings from Rarity on over to her? Ya like her for her don't cha?” said Big Mac “Well yeah I do like Sweetie Belle for herself.” said Spike “Then by all means you should definitely go and fall in love.” said Discord to Spike shrunken down and walking on the table eating some fruits and snacks Spike had placed out before and during the game. “Yeah your right I should, I like Sweetie Belle because she is her own pony and because shes fun to be around, has a fun personality and above all else is kind and helpful to everyone.... and she's very beautiful as well.” Spike said slightly embarrassed admitting she is beautiful. As Discord laugh Big Mac remembered something he had heard in town a while ago he had intended to ask Apple Bloom if the rumor was true but he forgot until now, “Hey ya Spike I may be wrong but aint Sweetie Bell and that Button Mash fella goin out?” Suddenly the room was deathly quite as all three of them stopped midway of what they were doing, Discord chewing up a tart was a bit wide eyed, Spike who was in the middle of stretching after feeling relived about finally having it all in the open was now stuck mid stretch and his eyes were to side open, and Big Mac as he was saying his last comment had his hoof held up and pointed towards Ponyville with his mouth slightly open. Spike still shocked simply said “Huh.” trying to think about it over and over in his head and sure enough he remembered Rarity saying something along those lines as well years ago though at the time he was still interested in her and got lost in thoughts about the two of them dating and didn't remember what she had said about it, could it be true?
Chapter Four: Spark on the farmIt was early in the morning and Spike had barely slept a wink. After last night's guy's night he thought he had gained some peace of mind. But then Big Mac had told him of a rumor that was going around Ponyville. The rumor concerned Sweetie Belle who he had feelings for may actually be dating somepony else, Button Mash. Button Mash was around their ages and had actually gone to the same school as Sweetie Belle. Spike didn't know much else of Button Mash, besides the fact that he liked playing games. Mostly the video variety. Spike had hardly played any of those games before he has only ever played Pegasus Rely. Other then that one racing game he hasn't taken an interest in those kind of games sticking mainly to board games. What had kept him up most the night was the thought of Sweetie Belle and Button Mash together doing “things” of all sorts. He couldn't stop himself form imagining their daily life as a couple. Not even a cup of Emerald Tea could calm him down. He was just imagining for the hundredth time Sweetie Belle and Button mash kissing when there was a knock on the castle door. He made his way to the door trying, along the way, to look normal. When he opened the door he was surprised to see the young filly Mica. Big Mac and Marble's daughter. Her body shape, personality, and mane style were the spitting image of her mother, yet she had her fathers coat and hair color. Yet unlike her parents she had Orange eyes instead of Marbles purple or Big Macs green. “Hey Mica what brings you here today?” Spike asked genuinely happy to see the young shy filly, he is one of her guardians after all. And he was very protective of the young filly. “mm-mm.” she replied gently nodding her head moving a note she had in her mouth. Spike took the note and unrolled it. It was a note form Big Mac concerning two things. The first was that Mica had just gotten her Cutie Mark. Spike lowered the note and looked at Mica's flank where sure enough, as she was proudly displaying, was her Cutie Mark five rock shaped apples that were gray in color. Since it has appeared Marble and Big Mac were trying to figure out if it has to do with apples or with rocks. Mica likes to do both apple farming and rock farming. Which brings up the second issue, Marble wants to start mining precious stones and crystals. She recently found a vein of quartz crystal when she was helping to dig some new holes for apple trees. She believes there is a richer deposit of crystal and possibly gems near the farm and with the okay from Applejack, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom she's getting ready to start the process. But first she need's some help locating the deposit. That's were Spike comes in. Spike has an affinity for finding precious stones a bonus perk is that he can dig them up to. However, Spike thinks Rarity would be better suited to this task as she has a spell to locate gems. But with Rarity gone for another few days its up to Spike. “Alright, well lets get going then Mica.” Spike said as he stepped out of the castle and closed the door behind him. He lead Mica past the new guards and out towards Ponyville. It was just another peaceful day in Ponyville. Derpy was delivering mail, the entire Cake family was busy with the morning rush at Sugar Cube corner. Apparently Pinkie Pie was still out where ever she was at. They walked through the new district of Ponyville were new homes were built an dare still being built. Many of which belonged to families of guards that were transferred form Canterlot assigned to Twilight or to Luna. Some were private homes of Wonderbolt's team here in Ponyville. Twilight over the years has made many enemies and in doing so has needed a higher security guarantee. Which was fine with Spike as he and Twilight were family and when anything bad happened to her he was hurt along with her. Be it in body or in mind. They finally made it to the country side were the Apples lived. Some other ponies lived out on the outskirts of town like Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. Recently some other farming ponies had set up smaller farms around Ponyville supplying fresh food to the town and its citizens. They were close to Sweet Apple acres now Mica as usual wasn't talking the entire way, but Spike didn't mind it's just how she was. As they headed to the barn spike could make out that at least six ponies were gathered around and talking. But when Spike added it up in his head it seamed like their was one extra and it was somepony with a white coat. Mica ran to her mothers side and Spike called out a greeting to everyone, “Good morning everypony.” He said raising his claw to wave slightly to them. As they turned to look at him he completely froze in place the one pony he didn't want to see today of all days was here. But he should have know she would be here after all Sweetie Belle often helped out her best mare-friend's out when they needed help. He recovered and started to walk towards them again and as he did he glared at Big Mac. Sending a silent message to him that he was pissed that he hadn't told him Sweetie Belle was going to be here. Big Mac simply smiled and winked at him. “Well hey there Spike whatcha doin' here today?” asked Applejack. “Well Big Mac sent Mica to get me to help out Marble.” Spike said glancing over at Sweetie Belle who appeared to be arguing with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. “Ah ya here to help find the right spot fer that mine of her and Mica's.” said Applejack. Applejack looked over at Sweetie Belle and the others with a confused look on her face then to Big Mac and said, “I thought that why y'all called Sweetie Belle since she got that gem findin' spell Rarity uses.” Big Mac said back to her, “Yup.” and then looked to Marble. Who agreed by saying “mm-hmm.” “Y'all wanted both of their help Sweetie Belle using her magic to locate um and Spike digs the hole.” with only that form both of them Applejack understood what they needed done. “It always amazes me how you and Pinkie Pie can understand yup and mm-hmm.” Spike said shaking his head. “Well y'all get it after a while, ya understand Big Mac sometimes don'tcha Spike?” Applejack asked Spike. “Only sometimes.” he said back stretching his arms and tail out. “So how ya doin' Spike after the whole Rarity thing at Twilight's reception?” Applejack asked honestly wanting to check on her dragon friend, who is like a little brother to her. “Applejack!!” said Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle. While Big Mac, Marble, and Mica made distressing gasps. Applejack was about to defend herself but Spike responded before that saying, “Uh oh I'm fine I got something else on my mind now. Lets get started on finding the spot shall we?” he said in a confident and sure tone saying the lat part to Sweetie Belle as he started to head off towards eastern side of Sweet Apple Acres. Sweetie Belle trotted over to catch up, “I'll come wit-” Applejack was beginning to say but got stopped by the others before she could say more or move closer to them. Spike was walking side by side with Sweetie Belle as they walked along the path towards the spot were Marble wanted them to investigate. Neither of them said a word to one another why Sweetie Belle didn't say anything he had no idea. But Spike only ha done question on his mind and that was wondering if that rumor was true. Were Sweetie Belle and Button Mash dating. “W-we're getting close to the spot so once were out side of the apple trees we'll start looking right?” asked Sweetie Belle with a slight hint of nervousness in her voice. Which in his current condition Spike missed. “Uh, ah yeah sounds good to me, lead the way and I'll handle the digging.” Spike said standing taller. Sweetie Belle smiled at him before pulling out in front to lead the way. Spike as soon as he saw that smile melted on the inside, on the outside he grinned like an idiot in love. Which he quickly shook away as he tried to recompose himself before fallowing after her. Once they were clear of the apple trees a little ways away Sweetie Belle's horn begun to glow signaling she was using magic. Then she walked a few steps here or their moving her head form side to side searching for gems or crystals. Both of them didn't find anything right off the bat. The spell does have limitations however only able to go down so far. “Let me dig a little bit here, I'll make it big enough so you can walk in and check if there's anything deeper down.” Spike said after awhile of searching and finding nothing. “Okay I'll leave it to you.” Sweetie Belle said as she stepped back giving Spike some room to dig. Spike dropped down to all fours like a pony then sniffing the ground he walked a few step's until he smelt something besides dirt. He started slowly digging into the earth checking to see if he was throwing dirt at Sweetie Belle at first. But after seeing he wasn't getting anywhere close to her he begun to dig full blown as he dug down a little ways. Then he extended out the hole slightly so Sweetie Belle could walk in and out with out trouble. All in all it was a relatively quick job instead of digging a tunnel he simply made a giant hole with a ramp down into it. And once it was done he called up to Sweetie Belle, “Alright I dug it down to as far as the spell can detect and I made a way down, so when ever your ready.” It wasn't long before Sweetie Belle was poking her head over to look down into the hole. She walked over to were Spike started digging at and walked down the slight earthen ramp until she got to Spikes side at the bottom of the hole. Again her horn lit up as she searched for gems and crystals. She was closing her eyes as she was searching, concentrating on feeling the magical pull of when a gem was discovered. Spike was taking this moment to gaze at her longingly more and more now he found that he was looking at her something was driving him to simply look at her. Then he realized what it was it was his dragon instincts. Normally he had them under control he'd been working on it since he went crazy one time on his birthday and had stolen others belongings growing larger and larger every time. But right now that same feeling had broken free of his control and he had a good idea why. Since he was obsessing over if Sweetie Belle and Button Mash were dating or not he had a feeling that she was something he could ever have and that just brought out his dragons greed. She was something that he could probably never have and it drove his dragons basic needs crazy. But he had to scold himself, as not only was Sweetie Belle one of his closest friends she was also not a possession he could simply take or buy for himself. He was slightly depressed as he was scolding himself when Sweetie Belle suddenly opened her eye and started to stomp the ground excitedly. “I found it, I found it there's a large deposit of crystals and gems just a ways in and then down deeper and then it goes off in several directions.” she looked over to Spike with a beaming smile and still stomping the ground in excitement said. “It was hard to detect it because it was behind some metals but I slipped through the cracks and found the vein.” She was enthusiastically happy and Spike couldn't help but get infected by it he smiled as well and was going to pat her on the head in a sort of friendly congratulations. Instead he found himself with his claw on the side of her face gently caressing her. Sweetie Belle stopped in surprise and looked up at Spike both of them staring into each others eyes. With out really noticing both of them started to get closer and closer to one another their mouths just a hair's space away. It was slight but Spike defiantly heard, felt, and smelt something dangerous he had only a split second to yell out. 'Look out!” before shielding Sweetie Belle with his own body as several medium sized rocks that were embedded in the soft soil came free. They would have hit Sweetie Belle on the head and back if not for Spike using his own body to shield her. Since his latest growth spurt his scales had become stronger which meant right now as these rocks fell on his back it only felt like he had just stubbed a claw on his foot. The small landslide didn't last long and once it was over he pulled back form Sweetie Belle then said. “Lets get out of here before more rocks fall.” He let Sweetie Belle go first and fallowed up behind her once back up on top of the hole they both let out a sigh. Spike soon found himself being looked over by Sweetie Belle and barraged by questions as she did. “Are you okay? You're not hurt? Are you bleeding? Is anything broken?” and many other similar questions fallowed to all he said no or I'm fine. He allowed her to look at his back closely and he even stretched out his body to prove everything was okay. He was touched that she had cared so much about his well being and above all else he was relived that she was not harmed. “Well we'll have to warn them about the lose soil but we did manage to find the deposit so shall we head back to let them know?” He said intending to lead the way back but stopped after feeling a hoof on his side. When he looked back he saw Sweetie Belle with her head lowered siting on the ground and her hoof on his side. “You okay Sweetie Belle?” he asked a bit worried that he hadn't actually shielded her like he had thought. But his worries were in vain, as she stood up and raised her head to look him in the eyes. Normally he was taller then her but right now he was slightly hunched down, he had lowered himself when he had seen her sitting and her head lowered. But now they were face to face and she had a strange look in her eyes, she begun to lean in closer and closer to him angling to the side of his face. He realized she was going to kiss him on the check and time seamed to slow to a near halt. But as she was stepping slightly closer to him she tripped. Ending up with both of them kissing on the lips, which surprised them both. Sweetie Belle after she realized what had happened quickly pulled back and made various embarrassing sounds unable to talk until she just ran off as fast as she could back towards the Apple family house. Spike was still stunned form the kiss he was going through the stages of surprise, then happiness, then giddiness and then only realizing that Sweetie Belle had run off. By the time he had actually chased after her she was gone and everypony but Apple Bloom and Scootaloo was in a small semi circle near the road back to Ponyville. When he approached they all turned to him and Applejack asked. “What in tarnation happened?” Spike caught his breath before answering back, “We found the deposit and I dug down a bit it goes back in then down and then off in different directions. But you need to be careful of landslides the soil is lose and we had a small one before coming back.” Applejack didn't seamed to be satisfied with that answer so Spike continued on, “I Shielded her form the landslide and when we got out of the hole she tripped and we ended up kissing each other.” “And that's why she bolted faster then a sheep in a round up?” asked Applejack. Spike simply nodded and Applejack sighed walking back towards the farm offering a counseling pat on the back to Spike as she passed him. Spike then wondered if she knew how he felt, it was highly likely after all she had known he was in love with Rarity only second to Twilight. Marble and Mica fallowed after leaving Spike and Big Mac to talk. Spike was trying to go over things in his head about how this could have happened and then it hit him. “Discord!!” Spike yelled out in a bit of anger. But instead of his usual laughing and then appearing out of nowhere to claim his little prank or push nothing happened. Spike looked around though waiting for Discord to appear convinced he had something to do with all of this. “He was around this mornin' Spike but he had some stuff to do and he would be away for awhile, he wanted Applejack to tell Fluttershy that when she came back tomorrow. He didn't have anything to do with it.” Big Mac said to Spike. Spike juts simply looked at him stunned but he eventually accepted that it was nothing more then an accident and yet again he was excited. It was short lived though as he thought back again to how Sweetie Belle may be dating somepony else. Maybe that's why she ran off as fast as she did.
