Helping Out A Friend

Spike knew he lived a life surrounded by magic. He believed in signs and he believed in destiny. That morning he woke up and remembered the dream he had just experienced, and knew it had to be both.

In the dream, Spike had done something he knew he would never have the balls to do it real life – and it had been successful! Beyond successful, in fact. More successful than he could ever hope.

So he thought, maybe it was time to gather the balls – er, courage – to make that dream come true.

Spike was going to ask Rarity out on a date.

And that was how Spike’s day began.

He made up his bed before exiting the bedroom in search of Twilight Sparkle. He hoped he wouldn’t have much to do that day so that he would have time to…well, to prepare. He wasn’t sure what he needed – maybe some flowers? Or some expensive Canterlot chocolates? – only that he needed to work up the nerve before he managed to talk himself out of it.

Spike shook his head. No way Spike, not this time. He chided internally. He had made up his mind and he was going to see it through.

Naturally, he found Twilight in the library, along with the usual organized chaos that accompanies her library visits. Although books and scrolls were scattered everywhere, she had selected plenty that suited her current topic of interest to stack and pile neatly around her.

“Good morning Twilight,” Spike greeted upon entering. He eyed the mess of books and scrolls with a heavy heart. “What’s the topic today?”

“Self levitation!” Twilight exclaimed in excitement. “I can’t wait to really master it! I feel like I’m missing a book though because I could have sworn I had read something about using your tail to help steady yourself while in midair…”

Spike frowned. “Sounds really interesting, Twilight.” He said politely. “So should I start cleaning this mess up?”

Twilight shook her head frantically. “No way! I have more to find in here and I have a system…err, somewhat.” She blushed. “Actually, why don’t you just take the day off, Spike? It’s been a while since you’ve had some time to yourself and I have a lot of work to do here!”

Spike’s eyes widened. He couldn’t believe his ears. Talk about destiny! “A-Are you sure, Twilight?” Spike stuttered cautiously.

“Yeah, I’m sure! Take the day. I’ve got plenty to keep me busy.” Twilight assured him with a smile.

“Wow okay…thanks, Twilight! Good luck with the self levitation!” He called to her before running out of the library.

Xxx

Spike breathed in the fresh air of Ponyville as he waved hello to familiar faces. He was making a beeline for Rarity’s Boutique, knowing that would be the best place to find her this time of day. After all, Rarity loved her work and knew she was dedicated to making new designs for an upcoming event in Ponyville.

Alright Spike, this is it. Get ready. You’re going to go in there, ask her out, she’s going to say yes, and then the night will be yours! He thought as he attempted to psyche himself up.

He had Rarity’s Boutique in his sights, his focus locked in on the front door. He wasn’t even paying attention to his surroundings – and ended up colliding with someone else. He heard a very gentle “oof!” before he hit the ground.

“Oh I’m so sorry,” A familiar sweet voice said. “I-I should have been paying better attention….”

“Fluttershy!” Spike yelled excitedly as he got to his feet and went to give her a hug. “Hey it’s okay, that was all my bad.”

“Oh, hello Spike!” Fluttershy smiled sweetly at him. “What are you doing here? Running an errand for Twilight?”

“Um no actually,” Spike said sheepishly, a small blush rising to his cheeks.He reached to brush the dust off his bum as his eyes caught sight of a slip of paper on the ground. “Hey Fluttershy, did you drop this?” He asked, reaching to retrieve it.

“Oh!” Fluttershy exclaimed, snatching the piece of paper out of his reach before he could grasp it. “I mean…um, yes it is…thank you.” She murmured softly, her downcast eyes scanning the piece of paper.

Spike’s curious nature was getting the best of him. “What is it, a letter?”

“Mm-mmm.” Fluttershy shook her head. “It’s a…well, it’s a list.”

“Oh, so you’re getting some shopping done today?”

Fluttershy nodded softly. “Sort of…I just hope I’m able to finish it all in time. I need it for something I really want to do today.”

Spike nodded in understanding. He glanced at Rarity’s Boutique down the street and then looked at Fluttershy’s worried expression. In a way, he thought, they were kind of on the same mission. They each had a goal for the day and didn’t want to fail. The least he could do was offer to help – and maybe he would be able to pick up something for Rarity along the way.

“How about I help you out, Fluttershy?” Spike asked, watching her yellow cheeks pinken with blush as she smiled sheepishly.

“Oh, you would do that? Oh, but I don’t want to trouble you…” She said quietly.

Spike shook his head. “It’s no trouble at all, Fluttershy, I offered to! Besides, anything to help out a friend.” He smiled.

“Oh thank you so much Spike! Let’s head to the market and get started!” Fluttershy giggled happily as she pranced forward with Spike following beside her.

Xxx

“Okay, where to first, Fluttershy?” Spike asked as he carried Fluttershy’s shopping basket while she checked her list.

“Um…I think the flower market should be our first stop.” She replied, tossing the list into her saddlebag as she and Spike made their way down the shopping strip.

Luckily, one of the first stalls they came across was the flower vendor. While Fluttershy fretted over what she wanted, Spike caught sight of a pale pink rose tucked in with a bundle of red roses. It was the only color rose besides red, seemingly one of a kind, and Spike knew it would be perfect to give to Rarity when he finally asked her out. He paid for it with a single coin while Fluttershy placed a bouquet of mix and match wildflowers in the basket he was carrying.

“That’s beautiful, Spike!” Fluttershy marveled at the rose clutched in Spike’s claws. “Is that for anyone in particular?”

“Uhh..umm…” Spike stuttered, scratching the back of his head. “N-No, I just thought it would look nice in my bedroom back at the palace!” He laughed softly.

“Oh I’m sure you’re right,” Fluttershy agreed as they continued on their way. “Just don’t forget to put it in a vase with water!”

“Ha ha, of course I won’t.” Spike muttered awkwardly.

They continued on shopping, and Spike found himself wanting to make purchases at almost every stop. When Fluttershy stopped to buy a box of chocolates and cupcakes from the bakery, Spike picked up one of Rarity’s favorite cookies. When they stopped at a stand selling handkerchiefs, Fluttershy bought two and Spike picked one with a pretty purple butterfly embroidered in the corner. At the fruit stand, Fluttershy bought a whole bushel of different fruits, while Spike bought a fresh ripe peach because he knew Rarity loved them.

The final stop was the deli, where Fluttershy bought a tray of deli sandwiches and a jug of cider. At this point, both she and Spike were loaded down with items, and Fluttershy was breathing heavily thanks to the weight of her saddlebag. Spike was ready to collapse while carrying the basket. However, the managed to make their way back to Fluttershy’s house.

“Phew!” Spike breathed a sigh of relief as he dropped the basket at Fluttershy’s door, being careful so that the items inside didn’t spill out. “Wow Fluttershy, you really went all out!”

Fluttershy blew a piece of her pink mane out of her face. “Do you think I bought too much?” She asked, blushing softly.

“I guess not.” Spike shrugged. “What’s all this stuff for anyway?”

“Um..um…a picnic.” Fluttershy muttered under her breath. “I was just going to grab a blanket from inside and then go and set it up…”

Spike glanced up at the sky. It appeared to be early afternoon, which meant Rarity was probably still pretty busy. That left Spike with plenty of time to help Fluttershy finish her goal for the day.

“Well Fluttershy, grab the blanket and lead the way!” Spike announced. “I agreed to help, and I’ll see it through to the end.”

Fluttershy’s face lit up for the second time that day and she smiled. “Thank you so much, Spike. I’m so happy I ran into you today!”

Spike smiled in return. “So am I, Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy went inside and retrieved a blanket, along with a set of dishes for two, then she and Spike set out. Fluttershy had already picked out the perfect spot over the hill and right beside a lake, which was clear and still in the warm afternoon sunlight. Once they arrived, Spike laid out the blanket and straightened it up while Fluttershy began placing everything just so.

Within a matter of minutes, the picnic was set up perfectly: a bouquet of flowers in the middle, a spread of sandwiches, fruits, desserts, and cider, and two matching handkerchiefs folded neatly on each plate.

Spike couldn’t help but notice that there were only two places set. He couldn’t imagine who Fluttershy would be asking to a quaint picnic alone, but he wondered if he wasn’t the only one who had woken up with romantic notions dancing in his brain.

“Hey Fluttershy?” Spike said.

“Mmhmm?” She replied absent mindedly, her nose stuck to the bouquet in the center of the blanket.

“Is there someone…well, what I mean is…is this a date?” Spike blurted finally, and Fluttershy squeaked while nearly falling over onto the vase of flowers.

“Oh my is it that obvious?” She murmured softly, her cheeks turning pink. “Oh I’m so embarrassed..”

Spike smiled. “Don’t be embarrassed, Fluttershy! This is an amazing picnic, and whoever is joining you is really lucky!”

Fluttershy sighed, her eyes downcast. “Well, that’s the thing…they haven’t said yes because I haven’t actually asked them yet. And now that I have everything together, I…I’m afraid they’ll say no…”

Spike’s gaze softened. “Fluttershy,” He began as he walked over and laid a hand on her shoulder. “Can I tell you a secret?”

“Of course.” Fluttershy replied with wide eyes.

“I’m going to ask someone out today too,” He confessed. “And I’m not nearly as prepared as you are. This picnic is amazing and so are you. Anyone would be crazy to say no to you.”

“Oh Spike,” Fluttershy blushed softly. “I hope you’re right. I’m just so nervous…and it’s almost time for me to go and ask…oh I don’t think I can do it!”

“Yes you can!” Spike told her assuredly. “Now, I’ll stay here and make sure everything stays perfect. You march your yellow flank back into town and ask your date out to enjoy this perfect picnic that you’ve worked so hard to put together!”

Fluttershy blinked and then nodded her head. “Okay.” She said simply but Spike could tell there was a little extra “oomph” behind that “okay.”

While Fluttershy went into town, Spike stayed with the picnic to keep away any bugs or nosy forest creatures. He also took the time to organize the stuff he had picked out for Rarity. He imagined her wearing the handkerchief around her neck, the embroidered purple butterfly matching her beautiful mane perfectly. He imagined her delight at the cookie and the peach, little sweet treats that she normally wouldn’t splurge on for herself. But most of all, he imagined the look of awe in her eyes as he presented her with the one of a kind rose, beautiful and majestic and unique, just like she was.

Spike didn’t know how long Fluttershy was gone, but he spent the whole time daydreaming of Rarity. He worked out how he was going to ask her out, how he was going to bring it up, and how she would (hopefully) react. He imagined her white cheeks flushing pink as she lowered her eyes and batted her long black eyelashes. The thought made his stomach flip.

He heard voices and laughter, and he got to his feet. He had been lazing about in the sun while he daydreamed, and needed to get on his feet and out of Fluttershy’s way as quickly as possible. He dusted himself off and reached for the basket of goods, knowing that Fluttershy would understand him borrowing her basket and that he would promise to get it back to her.

“Oh Fluttershy, I can’t believe you planned this just for me!” A familiar voice echoed in Spike’s ear. “Or shall I say, for us?”

Fluttershy giggled softly. “I’m just really happy that you said yes, Rarity. I’ve been scared to ask you out for so long but…well, it’s so silly…”

“Oh, go on Fluttershy! Tell me!”

“Well…” Fluttershy’s voice wavered slightly. “I had a dream last night that I did all this for you and then asked you out and you said yes…I woke up thinking it was just a silly dream but the more I thought about it the more I wondered if maybe it was a sign. I know that sounds so silly but…”

“Oh nonsense, it doesn’t sound silly at all! I’m so glad you followed through on your feelings. And I’m certainly glad that dream came along and kicked your butt into gear. I didn’t think you would ever ask me out!”

Spike felt his heart breaking into a thousand pieces. As Fluttershy and Rarity came fully into view, Rarity leaned over and kissed Fluttershy gently on the cheek, both of them giggling and blushing. Spike felt angry and jealous and sad all at once. That should have been his kiss, and this should have been his date.

He turned and walked away, out of sight as the two ponies came closer. He could still hear them though, and it was Fluttershy’s next comment that made Spike wish he had never gotten out of bed that morning.

“I don’t think I would have ever gotten this done without Spike! I’m so glad I ran into him. I guess it was destiny.”

Seething in anger and contempt, Spike made his way down the river, tossing in each item he had bought that day one by one, and finally, the basket itself. He didn’t care whose it was. He wanted it gone. He wanted it all gone. Part of him wished he could throw himself in the river and be done with it all, but he knew he wasn’t brave enough for that.

He thought back to the dream he’d had, the plans he had made, and he hurt even worse.

He guessed at the end of the day, he did believe in destiny – but not his own. Between his lifelong service to Twilight Sparkle, and the events of today, it was official that his destiny was sealed in stone as being entirely nonexistent.

There was no magic for him.

The only dreams that mattered belonged to the ones around him. ��BG�