Tutoring Hearts

by SkywardSword

Rating: everyone
Tags: Slice of Life, Apple Bloom, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Spike, Romance, Scootaloo
Length: 11811

Scootaloo, on the verge of failing her last year in the Equestrian education system. Looks towards a certain dragon for a little more than just studying.

With Scootaloo on the verge of failing her last year in the Equestrian education system, threating the crusader's plans of going into business together. She must pass Cheeriliee's final test to secure their future. Which means one thing, studying with the second most educated creature in Ponyville.

A nice little Scootaloo and Spike ship fic for y'all. Hope you enjoy~

-Edited by
-Comet <3
-Quill

Published 2019-07-15 05:30:01 UTC
Last updated 2019-07-15 05:30:01 UTC

Chapter 1: Hard Truths

It was another boring Friday in Cheerliee's class, as she droned on and on about something or another. It wasn't much of a concern to you, as you drew little sketches in your notebook. Depicting daring tricks you planned to perform with the help of your friends once this dreadful class was over. Idly, you raise your head and look over to your right, toward your friend, a white coated, pink and purple maned unicorn named Sweetie Belle. Briefly, the mare glances over at you, with her light green eyes before granting you a smile. You return the gesture in kind, and she quickly returns her focus, back to Cheerliee's lecture.

"Her eighteenth birthday is in a couple of months." You think to yourself as you move your gaze over to Cheerliee's lecture. Only to find the board filled with all kinds of shapes and equations, most of which you couldn't even start to understand, so you return back to your thoughts. "I should really get her something nice, maybe she'd like a necklace or something fancy like that." You think to yourself as you look over to your left, at a yellow coated, red-maned Earth pony mare named Applebloom. Whom had a pencil firmly clasped in her maw as she furiously scribbled down notes and equations in her notebook.

You quickly return your gaze back to the front of the class as you sink back into thought. "Didn't Applebloom have her seventeenth birthday like... a few months ago?" You paused in thought for a second before the memory of Granny Smith bringing out a nice delicious Apple cake with a seventeen written on it in whipped cream came flooding back into your mind. You gently lick your lips as you remember how sweet and delicious that cake was. Only to have your stomach rumble at the thought. You could really go for an Apple cake right about now.

Right as soon as the thought crossed your mind, the bell above the school hall gently started to ding, bringing you right back into reality with a smile on your muzzle. Prompting you and many other ponies in the class to start packing their notebooks and supplies into their saddlebags. "Alright, class. I'll see you all on Monday." Cheerilie says with her normal motherly tone and smile as she made her way over to the door, gently placing a hood on the doorknob.

But, before you could even think about rushing out the door with your friends, she looks you dead in the eyes and speaks. "Scootaloo, do you mind waiting after class for a few seconds." Causing your heart to sink, as you earn a couple of concerned looks from your best friends. You give the two mares an uneasy smile and gently motion for them to go on without you, with your right forehoof. Prompting Applebloom to return the gesture with a gentle nod, before her and Sweetiebelle slowly make their way out of the room.

Once everypony vacated the room, Cheerliee drops the happy facade, causing a sorrowful look to quickly replace it on her features as she shuts the door with a sigh. "Scoots. We need to talk. Please, grab a seat." She says grimly, as she slowly starts to make her way over to her desk, on the opposite side of the room. You feel your ears flatten against your head, as you gently grab your chair with your teething, and slowly drag it over to her desk. Leaving your stuff behind on the floor as you do so. Only to take a seat just as she does.

"Scootaloo... Do you know why I asked you after?" Cheerilee asked her tone unwavering, and her eyes filled with sorrow and quite possibly regret. Something you've never actually seen on your teachers faces before. Which, caused your heart to fill with dread.

"N-no miss Cheerilee. W-what's wrong?" You ask with a nervous smile, trying your best to put up a front of bravado, just like your idol would.

"Scootaloo, you're old enough now, so I'm gonna be frank with you. You're passing my class by a razor-thin margin." Cheerilee says sternly, dispelling some of your worries as she started ruffling around some of her papers on her desk.

"You were still passing at least. Right?" You thought to yourself, as Cheerilee produced her notorious leather-bound grade book, and flipped through its many pages. After a few seconds, she stops, seemingly finding the page she needs before turning the book around, and laying it on the desk for you to see. You quickly scan the object, finding a picture of yourself in the top left corner of the left hoof page, with your name written neatly in ink, along with your student id number, soon followed by the names, and scores to a variety of homework Cheerilee has given you over the year.

You gulp at the realization that this, was that academic record ponies kept talking about. Your record spanned the length of the two pages laid out in front of you. Presumably just like everypony else. And you quickly scanned the black ink in an attempt to find what Cheerilee was trying to tell you. A couple of late assignments, A healthy amount of B's, C's and D's scattered across the first page. As the second page produced a couple failed, and some mostly passing tests. But, the one part at the end of the record. written in pencil rather than ink, is what froze you stiff. "Total grade accumulated to date: Seventy percent."

You read the small line at the end of the record over and over again before Cheerilee found it pertinent to close the book with a soft thump before you drove yourself insane over that one simple line. Slowly, you shift your gaze up to your teachers sorrowful one, causing her to let out a long sigh before sliding the leather-bound journal close to her once more.

"Scootaloo, I know you're really close to the other crusaders, and I hate to tell you this, but if you don't get at least a seventy percent on the final Monday. I'm going to have to hold you back another year." Cheerilee said, with a grim yet serious tone in her voice that left no room for argument. But, you had to try.

"But...but... me and the rest of the Crusaders are going start the cutie mark expedition camp this summer!" You cried, your wings pomfing out to your sides as you stood up from your chair, planting both forehooves right onto Cheerilees desk. And that wasn't a lie, you and the other Crusaders spent months convincing mayor Mare to let the three of you take over the old camp Friendship cabins just outside of town to turn it into a cutie mark expedition camp. To help young foals find their cutie marks over the summer's break. And, she agreed, as long as the three young mares got certified from governance to be foal caretakers. The problem was, the certificate required a primary education. One she was just a few weeks away from obtaining, or she was, before this revelation.

"Scootaloo! I'm well aware of your situation, in fact, every pony in town is, and wants to see the old cabins to get some use again. But, I can't give up my moral obligation as a teacher to just pass you just because you're doing something the entire town wants." Cheerilee says sternly, causing you to be taken aback. Realizing what your little outburst must have seemed like, you quickly amend.

"What? No, no I'm not asking that at all!" You say quickly, shaking your head and forehoof for emphasis before sitting back down in your chair.

"It's just... I don't feel ready for it." You reply defeatedly, lowering your head in shame and diverting your eyes to the floor, as Cheerilee lets out a soft sigh.

"I know..." She says as you hear the sound of her wooden chair scrape back across the wooden floor, only to be followed by the soft taps of hooves, as she makes her way around her desk, and places a reassuring forehoof on your shoulder. Prompting you to look her in the eyes.

"That's why I'm telling you Scootaloo. I don't want to see you fail. Well, I don't want to see any of my little ponies fail. But, I especially don't want to see you or the other Crusaders fail. Especially for what your group is planning on doing for the town. "Cheerilee says with a chuckle as she gives your shoulder a gentle pat.

That didn't help calm your nerves in the slightest, and Cheerilee quickly took notice of your hesitation. "Look, Scootaloo, I'm sure you'll do fine on the test as long as you prepare accordingly... If you're really unsure of the material in question. Maybe your friends can help you study for it?" Cheerilee suggested with a sweet motherly smile, to which you gently nodded. Maybe, you thought, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle had alway's been willing to help you in dire straits, and hopefully, this would be no exception.

You nervously give Cheerilee a nod in confirmation, putting a soft smile across her muzzle as she gently taps your shoulder with her forehoof before speaking.

"That's good to hear, now, you best be on your way. From how the rest of the crusaders looked, they might just be worried sick. Besides..." Cheerilee pauses with a sigh as she gives the various papers on her desk a look of despair.

"I've got a lot of work to do myself." She says before turning back to you with a gentle smile, just barely failing to hide the stressed-out look on her muzzle.

Taking the hint, you nod and grab your things before slowly making your way toward the classroom door. Prompting Cheerilee to follow close behind.

"Thank you for the heads up Cheerilee, it really means a lot." You say as she gives you a motherly smile and opens the classroom door for you prompting you to slowly back your way out of the schoolhouse, and into the old playground, guilt starting to well in your heart with every step. Dreading having to tell your friends about the situation you put yourself in.

"Of course Scootaloo, I just wish there was more I could really do for you. But, to be honest, I'm just absolutely swamped with getting grades in on time for the school board." She replies as she gives you another sorrowful look before glancing back behind you. But, before you can respond, she quickly continues. "Anyway, you girls have a nice weekend." Briefly leaving you staring at her in shock and confusion at her choice of words, before a yellow hoof on your shoulder causing you to jump.

Quickly, you look over to the owner of the hoof, only to find Applebloom smiling sweetly up at your teacher, before responding. "We will miss Cheerilee. Thank you." Which prompts Cheerilee to gently shut and lock the schoolhouse door, before presumably going back to her teacherly duties. Once gone, you briefly look around for your other friend Sweetie Belle, only to quickly return your attention back to Applebloom once you couldn't find her. "Everything alright Scoots?" Applebloom asked gently with a concerned look on her features.

"No, not really. Where's Sweetie Belle? I really need you girls to help with something." You replied as you shoot Applebloom a nervous look, which only made her look of concern turn to downright worry. "Why did she have to be waiting for me? I need time to think about all of this, I need a moment to figure out what to say." You frantically thought to yourself as tears started to well at your eyes.

"She had to go help Rarity pack for the fashion show this weekend. And can't stay long either, got apple-bucking to do back at the farm. Why? What's the matter?" Applebloom asked, her voice failing to hide the worry behind her features as she gives you a hard yet caring stare. You can't help but wince at her stare, feeling a small pinch of shame in your heart as you let out a sigh and droop your head down to stare at the floor.

You were going to have to tell her at some point, you single hoofidly ended up jeopardizing their futures as instructors, on top of the future of the camp you sought to run with them.

"I..." You start, struggling to force out the words you could barely stand to hear come from your teacher not even moments ago. "If..." You try again, only to fall silent once more. The small pinch of guilt in your heart slowly growing bigger as the second's drone on. Ever consuming your soul with ways you could have avoided this conversation, ways you could have prevented this from ever being a problem, just like your friends did.

And just as the guilt was about to swallow your soul into despair and just as tears began to gently roll down your orange cheeks, a light yellow hoof gently slid under your chin, and carefully raised your head. Once more allowing you to make eye contact with the light yellow, and red-maned farm mare with gentle emerald eyes, and a soft smile across her muzzle.

"Hey..." She spoke sweetly as tears began to roll down your cheek. "Whatever it is, we'll sort it out alright? But, I can't help ya if you don't tell me what's wrong." She spoke reassuringly, as she gently slid her forehoof from your chin to wipe your cheeks from tears. Finally giving you the courage to speak once more.

"Cheerilee said that..."You pause, taking having to sniffle before continuing. "That if I fail this final... I'll fail the class... I bucked up Applebloom... I... I ruined everything... I.. I'm so sorry..." You cried, your legs trembling slightly below you as you feared what was going to come up next. She was going to be upset, she was going to hate you for putting everything on the line like this. And the stern, almost angry look of determination that crossed her muzzle only worsened that fear, as she opened up her maw to speak.

"Now wait just a gosh darn minute Scoots. Miss Cheerilee said that IF you fail the final, you fail the class. Right?" She said in a hard tone of voice, causing you to briefly wipe the tears from your eyes to keep the tears from completely blurring your vision as you stared at her in a sort of shock. You expected pure anger. Not... this. But she continued. "Well, you haven't failed yet. So, ain't no use getting your feathers ruffled. We just gotta get you to pass that test." She said in a softer, yet still determined voice, as she gently pulled you into a hug with her left forehoof, and gently stroked her chin in thought with the right one.

"But... With you and Sweetie Belle busy this weekend, what am I going to do Applebloom? I... I need somepony to help me sort this stuff out..." You reply between sniffles, prompting Applebloom to seemingly fall even deeper into thought.

"Well... I can't shirk my duties at the farm this year. A couple of farm hoofs got injured in a cart accident last week and we're already short hooved as it is..."Applebloom stopped to ponder for a few more seconds before a spark of realization crossed her face, causing her to smile down at you.

"Maybe Twilight can help you out! She's the only other pony in town that I know that can really help you out. She is sorta an egg head after all." Applebloom said with a bright smile, sparking a small glimmer of hope in your heart which allowed you to stand a little taller.

"You... You really think she'd help me?" You asked, prompting Applebloom to playfully nudge your shoulder.

"Of course she can silly! She's Twilight Sparkle! She muzzle practically alway's in a book. Besides, she alway's seems eager to help a curious pony. What have you got to lose right? Come on, the farm can wait an hour more." Applebloom said with a soft smile as she gently wrapped her left foreleg gently around your neck, and leisurely started walking down the dirt road towards town. Leaving you little choice but to follow along.

Admittedly, in your mind, Twilight was the best bet you had in passing a test. She's been known to give ponies entire lectures and practice test packets just to prepare them for anything they could ask for. A small feeling of dread started to well up at the thought of being caught up in one of Twilights world famous lectures. But, overall you knew it was necessary.

The walk to Twilights crystal castle was rather peaceful, ponies trotted too and fro down Ponyvilles cobbled streets, and the towns general leisure atmosphere did well to calm your nerves as Applebloom lead your way. The walk was calm, everything was calm, and it wasn't long until you found yourself slowly walking up the castle steps right behind Applebloom. Once she reached the top, she gave the castle doors a loud knock, and gave you a gentle smile as the two of you waited for someone to answer.

"Thanks... Applebloom. For walking me out this way." You said with an ashamed look on your muzzle. You were exposed to be the tough one in the group. Fearless like Rainbow! Not... this... Whatever this is. You briefly think to yourself as she gently places a hoof on your shoulder.

"Somepony had to make sure you'd get here. Knowing you, you'd probably get distracted watching Rainbow bust clouds." Applebloom teased with a grin on her muzzle, causing you to chuckle a little as the sound of movement could be heard on the other side of the door. And before you could shoot back a witty response the door slowly creaked open, revealing an all too familiar purple dragon, with green spikes and light green underbelly scales as his wings lay folded against his back. He even started to wear clothes much to Rarity's joy, deciding to wear a brown "T-shirt" as he called it, and "pants" you don't know why, but, he looked good in it. It suited him.

The dragon, gaining a fairly large growth spirt, over his teenage years, now standing at a tall five feet, five inches, he gave the two of you a soft smile as he laid his eyes upon you, and didn't hesitate to open the door a little further."Hey girls, need something?" Spike asked in a semi-deep voice as he moved his gaze between the two of you.

"Hey Spike, is Twilight home?" Applebloom asked with an equally friendly smile, turning Spikes smile into a soft frown as he leaned against the door.

"No... Sorry, you just missed her." He replied, causing your heart to sink into despair once more. "What! But, we really need her help!" You exclaimed, causing Spike to shoot you a concerned look.

"I'm sorry, but, she's heading to the Crystal Empire to visit her brother for the weekend... Why? What's wrong?" Spike asked, prompting Applebloom to face hoof and say.

"Well, there goes that plan...I really needed her help studying for a test this weekend... If I fail the test... I'll fail the class, and if I fail the class... I won't be able to take the certification test to be a caretaker." You quickly exclaim, as the feeling of despair quickly starts to consume your soul once more. But, Spike seemed to only relax upon hearing this revelation.

"Oh, thank goodness, I thought Ponyville was under attack again or something like that." Spike said with a sigh as he wiped a small amount of sweat from his forehead. Earning a small glare from Applebloom, prompting him to quickly add. "Well, if studying's all you need, I'd be happy to help with that." Spike continued, his words pushing back the feeling of despair just a little.

"Really?" You asked, trying to keep your nerves from getting the better of you. Which, only seemed to cause Spike to smile.

"Of course, we are friends after all... Plus, I have nothing better to do until Sunday night." Spike said with a soft smile. Once more causing relief to spread across your body, and a small amount of curiosity.

"What do you have to do on Sunday?" You inquired, earning a quick reply from Applebloom.

"That's when him, Big Mac, and Discord have their little roleplaying game time." Applebloom teased, causing Spike to loosely point at the young apple farmer as he spoke.

"First off, it's called Ogre's and Oubliettes, and second, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash are regular players too." Spike said with a neutral expression on his face, as he listed the reasons on the hand that he was pointing at her. Causing her to roll her eyes and look over at you with a smile.

"You two have fun studying, if I stay away from the farm any longer, Applejack's going to kill me." Applebloom chuckled as she turned, and started to leisurely make her way down the crystal steps.

"Alright, see you Applebloom! And tell A.J I said hi!" Spike called after her with a smile and wave with his right hand. Causing Applebloom to chuckle and look over her shoulder.

"I will. See you Scoots!" Applebloom replied as she continued on her way, prompting you to quickly reply.

"See you A.B!" And with that, Applebloom reached the bottom of the steps and leisurely made her way down the cobblestone path. You and Spike briefly watch her, just to make sure she was safely away before turning back toward each other with a soft but awkward smile. "So... Where do we start?" You ask, awkwardly tracing your hoof on the ground as you do. You've never been a huge book worm, so, this was all a little outside your field.

Spike chuckled a little before holding the door open for you and motioning for you to enter. Prompting you to enter the grand crystal halls. The architecture of the room instantly reminded you of your trip to the crystal empire with Spike and the rest of the Crusaders back in your youth. Sure, you never really got to go into any homes, but, you imagine this is what it would look like. "Just this way." Spike said with a small, follow me motion with his hand. Prompting you to follow close behind him, as the two of you walked down the immaculate hallways.

Though despite Twilight constantly adding new things into these halls, like paintings, and photo's of her friends, you know you would be completely lost without Spike guiding you. "How can you find your way around this place?" You ask as Spike leads you up a carpeted, but fairly small staircase, leading up to a carpeted balcony, overlooking the castle's main hall and giving you a good look of the chandeliers that hang high above it. This castle was truly beautiful, but, you still couldn't keep your attention away from the purple dragon for long. No matter how much you looked around, your eyes were always drawn back to the drake. But, you couldn't exactly place why. It was probably the unique clothing... Probably.

The two of you passed a couple more doors before the drake stopped in front of another identical set of doors. "Well, here we are." Spike said with a soft smile as he held the door open for you, revealing an immaculate study room, filled to the brim with cushy couches, a nice crystal fireplace, and an ungodly amount of books, with red-carpeted floors that were soft to the touch, and high window's that let the sun in at just the right angle to never be bothersome. You stood there, mouth agape for a few moments before Spike's voice drew you back to the moment.

"Would you like me to get you some tea? Or, do you want to get started?" Spike asked, prompting you to quickly turn around in embarrassment, but, he only gives you an amused smile in return. Like he was waiting to see your reaction all along, which only made you blush before trying to reply.

"S-sure, I'll t-take whatever you w-wanna make." You stammer out, feeling your cheeks heat up a little from your embarrassment, as you mentally chastise yourself for your bewilderment. Causing Spike to let out a soft chuckle.

"Green tea it is, why don't you make yourself comfortable? It'll only take me a few minutes." Spike replied, just the sound of his voice for some reason, rids your mind of doubt and worry, and gently puts a smile on your muzzle.

"A-alright, thank you." You reply with a soft smile, prompting Spike to gently wave his hand dismissively with a smile as she replied.

"Nah, don't worry about it. We're friends, it's what friends do. Be back in a few." Spike says as he slowly starts backing out of the room, and after a few seconds, and with the gentle click of the door, he was gone, and you were all alone. You waited a few seconds until you could no longer hear the gentle click of his clawed feet before face hoofing yourself. "Get yourself together Scoots! What's with you today!?" You mentally scolded yourself as you turned back to face the room, and slowly started walking towards its center.

"You're usually cool, and awesome and not so... this!" You continued to think to yourself with a huff as you scanned your surroundings. The wall in front of you was practically covered with bookshelves, filled to the brim with all kinds of books, entire subjects like math, literature, romance and science books wall all relegated to their own shelves, and seemingly sorted alphabetically. Least it wasn't going to be hard to find the stuff you were looking for.

You carefully scanned the shelves until your eyes fell upon the math section, prompting you to let out a sigh. "May as well get what I need before he gets back." You say to yourself in a soft, defeated tone as you slowly walk across the warm carpeted floors and continue to examine the room. To your right, was a wall with only two distinct features, the first, being the painting of Canterlot, hanging snuggly between two royal banners. The Banner on it's left, being that of Princess Luna, adorned in darker tones, portraying her crescent moon, along with her stars and distant worlds. While on the right, was the banner of Princess Celestia. It was a yellow banner, that portrayed the land bathing in her light. From the distant mountains to the north, to the rolling fields of farmland. Both banners were truly stunning.

Tucked underneath the painting and wall, was a very comfy looking red couch, with a wooden coffee table in front of it, and a couple comfy looking chairs on the other side. Making the entire room really feel as though royalty could study here in peace. Even in this comparatively rather small room of this immaculate castle.

To your left, was a Crystal fireplace, with a log holder just off to it's right, and a small teepee of twigs, and kindling pre-placed inside it for easy lighting. Causing you to roll your eyes and chuckle. "Alway's five steps ahead. Ain't ya Twi?" You chuckle, allowing a soft smile to grace your muzzle as you glance up to the fireplaces mantle. Noticing several different photo's, placed neatly on top of it, along with a painting of Ponyville hanging on the wall above it. Quickly catching your attention, and causing you to make a small detour over to it. The photographs on the mantle, all consisted of a variety of Ponyville residents, some with Twilight in the frame, and others not. Some of the events you even recognized.

Lyra's and Bonbon's wedding, Applejack and Rainbow Dash building the frame to their farmhouse on an abandoned corner of the Apple Family ranch. With Big Mac, Caramel and a few other farm hooves helping wagon in supplies to aid in its construction. It only took those two six months for them to build their life long home.

The next one made you chuckle, this was obviously from the tavern in town, during what looked like a huge celebration. A brown pegasus stallion named Skyward, and a yellow Earth pony mare named Starfire, were standing on a table, flushed drunk with tankards in hoof, leaning and holding onto each other for support as they sang a drunken song together, with an equally drunk crowd cheering them on. You chuckled at the thought of them seeing this picture, and how embarrassed they'd be.

The last photo on the mantle was of a group of ponies, you largely didn't know. The only two ponies you were able to recognize, being Lyra, and Twilight. Standing with a bunch of ponies in what looked like the Canterlot gardens. Maybe they were some old friends of hers? You shrug the idea off your mind, as you looked up towards the painting of Ponyville and briefly examined it. Instantly noticing two things, the first being that Twilights castle and school are missing from the picture, and the second being, that, Ponyville was so small when you were younger...

You sat there and marveled at the blast from the past, remembering all your friend's little adventures and all the other little things from your youth. You were suddenly brought back to reality, as the door to the study room clicked, and slowly swung open. You quickly turn, and find Spike standing there with a soft smile on his muzzle, holding a tray with two teacups, teapot and what looks like a notebook, an ink pot, and a feather, all resting on top it. You were about to speak, but, Spike beat you to it with a question. "Am... I interrupting something?" He asked with a gentle smile on his muzzle, as smile that for some reason sent your heart aflutter.

"What!? No, no. Just... reminiscing." You quickly say with a faint blush on your cheeks, as you gently rub the back your neck with a forehoof. Causing Spike to chuckle a little as he carefully made his way over to you.

"Yea, I find myself staring at these old pictures and paintings sometimes too..." Spike paused for a second as he stared up at the old painting of Ponyville and sighed. Keeping that soft, dreamy smile on his muzzle, as he looked down to address you. "Ready to get to work?" He asked, as he gently motioned over to the couch.

"Yea, I'm ready, just point me over to the calculus books." You reply with a new found confidence, a type of confidence you haven't felt since you were way younger.

"Sure, just look under the M subject section and the C sub-category." Spike replies with a gentle smile, and a brief head nod in the shelves general direction, prompting you to make your way over to the shelf, with an unusual pep in your step. You quickly scan the shelf for the fabled book, going from algebra, bifurcation theory, and finally, calculus prep, and calculus basic.

Not exactly knowing which of the two you were going to need, you just opted to taking both of them off the shelf, and lay them carefully onto your back. Carefully securing them from falling by using your wings and pressing gently pressing against them to stop them from moving, you leisurely make your way over to the coffee table and couch. Where Spike had already laid out the tea and note pads, and made himself comfortable in one of the comfortable looking cushioned chairs.

Using your right wing as a ramp, you carefully slide the books onto the table with a soft thud, before carefully making yourself comfortable on the couch, smiling softly at the drake in front of you. "Calculus huh?" He asked, as he gently picked up the calculus prep book with his right claw and started inspecting it. "Soooo... What specifically are you having trouble with?" He continued softly as he glanced up at you. Using his left claw to grab his teacup and gently take a sip.

"Derivatives." You reply with a nervous smile, causing him to quickly put down the calculus prep book, and open the calculus basics book. "Yea, those can get pretty tricky. Here..."Spike started as he set down his cup of tea, and gently slid the ink jar, quill and notebook over to you.

"Take these and we'll get right into it." Spike continued, as he opened turned the book's pages, and happily started his lesson. Unlike Cheeriliees lessons, however, you hung on every word the drake said. Which, was strange, this would usually be the point where you'd zone out, and think of cooler, and better things. There was just something about the way he spoke, and the way he smiled that just... Kept your attention the whole time.

And the gentle smile he gave you as he helped you understand your errors, and the common mistakes ponies tended to make. Allowing you to consistently do the mathematics correctly made your heart flutter more and more with each passing second he graced you with it. Soon, minutes turned to hours, as the two of you tackled subject after subject, drinking copious amounts of tea in the process, as all good ponies under the crown should, and before you knew it, your study session was over, and after a couple of goodbyes, you found yourself slowly making your way down the crystal steps, alone as dusk settled upon the earth, with a small feeling of emptiness, steadily growing in your heart.

You had no idea as to why you've suddenly started feeling this way, or why you were so interested in what Spike had to say, but, you did know one thing. You needed advice, and so, as your hooves once more introduced themselves to the cobbled streets of Ponyville, you set off to find Applebloom.

Your walk was a fairly quiet one, as you marched through the deserted Ponyville streets. Scant few ponies were out at this time of day, leaving only a few Ponyvillian shopkeeps, returning home after closing a little later than normal, and yourself of course. It wasn't long until the road beneath your hooves, slowly turned from cobblestone to well-treaded dirt, as your surroundings slowly shifted from the outskirts of town to the sweet clean air of the Apple families orchard.

You've always enjoyed the short hike up to the Apple's farmhouse, of course, you were more used to having Sweetie Belle join you on the treck up, to keep things a little lively. But, you've always found that the scenery always held a certain allure when one walks through it on their own. Especially during the close of day. The way the setting suns light casted over the orchard, coupled with the sweet scent of apples and hay on the air just did it for you. It was hard to explain but, it alway's seemed to put you in a sort of bliss.

"Must be one of the many reasons why Rainbow Dash and Applejack agreed to build their home here." You thought to yourself, as the Apple family farmhouse came into view, along with the light yellow coated and red-maned apple farmer you were looking for. She gave you a near expectant look as she sat on the porch of her family home, with a small piece of staw in her mouth. She looked exhausted for a hard day's work, but, sat there as if she expected your arrival in some way.

You smiled back at her, as you slowly approached the porch. She gently smiled at you as you got near, and gently patted a spot next to her for you to sit. Which, you kindly did. And, for a couple of minutes, the two of you just sat there. Not saying a single word to each other. Not that it was awkward silence by any means. But, more of a reprieve from the stresses the afternoon brought with it today. Though, Applebloom was to break the silence, gently taking the straw out of her mouth with her right forehoof, before speaking. "So, how was studying with Spike?" She asked cooly, with a gentle smile on her muzzle.

"Surprisingly well." You reply, only to quickly continue, knowing that wouldn't sate the apple mare's curiosity. "But... It was a little weird too." You continue, causing the young apple farmer to give you a curious look.

"How so?" She asked, as she turned toward you a little, leaning a little more onto her left forehoof.

"Well... I don't know how to put it... There was just... kept drawing my eyes, you know?" You reply, carefully laying yourself down onto your back on the deck as you speak. Causing Applebloom to chuckle and do the same.

"Well, what do you mean by that?" Applebloom asked in a semi devious tone, with an all too devious grin to match on her muzzle. Causing you to roll your eyes, but still continue. Although, a little more nervous this time.

"Well, we've known Spike for a long time... but today there was just something about him that made everything he said or did just... I don't know... A little more interesting? Maybe it was just how he dressed, or how nice he was... but... I don't know." You say, gently scratching your left foreleg with your right one as you fail to come up with any way to really describe what the cause of his allure was. Which only really seemed to make Apple blooms devious smile turn into a soft sincere one, as she reached over and gently booped your nose.

"Sounds to me like yer star struck." Applebloom said gently, yet so matter of factly, causing you to blink dumbly.

"W-what?" You ask, as your mind raced and your flightless wings gently twitched at your sides. She couldn't be suggesting what you thought she was... Right? "Sounds like you're in love Scoots. You know, the Big Mac and Sugar Belle kind of love." She continued with a soft smile and a gentle tone. Causing your brain to work in overtime at the idea, as a gentle warmth welled in your chest and spread over your cheeks. You didn't love him did you?... You did rarely take your eyes off the drake... and everything from his soft gentle eyes, to the way he spoke and truly cared about you just... Did something to you.

And then, a stray thought crossed your mind, an idea of what those purple claws could do to a pony, causing your wings to pomf back against the deck. And your cheeks to flush from embarrassment. Prompting Applebloom to try and stifle a laugh with her forehoof, only to fail and give you a gentle hug. "Guess that means yes huh?" Applebloom asked humorously, prompting you to gently nod in response. Causing her to chuckle some more. "Well, come on, why don't you take the spare room in the farmhouse tonight, and we can talk all about it." Applebloom continued, as she rolled over onto her belly before getting onto her four hooves.

You tried to open your mouth to protest, but, she quickly stopped you. "And I ain't taking no for an answer, you know timberwolves like to roam the fields this time of year. And I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I let you wander into danger if I could have prevented it." Applebloom started, before gently nudging your shoulder with a forehoof and continuing. "Come on." She urged in an excited tone, with a genuine smile on her muzzle. Prompting you to get up with a soft groan, before she gently wrapped a foreleg around you and ushered you inside. "Now, tell me everything." She continued as the door shut behind you two.

The conversation lasted for hours, about if what you were feeling really was love, but that was quickly found to be true. Especially when Applebloom busted out the cider, and started "test" it by saying some very suggestive things Spike could do to you. Causing your wings to pomf once more that night. Once that was over, then came Appleblooms age-old farmer wisdom, probably passed down for generations. "So... If you like him, why don't you just ask him out on a date?" And, well... Most things sound great when you've downed a couple of ciders with a friend.

So, after the night has passed, and the two of you got over your morning hangover. You were quickly rushed back onto the crystal steps you're now standing on, with Applebloom by your side. Smiling softly at you as you stared at the large, now intimidating wooden door that made you tremble from the thought of knocking on it. "Why did I let you convince me to do this." You asked shakily as you stared at the wooden door. Prompting Applebloom to place a comforting hoof on your shoulder, gently rubbing it as she spoke.

"Don't get cold hooves now. Besides, you're going to have to come here for tutoring anyways. May as well try to get a date out of it." Applebloom said with a soft caring smile as you continued to tremble in front of the door. Trying and failing to will yourself to knock on it.

Your heart racing a mile a minute as you replied. "I... I can't." You say shakily, prompting Appleblooms smile to turn into a confused look.

"What do ya mean you can't?" She asked, causing you to swallow the saliva in your mouth as you shook from anxiety.

"I just can't alright? I can't b-bring myself to knock." You continue shakily, which causes Applebloom to roll her eyes and smile again.

"Well, guess that's where I come in." She says with a smile, and before you could stop her. She gives the large oak door three firm knocks. Shaking the hinges and causing a notable echo to be heard from inside.

You just stood there, mouth agape as Applebloom turns to you with a sly cocky smile on her muzzle as she walks past you. Gently flicking your maw closed with her tail as she passes, causing you to look back at her in shock. "You two have fun with your study session." Applebloom called over her shoulder as she made her way down the crystal steps. You stuttered for a second. Quickly trying to find a way to respond, but, the sound of movement behind the door, accompanied by the sound of it unlocking, quickly caused you too return your gaze forward, meeting the eyes of a certain frantic looking purple drake as he opened the door. His expression quickly changing to that of confusion as he laid his eyes onto you.

"Scootaloo?... Was that you?" He asked, obviously holding his breath for a second as he opened the door a little wider, revealing himself entirely.

"W-what?! N-no no, t-that was Applebloom who knocked..." You stammer, quickly bringing your tone down to a slight whisper before you ended up embarrassing yourself. Causing Spike to chuckle.

"Ah, yea that makes sense. I honestly don't know what I was thinking it could've been. So much stuff going on in town now and days. You know?" Spike replies with a nervous chuckle, as he awkwardly scratches the back of his head. "Yea... C-could have been a bugbear or something if you really think about it." You reply just as nervously scratching your right foreleg and diverting your eyes to the ground as you both nervously laugh.

After a few seconds, Spike breaks the silence. "So... You wanna get started on some studying?" He asked, prompting you to make eye contact with him once more, as he motioned behind his head with a thumb. Causing you to smile a little, feeling no less anxious as you spoke.

"O-oh course! I-It's definitely why I'm here after all. Nope, no other reason at all!" You say a bit too fast and with and too chipper a tone. You quickly looked around to make sure nopony else saw your social flop, as you mentally chastise and face hoof yourself. He steps out onto the landing and holds the door open for you.

Politely allowing you to once again enter the immaculate castle of Twilight Sparkle, though, this time, however, the crystal walls and royal decore did nothing to tear your gaze away from the purple drake that leisurely followed you inside, and shut the door behind you. This time, Spike was wearing a green T-shirt, much akin to the same color as his scales, and seemingly the same pants he wore the day before. Before you could examine them too closely however, Spike turned toward you with a soft smile on his muzzle, and silently motioned for you to follow.

Which you gladly did. Your heart thumping hard in your chest as you followed him once more through the immaculate halls, quickly deciding to try and strike up conversation. "So... What how's your day going so far?" You ask, your eyes briefly locking with his as he turned his head to address you, still with a soft smile on his muzzle that kept you from shifting your gaze.

"Oh, nothing much really, just doing a bit of set up for game night tomorrow." Spike started, opening his maw for a second as if to speak. Only to shake his head and smile. "Oh, but you don't wanna hear about that." He continues with a soft chuckle, as he diverts his gaze to the floor, and his ears gently rest back against his head. Which shot a bolt of urgency through your heart.

"No, no! Go on. I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't curious." You quickly say, causing the dragon's ears to perk back up as he shifted his gaze back to you. A small genuine smile gently creeping onto his muzzle as he replied.

"You mean that?" He asked, the very words sending your heart aflutter, and causing a smile to quickly take over your features.

"Well, duh." You say, with a gentle nod, as a playful tone somehow creeps into your voice.

For some reason... All you wanted to see was that smile. And, after a couple more seconds, he gifts you a full glimpse of it, as the two of you make your way to the bottom of the small, carpet covered staircase. "Well, let's see." He starts as the two of you leisurely start to make your way up to the balcony. Bringing his right hand up to his chin, to gently scratch his chin as he thought. "Well, I usually play the dungeon master for the game. Meaning I have to plan all the traps, story details, plot twist, dungeons. etcetera." Spike says as he gives you a playful, yet nervous look, but you chuckle anyway.

"So, you're basically a god?" You chuckle, gently punching his thigh with a forehoof, causing any nervousness left in the dragon to disappear as he rolls his eyes.

"Basically. I even have to roleplay as all of the NPC's, so getting unique voices down can be a bit of a time-consuming task." Spike says with a chuckle, causing you to give him a confused look as you reach the top of the stairs, and start walking across the balcony.

"NPC?" You ask, causing his eyes to go wide for a second before chuckling.

"Right sorry. Let me explain it like this." He starts as he starts walking backward in front of you with a doofy smile on his muzzle. "So imagine, you're a knight right? Going into a market." Spike starts, pointing at you with his index claws as the two of you continue to walk.

"Mhm." You say with a nod, your tail gently wagging behind you as he speaks.

"Well, the "NPC's" Spike continues using his claws to as quotations before continuing. "Are the shopkeepers, the other ponies walking along in the streets. Basically, any creature and pony that you the player, isn't roleplaying as. Since, technically, I'm roleplaying as all of them at the same time." Spike says with a smile as you happily smile back and give him a curious look.

"Sounds complicated." You state, causing the drake to stop, just as the two of you are about to pass the studying room.

"It can be. Especially if the rest of the players are talking to multiple NPC's." He states, as he politely opens the door for you. Prompting you to enter the immaculate study hall once more, and start making your way over to the couch, with the purple drake close behind.

"So you have to voice every character?" You ask, quickly gaining a devious playful grin on your muzzle as you turn your head to look at him. Causing him to raise an eyebrow in curiosity, but, not lose the smile on his muzzle.

"Yea, why?" He asks, as you stop in your tracks for a second.

"Burly blacksmith, go." You say, causing Spike to blink a couple of times before coughing into his hoof and saying, in a deep gruff accent.

"So traveler, what kind of weapons are ye look'n for." He says, pretending to lean on what you presume to be a greatsword, as you bust out laughing.

"Quick! You're a town guard and there are raiders on the horizon!" You yell as you quickly scan the room for a "weapon" quickly finding an amassment of papers on the table in front of you for the lesson Spike was planning to give you. But, most importantly, there was two rulers.

"Sound the alarm, the towns under siege! Get the reserves and get the townsfolk to safety!" Spike called, as you grabbed both rulers, low balling one over to him in an easy arc. As he snatches it from the air, you give him a sly smile.

"This town belongs to the forest stalkers now guardsmen! Surrender now and you might just live!" You say in a gruff hardened tone, pointing the ruler at him like a sword as a cheerful chuckle escapes his maw.

"We'll never surrender to you cretin! We'd rather die than surrender to you!" Spike replied in a heroic tone, as he brandishes his ruler, gently flipping it over his hands a couple of time before pointing it at you. Causing you to chuckle and give him a mock evil glare.

"That can be arranged, hero!" You proclaim as the two of you swing your "swords" only to have them clonk against each other, as the two of you are now muzzle to muzzle, growling fiercely at each other as you stand on your hind legs.

"No more shall this town suffer under your reign outlaw!" Spike says before the two of you go into another flurry of sword strikes, only to lock swords once more.

"You're right! This town won't suffer at all! They'll be nothing left but ashes when my crew's through with it!" You snarl, initiating another flurry of sword strikes.

Spike was rapid with his attack, but you kept up a good defense, you tried to take a step back, to get enough room to thrust your "sword" forward to try and "stab" him, or at the very least break his offensive. But, gasp as you feel your right hind leg hit something, sending you stumbling backward with a small yelp. You close your eyes, bracing yourself for any pain that would soon follow, only to feel two claws quickly and firmly plant themselves onto your back. Instantly halting you're decent before pulling you up against warm cloth.

Nervously, you open your eyes to find yourself firmly secured in Spikes embrace. A panicked look on his features slowly turning to that of ease. You let out a sigh of relief only to blush furiously at the realization of your current situation. Your wings gently flutter a little as you struggle to keep them from pomfing back into his arms. "You ok?" he asks, his warm, steamy breath gently caressing across his face as he gives you a soft caring smile. You find it hard to break your gaze from his as you try to stutter a reply.

"Y-yea, t-thanks to y-you." You say softly, prompting Spike to gently fix your mane, before bringing you forward. Gently sliding his clawed hands down your side, sending shivers down your body before gently grabbing your forelegs, and carefully lowering you safely to the ground. Your face felt as though it was burning as you sputtered with your words, trying to get your brain to focus on anything. Anything at all besides just a thank you. But, as you looked up at him to speak, you froze. Easily finding a hot blush plastered all over his cheeks, as he stared up at the ceiling, and gently scratched his neck.

He quickly glanced down at you, and awkwardly coughed into his right hand. "I... think we should get to studying now." He said, prompting you to nod furiously as you reply.

"Y-yea, lets!" You quickly say, as the two of you almost immediately sit down at your respected sides of your table. And allow Spike to quickly begin his lesson.

The lesson, lasted most, if not the rest of the day. Besides your little "sword fight" incident, the two of you were pretty productive. Spike had taught and went over anything and everything the two of you could have possibly thought off for the test. Even going over some of the old final tests Cheerilee used in previous years to help practice for the current test. Which, according to Spike, were publicly available down at city hall. Once everything was said and done, the two of you wordlessly walked back to the castles grand entrance. Once there, Spike paused for a second, opening his maw as if to speak, before deciding against it.

Instead, deciding to open the door for you with a soft smile on his muzzle, but something... wrong in his eyes. "Night Scoots, remember, I won't be able to help you tomorrow. But, I'm confident you'll do well on that test." Spike say, with a gentle tone in his voice as you slowly started to make your way out. You were squandering your chance.

"Thanks, that means a lot." You say, stopping for a second in the door frame and letting out a long hard sigh. Now or never Scoots. "Hey?... Spike?" You ask sheepishly, your head hanging low as you looked back at the purple drake. Causing him to give you a concerned, but understanding look.

"Yea?" He askes, in a deflated tone, as if he didn't want the moment to end either.

"Do..." You pause, looking up to him with a nervous gaze as thousands of thoughts run through your mind. All coming to the same conclusion. Just get it over with. "I know you have your game tomorrow but..." You start again. Just spit it out. "Do... you want to go on a date?" You ask, frantically scanning his features as you nervously rub your foreleg.

Watching as a look of surprise imminently replaces his cool facade. He stammers for a little before replying. "W-w-well, I m-mean..." He started, your emotions taking a roller coaster as hope and despair clashed in your mind. "I.. think I can call for a-an hour l-lunch b-break... Is h-hayburger ok?" He stammers, his very words sending your heart aflutter, making you want to dance and prance about as a smile instantly dawns your muzzle.

"Of course! W-what time do you want to be there?" You ask, happily prancing in place as a warm smile spreads across Spikes muzzle.

"H-how about noon?" He asks, instantly causing you to nod.

"Noon, gotchya. Wouldn't miss it for Equestria. See you then!" You exclaim, as you quickly run into the night without a second thought. Only to hear his charming voice call after you.

"Night Scoots! Be safe!" He yelled, his care putting your heart into the stratosphere as you ran home. Eager to get some rest for the day's events. You could barely remember falling asleep that night, let alone what you did in the morning, to pass the time.

Either way, when the designated time came around, you ended up finding yourself patiently sitting in a retro-style booth inside the hayburger diner. Carefully sipping on a cola as you stared out the window in anticipation. Skimming the crowd of passing equines in the hopes that you'll spot the all too familiar drake that stole your heart. It felt as if hours had passed, as you waited. When in reality it had probably been only a couple minutes when you spotted him briskly walking towards the diner.

Sure, he was an easy creature to spot in the crowd, standing nearly a full pony taller than the rest of the crowd. But, he was a sight that instantly put a smile on your muzzle. You gently bounced in your seat a couple of times. Carefully holding your cola in both hooves as you sipped on its straw, smiling happily as you watched him approach. Today, you noticed he seemingly decided to wear an unzipped dark grey jacket, with a purple T-shirt visibly underneath, and pants.

Briefly, he stopped, a nervous and concerned look on his features as his eyes scanned the windows for a moment, before falling on you. And, as soon as your eyes met once more, the drake sighed, as a smile quickly replaced the worry on his face. Prompting him to gently wave at you, and you to wave in kind as you made his way toward the entrance once more. You struggled to keep your wings fixed to your sides as you heard the bell above the diner door ding. A struggle which only intensified, as he sat across from you.

An action, that seemingly caught the waitresses attention, seeing that she decided that now was the perfect time to slide both of you a menu, as you got lost in each other's eyes. A smile plastering both of your muzzles as neither of you rushed to speak, just enjoying the moment for as long as you could. Which, only came to an end from the combined sounds of your stomachs rumbling. Causing you both to chuckle as you opened your menu's and started to scan the pages. "So, hows game night going so far?" You ask, not really looking at the menu, full well knowing you're just going to order the same thing you usually do, deciding your attention would be better used focusing on your date.

Your date! The very thought that you were dating Spike sent your heart aflutter. Your question sparking a little sparkle in Spikes eyes as he spoke. "Oh, it's going pretty great so far. The party just snuck into the main villain's castle to try and save an important NPC for the quest. Rainbow passed most of the skill checks pretty easily, but poor Big Mac nearly flopped a couple of times, being a stallion in near full metal armor." Spike paused, as he chuckled and shot you a devious glare. "And I was really looking forward to the fight that would have happened as a result but, eh, what can you do." Spike said with a smile on his muzzle and a shrug.

You chuckled as you listened to his tale, as waitress briefly stopped by once again to take ask what Spike would like to drink, to which he just ordered the same as you. An order in which she quickly fulfilled before leaving you two to your devices again. Causing Spike to carefully sip on his glass and sigh in contentment before continuing the conversation. "So, what about you? You do anything fun today?" He asked with a soft smile, causing you to chuckle a little.

"Besides this? Not really." You say, leaning forward a little onto the table, eliciting a warm blush from the purple dragon, as your cheeks warmed up slightly as well.

The two of you stared at each other for a few seconds, smiling softly as the conversation lulled into a comfortable silence, and luckily one the waitress came to help alleviate before it passed the precipice of awkwardness. "You know... Our groups alway's open for new members to join... If you want, I mean... I wouldn't mind having you there at least." Spike offered, gently scratching his shoulder as he smiled softly at you. Causing you to blush a little and gently swirl the ice cubes in your glass with your straw.

"I... Don't think I'd mind that actually. Though, I'm not sure how the rest of your players would feel if you invited your date to a game night." You say with a soft chuckle, causing Spike to gently lean onto the table and smile softly.

"W-well... How about as a marefriend? Wouldn't be the first time, Sugar Belle's been known to drop in and out occasionally. A-assuming you want to go out again after tonight?" Spike says with a soft smile, his words absolutely melting your heart as you finally lose control of your wings. Causing them to pomf back against your booth as your face feels as though Celestia's sun is focusing all its heat upon it.

"I'd love that." You say timidly, your tail wagging gently behind you as the waitress comes back and delivers your food. Which the two of you happily started eating away at. Spike had ordered a beef burger with fries, while you ordered a fairly standard hay burger, with a side of fries. Despite the fact, you're colt friend?... Boyfriend was eating meat... it didn't really put you off, in fact, it ended up just adding to his exotic allure as the two of you comfortably ate your respective meals. Not really talking to each other as you ate but, more like enjoying each others company.

As the meal slowly started to draw to a close, you took out your coin purse out to pay for your meal, only to have Spike interject with a wave of his right claw, and a disgruntled noise from his maw as he scarfed down the bite of food he had just taken. "Nope, don't worry about it. I'll pay." He said, causing you to blush a little.

"Oh, come on, at least let me pay for my own meal." You say with a soft blush on your cheeks as he quickly produced his coin purse, and poured some bits out onto the table.

"Seems to me like there's nothing left to pay for." He said with a wink, as he took one last bite of his burger. Causing you to chuckle as you put your coin purse back and got up. Slowly making your way over to his side of the booth as you spoke.

"You don't need to do that, really." You say, as you carefully bring your forehooves onto the booth, and lift yourself up a little to be eye level your boyfriend.

"Nah, it's fine. I'd feel bad about making you pay for any of this. Dragons code and all that." Spike said with a soft chuckle as he finished the last bite of his burger. Causing you to chuckle softly, before leaning in and gently planting a kiss on his cheek.

The action caused Spike to completely freeze for a second before a dopy smile spread across his muzzle. "Well, in that case, my honorable dragon... Can you drop by the school tomorrow and wait for me to get out of the test. I could really use the motivational support." You say, as you gently reach out and trace your left forehoof down his arm. Causing him to shiver a little.

"O-o-of course! I-I wouldn't miss it f-for anything." He quickly stammers, smiling softly as he tries to recover from his flustered state. Causing you to chuckle a little, and your heart to beat a little faster.

"Great, then m-maybe afterwards you can teach me all about that game of yours." You say with a wink, as you carefully drop yourself back down onto the ground with a soft thud. Causing Spike to blush furiously and try to sputter a response. Only for you to leisurely continue. "I've gotta go get some last-minute cramming done. So, I'll see you tomorrow Spike." You say, trying to loosely mimic that sultry tone Rainbow sometime's tried to use on Applejack when they thought nopony was listening.

"S-see ya S-Scoots." He continues to stammer, the purple scales on his face now beat read as you leisurely made your way out of the diner. Trying to keep a cool facade as you decided to take the long way home, causing you to pass right by Spikes window, as you trotted along. Making sure to add a little bit more hip movement into your walk, and spreading your wings back to their full extent as you passed. Briefly, you glance back at the dragon, only to find his jaw wide open as he stared at you. His face just that much redder, before he turned away, sneaking the occasional glance your way, as to not seem too pervy.

Once you turned the corner, out of sight of your boyfriends prying eyes, you quickly started walking normally again, as too not garner unwanted attention on your leisure walk home. The rest of the day was fairly uneventful, as you did some last-minute review on as many subjects as you could. Even going as far as going to bed early that night. Which was something you've never done before, making sure to set your alarm before drifting off to sleep, cuddling a pillow as your date with Spike filled your mind.

The morning came with the all too familiar clang of school bells, as you patiently waited in front of the schoolhouse with a bunch of your other classmates. Sweetie Belle and Applebloom chatted next to you about... Something or another. But you really didn't care to listen, keeping your eyes trained on the path up to the schoolhouse, as your anxiety slowly started to creep into your mind.

"Is he going to show?" A voice asked in your mind, prompting others to join in. "He's got too right?" Another queried, before the door opened to the school, prompting ponies to start funneling inside. "He's not going to be here... is he?" Another question passed through you mind, as you tentatively started making your way towards the door. Longingly looking back towards the road, as a well of despair started to build in your chest. Only to be quickly alleviated, as you saw a purple form running down the road at top speeds. Easily putting all your doubts and nerves at ease, as a smile gently crossed your muzzle.

And, with that, you entered the school hall one more time, with a smile on your muzzle, and a gentle wag of your tail. The test was long and grueling, and there were multiple times where you felt your anxiety was going to make your heart explode. But, the knowledge that Spike... Your boyfriend was waiting for you... Willing to love and care about you no matter what happened in these halls, kept bringing the anxiety back down to a manageable level.

After what felt like a couple of hours, ponies started to trickle up to Cheeriliees desk with their tests. Having it graded right in front of them for the first, and quite possibly for the last time. And soon, after waiting for Applebloom to finish, you joined their ranks, with Sweetie Belle soon falling in right behind you. Flanked at both ends by your two best friends, really did a number to quell your anxiety, as one by one. Ponies had their tests graded, were handed a diploma, and quietly left the room.

The only two ponies out of the entire line you saw not get their diplomas were Snips and Snails, but then again. Not even Cheeriliee seemed surprised. And once Appleboom got her diploma and made her way out, giving you a soft reassuring smile as she left, you gently rested your dest down on Cheeriliees desk, and awaited your judgment. Shaking lightly as you watched her grade. your heart sinking a little with every x, and soaring with every check.

And, soon, Cheeriliee looked up at you with a cold, deadpan expression. Sending your system into shock before softly smiling, and writing in green pen. Eighty percent at the top of your page. Earning an excited shake from Sweetie Belle, as Cheeriliee mouthed the words. "Good job." Before opening a premade diploma, signing her name to it, and having you sign it as well. You wanted to scream, cry and everything in-between, but reserved yourself to making your way out of the classroom as calmly as you could.

Upon shutting the door behind you, diploma in hoof. A country mass of red and yellow instantly hug tackled you. "You did it! You really did it! I knew you could Scoots! WOOO HOO. Ciders on me tonight!" Applebloom yelled, her tail happily wagging behind her, causing the both of you to laugh and shout in excitement, only to soon have Sweetie Belle come out, diploma in hoof and join in. "Cutie Mark Crusaders forever!" The three of you yelled as you hugged, and celebrated for a little more, before your eyes fell upon Spikes, a smile happily plastered onto his muzzle as he watched the scene unfold. Causing you to quickly recompose yourself as he approached.

"So, I'll take that as you passed?" Spike asked, a smile still on his muzzle as he carefully crouched down to your eye level. Causing you to blush before responding.

"Yea... Though, without your help I... Probably wouldn't have." You say timidly, as you looked away, earning a gentle, guiding claw on your chin to carefully return your gaze to his.

"Nah, that in there, was all you. Don't let anypony tell you any different." Spike said softly, causing you to blush a little. And before you could reply, a carefully leaned forward and gave you a warm, tender kiss. One you eagerly pressed into, promptly causing Spike to gently scoop you up into his arms, and you to wrap your forelegs around him in kind. The two of you basked in each other's warmth and love. Only two have two, high pitched voices interrupt the moment."D'awwww."