The Diamond's Shadow

It was a slow but steady development over time. Vanity, little by little, opened up to Spike and became more and more accustomed to experiencing life with another person to interact with and talk to than just Rarity. But both Spike and Rarity could agree there was a warmth and liveliness in Vanity that hadn’t been there before. It took time to get it out of her, even with Spike’s assurances and patience. Rarity had to help coach her as well, leading to sometimes interesting little visits where it would be Spike, Vanity, and a carefully positioned mirror to let Rarity have a say in things as well.

Spike let his thoughts on the two mares wander while he walked lazily through the marketplace of Ponyville. He could’ve flown, but it was more habit of him to walk among the townsfolk than flying overhead. It was also less intimidating: no matter how many times those flower triplets saw him, he always caused a fainting spell in them when he would land too quickly. Though, to be fair, he imagined they reacted that way to just about any sort of surprise or shock. At least Vanity didn’t do that; he’d actually feel bad to make her react that way.

‘There I go again.’ He thought to himself as he walked. “It’s gotta be just how she and Rarity are like sisters that I keep going back to her. Not to mention we’ve done a lot.’

His mind drifted to one occurrence when he and Rarity discovered that Vanity desired to try painting. But her subject wasn’t to be a flowerpot or the outside scenery; she wanted to illustrate Spike.

The upper room of Carousel Boutique was familiar enough to Spike that he could envision it with his eyes closed to the most sufficient detail. Spending so much time there in his youth and adulthood with Rarity had given him plenty of experience. However, the room had been shuffled about to make room for Vanity’s idea to try painting. He took in the large painting easel and canvas, and a few colors set up alongside the easel on a nearby table. A wooden stool with a cushioned seat was next to it, with a larger one a few feet away in front of the window.

Vanity had on a different, more relaxed outfit today. Rarity had been having a field day, letting her experiment with styles. Today’s attire had the Shade looking rather homely but comfortable. A green top with ruffled sleeves and a deep v-neck that teased her bountiful cleavage but kept decent with crisscrossing strings of brown overtop. The lower half of her body was covered with a pale long white skirt, brought into sharp contrast with her wavy tail when it would flick about either side of her while moving.

“So you want me to be your model, huh?” Spike questioned. “Can’t say I’m the best first subject.”

“Nonsense. Your coloring and face are pleasant to see. It is my desire to try and capture that same delightfulness you exhibit upon the canvas.”

Spike chuckled. “Is that why I’m shirtless?” He said, gesturing at his bare pectoral with a thumb. He still had on a comfortable pair of sweatpants for comfort and to keep decent. But it allowed his upper half to be on display plenty. Vanity’s expression when he had removed his shirt was one he recognized as of surprise, but also a touch of feminine approval that his ego puffed its chest out for.

“One should not hide their loveliness behind bulky clothes, Sir Spike. I will try to not keep you seated for too many hours. We can take breaks when you wish it so; I only ask you to not look until we have finished.”

“Far be it from me to interrupt your process. Rarity’s shown me what happens so many times. Never thought a cat could be used as a weapon, but there you go.” Spike’s comment earned a giggle from the magical mare before he took up his instructed pose: using a spare table as a prop, he brought his chin down to rest on a fist, leaning forward slightly in his seat to stare directly at Vanity’s direction. He tried to imagine it from her perspective and did his best to stretch and flex a little for the sake of imagery.

Spike soon found himself continuously meeting Vanity’s stare, his green eyes catching Vanity’s look every so often. She would sometimes offer a smile, or correcting him, would tap a part of her arm or face to get him to adjust. He complied entirely, and by the time she was finished, he was treated to the sight of a masterfully done portrait, even having the background scenery of the nearby window to accompany him.

“Vanity, this is amazing! How did you...gosh, you even got my spines right on my cheeks.” He remarked.

“I only regret it took me so long to make. But my inspiration was certainly set on keeping me going. He was...very motivational.”

Spike felt his cheeks color at the compliment and beamed at the mare. Vanity returned his smile, her happiness sparking a warmth in Spike he felt delighted to experience.

And then there was the time they tried baking a cake…

“Oh, mind the icing, careful!”

Spike’s warning came as Vanity was cautious about applying the touches of blue icing to the circular ring top of the cake they’d been working on. It came as Rarity’s suggestion to try cooking something for the fun of it, and what better sort of thing to enjoy eating than a delicious cake? Vanity was not entirely familiar with the sensation of taste, so Spike made a simple choice of a chocolate cake to make. The kitchen started out pristine and organized, with the ingredients ready to go. By the time they had finished and gotten to applying the icing, Spike was reasonably sure there was some flour stuck between his scales, and Vanity had gotten a few dots of color and sprinkles that didn’t quite seem right. It didn’t stop either of them, though.

“I am just about...almost...there.” Vanity said as she pulled back the small tube and stared down at the cake. She was happy, Spike could guess, as she always had this brilliant smile about her when she was into what she was doing. It might’ve been a lack of social experiences that did it, but Vanity’s open displays of emotion helped Spike recognize the passions she had.

“Great job. Now, try it! We’ve been at this for a while; I reckon we deserve a bite!” Spike suggested.

“But would you not prefer it with gemstones baked in?” Vanity questioned.

“Of course. But this isn’t just a cake for me; it’s your first! Go on, tell me what you think.” At his insistence, the Shade conjured a cake cutter from thin air and used it to place a portion on her own plate. She brought it to her lips and took a large bite of it. Spike withheld a snicker, knowing Rarity would call such an act unladylike. Vanity chewed, and swallowed, and held still for a few moments.

“Well? How is it?” Spike questioned.

“...I believe I like cakes. This is...delicious, is the word, yes? Delicious.” She ate another bite, and Spike couldn’t help a laugh as Vanity got so into it, a dash of chocolate was left on her nose. Seeing him laugh made her pause in confusion until he gently swiped the cake off of her nose and ate it himself.

“Hmm. Sweet. Definitely chocolate. A hint of...strawberry.” He noted. “And, of course, just a dash of Vanity, which is extra sweet.”

The mare’s expression glowed from his remark, and Spike pat himself on the back for the compliment before watching as Vanity suddenly dabbed his nose with the icing tube and then swiped her finger on it in the same manner he had.

“There is...a sweetness. But also a kind of...goodness. The word escapes me. But it is definitely a Spike flavor.” She said, making Spike fold his arms.

“You realize, my lady, this means war.”

“What kind of war-oh!” Spike caught her by surprise with a light splash of chocolate mix, making the mare give off a squeak before she used her magic to turn the spare icing tubes into miniature cannons. The ensuing food fight left both a mess, and Spike apologized profusely to Rarity on her return while cleaning it up. Yet, Rarity offered no rebuke other than remarking on how they wasted a perfectly good cake.

Spike chuckled to himself, the memories staying on the surface and making him feel...well, quite delighted if he was honest with himself. Vanity’s friendship was an entirely new spark in his life, and nourishing it felt good to himself. She was different: curious but appreciative of his explaining things; nervous on her own, but relaxed and smiling when they were together. She was fond of hugging the dragon, he also noticed, but he had no reason to stop her. Being embraced by the beauty of a mare was hardly something to complain about.

Although...not every single moment together has been exactly pleasant.

It was one of their daylight outings, a little risky for the shade since she was so used to the night. But Spike had insisted on trying, and Rarity agreed to it too. There was no reason the magical mare couldn’t also enjoy the daylight along with nighttime. Vanity’s only fear was the public’s reaction, but she seemed more composed with Spike at her side. She held his arm as they went through Ponyville’s center, and he had left her for a brief minute to use the restroom when they stopped by the fountain in town square.

Coming back, though, he saw trouble in the form of two stallions trying to flirt - and terribly so, Rarity later described - at Vanity. Going off her apprehensive look, she didn’t appreciate it one bit. Spike was stomping over to them before he could even think about it.

“C’mon, a pretty lady like you would like the bar! All our friends are there! Right, Green?” the pale blue stallion said.

“Yeah, and we’re all friends here. It’s especially friendly for lovely mares all alone to have company.”

“Please...I-I have a friend here. I am waiting on them. Please go away.” Vanity said, but neither leering stallions moved away. She was cowering a little under their gazes, and that made Spike furious. Once he was upon them, he laid a firm hand on a shoulder each, letting his claws poke through their flimsy jackets.

“Green Fields. Ink Rush. Would you two mind telling me what you’re doing?” He questioned. Green looked up, and his face immediately became panicked. Ink, however, didn’t and thought it was just another normal stallion.

“Look, pal, we’re talking to this nice lady here, so you can just buzz off.”

“I-Ink, I don’t think you should say that.”

“What’s the matter with you, Green? Ow, that hurts! Freaking nails on your hands, man!” Ink complained before trying to bump his elbow into Spike’s middle. However, Spike being Spike, this had just about all the effect of Ink deciding to ram his elbow into a block of concrete, making him wince. “What in Tartarus are you made of-” He started before finally looking to see Spike frowning at him.

“50% dragon, 40% healthy lifestyle choices, 10% magic, and 100% not putting up with your shit for a second.” He growled out before heaving both men to the side and away from Vanity. With both of them dispatched from her, the purple-maned mare got up and was at his side immediately, clutching onto one arm. She wasn’t trembling, but Spike could tell she was upset. Worse still, Vanity had to keep to her promise of not using her magic, even with the two accosting her like they had. With a nod, he turned and made for them to leave, only for his senses to kick into gear and warn him of something from behind.

A sweeping motion of his free hand behind him allowed him to catch what had been thrown at him: a medium-sized rock about the size of his palm. He turned to the offender and saw Ink Rush looking in disbelief. He considered throwing the rock right back at the prick but made a different choice instead. Holding Ink’s bewildered stare, Spike simply clenched the stone in his palm and crushed it into dust, letting the fragments fall to the ground when he turned his hand over. Never once blinking, he huffed a tuft of smoke through his nostrils at Ink before walking away. He didn’t try anything the second time, and it left the pair walking in quiet for a couple minutes until they were far enough away.

It was Spike who stopped, and he turned to Vanity with a prepared apology, that not all of Ponyville was that way, that Ink and Green were just a couple of bumbling idiots who do dumb things because they think with the wrong brain sometimes-

Except he never got those thoughts out vocally because his lips were enclosed by Vanity’s own pressing onto them. He froze up, only halfway able to comprehend just how delightfully soft they felt against his own, or how Vanity’s hands rested on his chest and held onto him even after she broke off to let him speak again.

“...buh.” He remarked intelligently.

“You defended my honor. You could have struck them both down, yet you expressed restraint. You may not be a knight by legacy, but in spirit, you are the mightiest knight I know.” Vanity said, blushing despite herself. “A kiss is...hardly unwarranted.”

“...t-thank you.” He didn’t say more on the kiss, and she didn’t pursue it. Yet she never let go of his arm the rest of the day, not until they were home and Rarity returned to control once again.

Spike stopped in front of Ponyville Square’s fountain and stared into its watery depths for a few moments. Some realizations were starting to click in his mind about Vanity, Rarity, and himself. He let his mind focus on Rarity, imagining her reflection in the water’s surface: lovely, beautiful, pure as snow and the love of his life. But then his mind’s eye swept the colors of Rarity for the darker shades of Vanity: radiant, gorgeous, smiling at him and making his heart thump from the idea of kissing her again.

“...I think I have a problem.”

Spike wasn’t sure how long he stood in front of the door to Carousel Boutique. Honestly, he’d gotten so used to everything being excellent and relaxed between him and Rarity that to feel otherwise just seemed...wrong. He cherished her dearly, loved her without even the slightest of doubts. But now, he was having doubts about himself. He felt like time had reversed, and he was that little dragon again, always pining after the unicorn. Still chasing but without the wings, the muscles, the height! Good Celestia, the size alone was a help.

He squeezed his hands in front of him before balling them into fists at his sides, a huff of faux courage coming to him. He was Spike! And he was an adult! There was no reason he couldn’t come to Rarity, lay the cards on the table, and explain things out, and everypony acts like the responsible, intelligent adults they were. He was the assistant to Her Majesty, for scales’ sake! He marched himself up the steps leading to the door and knocked firmly three times, folding his arms while he waited. He could do this. That fire of his was burning with absolute assurance that things would work out just fine!

The door opened, and Rarity stood there in her work attire, but no less extraordinary in Spike’s eyes. The brushed mane, the adjusted glasses, the killer figure; she was the full package. He smiled at her, and she smiled back.

“Spikey-wikey!” She greeted before embracing him. He returned it with both arms, chuckling to himself. What did he have to worry about? This was good. There was comfort, warmth, and support. He sniffed and inhaled the flowery aroma of her scent and gazed at the violet locks atop her head.

Violet locks, just like...like…

“The mightiest knight I know.”

The fire snuffed out suddenly as it’d started. A Rockhoofian effort kept Spike from going weak, but he stumbled as he tried to answer back to what he only half caught as Rarity speaking.

“Say again, Rarity? I zoned out for a moment.”

“Oh, you must be tired from exercising. I told Twilight to give you breaks properly, but she’s such a workaholic, even as royalty!” Rarity remarked. She ushered him in and closed the door behind her. “I was just saying how fortuitous your presence here is. I needed an extra set of hands for this ensemble I’m putting on this mannequin. Come, come!”

He obeyed with little thought, finding the pit of his stomach collapsing deeper as he continuously saw things to think of Vanity and tearing his focus apart away from Rarity. He did his best to offer obligatory nods and grunts as he helped set up her new displays. Maybe he didn’t need to bring it up. Perhaps he could just...play sick the next few days. Just till things cooled down. He applied pins carefully and on autopilot, barely needing to consider them as each flash of purple or onyx black or silver would bring to mind Vanity.

“Spike, mind the pins. Now, don’t you think this number would just look absolutely lovely on Fluttershy?”

“Mmhmm.”

“She’d just have a ball in it I think. Well, my idea of a ball. Her’s is more or less spent at home.”

“Mmm.”

“And then she could dance the night away with that bear of hers. Or perhaps Discord might call up an ensemble.”

“Whatever makes her happy.”

“And then she could go on to conquer Equestria as Sombra’s right-hand queen, reborn and with an army of killer bunnies at her behest.”

“She’d be good for it.”

“Spike?”

“Yes?”

“I’m fairly sure you’ve poked that mannequin’s arm to death now.”

He snapped from his stupor and looked where he’d been working. To his credit, he hadn’t jabbed himself, but there were enough pins in place that there was no way this mannequin’s shoulder could move in any direction without tearing apart.

“Oh. Um.” Spike started. “I was...listening?”

“Did I lose you at dancing with a bear or the killer rabbits?”

“...there’s rabbits that kill?”

Rarity shook her head and set her things down, her horn glowing before the pins all removed themselves, save the appropriate ones needed for the display. “Come here, darling. You’ve something on your mind, and I’d like to know.” He did little to resist her leading him to the nearby table, where she sat down and he followed with an almost lackluster thump. “Now...what’s going on for you?”

“I...I just…” Spike sputtered. “I want to tell you. But you’ll be upset. I don’t want you upset.”

“Well, that eliminates a few options. I was honestly leaning to the idea of another impending disaster.” Rarity replied. “So it involves moi. Go on.”

“...” Spike sat there, trying to put the words together. They burned him, even as a dragon; how do you tell your marefriend, your lover, that you were falling for her...shade, is the term? Sisterly shadow?

“Have I done something to upset you?”

“No! Never. You could never. Not even if you burned my old comics.” He paused. “...please never consider that threat.”

“Forgotten already, dear. Then what is it? You seem...perplexed.”

“...is she here?” He questioned. At her confused look, he nodded at her in a meaningful manner. “She.”

“Oh. Goodness, you mean dear Vanity? No, she’s resting. Unaware. This conversation sounds private, though, so I’ve walled her off for now. I can do that.”

Spike clutched at his hands, fingers squeezing. He felt hot, like he should be sweating a storm, but found not a drop coming off him. His muscles twitched as his foot tapped urgently on the floor.

“My dear Spike, whatever has gotten into you to make you like this-”

“I like Vanity!”

He almost was shouting and clamped his hands over his mouth. There. They’d left him and took the burning sick feeling out with them. He looked at Rarity and thought he saw rejection in her confused eyes. He continued, and it poured out from him.

“I love you. I love you so much it hurts me. It hurts to even think I could look at another mare like I do you. But it’s because she reminds me of you. Because part of her is you. She laughs, she smiles, she talks in a way that I see you, and yet it isn’t you because it’s her! She’s her own amazing woman, and I have no business, no right, to even see her that way! I just got you back, and here I am, being an awful boyfriend, after all, we’ve said and shared. I feel ashamed and terrible! Like I don’t deserve to look at you!”

He shot up from his seat, not looking at the listening unicorn as he pressed on.

“She is different from you, and nopony could ever take your place. But I can’t lie to you and pretend there’s nothing about her that doesn’t appeal to me! She’s partially you! It’s not even some weird family bond thing; she is literally half you! And I tell myself, well, it’s alright to acknowledge a mare being pretty like she is, but you don’t go off and do things you shouldn’t want when you have a happy, fulfilling relationship with somepony already! Somepony amazing and gorgeous, and who I love! I loved you first, and I will always love you first. Cadance could cast some love spell on me, and I’d still choose you! I can’t...I can’t lose you. I can’t…”

Spike’s will crumbled, and he fell to his knees, eyes closed shut tight as he gripped at his legs for something to hold onto.

“...I can’t lose you again. It would break me.”

There was quiet in the parlor for a time. The world outside moved on, the wind lightly battering the window. Birds chirped as they flew by, a brief shadow overcast Spike’s face. The sunlight poured in, but the warmth didn’t spread through his being. He only sat there and waited.

The chair scraped on the floor as she got up. He tensed, then put up every mental bracing he had for himself. Here it came; the vengeful slap, the harsh words he deserved to be told, the utter disbelief that he could even look at another mare, let alone have more feelings than just for herself! Rarity’s heels clicked on the floor, and he heard her come to a stop in front of him. He waited.

Seconds passed.

The impact he felt wasn’t hard, or rough, or even quick. It was slow, on both sides of his cheek, palms pressing into them as fingertips reached just far enough to brush against his spines. He dared to open his eyes and saw Rarity’s face right in front of his. He stared but saw no hostility, no jealousy, no anger in her bright eyes—only understanding and warmth.

“Spike. Oh, my Spike.” She murmured. “Can you even begin to understand how I fell in love with you?”

“...w-what?”

Rarity smiled and shook her head. “What were you expecting, Spikey? A tantrum? Thrown furniture, tearful accusations?”

Spike just stared at her for a few moments before answering.

“Well. Some of that, yeah. Or at least your fainting couch.”

“Oh, that old thing? I did have a habit of using that prop, didn’t I?” Rarity remarked.

“It was your go-to for dramatic moments. Did you sell it?”

“Actually, I let Sweetie take it. The dear’s been such a doll with acting and music, but she wanted a piece of home for herself. It’s in good hands.”

Comprehending this along with the elapsed emotional whiplash left Spike to simply lay himself down on the floor, looking up at the ceiling. His dazed state allowed for Rarity to simply settle on the floor with him, placing his head in her lap and allowing her to gently run her fingers along his spines.

“Alright. I’m officially confused. What’s the deal, Rarity?” Spike asked. “You’re way too...prepared for a confession like that.”

“Hmm...you’re right. Perhaps just the right touch…” Rarity hummed aloud before levitating over a cushion from one of the nearby seats. Hovering it above his head, she let it fall to gravity’s pull, and the drake gave a light grunt before looking at the unicorn. “Will that do for now? I could use a bobby pin to poke myself until I shed a tear. Oh, but I just got this mascara right too…”

Spike reached up and took hold of Rarity’s free hand that had gone up to rub her chin in thought, holding it as he brought it back down to his chest. “Rarity. Focus, please. My confession? The emotions? You not rejecting me?”

“I couldn’t reject somepony, or somedrake especially, for being honest with me about his emotions. You’ve done better in coming right to me instead of doing what so many stallions do wrong: hiding it inside, building the tension up until you lash out in a terrible fashion, and compound your mistakes with lies and broken promises. You told me straight away. AJ would commend you for your honesty, probably with one of her little country-isms.” Rarity replied. “But that’s not the answer you’re really looking for, is it?”

Spike shook his head to the negative.

“In all the years that Vanity and I have been...I suppose bonded together is the term. I have done my best to give her the experiences of life that we take for granted. But among them all, social experiences have been the one thing I could not solve for. Who do I trust with such a secret? How safe would she be on her own out there, in a modern world with little experience to draw on? I could guide her, sure, but is that really letting her live or making her follow my instructions? She needed the genuine article. To truly get to experience freedom, laughter, joy. Even love.”

Rarity looked back down at Spike and smiled. “And then you came back into my world, Spikey-wikey. My gem among the coals. Someone I could trust, have faith in, and who could see beyond the surface to the pony needing a connection beneath the outside’s pretty face. Every time you two have gone out, she comes to me with the utmost delight. She gushes about you, praising you. You’ve done wonders for her and breathed life into her more than I could’ve thought to do on my own.”

“But...still,” Spike cut in, “I shouldn’t...be attracted like that. I’m your boyfriend.”

“That you are. But there’s something important you’re skipping over in your haste to keep to that adorable, wonderful chivalry of yours.” Rarity replied, giving his nose the tiniest tap with her finger before continuing. “Vanity is her own entity. As I am me. But we are also bound to one another. In a way, she gets herself - her looks, her charm - from her bond with me. She is a part of me that goes where I go, another facet of life I’ve come to appreciate. And so you, finding yourself attracted to and interested in this new facet, bring yourself to actually be embracing myself. Something I had not shown you until I truly could.”

Spike laid there and let this sink in for a few moments. The soothing strokes of Rarity’s hand continued while he thought before he spoke up. “So you’re...not upset. Because Vanity is part of you, and so that makes you ok with it?”

Rarity nodded. “In much simpler words, yes. You accepted me when I thought I’d shattered your heart and my only chance at love. Now I sit here, a much more complete and whole woman because of you and your wonderful heart, Spike. To deny Vanity that same blessing that I lavish in is cruel and selfish. The real question is, can you accept this new wrinkle in our lives? Will you show her the same affection you give to me?”

“...I think I can. But...you come first. Always.” Spike said. His mind was still reeling with the revelation of Rarity’s acceptance and reached up to caress her cheek. Cupping it in his palm, he watched as Rarity leaned into his touch and nuzzled it gently. “No matter what. You’re number one.”

“Oh, Spike…” She sighed, and he smiled for the first time since he first got there to the Boutique that morning. They stayed like that for a time before it occurred to Spike to mention something else.

“Rarity?”

“Yes, darling?”

“Can you...would you talk to Vanity for me? I think it will be...better, maybe? If it’s you to explain things, than me. She respects you without a second thought. You’re much better with romantic things than I am, after all.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t be so sure. You charmed the pants off this old mare. More than once, in fact.” She said, grinning down at him. “But maybe I can be convinced?” Her free hand came down to his chest, and a finger ran along his pectoral, tracing along with the muscle gently.

“How much convincing would you like?” He replied, smiling up at her as his hands came down to brush her middle, squeezing into her hips once they settled. Rarity gave a light shiver, her cheeks coloring brightly against her white fur.

“Carry me up those stairs, lover. Show me I’m not the only one with a silver tongue in this town.”

It was a blur of motion that carried Rarity upstairs to the Boutique’s bedroom, a flash of magic from her managing to flip the open sign to closed on the front door. It was what she could manage while Spike’s hands went to the distracting job of quickly disrobing her, their lips pressed to one another’s and muffling the gasp Rarity gave as he brought her to the bed. They wouldn’t be seen for several hours, not until Spike stumbled home with haphazardly thrown-on clothes and a smorgasbord of lipstick marks on his face and neck.

Teasings be damned, he loved that mare.