"Discount Romane Tours...nah. The eighty-eighth Chocolotier's Tournament, that might be cool...Competitors only!? That's bull! Trottingham...Grammar Camp? No thanks..."

"Spike?" Tempest looked over his shoulder at all the travel pamphlets scattered on the table, "What are you doing?"

Spike just chuckled, "Well, it would seem the girls are still trying to make up for things. Before they left after the sleepover last night, all of them, except for Trixie and Starlight, presented me with all these. Apparently they've all pooled their bits for a vacation; and guess who they decided gets sole pick of the spot?"

Tempest chuckled a little at that, "Seriously? Damn, they really must be trying." She ran her eyes over a few brochures, "There's what...at least two dozen places to pick from?"

"Yep. Twilight said this is at least something to try and make up for all the trips they went on without me. They said I have sole and final choice of where we go what to do." He picked up one, "Part of me wants to pick the Neighpon Dragon Cuisine Convention; a week-long tasting event of exotic gems and minerals. But given there'll be nothing but stuff dragons can eat, it seems a little cruel."

"Well, how about we use my island?"

"Island?" Spike swiveled around, "How do you have an island??"

"I was still kinda new in the Storm King's army when I found it. Apparently, a griffon couple had bought it and tried to set up an island resort. What they didn't know is the waters around it are really rocky, making travel there more dangerous than it's worth. I figured it'd be a nice place to stay after getting my horn back, and they were eager to wash their hands of the place, so..." she grinned. "The resort building itself kinda needs a little repair after all this time, but there are some bungalows we can stay in. Just have to bring our own food, though there's a few tropical fruit trees there."

"Our own tropical resort...I like the sound of that." He grinned, kissing her.

"Just gotta decide if I should bring a swimsuit." her own smirk appeared when he figured out what she meant.

The others were more than a little surprised about it, but the thought of relaxing on their own private island for a couple of weeks quickly brought them all around. Naturally, it took a couple of days for all of them to prepare; Sweetie agreed to stay at Sweet Apple for the next couple of weeks, the Cakes managed to assure Pinkie that they had everything well in hand for that time, and Zecora volunteered to help look after Fluttershy's animals.

With that, everyone got packed, loaded up on what they figured they'd wanna eat during then, and after saying their good-byes, were on the way.

The operator of the boat they chartered was a bit skeptical himself about going out there, namely due to the risks of actually docking, but after an assurance that he just had to get them with teleportation distance, he went along with it.

"All right, you lasses - and lad - got everything you need on board?" he asked once they were all there. He was quickly answered with several sounds of assent, "All right. Make yourselves comfortable, we'll be there in a couple of hours."

With a slow chug, the boat's motor started up and they were on their way.

"So," he looked over at Spike while the girls were relaxing, "It's just you and the nine of them on a tropical island?"

"Pretty much. It's a long story." Spike chuckled a little.

The boat operator gave out a low whistle, "Lad, I both envy and pity you."

"Say, Tempest? What kind of stuff is on the island?" Starlight asked as Spike sat back with them.

"Like I told Spike, the main resort building needs a little work, but there are some bungalows we can sleep in if need be, but barring any storms, we should be able to sleep out on the beach. It's warm enough this time of year for it."

"Just how big is this place, Tempest?" Rainbow piped up.

Tempest shrugged, "Eh, the island's about two or three square miles, so we got plenty of room to move around. The main beach is near the boat dock, but there's a lagoon on the north side they were planning to a few VIP rooms at before it went belly up." She leaned against Spike a bit, "Don't remember fully what all was there, but there was at least a couple of volleyball courts and a barbecue pit for the carnivorous guests. Saw a few wild birds out there too, I think. And, since it's just gonna be us there, except for food, we get to pack light."

"Speak for yourself, darling." Rarity patted her makeup case. "I always like to look my best regardless of numbers."

"Heh, knowing you, you probably just brought your armor and a bikini." Spike whispered, nudging her a little.

"What bikini?" she whispered back.

A slightly goofy grin settled on his face at that. And given the bright blush Fluttershy took on, she seemed to have heard as well.

Tempest's smile widened ever so slightly, 'And once we get there, Babe, you aren't the only one in for a surprise.'

Author's Note

Short, I know, but this is more to show the transition.