MLP: Living with Equestrians

“...Spike...Spiiiike...SPIKE!”

Spike jolted up in his seat, shaking the fatigue off. “Yeah, yeah, what’s up, boss?”

Mark rolled his eyes, and gestured to the clock that read 6:48 pm. “You’ve been here an hour after your shift ended, Spike.”

“Ok, you’ve never complained when I’ve stayed later before.” Spike quipped, standing up and stretching. Mark smirked, and said, “Yeah, well usually you staying behind doesn’t attract 6 beautiful girls.”

Spike stood ramrod straight at the mention of the girls, turning to look at Mark, who wore a wide grin proudly on his face. “You better not have--”

“Relax, I just told them you were resting in the back and would be home shortly. I do know the bro-code, after all.” Mark joked, shrugging thoughtlessly. “Bros before...strong independent women.”

“Nice save, dude.”, Spike deadpanned, patting him on the shoulder and making his way towards the exit. “I’ll see you tomorrow, man.”

“Actually, you won’t.” Mark said, causing Spike to turn around. “Me and Shiner are going to that “Friendship Festival” thing to try and drum up some business for this place. In other words, you got the day off. Have fun, Spike.”

Spike thanked Mark, and made his way to the front of the store, clocking out. He couldn’t help but smile at the adorable mascot animatronic that waved as he walked out. Spike thought back to when he had first gotten his job at Megatronic General Store three years ago, way before the Rift to Equestria had been opened. Spike was only 17 back then, and Mark was only 22. They were the only workers there back then, and even then, business wasn't exactly booming. Only when the Rift opened, and equestrians flooded into Sanctuary City that business kicked up, and another person got a job at Megatronic’s. Her name was Shiner, and she was unicorn girl from Equestria. Right away, her and Mark got along great. Trading dry jokes and witty comment throughout the day, they grew really close. Spike had to admit, it was great to see Mark so happy. Deep down, however, he felt sad that he was drifting farther and farther from his friend. Nevertheless, the three continued to work together, and soon, Shiner became friends with Spike, too.

Finally, Spike reached the house, snapping out of his trip down memory lane. “Geez, times really do change.” He sighed, but shook the nostalgia away, and threw on a smile. “Time to see what the girls have been up to while I was gone.”

Spike opened the door, entered...and was met with the view of the girls around the dining room table in various states of being undressed, apparently playing strip poker.

Before he could say a word, he heard an exasperated Twilight cry out, “GOD DAMMIT, HOW ARE YOU SO GOOD AT THIS?!”, with a calm Sunset responding, “Eh, I got one helluva poker face.”

After a few moments of grumbling, Twilight began to fumble with her bra, and suddenly, it was off. And just like Twilight’s bra, Spike’s brain went off. Not a thought ran through his mind. That was until Pinkie, who he now realized wasn't wearing ANYTHING suddenly shouted, “Oh, hey Spike! We’re playing strip poker, want me to deal you in?”.

At that point, all of the girls turned to him with surprised, embarrassed, and even angry expressions. His brain started functioning again, and he said the first thing that came to his mind.

"Welp, I'm fucking dead."

After a brief explanation, and subsequently waiting outside out of respect, Spike actually did join in the game. The girls got redressed, dealed him in, and started a new round of regular poker. After a few minutes of awkward silence, Spike finally spoke up.

"Sooooooo...why strip poker?", he asked, as gallantly as he could. In the end, Pinkie Pie answered.

"Well, Sunset and I were the only ones who have ever played poker, so we wanted to show the others how so we'd have something else to so when you're gone. Eventually it evolved in strip poker, and you know how well that went."

Spike nodded, and shrugged. "That actually kinda makes sense. Sorry you girls don't have more to do around here."

Pinkie waved her hand dismissively, and said, "Pshhh, it's fine. Besides, we all had fun.". Then she looked up at him and smirked evilly, and said, "You seemed to be having fun too, getting an eyeful of all our goodies."

Spike then let out an chocked stutter of what was supposed to be words in response. Fluttershy and Starlight both blushed, while Sunset and Rainbow Dash smirked and made a few more teasing comments before Twilight, surprisingly, intervened.

"Pinkie, that's not very polite. I'm sure Spike would never intentionally watch us without us knowing, right Spike?", she asked. Spike flushed bright red, and suddenly, the cards in his hands became very interesting.

"...Spike, this is the part why you answer the question.", Sunset added pointedly, all of the girls now looking right at him. How were they so damn intimidating?

"Of course I wouldn't, that's extremely disrespectful. I never do that to you girls, let alone anyone.", he said, finally meeting his friends eyes. Apparently, they believed him, as he saw smiles and even slight blushes on their faces.

"Of course, it was wrong of us to doubt you. I'm sorry, Spike.", Twilight said, offering and embarrassed smile.

"No problem, Twi. I get it.", Spike said earnestly. Suddenly, he remembered a question he had been meaning to ask them. "By the way, w-why'd you girls go down to Megatronic's? Did you need me for something?", Spike asked.

"Oh, that! Well, Fluttershy mentioned the Festival tomorrow, and I thought that maybe we could all go and see what its all about.", Twilight answered. Spike smiled, and looked around the table. "Well, does that sound good to all of you, girls?"

"Eh, why not?", responded Rainbow.

"Heck yeah, sounds like a blast!" Pinkie shouted excitedly.

"I'd certainly love to.", Fluttershy muttered happily.

"Hey, I'm in if you guys are.", Starlight agreed happily.

"And of course, I'll be there to babysit all of you.", Sunset commented with a wink.

"Well, I guess it's settled then." Twilight said, her eyes lighting up. "Tomorrow, we go to the Festival!"