Spike's Home Alone

by TheSecretBrony

Chapters

Day 1: Timid Butterfly, Sleeping Dragon
Day 2 (Part 1): Eye of the Storm
Day 2 (Part 2): Hurricane Rainbow Dash
Day 3 (Part 1): Picking up the pieces.
Day 3 (Part 2): Fantasy Clash
Day 4: Of Dragons and Pegasi
Day 5: Every Rose has it's Thorns
Day 6: No Regrets
Day 7: Dear Princess Celestia...

Day 1: Timid Butterfly, Sleeping Dragon

Chapter 1: Timid Butterfly, Sleeping Dragon (Rewrite 16/07/2012)

Spike woke with a lazy yawn, glancing over to the clock shooting up right when he saw what time it was.

That can't be right, it's not like Twilight to let me sleep in.

He looked over to Twilight's empty bed.

Great so she's awake, oh well time to get up hopefully she isn't too mad.

He streched out, his basket was very comfortable but he couldn't help think it was getting a little too small, often waking with a terrible cramp from sleeping all curled up.

I wish she would buy me a bed, I'm an assistant not a pet.

He walked downstairs humming when he noticed something,

That's strange, it's not like Twilight to be so quiet, usually this time of day all I can hear is her fussing over those books of hers.

Concerned he called out for her, more than worried that he got no reply. He peered down the stairs, Twilight was nowhere to be seen. He could see Owlicious perched on her desk, "Hey Owlicious have you seen Twilight today?"

"Hoo?"

"Twilight..."

"Hoo"

Twilight Sparkle, purple unicorn, always obsessing over stuff?"

"Hoo"

"Twilight!"

"Hoo!"

"Aargh useless bird" Spike called out in anger. Well it's not like her to just walk off, maybe she just went down to the shops or something. He sighed pondering where his friend had wandered of to, when he was distracted by an all too familiar rumbling. Spike shrugged "Time for breakfast then" he said walking into the kitchen. "Let's see, what should I make, I wonder if there are any cupcakes left in the fridge, Twilight wouldn't want me having sweets this early but what she doesn't know won't hurt me." Spike noticed a note pinned to the fridge door with "Spike" written on it in big black ink letters, below it was a rolled up scroll bound by a red ribbon and a small brown bag, which jangled slightly when Spike picked it up, looking inside he found several gold coins. "Well this is odd, what's this note" He unravelled the scroll, placing the ribbon on the table, it was a letter.

Spike

Sorry I couldn't say goodbye to you last night but I felt that you needed your sleep. I have been requested by Princess Celestia to be a guest speaker at her magic school, the Princess had one of her guards deliver it, he arrived shortly after you went to bed. I left on the train last night, so by the time you read this letter I'll probably be halfway to Canterlot. I made sure that the pantry and refrigerator were fully stocked before I left, below is a bag of bits in case of emergencies. Also I left a list of chores for you to do, just because I'm gone doesn't mean you can slack off. Don't let Owlicious starve and see you next week. I've asked the girls to drop in occasionally to keep you company, I'd rather not leave the library unattended so please don't leave it unless you absolutely have to.

From Twilight Sparkle

P.S. Yes, Rarity will be dropping by too, I'm guessing that you'll enjoy that, just be careful not to do anything you'll regret.
P.P.S If for any reason you need to contact me, send a letter to the Princess. She promised to pass on any messages for you, but remember this is only for emergencies.

"Well that explains Twilight's dissappearance, figures, she'd probably jump of a cliff if Celestia told her to" he crossed his arms and closed his eyes taking a minute to absorb this new information
"I guess with her gone for the week, I can have a sort of vacation, but I'll have to get these chores out of the way first" He turned the paper over, his jaw almost hitting the floor when he saw the list on the other side, it was so covered in ink that it was practically black, each line of text being so small he had to bring the paper close to his face to read them.
"Oh for the love of Luna, I guess as well as my chores, she's bundled hers on here as well, how am I supposed to get all this done" He cast the paper aside, staring in disgust as it lay on the floor.

I guess I should really be more appreciative of how much Twilight does around here, forgetting that list for now I still have to make breakfast.

Owlicious flew in through the open door, sitting up on the table looking at Spike expectantly, "I guess you want some breakfast as well" Owlicious nodded with a quick "hoo" ruffling his feathers, Spike casually tossed a food bowl towards Owlicious which settled on the table with a clatter, Owlicious taking to the rafters to avoid the flying tupperware, in retaliation he perched on Spike's spines and began to peck away at the back of his head. Spike doing his best to swat away the annoyed avian whilst attempting to retrieve his bag of feed from the cupboard "Ow! Hey! Stop it! I'm sorry okay! Look do you want feeding or not!" The owl retreated from it's offensive on the dragon's skull as Spike began clumsily emptying the bag of feed into the bowl, several grains falling on the floor. He got out a pan and began to cook up some pancakes. Occasionally flipping them up in the air, progressively higher and higher each time, smiling with confidence, he tensed up ready to flip the pancake even higher when suddenly there was a knock at the door, the sudden knocking startled Spike causing him to toss the pancake up in the air, a little too high. The warm pancake stuck hard and fast to the roof of the kitchen,
"Well Buck..." said Spike "How am I going to reach that?!" the knocking at the door, now a little louder meant that Spike's conundrum would have to wait.
"Coming" he called out. He hurried over to the door, standing on a little stool, he reached up and opened up the top half of the door. As soon as the door opened a yellow head adorned with a flowing pink mane darted in with such speed it caused Spike to lose his balance and fall hard on his back
"Owwww...." Fluttershy looked around the apparently empty room

"Spike, Spike are you here?" she heard his grumbling and looked down "There you are Spike, I was worried something had happened to you"

She was worried? What else is new?

Staggering to his feet, he brushed himself down

"Hi Fluttershy what are you doing here?"

"Twilight asked me to drop in and see how you were doing, are you alright, you look hurt?"

"I'll be fine in a minute, would you like to come in?" he opened the bottom half of the door gesturing inside.

"Thank you" Fluttershy walked through. "It sure is quiet in here."

"Well it is a library, would you like some tea?" asked Spike walking back into the kitchen.

"Yes please, if that's alright" stuttered the yellow pegasus

"Wouldn't have offered otherwise" said Spike rolling his eyes as he used a stream of green flames to heat the kettle.

"Sorry" she replied quickly.

"Fluttershy, we're friends right? You don't have to apologise for everything you know, seriously I don't mind." said Spike "I thought you were more assertive now?" Fluttershy merely whimpered, looking away. Spike sighed again and handed her the cup of tea "So how are things with you?" he asked.

"Oh quite good, I guess." Fluttershy said as Spike sat down with his own cup. He was slowly stirring it with a silver spoon, sat crossed legged with the cup resting slightly on his stomach "What about you?" she asked

"Well I was a little surprised when I woke up to no Twilight, that's the first time that's ever happened"

"I can see why, I can't imagine being in a big house all by myself, it's one of the reasons I'm glad I have so many animal friends. They are always there to keep me company. So what are you going to do now, you certainly are lucky to have so much free time?"

Spike smiled "I don't know, she's gone for the week, seems to me like the perfect opputuntiy to just kick back and relax, once I get done with my chores of course" the thought of the offending parchment that lay on the kitchen floor caused him to shudder, he sat up and leaned towards Fluttershy, who was blowing softly on her tea "Fluttershy I've just realised this is the first one-to-one we've had since I moved here and I have a question I've been dying to ask you, " She nodded

"You're right, normally you're with Twilight, so what did you want to ask?"

"You promise to be honest with me?"

"Y-y-yes" Fluttershy was nervous, even more so than usual

"I would have thought the question was obvious, I know your name is Fluttershy" he said being sure to put heavy emphasis on the "shy" "but why do you always act so timid, even that rabbit of yours seems to boss you around, and he's a rabbit for Celestia's sake."

Oh that. Thank goodness for a second there I thought he was going to ask me... Never mind.

Fluttershy embarrassed, replied "Oh I don't mind, Angel's sweet, he's just needy..."

"You know Fluttershy, you'd get a little more respect if you stood up for yourself more, now I'm not saying you go full blown Rainbow Dash, one of them is more than enough for this town." he said waggling a finger at her. Fluttershy giggled,

"The truth is Spike, I don't want to hurt anypony's feelings, even if they're mean to me. As far as I'm concerned if your nasty to someone, it just gives them cause to be nasty back."

"I guess I never thought about it like that." Spike said staring at his distorted reflection in the coffee.

"Besides Spike don't you like me like this? I'm nice to people because it makes me feel happy, besides I know full well how nasty I could be to them."

"What do you mean?" Spike looked at her puzzled

"Oh that's right you've never seen that side of me before, let's just say whenever I try to be assertive I take things a little too far, just ask Twilight when she gets back, she'll explain okay. I really don't like to talk about it" she said averting her gaze.

"Okay...moving on, is there anything you'd like to ask me, you answered my question, sorta" Spike shuffled in his seat

I can only dream as to what this other side of Fluttershy is like, I wonder if it's as bad as mine.

"You certainly had enough questions for me when I first moved here, anything else you'd like to know?"

She thought for a moment, small talk wasn't exactly her strong point. Then she remembered something about the young dragon she had been curious about.

"Well there is one more thing I would like to know" she said with a smile.

"What?" he said with raising an eyebrow as he took a small sip from his cup.

"When are you going to tell her?"

"Who?"

"Rarity"

Spike spat out his coffee, wiping his face he shakily replied "I-I don't know what your talking about!"

"Spike there's nothing to be ashamed of, why are you trying to hide it?"

"N-no no I'm not hiding anything what makes you think- " he looked around for any distraction, anything to change the topic.

"Come on you'd said you be honest." Fluttershy giving him puppy dog eyes, how could he resist when she stared at him like that. Spike brought a claw to his face, rubbing his eyes,defeated he asked

"Okay when and how?"

I knew it...

"That Spa day, when me and Rarity went out after I quit modelling. I'm very observant Spike, I notice these things, you were fawning over her the entire time"

"Does she know?"

"You mean have I told her? Oh no, I mean, I thought it'd be better if you did, it would be wrong of me to spoil the surprise."

Spike mumbled "Well actually I tried telling her before, you know on my birthday but she kinda cut me off..."

"As for whether she already knows, I think maybe the fact that she's always so busy means she hasn't really noticed, although I think the nickname's cute."

"Nickname?" said Spike still clutching his face in his palm, looking at her through clawed fingers

"Spikey-Wikey?" Spike went bright red "It's such a adorable little name, how did you get it?"

"It was when I gave her that gem, the week before my birthday."

"Oh yes, that was so thoughtful of you! She spent the whole day talking about it, was it just a coincidence it was heart shaped?"

Spike's heart sank "Oh no, really! It was?!", Spike was frightened now

If she noticed what's to say Rarity didn't! I've really gone and put my foot in it, talk about subtle...

Fluttershy stared at the dumbstruck dragon

"You didn't realise? She placed it in that pendant she made and it was definately shaped like a heart" she sat up, looking confused as to how Spike didn't notice it.

"I'm not going to lie, when I see Rarity I don't really care about what she's wearing, she was happy, I was happy. It was as simple as that"

"Wow, that's so sweet."

"As for the gem, I was going to eat it, didn't matter what it looked like, then Rarity came over and..." His mind drifted slightly as he reminisced about that morning, Rarity skipping about the library, like a giddy little filly before planting a kiss on his cheek... then he remember what happened afterwards, the warm fuzzy feeling interrupted by pangs of guilt.

"Besides I think the only time I got a real good look at what she did with the Fire Ruby I gave her, I was in the process of tearing Ponyville apart" Spike looked away, ashamed of how easily he'd lost control of his emotions on that day, his greed had nearly destroyed his home and thinking about it upset him, struggling to fight back the tears, so as not to embarress himself in front of Fluttershy, he continued "My memories of what happened during that time are a bit hazy, all I can remember from that day is putting on a very nice hat, then I basically blacked out, before waking up in the middle of the air, with Rarity of all ponies, yelling "Spike?! You're the rampaging dragon" before we nearly plummeted to our deaths" Spike looked down "Besides she hasn't worn it since"

Fluttershy smiled at him lifting his chin with her hoof so he was looking at her
"Oh don't worry Spike, no-one blames you for what happened. As for the Fire Ruby, Rarity hasn't gotten rid of it, it's just, her job means that because fashion is always changing what she wears has to reflect that."

"How do you know she hasn't gotten rid of it?"

"Simple, it's by her bed, I saw it there resting on a little pedestal when I slept over there with Twilight" she thought back to that night, Twilight had brought over a book, saying it was the ultimate guide to sleepovers. She welcomed the idea, having not slept over at a pony friend's house before. Rarity, however hid the book whilst Twilight was applying a mudmask, she wasn't sure why although she heard Rarity mumbling the words "Never again" repeatedly, so decided to stay quiet.

"Well I guess that makes me feel a little better, all those times I've been helping round the boutique and yet I've not been in her room once."

"Well Rarity wouldn't be much of a lady if she let in every colt who asked"

Spike nearly choked on his coffee, Fluttershy clapped her hooves over her mouth, both parties now a very deep crimson "Sorry, sorry that came out wrong"
Spike stared at the yellow pegasus

Da buck was that? I wonder if that was the OTHER Fluttershy she was talking about?

Spike thought the best thing was to move on. A sly grin crossed his face.

Well she's embarrassed me enough, let's turn the tables.

"Okay Fluttershy, I admit it. Yes I have a crush on Rarity, but you already knew that as for when I'm going her to tell her that, I really have no idea. Now it's your turn. Do you have a crush on someone?" Fluttershy was taken aback, she hid her face in her wings, whimpering. "C'mon Fluttershy, I think you owe me this much, do you have a crush on someone?" Spike could see her nod slightly under her plumage. "Who is it?"

"I don't want to..." she whispered

"What was that?"

"I don't want to..." she said a little louder

I want to tell him, I need to tell somebody. I can't keep this to myself any more, I just don't know what to do...

"Didn't quite catch that" Spike said getting a little closer so as to hear her better.
A shade seemed to pass over Fluttershy, she stared at Spike, her wings bursting open

"I SAID I DON'T WANT TO, YOU NOSY DRAGON!" she screamed, her breathing heavy and deliberate, her eyes piercing into his very soul. Spike recoiled in fear, overcome at seeing such a blissful pony replaced by a glowering hellbeast. Seeing him trembling caused Fluttershy to snap back to her normal self. Her expression changing from psychotic to it's usual frightened state.

Oh no, oh no no no no, what just happened. Poor Spike looks terrified! D-Did I do this?

As it slowly dawned on her as to what had happened tears formed in her eyes, without saying a word she flew as fast as she could out the door, the gale it caused slamming the door shut.

"In the name of all that is holy, THAT was the OTHER Fluttershy, no wonder she's usually so timid, she almost made me jump out of my scales!" Shaken he gathered up the empty cups and carried them to the kitchen, washing them in the sink hoping the menial task would repress the memory of what he just witnessed. After he'd finished he went to the cupboard and retrieved his broomstick, hoping the long handle would be able to reach the pancake that was still stuck to the ceiling. Owlicious on the other hand had different plans and was proceeding to peck away at the pancake. Spike looked up and saw what the bird was doing "Well at least you're good for someth-" Spike was cut off as the pancake fell directly on him. He lapped it up and swallowed it shrugging "Well it's a little cold but oh well" he swore he could hear Owlicious laughing at him. Now let's see might as well get started on these chores he picked up the note Twilight had left "Sweet Apple Acres that's a lot of work! Might as well get started" donning his apron and raiding the cupboard for cleaning supplies he set to work.

Several hours later, he collapsed on the couch, exhausted."Okay, so that's the kitchen cleaned, the shelves dusted, Owlicious fed, bedroom tidied and the library floor has been swept up, what else is left?" crossing off the tasks from the list he noticed he'd barely made a dent. He cried out in anger "Why is this so hard, I wish Twilight was still here, her magic'd make short work of this stupid list". Too tired to get up again he fell asleep on the couch. Soon off in a dream world, Spike failed to notice Fluttershy had returned, anxious to make up for her outburst earlier,

"Spike, a-are you in here, I wanted to apologise for what I said earlier, Spike?" as she made her way into the living room she came across the sleeping Spike. "Oh he's so cute when he's asleep, well you can't sleep down here." Using her wing to scoop him up Fluttershy placed Spike on her back, giggling as Spike nuzzled against her soft fur mumbling incoherently, apparently mistaking her for a fuzzy yellow pillow.
"Time to get you to bed little dragon" she said softly. She carried him upstairs and tucked him into Twilight's bed. Spike giving a contented sigh as he curled up under the covers. She walked to the door and turned to face him, smiling at how peaceful he looked, quietly she whispered "I don't know if you can hear me Spike, but I hope things work out for you, someday." Slowly she shut the door and left, allowing Spike to enjoy his dreams.

Author's Note: Okay that's this chapter redone, hopefully this is a little better. Now it should fit much better into what I have planned for the rest of this story. Keep an eye out for spelling mistakes as always. I know some parts aren't perfect but then I'm still learning.

Day 2 (Part 1): Eye of the Storm

When Spike awoke the next morning, he felt strange, not ill, not tired but comfortable. No cramp, no back pain, he opened his eyes slowly he could see stars and a crescent moon and whatever he was laying on was soft and fluffy It's almost like I'm sleeping on a cloud. Wait what?! He sat up suddenly but breathed a sigh of relief when he realised he was in his room, lying under Twilight's quilt which was a dark blue and designed to look like the night sky "Oh thank Celestia for a minute there I'd thought maybe someone had, never mind" I know Fluttershy was mad but she would never go as far as to drop me off on a cloud... would she? Spike looked down, "Hang on, how the hay did I get here?" Spike was sure he'd fallen asleep on the couch last night. Did I sleepwalk or something? He cast the quilt aside and jumped out of the bed, when he noticed a sound, melodic and serene, someone or something was singing. Owlicious was hardly the type of bird to be singing and yet the sound seemed to be coming from downstairs. Upon opening the door all he could see were birds flittering to and fro and squirrels, running across the library floor, darting along the shelves. Spike froze,

Oh. My. Goddess.

Frantically Spike ran down the stairs. Desperately trying to dispel the menagerie that had formed overnight,
he began shooing and swatting and scattering the animals, trying to herd them towards the open front door. To his dismay he found that as soon as he turned his back the animals were running back inside.

Did I leave that door open last night, how could I have been so stupid? Twilight's going to go ballistic if she comes back to a zoo! Wait, hang on what are they doing?

Spike paused for a moment when he noticed something very strange, opposed to tearing the shelves apart, as he feared they would, they were...

Cleaning?!

Despite how absurd it may have sounded the animals were indeed cleaning, the squirrels were using their bushy tails to sweep, the birds using their feathers to dust. The larger and apparently literate birds, were reorganizing the shelves, with Owlicious supervising. Confused, Spike wandered into the kitchen, where the now much louder singing could be heard. As the door swung open, Spike was greeted by none other than Fluttershy. She turned a wide smile on her face, "Good morning sleepyhead" she said sweetly.

"Flu-Fluttershy what are you doing here? What is all this?" Spike said as Fluttershy picked him up and sat him down at the table.

"This is my way of apologizing for yesterday. I was terribly rude, and worse than that I scared you" she looked down sheepishly "You're not mad at me are you, I mean that, I can understand if you are, it's just..."

"No way, what made you think I was mad at you?"

"Because I shouted at you..."

"Is that all? Twilight yells at me all the time for not doing stuff, don't worry about it." he said dismissively waving his hand "Yes I forgive you, so why don't you tell me what's going on with the animals in there?" he said gesturing towards the library door, through which he could still hear the creature cleaning service.

"Oh that, don't worry they're not making any mess"

"I noticed, they were cleaning up in there, I've never seen animals do that before"

"Well sometimes, I have a lot to clean up in my house especially when it comes to spring cleaning, so I taught the animals how to help me, when I came back last night to apologise I saw that list Twilight had left you..."

Spike interrupted her "Hold on, were you the one that put me into Twi's bed last night?"

"Oh yes, I saw you asleep on the coach, I couldn't very well leave you lying there so I carried you upstairs and tucked you in, like I said, as I was coming downstairs I noticed the list Twilight gave you to do. I thought that was unfair of her, giving you so much to do, I think sometimes she forgets you're only a baby dragon." She smiled, as she walked over to the table, using her wings to carry a tray of food, which she placed on the table before taking a seat opposite Spike. "So the next morning, I came back with all of my little animal friends and decided to give you a helping hand" she handed Spike the scroll, upon examination Spike's jaw almost hit the table, Fluttershy living up to her role as the element of kindness, had been working her way through the list. Spike stared at her amazed, surprising the yellow pegasus when he leapt across the table drawing her into the biggest hug he had every given anypony. Fluttershy had recoiled, expecting something bad to occur, tentatively she opened her eyes, giggling when she saw Spike wrapped around her torso, a few moments passed before he released the embrace, before looking up at her his eyes beaming

"This is... this is unbelieveable, you did nearly everything on the list? Fluttershy, a simple sorry would have been more than enough, you really didn't have to do this. I just can't thank you enough" he walked back to his place at the table, admiring the sheer abundance of delectable treats, greedily wolfing down several slices of toast, each one covered in Granny Smith's signature zap apple jam. Fluttershy was busy nibbling away at the dandelion and lemon grass sandwich she had made, when she stopped for a minute blushing slightly

Should I tell him, he's certainly nice enough. It's not like he's going to laugh at me is it. Besides he told me about his crush on Rarity, if anyone knows what I'm going through right it's him. Maybe he can help me. Oh no he's looking right at me! Come on Fluttershy say something, anything, assertive, assertive, assertive...

"Fluttershy, Equestria to Fluttershy, you okay?" Fluttershy stopped quivering, shaking her head. Slowly she breathed out.

"I'm fine Spike, I was just thinking about what you asked yesterday" she said once again hiding her face in her wings.

"What are you talking abou-- oooooh" said Spike as it dawned on him

Oh Buck! She's not going to go psycho again is she?

"I've decided to tell you, you know about my crush" She said cowering further beneath her wings, Spike secretly breathed a sigh of relief, only for him to jump when Fluttershy glared at him "This never leaves this room, understand. This is between you and me, no one else can know at least not yet, understand?" Spike nodded his head quickly, glancing over to see if the door was still open

Just in case...

"Spike I want you to promise me, that you wont tell anyone" Fluttershy was now floating over Spike, she had never dreamed of giving her friends the stare before, but she had to be certain that he kept his word.

"C-cross my heart and hope to *gulp* die, stick a cupcake in my eye" said Spike reciting the Pinkie promise.

Fluttershy returned to her seat once again, a cute smile on her face, as if nothing had happened. "Good, now listen carefully I only want to say this once." She gestured with her hoof for Spike to come closer, cautiously Spike leaned over.

"Okay Spike, here it is the truth is I have a crush on--"

"LOOK OUT BELOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!!"

A loud crash, the sound of breaking glass followed by a seizure-causing flash of colour, if anything could be said of Rainbow Dash she certainly knew how to make an entrance.

"Ah horsefeathers, thought I nailed it that time, huh? Hey Spike, Fluttershy what are you doing here?" said Rainbow as she peeled herself off of the wall. The kitchen was a mess, the breakfast Fluttershy had the spent the morning preparing now littered the floor, scattered when Rainbow crashed into the table, flipping it over and sending plates flying.

"Rainbow Dash... what in the name of Celestia are you doing? Can't you use the door like every other pony?"
Rainbow too busy dusting herself off and wiping crumbs out of her mane to listen. "RAINBOW!"

"What? Oh sorry shortround, I was practising a trick and--"

"Save it, I've heard them all, just help me clean up" Spike said handing her a dustpan and brush. Rainbow stared at the items she had been given, before casting them aside.

"Forget it Spike, I'm too cool for that sort of thing, why do you think I live in a house of clouds? Dirt just falls straight through it, how can I ever join the Wonderbolts if I'm busy cleaning like a housemare?"

Spike picked up the dustpan and brush again and thrust them into Rainbow's chest "Do it or...or. "

Dang it or what, c'mon Spike think of something

"Or so help me I'll,I'll..."

I've got it!

"I'll tell everyone you've been borrowing sappy romance novels from the library!"

Rainbow gasped "You wouldn't!"

How did he know!?! Twilight promised to keep that a secret!

That's odd she looks genuinely worried, well looks like the balls in my court...

Spike smiled at her mischievously, raising an eyebrow he simply replied "Oh wouldn't I?"
Rainbow zoomed over the table, putting it the right way round and began sweeping up the mess she'd made, Spike laughed at the sight "Sorry about that Fluttershy, now where were we... Fluttershy?" Spike looked around but neither Fluttershy nor her animal cleaning crew were anywhere to be seen.

Nice going Rainbow, you scared her off. I'll have to get it out of her another time.

Rainbow stopped cleaning with a puzzled look on her face, what was she doing, she the coolest pony in Equestria cleaning Twilight's kitchen? Her face turned red out of embarrasment,

Besides she thought isn't it Spike's job to clean up in here?
Once again she threw away the dustpan and brush, raided the fridge, taking out the box of cupcakes that Spike had been saving and flew into the library. Spike cursed under his breath, he peered through the open doorway, clutching his fist as he saw Rainbow sat on the couch gobbling down the cupcakes, his cupcakes.

Aw man, well guess I can't stop Rainbow being Rainbow, guess I'm going to have cleaning to do today after all...

"You know Spike, you really are lucky you know!" Rainbow called out.

"What are you talking about you wrecked the kitchen, scared off Fluttershy when she was trying to tell me something and now not only do I have to clean up your mess, you're eating the cakes Pinkie baked for me! I'm no genius but that's not what I call lucky"

Rainbow Dash scoffed "Are you kidding me, do you know how many people would love to spend time with me? I'm awesome and you know it."

"Yeah... right"

"Hey! Who's the one with the fan club?" she said jabbing him in the chest "You think I want to do this, I don't like being a babysitter but Twilight said she needed to someone to look after you so here I am. I never leave my friends hanging. You could be a little more grateful." she said crossing her legs over in a huff. "Could be practising for the Wonderbolts instead of this"

Yeah I'll be grateful alright, when Pinkie Pie says she hates parties.

"So what you been upto" asked Rainbow

"Besides cleaning up after you? Nothing much, I'm actually kinda bored, I have so much free time but I've been told not to leave the library and there's not much to do."

"Well I could give you some ideas if you wanted, I'd fight a manticore for a week off, being in charge of Ponyville's weather is hard work."

"Keep in mind I can't fly..." Spike said, knowing full well Rainbow's idea of fun composed of flying, acrobatics and sleeping.

"Oh right... gee I don't know, apart from partying and playing pranks I don't know how Earth Ponies pass the time, must be really boring down here."

"You don't say, who knows maybe I'll try reading? Stops Twilight from going crazy with boredom. Wait... something seems wrong with that sentance" said Spike rubbing his chin.

Rainbow held back a laugh "There's one thing I don't get though."

"Oh yeah what's that, landing?" Spike said sarcastically.

She rolled her eyes "Funny, no but seriously what was Fluttershy doing here?"

"Twilight asked her to drop by, you know for the same reason she asked you, only you've gone and scared her off"

"Uh-oh, err I'll make it up to her later" she said as she streched out over the couch. "Wait a minute so I didn't even need to be here! Fluttershy had me covered! Maaaan..." she said dissappointed, "Well guess I can't do anything about it now, might as well chill here for a while." Spike just rolled his eyes at her and walked back into what was left of the kitchen.

After he had finished clearing the wreckage, which also included replacing the window, of Spike's many talents that was not one of them. Fortunately for him Twilight had left emergency money. Spike lumbered out of the kitchen and began to head to the bathroom, desperately needing a shower as his spines were now covered in zap apple jam. He enjoyed the warm feeling of the running water, it soothed his aching muscles, besides it was his week off now, thanks to Fluttershy, even if he couldn't trust Rainbow alone in the library, he didn't care, this was his vacation and he was going to relax! Toweling himself off he sauntered over to the mirror admiring his reflection, his now clean scales sparkling in the sunlight.

Looking good Spike, looking real good.

He went back into the library about to give a certain mare a piece of his mind. When he heard snoring, Rainbow Dash was asleep again. Then Spike got an idea, a dastardly idea. An idea that Discord himself would be proud of. He went into the bathroom and raided the cabinets for supplies, before sneaking up on the sleeping cyan pegasus. A devilish grin plastered across his face.

Rainbow my dear you picked the wrong place to take a nap Mwahahaha!

Author's note: I know these are normally frowned upon but I'd thought I'd explain something. The color coded thoughts are for when more than one character is thinking something, just something I'd thought to try out. Cyan and Yellow were difficult to read, so I used corn flower blue for RD and green for Fluttershy.

Again let me know if there are any spelling mistakes and I'll fix them ASAP.

Day 2 (Part 2): Hurricane Rainbow Dash

Spike was wandering through the market, he knew Twilight said not to leave the library but it would have been foolish of him to hang around after what he did to Rainbow Dash. He decided that he should head over to Sugarcube Corner as Rainbow's pantry raid had left Spike craving something sweet. He walked by the market stalls, the area was bustling with life as ponies of all ages were busy haggling, determined to get the best possible deals. Spike loved walking past the market. Nothing could compare to the smell of freshly cooked bread or the delicate aroma of flowers. The Apples stall was, in Spike's opinion, by far the best. Granny Smith's freshly made apple pies were the best thing Spike had ever eaten, well except that delicious Sapphire cupcake he got for his birthday. Spike's mouth began to salivate.

I wonder if the Cake's would make me another one, I know they're probably pricey, but maybe if I ask nicely...

"Spiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiike!"

Before Spike could turn to react he found himself pinned to a wall, blue hooves digging into his shoulders. He could feel the hot breath of the perpertrator on his face, Spike dared to look at his attacker, he could see a pair of rose eyes staring at him. a fire burning in the pupils. Despite how threatening the pony had tried to be, Spike couldn't stop himself bursting out laughing. It was Rainbow Dash. His merriment was short lived however as she punched the wall, narrowly missing his head.

"You think this is funny? You little... Look at what you've done!"

Spike was almost in tears, he could see full well what he had done and he found it hilarious. After she had fallen asleep Spike took the opportunity to get some payback on the lazy mare. With a pair of scissors and the careful precision of surgeon Spike had relieved the cyan pegasus of her trademark mane, he was going to leave it at that when a stroke of genius occurred to him. Following a quick trip to Twilight's study, he had procured a vial of glue she had made by refining tree sap. She had told Spike she needed to test it and nothing seemed like a better opportunity to try it out. Using a paintbrush he had liberally applied it to Rainbow's face, in particular around the mouth and chin, before collecting a handful of her sheared hair and sprinkling it over her. Rainbow had sneezed as a result, fortunately for Spike she was a deep sleeper. The end result had left Rainbow Dash with a rather charming mustache-goatee combination, as well as bald. Seeing it up close, Spike just couldn't contain himself, he found himself giggling like a little filly on hearts and hooves day.

"I walked through town looking like this! Everypony was laughing at me. I think that Scootaloo kid had a heart attack when she saw me looking like this! I thought to myself, well this is odd, so I fly over to the lake, look at my reflection and see this..." she circled her face with her hoof "Staring back at me!"

"Oh come on, I think you look good, you'll have the mares lining up in no time!" He said bursting out laughing.

Rainbow faltered slightly.Did he just...

She shook him violently "Do you have any idea how much this itches? And I can't get it off! When I'm through with you you're going to wish you'd never messed with me!"

"What do you meeaaarrgh aargh no!" Before Spike could react Rainbow had picked him up and placed him on her back, before shooting up like a rocket. She began barreling through the air, spinning and twirling, getting faster and faster. Spike could do nothing except cling on for dear life. He wasn't scared of heights, but the large g-forces were beginning to take their toll, especially as Raibow began forming circles, travelling at such a high speed she began to generate a miniature tornado which threatened to tear Spike from Rainbow Dash. As he felt his claws slipping he shouted out as loud as he could.

"I'm sorry! Rainbow I'm sorry, let me down!"

Rainbow Dash came to a sudden halt, both she and Spike were several miles above Ponyville."What was that?" she asked disdainfully

"I, said, I'm, sorry" Spike's breathing was very heavy, the high altitude had no affect on Rainbow Dash, she'd spent her childhood high up in the sky but to Spike being this high up was a totally new experience, adrenaline and fear the only thing stopping him from passing out.

"Ohoho you will be" said Rainbow, as she began rubbing her hooves together, an evil smile on her face.

"What, are you, talking, about?"

"Hold on Spike!" Those three words, those three innocent looking little words drove Spike into a panic. And with good reason.

"Nonononononononononononoooooooooooooooooo!!!!" Rainbow Dash dove, picking up more and more speed, a cone of air forming around her outstretched hooves.

Oh Celestia. Please tell me she's not!

"See you later Spike!" she called out laughing maniacally

She is!

BOOM!

The Sonic Rainboom stretched across the sky, causing ponies all over town to look up in awe, what they couldn't see however was the small purple object being propelled at great speeds by the shockwave. Spike screamed, he was very high up and traveling very fast. Flailing his limbs he called out for any assistance, anyone to help him. He dared to peek at what lay out in front of him, only to see the ground rushing up very quickly. Spike eyes snapped shut and he held his breath, waiting for the inevitable impact. His life flashed before his eyes, being hatched by Twilight, packing on the pounds at Joe's Donuts, all of Pinkie's crazy parties and following the dragon migration.

If I have one regret, it's that I never asked Rarity out.

Spike curled up, waiting for it all to be over and waited. And carried on waiting.

Shouldn't I have hit the ground by now?

Spike opened his eyes, expecting to find himself at the bottom of a large crater, instead he was once again in the air, riding on the back of Rainbow Dash, who was looking back and smiling

"Got you! You should've seen the luck on your face! You really thought I was going to let you fall."

Spike couldn't think what to say, instead choosing to kick Rainbow in the side. Hard.

"Ow! Hey what was that for?"

"What do you think? You scared me half to death! You took things too far Rainbow, way WAAAAAY too far."

"That's what you get for making me look like an old colt!" Rainbow said, then she got an idea, the final nail in the coffin. "Well Spike as fun as this was, I'm sick of carrying you around on my back, so would you kindly get off me now?" Flying low she passed over the river that ran along the front of Fluttershy's house, before spinning rapidly. Spike lost his grip and fell with a sploosh into the water. Spike emerged just in time to see Rainbow flying away, laughing her feathers off. He clambered out of the river, shaking the water off.

"Twilight was right, all the ponies in this town ARE crazy."

Well as long as I'm here I might as well drop in on Fluttershy, maybe I'll finally get to know who her crush is.

Spike walked up to Fluttershy's front door, making sure he still looked presentable after his impromptu skydive, he knocked and then stood back waiting for her .It edged open slightly and a small voice could be heard from within "Who-who is it?"

"Hey Fluttershy. It's me Spike?"

The door opened further, Fluttershy peered through the crack, once she saw it was indeed Spike however, she flung the door wide open. "Hello Spike, please, come in!" she said quite loudly, the quizzical look on Spike's face however soon caused her to lose her nerve, "That is if you still want to of course." she said.
Spike walked in and Fluttershy closed the door behind them. He'd never been in Fluttershy's house before and he certainly didn't expect what he saw. Fluttershy was kind hearted, timid and reserved, the inside of her house however looked like something designed by Derpy. There was a fire place that doubled as a stove, a table and chairs. That would have been normal enough but all over the walls and the ceiling were little staircases, leading into a variety of homes for her animal charges. As far as decoration went there was a wool carpet lying on the oak floor and a multitude of birdhouses and mouse holes dotted all over the room. There was a large mirror at the back of the room and a stairwell leading up to the second floor.

"Geez Fluttershy, when you said you shared your house with animals, I was thinking you had a pet or two. I certainly didn't expect this" He looked around in awe, Fluttershy's house was incredible, it was almost like it was alive. He could hear birdsong, the quiet chittering of small animals. It was certainly a big step away from the akward silence Spike had to endure back at the Library.

She giggled "I do have a lot of pets Spike, all these homes are for my animal patients though. It let's me keep an eye on them whilst they're recovering. Shouldn't you be at the library? I thought Twilight said she didn't want you to leave, and your all wet! How did you get here?" she said passing him a towel.

"Rainbow Airways" Spike leaned against a wall, his head still spinning from his flight.

"What?"

"Doesn't matter, let's just say I was in the area okay, I really don't want to talk about it. Do you mind if I sit down?" he said still feeling a little nauseous. He began towelling himself off, grateful to no longer be wet and shivering, he flashed a smile at Fluttershy who returned in kind.

"Oh okay" Fluttershy flew away returning with a stool, thankful Spike sat down, Fluttershy joined him shortly after sitting on a small cushion so the two could speak eye to eye "Did you want something?"

"Well, you were going to tell me something earlier before Rainbow Crash interrupted us, remember?"

Her eyes widened "Oh yes, that. I don't know Spike. I'm really kinda nervous" she could feel herself beginning to flush.

Spike noticed this and asked "Well are they nice?" curious to learn more about her crush.

"Yes he is, he's the nicest guy I know, it's why I like him so much."

"So what are you worried about?"

"I'm worried he'll reject me, I know he's already got his eye on someone else!" she looked at him through watery eyes.

"Well maybe you shouldn't be wasting time then, you should ask him. You're a lovely pony, certainly nicer than some of the other pegasi around here." He said, thinking of Rainbow.

"I don't know, I mean what if he thinks I'm weird, everyone else does even my friends." she said with a frown, a tear trickling down her face

"Well I don't think your weird, you're kind, caring, qualities like that can be hard to come by."

"..." Fluttershy wiped her cheek and smiled at him, before quickly averting her gaze.

Spike sighed, "Look I've had an eventful day, can we just get this over with please? I already made the Pinkie promise, c'mon the suspense is killing me"

Fluttershy nodded "Okay, but remember you can't tell anyone. Not even our friends okay?"

"Yeah I know"

She turned a bright crimson, biting her lip. She began breathing slowly attempting to steady her shaking limbs. By now the two had attracted some attention, unbeknownst to them, several of the animals in the hut had peered through the doors of their homes watching the spectacle unravel before them.

She leaned forward, so close that Spike could feel the heat emanating from her face, and whispered as loudly as she dared,

"I have a crush on..." she halted her approach

Should I? I really want to, how will he react though...NO! No more nervous Fluttershy, time to assertive. Here goes...

Fluttershy had stopped herself unusually close to Spike's face, he could smell her perfume, it was light, subtle with the delightful aroma of berries, her blue eyes staring vacantly into Spike's green, she'd frozen.

Aw rats! She's gone again, she was so close to telling me too. Maybe if I ask again she'll snap out of it...

"Wh-" Spike was interrupted as Fluttershy kissed him. It was only quick, the most fleeting of moments, but to Fluttershy time seemed to stand still as her lips met his. As she broke away she curled up hiding her face. Waiting for a reaction, for him to say something. She peered up and saw Spike sitting there staring at the space she had occupied, a vacant expression on his face.

Spike was dazed, his mind not quite able to process what had jut happened, as he tried to speak he found the words stuck in his throat. His vision blurred and he could feel his legs begin to buckle.

This is. What's happening? Did she just? Is this a dream? I can't...

"Spike, a-are you alright?" she reached out as he began to sway.

*Thud* Spike's head collided with the hard oak floor as he collapsed, he saw Fluttershy standing over him a hoof covering her mouth in shock before slipping into unconsciousness.

Author's Note (Geez another one!): It was suggested that I do either Soarin or Caramel as Fluttershy's crush, but since Caramel has a canon girlfriend and Soarin's only dialogue is about pie I really didn't have a lot to work with and I HATE going against canon (making stuff up is fine though). I know people sometimes have a problem with Spike/X Shippings, I don't want to be seeing any hate here they only kissed for Celestia's sake. Beside I think Spike X Fluttershy is kind of a cute concept and I haven't seen many of those types of stories floating around here. Or anywhere, seriously type Fluttershy X Spike into google or something, the only picture I've found is of her cuddling newly hatched Spike.

Day 3 (Part 1): Picking up the pieces.

Author's Note: I thought I would try something different with this chapter, you'll see what I mean when you get to it. Creative input and constructive criticism is welcome.

Spike arose once again from Twilight's bed, his head thumping, his limbs incredibly sore.

Ow...the hay did I do yesterday. I feel like I lost a fight with a manticore.

He lugged himself out of the bed, and looked out the window.

I can barely move, maybe I should just spend the day in bed.

He looked back towards Twilight's bed.

There's not much for me to do in bed though, I am kinda bored and I don't think I could go back to sleep even if I wanted to.

Spike walked, very slowly, down the stairs and into the library, confused when he saw that the couch had been flipped upside down.

"That's odd, Owlicious did you see who did this?"

"Hoo"

"Never mind."

Spike walked over to the couch, when he could feel something underfoot. He lifted his foot off the floor, seeing several hairs, he picked one up and looked at it

Purple hair? Well it could be Twilight's but I'm pretty sure I sweeped up the last time she started tearing her hair out.

Spike recalled Twilight freaking out when she lost the research notes, Spike thought it would be funny to replace them with extracts from a joke book he found, the look on Twilight's face when she looked for her notes on the cockatrice, only to find multiple reasons why the chicken crossed the road was priceless. Unfortunately in true Twilight style, she flipped out. It took Spike three weeks to sort the mess out, which Twilight had forced him to do as punishment.

Totally worth it.

Spike found more hairs, some were red, some were blue, he also found hairs that were orange, green and yellow.

Did we have a party here the other day? It would explain why I'm so sore and why the couch is flipped over... No that doesn't seem right, I don't know anyone with green hair, not unless Trixie turned up. Wait a minute.

Spike stopped as his mind flash backed, images rushed through, a swinging pair of scissors, Twilight's new glue formula, being cornered in an alleyway by a very annoyed blue pony, who had a rainbow...mustache.

Spike burst out laughing until his sides hurt, given his current physical condition that wasn't very long.

"Owww. I remember now, I gave Rainbow Dash an 'awesome' makeover!" He said beaming "That's why the couch is like that, she must have flipped out when she woke up! What happened afterwards? I remember being cornered by her and then...did she beat me up or something? That's hardly her style" Spike went to the front door, as the newspaper had been delivered he could see it sticking in through the mail slot Twilight had put in the door. On the front cover was a picture of a sonic rainboom captioned with "Sonic Scare: Rainbow Dash's latest publicity stunt. Spike began to feel dizzy as memories began flooding back to him, he remembered now why he was so sore, he'd been at the epicentre of the Sonic Rainboom.

"Rainbow Dash sure has a twisted sense of humour, all I did was give her a beard, if I weren't a dragon that would have probably killed me." Struggling in his injured state Spike managed to right the couch, throwing himself upon it he looked at the shelves.

Twilight sure has a lot of books, I wonder if she has any with dragons in them? At least reading them would help me pass the time.

Spike picked himself off the couch and looked closely at the covers of the books. "I'm glad that these have been reshelved, Twilight must have done it before she left. Let's see D, D where's the D ah here we go" Spike pulled a book from the shelf the cover was styled to look like dragon hide with large claw marks covering it, emblazoned on the top in gold letters was the title of the book: Dragons and Ponies: Volume 1. Putting the book under his arm, Spike began the trek back upstairs. He pushed open the window in Twilight's room lay in the bed, pulled the covers up to his chin and opened the book. Spike could barely read the foreward, it was handwritten, the cursive was quite elaborate. "Whoever wrote this book must have been quite a posh pony, this looks so fancy, it almost puts Rarity's handwriting to shame. Let's see... For those who are foolish enough to travel into the land of the dragons this book serves as both a warning and a guide..." Spike gulped, he knew dragons could be real jerks from first hand experience, he also knew how dangerous they could be and was now unsure how much he wanted to read this book. Spike shakely turned the page and began to read.

!!!WARNING!!!

THIS NEXT SECTION IS NOT SUITABLE FOR YOUNGER READERS

If you are offended by content including gore, as well as potentially shocking imagery please skip down the page to the next section. It is NOT essential to the story.

It's no Cupcakes that's for sure but it's still a little dark. I have not included a Dark tab onto the story simply because it's a one off.

If you find the next section particularly good/ interesting for whatever reason. I am in the process of drafting a new story based around it.

I will remove the following section if enough people complain however. Please don't hit the dislike button. I thought I'd try something a little different to provide some contrast to an otherwise light hearted story.

Excerpts from Dragons and Ponies: Volume 1 By Coco Harrington

...Of all the glorious species, the weird and wonderful creatures that share Equestria with us, none strike more fear into the hearts of colts than dragons. This mostly elusive species, notable for the ability to breath fire and longevity that can rival the alicorns have existed in this land for far longer than any of the ponies, before the time of Celestia and Luna and even before Discord himself. As a scholar I took it upon myself to learn more about dragons, where they came from, how their society works. My fellow academics were skeptical of course, whenever dragons and ponies have met before, it has never been under the best of circumstances. Multiple tomes in the royal library are a testement to the wars between our two races...

...I recoiled at the sight that lay before me, a village or rather the charred remains of a village, the pungent aroma of burnt meat lingering in the air. That smell shall haunt me until the day I perish, there is no life left here, nopony to be seen, only bones and shattered homes, I prayed that the bones didn't belong to what I thought they did. It was obvious that the dragons had been here, this village had been decimated in a similar fashion to all the others I had seen whilst tracking them. The Great Dragon Migration, who dared to call this great? This was a tradgedy of epic proportions, seeing it over and over did nothing to lessen the emotional impact, every time I see smoke in the distance my heart sinks just that little bit lower. Disheartened and weary from the horrors I had witnessed I pressed on...

...I had heard of these contests, young dragons often resorted to violence as a means of proving their superiority. However I did not know that this is what it extended to. Tail wrestling and king of the hill, fire breathing contests and lava diving, they all seemed like childrens games in comparison and I guess they were just that. I couldn't prepare myself for what I was witnessing, I had observed their "game" of finding and smashing phoenix eggs but to think they were now hunting her, this poor mare, kidnapped from her village. I wished I could help, it would be easy work to teleport her away, but she was an Earth pony. The dragons were barbaric but not stupid, they knew only unicorns could use magic, if I helped her I would be the next one to be hunted. Before I had a chance to act, they grabbed her, picking her up and carrying her above the tree line, I couldn't see what they were doing, though from what I could hear, I decided it would be better if I didn't know. When they descended their claws were red, and the mare was nowhere to be seen...

On the other side of town.

"Now Applebloom y'all sure this is a good idea?" said Applejack. Applebloom along with the other Cutie mark crusaders, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, had spent the previous evening brainstorming ideas to earn their cutie marks. Scootaloo was determined to be as cool as her idol Rainbow Dash and had suggested that the group try performing stunts, which apparently consisted of jumping off the roof of the barn.

"Don't worry Applejack!" Scootaloo called down "We got this all figured out!" she turned to face her friends, Applebloom had curled up into a tight, shivering ball, completely unable to move. Sweetie Belle was busy trying to unravel her friend with very little success.

"She won't budge" she said, Scootaloo just face hooved and walked over to her.

"Come on Applebloom, what's the problem here!" she said kicking her lightly with her hoof

Applebloom whimpered, looking up at her frighteningly eager friend, "I don't like heights Scootaloo, couldn't we do stuff closer to the ground please?"

"What kind of stunts can we do on the ground?!" putting a hoof on Applebloom's shoulder Scootaloo gestured to the course they had built. "It's very simple, jump off the roof, land on the trampoline, bounce over the wall, land on the skateboard, ride it round the half-pipe, before grabbing the rope swing and landing in the stream over there! You got all that." Applebloom didn't respond "Come on Applebloom, do you want your cutie mark or not?"

Applebloom stood up slowly "I still can't believe you made me build all this stuff."

Smiling Scootaloo replied "You're the best one of us at building, would you rather we got Sweetie Belle to build it instead?"

"Oh come on!" Sweetie Belle shouted.

"You okay Applebloom?" AJ called up, seeing her sister on the roof she couldn't take her eyes off her, her muscles tensing and relaxing rapidly, ready to jump and catch her should she fall.

"She's fine!" Scootaloo shouted down.

Ah don't like this, and I certainly don't care for Scootaloo putting my sis through this, poor dear looks like she's seen a timberwolf.

"Um excuse me Applejack? What are you doing, you know, if you don't mind me asking?"

The unexpected sound caused Applejack to jump, when she turned around and saw who made it however, she couldn't help chuckling "Fluttershy! I never expected you to scare me, Rainbow Dash maybe, Pinkie Pie most definitely but you? I must be losing my touch."

"Oh sorry Applejack I didn't mean to scare you it's just that, well, I have a problem a BIG problem."

"What is it sugarcube?"

"Can we go and talk somewhere, in private?"

"Oh dear, well believe me darling I would love to, but I can't. Not right now, right now, I gotta keep my eye on the three foals WHO THINK JUMPING OFF A ROOF WILL GET THEM THEIR CUTIE MARKS!" she said shouting up to the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

"Please it will only take a second I promise."

Applejack looked back and forth between the roof of the barn and Fluttershy, she had to keep an eye on her sister but how could she refuse Fluttershy?

Dang it, talk about being caught between a rock and a hard place.

"Alright y'all have my attention, but only for a minute y'hear! Can't have Applebloom getting hurt now, ole Granny Smith would never forgive me if something happened to her, Big Macintosh'd probably chase me round the orchard too come to think of it." Fluttershy nodded and followed Applejack. They walked away from the barn, Applejack frequently glancing backwards, Fluttershy staring down at the dirt trail that lay before them. They stopped under a large apple tree on the very edge of the orchard. Fluttershy would have prefered it if they could have gone deeper into the woods far from prying eyes and ears, but Applejack was adamant that they keep the barn in sight at all times. Fluttershy sat under the shade of the tree whilst Applejack remained standing, ready to run at a moments notice. She glanced a look back at Fluttershy "Okay, nopony out here 'cept you and me, what did you want to talk about I want to get back there as soon as possible." When she got no reply she turned around rather quickly, annoyed to be dragged away from the barn only to be faced with Fluttershy's usual silence, her expression began to soften however, when she saw the yellow pegasus crying. "Fluttershy?" she said softly, walking over to her she sat opposite Fluttershy, tears were streaming down her face and she was sobbing quietly.

"I did a bad thing Applejack..." she said, looking up at her friend "A very bad thing and I don't know what to do."

Applejack put her hoof around Fluttershy's shoulder "Shhhhh it's okay Fluttershy, tell me what happened."

"You promise not to tell anyone?" Fluttershy wiped the tears from her cheek.

Nervously Applejack shook her head in agreement

What in the hay has this little filly been upto? She looks scared to death, oh please don't let it be like that time with Pinkie Pie...

Applejack shuddered, ever since Pinkie had told her about that dream she had, she made it a personal priority to avoid going to Sugarcube Corner as much as possible.

"I have a crush..."

Oh thank heavens... thought Applejack wiping her brow.

"Hardly seems like a thing to get worried about sugarcube. Who are they?"

"I don't want to tell you..." said Fluttershy, still sobbing.

Applejack looked slightly hurt at the lack of trust "Well what did you want then, what's this bad thing that you've done?"

"Well, I told him, I had to, I couldn't stop myself."

Applejack scratched her head"And that's why your upset, he turn you down?"

Fluttershy shook her head "No, no he, he didn't say anything." Upon hearing this Applejack's brow furrowed.

She stood up quickly "What? Who is he? Why didn't he say something?" she began pacing back and forth "Seems cruel to me, not saying anything, especially if he left you like this. You tell me who it is and I'll go and give him a piece of my mind, and maybe a good knock round the head to boot!"

Fluttershy shook her head quickly "Nononono please don't, it wasn't his fault!" she grabbed Applejack and sat her down again.

"What do you mean sugarcube, how could it not be his fault! You come over here all teary eyed over some guy and expect me to believe your to blame."

"Remember that bad thing"

"Fluttershy, what did you do?"

"Well he knocked on my door, I didn't know what else to do so I let him in."

"And?"

"W-we got talking and he wanted to know who I was crushing on?"

Applejack looked at her, very surprised,"You told him!? You told him that you had a crush on someone but left out the part where it was him? Fluttershy..." she facehooved.

"I know, I know I was stupid but then I ruined it, I ruined everything."

"How did you do that?"

"I told him I had a crush on him and then I don't know what came over me but... I kissed him!"

"You did what?"

"I kissed him okay! Oh I'm so embarrassed, I beared my soul and then threw myself at him!" Fluttershy said, breaking out into a fresh wave of tears.

"And then what happened? I mean that's as far as it went right? It was just a kiss? Right? You didn't do anything else?"

"What do you..." Fluttershy turned red and looked at her startled "No, no absolutely not, nothing like that!"

Applejack also blushed slightly "Sorry, but when you said you threw yourself at him, I just assumed...never mind", she cleared her throat before continuing "So what happened next, I mean did he kiss you back?"

"No...no he, he fainted"

"He what?"

"He fainted, passed out on my floor..."

"I can see why that could've upset you."

Fluttershy started to panic "What if I did something wrong!? I mean I kissed him and he collapsed? What does that mean?! Does that mean he doesn't like me, or that he does? Is it because I'm not pretty enough, am I not nice enough? What's wrong with me!" she began hyperventilating.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold your horses sugarcube, you keep that up your gonna be at risk of passing out yourself. I think you just surprised him is all, I'd a probably done the same thing if some colt just kissed me all out of nowhere."

"Really?"

"Well, actually I'd probably sock him in the jaw but you get my point don't you? Now it isn't a good idea to dive into the creek without checking for gators, but now that your in all you can do now is swim. You can't undo what you did, you just got to make sure that what you do now, you don't end up regretting."

"What do I do? I want to see him again, but I don't know how he'll react, or how I'll react and I'm really scared."

"Aw sugarcube, I wish I knew what to tell you but I don't have any experience in romance, I don't know how much help I can be. Maybe you could ask Rarity"

Fluttershy sat up, a look of fear on her face "No absolutely not, I'm not telling Rarity and neither can you!"

"Uh why?"

"B-because, you know what she's like, I'd probably die from embarrasment." she lied. The situation was already tense, Fluttershy didn't want to involve Rarity unless she had no alternative.

"Oh yeah, that pony get's a whiff of romance, she'd fix you up, make you a dress the whole nine yards. Well why not go down to the library? I know Twilight's out of town but Spike could probably find a book on relationships that could help you."

Fluttershy didn't respond, instead she made a sound Applejack had never heard before. If she had to put words to it the closest she could come was "Meep". Before she could question the pegasus further she heard a piercing scream, followed by very loud crying, she turned to face the noise "Consarnit! I told them it was a bad idea! Look sugarcube we are going to have to carry this on later. Do me a favour? I was supposed to go babysit Spike but I'm probably going to have to run that lot over to the hospital" She began to run away "Can you cover me? I'd hate to let Twi down but I kinda gotta deal with this first?" before dashing away at full pelt worried for the safety of her sister and her friends. Her stetson blowing off her head as she ran.

Fluttershy watched until she was quite far away before kicking the tree behind her with her hooves, hard. The apples fell to the ground in a series of dull thuds. Saddened Fluttershy began to head home

"He's not a baby anymore..." she said as she looked up to see the sun setting.

Spike lowered the book slowly, he couldn't believe what he had been reading, he knew dragons were capable of cruelty but this?! Resisting the urge to throw the book away, he closed the cover and set the book on the end table.

Dragons, I know people are afraid of them, of us, but I never knew why, I just thought we were intimidating not...evil. Everypony hates us, hates dragons at least. I'm grateful Twilight hatched me and not a dragon, to think I could have grown up like THAT.

Spike curled up into a ball, never before had he been more grateful of his pony upbringing.

I'm a monster or at least I could have been, what happened on my birthday, that must have been a glimpse of what I am capable of.

"It's not fair! There must have been something good, there must have been, don't let me be the only dragon who isn't a monster. There must be something, some record of ponies and dragons, that doesn't end in war!" He picked up his pillow and threw it against the wall. Huffing he lied back and stared at the ceiling. A butterfly flew in through the open window and settled on Spike's stomach, he looked at the beautiful insect, it's wings shimmering in the light, each a canvas carrying a work of art nopony could ever replicate. Spike held out a claw, the butterfly crawled on, and remained still even as Spike sat up, "Well at least your not afraid of me" he said with a smile on his face, the butterfly took off and flew out of the window again before settling on one of the roses Twilight had planted in a box that hung from the window sill. Suddenly more images began to rush through Spike's mind, he remembered coming downstairs, the library full of cleaning animals. Fluttershy in the kitchen making him breakfast.

Spike gasped "That's right! Fluttershy was the one who cleaned up in there, not Twilight! She made me breakfast and we were talking about something and then Rainbow came crashing through the window! That's why I gave her the mustache!" Spike tensed up, a vein appearing on his forehead as he concentrated.
"Come on Spike think what were we talking about... I asked her how things were at her place" an image flashed of the inside of Fluttershy's house.

What the ? I've never been in Fluttershy's house before have I? how do I know what it looks like?!

Almost on cue, Spike was treated to a replay of the aftermath of the Sonic Rainboom, him flying through the air before being caught by Rainbow Dash, who then preceded to drop him into the stream outside Fluttershy's house. "I must have gone inside afterwards...", he could hear a voice in the back of his mind as he remember conversation he'd had with Fluttershy the previous day,

"That's right, Fluttershy was going to tell me who she had a crush on! That's when Rainbow Dash interrupted us!". He crossed his arms "But then, how did I end up here? I don't remember walking back..." More images, much more vivid this time, he was back in Fluttershy's house, Fluttershy leaning over to him, her face bright red, she was about to tell Spike her crush, he could feel the warmth of her face on his and then she kissed him. Her soft lips pressing against his. That image stayed with Spike the longest, he didn't move he didn't breath. As words resounated through his mind, the last words Fluttershy said to him "I have a crush on you."

What was that, was that a dream? It must have been, that couldn't have happened. Yeah it was a dream. I-I fainted because of falling through the air, I must have passed out outside of her house and she brought me here. Yeah that's it! No no it can't be, that image, it felt, it felt so real. But it can't be, Twilight told me ponies have no interest in dragons, not like that. Do they? I mean I know I have a crush on Rarity but she's beautiful, me? I'm a dragon!

He screamed in frustration, frantically he grabbed the Dragons and Ponies book, flicking to the index page, he scanned for any relevant sections. "R...R... let's see ranges of fire breath, Redwing: the first winged dragon, Rotscale and it's treatments. Ah, here it is romance." He flicked to the relevant page. "Dragon anatomy, I'll come back to that later, courting rituals and mating, ew, Dragon relationships, here we go "Dragon and Pony Romantic relationships" eagerly Spike began to read.

There has only ever been one reported instance of a dragon and a pony forming a romantic relationship before, the subject however is considered something of a taboo by both factions, dragons and ponies alike have given me all sorts of looks whenever I raised the subject with them. This may be because of the social stigma, brought on by the rather sordid history that ponies and dragons have, it may be because dragons have such long lives that such a relationship is impossible to maintain. Having heard the tale though, I believe it's simply because the two species have such different upbringings, live very different lives, and the fact that because whenever they meet the pony is always running in fear. In fact were it not for those two meeting, we may still be at war with the dragons now. The tale is as follows:

A young pony, only a filly at the time by chance happened across a dragon egg one day whilst foraging for food in the forest that lay to the south of her home, the forest was located between two large mountain ranges, that curved around the village where the filly lived, seperating them from the great sea that lay beyond. It is said the egg appeared as if from nowhere falling from the sky, but no dragon's roar could be heard overhead and no dragons were seen flying overhead. It was later discovered that a group of unicorns had stolen the egg from a dragon's nest. However they were caught by the mother, they couldn't outrun the furious dragon so instead teleported the egg as far away as they could hoping to deliver it to their co-conspirators, however in the panic they got the spell wrong and so the egg was teleported and landed in a clearing in the forest where the young filly discovered it. She cared for the egg, mistaking it for a birds egg as nopony save the unicorns who sent it had never seen a dragon's egg before.

The young filly was concerned however when the egg didn't hatch after several months. The winter had been harsh, and food was scarce, in an act of desperation the young pony's father tried to boil the egg hoping it would provide food for his family, only for it to hatch. As the newly hatched dragon clambered it's way out of the pot, the family recoiled in fear. However the young filly who found it looked at the baby dragon with pity, it was motherless, alone and scared. Against the warnings of her family she walked towards the young dragon cautiously she approached the young dragon, which leapt up, aiming right for her throat, her family watched with baited breath believing that the dragon was going to attack, it's arms and claws outstreched, her father jumped up and charge forward preparing to bat the dragon away, only to stop when he saw that, instead of attacking her, the dragon was hugging her! The young filly who had been paralyzed with fear, looked down and saw the dragon hugging her. Her expression softened and she hugged the dragon back, it was then that the young girl earned her cutie mark, a strange shape, a rune of sorts, shaped like a dragon curling up into a ball.

The young girl and the dragon grew up together, in secret at first but slowly the dragon was intergrated into the community. When the Alicorn ruler, Celestia's predecessor heard of this, she sent guards to arrest the filly and bring the dragon to her. The Alicorn was prepared to eliminate the dragon, she saw him as a threat both to her kingdom and her throne. She was stopped however when the young filly intervened putting herself between the alicorn and the dragon. Seeing the overwhelming sense of loyalty towards the dragon, the alicorn was taken aback, never before had such a thing occured. She decided to test the dragon, to see if he would return that loyalty and threatened to destroy the young filly. Only to be further surprised to see that the dragon did exactly the same, whether through his own tuition or simply by imitation she didn't know. Eventually the pair became envoys for ponykind, their relationship inspired the alicorn to seek peace with the dragons. The pony and her dragon travelled back and forth between the two factions and whilst they couldn't convince them to co-exist, they did form a treaty. To mark the occasion the dragons gifted the alicorn queen with a dragon egg and the Queen returned in kind by giving the dragons a star, plucked from the heavens. Every 100 years this tradition is to be repeated. As for our young pony and her dragon, their journeys back and forth between the dragons and the ponies, the adventures they shared strengthened their friendship. Eventually they fell in love and settled down together, some say that as a reward for solidfying a peace between the dragons and the ponies, the Alicorn magically bound the pony to her dragon, so that the two would be able to live together without fear of one outliving the other.

Spike closed the book slowly a small smile on his face, "So it has happened before," he said. He yawned, not realising how late it had gotten, he pulled the window shut and fell asleep.

Day 3 (Part 2): Fantasy Clash

Spike scaled the cliff face, his claws digging into the hard stone with ease, he carried with him his favourite weapon, a lance, several foot long which he held in his coiled up tail. His cape billowing in the wind, his armour doing nothing save weighing him down. A multitude of cracks and holes mapped Spike's long and arduos journey having been climbing for several hours, looking back he saw he was several miles above the ground, he doubted even he could survive a fall like that but he wasn't afraid. His mission was too important and now that he was so close to his goal.

In the dark of the night, whilst the rest of Ponyville was sleeping, they had come, stealing the fair lady Rarity from her bed. Everyday since he had tracked the perpetrators, taking a sacred vow to rescue her and bring her back safely. Now he had found them, they had taken up residence in the abandoned Castle of the Princesses, deep in the heart of the Everfree Forest. The bridge that spanned the large valley, which seperated the Castle from the rest of the forest, had eroded with time. Not to be perturbed Spike, using his lance, had pole vaulted across the gap, falling short he dug his claws into the valley wall to stop his descent and began to climb. Finally reaching the top, he tensed up before propelling himself upwards and landed safely on the other side of the valley. Looking up, he smiled.

Before him lay an army the likes of which had never before been seen in Equestria. There were thousands of them, Diamond Dogs and Changelings coming together to oppose him.

"Finally some action!"

He unravelled his tail and grabbed his lance with one hand, using his other hand to gesture to the horde

"Come and get me if you think your up to it!"

They charged, the ground shaking as hundreds of paws and hoofs moved together. Spike waited until they were close enough before leaping into action, soaring far above them, as he landed in the shockwave of the impact scattered the crowd, a flash of purple was all that could be seen as Spike charged through the crowd, his trusty lance batting them aside. The fighters began to panic, there efforts at stopping him futile. They began to back away, both in fear and in awe. Spike smirked and with as much force as he could muster he drove his lance as hard as he could into the ground. Large cracks formed all along the plateau, then pushing downwards on the handle he used his lance as a lever to break away the cliff where the army was standing. Their screams could be heard as the large dislodged rock fell to the bottom of the valley. Spike turned his back and walked slowly through the large oak doors and into the main chamber.

The castle had changed drastically since Twilight and her friends travelled there all those years ago to retrieve the Elements of Harmony, the new residents had completely renovated it, the pillars, once white marble were replaced by black jet, the ceiling and walls had been patched. The stained glass windows, once a testament to the defeat of Discord at the hands of Celestia and Luna were replaced by blood red panes, the moonlight shining through them casting an ominous shade across the floor. In the centre of the room was a large pit, several feet deep and even more so wide. On either side of the room were two large structures, what they were Spike couldn't tell, all he could see were the large red cloths that covered them as they hung above the ground, along with the large chains which were connected to them and ascended to a large iron ring at the top of the room. Peering into the pit Spike could see lava bubbling away, the heat radiating from it sufficient to warm the entire room. Spike took a step back from the pit and looked around for any dogs or changelings that may attempt to push him in. He knew he could survive the lava and the fall, instead he just didn't want to do any more climbing. Looking up at the ceiling Spike jaw fell open in awe. Painted onto the ceiling was a shocking image, it showed a large dragon, adorned with a large robe and a crown sitting on a throne. Then suddenly a large clang, Spike swung round expecting an attack, only to see a large portcullis had slammed shut over the door, denying an escape.

"A trap, figures."

Spike walked over to the portcullis, he couldn't lift it, he couldn't cut it and the gaps were too small to accomadate his large frame, even if he did burn through the door he wouldn't be able to leave. He heard a laugh deep and booming that resonated around the chamber, an unknown gale extinguished the torches that lit the room, the only light that remained coming from the large lava pit in the centre. Spike faced the pit, clutching his lance he waited, preparing to attack whatever rose from it.

The room shook as up from the pit rose a large creature, covered in black scales, claws that curved into a set of deadly points. The lava dripping from it's monstrous figure. As it's oily wings swung back, the large head rose up and unleashed a torrent of flames, a display of force for Spike, who had since dropped his lance and was shaking in fear. The large dragon that emerged from the pit looked at him, an evil grin on his face. He leaned down so that his face was inches from Spike's before unleashing a roar, louder than anything Spike had ever heard before and with such intensity it flung Spike across the room, he smacked into the portculis with such force the metal warped and the wood behind it began to crack and splinter. Spike's back hurt, his ears were ringing. The Dragon laughed once again.

"Is that all you have young one? You're a dragon! Not some common grass-muncher. Where's all that macho gone? You made short work of my troops, now your next opponent will be me." The Dragon streched out showing off the full extent of his size. Only his upper torso was visible, his lower half concealed beneath the lava and yet he was still having to bow his head slightly to avoid hitting the ceiling.

"I have waited thousands of years for this oppurtunity, I sought this castle for I knew what lay within, the Elements of Harmony, the strongest magical artifacts in Equestria, when I finally took this castle for my own however I found that someone had beaten me to it!" he punched the wall in anger.

"As you can imagine I was not pleased. I decided to do things the old fashioned way, so I recruited those empty headed mutts as foot soldiers. Then a development, news that I had been waiting for for so long." Spike struggled to his feet, using his lance to steady himself.

"You see when your friends dispelled the changeling Queen Chrysalis from Canterlot, I learned that it was they who possessed the elements. The Queen showed me who they were and I made my plans to lure them here. It was all very simple, the changelings could disguise themselves and infiltrate Ponyville with ease. Chrysalis was opposed to the idea but she soon changed her mind" He admired his sharp claws "I found I can be very...persuasive." he chuckled slightly. "I kidnapped that prissy unicorn because I knew it would lure the others here. With them, the elements would be mine to control and then not even Celestia could stand in my way! Mwhahahaha!" A lightning bolt struck in the distance.

"You know I'm kinda glad I could barely hear anything because I get the sneaking suspicion that you were monologing." he said with a smirk. The dragon growled at him. "I don't know why every villian insists on doing that, it gets boring after a while."

"You insolent little brat" he brought a claw down hard and fast, pummelling Spike into the ground. "Not so tough now are you? You really are pathetic you know..." The Dragon was interrupted as he felt resistance "What?!" Spike pushed up against the claw that had threatened to crush him. Whilst holding it up with one hand he reached back for his lance. Upon grabbing it he stabbed the tip into the dragon's palm causing him to recoil and roar out in pain. Spike's expression had changed, no longer cocky, but one of deep concentration and focus.

"Where is Lady Rarity?"

"Who?"

"Where is RARITY!!!" he roared.

"Oh you mean the pony, she's right here" and with that the dragon hooked one of the cloths around his finger and pulled it away, revealing the cage it concealed. Rarity lay unconscious at the bottom of it.

"What did you do to her!" he shouted at the Dragon, who merely chuckled once again.

"What's the matter boy? Don't tell me you actually care about this piece of meat?" Spike's eyes narrowed

"Oh you do! You sick little dragon, well don't worry about her, I merely drugged her. Stupid thing wouldn't shut up, kept whining about how "drab" this place is, whatever that means. Besides I wouldn't worry about her right now, I'd be more worried for yourself"

He slammed his claw down again, ready this time Spike evaded to his right, the claw narrowly missing him. He jumped on the claw and began to run up the outstreched arm until he reached the elbow, curling his fist he punched the joint as hard as he could, breaking the arm. The dragon began to swing his arm in pain, propelling Spike high into the air, using the momentum Spike raised his lanced and swung it downwards, hitting the dragon cleanly on the top of his head, stunned the dragon fell forward. Spike clung onto the dragon's spines as he fell. The dragons head collided with the edge of the pit, causing chunks to fall away and into the lava pit below. Spike leapt from the dragon's head and turned to face him.

"Let her go...NOW!" he yelled.

The Dragon blinked as he began to regain his composure "You...you impudent, you dare make demands of me?!"

"Let her go, or next time I'll break more than your arm"

"Never!"

The Dragon reared it's head, drawing in air. As it began to swing forward again Spike ran towards the him. The dragon unleashed yet another blast of fire. Spike evaded the Dragons attack yet again, sliding under the flames before coming to rest under his chin. A quick swing of his tail forced the Dragon's head upwards, then clutching his lance like a javelin, Spike threw it at the dragon's exposed throat. It embedded itself in the dragon's neck piercing the soft underbelly, blood began to gush from the wound and into the lava pit, causing acrid smoke to billow forth. Choking the Dragon uttered what he knew to be his last words

"You...have beaten me young one... well done... but that doesn't mean you will be able to save them!"

"Them?" said Spike confused.

The beaten black dragon swung his tail upwards and shattered the ceiling. The iron ring holding the chains collapsed into the lava. The chain and the dragon began to sink into the lava the dragon quickly becoming completely submerged. The cage holding Rarity collapsed to the floor. As the chain sank the cage was slowly dragged across the floor towards the molten lava pit. Seeing what was happening Spike ran towards Rarity's cage when he heard a frightened voice calling out to him.

"Spike! Please help me!" the voice pleaded

Spike turned, the second cage had also crashed, the sheet covering it had fallen off with the impact, inside was the conscious and very frightened Fluttershy. Her cage was also being dragged into the pit by the heavy chain. Spike ran towards her cage, but remembered that Rarity was right behind him, he turned around again. Looking quickly back and forth between both cages. The cracked ceiling had begun to collapse. He had only time to save one of them.

"Spike please, don't leave me!" Fluttershy pleaded.

I can't do this

"I don't want to die! Please for the love of Celestia. Get me out of here!"

My fair maiden, the one I vowed to protect.

"P-please, Spike! Don't just stand there! Help me!"

Or the kindest pony I know

"Spike! The cage is getting closer to the pit"

The one who loves me, or the one I love.

"Don't do this Spike, don't leave me like this!"

I'm...I'm so confused!

Spike had to make a choice, the most difficult choice he had ever face. In anger Spike threw up his hands.

"Why can't I save you both!"

Day 4: Of Dragons and Pegasi

The next morning Spike was downstairs. A little shaken after the dream he had last night, he slowly drank from his coffee, questions whizzing through his head. What did it mean? Why was Fluttershy there? Why did he feel so conflicted? Why? Why? Why?

He was usually so sure of himself, he used to know what he wanted from his life. He'd pictured the future he wanted, him and Rarity together forever sharing the boutique, she creating amazing dresses, him gathering the gems that her dresses depended on, so why then did his thoughts keep drifting towards Fluttershy? There was so much doubt in his mind, he still wasn't sure whether the visions he saw, of Fluttershy kissing him, were genuine or not. Yet he began to think long and hard about both of them.

I still don't know what she could see in me. We rarely talk, I mean sure, she's friendly, she's the element of kindness afterall. The kindest, sweetest pony a guy could ever meet. And yet there's Rarity, she's generous, creative and beautiful, not that Fluttershy isn't. I mean Fluttershy's pretty as well isn't she? She wouldn't have got that job as a model otherwise. I guess I never thought about her like that before, I've had my sights set on Rarity for so long now...

He began to consider Fluttershy, the flowing pink mane, the gentle voice, the silky soft yellow fur. He could lie against that soft fur, feel the heat of her body, staring into her beautiful blue eyes...

Hold on what am I doing?

Spike felt himself getting flustered, he found himself hugging one of the cushions on the couch, shocked he kicked it away. He stared at it, his mind racing.

"No! What's happening to me? Why is this happening to me?! I like Rarity! I like Rarity! Why can't I stop myself!" he threw the cushion as hard as he could, it collided with the bookshelves causing a few books to fall. He curled up into a ball on the couch.
"What should I do, what should I do?" he began rocking slowly and was hyperventilating when all of a sudden he heard knocking at the door. Spike walked tentatively over to the door, taking deep breath to stop himself shaking and giving himself a minute to regain his composure, he opened it. As it opened he found himself thinking the same thing over and over.

Please not Fluttershy, please not Rarity, not now!

He was greeted by the smiling face of Applejack "Morning little fella!" she said as the door opened upon seeing Spike however she became concerned "Y'alright Spike? You're looking worse for wear if you don't mind me saying."

"I'm fine Applejack, just a bad night's sleep, come on in. I'm guessing your here because of Twilight?" he said as he resumed sitting on the couch.

Applejack walked in, looking around the library."Eeyup, she asked me to keep an eye on you. I don't know why though your more than capable of taking care of yourself. I mean look at this place, it's cleaner than I've ever seen it, yet the way Twilight was when she asked me, she seemed convince you were going to set the place on fire or something." she said with a smile.

Spike frowned "Figures, she can't trust me to do anything." he downed his coffee, ignorant of the fact that it was still boiling, the burning sensation in the back of his throat did nothing but worsen his mood.

"Hey, who's rustled your cattle?" said Applejack, it was unusual for Spike to be so miserable, she'd never seen him like this, not since Rainbow made fun of him at the dragon migration.

"No one, just a, just a bad dream. A very bad dream..."

"You sure?"

Spike snapped at her "Yes now can we move on please!" before looking away as he realised what he had just said.

Applejack was not pleased, she reached into her saddlebag, pulling out her signature rope. Before Spike could see what she was doing and react, he found himself hogtied and Applejack was standing over him.

"Applejack what in Equestria are you doing? Let me go!" Spike yelled.

"Y'all promise to stop being so surly?"

"Yes, yes now let me outta this thing, the rope's starting to chafe." Spike said as he struggled against his bonds.

Using her teeth, she bit one end of the rope and pulled, using her hoof to push the knot in the other direction, which caused it to unravel. "Now spill it what's got you so miserable?"

Spike scrambled quickly to his feet and back away slowly, Applejack still had the rope and he didn't want to be tied up again anytime soon "Why don't you start? You were a bit quick to jump to the rope, weren't you?"

Applejack slammed a hoof down causing Spike to jump "If ya must know, I've had a very stressful week, I'm behind on the harvest and Big Macintosh wont help me because he spends all his time now down at the hospital with Applebloom."

"Whoa, hang on what happened to Applebloom?"

Applejack hung her head "A bad mix of gravity and stupidity, her friends were trying to do some stunts thinking it'd help them get their cutie marks. Applebloom didn't want to do it so Scootaloo thought she just needed a... push in the right direction. Long story short she missed the trampoline they set up and needed to go to the hospital."

Spike scratched his head, then shrugged. He knew that the CMC did crazy things to try and get their cutie marks, asking why is like asking Pinkie how she can appear in mirrors, it's probably better not to and just accept it as fact. "Is she alright?"

"She'll live, a couple a broken ribs wont keep her down long. Us Apples are made of tougher stuff. Now back to you, why you look like Rainbow when we run outta cider?"

"Call it girl troubles."

Upon hearing this Applejack was taken aback.

Oh dear me. Is he?

"Can I ask you a question Applejack?" cautiously she nodded her head.

Is he really?

"What do you think a pony could see in me?" Her eyes widened in shock.

Fluttershy you didn't!

"W-why do you ask?" she said failing to hide the surprise in her voice.

Spike picked up on it, then realised what he thought had her so distressed "Oh right, you don't know!"

"Know what?"

Dangit does nopony trust me with anything? Yeah, I'm the Element of Honesty, just because I'm honest doesn't mean I'm gonna blab secrets to anypony who asks!

"You have to Pinkie promise not to tell anyone." Satisfied once she had done the motions of the Pinkie promise he continued "Okay so... I have a crush on Rarity... You alright?"

As soon as the words had reached Applejack's ears she felt strange, a mixture of shock and confusion, she sat down and was staring into space.

I take it back, I don't want to know anypony's secrets.

Applejack was brought back to reality by Spike who was clicking in front of her face. His expression one of sheer panic "Applejack pay attention, I have a crush on Rarity OK? Or at least I think I do, I mean right now I'm not so sure but I need to know whether I have any sort of shot, so I'm asking you, as a friend, to tell me. What do you think a pony could ever see in me?"

Applejack realised she had been staring at him with her mouth wide open, she quickly shut it and shook her head. "Sorry Spike, it's just, that's a bit of a shock."

"Why?"

"It's just... your a dragon, so you'll understand if I find this a little weird."

"Hey! It's happened before!"

She cocked an eyebrow at him "Beg pardon?"

"Doesn't matter I'll show you sometime, right now, tell me right now because this is driving me insane! Do you think I have a shot with Rarity and what could a pony possibly see in me, as a dragon?" She could see the desperation in his eyes, he wasn't going to let her leave without an answer.

Applejack took a deep breath "Okay Spike let's start with the easier question, do you have a shot with Rarity?" Spike looked at her expectantly "I hate to be bearer of bad news Spike, I mean you'd have to ask her yourself, but I wouldn't get your hopes up."

Spike felt the words stab into him like daggers "What do you mean?"

What's it with me having to give all sorts of relationship advice this week? First Fluttershy, now Spike, then there was that business last week with Macintosh. I don't need to hear 'bout my brother's love life for pete's sake! It's really kinda akward...

"Well Spike like I said, you should probably ask her, but if you ask me, Rarity wouldn't even think about dating anyone from this town let alone you. Face it, if that pony dates anybody, there probably going to be one of three things: From Canterlot, Famous or a Fashion designer, maybe even all three, I'm pretty sure she would've happily gotten together with Hoity Toity if he hadn't insulted her skills as a dressmaker."
Spike winced, he didn't like what he was hearing but he had to listen, he couldn't solve his dilema by himself, even if he didn't want to, he knew he had to take what AJ said into consideration.

"As for what a pony could see in you, I honestly don't know Spike, your my friend, I couldn't even think about you like that if I tried. All I can say is your hardworking, most of the time, your a nice guy, most of the time and you'll always lend a hand to anypony who'll ask for it, come to think of it, you certainly help Rarity a lot. A whole lot, and you gave her that gem... I can't believe I didn't notice it sooner to be honest. Whether Rarity will find those endearing qualities I can't say and I daren't guess." Her words felt like verbal punches, each blow stealing the breath from his lungs, he always had his doubts about him and Rarity, but to be told outright, by the element of honesty of all ponies, was a little too much to bear. Noticing that she had effectively traumatised the young dragon, she began to feel sympathetic and thought back to her encounter with Fluttershy back at the orchard, if he was feeling anywhere near as worried or confused as he was, she wouldn't be much of a friend to leave him like that. "Let me give you some advice I gave a friend of mine, I've never been romantically involved with anypony, so I can't speak from experience all I can tell you is that, whatever you decide to do now, just make sure you wont live to regret it. If you want to get your answer, the only one who can give it to you is Rarity."

Spike nodded thoughtfully "Thanks Applejack, I appreciate this."

Applejack felt rather uncomfortable, pony/dragon relationships were not what she was expecting to discus first thing in the morning, she was very quick to change the subject. "So what are you going to do today?"

Spike rubbed his head "I don't know, I don't plan anything. Normally I just wait for something interesting to happen."

It's certainly been an interesting week so far...

"Well how 'bout you come with me? I still need some help on the farm."

"Wait you mean applebucking?" Spike wasn't sure he would be able to buck trees, he wasn't weak, he just wasn't built to. If he spent his afternoon kicking trees, all he would acheive would be a very sore pair of feet.

"Nah, see there's more jobs on a farm than bucking the trees to get the apples down, look I could really use the help. I think it would also help you relieve some of that stress of yours, you carry on the way you are and I'd wager you'll be climbing the walls."

Spike thought about what she was saying, he certainly didn't want to spend all day in the library again and it would give him some time to think about what he was going to do, he smiled at Applejack "Okay let's go!". The two of them set off down the road down to the farm, Spike spent the whole trip staring at the ground, often bumping into ponies as they walked. He didn't care though, his mind still whirring away.

"Okay Spike were here!" Spike's head snapped up and looked around, they were indeed at Sweet Apple Acres

That was fast, I guess time flies when your going mad...

Applejack went into the barn and came back carrying two buckets, one was full of grain the other was empty. How she managed to carry both in her teeth was something Spike would never understand.
"All right, I'll be back in an hour, in the mean time I want you take this bucket here" she pointed at the one full of grains "And head over to the chicken coop, they need feeding, little word of warning, do it quick and make sure to spread it out. We don't want 'em swarming ya." Spike gulped at the prospect. "Then go rinse out the bucket at that faucet over there" Spike looked and saw a silver tap protruding from the ground, a large pump handle attached to it. "Once you done that, take both buckets to the barn and milk the cows, we need both buckets filled."

"Applejack, are you sure thats a good idea?" Spike said, brandishing his claws to demonstrate his point. If the cows got spooked at a snake, who knew how they were going to react to a dragon in their midst.

"Fair enough, tell you what, go drop the buckets off when you've fed the chickens, then come meet me out in the orchard, I'll find you something else to do." and with that she trotted off towards the apples trees, leaving Spike to get on with the tasks he was assigned. Reluctant to start working again after enjoying his days off, Spike picked up the bucket of chicken feed and headed towards the coop. As he approached he could feel dozens of eyes staring at him, the chickens were watching him, there heads swaying to match the bucket of feed Spike was swinging under his arm.

"Well better get this over with" Spike swung the bucket sending a large clump of grain airborne, it hit the ground scattering all over. As soon as it did the chickens dove on it, pecking furiously, it was gone in seconds. Confused Spike swung the bucket again scattering even more grain and once again the ravenous chickens devoured as quickly as it was cast. Spike stared at them, he'd never seen chickens act like that before, they must have been starving. He knew Applejack said that she was behind on her work but she didn't seem the type to starve animals, intentionally or otherwise. The chickens were staring at Spike, waiting for the next serving. Spike threw the last of the grain into the coop and started to back away slowly, the chickens still staring at him. "Okay this is getting a little freaky" , as he walked away carrying the bucket with him, he heard a loud screech, he turned around just in time to see the chickens jumping over the fence and he ran.

Half an hour later Spike emerged from the Apple cellar, the chickens had chased him several times around the farm, he managed to distract them by hurling the empty feed bucket away and dove through the open trap door, only opening again when the frantic pecking that followed shortly after had ceased. Without saying a word he ran towards the trees, following the dull thudding noise of hoof on wood, until finally he stumbled across Applejack.

"You!" Spike shouted, pointing at Applejack. Applejack turned and chuckled when she saw Spike out of breath, with feathers clinging to his scales.

"I told you to hurry up and feed the chickens didn't I? Next time do what I do, dump the bucket and run!" she said laughing loudly. Spike just looked at her dumbfounded.

"What did you even do to those...those things?! Those weren't like any chicken I've every seen."

"Oh they're chickens alright, they're just greedy."

"Greedy?!"

"Yeah, Applebloom's been overfeeding 'em, she spoilt them rotten and now everytime they get a whiff of food they go, well bezerk. We've slowly been reducing their food intake, something which they didn't take to kindly to. Now they'll jump on anyone who has food."

"And you didn't tell me this because..." he said waving a hand at her.

Applejack turned her head to hide her smile "Well shucks, I didn't want to do it, I can still feel the marks they left last time."

Spike shook his head "Well and I can't believe I'm saying this, what else do you need me to do?"

"Tell you what, take this basket of apples back to the farm. You can go after that, I'm thinking you need your rest, it's not everyday your chased by chickens, your not Rainbow Dash." she laughed quietly at her little joke.
Spike shrugged, he picked up the basket and began walking back towards the farm, still very annoyed at Applejack.

He noticed a large red stallion walking down the road and called out to him "Hey Big Mac, you just come from the hospital?"

"Eeyup." he nodded,

"How's Applebloom? She doing okay?"

"Eeyup" he nodded again.

Why do I bother?

Spike began making the long trip back to the library. Along the way he passed several of the restraunts and cafe's around Ponyville, he saw ponies on dates with their coltfriends and marefriends. It reminded him all too well of his current predicament.

I have to give Applejack credit, her methods were unusual, but she DID help me forget about it, even if it was only for a little while.

He watched a couple as he walked. They were certainly a strange pair, her recognized Derpy Hooves, Ponyville's klutzy mail courier. As for who she was with, he didn't know, he was an average looking brown Pegasus, he appeared to be quite young, Spike was sure he'd seen a very similar looking Earth pony walking round town before, maybe the colt was his son or something. Judging from the looks of fear on the faces of the other diners whatever he was talking about must have been both amazing and frightening, he certainly drew their attention. Derpy didn't seem to be listening, she just sat there munching away on her meal, a goofy smile on her face.

Such an odd couple, but if it works, then what right does anyone have to complain?

He smiled, feeling a little happier at his reveleation. Spike walked home quicker than normal, eager to get away. He couldn't bear looking at all the happy couples, when his own love life was in turmoil. Seeing Derpy's unusual date might've lightened his mood but all it acheived was giving him more to think about.

It was night when Spike finally made it home, crossing the threshold into the library, he was greeted by the creepy eyes of Owlicious whose head turned to see him. No matter how many times he saw it, Spike was always creeped out by the freaky, 360 head turn that he could do, it sent shiver down his spine as the creepy eyes seemed to peer through him.

He turned his thoughts back to his problems.

I wonder what Twilight would do in this situation.

Deciding it would be better to write it all out. He sat at Twilight's desk and using his trusty quill he began to list everything he knew about both Fluttershy and Rarity, if he was going to make a decision, he had to think about EVERYTHING, he didn't want to regret it later on.

Several hours later he looked at what he had written again, before scrunching up the parchment and throwing into the refuse bin by the side of the desk. It fell out as it hit the top, the bin overflowing with Twilight's scrapped research notes, letters and lists. He hung his head, clutching it in his claws, murmuring to himself.

"They're just so... I can't decide, maybe I should take Applejack's advice and ask Rarity, I can't make a decision if I don't know how she feels, I mean if she turns me down, I'll be upset but... what if she says yes? How would Fluttershy deal with it? I know the pain you can feel to be ignored by your crush, to see them looking at another, I don't want that for her, I don't want this, this complication." He slammed his claws down onto the table, "Alright Spike, enough of this wallowing, it's time I did something about this! I need to take charge of this situation." He began to pace the library floor, "Okay so tommorow, tommorow I'll clean myself up, get some flowers and ask Rarity out, I've put this off for far too long. If I'd have done something about this weeks ago, I wouldn't be in this mess." He looked out of the window, out to the edge of town where he could see the faint lights of Fluttershy's hut. "If she says no, if she turns me down, then fine, frankly I'm not even sure if I care anymore, at least I'll still be able to make Fluttershy happy. I just, I have to know. I NEED to know. I have to be sure."

Spike stared up at the night sky, the moon full and bright, Twilight had tried to teach him some constellations, but he'd fallen asleep as she was pointing them out, as far as he was concerened night was for sleeping. Tonight however, with all that was on his mind he was thankful that they were there. The stars twinkling against the black void, like diamonds in the rough, far beyond the reach of any dragon. He remembered times when he thought of Rarity in that way, a beautiful gem, in view but out of reach. Often times he'd dreamt about her, the various fairytale ways in which the two would be together, but had she ever responded in kind? She'd kissed him on the cheek before, but was that out of love? Or was it simply gratitude or Celestia forbid empathy? The more he thought the more he noticed how very rarely had she ever returned the sentiment...

No! Enough of this, I've made my choice, I'm just going to have to deal with it and face the consequences later. If I keep second guessing myself then I'll never make a decision. Right now I need my sleep. I just hope Fluttershy's understanding.

Stifling a yawn Spike dragged his tired self up the steps and into the bedroom before curling up under the covers of Twilight's bed.

Fluttershy lay awake in bed, staring out of the window at the largest tree in Ponyville, where she knew Spike would probably be sleeping. She was clutching a box of tissues, having used several already to wipe the tears from her face. She knew she shouldn't cry anymore but she couldn't help herself. She wanted desperately for Spike to knock on her door today, as she just couldn't bring herself to leave the house to go and visit him herself. She wasn't upset at him though, she realised that what she'd done had probably surprised him, maybe even scared him, Applejack had made that perfectly clear.

I just want to apologise to him, I didn't mean to be so forward...

She curled over in bed, turning her back on the window. She closed her eyes and pictured him. That cute face, those beautiful, sparkly purple scales. He was kind, generous, loyal, he was funny and caring, to her none of the colts in town could compare. They were crude, rude and boisterous, they just thought she was a silent freak. Just because they were more mares in town than colts, it didn't mean they were irresistable. Spike wasn't like that, if anything his quiet modesty attracted her more. That day when Spike tore Ponyville apart, she didn't feel fear, she didn't feel angry if anything she felt compassionate. She was all to aware of how dangerous it can be to lose control of your emotions, it was the very reason for her problems now. She saw him sat there, in a daze before collapsing on the floor. It had taken all of her willpower to carry Spike home, having to travel through the town, holding back the urge to cry until she managed to get back to her house. Passers-by asking her all sorts of questions...

I'm so sorry Spike, I didn't want to upset you, how could I have been so stupid? Kissing you like that. I just couldn't control myself.

She felt the tears coming on again and began to shake her head.

I can't leave it like this, I just can't. Tommorow, tommorow, I'll ask him. I'll go over there and I'll just go straight up to him and ask him. You've got to do this Fluttershy, not for Spike, for yourself.

Author's Note: Yeah this chapter's got a bit silly in the middle there, but hey I put a comedy tag on this thing. Who wouldn't get a laugh at the image of Spike being chased by chickens anyway? Made me laugh. As for the rest of the chapter, what did you think? Did you really expect such a deep infatuation to dissappear overnight? Even with Fluttershy's startling revelation. Will Spike make the right choice? Well your gonna have to stick around and find out

Day 5: Every Rose has it's Thorns

The next morning Spike had been hard at work, trying everything to ensure he looked presentable, that he looked as handsome as possible. Today was a big risk, a gamble and Spike knew it. He was finally going to ask Rarity out. He had often dreamed of this moment but things had taken an odd turn. Spike was doing as much as he could to suppress any thoughts that tried to push their way through. He'd promised himself not to think of Fluttershy, that it would serve no purpose. He was already nervous, he really didn't need a guilt trip right now. Yet as he stared into the mirror, admiring his efforts to spruce himself up, to prepare himself for what was to come, he could feel his doubts creeping around in the back of his mind.

Teeth? Clean. Scales? Sparkling. Tuxedo? Charming. Ready? No...

He frowned "Come on Spike!" he said to his reflection "What's the matter with you? You said you were going to ask Rarity out, so get out there and do it!", he puffed up his chest and marched out the front door, before locking it behind him. As soon as it closed behind him though, he had to resist the urge to run back inside.

Okay Spike, you can do this, just one step at a time.

He walked down the street, raising his head high. He couldn't have picked a better day, Rainbow Dash and her flight crew had scheduled a sunny day and they had certainly outdone themselves. Spike chuckled, he imagined that Rainbow Dash must have been putting in extra effort today, in a bid to get home and hide as soon as she could. The fact that he could see two pegasi rolling around in the clouds, laughing like crazy, seemed to confirm this. He had decided that it would be best to turn up with a gift so he made a detour and began heading over to the market, secretly thankful for the delay.

It's just my luck really

He thought to himself, his pace slowing.

The first time I ask anypony on a date, when I finally decide to ask Rarity on a date...

He managed to stop himself.

NO! I've got to stop all these doubts, I have to do this.

He decided it wouldn't do him any good to dawdle, that it would be better to get this over and done with. With renewed vigor he carried on down the street to the market.

Fluttershy stumbled out of her bed. She went into the bathroom and looked at herself in the mirror. Her mane was a mess, her face covered with the dried tears she hadn't been able to hold back. She looked as tired as she felt, all night she had laid in bed awake, making her plans for today, psyching herself up. She ran the taps and filled the sink, using a cloth she wiped the dirt from her face and all the misery, doubt and worry seemed to wash away it. She smiled "Okay Fluttershy, today you stop being nervous, enough dealing with everypony's problems, enough of being a doormat, today is all about what you want."

And I definitely want this!

Fluttershy started to sing as she worked, she combed her mane meticulously, clearing out the knots that had formed over night, until it once again flowed like a waterfall. She washed it, towel dried it and combed it again. She then collected her scissors and started making a few careful cuts, clearing up any split ends. Next, she gave her tail the same treatment and began scruntinising every little detail, fixing anything she could. Finally stepping back from the mirror, her natural beauty restored, she allowed herself a little schoolfilly squeal of delight, before trotting downstairs and out the door. Her animal companions watched her as she left, skipping gleefully down the road and into town.

"Good morning Spike, your looking rather charming today!" said Rose, the florist as she began setting up her stall for the day.

"Thanks, you open yet Rose? I need to buy some flowers" Spike said twirling a bit in his claws.

"Hold on, nearly finished" Rose unloaded the last basket of flowers from her cart "There we are now, what can I interest you in? We have some lovely magnolias in this week, or perhaps you'd like some petunias?" She said pointing to a basket of vivid pink flowers

Just like Fluttershy's mane... Spike's head shot up No no no! Dangit Spike you promised yourself that you weren't going to do this!

Rose noticed the shocked expression on Spike's face "You alright deary? she asked.

Spike coughed "Y-yeah I'm fine, more than fine actually I'm great!" he said with a nervous laugh.

Rose cocked an eyebrow at him, before deciding it really wasn't any of her business. "Did you have anything in mind?"

"I'm not really sure, I mean I don't know what she'd like..."

Rose's eyes lit up "She?! Oh I see... That's why your wearing the tux! You're going to ask out your very special somepony aren't you?"

Spike blushed deeply "Yeah..."

She clapped her hooves together "Well I think that's great news! Who is she?"

"I'd rather not say..."

"Right, right I get you, none of my business, oh this is so exciting," she said squealing.

"Yeah, tell me about it... wait aren't you a little creeped out?"

"Whatever do you mean Spike?"

"Well when I told Applejack, she just thought it was really weird, me being a dragon and everything."

"Oh pish" she said flapping a hoof at him "What does she know? It's not like I see her anywhere near my stall on hearts and hooves day, love is love as far as I'm concerned. Nopony complained when my cousin Cherry Blossom married a griffin."

"You don't say..."

She leaned in closer "Just between you and me, there's a rumor going around that Little Miss Honesty doesn't exactly care for the traditional anyway, word is she plays for the other team, if you get what I mean" she winked.

Spike just laughed nervously

What the buck is she talking about? Applejack doesn't play hoofball.

"Aaaanyway, do you have any recommendations?"

"Oh let's see, well you can't go wrong with roses, but oh they're so cliche! Maybe daisies? I don't know they're usually seen as the schoolcolt's choice, she's a mare, not a filly right?" Spike nodded "Okay so no daisies. What about a carnation, no those are for long term couples normally, turn up with one of them when you ask them, they're gonna freak out a bit, I'm afraid I don't have any Wildflowers, they're quite rare, not to mention expensive. It's not the season for sunflowers, how do you feel about tulips?" She said gesturing to a basket on the stall.

Spike saw the yellow and pink flowers and his mind began to drift again, he shook his head to stop himself "No, no absolutely not!"

"Why?"

"She's, she's allergic I think, I don't want to take any chances." he lied.

"Well how about a lily or a lilac?"

Spike shook his head, then Rose got an idea "I've got just the thing, I know I said roses are cliche but this one is extra special!" She ducked her head under the stall, rummaging around she pulled her head up clutching a box in her teeth. She placed it on the stall. "This is a very unique flower, they're not grown anywhere in Equestria!" She pulled the lid off of the box. Spike gasped when he looked inside, there, resting on a bed of silk was a rose, a blue rose. He picked it up carefully, not wanting to break the stem or disturb any of the petals which seemed to shimmer as he slowly turned it in his palm.

This is perfect! Beautiful, a rarity in it's own right. A rarity for Rarity, from Spike.

"W-where did you get this?"

"Like I said Spike these don't grow in Equestria, they have to be made. It's a lot of work, a unicorn takes a white rose, they're easy enough to grow and performs magic on it to turn it blue. Normally to make one of these, you'd leave it in water containing a lot of blue dye. As the plant takes up the water, it absorbs the dye. It looks pretty at first but soon the colours fade. Not a very good metaphor for a relationship if you ask me. Fortunately I'm friends with a rather gifted Unicorn over in Canterlot who found a much better, albeit more expensive way to do it." Spike stopped staring at the flower, returned it to the box and put the lid back on it. "You see, she discovered a way to transfer colours from one object to another, it's a tightly guarded secret so don't bother asking me how it works. This particular Rose get's it's colour from a sapphire, that's why it glistens in the light. It's probably why you couldn't stop yourself staring at it either" she said with a chuckle. "What do you think?"

"It's perfect! I'll take it!"

"Excellent, that'll be 50 bits please" she said holding out a hoof expectantly.

"Oh..."

"What's the matter?"

"I don't have that much" staring at his feet as he kicked the dirt in dissappointment.

Rose smiled at him sympathetically "Well, tell you what, I'm not about to go raining on your parade, you've already got enough to worry about." Spike looked up at her "I'll cut you a deal, you give me what you have now then I'll stick the rest on a tab, as long as you promise pay me back when you can" Spike smiled as she handed him the box.

"Thanks Rose!"

"Don't mention it" She laughed, then stopped abruptly, shooting a dirty look at him "Seriously, don't. This is a one time thing, if word get's around that I'm giving out flowers for nothing to first time romantics, I'll have ponies badgering me with all kinds of stories to get free flowers."
Spike nodded in acknowledge. Miming zipping his mouth shut, he dropped his bag of bits on the table and began walking once again towards the boutique.

Fluttershy found herself skipping into town, passers-by doing a double take, thinking Pinkie Pie had dyed herself yellow, only to be even more shocked to see that it was Fluttershy. She could hear them whispering as she passed

"I think she's finally snapped"

"That can't be Fluttershy!"

"Skipping through town, oh get a life"

Normally she would have backed off slowly, whimpered, or even started crying but today she just didn't care. She waved to the ponies she recognized, some waved back, some just gawped at her in surprise. She saw Derpy Hooves and her coltfriend flying up above, he desperately trying to stop her flying into things as they delivered the mail together, she always thought they were a cute couple.

I hope it's like that for me...

Fluttershy had no idea how he'd managed to grow wings but ignored it and carried on skipping down the street, humming a delightful tune. She couldn't remember the last time she'd felt so happy, not even the day she discovered the world and woodland creatures below cloudsdale back when she was a little filly. She stopped humming however when her little solo became a duet, looking across she saw Pinkie Pie skipping along side her, still humming a tune. When she realised that Fluttershy had gone quiet she opened her eyes with a saddened expression. Both ponies stopped skipping, Fluttershy was still smiling but was a little perplexed at her friends behaviour. Even though nopony could understand Pinkie Pie and it was pointless to even try.

"Aw why'd you stop? That was fun!" said Pinkie beaming.

"Sorry, you just surprised me Pinkie."

"Oh right, hehe sorry. Everypony keeps telling me I do that, I mean I've tried to stop it but I can't, I heard you humming that song and you were skipping! You, Fluttershy skipping through town! It sent my Pinkie sense for a whirl, I knew another doozy was coming on but I didn't expect that, I was actually on my way back to the Cakes with supplies but then I saw you and I thought I have to join in because singing and skipping is so much fun! Especially when you do it at the same time! I remember this one time where I had the whole town skipping on the rooftops and singing and it was so much fun!" She took a big breath before continuing. "So what you doing?"

"I'm on my way to the library" Fluttershy said, her head hurting slightly from having to keep up with Pinkie's incessant ramblings.

"Oh are you going to see Spike? I remember that Twilight came and asked me to watch him and she said no parties, but I was all like how can he not have a party? It's the first time he's been left all alone, besides she didn't make me Pinkie promise not to have a party so I thought we could have a party and just not tell her, a secret party, not one of those secret party's Colts get before their married though, what're they called? Bachelor parties! I wanted to go on on of those but they told me it was a guy's only thing, which is a shame cuz I like all sorts of parties and I really wanted to go, they tried telling me I wouldn't enjoy myself but how couldn't I enjoy myself at the party, I even managed to have fun at the gala even if nopony else did. It's kinda more like a surprise party, except we don't tell the one who would be surprised, although she'd probably be very surprised if she found out, but whose going to tell her? Guess I'll have to make everypony there pinkie promise not to tell her, do you want to come Fluttershy?" she asked shaking slightly from excitement, a wide grin plastered across her face.

Fluttershy woke up from her trance, her mind shutting itself down for it's own protection "Sorry Pinkie, I zoned out there for a minute, what did you say?"

"I said do you want to come to the secret party I'm throwing Spike? You have to promise not to tell Twilight otherwise it won't be a secret"

"Yes I'd love to come, you always do the best parties Pinkie." she said with a polite smile and a nod of her head.

And I'd get to spend more time with Spike!

"Okey Dokie Lokie, well I'd better go, Mr Cake said he'd be really mad if I was late again getting deliveries back, gotta go." she said jumping into a barrel. When Fluttershy looked into the barrel she couldn't see any sign of Pinkie or the supplies.

It's just Pinkie being Pinkie, don't question it just move on...

Smiling once again, albeit with a headache she resumed her journey back to the library.

"Okay nearly there." Spike was walking down the road, the elaborate pillars of the boutique were coming into view. "C'mon Spike you can do this, you can't back out now."

"Why, you talking to yourself?" Her head popping out from behind a street lamp.

Spike jumped up, almost dropping the precious rose he had bought. "Gah Pinkie, don't do that?"

"Sorry, sorry, I scared you didn't I? I've got to stop doing that... So anyway why are you talking to yourself? The doctors told me to stop talking to myself so much, I don't think you should start. What's in the box? Why are you wearing a tux, no one's getting married, are they? I don't think so I mean I would have remembered baking a wedding cake..."

"PINKIE!" Spike shouted, he didn't want to but he found stunned silence was the only way to keep her quiet and even then it wasn't for very long. "Okay so before you nearly gave me a heart attack, I was actually on my way to Rarity's"

"Why?"

"Take a wild guess" He said motioning to his tuxedo and the box he was carrying.

Pinkie Pie stared at him wide eyed. "Oh! Ohhhhhhhhhh" then suddenly here expression dropped "Ohhhhhh" she said, an unusual sadness on her voice.

"Pinkie is something the matter?"

"Yes, I mean! No, no nothing's wrong."

Get out of there Pinkie, you promised not to tell anypony, you can't break a Pinkie Promise, you're Pinkie, if you break a Pinkie promise... Move, move, move, move!

"Er Sorry Spike I have to go, like right now. I think I hear the Cake's calling me, they'll be wanting these supplies I have see ya!" and with that she rushed off becoming a pink blur. Spike just shrugged his shoulders and carried on his way.

Fluttershy arrived at the library and knocked eagerly on the door, quickly checking that her impromptu skipping hadn't messed up her mane. She breathed on her hoof and sniffed.

Mmm minty fresh and my mane's as good as it's going to get, oh I'm so nervous.

She giggled again before standing perfectly still as she waited eagerly for the door to swing open. After a couple of minutes she knocked again but got no reply. She called out to one of Twilight's neighbours "Excuse me, erm if you don't mind, could you tell me where Spike is please, I need to talk to him?"

"You mean the dragon?" replied the neighbour, Fluttershy nodded "Yeah I saw him head down to the market a while ago, he must've been doing something important, cuz he was wearing a tuxedo, you don't wear that 'cept for special occasions."

"Thanks" said Fluttershy, who began to follow after Spike.

I wonder why he was wearing a tuxedo? And what was he doing down at the market?

Her eyes widened, she felt a surging wave of euphoria and began skipping again.

Maybe he's gotten all dressed up for me! I'll bet he's down there right now buying me something nice. Oh I can't wait, I have to get over there now!

She began to run towards the market. As she arrived Rose caught sight of her and called her over, "Hey there...Fluttershy, is that you?"

"Oh yes good morning!"

"Well don't you look absolutely stunning, who've you gotten all dressed up for?"

Fluttershy blushed "Oh no-one" she said playfully, pawing the ground.

Rose winked "Well it seems everypony's getting spruced up today, I saw Spike here not 5 minutes ago, wearing a cute little tux."

"You've seen Spike?"

So he has been down here!

"Yes darling, I have."

"Well what was he doing?"

"Now that would be telling" she said turning her head and looking back with a smile.

"Oh please" Fluttershy pleaded.

"I guess I can't refuse a bit of gossiping, he was down here buying flowers, looks like that little dragon's finally found someone to be his very special somepony"

Fluttershy had to bite her lip to stop her desire to shrieking in delight.

Flowers! He's bought me some flowers, oh he must really, actually like me!

Calmly she said "Oh that's nice, good for him."

"Yep he got my last special rose, poor dear could barely afford it. I couldn't bear to ruin his plans though so I cut him a deal..." she slammed her hooves over mouth realising she'd said too much.

"Oh don't worry your secrets safe with me, do you know which way he went?" Fluttershy said, Rose pointed down the street Spike had walked down, Fluttershy smiled and began to hum again as she skipped away.

"For Celestia's sake Rose, know when to keep your mouth shut." grumbled the disgruntled florist.

Spike walked up to the door of the boutique, his heart pounding, he knees felt like jelly. He took a deep breath to steady himself and began practicing what he would say.

"Hey Rarity, nice weather we're having, no that's stupid. So I was wondering if you were busy tommorow? No come on you can do better than that... I was just walking by and thought I'd ask you a little question... No come on, what am stuck in a cheesy romance novel? What's wrong with "Will you go on a date with me?" Maybe I should just say that, cut out all the corny stuff." He took another deep breath. "Okay Spike you can do this."

He went into the box and pulled out the rose before reached for the large door handle, when he could hear loud voices inside.

I really shouldn't eavesdrop... But I have to know who's in there with her I don't think I'd have the courage to ask her out if she has company. Maybe I should come back later? No, no I said I was going to do this today, I'm doing it today. Still I need to know who she's talking to, maybe just a quick listen wont hurt.

He pressed his ear to the door. He could hear Rarity's voice

"I told you, I'm still not entirely comfortable with everypony knowing yet!"

Knowing what? Who's she talking too?

He got his answer when he heard a second voice, a male voice.

"So what am I to you? Huh? Am I just the means to an end?"

"Don't give me that, you know I love you!

She...loves...him?! WHO IS THIS GUY! I know I've heard that voice before.

"And yet you don't tell anyone else that do you?"

"Why do you want everypony to know, can't you just be happy that you know?"

"I want everypony to know because I'm sick a havin to make reasons come and see you! You know where everypony thinks I am right now? At my sister's hospital bed!"

B-Big Macintosh!!!

"Well maybe you should be there, it's clear that you don't want anything else to do with me!"

Big Macintosh sighed "Why do we always do this?"

"What?"

"Fighting?"

"Simple because you're a thick skulled farmhand..."

"...and you're an uptight princess"

"Yes, but I'm YOUR uptight princess and don't you ever forget that."

"Eeyup."

Spike couldn't listen anymore, he told himself he wouldn't get upset if she wasn't interested in him but to find out like this?! Spike could feel the tears welling up in his eyes. He looked at the rose he'd bought, it's beauty doing nothing now except to taunt him. Angrily he crushed the stem in his hands, the thorns drawing blood, before casting it aside where it landed on the doorstep. It was still sunny outside, but as he walked home, it felt like Spike had his own little raincloud following him all the way back.

Fluttershy walked up the road still humming and skipping merrily

Oh I just can't wait, a rose from Spike, how romantic! And he looks so cute in that tux of his. This is going to be just perfect!

She decided it would be best if Spike didn't see her acting so immature and slowed from a fast skip to a brisk trot.

I wonder where we'll go on our first date!? Oh I'm so excited, maybe he'll take me to see a movie, or we could go to that new diner that opened up in town, Derpy said that place was brilliant! Or maybe a quiet picnic in the park, watching the sun rise in the morning! It would be just perfect, I can't contain myself

She stopped, her excitment bubbling she had to let it out, or she'd be too jittery later on. She let out a yay much louder than ever before, the ponies walking by her actually heard it! She carried on, her mind conjuring up all sorts of magical dates, locations, activities, even whole meals right down to the last detail.

Then she caught sight of him, wearing his little tuxedo, carrying a large box under his arm.

Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh there he is! Should I go over, or should I wait for him to come to me, maybe if I call out to him, it'll save him walking all the way back to my hut!

Then she froze, her joyful expression replaced by one of fear and dread.

Wait where's he going! My hut's in the opposite direction, it look's like he's! Nonononono!

Fluttershy ducked into an alley and peered around watching Spike, she saw him arrive at the door to the boutique, retrieve the sparkling blue rose from it's box, he was fixing himself up and reaching for the door handle.

Fluttershy couldn't watch anymore, she darted her head back round the corner

"N-no..." her lips began to wobble, tears began to stream down her face

H-he's going to her, to Rarity! But why?! Why!? How could he do this to me?! Doesn't he care? Doesn't he see that she's always going to turn him down? I-I can't deal with this...

Silently, Fluttershy ran, she ran as fast as her legs could carry her, her sorrow pinning her wings to her body, her tears leaving a trail in her wake. When she got back to her hut, she slammed the door shut and screamed, she screamed as loud as she could, she screamed until her throat felt hoarse and ran upstairs, slamming her bedroom door shut. She flung herself onto the bed, crying into her pillow. Angel and the other animals, crept in through the open window and cuddled her, though their efforts were of little comfort to poor Fluttershy, who found herself once again, crying herself to sleep.

Author's note: Don't go giving me any grief, I already feel terrible for putting Fluttershy through all this. Just leave me alone and wait for the next chapter alright? I'll make it up to her. Until then I need to go find someplace to cry...

The lyrics are somewhat relevenant so here's Something to listen to...

As for Big Macintosh? I know I said I wouldn't go against canon and I meant it but in my opinion the end of the Heart's and Hooves Day episode they were just messing with the CMC, I don't think they actually got together afterwards. As for why I stuck him with Rarity? I'm a bit sick of reading poor quality SpikeXRarity FluttershyXBigMac stories, granted there are a few gems out there, as far as originality goes though they're a dime a dozen. So boring to read.

Shut up Rarity...

I suck at thinking up Pony names, so I used Rose, the florist Pinkie Pie talks to in "A Friend in Deed" as the florist here. Kinda makes this chapter put too much emphasis on the word Rose, so can somepony please come up with a better name to use?!

The flowers she lists off and her opinions/observations are based on this: Top Ten Romantic Flowers

Also Cherry Blossom is the name of the G3 Pony that Cheerilee replaced in FiM, the two are not affiliated in anyway. I used the name purely because it was flower related.

Day 6: No Regrets

"Fluttershy!"

No answer

"Fluttershy! It's me Rainbow Dash!"

Still no answer.

"Come on Fluttershy, open the door!"

Rainbow Dash pounded furiously at the door to Fluttershy's house. The day before, whilst hiding amongst the clouds to avoid the weather patrol, Rainbow Dash had caught sight of Fluttershy skipping through the town. Like most of the other residents of Ponyville she found the sight to be something of a peculiarity.

It was a rare thing to interest Rainbow Dash, as often it was she who was the centre of attention. If anything she was thankful that Fluttershy's unusual display had managed to distract everyone from the facial hair she was sporting, her stubbly Rainbow mane had started to grow back but in it's current state it only served to make her look even more masculine. Hence the need to hide. She'd tried all forms of remedies to remove whatever held her hair to her face, but nothing worked. She decided to lay low and wait for Twilight to come back, if she made the stuff, she'd know how to get it off.

Seeing the happily skipping pegasus, Rainbow couldn't resist the urge to follow her to see where she was going and to find out what had made her so happy. She followed her only to lose track when Derpy crashed into her, a second pegasus flying after her. They were both apologetic, neither one of them recognizing Rainbow Dash at first. They actually kept calling her "Sir" much to her annoyance. She had to get away rather quickly however once Derpy recognized her. In the commotion, she'd lost her camouflague as well as Fluttershy. After snatching some low flying clouds to hide her face, she started to fly all over town looking for her. The next time she saw her however she only got a glimpse of her running out of town. Rainbow Dash wanted to know what had happened and prepared to pursue, had she not realised peering out from behind her cloud wasn't the smartest thing she could have done. A small filly caught sight of her and pointed it out to her friends. Pretty soon the entire town square looked up, saw her mustache and started laughing. Desperate to get away from the hecklers she flew as fast as she could back home.

I'll see what's up with Fluttershy in the morning she thought to herself.

The next morning she flew straight to Fluttershy's cottage. Given the happy mood she saw Fluttershy in yesterday, she'd expected her friend to be outside, singing, playing with her animal friends, maybe doing some gardening. She didn't however expect to see Fluttershy's house all boarded up. The curtains were drawn, wooden planks were nailed across every door and window, her animal friends were congregating on the front lawn, all with downtrodden looks on their faces. They looked at Rainbow as she landed on the garden path, when she asked them where Fluttershy was they simply looked down and pointed towards the front door which had a crudely painted sign on the front door, the words "GO AWAY" written in red letters on the door.

What the hay's happening here? This isn't like Fluttershy.

Concerned she beat upon the door again, with such force she began to scuff the paint. Flakes of it falling from the door and settling on the dirt path.

"Fluttershy! I know you're in there! Open up!"

From inside the house Fluttershy could be heard shouting.

"GO AWAY, NO VISITORS!"

"Not until you tell me what's up!"

Her voice boomed from inside, seeming much louder and closer than before "I. SAID. GO. AWAY!"

"Flutter..."

The door burst open, the wood holding it shut shattering from the impact of her hooves striking the door frame with tremendous force. The congregation of woodland critters scattered, diving for any cover, any burrow they could find to hide behind. Fluttershy was standing in the open door frame glowering at Rainbow "What part of GO AWAY, do you not UNDERSTAND!"

Once she dared turn her head back towards Fluttershy, Rainbow couldn't believe it. Her hair was a tangled mess, her faced caked in dried tears. The gentle smile replaced by gritted teeth and her eyes. Her eyes were the worst, normally if anypony or indeed any creature, even those as fierce as dragons, were to stare into the eyes of Fluttershy, their hearts would melt at the sight. Looking into those eyes now, all Rainbow could feel was sheer terror, eyes that could once calm the fiercest storms, now burned with hatred. It was as if they were holding back a veritable maelstrom of anguish and pent up aggression. Rainbow had witnessed Fluttershy using the Stare before but that couldn't compare to the amount of rage she could feel beaming from those eyes, it made her entire body go rigid with fear, her wings slamming shut to her body. It was as if someone had drained all the warmth and colour from Fluttershy, leaving behind an cold empty shell.

Fluttershy's brow furrowed "What's the matter Rainbow Crash, cat got your tongue? Got nothing to say to poor little Fluttershy?" she leaned forward until her forehead was pressed firmly against Rainbow's "Do I have something on my face or something? Because you certainly do! There are more subtle ways of coming out of the closet you know!" and with that snide remark Fluttershy slammed the door in Rainbow's face.

With Fluttershy's surprisingly imposing figure no longer standing over her, Rainbow Dash allowed herself to exhale. It is unknown what caused Rainbow's reaction, whether it was her wounded pride, her brash nature or just plain stupidity. She stood up, pawed the ground and charged, the wooden door breaking free of it's hinges when it met with the force of the full grown pegasus slamming into it.

As the dust cleared Rainbow Dash called out "All right Fluttershy, enough Miss Nice Pony! Get over here now!"

The house was in complete darkness save the light that poured in through the open door and the few slivers that seeped in through a gap in the curtains. Slowly Fluttershy emerged from the shadows, a vindictive smile on her face.

Fluttershy spoke in a condescending tone "Oh that was "Miss Nice Pony was it? Breaking down my door? Did you not get the message or is your head just stuck in the clouds" Fluttershy snorted in discontent.

"Hey it's not like you're living up to your title. Remember, Element of Kindness?!" she retorted.

Fluttershy calmly retreated into the shade and walked over to her dresser, retrieving something from it, before walking back to where Rainbow Dash could see her once more. "You mean this? Here take it" she threw the necklace forcefully at Rainbow who flinched, it thudded off of her chest and landed on the floor with a clatter. "What's the point of being the Element of Kindness now Rainbow? You tell me? I spend all my time trying to make everypony else happy, Celestia forbid somepony should ever think to return the favour. Kindness is just a pointless sentiment. Pleasing such simple foals, bending over backwards to keep every single one of those, those idiots happy, ignorant of my own turmoil." She began to pace back and forth "I've been bullied Rainbow, I've heard the taunts, felt the constant scrutiny from my peers. Poked fun at for being seen as inferior, for being weak."

"Fluttershy we do care about you, we do want you to be happy. Why would you think otherwise? Where's all this coming from all of a sudden!?"

"All of a sudden?!" she stopped her foot down and flared her wings "Don't insult me Rainbow, you have no idea what I deal with everyday. I've watched you day in day out. You work, you sleep, you practice those pointless acrobatics in the hopes that the Wonderbolts are going to pick you up. It's fine for you, you're a role model to this town. Everypony young and old aspires to be like you as you persist in chasing those pointless pipe dreams. I've been pushed down my entire life and I'm sick of it! Why don't you just get out of here? Don't you have a town to terrorize with your stupid stunts?" Rainbow had heard enough, she tackled Fluttershy, the two rolled around on the floor, fighting for control knocking into and knocking over furniture. Eventually Rainbow, being the more athletic, managed to get on top and pin Fluttershy to the floor. Pointlessly Fluttershy struggled against the hooves keeping her held down.

"Okay Fluttershy spill it, where's all this coming from, what happened to that big heart of yours?"

She stopped struggling and shouted at her "Heart? Let me tell you something about hearts Butch, they're for the weak. They are too easy to control, to manipulate and t-to... break" she quickly became silent and averted her gaze, Rainbow saw tears starting to well up in Fluttershy's eyes.

"Broken hearts, Fluttershy? Wait... all this is because..." Rainbow murmured

As she began to think about what she'd been saying connections began to form, Rainbow finally understood. She picked Fluttershy up and hugged her. Fluttershy was initially stunned at the display of kindness shortly before wailing and hugging her back. Rainbow shushed the loud sobs that came from the yellow pegasus although she found herself feeling rather uneasy as the pegasus' tears rolled down her back. Being comforting was hardly one of her strong suits. "It's alright just tell me what happened". Fluttershy told Rainbow Dash everything, leaving out names. The admission of her crush, to her crush, kissing him, getting all dressed up to ask him out, only to find that he'd done the exact same thing for someone else. Once she'd finished Rainbow released the hug and Fluttershy began to wipe her face with her hoof.

"It sounds to me like he was a real jerk! I wished you'd tell me who he is though." she said smacking his front hooves together

Fluttershy shook her head "No, no, there's been enough violence for once day" she replied, once again speaking in her usual dulcet voice. Together they looked around at the destruction they had brought upon the small cottage.

"Yeah, I guess your right" said Rainbow who began to rub the back of her head out of embarrassment for wrecking Fluttershy's home.

"Sorry to go crazy like that..." Fluttershy said looking down in dissappointment.

"Aw don't worry about it Fluttershy, it's not your fault. It's water under the bridge as far as I'm concerned. If you want to blame someone, blame the dolt who messed with your head."

Fluttershy nodded slowly "Okay..."

"Tell you what..." Rainbow perked up "Pinkie's throwing a party, I wasn't going to go but do want to come with? You look like you could use some cheer right now."

"Thanks Rainbow, you're a good friend." She let out a small laugh "Sometimes I wonder if you're more deserving of this than me" she said picking up the necklace.

"I appreciate the offer but I'll stick to my lightning bolt one, I hardly think butterflies are my thing."

"Yeah you might be right, I don't think it'll go with that mustache of yours!" Fluttershy said cracking a playful smile, the colour returning to her face.

"Hey!" she gave her friend a playful dig in the shoulder the two sharing a laugh. "I've been trying to get rid of this thing all week, let me tell you I'm gonna have to give Spike a piece of my mind next time I see him" Fluttershy looked away at the mention of his name

You're not the only one.

"You okay there Fluttershy?"

She stood up and Rainbow followed suit "I'm fine or at least I'm better. I'd er better get cleaned up for the party, I'll met you there okay?" Rainbow Dash turned around and prepared to take off, she looked back at Fluttershy.

"Alright, oh and Fluttershy, take the boards of your windows would you? It's really kinda creepy in here."

Spike flexed his claw, it still hurt from being pricked by the rose thorns. It served as a constant reminder of his humiliation the day before. He wasn't sure quite how he got home, or why he was even in the bathroom. Ever since he walked away from the boutique his body just seemed to be running on autopilot.

"Stupid Macintosh, stupid Rarity." He looked into the mirror "Stupid Spike..."

He took a breath and looked away, unable to face himself.

"Why did I even bother, what could she have possibly seen in me? Twilight was right all along..."

He walked down the stairs, the library was still in immaculate condition. Spike had his doubts initially as to how well woodland creatures could understand cleanliness but looking at it now, he still couldn't believe how tidy the place was.

He began to pace the library floor "What did I think was going to happen, that I was going to turn up with that rose and she was just gonna throw herself at me?" He stopped when his foot caught against something. Looking down he saw it was a book, one of the few that fell down when he threw a cushion at the bookcase. A book of tales for young ponies, nursery rhymes and fairy tales, He picked it up and looked at the cover. It was one of Twilight's old books, the cover was worn and the binder wrinkled, it had obviously been read through several times. Spike tensed up ready to tear it to shreds "Stupid book, you grow up hearing these tales and think everything's just going to be so easy, but it never is. All this is a lie" Spike put the book back on it's rightful place on the shelf before turning away in disgust.

"Why did I put myself through this? Why did I have to know? Twi must be rubbing off on me, I just couldn't leave well enough alone..."

He heard the mail slot rattle as a card fell through it, bright pink and covered in glitter.

Pinkie....

Spike used his claw to cut open the envelope and retrieved the brightly coloured card from inside, confetti and glitter falling onto the floor.

"To Spike" He read aloud "You are invited to a party to celebrate your first time ever home alone, looks like that crazy pony will use any excuse to throw a party." He sighed and continued "Please be at Sugarcube corner at 5pm. From Pinkie Pie. P.S Don't tell Twilight" Spike scrunched up the envelope and threw it into the bin. "I guess I could use a party right now, anything to lighten the mood, though all considered I doubt this is a week to celebrate..." He glanced at the clock "Well the party's not for a while, I better clean up this mess" Spike said, looking down at the piles of decorations that had fallen from Pinkie's envelope, he walked into the kitchen to retrieve his broom.

"Okay so we've got the streamers up. You got the party food finished Mr. Cake?"

"All done Pinkie, how many you expecting to show up?" He said looking worryingly at the large number of plates of cupcakes, sandwiches, hay fries and potato chips Pinkie had requested. "There's enough here to feed a couple dozen ponies."

"Not many, I invited all my friends." Pinkie replied with an innocent grin as she placed a large bowl of pink punch on the table, some of it's contents sloshing out over the side staining the white tablecloth.

He looked at her with concern "Pinkie that's pretty much the whole town! I don't think you can fit them all in here."

She shook her head rapidly "No, no, no silly I mean my best friends but Twilight's out of town and Rainbow said she couldn't make it, so that's two down. So asked a couple of other ponies to make up for it. I know Spike's coming, this is his party after all. I mean who wouldn't turn up to their own party, especially with an excellent host like me!" She started bouncing uncontrollably from the excitement.

"Okay Pinkie settle down, the party isn't starting yet, just remember not to make too much of a mess, we'll be back by 10. See you later!" He started to leave only to be stopped in his tracks as Pinkie whizzed round in front of him.

"Wait! Who's watching the twins?"

"Oh don't worry about them, their grandmother's agreed to watch them for the evening. They'll be coming back home with us." He turned and left closing the door behind them

She clapped, letting out a small giggle "Goody! That means we don't have to be quiet for the sake of the babies. Vinyl! Green Light!"

A white unicorn wearing her trusty purple shades wheeled in the sound system for the party, eighteen large speakers which she placed around the room, levitating them with her magic. "You sure know how to throw a heck of a party Pinkie. I never even thought of using this many speakers before, not in a venue this small."

"You just wait till it starts, I can personally guarantee that this is going to be a party nopony's gonna forget for a long time!" She grinned, blissfully ignorant of how true her words would be.

Spike walked up the road towards Sugarcube Corner. He could see lights pulsing through the windows, quickly scanning his watch he remarked "That's odd it's only just gone 5, I guess Pinkie must be getting a little ahead of herself, I bet no-one else is there yet." Upon opening the door however he discovered that wasn't the case,

Sweet Celestia, Pinkie Pie you will never fail to surprise me.

As soon as he opened the door he was greeted by the sight of many party revelers, dancing around the floor as the speakers pumped out Vinyl's latest musical creation. He remained standing into the door way until a pink hoof grabbed him and pulled him to the side, Pinkie was smiling "Well what d'you think? Pretty cool right?" she said having to shout above the music.

Spike looked around in disbelief "It took you five minutes to get everypony up and dancing? That's impressive"

"Oh no silly, that's impossible" She said giggling "I told you to get here at 5, I told everypony else to get here at 4, that way when you got here the party would be in full swing, so you wouldn't have to stand around being bored waiting for people to turn up. I mean who wants to be bored at their own party?"

Spike gave her a perplexed look "Pinkie, that's either crazy or brilliant!"

"Thanks, I think, oh oh oh they're starting a conga line, I gotta get in on that. Have fun Spike!" said Pinkie as she leapt away grabbing hold of the flanks of the pony at the back of the line.

Wow, there are certainly a lot of ponies here, then again it is a Pinkie party. Who would turn that down.

A lot of the ponies there Spike didn't recognize, some he'd seen several times before but didn't know their names, he dismissed them as Pinkie's friends and wandered over to the buffet table.

Let's see whose here that I know, well I can see Lyra and Bon-Bon, they got Vinyl on the turn tables over there. Oh look there's Applejack I guess I should go over and say hi.

He grabbed a cup of punch and began to dance/walk his way over to Applejack being extremely careful not to bump into anyone. "Hey AJ!" he said tapping on her shoulder, she turned to greet him.

"Howdy Spike, how you doing" she said tipping her hat.

"Pretty good. And yourself?"

"Ah can't complain, glad I got someone to talk to though, I ain't never seen some of these ponies before, 'cept Pinkie of course." She pointed over to Pinkie who was continuing to dance the conga. "You bring anyone with ya?"

"Nah, I was thinking about it but decided not to."

"Fair enough, I was gonna bring Macintosh with me, y'know discourage any colts that might try something but he said he was busy doing something tonight"

He swallowed his punch painfully "Yeah I'll bet..."

"What was that?"

Before Spike could say anything they were interrupted by a large whining noise coming from the speakers, Pinkie had jumped Vinyl and grabbed the microphone. "Hello everypony! My name's Pinkie Pie, well you all know me, I invited you here! We're here to celebrate Spike finally being left home alone, a big milestone in anypony's er I mean any DRAGON'S life, let's have a round of applause for Spike." Spike felt himself go red as all eyes turned on him, a few ponies coughed, some managed a light polite applause. For a while there was nothing but awkward silence. "Okay with that out of the way, let's kick it up a notch. Vinyl hit it!" Vinyl placed a record on the turntables, once the music started up again, everyone quickly moved on and resumed dancing as Pinkie began to sing, belting out at the top of her lungs

""When it's time to party we will party hard!"

As the bass kicked in everypony turned around and began dancing again. No longer the centre of attention Spike headed back towards the refreshment table to get another cup of punch. As he was filling up the little red cup he heard a voice from behind that nearly caused him to drop the ladle.

"Spike, we need to talk."

Spike instantly identified the voice as Rarity's. He didn't turn around.

"What do you want" he said sullenly.

She placed a hoof on his shoulder only for him to push it away with his claw.

"Please Spike I just want to talk, can we go somewhere quiet?"

He looked down and answered through gritted teeth "Fine, just make it quick, I want to get back to enjoying myself."

He downed his punch in a single swallow, secretly hoping somepony had spiked it. He crushed the cup in his hand and threw it away before following behind Rarity as she lead him away from the rest of the party into the kitchen, one of the few places Pinkie hadn't put speakers. As soon as the door closed which managed muffle the music, Rarity turned to face him, looking at him sympathetically.

"Are you feeling okay Spike?"

"I'm fine thank you, actually I'm better than fine, I'm fantastic! If that's all you wanted then I want to get back to the party" he turned and grabbed the door handle, as he opened it Rarity slammed it shut.

"Spike I need you to listen to me, I know you were there the other day at the boutique."

He rolled his eyes "Oh yeah, and? What? You've come here to make sure I keep quiet?"

"N-no that's not-" Spike interrupted her.

"Because you know what Rarity? I'm not going to tell anypony, I don't even care anymore, you go off and be with Big Mac!" he made no attempt to hide his fury. He tensed his claws again, stinging pain shooting up from the palm of his hand, seemingly amplified by his foul mood.

Rarity began again "Spike please-"

"You know it's kind of funny, I always wondered why you ignored all my efforts, guess it makes sense now!" Spike shouted over her. He turned to her shaking his head slowly as he walked closer.

"Could you just-"

"Forget it Rarity! Okay! Buck you, buck Big Mac, I'm outta here!" he tried once again to leave.

"Spike please just listen to me." She stood between him and the door.

"Get out of my way Rarity!" he said with a snarl. A small jet of green flames escaping from his nostrils causing Rarity to recoil slightly.

"I know you're upset now, but I need you to listen. I never wanted you to find out like that. It's actually the reason I made Mackie keep quiet, I wanted you to hear it from me first, I wasn't sure how to tell you so I put it off."

Pah! Mackie?! Stupid Nickname... he showed his disgust by spitting off to one side.

Spike allowed himself a breath, biting back the tears he stared into her eyes "How could you do that to me Rarity, after everything we've been through. You must've known how I felt!"

She closed her eyes and looked down "I confess I did Spike and I'm sorry, you worked so hard for me. You rescued me -twice- and I will never forget the kindness you've shown me over all these years. I just, I don't know, this is all a big mess."

Her response did nothing but anger him further "If you knew then why didn't you act? It's because I'm a dragon isn't it?"

Rarity looked hurt "Being a dragon had nothing to do with it! You were just a baby dragon Spike, it didn't feel right. I've had crushes on ponies before Spike and they came and went with the seasons, they changed, I changed. I just assumed that your's would also eventually..."

"What? Go away? It's like you don't know me at all." he scowled at her "When did it start?" she looked away "Come on Rarity, you owe me that much."

She replied in a hushed voice "I started seeing Big Mac a few months after the Royal Wedding. We didn't plan for it to happen it just did."

"I'd rather not know the details thanks."

She nodded her head in understanding "I can't begin to understand how you must have felt when you overheard us Spike and I apologise. I can understand if you don't want to forgive me."

He sighed and looked at her "I do forgive you, your a grown mare, you're more than capable of making your own decisions. I'm just sorry that it couldn't work. It's not like I didn't prepare for this but I admit it still hurts."

"Can we move on please Spike? I still enjoy your company. I don't want to leave here today knowing I'm never going to see you again." she said with pleading eyes

"Yeah, I guess that would be for the best" he admitted

Rarity held out a hoof "Friends?"

"Friends" Spike said shaking her hoof, before Rarity pulled him into a hug.

They held the embrace for a few minutes, when suddenly a startled voice shouted from behind them

"What's going on in here!?"

Fluttershy headed out of the door with her head held high on the way to the party Pinkie was throwing over at Sugarcube corner, she found herself running late because she'd spent the past few hours psyching herself up in front of the mirror.

Spike's not going to forget tonight anytime soon, Rainbow might want to give him a piece of her mind but she better get in line.

Rainbow Dash was waiting outside for her friend trotting up and down impatiently "There you are! What took you so long?"

"Sorry Rainbow, I just had to get...ready."

"Come on then let's get inside, it looks like a lot of fun in there. Besides the doorman's been giving me all kinds of funny looks"

When they went inside, Fluttershy slipped away from Rainbow Dash first chance she got, leaving her dancing in the large group Vinyl had jumping around in front of the DJ booth. As soon as she caught sight of Pinkie she walked up to her.

"Pinkie..."

Pinkie Pie spun round to see Fluttershy, then carried on spinning "Hello Fluttershy! I didn't think you were coming! You told me these kind of parties weren't your thing, sorry I would've sent you an invite otherwise."

"Don't be sorry, I'm only here because Rainbow wanted someone to go with her." she said pointing to the crowd that were chanting on Rainbow, who determined to show off had begun break dancing, pirouetting on one of her outstretched wing tips.

"That makes sense I guess." She began humming along to the music "Spike sure is lucky to have this swell party thrown for him! I would have loved to have a party like this!"

Doesn't she do parties like this practically every week?

"Yeah, speaking of which, I don't suppose you've seen him have you I need to talk with him."

"Spike? Oh yeah I saw him following someone into the kitchen a couple of minutes ago."

"Thanks"

Fluttershy walked up to the door to the kitchen.

Okay Fluttershy, here we go.

Slowly she opened the door, just in time to see Spike and Rarity sharing an embrace in the middle of the kitchen. All of her confidence drained, what she had prepared to say slipped her mind, she stared at them before shouting out the first thing that came to into her head.

"What's going on in here!"

Upon hearing the sudden noise, Spike and Rarity pushed each other apart, both looking really embarrassed.

It's true then... I had to see it to believe it.

Rarity cleared her throat and began to walk over to her, Spike stood there dumbstruck, he wasn't sure what was going to happen now but he had a pretty good idea.

"Hello Fluttershy, Spike and I were just-"

"N-no it's okay I'll, I'll come back later" She turned and ran from the kitchen, knocking over several ponies on her way to the door, one of whom fell into the turntables and cut the music short. The party-goers stopped to see Fluttershy running out, all eyes turned or Rarity, who in turn was looking at Spike. Spike swallowed deeply.

"Spike? What was all that about?"

Spike just stared blankly back at the hundreds of eyes now focused on him.

Guess I've got some explaining to do.

Spike chased after Fluttershy, he knew had no hope of catching up to her running on just two legs, he called out to her hoping that she would stop.

"Fluttershy! Wait!"

"Leave me alone Spike." was the pained response.

"Just let me talk to you, it's not what it looked like!"

"I'm not an idiot Spike, I know what I saw! I hope you and Rarity are happy together, I hope it was worth it!"

"Would you stop? Please? I'll run after you all night if I have to!"

Fluttershy stopped, allowing Spike to catch up to her. Once Spike managed to catch his breath he spoke up "Can we sit down please?"he said gesturing to a nearby bench. In silence they walked over to it and Spike sat down, he motioned for Fluttershy to sit next to him. She paused but did as he wished.

"So what did you want?" she said, still refusing to look at him, her eyes firmly shut. Her head held high.

"I wanted to say that, I'm sorry, sorry for everything I've put you through. Rainbow told me what happened."

"Of course she did..." she scoffed.

"It's just that, that day when you... It got me thinking."

Fluttershy opened a curious eye "About what?"

"Everything. Up until that point, I never realised that you had feelings for me, not like that."

She stared at him, her brow furrowing "Well now you know and I still do, even after everything you've put me through. Guess what Spike? I went to that party fully intent on letting you know exactly how I felt, I was ready to let out all the pain it caused me to see you yesterday, ready to ask Rarity out. I was heartbroken. Then I saw you and her together and it just brought it all back." Fluttershy turned away.

"We're not together..." Spike stared at his feet.

"What do you mean?"

"She already has a very special somepony, Rarity, and it's not me."

"So what was that all about then? Back there in the kitchen?" she exclaimed, pointing back towards the party with her hoof.

He allowed himself the most fleeting of smiles "Us making amends, helping me come to terms with what happened. I'm not going to lie to you Fluttershy, about what you saw. I was headed over there to ask Rarity out, there's no denying it."

"I knew it, how could you see me, when you only had eyes for her." she began to get up, ready to leave.

"It was then I caught her with her coltfriend."

"Oh..." She resumed sitting.

"You see then Fluttershy, I have a pretty good idea of how you feel, it's how I felt. If Rarity hadn't come to the party to explain everything, to straighten everything out. I'd probably still be feeling like how I imagine your feeling right now."

"I see..."

"There's something else though..." he said rubbing the back of his head.

"What?"

"The whole reason I went to ask Rarity out, it was because of you."

She looked at him confused "I don't understand"

He shrugged and turned to face her "I'm not sure I do either, but that day when you... kissed me. You sent my mind for a spin. I began to doubt everything I'd ever dreamt of. That's the reason I got dressed up, the reason I went to ask her out. I began to cling to what I'd hoped for all those years. I needed to prove to myself that it could still happen, I don't understand why but a part of me had to be sure."

Fluttershy didn't respond, quietly contemplating what he said. She was still upset by the dragon's words but she no longer felt angry.

He took one of her hoofs in his hands. "I never meant to hurt you Fluttershy. That kiss, it was only quick, but in that moment I felt my whole world crashing down around me. It was so surreal, I think the mental shock of it is what caused me to pass out." Fluttershy didn't respond the look in her eyes one of deep concentration. Spike continued "The next morning when I woke up, I couldn't remember a thing, just hazy fragments. Slowly though, images started to flood back and even then. Even with my memories restored a part of me just couldn't accept it. Accept that someone, that you liked me, when all I've been told is that a pony could never fall for someone..." he stopped as the words stuck in his throat, "Someone like me. I became depressed, I refused to believe it at first but then slowly over time began to accept it."

"Accept what?"

Spike bit his lip "That I enjoyed it. That I was starting to feel the same way. I found myself thinking about you, more than usual. I thought about all you were. Your beauty, your smile. The kindest, sweetest pony in Equestria and you, you liked me, as more than just a friend." Fluttershy found herself blushing slightly. Spike began to shake his head violently "I tried, I don't know why I did, but I tried to suppress it. Even when I walked up to the door of the boutique, my mind kept drifting back to you, over and over again. I was such a fool to deny what was happening right before me. A complete idiot. And all my actions did was to cause you more pain. I just want you to know that I'm sorry."

Fluttershy began to feel ashamed, guilty, even if it was Spike who had upset her, she was still the cause of it all. She pulled her hoof out of his hand "I'm sorry too..."

Now it was Spike's turn to be confused. "What for? You have nothing to be sorry for."

"Yes, I do. I knew how you felt about Rarity, I just couldn't contain myself. I kissed you without any thought of the consequences, without any care as to how you would react. I just wanted you for myself and I didn't care how it happened."

"I guess we've both been pretty selfish then."

"I guess we have."

There was a very uncomfortable silence between the two for quite sometime. The only sound was that of the flowing river and the quiet chirping of a cricket. Spike began to think over the events of the week, everything that had happened. Fluttershy's revelation, his discoveries, his own personal turmoil. The more he thought the more he found himself coming to the same conclusion again and again. Finally Spike spoke up.

"Fluttershy?" he said sidling up to her, looking her in the eyes.

"Yeah..." Fluttershy said calmly.

"I don't know if I'll ever be able to make up for what I did to you" he smiled "But I'd like the chance to try. So, with that in mind... Would you... like to go on a date with me?"

Fluttershy's heart fluttered, as Spike finally spoke the words she'd been wanting to hear. She grinned, already sure of her answer. She nuzzled him quietly whispering.

"Yes Spike, I'd love to"

They stared at each other for what seemed the longest time before Spike kissed her, Fluttershy was surprised at first, then kissed him back. Their lips locked in a passionate embrace, the two sharing the feeling of warmth that surged through their bodies. Spike ran a single claw slowly through her flowing pink mane. No more worries. No more fears. No regrets. When they eventually broke apart Fluttershy had a dreamy smile on her face. She rested her head on his shoulder, content.

Together the two looked up at the night sky gazing at the stars.

Day 7: Dear Princess Celestia...

The next morning the only sound that could be heard was the furious scratching of quill on paper, Spike was in Twilight's study, composing a letter for the Princess. He occasionally paused tickling his chin with the feather as he pondered what to write next, before bending back over the desk and continuing. After the events of last night, Fluttershy and Spike relucatantly parted ways. Neither wanted to leave but Fluttershy had to tend to her animals in the morning, as well as clean up her cottage. Spike offered to visit the next day to help her, which she readily accepted, as it would give them a chance to discuss where they would go from there. Spike placed the quill back in the inkwell and blew softly on the paper, so as to prevent the ink from smudging. He read through it one last time.

Dear Princess Celestia

I thought that with Twilight spending the week with you. It was a chance for me to enjoy myself. To kick back and have some fun. I thought this week was going to be the easiest, most relaxing off my life. I was certainly wrong there.

I certainly didn't expect to learn anything this week. Of course I was wrong again.

I learnt that it's wrong to deny your feelings, it causes nothing by pain and heartbreak. Instead if you just follow your heart, ignoring the warnings of cynics and skeptics, whilst you still run the risk of getting hurt, you can be pleasantly surprised.

Most importantly I learnt it's important to never have any regrets, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. It's better to get everything out in the open, than to let it eat you up inside. I'd often doubt whether, being a dragon, I'd ever be able to find love in a town of ponies and even though it's early days yet, I'd like to think that I've succeeded.

From Spike

P.S If things go really well, I'd like to discuss with you the possibility of something I've read about.

A loud clatter at the front door, interrupted Spike as he was about to send the letter off. Walking downstairs he saw Twilight, back from her trip, surrounded by a pile of suitcases, her mouth wide open in shock. Spike gave her a friendly smile "Hey Twilight! Back so soon?

"Y-yeah the Princess decided I'd been working a little too hard so sent me home to get some rest." She looked around the library amazed "How did you get the place so clean?! I purposely gave you a long list so you wouldn't get lazy, I didn't think you'd actually do everything on it!"

He picked up her bags, letting out a small laugh "Let's just say I had some help." He carried the bags upstairs and laid them carefully on Twilight's bed. He called down "Oh yeah I hope you don't mind but there aren't any bits left in that bag, I had to pay to have the kitchen window replaced after Rainbow Dash crashed through it"

"What?"

He walked downstairs "Speaking of which, she's probably going to be over here as soon as she finds out your home. She's going to want to know how to get that glue you made off." He stopped at the window using the reflection to check that his spines were straight.

"What?!"

Satisfied that he looked presentable he carried on towards the door "I've done all of my chores, by the way, do you need me to do anything else, I could help you unpack?"

"N-no Spike it looks like you've got everything done, I think that's enough for now."

Spike stopped "Well okay, oh better send this before I forget." He curled up the scroll he'd been writing on before dousing it in green flames, sending it whizzing away to the Princess.

"If you don't need me for anything, I'd best be off." He walked past the stunned Twilight and opened the door, as he walked out he said "Me and Fluttershy have to make plans for our date tomorrow" and with that he slammed the door shut behind him.

"WHAT?!"

Twilight shook her head, not sure whether she heard what she just thought she heard. She began to walk to the kitchen "Have I come back to the right Ponyville?! The Princess was right, I really must have been working too hard... I need a sit down. And a glass of wine...or six."

Author's Note: And that's a wrap folks! I may return to this to rewrite any bits I don't particularly like, or maybe to correct spelling and such but that should be all. I'm tempted to write Twilight's side of the story, like what she got up to in Canterlot but I'll leave that for another time. Please feel free to leave any final comments, compliments or criticisms as any input is greatly appreciated.