Chapters After having to wait on the train for what felt to be an eternity to him, Thorax has finally made it to Ponyville. After grabbing his baggage and stepping off, he thought to himself,
"It's been so long since I've seen the others. Especially Spike. I haven't seen him since the union between the Changelings and the Dragons. I just hope he hasn't left for anywhere else..."
Grabbing his luggage, he started walking to Twilight's castle. Upon making it, he knocked on the door to see if anypony was there. Not a sound was made.
"Huh? I thought Twilight and her friends would be here...?" Thorax said.
"Well, I am." a voice said.
Thorax turned around and saw it was Starlight Glimmer, who was more than happy to see him.
"Oh, Starlight! It's good to see you again! How are you?" Thorax said, filled with joy.
"I'm fine. Just got back from Trixie's and I just thought I would go back to the castle to rest. How are you? It's quite a surprise to see you here unannounced."
"Surprise!" Thorax said in a playful manner.
Starlight chuckled upon hearing that little gesture.
"So where's Spike?" Thorax asked.
"Right now, he's at the Apple farm, talking to Big Mac. He said he would help him with the baked goods he set up for Sugar Bell's shop. I dunno how long it'll take him, but he should be almost done. He's been there since this morning."
"Oh. Well, I can wait. Can I put my luggage inside the castle?"
"Sure. Just put them in the guest room."
"Where's that?"
"I think it's next door to Spike's room. I'm not really sure. Want me to help you?"
"It would be great if you would."
Hearing that, Starlight grabbed one of Thorax's suitcases and joined him. Walking around the castle, they searched ceaselessly for the room. Minutes and minutes on end, they were coming up empty-handed on where it was. But eventually, they came around Twilight's living quarters. Looking to the right side of the corner, they see Spike's door left open which led them over to the guest room next door, much to their relief.
"Wow. This place is a maze. How do you live like this?" Thorax asked, loaded with exasperation.
"Believe you and me, I got lost the first time I tried to find my way around this castle."
"Hmm. So what're you gonna do now?"
"Well, I'm gonna go and take a nap. If you see Spike, tell him that Twilight wants him to sort out some of the documents for the next party held at Ponyville. It's hosted by Pinkie."
"He'll be the first to know."
"Great... anyway, enjoy yourself, Thorax."
After Starlight went back to her room, Thorax grabbed his suitcases and went into his room to get settled in. He looked around the room to see what he could do. Noticing a book, he takes it from the shelf and sits down to read it while waiting for Spike to come back to the castle. After an hour passed by, he felt more than ready to search for him. But just when he was ready to walk around Ponyville, he suddenly heard Spike's voice. Filled with excitement, he bolted downstairs to go and see Spike. Thinking about the surprise it would be to see Spike again make Thorax giddy. Upon finally making it, he sees Spike sitting down from complete exhaustion.
"Hey Spike!" Thorax shouted, filled with happiness.
"Thorax...?" Spike asked, turning his head.
Filled to the brim with joy, Thorax ran over to Spike and hugged him very tightly to the point where the latter couldn't breathe.
"Uh... Thorax...?" Spike asked.
"Yes, Spike?" Thorax responded, still hugging the dragon.
"Could I... breathe... please...?" Spike said, beginning to faint.
Hearing this, Thorax said,
"Oh. Sorry."
Thorax put Spike down and let him breathe from being squeezed between his arms. After catching his breath, the two got to talking about what they've been along with how busy they were while away from each other. Talking through subject after subject, the two couldn't be any more happy to see each other. Then Thorax said,
"So how's life in Ponyville? You seemed to be exhausted when I first saw you come back from the Apple farm."
"Applejack wanted me to help Big Mac with some of the chores and Rarity wanted me to model most of her dresses while she flirted with some of the hunks that came by her shop. Twilight also wanted me to watch most of the students at the school. My week was an utter hell." Spike said.
"Oh. Well, that's not very nice."
"Comes with the job description of being the number-one assistant. You already remember what it's like with Chrysalis."
"Hmm. Can I ask you something?"
"Shoot."
Thorax felt a weirded out by Spike's expression, but not too weirded out due to Spike's carefree nature. He asked,
"Why do you ever really spend time with your friends? All they do is use you more like a servant and treat you as if you're disposable. I'm not trying to get you to break it off with them, but I'm pretty concerned about your well-being as a friend."
Spike was taken aback upon hearing that question. Thorax raised a good point, but he never really looked too deep into it up until now. While it was true that he was often treated like a slave and not really treated like how a true friend should be treated, Spike had no idea what to say. He said,
"I dunno. I guess I haven't really been treated fairly. I'm not really complaining though. I mean, I do get pretty steamed when they don't give me the gratitude I deserve, but that doesn't mean that I hate them. It's a complicated thing to answer if you have been around friends that don't really see you as much as you would see an ant. If I ever figure out the answer, I'll tell you. Okay?"
"Works for me. Say. Where did everypony else go? Also, how did you get those wings on your back?" Thorax asked.
"They all went for a vacation in Manehattan. Told me they won't be back until the end of the week. Also, the latter's a bit complicated."
"Hmm. How would you feel about getting lunch?"
"I don't see why not. I'm starving. I'll go see if Starlight wants to come."
"Wait!"
"Huh?" Spike asked in confusion as he turned around.
"Why not us? Besides, Starlight's taking a nap right now."
"Did somebody say something...?" Starlight said as she yawned.
"Hey Starlight. Me and Thorax are going out to lunch. Wanna come with?" Spike asked while Thorax frowned.
"Sure. Just let me straighten my hair up a little."
"Okay."
Starlight went back up to her room and did so. Spike said,
"Don't worry. When we get back, I'll tell you about Goblins and Oubliettes."
"Great." Thorax said with a visibly bummed voice.
"Don't worry. Next time, it'll be just us."
"Thanks."
After Starlight straightened herself up, the trio went outside of the castle and walked around Ponyville to see where they can eat.
After finding a decent restaurant to eat at, the three sat down and chatting for a little bit. At some point later in their conversation, Spike asked,
"So do you wanna hear about Goblins & Oubliettes?"
"I'm all ears, Spike."
"Well, you see..."
As Spike started to speak, Thorax paid close attention. While he was listening, the latter could not turn his attention away from the former. It was not hard to focus on what he was saying, but his head started going into the clouds as he stared at his friend. Swooning as he looked at the attention of his full lips, his plump thighs, and his girly figure, he just couldn't get enough of the sight that was his friend. He even thought about what he would look like in one of Rarity's dresses. The mental image instilled in his mind was enough to make him engorged in desire. But as he kept looking at Spike, Starlight suddenly said,
"Thorax?"
Hearing this made him jump like a cat as soon as he was knocked out of his trance. As he came to, he noticed that Spike wasn't around. Thorax asks,
"Where did Spike go?"
"He went to the bathroom. Said something about a war going down in his stomach or something. Is there any reason why you're staring off into space?" Starlight said.
"N-No reason! Just... happy to see Spike again is all."
"Yeah... maybe a little too happy... is there something bothering you?"
"No. Why would I be bothered?"
"Nothing. You just had that look in your eyes."
"What look?"
"You know. The look where your mind is not focused on the subject of the conversation and instead is geared towards the guy you're speaking to just like the other mares when they've felt they met their dream pony? That kinda look?" Starlight said nervously.
Hearing this, Thorax sighed and said,
"You already know, don't you?"
"Well..."
"Don't hide it. You already know what I was thinking about."
"It's not-"
Before Starlight could explain any further, Thorax stopped her, Then he asked,
"Have you ever fell in love at first sight?"
Hearing that question out of nowhere stumped Starlight on sight. She said,
"Uh... I dunno. Maybe it was with Sunburst, but-"
"Oh. Sorry. Guess I-"
"I wasn't finished yet."
"Huh?"
"Yes. I did fall in love with Sunburst, but now we're just friends. After I met Trixie, one thing led to another and after that... we're in a relationship. Thorax, we're living in an age where it's okay to be in a relationship with the same gender. You shouldn't have any issue with telling Spike how you feel."
"I know. But the difference is that we're both guys."
"So? Guys have same-sex relationships."
"Yeah. But from what I've heard, colts get a lot of bad reputations for being gay while mares are excused for being lesbians. It just... bothers me."
Hearing his fair point but still not relenting, Starlight said,
"Who cares what the others say? You are your own person and you have the right to choose to whether or not be gay."
"Yeah, but it's with Spike. It's gonna be tough to confess to him, considering what he did in the past."
"You're right about that... let me think of something while you and Spike continue to talk."
"Thanks, Starlight. You're a good friend." Thorax said in an earnest tone.
"Don't mention it. I happen to be an expert in that field." Starlight said with a smug grin.
"Really? Because the last time you tried to help, the malworff nearly came and destroyed my kingdom." Thorax said, raising an eyebrow.
Blushing as soon as she heard, she said,
"Yeah well, that was when I tried to help bring you closer to Pharynx. This is me trying to hook you up with Spike. Catch my drift so far?"
"Sorta...?" Thorax said, rather nervously.
"Great! I'm gonna see if Trixie, Maud, and Ember are gonna help. You just keep Spike talking. Okay?"
"Alright. How long do you think it will take you to get them together?"
"I dunno. They're pretty busy today, so I'm gonna see if they can come to the castle tomorrow. Is that okay with you?"
"Yeah. I'm just really nervous. What if he hates me?"
"He won't. You just need an approach that could win him over. You have it in you."
"Thanks again, Starlight. I dunno what I would do without you. But why Ember and Maud?"
Chuckling nervously, Starlight says,
"Maud has a boyfriend now..."
"You're kidding!"
"Hard to believe, I know. Even Pinkie was shocked when she heard about it."
"Huh. But why Ember as well?"
"Call it an advancement in your assertive training."
"Hmm. Okay, she's in. I just hope it all works out."
"It will. You're a nice guy, Thorax. Nobody would resist a charmer like you."
"Yeah... that's true." Thorax said, scratching the back of his head.
Just then, Spike came back from the bathroom, breathing from the bathroom break he took.
"Sorry I took so long, guys. So where's our food?"
After they were finished eating and talking, they went back to the castle where they spent their time doing an assortment of activities together. From playing board games to doing others like Truth or Dare, the trio was having the time of their lives the more time they spent together. Especially Thorax when he was with Spike. Whenever he was close to him, all he could feel was bliss. But all good things came to an end when it reached nighttime. As Spike was getting ready for bed, Thorax was with Starlight. She said,
"Tomorrow, I'm gonna get Maud and Trixie to come over here and give you advice on how to be with Spike. They may not be the usual ponies I turn to, but they should have enough advice to help you."
"Thanks, but what about Ember?" he asked.
"I'm gonna send a letter over to her so that she can come here and school you in on being assertive." Starlight answered.
"Oh. Alright. I just hope it will pan out in the end." Thorax said.
"It will. You just have to be yourself and be confident. I can already see it inside you."
"Really?"
"Yeah! Nobody as nice as you would have such an amazing friend if Spike hadn't stood up for you at the Crystal Empire. Be proud of who you are."
"Thanks. I'm glad you're willing to put yourself out there for me."
"No problem. And hey. If it doesn't work out for you, we could just get a carton of ice-cream and eat until our stomachs burst. Although I would like to avoid that..."
"Me too. Anyway, good night Starlight!"
"Good night, Thorax!"
After the two left the living room, Thorax went inside the bathroom to brush his teeth before getting his pajamas on. As he read a book to help him get to sleep, the only creature on his mind was Spike. He meant a lot to him as more than a friend and wants nothing more than to be with him. But if he were to ever be rejected by him, he just wouldn't live it down. He has no idea how it will turn out, but all he can do for now is try to have faith in himself. So when he was finished reading and saving his spot, he closed it and turned off the light, eager for the beginning of tomorrow.
The next morning, Starlight woke up and went over to Thorax's room. Making her way up, she noticed that he was still fast asleep as she looked at him. He was murmuring,
"Oh, Spike..."
Starlight leaned in to hear what he was saying.
"Dinner or you...? So hard to... choose..."
Just then, Thorax started to make kissing faces as he held his arms up, creeping Starlight out. Having seen enough of Thorax's dream, Starlight said,
"Wake up, Thorax."
"Wake up? We just got into bed..."
"THORAX!!!"
"AAAHH!!!" screamed Thorax.
Snapping out of his dream, Thorax looked around to see what has happened around him before turning to Starlight.
"What happened?" he asks as he rubbed his eyes.
"Too much to describe." she replied in a creeped-out manner.
"Hmm?"
"Get dressed. We've got a long road ahead of us."
On that note, Starlight left Thorax's room with him looking on in a confused manner. Later after having breakfast with Spike whom had to deal with Twilight's paperwork, Starlight took Thorax to go see Trixie as well as Maud. After gathering the two of them together, Starlight said,
"I'm gonna go and write a letter to Ember. You two stay with Thorax and see what advice you can offer."
After Starlight teleported away, Thorax was stuck alone with Maud and Trixie. Awkward silence ensued as one tried to break the ice. Trying to speak up, Thorax says,
"So... does anypony know what to do when you're in a same-sex relationship?"
"Hmm..." Trixie wondered.
After thinking for a brief minute, Trixie said,
"For me and Starlight, it's a little bit complicated."
"How so?" Thorax asked.
"When we first entered a relationship, it involved a little bit of groping. But on the serious side, we often treated each other to dinner if either of us had a bad day. I'm more playful than Starlight, but that's not saying a lot. For guys, it may be a little different. I may not know the whole aesthetics to it, but they seem a little more forward from what I've seen." Trixie explained.
"Are you sure?" Thorax asked.
"Would I have brought myself out here without Starlight or anypony else?"
"Hmm. What about you, Maud? What's your relationship like with your new boyfriend?" he asked with nervous laughter.
"We often spend a lot of time talking about either sticks or rocks. I don't really know much else we do." Maud said in her usual deadpan voice.
"Really? Surely, you seem to know more if you've been in a relationship that long."
"Well..."
Thorax sat forward and listened to Maud speak. Listening word after word, Thorax was intrigued while Trixie appeared to be a bit more weirded out by Maud's topics. Over time, he slightly started to pick up what she's telling him and what he could do to win Spike over. But then he said,
"I dunno. It just seems a little weird to talk about something random like balloons or anything like that."
"Trust me. I wouldn't be going over this if me and Mudbriar weren't together. Besides, it's not like you're trying to get into Spike's pants or anything."
Thorax blushed upon hearing that statement come from Maud. Nervously laughing, Trixie asks,
"Was that really necessary?"
"Technically, it's better that way if he were to come clean with Spike." Maud countered.
Both Thorax and Trixie were stunned by Maud's statement. But doing their best not to lose focus, Maud and Trixie decided to help Thorax practice a little bit by starting with his social skills. With every minute that passed by, it just became even more awkward. From Trixie's point of view, it was like teaching a foal how to walk for the first time.
"How are you still the King of the Changelings...?" she asks as she rubs her eyes.
"I'm trying! It's just... I want to make sure things go well by playing it safe. If I-"
"You see? That's the problem! You're too guarded to even make an advancement! If you at least softened a little bit, you could have a ghost of a chance with speaking to Spike in that manner. But right now..."
"It's not totally hopeless."
"And how do you figure that?"
"He's pretty much an oddball like Spike and he seems to listen pretty good when somebody talks." Maud points out.
Hearing this surprised both Trixie and Thorax as they looked at each other awkwardly before turning to face Maud.
"So is there anything else I need to know?" Thorax asked, albeit nervously.
They went back to talking even further about relationship as Thorax took notes on what to do with things such as making advancements or being honest with one's soulmate. By that time, it was already two o'clock. Starlight came back to the three and she said,
"I just got back with Ember and she said that she would be here tomorrow due to unforeseen circumstances going down at her kingdom right now."
"What kind of circumstances?" Thorax asked.
"Didn't say. But she did say she was willing to help out with your assertiveness. But she has very high standards when it comes to this sort of mental training. I just hope you can take it." Starlight said.
"I can. Anything for Spike. I really wanna be with him."
"With the way you're acting right now, you totally have a chance." Trixie said in a sarcastic manner.
"Trixie!" Starlight shouted.
"What? He has the demeanor of a doormat. The kind that makes Fluttershy look intimidating."
"Even so, we are going to encourage Thorax to get better. Are we, Trixie...?" Starlight asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I know what you're saying, Starlight. Just quit giving me the stink eye. I can already feel it in your soul." Trixie said, leaning back in her chair.
"I'm being encouraging." Maud said.
"I know, Maud. I know." Starlight said as she sighed.
Afterwards, the four of them went back to lecturing Thorax for about two more hours. By the time they were finished, it was already four o'clock. They decided to call in quits. Thorax got out of his seat and proceeded to look for Spike. After heading back, he went to the main room to wait for Spike. After waiting for several minutes, Spike arrived.
"Hey Spike." Thorax said.
"Oh. Hey Thorax." Spike said in a rather bummed manner.
"Are you okay?" Thorax asked in a concerned manner.
"I'm fine. Just had a rough day."
"Would you like to talk about it over dinner?"
"Sure. Just let me rest a bit." Spike said as he walked to his room.
"Okay." Thorax responded as he went into his room to read while waiting.
Three hours later after Spike finished waking up and cleaning himself up, Thorax was speaking to Starlight as the latter continued to guide the former. While he was happy that he was receiving help from her, Thorax was feeling butterflies fluttering around in his stomach. He has no idea what will come next, but the only thing he can hope for is that he can strengthen his bond with Spike enough to tell him how he feels.
"Are you feeling okay?" Starlight asked.
"Yeah. Just feel a little funny right now." Thorax responded.
"It's just your nervous side talking. You're gonna do great."
"Hmm. Well, even if there's a chance that I won't be able to tell him, I'm glad to at least be near him."
"Great. Still, it wouldn't hurt to try. And if you don't get it, we can turn to Ember to help you with your assertiveness. It's not too late. Just be calm, be yourself, and you'll be fine."
"Yeah..."
After hearing Spike yawn as he got out of his room, Thorax's mood brightened up. Hearing his footsteps, Starlight patted Thorax's shoulders twice and said,
"Go get 'em, tiger!"
On that note, Starlight left the dinner room. When Spike entered the room, Thorax asked,
"So where do you wanna eat?"
"I dunno. Anywhere, I suppose. Unless you wanna cook something here." Spike said, scratching his scales.
"I don't mind! Just what can we cook?" Thorax asked with nervous laughter.
"Let's have a look at the book."
Heading into the kitchen, they looked around for the recipe book for about ten minutes. As they were looking, Spike asked,
"So how's Pharynx?"
"He's fine. He's now in charge of keeping the peace in the Changeling Kingdom, so he's basically my bodyguard now." Thorax said as he looked through the cabinets.
"He must be pretty tough if you made him your right-hand creature."
"He is. He's possibly even the toughest of all the Changelings I've ever known."
"I'd like to meet him one of these days. He seems cool."
"Yeah. He even fought the malworff once."
Spike was a little unsure upon hearing that, but he decided to take Thorax's word for it. After spending enough time talking to each other, they finally found the cookbook.
"So it was hidden in the pantry. Who knew?" Spike wondered.
"Now what?" Thorax asked.
"We get to cooking. Just have to choose whatever recipe feels tastiest, I suppose."
After looking through the entire book, Spike stumbled upon a yummy recipe.
"Hmm. That looks good." The dragon eagerly said.
"That? You really think it looks good enough?" the changeling asked in an unsure manner.
"We can do it. We just need the proper ingredients for it."
"Hmm. How about you find the proper tools for this while I find the ingredients?" Thorax suggested.
"Works for me. I'm starving." Spike said enthusiastically.
"Great. I'll be right back." Thorax said as he exited the castle.
After making his way to the grocery store, Thorax started shopping for the ingredients. He had no idea why, but he wasn't feeling nervous when he was around Spike. It could have been about either his little tall tale about Pharynx or the fact that he listened to Starlight's guidance, but he was nowhere near sweating bullets. He may not have confessed to Spike yet, but he feels pretty close to doing so thanks to his training with Starlight. When he was finished shopping, he went back to the castle where Spike found the tools required to cook.
"Looks like we got the entire recipe." Spike said.
"It's no big deal. Just had to find the proper essentials. I could say the same thing about the tools." Thorax said, looking at the counter.
"Yeah. Apparently so."
"So should we get to work?"
"Let's."
Upon hearing that, they both started getting to work on making their recipe. It took them many hours to cook as their looked through the entire book. Most of their mistakes ranged from misreading to even outright overlooking the minor details. But luckily, they were finished and ready to eat.
"Wow. I never knew you liked making spaghetti." Thorax said, surprisingly.
"I only do it when Twilight and her friends aren't around. They always hog the entire meal." Spike said.
"Oh. Anyway, wanna eat?"
"Thought you would never ask." Spike said as he grabbed himself a bowl.
Upon serving themselves, they sat down at the table and started eating. They chatted hours and hours without end. Quite content with the atmosphere surrounding them, they continued to stuff themselves until the entire pot ran out.
"Wow. I had no idea Twilight was so uptight!" Thorax exclaimed as he laughed mid-conversation.
"Yeah! She is so varied that she even sets up everything in an exact order with her quills! Plus, she is a major kiss-up to the Royal Sisters!" Spike shouted as he laughed.
"Same thing goes for most of her friends!"
After calming down from eating so much, the two started to make dessert in a more mellow mood. A lot was going through their minds as they cooked. Just then, Thorax said,
"Hey..."
"Yeah?" Spike replied.
"Have you ever fallen in love?" Thorax asked in a more awkward manner.
"Huh?" Spike asked in a more bewildered manner.
"W-Well, I mean-"
Spike chuckled as he looked at Thorax in a confused manner.
"What's so funny?" Thorax asked.
"Don't worry. I'm just joking. What exactly do you mean, Thorax?" Spike responded.
Feeling even more nervous but not wanting to back out, Thorax asked,
"If you were to ever fall in love with anybody that was your first friend, what would you do?"
Spike was bewildered by such a question. He had no idea what to say nor what to answer with. Especially having heard that coming from Thorax. The former said,
"I guess it would seem natural to fall in love at first sight. Just like with Rarity. I mean in this day and age, anybody can fall in love with other species or genders. It's just a matter of when and... where..."
Thorax was right next to Spike upon hearing him speak. They both looked at each other with their eyes looking deep into each other. Each of them couldn't explain why, but their heads started inching closer towards one another. The tension between them was so overwhelming that it may as well have been an avalanche of emotion. But before anything could happen, the timer went off.
"I guess the cake's finished..." Spike said as he blushed.
"It certainly appears so..." Thorax responded as he went towards the oven.
After pulling out the freshly finished cake, they both cut themselves a slice to eat. They both didn't dare speak a word as they ate their slices. When they were finished, they both went to the bathrooms brush and floss. They both couldn't stop thinking about what nearly happened back at the kitchen. Especially Thorax whom nearly came close to kissing Spike. But he knew he had to build up to it more if he wanted to be with Spike. Later when they were finished, Spike and Thorax went into their rooms. But Thorax left his room to go over to Spike's. Upon making his way to his friend's front door, he was getting ready to knock, but for some reason, he couldn't. He didn't know what to do now, but all he could do now was be patient. Heading back to his room, he went back to reading before going to bed. He was unsuccessful with confessing to Spike, but he nearly came close to kissing him, which was more than an improvement for Thorax. He fell fast asleep, satisfied and eager for another tomorrow.
Early this morning as Thorax was still asleep, he was dreaming more and more about Spike. Whenever he thought of the day he first met purple dragon, it made him feel as giddy as a little schoolpony when they meet their first crush. Every time he looked directly at him, he would do nothing but swoon at his body. But his charm and personality was what kept him more hooked. He looked at Spike who was wearing nothing but an apron. He walked over to the dragon and began kissing him. Holding him everywhere as they embraced, Thorax moved his hand down and grabbed Spike's plump butt and thighs, making the latter gasp. Holding him down and putting him in a doggystyle position, Thorax grabbed his penis and slapped against Spike's ass, making it hard. Just when he was ready to stick it in, he suddenly heard,
"WAKE UP!!!"
Thorax immediately jumped out of his bed and fell to the ground. He looked up and saw Ember with her arms crossed.
"Oh. Good morning, Ember." Thorax said with his usual meek voice.
"ZIP IT, LIGHTWEIGHT!!!" Ember shouted.
Thorax stood at attention upon hearing her loud, dominating voice.
"Listen up, because I will not repeat myself after this. You understand?" Ember asked.
"Yes, ma'am!" Thorax shouted, standing at attention.
"I was sent here to help you improve on your assertiveness. It's the key to having a full healthy relationship as the dominant half. The more we train, the more confident you will feel when the time come for you to kiss that dragon. Is that understood?" Ember said.
"Yes, ma'am!" Thorax responded.
"I can't hear you!"
"YES, MA'AM!"
"Good. Now please make your bed and clean yourself up. The way you moved around gave me the creeps." Ember said, leaving the room.
Thorax looked at his bed and noticed that there was a lot of semen on the sheets. Groaning in annoyance and disappointment, he took the sheets off the mattress and brought them into the laundry.
***
Three hours laters after breakfast and getting himself dressed, Thorax left the castle with Ember. He didn't see Starlight anywhere in the castle, so he assumed that she was with Trixie when he went to bed. Celestia knows what they were doing and he could only imagine what they were doing with each other while he was by himself. Regardless, he focused on his true objectives and he would see them through to the end. When he made it to the park, Ember was waiting for him along with Starlight and Trixie.
"So you finally made it." Ember said with her arms crossed.
"Wouldn't that imply if I had no intentions of showing up at all?" Thorax asked, scratching his head.
"No questions!"
Thorax jumped completely at attention when he heard her loud voice. Seeing this, Starlight said,
"Ember! We're trying to help Thorax, not run him through boot camp!"
"I'm just here to do my job, Starlight. It's not like he's ever been yelled at before." Ember said in her casual tone.
"Sure. Why not name her Drill Sergeant Scales..." Trixie whispered in a sarcastic tone.
"Care to repeat that, magician?" Ember asked, cracking her bones as she turned her head towards the blue unicorn.
Trixie yipped and hid behind Starlight who just simply rolled her eyes in annoyance. Moving away from the former, the latter approached Thorax and said,
"The point of this exercise is to build you confidence in telling Spike how you really feel. And Ember is going to show you how it's done. Right, Ember?"
"Are you sure? She doesn't seem the romantic type..." Thorax said, feeling unsure.
"Trust me! You will be more assertive by the time we finish this workout. Now let's get to it!" Starlight shouted in a confident manner.
"Huh?"
"Enough talk! Let's get training!" Ember shouted before blowing a whistle.
The first thing that the dragon made Thorax do were multiple jacks before making him do various amounts of training regiments. Ranging from pushups to squats to even outright pushing rocks up a hill, Thorax was beginning to feel exhausted from the exercises he was forced to do. He was only allowed fifteen minutes of breather before being forced to work out once more on the park.
***
Five hours have passed since he was put through this hellish day of nonstop workouts. He could feel nothing but his body parts turn into noodles, his lungs collapsing, and his mouth parched from all the extra running he had to do.
"Are you okay?" Starlight asked, crouching down to Thorax.
Thorax opened his mouth, trying to say something. But he couldn't find the words to respond. Instead of talking, Thorax pointed behind Starlight.
"Huh? What is it, Thorax?" Starlight asked, tilting her head slightly to the left.
He desperately thrusted his arm wildly to the direction he was looking towards with the wheezing coming out of his voice. Looking behind her, she noticed a water bottle. Realizing what he was trying to communicate, she said,
"Oh! Hang on."
Running towards the bench, she brought the water bottle and poured it into his mouth. Absorbing the liquid moments later, Thorax hacked repeatedly upon jumping back off the ground.
"This is your way of helping me with my assertiveness ?! I asked for help with giving the courage to confess, not sign me up for the Royal Guard! Wasn't there any other you could have helped me with my assertiveness instead of putting me through boot camp!?"
"At the time, no. But look at it this way! At least you have the strength to hold Spike down if you wanna get your point across on how much you love him." Starlight said, trying to save face.
Sighing at the revelation of this, Thorax said to Starlight and Ember,
"Look. I appreciate what you're all doing for me, but it's time that I stopped running and face the music. I've been meaning to tell Spike my true feelings to him, but I have been ashamed to do so due to us being the same genders. If I was born a female, maybe things would have been different. But this is reality. So I'm done running from it. I'm grateful for everything you've done for me, Starlight. But it's about time that I took the bull by the horns and tell Spike what's on my mind. I appreciate it."
Thorax left the three behind at the park. Trixie, in a dumbfounded manner, asked,
"What just happened?"
"He's finally ready. All we can do now is wait and hope this wasn't in vain." Starlight said.
"And if it is...?" Ember asked.
"I know who I'm treating tonight~." Starlight said, grabbing Trixie by the butt.
"Oh~. You pervert~." Trixie said in a playful manner.
"What do you say we find something to eat before it gets too dark?" Ember suggested.
"Yeah! I haven't eat since this morning. Starlight said, rather enthusiastically.
"Me too. I know I have to look good for my audience, but it's hard keeping calories down." Trixie said in a vain tone.
Ember and Starlight rolled their eyes at Trixie's statement before they walked.
"What? It's true..." Trixie said as she joined the two.
