Sparity Forever

Spike paced the massive log floor of the library, twiddling his claws and eyes darting about the room, unaware of whatever he might have been looking at due to his manic thoughts. How ironic, the thought suddenly passed into and out of his mind in a single, fleeting moment, that even surrounded by tomes filled with useful knowledge of all genre, that nothing could provide the answer he sought so desperately for.

Oblivious to the hours that had passed, Spike’s focus was jerked elsewhere as the clonk-clonk of a hoof knocking hastily at the door caused him to abruptly jump up, and by force of habit, his stubby legs sprinted wildly in mid-air, rocketing him over to the door. As his claw gripped and rotated the doorknob, the door swung open violently, slamming him pancake-style into the adjacent wall. Twilight Sparkle dashed across the room and seemingly flew upstairs in a purple blur, coming to a complete halt as she slammed onto her bed, the covers kicked up into the air as she did, now slowly and silently floating back down, covering her curled-up body in its entirety, leaving a shaking mound-structure on the bed.

Spike, picking himself up off the ground, let of a sigh as he shut the red candle-print door, drudging across the room and upstairs following Twilight’s trail, all the while wearing a frowned face that read ‘are you kidding me?’.
Discovering the cowering egghead pony under her bed sheets, Spike approached the bed slowly, running an open-palmed claw over his forehead and nose.

“Ugh, what happened this time, Twi?” Spike drearily questioned the quivering form before him.

“R-R-Rarity,” she stuttered, “I th-think I may ha-have insulted one of h-her dr-dresses somehow-“

Spike cut her off “Again, Twi? Really?” Twilight attempted to speak, but was quickly denied her effort as Spike snapped “What happened last time? And what did I warn you? Never describe her dresses using fancy words that none of us have even heard of.” He was just about to continue as the cream-white unicorn in question battered the library door with ferocity not unlike that of Iron Will himself. They knew it was Rarity though – apart from the incident only minutes ago being taken to Twilight’s residence in an attempt to find sanctuary, the tell-tale sign that this was not in fact an enraged minotaur was the deafening, earth-shaking roars of the fashonista, bellowing throughout the library, occasionally finding the right pitch, volume and frequency to disassemble the carefully organized bookshelves that covered almost every wall space available throughout the residence.

As Celestia’s bright, vibrant sun threw an orange tinge over the horizon, gradually inching its way into the cloudless , cyan-blue sky, Spike jerked up in his bed to the sound of a rooster-imitation coming from outside. Kicking his bedsheets off of his tiny, scaly body, Spike clambered to his feet and peered out the oval-shaped window in time to see the culprit, Scootaloo, trotting off into the distance, chuckling. The small purple dragon couldn’t help but grin, now tiptoeing downstairs having noticed Twilight still fast asleep, her mane unkempt and bed sheets strewn about the bed, covering only her hind legs, and her face buried in her pillow. Obviously she had been worn out heavily by her wrestle with Rarity, after Spike had jokingly decided to pull the door open.

Slowly making his way downstairs as quietly as possible, Spike spotted clean, blue linen sheets folded up neatly on the couch; obviously Rarity was already awake, and as he waddled over to them, he found himself just in time to notice Rarity about to leave. The unicorn noticed Spike in return as she slung a small, jewel-embedded saddlebag over her back. With a warm smile, she motioned with her hoof for the dragon to follow her outside. Spike left the door slightly agape so as not to lock himself out.

In a half-whispering voice, the mare spoke. “Darling Spikey, please make sure Twilight receives my deepest apologies for last night’s unfortunate incident.” Spike nodded with an adoring grin, as Rarity lightly squeezed his cheeks with her front hooves, letting out a soft chuckle. Rarity spun round, and just as she was about to trot off, Spike found the courage to speak up.

“Hey, uh, Rarity…” the mare stopped abruptly, turning her body only halfway, so as to expect a quick word as she leaves. Looking directly into Spike’s eyes, the latter looked down at the ground in an attempt to hide his blushing, twiddling his claws.

“Yes, darling?”

Spike forced the words out, so as to not keep her standing there, silence between them. “I was wondering if…. If you would, um, let me come with you jewel-hunting today.”

“Well of course dearie,” Rarity spoke with her usual elegance and poise, “Who else would I have accompany me than the cutest little jewel-digger in Ponyville?” Rarity batted her eyelids, her figure now acting as an eclipse in its position anterior to the rising sun, orange-yellow light pouring around her edges, highlighting her slim physique and slender curves, those cyan-blue eyes shimmering like crystalline water, still fixated on the small dragon.

Spike, finding himself paralysed in what his large, green eyes perceived, snapped his mind into focus; not enough it seems, as what he believed was a simple chuckle and smile was in reality harsh blushing and a sheepish laugh. Rarity giggled at the sight, “Oh Spikey, your cheeks are turning the most delightful shade of red, it is most becoming.” The two waved goodbye, and after slowly shutting the door behind him so as not to awaken Twilight, the infatuated dragon stared affectionately out the window, watching the unicorn as she slowly disappeared from view.

Spike waddled cheerfully alongside Rarity, grinning widely. Celestia’s radiant sun hung in the western sky, casting thick shadows behind the two. Spike momentarily turned around to glance at his shadow, suddenly saddened by the reminder of his miniscule size. Slowing his walking pace, he dragged his feet and tail along the grass. Rarity had noticed, and looked down at the gloomy expression on the drake’s face.

“Spike dear, you mustn’t worry so much about your stature.” Spike briefly looked up at the white mare, then returned his eyes to the ground. “You are still a youngling Spike, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Rarity smiled at him, and his tail perked up. “Why, you are just adorable Spikey, and besides, other dragons are simply cruel and greedy. You however, are a true gentledrake.” Spike blushed lightly, smiling back at his heart’s desire.

Their jewel hunt bore much fruit; as Celestia began to lower the sun into the horizon, the two turned around and returned along the path they came, marked by the multitude of shallow dirt holes Spike had clawed out in order to seize their gleaming prizes. Rarity alone hauled three connected carts stacked with jewels, having refused all offers from Spike to help. Halfway home, however, Rarity felt a gentle tingling in her horn. Rarity stopped for a brief moment, then shrugged and continued on.

“Don’t you want me to dig that up for you, Rarity?” asked a somewhat puzzled Spike.

“No thank you darling, I have quite enough already. The Diamond Dogs will probably show up soon anyway.” Spike nodded. “You may take it home for yourself if you wish, though; after all, you worked extra hard today Spikey.” The young drake grinned, and toddled over to a small pile of dusty grey rocks she gestured towards. Clawing into the dirt, Spike’s emerald eyes widened, reflecting the faint light of what he gazed upon, staring in complete awe. Laying in the small pit he had created was a trio of azure-blue diamonds, clear as water and shaped like narrow kites. ‘They look exactly like Rarity’s cutie mark’ thought Spike, astonished by their flawlessness.

“Spike darling, whatever are you doing just standing back there?” Rarity snapped Spike out of his trance with her words; she was already a fair distance ahead, and Luna’s night had already darkened the area considerably. The purple drake scooped up the gems and hurried over to her. Rarity had already turned her head and continued trotting slowly along as Spike reached her, not noticing the stunning jewels he gripped in his claws. Spike concealed a gem behind his back with his tail, and held the other two against his chest, covered almost entirely by his arm. He couldn’t obscure them completely; they were rather large jewels, roughly twice the size of an outstretched claw. He didn’t need to, however, as the night obscured them from vision. ‘These will be perfect for her birthday next week.'

Rarity awoke to the chime of her doorbell, responding with a sleepy “The shop, *yawwnnn*…. doesn’t open for another hour. Please come back, *yawn* in a little while….” She rolled over in the regal, blue and gold-trim bed. Another chime sung through the boutique. Letting out a sigh, the white unicorn clambered gracefully out of the bed and donned a white silk garment, the inside lined with pink down. The bell chime rang once more as she descended the staircase and trotted half-hurriedly over to the door.
Opening the letter hatch and peeping through, she was received by two large cerulean eyes right up against the door, and the immediate scream that followed “SURPRISE!!” the sheer pitch of which struck Rarity’s ears with such force that her eyes snapped shut as she jumped up in shock, letting out a surprisingly ladylike shriek. Rarity couldn’t help but reveal a smile as she stood back up on her hooves and opened the door for the giggling party pony.

“HAPPY BIRTHYDAY RARITY!!” exclaimed Pinkie.

Rarity held up her hoof then lowered it slightly, gesturing for her to lower her voice. “Yes thank you dear, but could you be a little bit more quiet please? Sweetie’s still asleep.” She heard laughter behind her, and grinned.

“Happy birthday sis!” Screeched the filly in question, jumping out from behind a nearby white-upholstered couch.

“Oh thank you Sweetie, darling.” Replied Rarity with a large smile across her face, ignoring the thought that she must have been hiding there awhile, and even now it was very early in the morning; the sun had just then beamed its orange-yellow glow in the distance, a spectacular sight which both Pinkie and her sister appeared oblivious to as they chuckled, wrapping their hooves around Rarity in a warm hug. Suddenly she noticed the tip of an emerald-green spine in the doorway. “I can see you there, Spikey Wikey.” She giggled, releasing herself softly from the hug.

“Happy birthday Rarity!” Spike had a large smile on his face, even larger than Pinkie’s. He held out his claws as he entered the boutique, revealing a white box with glittery purple wrapping, its colours an obvious reference to its recipient. Her eyes lit up at the sight of it, and she blushed.

“Oh my, you didn’t have to get me a gift Spikey, you needn’t spend all your allowance on such a lavish gift.”

“Well really, I only had to buy the box and its wrapping, I found this during our jewel hunt last week.” he admitted.

“Oh?” she continued to smile, her eyes shifting from the box to the young dragon. “Is that why you were so eager to come along?”

“Well uh, no actually,” Spike scratched the back of his head, lowering it and angling it away from her gaze to hide his red cheeks, “I wanted to come along anyway, I wasn’t purposefully looking for a gemstone for you, but I just happened across these ones and I felt they were meant to be with you.”

“Now dearie, your fire ruby last time was absolutely gorgeous, you didn’t have to go out of your way to find something else, I don’t know how any gemstone could be more beautiful- wait, did you say ‘these’? As in more than one?” Before Spike could answer, she continued, unwrapping the gift “Ohh Spikey, you really shouldn’t have- “ lifting the lid with her magic, her jaw dropped and her pupils enlarged to the edges of her iris. Staring down at the three flawless jewels, polished and set in black foam, she let out let out a shriek so loud it shattered the windows of the boutique, forcing Pinkie, Sweetie and Spike to crouch down, claws and hooves tightly covering their ears. Her mind racing, Rarity spat out half-words “Wh- How-, Sp- , B-“ shaking heavily, she seized Spike in a rib-crushing hug, jumping up and down in excitement and squealing with joy. The drake, unable to breathe, squirmed harshly to loosen her grip. Finally, she let go, hopping on the spot similar to Pinkie’s signature hop, tears flowing from her eyes and her huge toothy grin quivering.

Pinkie and Sweetie stood there silently, tears forming in their eyes as they stared in awe at the jewels. “S-S-Sp-Spike, y-you didn’t ha-hav- “ Spike lay his claw on her shoulder, gesturing her to breathe. Rarity forced a few quick, gulping breaths, then managed “S-Spike, I… I can’t accept this, this is just so-“ She noticed the white, gold-trimmed envelope within the box, “Rarity” written in gold cursive in the centre. The drake picked it up, running a claw over the edge, tearing it open. Rarity remained silent, still shaking, speechless as she gazed back down at the three gleaming diamonds. Spike handed her a card, and she calmly spoke “Spike, they’re just like my cutie mark!” Opening the card with her magic, Rarity began reading in a whisper: “Rarity, your artistic talents have brought a new level of beauty to Equestria, your kindness uplifted others from their sadness, and your generousity has not only been a shining example to others, it has saved Equestria from eternal chaos twice. As you give unto others, I give unto you this small gift, to show you just how amazing and special you are…. and to show you how much you mean to me” Rarity’s eyes widened as she read “The last time you searched for romance, what you saw deceived you. Prince Blueblood proved selfish and arrogant; your exact opposite. You have always called me ‘kind’ and ‘a true gentledrake’…. do you remember my last birthday, when we were falling from the sky? Do you remember what I confessed to you? At that moment, I did not fear for my own life…. only yours. That is why, Rarity, I ask….” Rarity’s heart skipped a beat “Will you go out with me?”

The white mare looked up at Spike, Pinkie and Sweetie merely staring at her in silence, Rarity now realising what she thought was whispering had been heard by all of them. She didn’t know how to respond, where to begin. Since the incident on his birthday, Rarity had grown fond of Spike…. she had even dreamed about him once; she deduced it to be a few years in the future, because spike was larger – roughly twice as tall as her – as well as possessing wings and walking on all fours. She would climb onto his back and grip the large, emerald spines as he spread his magnificent amethyst wings and took off into the glistening sunset. They would arrive atop the grand mountain sheltering Canterlot, Spike wrapping her in his wing beneath an oak tree as they gazed out at the sights that lay before them. Rarity rested her head against Spike’s chest, listening to his heart beat in unison with hers.

Rarity was faced with indecision as Spike looked at her expectantly, a comforting smile lessening the pressure a little. Pinkie donned a big grin, hopping up and down in anticipation, while Sweetie appeared a little teary-eyed, trying to hide a huge smile that was slowly taking over her face. She knew about Rarity’s dream; she had taken a peek in her diary a few nights prior, after searching through her nightstand for a nice fluffy coat because of the snowstorm outside.

Rarity, after a long silence, finally managed a soft “Spike…. I, I’m not sure, I….”

Spike’s smile started to fade, until Sweetie suddenly squeaked “OH COME ON!!”

“Now Sweetie, you must understand, this is a big decision, and…. and….” Rarity didn’t even know where she was going with this, then looked back at Spike to see he was looking down at the floor.

“But I thought you kinda liked him back,” Spike’s head jerked up, eyes wide open, and Rarity blushed furiously as she continued “after that dream and all-“ she slammed her hoof against her mouth, Rarity now realising she had broken into her deepest thoughts contained in the diary. She was about to fly off into a rage at her sister, wondering what else she may have read, when Pinkie burst out in laughter. Rarity’s face was blushing hard.
A small claw gripped her hoof, and she looked down to see Spike’s large, emerald eyes staring deep into hers. She couldn’t deny it anyway; she liked him. This much she knew, and so finally, she placed her hoof on the young dragon’s blushing cheek and gently spoke “Yes, Spike. I would love to go out with you.”

Spike grinned widely, a tear in his eye, but whatever words he was about to utter were drowned by Pinkie, who immediately sprang up into the air, squealing with joy “Omigosh omigosh omigosh, now we’re gonna need a SECOND party to celebrate you two!” Rarity suddenly noticed Sweetie Bell hopping around the room wearing a huge smile, but glanced back at Spike as he held her hoof gently in both claws and kissed it softly. She blushed hard, giggling, then leaned in and returned the favour, planting a kiss on his cheek.