My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic: Friendship from afar.

Healing and Learning

Canterlot Hospital

Recovery Wing 4

While every hospital has its recovery section, the one in Canterlot was both special and exclusive. Located on the upper stories of the castle itself, it allowed visitors to come and go as they pleased, accessible through a secretive set of passage ways, as well as a guarded set of elaborately carved plated doors. Designed by the Princesses themselves, it was thoughtfully divided into two sections -Solar and Lunar - making it easier for both family and staff to go about their daily routines while keeping in as close contact as possible.

With direct input from Celestia herself, the Solar section was the embodiment of the sun itself; each part designed to give off full warmth and invigoration to the patients. From the gold embossed marble archways carved by the best stone masons to the plush carpeting imported from Neighpon, it was a true sight to behold.

Unfortunately, for the patient in room 7, none of these beautiful and aesthetic touches meant squat.

“For the last time, take these bandages off!” Dash roared, digging fruitlessly at the secure coverings over her eyes. “I can’t see!”

“Please don’t do that,” a rather concerned voice interjected. “You could irritate the eyelids and have to keep the wrapping on for a few more days.”

“Land sakes, Rainbow,” Applejack interrupted. “Could ya’ let the doc do his work? Quit bein’ so stubborn headed.”

“Just because I can’t see doesn’t mean I can’t kick your sorry flank around this room, A.J.”

“Girls! That’s enough!” Twilight finally growled, her patience at an end. “All this bickering is solving nothing!” The room visually grimaced at her sudden outburst, none more so than the doctor.

“You’re right, Twi,” Applejack nodded. “Sorry, Dash.” Rainbow just huffed in response.

“Pfft, whatever.”

“Aw, you guys are being meanies,” Pinkie said, giving puppy-dog eyes and pouting. “This isn’t how friends are suppose to act.” Her blue eyes lit up suddenly and she gave a smile that would make normal ponies’ jaws ache. “You know what this calls for?”

“Pinkie, no...”

“A PARTY!! Be-right-back!”

In a pink blur she was gone, the gentle sway of the door the only evidence she’d passed that way. Applejack merely sighed, slowly making her way after their hyperactive friend.

“Ah’ll go get her, Twi’. Probably headed for th’ kitchen, anyhow,” she called out as her flank vanished from view, leaving the doctor alone with a frustrated bookworm, a stubborn-headed patient, and one extremely shy pegasus mare.

In her defense, Fluttershy had remained composed during the bickering, though just barely. In fact, she was highly surprised that nopony in the room could hear her heart as it hammered away in her chest. She hated it when there was bickering between her friends (anypony actually) and given the circumstances surrounding them all, made it ever so much worse for her.

“Fluttershy?”

The sudden calling of her name was similar to Pinkie’s party cannon exploding in her ears. She squeaked in surprise, nearly falling out of her chair.

“Um, yes?” came her timid response, realizing it wasn’t an explosion, simply Twilight calling her name.

“Would you mind checking up on Spike and Rarity? I’ve been so busy I’ve not had the chance to do so myself. I’m sure they’re both fine but I could sure use an update,” Twilight gave a soft titter. “And you look as if you need a little fresh air.” Fluttershy didn’t have to think twice, giving a soft smile in response.

“Sure.”

“Just tell them both I’ll be down to visit as soon as I can, okay?”

“Okay.”

With soft, quiet steps, Fluttershy exited the room, leaving Twilight alone with Dash and her doctor. Twilight turned towards the doctor, her manner very professional and serious. “Well, doctor? What’s the diagnosis?” Inwardly she was thankful all the distractions were gone(she loved her friends dearly, but sometimes they caused grief on an astronomical level.)

“Blue Shield,” he said in a polite, yet matter-o-fact tone, adjusting his spectacles as he did so. “Used to be a Combat Medic for the Royal Guard during the Griffon Border Wars.” He turned away briefly, retrieving Rainbow’s medical charts. “Now that I’ve retired from service I spend my talents helping get ponies back on their hooves.”

“Well, if it’s not too much trouble, how about putting those talents to good use and removing these bandages?”

“Rainbow...”

Shield gave a hearty chuckle. “No, she is quite right. I wouldn’t want to be in her situation, either. Let me go over your charts to double check everything...”

Rainbow simply huffed and crossed her forelegs in frustration as he flipped through her paperwork.

“Yes, everything seems to check out okay... Look’s like a moderate case of flash-blindness; thankfully with no permanent damage or lasting effects.”

Twilight didn’t like the way Shield paused after his last statement; nor the subtle facial quirks that belied something more than what he was willing to divulge. At least, for now. What was he withholding and why? She watched as he turned, placing the chart upon the side table and began adjusting the blinds to divert sunlight from Dash’s position - an effort to keep her friend’s sensitive eyes from any unwanted pain. With his back to her, Twilight sprung into action.

Closing her right eye in concentration, she began tugging at the charts with her magic, only to feel it fizzle at direct contact. A Cancellation Spell! Strong one, too. She scrunched her face in frustration, letting her magic subside. So much for that idea.

“Ah, here we are,” Blue sung out, returning with forceps in hoof. “Now, Rainbow Dash, once I’ve blocked as much sunlight from the room as I could, but expect some pain from the existing light hitting your retinas.”

Gripping the forceps tightly within his fetlock, Shield locked onto the small, silver clasp holding the bandages in place, dislodging it with a soft “clink”. Retrieving it, he placed both it and the forceps back upon the side table and gripped an aquamarine-tinted dropper before gently prying the sterile, white cloth free from its brethren. Rainbow groaned in pain as the dim light penetrated her eyelids.

“I’m going to need you to open your eyes for me. Just for a second.”

“I- it hurts,” she protested, rolling away from the doc.

“I know,” he responded soothingly, readying the vile for application. “It will all be over in just a few seconds; then you can have a lollipop.” Twilight had to manage her best to keep her snicker inaudible.

“Not cool, man. So not cool.”

“C’mon now, open those peepers for me.”

Rainbow complied, straining against the discomfort of the illumination, and against her better judgement not to smack the buck out of Blue Shield for that lollipop comment. She wasn’t some little filly and she had little toleration to being treated as such. ‘Oh, just you wait until I get my hooves on y-‘

Almost instantly the pain vanished, the burning and scratching replaced with soothing comfort (and a slight bout of itchiness).

“There we are,” Shield said, placing the vile back into its resting place. “You should feel much better now. I’ll leave the shades drawn until you feel the need to open them.”

“What was in there?,” Twilight queried, a part of her becoming giddy on learning anything related to science.

“Hm? Oh, it’s nothing really, just synthetic pegusai tears. Not quite as good as the real deal, but the effects are exactly the same.” He focused his attention back to his patient. “Also, don’t rub your eyes until the itchiness goes away completely, understand? It will just hinder the lubrication process.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on her,” Twilight nodded, still inwardly frustrated at not being able to see Rainbow’s charts.

“Ah, good,” Shield smiled, tucking the charts away, earning him a scrutinizing look from Twilight. “I’ve a few more patients to check on. If the itching gets worse just buzz the nurse and have her administer another few drops.” He gave a playful, curt bow. “Rainbow, it’s been an honor.” With that, he exited the room, leaving the two mares alone.

“Geez, is that guy full of himself or what?”

“What were you thinking?” Twilight nearly screamed, slamming her hooves down on the bed, causing Dash to jump in surprise. “I told you not to go!”

“Hey! Don’t jump my flank! It wasn’t like you two were gunna do anything!”

Twilight was ready to raise to the ceiling. “Not do anything? NOT DO ANYTHING!?! This isn’t some competition, Rainbow! You’re just lucky flash-blindness isn’t permanent. Thank Luna you weren’t corneal-seared or worse!” Twilight pushed off the mattress top, away from a slack-jawed pegasus and stepped back, collecting her thoughts. “What were you thinking? Were you even thinking at all?”

For the first time in, well, a long time, Rainbow lowered her eyes, unable to look her friend. Twilight was right. It had been foolish of her to go off on her own but, dammit, that how she was. Who she was. Being the Element of Loyalty only brought out the desire - the need - to protect her friends and others from dangers. Maybe Twilight couldn’t see or remember that, maybe she didn’t understand that desire, that drive, to push one’s self to the limit. Oh, who was she fooling by trying to dissect herself anyway? Twilight was right and that’s all that mattered.

Looking up, Rainbow noticed that Twilight had moved to the shade-drawn window, and was now peering through them. Rainbow blinked, adjusting to the new light, watching her friend gaze, emotionless, at whatever was transpiring outside.

“You should’ve stuck to the plan, Dash,” Twilight said softly, bringing her gaze back upon her friend. The look and tone of anger had vanished, replaced with disappointment. “I though something horrible had happened when I saw that flash. There was nothing any of us could’ve done. Do you have any idea how scared I was? What would have I told Princess Celestia about-“

”It had me,” Rainbow spoke, barely above a whisper, her head lowered once more.

“What?” Twilight questioned, her concern snapping back to the forefront.

“IT HAD ME, OK?” Rainbow’s eyes were glistening; forelegs wrapped around her barrel and she was shivering. A primal fear, something she hadn’t felt since that fateful night, came flooding back full force. And she was powerless to fight it. “You were right, ok? I should’ve listened to you, should’ve stayed put, but I- I-“

There was a sudden shifting of the mattress and a pair of lavender hooves wrapped themselves around her, steadying her. “Rainbow... It’s ok.”

“I could feel it, y’know? These claw-like appendages closing in around me. I could hear a alternating pulse of water somewhere below. Then I was just laying on the ground, like nothing had happened. That’s when I heard you calling.”

“It’s okay, really. Everything is fine now.”

Rainbow gave a half-hearted struggle against her friends’ bonds. “No, it’s not ok. I didn’t listen, I didn’t stay put, and what’s worse, I put everyone in danger by making you come after me. ‘It’ could’ve hurt you guys - or worse.”

Twilight let her grip go slack and worker herself along the mattress, coming into her friend’s view. She smiled softly. “Rainbow, believe me when I tell you everything is fine.” She held up a hoof at Dash’s signs of protest. “No pony was hurt, you’re okay, and you managed to chase that thing off.”

“Are you positive it’s gone?” came the expected retort. “I mean, I couldn’t see, so...”

“Yes, I’m sure,” came Twilight’s upbeat and positive response; although part of her questioned if it truly was gone. I mean sure, she saw it rise into the night sky and wink away in the distance - as had the two Royal guards with her, yet she couldn’t completely fight off that nagging nibble in the back of her mind. “Besides, Luna and Celestia have had guards on patrol ‘round the clock. If it did manage to stay behind, they’ll find it.” Twilight beamed her pearly whites at Rainbow, making the latter raise an eyebrow. “In any case, don’t work yourself up about it. The damage is almost repaired and I’m pretty sure we’ll be able to go home soon.”

Something was wrong. Rainbow knew it. The way Twilight was speaking in past tense; how she forced her smile; the constant guard involvement; and now talk of heading back to Ponyville. A sudden chill worked its way though her body.

“Twilight,” she began, bitting at her lip, “how long have I been in here?”

In her defense, Twilight did the best she could. Which usually leads to great fits of rambling.

“Well, given the workload of the hospital, not to mention the massive influx of more ponies... I mean, this staff fantastic!”

“How. Long?”

Twilight sighed in defeat, mentally prepping herself for the onslaught of questions she was about to be bombarded with.

“Five days.”

“Down the hallway and to the left; third door on the right.”

“Oh, t-thank you.”

Fluttershy nervously made her way along the Lunar wing of the hospital. Well, maybe “nervous” wasn’t exactly the proper word. “Terrified,” now that was more like it.

It wasn’t the staff on this wing, they were very nice and helpful (even if all of them were Thestrals); nor was it the fact of being alone in an unfamiliar place. Well, maybe a little, seeing as how she felt that every eye was upon her. Unnerving.

No, it was the colors chosen for the Lunar wing - from the onyx and purple Night Lilies to the long corridors painted deep blue, accented with pale velvet moldings - everything about it was dark, cool, and somewhat foreboding.

A Hospice section; or close too it anyway - the colors should’ve been a clear indicator of that. The real question was: why was Spike here? Surely his injury hadn’t been that bad, had it? Was it dragon related? Him being a baby and all... Fluttershy shook her head in mild frustration.

For the most part, dragons were big, mean and scary, so she avoided almost anything and everything related to them, meaning her knowledge of their physiology was extremely limited. To prevent a massive panic attack, Shy decided that the other wing was understaffed and the put him here for better care, no matter what her brain was trying to rationalize.

And then she passed it, finding herself at a t-junction at the end of the corridor. Backtracking, she gave a soft sigh of relief, thankful nopony else had seen her (though it didn’t stop the embarrassment from tinting her cheeks pink). Placing her hoof on the door knob, Fluttershy turned it gently and stepped within, her jaw dropping slightly.

Unlike the opposite wing, the rooms on this end were massive, containing an actual living quarters for the family while being separated by thick viewing panels, just like the maternity wing at Ponyville; deep onyx curtains installed on both sides for privacy; sound-cancelling enchantments for added freedom and security. Luxurious furniture and appointments decorated this side of the glass, on par with Royal living quarters. And there, seated upon the sofa next to a side table of spent tissues, sat Rarity.

“Um, Rarity?” came the familiar, timid voice. “Are you okay?” The latter didn’t answer, choosing to stare vacantly at the divider. “Um, you don’t look so good.”

Fluttershy made it a point to never make fun of her friends or their appearance (the whole debacle with Iron Will made her feel terrible to the point to apologizing ad nauseam). This was especially true with Rarity, whose unbelievable ability to create the most desirable fashion wear was nothing short of stunning. And yet, despite everything she know of her friend, Fluttershy could think of no other words that what she’d previously spoke to describe the scene before her.

Rarity’s indigo mane, always meticulously brushed and coiffed, now lay disheveled upon her scalp, full of tangles and split ends. Azure eyes, always so vibrant with inspiration and slight mischievousness, were now cold and glazed, seemingly unsure how to take in all of the transpired events around them. Twin grey streaks traced around her cheeks before curling under to a point on her chin, easy indications that Rarity had been unable to keep the flood gates from opening - evident by the matching color splotches on the pristine, white coat of hers.

“Rarity?”

For the first time (probably in days), Rarity slowly turned, angling her eyes towards the sound of her name. For a brief moment their eyes met; compassionate cyan orbs studying crestfallen azure irises. It wasn’t a stare-down, nor was it meant to be, yet Rarity was the first to break, burying her face into her hooves once more, heart-wrenching sobs beginning to echo softly within the confines of the room. Fluttershy didn’t hesitate, rushing to her friend’s side almost instantaneously.

“Shhh,” Shy whispered, wrapping her wings around Rarity, creating a cocoon of safety. “Please calm down. There’s no need to be upset. Everything’s okay.” Rarity shook her head miserably.

“N-no, it’s not okay,” she replied, doing her best to pull free of Fluttershy’s embrace. “Everything’s gone to Tartarus, Rainbow’s hurt, and Spike... Spike is- is...”

Fluttershy simply hugged her friend close, rubbing her cheek against the top of her head in an effort to soothe her even more. The struggling beneath her wings gradually subsided until only Rarity’s soft, rhythmic breathing could be heard.

“Poor dear, she must be exhausted.”

If not for her hold on Rarity, Fluttershy would’ve covered herself with her wings and squealed in surprise at the foreign voice assaulting her ears. She jerked her head up, coming face-to-face with one of the Thestral nurses. Fluttershy started to speak but the nurse simply “shushed” her, waving a dismissive hoof.

“Please, do not rouse her,” the bat pony whispered. “I’ve just come to inform you that the patient is awake and is asking for a ‘Twilight Sparkle’. Would that be you, by chance?” Fluttershy’s cheeks tinted pink.

“Oh n-no, not me. She’s in the other wing. Would you mind getting her? I’m a little... uhm...”

“Think nothing of it,” the mare smiled. “Your friend needs all the rest she can get.” She raised a hoof to her chin. “I don’t think she’s slept more than a couple of hours in the past few days. She must really care for her friend in the other room.”

With a soft nod and a smile, the nurse turned and left, leaving Fluttershy and an exhausted Rarity alone once more. Shy looked down at the snow-white mare, now snoring softly, and couldn’t help but giggle.

“Wake up soon, Rarity. Spike will want to see you, too.”

A half-eaten piece of quartz landed back amongst its brethren as Spike grabbed his skull in bittersweet victory, continuing to chew the softer gem in silence. Such was the risk he’d been willing to take.

Both the doctor and nurse had cautioned him on eating whole gems as the vibrations from the crunching would irritate his injury a hundred fold, choosing instead to bring the young drake a combination of powdered diamonds and crushed opals in an attempt to keep discomfort to a minimum. But Spike was insistent on having fresh gems and, in the end, the staff reluctantly complied with his requests.

“I bet they’re all in the hallway laughing right now,” Spike grumbled, placing the bowl back on the side table, eyeing the powdered minerals just opposite. A low tummy grumble signaled his hunger had still not be sated. He closed his eyes as the scent impacted his nostrils, making his mouth water.

Well, it would be a waste not to eat it, considering the time and effort that went into its preparation; and it sure beat having his cranium pound every time he chewed course minerals. Grabbing the bowl with his claws, he immediately set to work. He closed his eyes in bliss as the first spoonful slid down his throat with ease. He let out a sigh of contentment. Extravagant.

“Glad to see your appetite isn’t injured.”

Spike’s eyes snapped open at the sound of that familiar voice.

“Twilight!” He exclaimed, then quickly grabbed his head, wincing. Definitely too soon to be yelling. “How are you? Is everypony ok? What did I miss?” Twilight didn’t speak right away, choosing to gaze sternly upon him.

Uh-oh, here comes the lecture.

“Spike, I’m very disappointed in you,” she began. “I told you to stay and help Rarity, not come looking for us. You could’ve been seriously injured, maybe even-“ she stopped herself before uttering the next word. Deep breaths, Twilight. Deep breaths. “What were you thinking?”

To be fair, he’d been expecting this ever since Rainbow had rescued him, even more so that his discussion with Rarity (which, if he survived Twilight’s lecture, he’d finish later). And judging by Twilights’ unfaltering, constant stare, she was still expecting an answer.

But what exactly was he supposed to say? He’d done it on instinct, brotherly love of the one being he’d known as ‘mom‘ for so long. Would she accept this as a viable excuse or would it take much more for forgiveness (and why did he find himself becoming inwardly angry?)

“I couldn’t just leave you behind,” he began, trying to keep his voice from cracking. “What did you expect me to do?”

“I expected you to follow directions,” came her sharp, stinging quip. “With everything going on I was trusting you to do what I asked.” Her response left him both wide-eyed and slack jawed. He could feel the moisture forming in the corner of his eyes. “I’m a grown mare. I can take care of myself just fine without someone checking up on me.”

Whatever inner strength or test of will the young drake was using to keep his mixed back of emotions in check let go.

“Oh, that’s real big talk from somepony who couldn’t have survived without Applejack and Rainbow!”

Now it was Twilight’s turn to go wide-eyed.

“Now wait just a minute-“

”Oh, you think I didn’t know?” The tears were flowing freely now, but he showed no signs of stopping. “Applejack told me the whole thing last night: the loss of your magic, the wall of water, and your aerial rescue. If not for your friends you wouldn’t even be here!”

“Spike, please listen-“

”No! You listen! Did you ever stop and think about your family? About me?” Twilight felt the wind rip right out of her sails, her face full of regret, wishing she could redact everything she’d just said prior. Spike pulled his legs up and leaned forward, wrapping his arms around his knees. “You were the first pony I saw when I hatched. Aside from Celestia’s assisting hoof, you raised me, you took care of me, loved me, and fed me. You were my mother, sister, and best friend. I may not know much about my dragon heritage, but I do know I have a long life span-“ he brought his eyes level with hers. “-and I couldn’t imagine how hard the rest of those years could’ve been had I lost you.”

That was all the unicorn could take. Twilight closed the distance between them rapidly, leaning over the mattress and pulling Spike into a loving embrace. Now she was crying as well.

“Spike,” she whispered, “I know you’re mad at me and you’ve got every right to be, but don’t ever, ever think I wasn’t worried about you.”

Spike sniffled, wiping at his eyes. “But-“

She silenced him with a gentle hoof to his lips, giving a warm, loving smile in return.

“I love you, Spike.”

No more words were spoken. None were needed. There would be a time to reflect and diagnose everything with everypony. But that time was later.

Much, much later.

“Um, I hope we’re not interrupting,” came a familiar timid voice, which was followed by an equally familiar Bitish accent.

“Yes, Darling, we’d hate to interrupt a bonding moment, but I-we just wanted to make sure everypony was ok.” Fluttershy nodded quaintly in agreement.

Clutching Spike tightly, Twilight looked like a deer caught in the headlights, unsure of what to say or how to respond.

“H-how long have you been there?” she managed to burble out.

“Um, well, we heard yelling and knocked, but you didn’t answer.”

“Not long, Deary,” Rarity interjected as Fluttershy slipped behind her in embarrassment. “Like Fluttershy said, we heard quite the uproar so we decided to investigate.” Her eyes met Spike’s for a spit second before forcibly shifting to Twilight’s. “Purely out of concern, of course.”

“Everything is fine,” Twilight consoled, letting go of Spike. She could’ve sworn she’s seen a hint of jealousy glinting in Rarity’s eyes, but maybe it was the stress getting to her. “I think everypony is out of sorts as of late.” She sighed. “It’s been a long five days, hasn’t it?” Spike tenderly rubbed the back of his head.

“Yeah... I didn’t want to say anything Rarity, but you look a little... rough.”

The walls flexed at the loss of air pressure at what was, quite possibly, the biggest gasp ever heard. Even louder than Pinkie’s.

“SPIKE!?!”

Spike was sure he was about to get another ear-splitting reminder on proper etiquette when suddenly, Rarity tittered. She actually tittered, waving a hoof dismissively at the pair.

“Now, now, Twilight. There’s no need for such dramatics.” She brought herself to look directly at the young drake, smiling softly with a hint of silver behind her eyes. “He is quite right, for I do look a tad under the weather; nothing a treatment with Aloe and Lotus can’t cure.”

“I do hope my animal friends are okay,” Fluttershy’s voice said from somewhere behind Rarity. “And Ponyville, too. I just want all of this to be over so we can go home.”

“I just hope we have a home to go back to,” came Spike’s rather morose retort.

The sound of armored hoof falls coming from down the hallway halted any further conversation from the group as two of Luna’s personal guards made their presence known. The two approached, kneeling and prostrating themselves before the group.

“We hate to interrupt, but Princess Luna has requested you presence in the Royal Court.”

A collective groan escaped the four. The two guards looked at one another, shrugging.

“Please tell me this isn’t more bad news,” Twilight said, holding a hoof to her temple. “I don’t think any of us can handle more of that.” Spike seconded the notion.

“Yeah, what exactly does she require us for?”

“Our princess did not disclose the nature of the request, but we can assure you it was not ‘bad news.’”

“We’ll need to get the others. Fluttershy, if you’d be so kind...”

“Do not trouble yourself, Twilight. Princess Celestia has already sent her own guards to gather your friends. Come, follow us, please.”

Well, they were organized, she’d give them that. As the group mobilized, Twilight noticed one hanging behind. “Rarity?”

“Oh, I’ll be along momentarily,” the fashionata responded with a hoof wave. “I’ll bring Spike along, too.”

“Well ok, but don’t take too long. You know how Princess Luna can be ...impatient.”

With a giggle and another hoof wave, Rarity sent them on their way, leaving her alone with Spike. She could feel her heart palpitations increasing just being in close proximity to the drake. She been close to him before: gem collecting, sorting her varied swaths of cloth, even accompanying the others to the spa. So why was now any different? It shouldn’t be, yet she couldn’t halt the hammering within her chest; nor the butterflies swimming in her stomach.

“Uh, Rarity? You okay?”

No. She couldn’t face him like this - all flustered and out of sorts. She needed to compose herself, to be the regal fashionista she knew she was and is. She couldn’t let her l-feelings for this drake turn her into an emotional mess. A grating of her teeth, one deep breath, and...

“Yes, Spike, I’m fine,” she returned, “though I would ask the same of you.” She faced him once more, the silver behind her eyes shining even brighter than before. “I mean, here you are, injured, and you’re left to heal in such dreadful design atrocities. I simply must address Prince Luna about her horrible choices in decor.”

“Rarity, listen. About what I said on the train... I never meant any of it. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?”

The feeling she’d semi-successfully been holding at bay came back, making her heart flutter something fierce. No, she wouldn’t lose it. Not now. Reaching out, she took Spike’s cheeks between her hooves, giving them a tender, gentle squeeze.

“Oh you silly little dragon,” Rarity cooed as the drake blushed, “of course I forgive you.” She leaned forward, his lips so tantalizingly close. No, she couldn’t, she mustn’t. Instead, she angled her approach to plant a kiss upon his forehead. That brought forth a blush from Spike that even his coloring couldn’t hide. She just hoped he didn’t notice her own cheeks flushing slight pink, nor her dainty lip bite.

“Thank Celestia,” he managed to choke out under the circumstances. “I thought for sure you’d never speak to me again.”

“Nonsense,” she spoke matter-o-factly, releasing him. “Twilight would have Rainbow constantly bombard my boutique with all sorts of foul weather if I couldn’t get over such a petty misunderstanding.”

Gently, as not to cause further discomfort to Spike, Rarity cautiously levitated the young drake from his confines and placed him upright upon the floor.

“Besides, we’re friends and friends don’t stay mad at each other. Now come along. The princesses have requested our presence.”

She exited the room, leaving Spike to himself. He gave a heavy sigh.

“Yeah... friends...”

And just like that he knew, deep down, that was all they’d ever be.