Spike watched as the letter and his necklace vanished into a cloud of green smoke. Both were heading off to Cadance back in the Crystal Empire. His time with the necklace had been all used up before on the train and it was more unsafe than ever to wear it with Emerald having become a more prominent name for his actions against the robbery on the Friendship Express. Of course, everypony was curious about what really happened but with the author’s disappearance, no one could say. At first, ponies were scared something had happened to him but Spike was quick to write letters to newspapers informing them that he was safe and just wanted some time with his family for the holidays.

“Hearth’s Warming… I still have a lot to do before the big day. So many gifts to buy…” The dragon sighed as leaned on his balcony. It was day three of his house arrest, well three days since he woke to Applejack. He was immediately swarmed on by Starlight and Twilight who were thankful that he was alright but also jumped into overprotective mode.

Starlight was more understanding. She simply thought he should relax for a bit in the castle and not do anything too strenuous especially with some winter snow having been scheduled to start soon.

Twilight was not so understanding. She made sure he stayed in his room, deciding to cook herself (for one meal before getting painfully reminded why she and Starlight were eating out and with the Apples every day Spike was gone), and checking on him every other hour or so. She had almost cast a spell on his room to alert her if he was to escape but Starlight convinced her to relax some.

Spike missed his friends, they came to see him sure but it wasn’t the same. Rainbow was the first to hear he was awake from AJ so she came to see him through his window. Twilight nearly jumped out of her mane from that one. The two talked and Rainbow warned him to stay inside when the snow started, likely there was still some guilt after their first Winter Wrap-up when they left him on that lake and they later learned dragons were cold-blooded. She told him about the latest Daring Do book and the two argued how they would have gotten out of each trap she ran into and then which villain was her real arch nemesis. After that, Rainbow loaned him her copy of the book, which She had scribbled all over with notes from Rainbow herself. They promised each other that they would get a cider soon.

AJ returned of course, with an apple pie on her back and a Pinkie Pie at her side. Pinkie looked to be rather tired, even yawning when they entered and with Gummy on her tail. He seemed to be trying to give his owner some support. Spike was unsure if it was working. Applejack had finished the fieldwork with Big Mac just that day but Mac couldn’t visit yet since when AJ was with Spike, he had to pick up the slack. He did so without complaint but was pretty tired by the end of the harvest. Spike felt bad and gave Applejack a box with a gift inside for his friend. She asked what was inside but Spike zipped his mouth saying it was a bro thing. Truthfully, it was just an old doll Spike and sewn up.

Pinkie hugged Spike, telling him all about the rush of orders Sugarcube Corner was getting and the party she had been planning for Hearth’s Warming. She also brought up how Pumpkin and Pound had gotten colds so the Cakes have been too busy to run the shop themselves. Pinkie promised she could handle it on her own, leading to the tired state she was in. Spike offered to come over and help but Pinkie just smiled. She said that Applejack would be helping her soon so he could use his own advice and rest some. She promised that when her party came, she would keep him pretty busy. Another yawn later and Applejack had to take her home.

Fluttershy soon visited, apologizing that she was so late to see him but with the winter snow coming, plenty of animals were making homes in her house, and with Discord’s help they were able to make the room but she had to relearn the outline of her cottage now that it had four extra floors. They talked about the animals, a funny book Fluttershy was reading, what each other was planning to buy for their friends for Hearth’s Warming, and really anything. Fluttershy was always the one pony that put Spike in a calming mood when they talked. He could see why Discord felt so at peace with her. She never judged anyone too harshly and was always earnest with her thoughts. He asked how she and Discord were but Fluttershy mentioned Discord being a bit strange lately. Spike shook his head, that guy was pretty useless without a wingdragon it seemed.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders bounced into his room later on, eager to hear about his incident and how Canterlot was. They were awed at all the normal mundane things he did with the Princesses with Scootaloo hoping that they did something crazy like fight a giant cockatrice or climb some mountain. Spike did mention he got both Luna and Celestia to play Ogres and Oubliettes with him. The three seemed a bit confused at the mention of the game with Apple Bloom saying she was sure her brother played it and Scootaloo remembering Rainbow mentioned it once or twice. After seeing their reactions, he asked them to play with him and after giving them his baby dragon eyes, they all agreed with each one sporting a bit of red in their cheeks. They ended up playing for seven whole hours with Twilight checking on them every time she heard a loud shout or crash.

Rarity was still in Canterlot but returned home earlier on Spike’s third day of consciousness. She quickly checked on him and was so happy that he was alright that she hugged him. She told him of a party she was invited to by Fancy Pants and Fleur and her meeting the Emerald Flare. Spike bit his lip to keep himself from letting any info he wasn’t meant to know out. Thankfully, Rarity was happy to just talk about Canterlot. Rarity was delighted to hear Spike spent time with the princesses as a family.

“Never take family for granted Spike. No matter how successful or beloved you get. They are with you through the good and bad times. Without fail. Speaking of which, I have a sister that needs me. I hear a certain dragon got her friends and her into roleplay. Now she wants all kinds of costumes.” They shared a laugh and Spike promised to visit her soon to help with her job. Once she left, Spike was alone again and dived onto his bed.

“Ahh the busy life of Spike the Dragon.” He opened an eye lazily and found a smirking unicorn at his door. He grabbed his Rarity doll and threw it at her. “Sheesh he has so many mares he’s throwing em now.” She joked and caught the toy with magic before putting it on his bed. “Tired of house arrest?” He leaned up and turned to face her.

“I love Twilight and I always will, but there are times she just treats me like a baby still!”

“Spike, she was just worried about you.”

“It’s not just her though… Some of the others treat me like a tagalong kid too sometimes…” He pouted on his bed, for a moment reminding Starlight of the younger dragon he had been when they met.

“It’s harder for them, especially Twilight. They’ve known you and watched you grow into quite the Dragon Spike. Take it from a mare whose dad still sees her as some foal or rather used to. It’s hard to get family to respect you. I imagine especially so when they are princesses or heroes that save the world.”

“But I’ve done impressive things too!”

“True and those girls wouldn’t deny that in a heartbeat but that isn’t enough.” Spike looked down at his claws and then back at the mare.

“What else can I do?” She put a hoof on his shoulder.

“Talk to them. Not all at once or anything. You have to be honest and tell them how you feel and while you won’t change their minds fully overnight, ask for clear guidelines and boundaries then see where it goes. He considered it and sighed.

“And if that doesn’t work?” She laughed.

“Well I’d say work to get some high position like Sunburst and I did buuut I don’t see you surprising princess sorry.” Spike grabbed his pillow and whacked her with it playfully when Twilight came in.

“Spike! I’m glad you’re up, are you okay?” Spike sighed and pouted again.

“Twiii! You just checked up on me two hours ago of course.”

“Sorry sorry… I just remember seeing you all hurt and we didn’t know what happened. When you didn’t wake up right away… it was scary.” Spike stared at her and realized how the others must have felt.

“I’m sorry too Twi. I’ll be more careful but being all cooped up in this room is suffocating. We still have a bit of time before the snow starts, can we go into town?”

“I don’t know Spike…”

“Pleeeease!” He pleaded and gave her his big eyes, Starlight nodding at her.

“I do have some more gifts to buy before the snow starts.” The two overpowered Twilight’s will and she smiled.

“Fine, I have some shopping of my own to get done. Come on you two but we come back the moment that you start feeling cold okay Spike?”

“Deal! Let’s go!” He jumped outta bed and collected a small pouch of bits. They were of course his royalties but when Twilight asked about the pouch, he told her it was a gift from Celestia. Starlight looked over at Twilight and nudged her as they left the castle.

“Hey Twilight, do you ever miss carrying Spike? I mean if you tried to now he could break your back or something.” She giggled while Spike looked offender.

“I am not that heavy! I just got taller is all and Twilight isn’t used to like alicorn strength.” Twilight shot him a look. “What? I’m just saying.”

“Maybe you shouldn’t young dragon.” Twilight smiled and turned back to Starlight. “I do miss it sometimes… honestly sometimes it feels weird not having him there. Spike spent half his life on my back.” Spike blushed and again argued that he wasn’t lazy growing up, he was so focused on being the best assistant and didn’t want to write and walk simultaneously. “Riiight, so what are you looking to buy Spike? Any good gift ideas?” He sighed and crossed his arms.

“I don’t know yet… all you girls have so much that it’s hard to think of something. I mean getting a book for Twilight seems a bit too easy, I like a challenge you know? Then you have someone like Starlight who can magic anything she wants just like that.”

“I do not just magic things up! Uhh… well not anymore!”

“Yeah Spike, you know I taught Starlight better than that,” Twilight spoke with pride lacing her tone and Starlight looked away with a whistle.

“Of course Twi, because everypony always listens to you when you try to teach them lessons.” Twilight raised a brow at Spike.

“Your sarcasm doesn’t escape me, Spike. So how was your time with the princesses? I know you’ve mentioned before how much you wished that you could spend time with them just as a kid.”

“It was… really nice. I don’t think I've ever seen the princesses so… normal. They didn’t have to hold back or fake anything. We talked a lot, about this and that. About the two of you and the rest of the girls.” Starlight looked a bit surprised that she would be mentioned too.

“Me too?”

“Of course you too dummy. You’re one of my closest friends.” Starlight blushed a tiny bit, thinking about that while Twilight cut in.

“So what did they wanna know? It had been a long while since I sent them a letter so maybe I should report in more.”

“I don’t think she needs a report or anything Twi, she just wants to stay in touch is all. Like how we do with Cadance and your mom. She said to tell you that Equestria doesn’t have to be in danger for us to drop in! That includes you too Starlight. They haven’t forgotten the help you’ve given them before.”

“Oh I just help is all! I didn’t do all that much… so what else did you all talk about?” Spike thought about it and snapped a finger.

“She asked if I was dating anyone and I said that I was just keeping all my options open! She mentioned… a lot of names I rather not go into. Plus I said she never worried about Twilight never having a date.”

“WHAT?!”

“But she laughed and told me that she did try to get Twilight a date here and there over the years in Canterlot or at least to get her to consider more friendly pastimes but… well I think we see how successful she was with that.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?! I’ll have you know that I have like… so many suitors I can’t even count that high!” Twilight stomped away with Starlight and Spike watching her go before she changed direction and entered the Hay Burger. They shared a smile and a laugh before joining her inside. After a pretty large order (Hey Alicorns need to eat more! I-it’s biological! I swear!) the three were full and left towards the House of Hats shop. Inside Spike picked up a pair of professional flying goggles since Rainbow mentioned breaking hers and a purple beanie with small white stars on it for Starlight. He didn’t really know why but it felt like something she’d wear. Twilight picked up a repaired Starswirl hat since he was getting older each time she wore the old costume.

They considered going into the Spa or Mane Salon to get something for Rarity but none of them knew exactly what she did and didn’t already have. Passing by the bookstore, a poster was up saying they were accepting pre-orders of Emerald Flare’s next book and both Twilight and Starlight went inside while Spike rolled his eyes and grabbed a comic book while he waited. He had finished said book by the time they exited and both mares were a bit bummed out as the pre-orders had sold out and they were too late. Spike thought about their issue and figured he had two more gifts just like that.

The toy store was next and Spike ran inside, eager to see if they had the new edition of Ogres and Oubliettes but it was all gone. He sighed and looked away when he noticed a new toy. It was a Canterlot device called a Karaoke Machine, able to make your voice louder and it had an inbuilt music box to let you take music with you. He figured the Crusaders would like that and bought it. Twilight and Starlight now had bags but they refused to share what they got as they said Spike had a big mouth.

The mares stopped by the Antique shop, saying there was always something there to buy. Spike wandered for a bit before finding a sparkly butterfly mane clip. It was fairly sized and had pink baby diamonds. His mouth watered at the sight but he resisted the urge to lick it and bought the clip for Fluttershy. There was also a cool little replica of the Statue of Friendship from Manehatten. Knowing that Applejack had family from there, he got the statue for her.

The joke shop was next and all three got something for Pinkie there, Spike finding a cool unpopable balloon that was some kind of enchantment but it also acted like a prank in the right hooves. He also got a can of sticky slime that dissolved after being used. When he got done with that, the snow had begun outside and Spike shivered. Twilight noticed as she came out and put a hoof on his shoulder.

“Looks like time’s up. Come on Spike.”

“I know I know. I just wanna have a minute… the snow looks real pretty huh?” Twilight sat beside him and smiled some.

“Do you remember our first snow together? It wasn’t that much longer after you were hatched but I remember getting to actually experiment with real snow for once since most of the time the snow is just magicked away by Canterlot Unicorns. They let the snow stay since the next day had another bit of now coming and no one wanted to waste the magic. I remember trying to do all kinds of stuff to try and learn snow magic while you seemed more interested in seeing what snow tasted like. Later, Shiny came around and started a fight with snowballs. We got so into it we accidently hit you and you began to cry. To cheer you up we all made a giant dragon out of the snow…” Spike didn’t remember that but looked over when Twilight trailed off, staring at the sky before looking at Spike with a strange look in her eyes.

“Twi?”

“That snow dragon… looks a bit like you do now… I never realized you had gotten so tall.” He rubbed his head, feeling the spikes on his head beginning to stiffen due to the cold.

“Time seems to pass us by more and more each year.”

“I do miss it sometimes Spike… when it was just us and Shiny…” She leaned her head on his arm and he smiled.

“I do too… but we have all the time in the world and each year it seems like we only ever have more people to call family.” They both saw Starlight shaking a can of beats inside before it popped open with different color springs coming out to surprise her.

“I’m sorry Spike, for maybe being a bit pushy.”

“A bit?”

“Alright maybe more than a bit… I guess I forget we aren’t that small anymore. You don’t need me to worry about you.”

“I’ll always need you Twi, just like how you need me. But yeah, you can trust me to keep myself safe. I don’t see getting hurt to be my special talent or anything.” Starlight came with another bag and smirked a bit.

“Nope, I think making trouble is your talent.” Spike laughed and stood up.

“Coming from you of all ponies Glim Glam? Really?” Twilight giggled to herself as the two began to argue and she teleported them home.

. . .

Spike was back on his Balcony, the snow still falling but Luna’s moon had peeked through the clouds. He smiled and pulled the blanket tighter around him. He had changed since he was a kid, but as much as he wanted to be recognized for it, he wondered what that would mean for him. Did he actually feel like an adult? Was he really one? After all, Dragons would live for much longer. Curious, he did what he normally did. He grabbed a piece of paper. He almost asked Celestia for advice before changing his mind and addressing his letter to Ember. He asked if she would visit soon so they could talk.

After it flew away, he yawned and headed to bed. He would be back to work the next day.

Author's Note

This is funny, I thought it was closer to December so I was in a Christmas mindset. I did enjoy catching up with this story though! I needed to get out of a writers block and these stories are always good for that. I also have a plan for the next chapter already to be on Scootaloo and Pinkie will get her time to shine as both have been seen but are kinda there so far.