The Scales of Attraction

Chapters

Chapter 1 - August 11th
Chapter 3 - September 19th
Chapter 4 - September 27th
Chapter 5 - October 4th
Chapter 6 - October 31st
Chapter 7 - Into the Future...
Chapter 2 - September 18th

Chapter 1 - August 11th

Late summertime in Ponyville. There’s really no mistaking it. The sun beating down, the temperatures rising, and cloud coverage so sparse that the town’s few weather ponies for once found themselves overstaffed. Still, a job’s a job, and so they flew along, three to a cloud, trying to move some extra shade around town.

This work eventually arrived at the center of the town square, where the great tree of Ponyville Library rose high above the nearby rooftops. As moved the shade, so moved the light, and as that cloud was pushed by and even with the shade drawn, a sunbeam still managed to find its way through the window of a certain teenage dragon and hit him square in the face.

Spike groaned and flopped over in his bed. Groggily, his head still weary from a 16 hour train ride and a nap that barely got started before it ended, he opened his eyes. He blinked a few times. The thought came to try and fall back asleep, but loud shouts and the louder eruption of a stereo speaker downstairs quickly put an end to that.

Well, guess Pinkie formally started Twilight’s welcome back party.

The teenager grabbed a pillow over his head and curled back up. His t-shirt was lightly soaked in sweat from the heat, though that didn’t bother him. Heat never got to him. The noise was a bit much, but he was still too tired to do much more than lie there and try to let his mind once more drift off to-

BZZZZZZZZ

Spike’s phone, foolishly left on the hardwood nightstand, vibrated with a flurry of incoming texts that sent the sound of burrowing hornets right into his head. He jolted upright. Now much more alert than he cared to be, he rubbed his eyes a few times and reached for his phone, quickly flipping it over to see what was up. Button Mash’s name flashed across the screen, followed by his texts.

Button:
[Spike!!!]
[Dude!!!!]
[R you back?]
[I think yes!]

Spike snorted while his thumbs worked the tiny keyboard:
[WHO TOLD]

Button:
[I can here the music from my house! Pinkies being super loud! My walls are shaking!!!]

Spike:
[HOW UNUSUAL FOR HER]
[ALSO YEAH GOT BACK A FEW HOURS AGO]

Button:
[:D]
[Come hang out! Missed u dude!!]

Spike smiled. He had missed his best friend a lot over the past few months, and even though they frequently exchanged texts and emails, nothing really replaces being face-to-face. Still, his weariness was doing an excellent job of anchoring him squarely to his bed, and besides, there was still two weeks until school started. Plenty of time left for socializing.

Spike:
[DUNNO, KINDA TIRED.]
[REAL LONG TRIP]

Button:
[boooooooooo]
[Spike u been gone all summer, itching to hang again]
[Im bout to hang out with Featherweight and others]
[Everypony will wanna see you!!!]

A loud blast from downstairs briefly drew Spike’s attention. By the sound of things, and especially Twilight’s sudden shouts, Pinkie was getting a little excited with the fireworks again.

Guess I won’t be getting much sleep here anyway.

He looked back to his phone.

Spike:
[MAYBE]
[NOT A HUGE THING?]
[DON’T WANNA GET MORE WORN OUT]

Before Button’s response came through, Spike heard a knock at the door.

“Spike?” Twilight’s voice carried remarkably well over the sound of the party. “Can I come in?”

“It’s open,” Spike replied.

With a gentle push, the door swung forward. Twilight Sparkle peeked her head inside, fingers of one hand resting on the knob. Her hoof nudged against the doorframe, idly kicking a loose sock towards his hamper. She smiled as her eyes traveled the room: starting at Spike, drifting over his desk overflowing with papers, past the somewhat extensive collection of horror movie posters that crowded the walls, and finishing on the small pile of bulging suitcases blocking his closet door.

“Hey Spike,” she said gently. Spike noticed a small glow in her horn. The room abruptly got a lot quieter. “How are you doing up here?”

“I’m okay. Was kinda trying to nap, but I think Pinkie’s gonna make me take a rain check on that one.”

“You know the girls, they missed me pretty good.” Twilight grinned and pointed at the teen. “They missed you almost as much, you know. Feel up for coming down to make an appearance?”

Spike politely rolled his eyes. “Well, I am so very awake now, it might be rude not to make a token appearance.”

“Not if you don’t feel like it, of course.”

“Maybe I don’t feel like it.”

“You could stay here, start unpacking your suitcases, putting all those clothes away.”

“Actually, maybe I do feel like it.”

“Could even, you know, organize all your papers for your teacher conferences next week.”

Spike groaned internally. He’d nearly forgotten that he was gonna be back at school earlier than the rest of his class. Cutting out the end of his junior year a month early has some drawbacks, to be sure, even if it was for, as Twilight put it at the time, important academic work that would further service his studies and life beyond school.

She’s the one who said it, but he’s the one who’s got to go back and prove it to them.

Spike’s phone buzzed again. His eyes flickered down to meet the message.

Button:
[small thing, totally chill]
[real intimate]
[Few good friends]
[Youll have fun]
[Come now!]

“Spike! We know you’re up there! Git down here an’ give your auntie Applejack a hug!”

“Me first Spike! I called dibs!”

Applejack’s holler carried well even through Twilight’s quiet spell, while Pinkie’s shout seemed to ignore it entirely. The unicorn giggled before looking down at the phone in Spike’s hand.

“Button saying hi? He was pretty quick about it.”

Spike tapped a rapid reply before snapping his phone shut and slipping it into his pocket.

“What can I say, folks missed me.”

He stood up slowly, stretching his arms over his head, then legs out each way. His wings were up next, and he extended them out as far as they could go to really give them a necessary flex. They’d managed to grow even bigger over the break and he had to be careful not to knock the lamp off his desk. Body finally limbered up, he walked over to the door, looking carefully at Twilight.

“So, uh, Twilight,” he said, somewhat quieter than he meant. “I know they are all waiting for me down there and I wanna see them too, but, uh, well…”

Twilight’s eyes narrowed and her grin sharpened. “But, it’s been a really long trip, and you don’t think you can handle the whole gang right now.”

Spike smiled. “Yeah, that.”

“And I can just tell them you’re resting comfortably up here,” Twilight went on. “Whereas whether you’re here or, say, sneaking out the window to go see a friend of yours on a nice summer day in the last part of your break before school starts again… well, who’s to say and who’s to know?”

Spike smiled even wider. “Thanks, Twilight.”

Twilight leaned fully through the door with her arms out, and the two shared a tight hug.

“Whatever happens today, tomorrow: bags unpacked, papers ready.” Twilight’s voice hit the right balance between kindness and firmness. Spike recognized it, and knew not to disappoint it.

“Yup, you got it.”

“That’s my dragon. Love you. Fly safe out there.” With a small kiss on his head that she knew Spike pretended to hate, Twilight backed off and shut the door. The muted shimmer remained around the room, though Spike was still able to hear Twilight as she shouted down the stairs on her return to the festivities below.

“Sorry girls, Spike is taking a much needed nap. So I guess we’ll have to just party on without him and Pinkie I said no lighting those fireworks in the kitchen the fire crew was very specific last time!”

Spike moved with a purpose. He swapped shirts into something less covered in sleep drool, briefly smelled his pits, found them acceptable, then headed for his window. He yanked the cord. The shade quickly rolled back to the top and he was nearly blinded by the amount of sunlight that poured into his room.

Retinas… fused… dumb dumb dragon…

Spike shook his head until the spots in his eyes faded. Pushing against the window pane until it opened good and wide, he carefully eased his body onto the ledge. The library was just a tree, but it was a very tall tree, and his room was high enough up that he had a good view of the whole area.

With a snap his wings unfurled and he was in the air. A little shaky at first, still stiff from the long train journey, but after a few flaps he righted himself and carried his way up over the town for the short trip over to Button’s house a mere seven blocks away.

Okay, nice little get together, see Button, have some laughs, relax, sneak back here after AJ’s dragged Dash home. Good plan, good plan.

This was not the plan.

The party raged around them at a scale Spike didn’t think was possible. At least two hundred teenagers were milling about the grand estate, most in or near the pool at the center of the rear promenade. More filtered out onto the back lawns, or into the dancing throng by the DJ booth set up near the far gazebo. A few frenzied waiters wandered around the food tent, though most of the hungry guests paid them no mind. Everyone was too busy partying the day away.

How can this place be so big?

Spike couldn’t recall ever actually going to Diamond Tiara’s house. He’d flown by it once or twice, but they didn’t exactly share social circles, so he never felt the need to land. Still, it looked plenty big from the air, and somehow bigger from the ground.

Spike was standing somewhat awkwardly along the wide stone terrace directly by the mansion’s rear doors. It faced a patio area the size of a convenience store and was the only area around not totally packed, everyone else content to move closer to the buzz elsewhere. Button stood next to him, red cup already in hand, happily taking in all the sights.

“Button,” Spike said sternly.

“Spike, you made it this far, and that’s good for you.” Button took a quick drink to finish off his soda. “You’ve been gone a while and I think the best thing for you is to just leap back into the social deep end.”

“Button,” Spike repeated. “A small gathering. An intimate get together. A few close friends. These are the words in the texts.”

“You’re misremembering.”

“I can pull them up now.”

“Diamond Tiara’s End Of Summer Spectacular is a special event, a time for everypony to get together and relish each other’s company, to get in one last great party before the weight of school drags us down for yet another nine months.”

“A chill time, that’s what I was promised. What I dragged my tired bones out of bed for.”

“We had to sneak back to your place, grab your bike, take another half hour ride to get here. Why waste the journey?”

“I have wings. I can abandon my bike, live the rest of my life in the sky. It’s quiet up there. Peaceful.”

“Did you know this is the first year she’s really opened up invites? Doubled the party size in the process. Look how happy everypony is about that. She even got K4sp3r to DJ, and they’re still real hip. Or so I keep hearing. Are they? I don’t, uh, listen to the right music, I think.”

“Just the sheer magnitude of this event, it blinds me. Staggers, even. I’d try to find a bush to pass out in for a nap but I’d worry about falling over someone already in there.”

“Spike, look.” Button turned and looked Spike in the eyes. “You have been gone for more than three months. You ditched out of the school year early. We have all missed you and we all are happy that you’re back and wanna start making up for that lost time. Plus, you could definitely hear the party for a while before we even got here. Lots of chances to turn back, and you didn’t, which says that least part of you does want to be here. So why not relax and at least try to enjoy yourself?”

Spike grimaced, though he knew his friend had a point.

“I’ve just… I’ve never really been to a party before.” He looked around again, eyes sweeping the crowd. “What does one… do?”

“Like I know?” Button laughed. “We’re the geeks here. But then, so is at least a quarter of the crowd. As I said, she really loosened the invite requirements. Just, you know… mingle. High five friends, smile and wave, that sort of thing.”

Spike looked over the multitude of colorful faces. Teenagers of all varieties littered the grounds. A hodgepodge of earth ponies wandered around starting impromptu games of unknown rules that always seemed to end with someone getting pushed into the enormous pool. Unicorns floating their drinks in front of them, a few more daring ones even showing off their burgeoning abilities by levitating a pitcher to pour their friend’s drink, often to limited success. Overhead packs of pegisi swooped back and forth, kept in check mainly by their desire to not stray too far from the fun of the crowd. Despite the heat everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time, and the steady supply of light food and soda kept the energy levels at the right amount to sustain things without boiling over.

Spike took it all in. “Geeze, it looks like our whole high school is here. Diamond’s parents out of town or something?”

Button shook his head. “Word is they’re inside somewhere; house is locked down so they don’t really care. As for out here, it’s just about a third of our school, I think. Featherweight is helping at the gate and he crunched the numbers earlier. What we got here is all of the incoming Junior class, such as yours truly, and a good portion of the new Seniors, which would include you. Plus a few batches of randos from Canterlot High, Sunnyview Prep, St. Saddleton’s, uh… I think I saw somepony with a Cloudsdale United jacket but I’m betting that’s mostly some pegasi up there.”

The size of it all was getting to Spike. He’d been in plenty of crowds and events all his life, but suddenly felt himself adrift in a strange new sea. He shifted awkwardly backwards, one hand fidgeting deep in his pocket. Button picked up on his friend’s discomfort and leaned in.

“Look, we don’t gotta stay if you don’t want to. Say the word and we can head back to my place and play video games.We got a couple hundred rounds of Sharko Racer we’re overdue to play, so it’s really no biggie. It actually will be a quiet time, just the two of us, no pressure at all. I’m truly good with whatever.”

Spike considered this for a moment, then shook his head. The urge to stay had won out over his hermit side, bolstered by so much time away from friends. “Nope. I’m here, and you’re right, I gotta… well, I gotta start making an effort.”

“That’s the spirit.” Button patted the dragon on the back. “So let’s wander in and see who we see.”

He took a deep breath and before Spike could say anything else, marched defiantly towards the crowd, politely pushing the dragon alongside.

It didn’t take long for them to get completely lost in the mix. The ocean of teens was in constant flow, currents bouncing off each other in every direction, and it was all Spike could do to keep his head above water. Still, most of the faces were friendly ones, and every few moments he got at least a quick hello from someone he sorta remembered from last year or the year before that, or sometimes even further back. Button got much farther in the conversations, stopping and chatting every few meters while Spike hung back, hands in his pockets and trying not to look too out of place.

The scale of time wobbled, and it seemed to him only a few moments had gone by before he realized it had been over an hour. Spike kept smiling and nodding, smiling and nodding.

Wow, I gotta keep up with everyone’s names better. That’s like the fourth pony who knew me and I have no idea who they are. Huh, party like this, I wonder where-

“Spike! Spike Sparkle!”

It was an unmistakable voice. Spike hardly had time to turn around before a white and pink blur rushed into him, giving him a great big hug that took his breath away. Button jumped in surprise.

“Spike! It’s been so long, we missed you so much, how did it go? What did you do? Why didn’t you message us more? Did you just get back? How are you!?”

“Uh, hey Sweetie Belle,” Spike said between forced breaths. Sweetie’s hug strength had improved over the years. “Yeah, uh, Twilight and I got back-”

“Spike! You’re back already! All right!”

This attack came from behind, now a yellow and red force that doubled the hug and nearly knocked Spike all the way down.

“Apple Bloom, always a-” Spike had to gasp “-pleasure.”

After another moment the two teens finally released their grip, letting Spike get a hold of himself. Sweetie Belle, dressed in what Spike assumed was a very fashionable summer outfit of breezy shorts, a light top, and some kind of wide-brimmed hat, and Apple Bloom, dressed in her more down-to-Earth jean shorts and farm-branded t-shirt, stood before him. Their facial expressions seemed to alternate between ecstatic joy and mild annoyance.

“Oh, uh, hi girls, uh…” Button started nervously, before trailing off. The two didn’t seem to notice him.

“It’s so so good to see you again,” Sweetie started, patting Spike on the arm.

“Why the heck didn’t you message us more!” Apple Bloom demanded with a smile, pointing a finger at his chest.

“That’s what I said!” Sweetie noted.

“Practically left us out of the blue an’ never said a word about it. Up an’ vanished!” Apple Bloom continued.

“A few emails here and there, the odd text, sure, but not nearly enough, not for good friends like you and us.”

“He texted me plenty!” Button chimed in, putting up a finger. The girls turned and looked, finally taking in the fact that he was there.

“Oh! Hey Button, how’s it going?” Apple Bloom said brightly. “Ain’t seen you since fireworks back in July.”

“Well, you know, been a busy time for me, lots to do inside,” Button said, rubbing the back of his neck. “Um…, hello Sweetie Belle, how, uh, how are, um, you, uh…”

Sweetie raised an eyebrow. “Button, come on: full words please.”

Button gaped a few times, but nothing came out. Sweetie rolled her eyes while Apple Bloom returned her attention to Spike.

“So what’s up!” She practically shouted. “What’s goin’ on! What’s the word already! Just what the heck have you been up to all summer? Nopony seems to know!”

“He told me, and I know I told a bunch of you guys,” Button said to nobody in particular. “Spike, was I the only one you were messaging all summer?”

“I said stuff to them!” Spike protested. “I mean, sometimes, when I had the time, since, you know, I was busy…”

“I barely got anythin’ from anypony, includin’ you Button, an’ the same goes for most all of us,” Apple Bloom said. “So just give us the whole rundown Spike, lay it out for us.”

The two girls leaned in expectedly, eyes wide. Even Button joined in on this. Spike stared and rubbed his head, mind still catching up to the present. He realized they’d found a small pocket in the crowd, the living wall of bodies around them not paying them any mind but not crushing them either. The overall hum and chatter of the crowd remained a steady buzz from every direction, and Spike had to strain to really make his voice heard even with the others so close.

“Well, uh…” He started, putting all the events in order. “Twilight and me, well, back at the end of April she got this big request from Vanhoofer University’s Magic Department, since their chair there knows her pretty well, and I guess they really needed a complete overhaul of their archives department, and it’s full of a lot of artifacts that nobody’s really done anything with in years, and some of it was maybe kinda dangerous-”

“What, like, might put a curse on everypony you know or blow up the world, that kind of dangerous?” Sweetie asked with alarm. “I’m getting flashbacks already here.”

“Anything dangerous, Twilight could figure it out, no problem,” Button said with a grin. “Best magic in the world in her horn, ain’t that right Spike?”

Spike shrugged. “So I keep hearing. And Sweetie, they didn’t know, but they figured Twilight was the best one to ask. She’s kinda… well, yeah, like Button said. Anyway, it would be a big job that would take a few months, and so Twilight figured it would actually be a real good academic excursion for me to come along, so she convinced the high school to let me take some exams early and go with her back in early May and help her out and count the whole thing as, like, a home learning course. Something I could put on a transcript later, a ‘unique extracurricular activity’ as she put it. Had a few professors over there monitoring me the whole time and everything.”

“Like your grades really need any more boosting,” Button muttered under his breath.

“Whoa, that’s a lot.” Apple Bloom leaned in even further. “Well? Any crazy magic? Any wild adventures you two got into to contain things?”

That got a small chuckle from Spike. “By our standards? No, nothing too weird or wild at all. Just a whole lotta sorting and cataloging and testing and more sorting and more cataloging and more testing and rinse and repeat all that in a big university basement for three months and now I’m here. Don’t think I even saw the sun for the whole month of June. Sometimes we had to go out and chase down some, uh, historical lead, but nothing ever really happened.”

The girls leaned back and glanced at each other with a frown.

“Spike, that just sounds like a downright dull way to spend your summer break.” Sweetie said.

“Well what did you guys do for summer?” Spike asked. His friends glanced at each other and then back to him.

“Farm work mostly,” Apple Bloom said. “But you know me, I dig doin’ that.”

“Same for me helping out in Rarity’s shop,” Sweetie said. “But I still got to hang out with the girls pretty much every night.”

“Game tournaments, Spike!” Button’s eyes shined. “You know that, I’ve been telling you as much in every text. Been a real good summer there.”

Spike grinned and gave Button a quick fist bump. “Yeah, yeah, I know. How’d the Titan’s Arc event last week in Canterlot go? Make it past the semis?”

“Nah, trounced by some local dude with a Dex build.”

“I keep telling you, you gotta move away from Pure Strength, speed is where it’s at.”

“You just keep hanging back and Healing and let me do all the thinking, alright?”

“ANYWAY…” Apple Bloom’s voice forcefully cut off the geek talk. “Spike, this is your last real summer break of high school! An’ you’ve been spendin’ it just doin’ schoolwork for months an’ not even gettin’ a chance to see any of your friends?”

“Not even done with that stuff yet, actually.” Spike groaned as he thought about it. “Next week I gotta go into school early to do some more make-up exams. And also give a little presentation to the principal and my academic advisor to prove that the whole thing wasn’t just a big time waste and I don’t need to, like, repeat Junior year or anything.”

Sweetie Belle shook her head. “Mmm mmm mmm, Spike, we simply must rescue you from yourself here, you are going to fall into an educational black hole and never emerge at this rate.”

Hands in his pockets, Spike could only shrug.

“Buuuuut luckily…” Apple Bloom swooped her hand under one of Spike’s arms and started steering him through the mob. “You are in the right place today. You got months of socializing to make up for, after all.”

“More than that, really.” Sweetie suddenly materialized on Spike’s other side, her hand through Spike’s free arm. “Spike, we love you, but you were pretty MIA even before you ditched Ponyville to go a thousand miles away-”

“Actually, Vanhoover is closer to two thousand,” Spike tried to add to nobody’s notice.

“You were a ghost all of junior year!” Sweetie admonished. “And we shan’t be letting you do that again, not our beloved dragon. So we’re gonna get you up to speed on everypony and everything that you need to know, and you can start the new year with the attitude and pep to really seize the term!”

“Heck yeah!” Apple Bloom grinned. “So let’s start with the ins and outs of all our lovely friends and acquaintances here at this party.”

Button put up a hand in protest. “Hey hey! That’s my best friend you’re trying to cart off here, and I’m the one who got him to this party. Who says you can steal him so quick?”

“Relax, Button, we’ll get him back in one piece, safe and sound and socially updated,” Sweetie said with a wide grin.

“Ya know, Button…” Apple Bloom leaned in close to Button’s ear, glancing both ways conspiratorially. “Diamond Tiara’s dad is supposed to have one of the largest private arcades in the country inside that house.”

Button scoffed. “The legendary Filthy Rich stash? Everypony knows about that. But it’s not like he’d let any of us go use it.”

“Very true,” Apple Bloom nodded, “But here we are at the most crowded event of the season and all eyes drawn away from the house. Sure it wouldn’t take much to sneak into a little rec room, especially one that’s supposed to be just through that unlocked door right over there.”

Apple Bloom pointed to the far end of the house, where a door could barely be seen over the crowd. It was hard to make out but it did indeed seem to be slightly ajar.

Button fidgeted in place. “Look, I’m not gonna just up and ditch Spike like that… for very long… uh… Spike I’ll be right back don’t go anywhere okay thanks.”

At a rapidly accelerating pace Button vanished into the crowd in the direction of the house.

Understandable. Good luck to him.

“Nice guy, Button.” Apple Bloom said.

“He really is,” Sweetie replied, “Though his priorities still need work. As for you, Spike my dear… let’s take a stroll.”

Spike could only nod and move. He suddenly found himself propelled with very little of his own power involved. The girls expertly navigated him around the party, pausing every few moments to say hi to someone they knew or point out someone across the way and deliver a few quick lines. It was like an advanced version of what he had done with Button. A verbal barrage started hitting him from both sides, and it was all he could do to alternate who he was listening to.

“So Spring Step over there,” Sweetie said, pointing to a light green unicorn Spike was certain he’d once been chemistry partners with, “Lovely boy, real sweet, dated him for six months in Freshman year but it just wasn’t going to work out so now I think he’s joined the legion trying to ask Jazzy out and more power to him there but he’ll need a lot more than luck and charm to get anywhere there.”

“Babs is back on the farm now,” Apple Bloom said in Spike’s other ear. “She got out of juvie around when you left, an’ AJ got her set up in the spare room in the barn. She’s doing real good, workin’ hard, just gettin’ her life together, an’ I’m glad she’s there. Gonna get you out there to say hi real soon, just you wait.”

“See her over there, Peachy Pie? I know she had a thing for Tender Taps for a while after they did that last play together, but I have no idea what’s on that boy’s mind these days and I get the feeling she’s barking up the wrong tree, as it were. But you didn’t hear that from me.”

“Those griffins over there, Grenada, Gabe, an’ Gerald? Nopony could ever prove it but we’re pretty sure they’re the ones who completely filled Mrs. Polly’s classroom with tennis balls on the last day of class. You shoulda been there, she opened his door in the mornin’ an’ there was just this green avalanche. Swamped the whole second floor, really clogged up the stairs. It was great! Really changed my feelin’s towards them, they’re pretty cool.”

“Okay, so, Tornado Bolt there, he’s got a thing for Sunny Daze, but Sunny is thinking about asking out Water Swirl, but he’s been secretly dating Questfire for a few months now, and she doesn’t want to tell anypony because she had only just broken up with Ricochet and didn’t want anypony to know it’s because he had hooked up with Daisy -that’s Summer Daisy, not Daisy Chain- at Brookstone’s party last winter and she doesn’t want to get embarrassed by that, except now she doesn’t know that Goldenrod totally knows and that jerk is gonna tell everypony, but he’s being kept in line because he also knows that-”

The names buzzed in one ear and out the other. Most sounded wholly unfamiliar. Spike just let his eyes glaze and his friends do the talking.

It really is nice to see them again. Feel like this is the most we’ve hung out since… sophomore year? Wow, I really have been out of it for a while.

Abruptly the trio came to a halt at the edge of the pool. Had to be the largest pool Spike had ever seen. He was certain the entire library could fit inside it with room to spare for at least one of Twilight’s book basements. And even at that scale it was plenty crowded, teens jumping into the water, swimming around, tossing each other around, pushing each other around, and splashing so much the water level was likely to drop a solid meter by sundown.

At the center of the pool, floating on a pony-made island of inflatable rafts, Diamond Tiara lay spread out and relaxed. Two drinks floated near her head, kept afloat by some unknown sycophant. A cherry red two-piece and dark sunglasses marked her body out in the crowd, setting her aside even from her similarly-dressed entourage of other preppy ponies that floated nearby. It probably helped that her swimsuit was probably about a size smaller than good taste would’ve recommended.

Certainly one to keep herself at the center of attention. Not often I see anyone’s cutie mark that clearly in public.

“You know, I don’t think I’ve even seen her since middle school,” Spike said, eyes drifting from Diamond’s bare thighs and midsection to the gaggle of boys sitting at the edge of the pool. Their attention was drawn to a number of parts of Diamond’s barely-covered anatomy, and they were making a great show of pretending not to be intently staring at her. Her swimsuit might not leave much to the imagination, but there’s no imagination more boundless than that of the teenage boy.

“Yes, she’s really developed since then,” Apple Bloom said, rolling her eyes. She playfully nudged Spike in the chest. “If you wanna have a try, you’ll have to get in line.”

“She’s not a personality I care to be around. Though you’re welcome to take a crack.” Spike smiled and nudged Apple Bloom back. “Wasn’t she, like, really really mean to you when you were little? Why’d she even let you come to this?”

“Oh, she’s lightened way up since then,” Sweetie Belle said. “At some point in Freshman year she realized that it’s a lot cooler to just chill out and act like you don’t care instead of trying to constantly be a real frosty bi- Hi! Diamond Tiara! Over here!”

Sweetie cut herself off as a small gust of wind briefly pushed Diamond’s raft towards their edge. Barely tilting her head, Diamond’s shades swung around until Spike could see himself in their reflection. She gave the most idle flick of her wrist, a few fingers wiggling in their general direction, and then a new puff sent her right back to the middle of the pool.

“See, that’s pretty friendly by her standards these days,” Apple Bloom said. “Couple years ago she mighta just hurled a drink at us. By college she may even say hello.”

“Though really I think we’re here because she’s got a real crush on a certain somepony.” Sweetie grinned and directed Spike’s attention back towards the house. A red giant sprouted among the teens, standing out like a redwood in a prairie.

Big Mac, despite his lumbering gait, moved with a certain grace. His bulging muscles all had a rhythm to them, and they didn’t seem to mind the black t-shirt he was wearing being about two sizes too small. Large letters spelling SECURITY were stenciled onto the backside, giving him an extra authoritative boost. He weaved his muscular form with precision and ease past all the bodies he towered over.

Mac was scarcely a decade older than anyone there, though that didn’t seem to bother anyone. Every girl he walked past shot him a look, and every boy he walked past pretended not to notice.

Spike looked back poolside. Even behind her dark glasses he could tell that Diamond’s eyes were drilling holes into Mac’s backside, or possibly a spot somewhat lower on his body. She even licked her lips once or twice.

“Ugh, don’t remind me.” Apple Bloom shuddered and crossed her arms. “Seems like every time my bro comes out he starts turnin’ heads. Diamond practically forced her daddy to hire him on here, an’ he says he only did it to ‘keep an eye on me’ but I know he’s doin’ it just to embarrass me. Just struts right through the crowd without even thinkin’ about it.”

“Also, uh, does Diamond know that he’s, you know…” Spike put a hand up and made a wishy-washy motion.

“In fact she does not,” Sweetie said with a sly smile. “I don’t think anypony here does. Nor is Mac in a great hurry to tell them.”

“Mac’s personal life is Mac’s personal business, an’ it’s gonna stay that way,” Apple Bloom said firmly, staring directly at Sweetie. The unicorn put her hands up, ceding the moment to her friend without a struggle.

Spike glanced between them, an eyebrow cocked.

I guess there’s some other stuff I should really catch up on with these two… wait, duh, hang on…

“Where’s Scootaloo?”

Spike’s question had an immediate effect. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom forgot all about big brothers and old bullies and whisked Spike away, carrying him all the way to the party’s end at the edge of one of the large grass fields that circled the house. A small stone wall made for a divider, one just tall enough to lean on and presently coated in hundreds of red cups. The noise of the party lessened over here and gave way to the silence of nature beyond. It finally gave Spike a chance to catch his breath.

“Why Spike, we thought you’d never ask.” Apple Bloom pointed to a cluster of figures only a few dozen yards away by the nearest treeline. Spike squinted in the afternoon light.

It was a ballgame in progress. At least, it was the skeleton of a game. A few ponies made a large semicircle, one in the middle, and a figure at bat. After a moment Spike began to recognize most of the jocks in the outfield, as well as the red pegasus acting as pitcher.

The batter was unmistakable. Lean, focused, and hooves set in a solid stance, Scootaloo stood at the ready. She tightened her grip and narrowed her eyes at the pitcher.

“Come on Star, give me something worth swinging at already,” she shouted.

The pitcher tensed up. Lightly gripping the ball in his hand, he paused, took a slight turn, then reared back and let fly a rapid fire pitch. The ball hurled towards the young pegasus like a rocket-

CRACK

A solid connection with her bat and that ball was history, disappearing off into the far reaches of the field.

Scootaloo laughed, slumping the bat over her shoulder. “Again with the warm up throws? I think I’m as worked up as I’m gonna get, fellas! Where’s the heat here?”

The ponies in the field laughed, as did the few along the sidelines. Spike recognized a few of the girls standing there as other members of the school softball team. Really looking at the outfield now, Spike saw that all the outlying jocks were a mixture of ballplayers and various other sports. Nobody seemed to be taking things particularly seriously, and Scootaloo didn’t even bother to run to a base, instead getting back into stance for another pitch.

Likewise, the pitcher reached into a bucket by his hooves and grabbed another ball. As he did his head briefly turned in Spike’s direction. Spike couldn’t be sure, but he thought he saw the pegasus smirk at him before shaking his head and looking back towards the batter.

“That girl’s been like this all summer,” Sweetie Belle said, leaning on the wall on Spike’s left. “Came so close to league MVP after last season, and quite frankly should’ve gotten it, but their last game of the quarter-finals dashed that hope. Just a brutal affair, it was.”

“Mmm-hmm,” Apple Bloom nodded, coming in to flank Spike’s right. “She was pretty upset over that, really lost her focus at the end of the season. Though I think she’s mostly gotten over it now. Mostly.”

Spike barely responded, just watching Scootaloo play. She struck the next ball as hard as the first, though only clipped the third one. This got a round of jeers from the boys, finally glad to have something new to say.

“She’s gonna go harder than ever this year,” Apple Bloom said. “Count on it.”

“Doesn’t softball season start in like 6 months?” Spike asked. “That’s a long time to go.”

“Yes, well, focus is focus. Though we’ll do our best to make sure her grades stay up to snuff in the meanwhile,” Sweetie said. “Don’t need her crashing at finals again.”

“Well, Rumble can help her out there, too.” Spike said. “He’s gonna be in at least one of my AP classes again this year, and it seems like a smart boyfriend should be a good study aid.”

There was a sudden lull in the conversation. Sweetie and Apple Bloom glanced at each other behind Spike’s back and stifled a few giggles.

“Wow, Spike, you have been gone a long time,” Apple Bloom said.

“Hmm? What? Did something happen?”

“Welllllllll…” Apple Bloom trailed off and looked at the sky, a hand passing things off to Sweetie.

“It’s more than we can sum up right here, but suffice to say…” The unicorn searched for the words. “Rumble and Scootaloo are currently good friends but they are not that kind of friend anymore.”

“...so they broke up?” Spike tilted his head. “Huh. Thought they were doing well.”

“Yes, well, like I said, more than I can sum up now-” Sweetie started, before Apple Bloom walked over and grabbed her shoulders.

“Aaaaan’ more than needs to be said already,” Apple Bloom concluded. “Spike, we did miss you, but it’s high time Sweetie an’ I headed off to see some ponies at the DJ booth. I haven’t danced all day, an’ I’ll be damned if I go through this party without dancin’.”

With that, she was off, tugging Sweetie along in tow. She could only shrug and wave to Spike, and it wasn’t long before they had disappeared again into the celebrating mass.

Spike watched them leave, then turned back and faced the game. His eyes lingered on Scootaloo as she lined up to take another pitch.

Dang, and I haven’t texted Rumble in… ages. I need to see how he’s doing… Scootaloo, too.

He gulped. The next ball went into a high pop fly in Spike’s direction, and this time, the pitcher took flight to go after it. It was a real fast takeoff, practically popping off the ground and into the air, all to the cheers of those around him. He flapped as fast as he could manage and with a dramatic flourish, swooped down to grab the ball just before it hit the ground.

“Yer out!” he shouted over his shoulder. Without bothering to hear a reply, he righted himself and stood up on the other side of the wall, right in front of Spike.

“Well well, the prodigal dragon returns at last,” he said.

Spike looked him up and down. He was taller than Spike by a good head and a half, with vibrant red skin and a goldenrod mane that was deep into its fuzzy summer phase. He had on what looked like the t-shirt equivalent of a flight team letterman jacket, complete with the small captain’s C on the chest. He was the sort who would stand out in any crowd.

“Star Rush, right?” Spike asked, pointing and half-closing one eye. “One of those fast flyers, always doing laps around the school at lunch?”

“Setting records is what I’m doing,” Star replied. He flexed his wings a few times, casting a long shadow behind him. “Best flyer in school’s gotta put the work in to stay the best, after all. Keep the competition on their hooftips.”

Spike idly wiggled his toes “Don’t think I’d know anything about that.”

Star narrowed his eyes. “Don’t think I was talking about you, scaley.”

The wind shifted, and the mood soured. Spike involuntarily tightened his grip on the stone wall while the larger pegasus loomed over him.

Suddenly, the tip of a bat found itself on Star’s shoulder.

“Hey. Buddy.” Scootaloo’s voice was friendly yet firm. “You’re up in the box.”

Star blinked and shook his head, seemingly caught off guard in the moment. He glanced over his shoulder and saw the rest of the group waving for him to come back.

“Come on,” Scootaloo went on, “everypony’s waiting. What are you doing?”

“Nothing at all,” Star replied. He popped the bat up with a small nudge and quickly snatched it from Scootaloo’s weakened grasp before taking a few flaps and flying away. “Get back there soon, Scoots! Time to see how weak your pitching game has gotten!”

“You wish!” Scootaloo yelled at the retreating figure. She watched him for a moment before turning back to the dragon on the other side of the wall.

“Renewing old friendships there, Spike?” she said with a grin.

Spike sighed. “I barely spoke to that guy last year. No idea what his problem is with me.”

“Well, you kinda beat him in the State Flying Exam scores without really trying, for one.” Scootaloo eyed Spike’s wings, which stuck out impressively even when he had them neatly folded behind his back. “Doesn’t take a lot to keep boys like that real insecure.”

It took Spike a moment to remember what Scootaloo was talking about. “What, that thing we had to do in PE last Fall? That was something that mattered?”

“It definitely did to him.”

“I just got bigger wings is all, and there’s not much I can do about that.”

“Yeah, he hates that, too.” Scootaloo raised her arms overhead in a big stretch, arching her back and flexing her head on her neck. Fingers cracked and wiggled as she limbered up. “Anyway, Spike…”

With a flash Scootaloo was over the wall and crushing Spike in his tightest hug of the day. Once again the breath was squeezed right out of his chest, his arms trapped on his sides by his friend’s unwavering grip.

“SPIKE! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!” Scootaloo all but shouted into his ear as she embraced him. “Dude, I missed you! We have all missed you so much!”

Getting only muffled gasps in response, Scootaloo finally relented and released the teen, who took a moment to collect himself and refill his lungs.

“That’s the impression I’ve been getting, yeah,” he said between gasps. “You girls really worked on your hug strength since last I saw you all.”

Scootaloo hopped up on the wall, legs straddling either side and hands set in front of her. Spike shook his head again and looked at her, his first proper look of the whole party. She was a little sweaty from the game, but didn’t even seem flushed, nor was she breathing particularly hard. She had on a black tank top featuring a graphic design of the masked killer Blank Shape from the Nightmare Night movies, complete with his trademark butcher knife. Down below, a studded belt and dusty torn jeans. Her wings, as always noticeably undersized compared to any of her peers, tucked in so smoothly behind her that he could barely see them at all, even this close.

Her eyes shimmered. Spike caught his reflection and felt a sudden self-conscious pang.

Scootaloo leaned forward to get a good vantage on Spike. “So? Whaddaya think of this party? Got something for everypony, yeah?”

Spike took a turn to see it all once more. He’d somehow been there for most of the afternoon and could scarcely tell if any time had really passed at all.

“It’s… a lot? Are all parties like this?”

Scootaloo could only laugh. “Well, most are smaller than this one by a factor of about a hundred, but the good vibes are about right. I’m just glad you’re here, ya know? You never seemed to wanna hang out at stuff like this before, or at least not real often.”

“I don’t know how often folks asked me.”

“We tried, I’m sure we did. But really… well, anyway. Spike… where have you been?”

Spike sighed and got his story together once more. “Well, back in April Twilight got a message from-”

Scootaloo shook her head and waved a hand in Spike’s face. “No, no, I got the gist of the summer from Button already, I text him plenty.”

Huh, so he did tell someone else. Credit to Button on that one.

“Spike, I’m asking where have you, like, been?” Scootaloo moved forward, closing the gap between herself and Spike. “It really feels like we’ve all barely seen you at all over the last year. We pass you in school, get a little chatter, but don’t really hang out anymore, don’t see you at events or parties or anything, hardly see you around town. Only one you hang out with a lot is Button, and from what he tells me you two mostly just play a lot of video games.”

“Well, Apple Bloom joins us for that, too, sometimes.”

“Yeah, but still though…”

Scootaloo looked at Spike. For a moment he caught the worry in her eyes, or perhaps it was something else he couldn’t put his finger on. “Uh… I feel like this is becoming kinda heavy for party talk.”

“Like you’d know.” Scootaloo laughed and slapped Spike on the shoulder. “I get concerned for my friends, and I get more concerned for my quiet friends. Us active types gotta look out for the rest of you.”

“Clearly.” Spike rubbed his shoulder. The girl packed a lot of strength into that hand. “I guess I’ve just been… well, really distracted by school. Like, more than everyone seems to realize.”

“You are Twilight Sparkle’s kid,” Scootaloo conceded. “Academics are probably a bit on the important side in your household.”

“Maybe a smidge.” Spike smiled, which led to a laugh, one soon copied by Scootaloo. “You know, I guess you’re onto something about-”

“HEY SCOOTALOO, LET’S GO ALREADY!”

Star’s booming shout pierced through the moment like a shot. They looked back to the field, where a very impatient looking pegasus was pacing back and forth, bat in hand and eyes locked on the wall.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m coming!” Scootaloo shouted back. “Never seen nopony in such a hurry to strike out!”

Ignoring Star’s rude hand gesture response, Scootaloo hopped off the wall and glanced back at Spike.

“I’m glad you’re back,” she said with a small smile. “Don’t be a stranger this year, yeah? Try to relax like the rest of the seniors, enjoy your last gasp of youth and all that.”

Spike held his hands up and shrugged. “I’ll look into it. See if it, uh, strikes my fancy.”

Scootaloo stuck her tongue out and moved toward the field. After a few steps, she suddenly stopped and turned around. “Oh, and answer your damn texts more often! I sent you a birthday greeting last month and you were 17 for a week before you noticed! Where’s the love already?”

Spike opened his mouth to respond, but Scootaloo had already turned back around and was off to rejoin the game.

His mind drifted.

…huh

The party swirled and flowed all around him, a social vortex pulling in everyone within striking distance, but Spike remained at the wall. He watched Scootaloo walk away.

He suddenly wished she would turn back to look at him. Just one look.

Scootaloo continued straight to the mound. She took her stance and let fly with heater after heater. Star never had a chance.

The sun neared the horizon, though the party was hardly winding down. Temperatures cooled remarkably in the later hours of the day, chasing teens from the pool, out of swimsuits and back into real clothes, and over to the ever-growing dance mob at the DJ booth. The booming sounds of electronica and hip-hop remixes echoed across the whole estate. The windows of the upper floors could be seen rattling from the bass. If Diamond’s parents really were home, as the rumors kept insisting, they really had themselves cooped up good and tight.

On a small outcropping off of a second floor landing, perched like a living gargoyle, Spike sat back and watched. After exhausting his social battery for the day, he’d snagged a plate of food and flown up about an hour prior. Nobody seemed to notice. A few pegasi were bouncing around overhead but they were much more concerned about dive-bombing their friends with water balloons than watching for any errant dragons.

The dance was the main source of party activity now, and certainly where the bulk of the herd was located, though there were still plenty of offshoot groups scattered about. A few die-hards remained floating in the pool. The hot tubs were filled past capacity. The food was picked down to chips and cookies but still had plenty of takers. A few extra foolhardy trouble makers had snuck some firecrackers out into the field and were going to town on them. All around, friends clustered, gossiped, laughed, chatted, and generally rang out the end of summer in cheerful fashion.

Spike noticed little of that. Ever since he’d found his roost, his attention had been drawn to one table in particular, one not terribly far away but still far enough that he couldn’t make out a word or really risk being seen. A table with a unicorn, an earth pony, and a pegasus; three very familiar teenage girls in deep and boundless conversation.

He wasn’t actually sure how long his eyes had been on the table. He was a little more sure why he was watching. And he definitely had some ideas why he was keeping his eyes primarily on the orange pegasus in the tank top. His head was warm, and in the fading heat he found it hard to convince himself it was for any other reason.

Some feelings really don’t fade away, do they?

A sudden commotion directly below finally snapped Spike’s mind out of its fixed state. Looking down, the unmistakable figure that was Big Mac was exiting a side door in the house. Tossed over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, Spike also recognized a certain brown Earth Pony.

“Oh come on Mac, just… just lemme finish up the level!” Button cried in protest. He thrashed to and fro, but it amounted to nothing in Mac’s iron grip.

“Nnnnope.”

“Mac, it’s Steel Fist III. Do you know how few working cabinets are left in the country? Do you see what a waste it is for it to just sit there in a corner gathering dust?”

“Nnnope.”

“Even the Pac Pony machine is getting used more! I can see it in the dust! This is burying history! The wealthy hoarding art! A travesty of all that is good and holy and pure in this crapsack world of oh, hey Spike!” Button had managed to wiggle his torso to an angle that he could look up, and he waved at the dragon sitting up above. “Having a good time? It’s a great party!”

Big Mac paused mid-step and turned, careful not to swing Button’s legs into any passing partygoers. He glanced upward until his perpetually blank face found the green dragon looking back.

“Uh, hey Mac.” Spike gave a small wave. “Having a good shift?”

“Eeyup.”

“Anything you can’t handle?”

“Nnnope.”

“Cool with me hanging out here? I’m gonna take off home real soon anyway.”

“Eeyup.”

“Cool. Thanks dude.”

“Oh come on, why does he get to stay there and I can’t just take one little peek inside!” Button’s objections fell on deaf ears, at least so far as the ones carrying him were concerned. Several groups around him were giggling at his predicament. He wasn’t the first pony Mac had to cart off that day for some minor trespassing, nor would he be the last.

“This isn't over, Mac! I know ponies who will fight for justice! Don’t think your sisters won’t hear of this! Spike I’ll text you later I hope you had fun see you soooooooon!” Button’s shouts shrank as Big Mac carried him around to the front of the house, likely to be deposited at the front gate.

Spike smiled as he watched him leave, then glanced back to the table. His smile faded to a frown: the table was empty, and Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo were nowhere to be found.

Spike scanned the crowd a few times, trying to pick them out, but the light just wasn’t on his side. There were plenty of outdoor lamps down at floor level, but from up above it all blended together into an indiscernible technicolor splatter with a constant hum of blended voices.

The hour was late, and his time had come. He stood up, careful not to lose his balance on the ledge, and flexed out his wings. With a small sigh, he popped up into the air in a casual take-off that quickly arced him high over the party. A few out-of-town pegasi flying nearby, caught off-guard by the dragon’s rapid ascent, shrank back as he took flight in a moment of reflexive anxiety, though Spike paid them no mind. Some ponies always got nervous when a dragon was flying near them. He figures his pointy wings just got on their nerves.

He did a large figure eight overhead, just once. One final lap around the party in search of someone he felt the need to see one last time. One last jab at feelings he wasn’t sure he wanted to define. Then a quick turn at the main house, another past the large driveway currently overstuffed with parked bicycles, a fast pickup towards town, and before long the library was a clear sight on the dark horizon.

His bed awaited, as did some badly-needed sleep and some very ambitious dreams.

Chapter 3 - September 19th

“Hi Applejack! Is Apple Bloom around?”

Applejack stood up on the barn’s hay loft and glanced down at the familiar voice calling out to her. Sweetie Belle stood waving below, backpack slung over her shoulder.

“Hi there, Sweetie Belle,” Applejack waved back. “She’s out in the treehouse, as per usual.”

“Always good to check first. It’s a long walk out.” Sweetie smiled and headed for the barn door.

“Be sure to tell her she’s still got her chores to do after you three are done up there!” Applejack shouted after her before returning to her work.

Sweetie raised a quick thumbs up and then she was outside into the sunshine. It was a fine late afternoon, and Sweet Apple Acres always had an extra special glow this time of day, the kind that Sweetie liked to pause and really take in. A picturesque moment on an otherwise boring day.

She walked by the house. Parked in front was Big Mac’s work truck, one of the only privately-owned vehicles in town. Past the car was the porch where she leaned her bike, right next to the collie curled on a soft mat by the front door. She paused, as always, to give Winona a little pat on the head. The aging dog looked up, gave her hand a small lick, then went back down to sleep.

Sweetie took a long breath and headed out into the fields. There’d been no need to ask Applejack for directions. The path had been committed to memory many years before.

Eventually she got to the treehouse deep in the heart of the orchard. Built atop the largest tree on the farm, the old single room shack had seen better days. Not too long ago it had threatened to collapse entirely. But a dedicated effort from the girls, not to mention a very helpful Applejack, had given the place a new lease on life and they did their best to keep it maintained ever since. Sweetie headed up the rickety ramp without a second thought.

None of the girls could remember when their bi-weekly after school meetings really got started. They’d always been meeting like that in some sporadic fashion since middle school, when conflicting class schedules and rotating lunchtime friend groups made constant social updates difficult. Sometimes there were things that needed more time to chat about than in the few minutes between classes at the locker or in the never-long-enough lunch breaks at the bleachers. Thus, over time, it came to be that every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, off to the old clubhouse they went to properly decompress and talk and keep each other up to date on all the important and unimportant details of their lives.

Sweetie pushed the door open and tossed her bag down by the door. Despite the clubhouse’s dilapidated exterior the interior had a cozy quality that the girls took pride in, and did all they could to keep it the kind of place they could spend any number of hours relaxing in, away from the cares of the outside world. An old plush sofa was pushed against the side wall in front of her. The back wall was an old wardrobe full of sleeping bags and general camping supplies for impromptu sleepover nights, as well as a shelf crammed full of whatever books made their way there over the years. Opposite the sofa was a large table with the one modern thing in the whole clubhouse: a nice little portable tv, purchased by Sweetie Belle and graciously powered by Big Mac laying out a whole lot of extension cords through the apple trees.

At the room’s center, lying on her stomach on a large circular rug, was Apple Bloom. Her bag lay open on one of the chairs next to her. She had a notebook open in front of her, a textbook beside it, and was casually doing some homework.

“Howdy hey, friend,” Apple Bloom said, shutting her book and sitting up into a cross-legged position. She glanced at her watch. “Made it without bein’ too late at all.”

“Yes, sorry, got a little caught up leaving school. Somepony had managed to lock his bike to mine, and he took ages getting out there to get it all undone.” Sweetie set her bag down by the door and flopped into the large cushions of the old sofa they had against one wall. She looked around. “Scootaloo’s not here yet?”

“She texted, said she’s on her way. Kinda thought she’d arrive with you, actually.”

Sweetie shook her head. “I honestly hardly saw her today, just a few quick flashes in the hall. Couldn’t find her at lunch… but then, today I was at Crystal Spring’s table.”

Apple Bloom sniggered. “Bet that was a real good use of your time.”

“Hey, be nice,” Sweetie smiled and pointed to her friend. “She’s a lovely girl, she’s just a bit… chattier than most ponies are ready for.”

“She’s gonna pass out from talkin’ too quick in class one of these days, just you wait.”

“Now don’t be rude.”

“No, I’m serious. There’s a betting pool an’ everythin’. Smart money’s on Algebra, since she’s got it just before lunch.”

“Anyway,” Sweetie said with some emphasis, “I hope Scootaloo shows up soon. I tell you, something happened yesterday afternoon, something big, and I’m gonna get to the bottom of it today, you can count on it.”

At that moment, Scootaloo was hopping off her bike by the entrance of the farm and locking it to the fence. None of the girls cared much for biking right to the tree, too easy to get a flat tire out there from all the brambles, and for once Scootaloo didn’t have time to stay at the farmhouse for dinner afterward. Best to park for a speedy departure afterward.

She was heading out into the field when she felt her phone buzz. Expecting a message from Sweetie Belle on the importance of punctuality, she flipped it open and glanced at the screen. Her eyebrow rose as she saw the name that flashed across.

Spike:
[HI THERE]

Scootaloo’s thumbs moved quick.

Scootaloo:
[Hey dude]
[What’s up?]

Spike:
[HI]
[I JUST WANTED TO BE CLEAR]
[THAT WHAT I WAS ASKING ABOUT YESTERDAY IS WHAT I THINK IT WAS]
[TO AVOID ANY CONFUSION]

Scootaloo:
[You mean that date you asked me on :P]
[Because yeah]

Spike:
[YEAH]
[THAT’D BE THE THING]
[SO]
[YEAH]

Scootaloo:
[Yes]
[It’s a date]
[And all that implies]
[You better treat it like one]
[Because I am ;)]

Spike:
[COOL!]
[I WILL THINK OF SOMETHING BETTER TO SAY]
[BEFORE IT HAPPENS]
[NEXT TIME]

Scootaloo:
[It’s all good]
[Also]
[YOU TEXT VERY LOUDLY]

Spike:
[MY PHONE DOES THAT]
[I SWEAR]
[I’M IN TOO DEEP NOW TO CHANGE IT]
[GOTTA GO NOW, HOMEWORK]
[WILL TEXT YOU LATER]

Scootaloo:
[Peace out]

Scootaloo grinned as she shut her phone and slipped it back into her pocket.

Poor boy is scrambling here. Hope I’m not scaring him too much.

She hustled along and was soon on the ramp up to the tree. She heard her friends talking as she pushed open the door. Sweetie was seated on the floor brushing her tail, while Apple Bloom was next to her, glancing through her phone. They both looked up simultaneously.

“Finally!” Sweetie Belle wailed out. “We were feeling so abandoned.

“Lost an’ alone an’ without a clue what to do,” Apple Bloom added, much less dramatically.

“I know, I know. My aunts have been cleaning the house like crazy, I’m lucky to have gotten away at all, but rest assured…” Scootaloo said, as she hard tossed her bag to the sofa and plopped herself down on the rug to create a semi-circle with the other two. “I am here now and all is well with the world once again.”

“Are your parents back in yet?” Apple Bloom asked. The arrival of both of Scootaloo’s parents at once was a rare occasion, and everyone had been looking forward to it all month.

She shook her head. “Not yet. Mom’s due tonight, Dad tomorrow morning, assuming nothing wild happens weather-wise between now and then.”

“Well, they’d be the first to know about that,” Sweetie said. “Is everything still set for the big dinner on Sunday?”

“Yeah, they can’t wait to see you two again, it’s been… wow, like a year since all four of you have been in the same room?” Scootaloo let slip a quick frown, then shook it off. “Anyway, gonna be a fun weekend. I’m just gonna ditch school tomorrow to hang with them, let Mom call me in sick. Just go hang out downtown all day.”

“Heck yeah, doin’ it right,” Apple Boom high-fived Scootaloo.

“And I’ll grab your homework for you,” Sweetie added, getting the down low five on the rebound.

“Much obliged.” Scootaloo said.

“How long they stayin’ this time again?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Mom leaves Tuesday, Dad leaves Thursday,” Scootaloo said. “Mom’s got some big conference in Cloudsdale she’s gotta go back and get ready for, and Dad needs to head to Fillydelphia to do some reviewing of their cloud control network. After that, they’re back abroad for another six months at least. I’m not even sure where yet, somewhere overseas.”

“Cool, cool…” Apple Bloom said, her voice trailing off. The girls knew Scootaloo loved seeing her parents, and also knew they were never around nearly as long as she’d like. Not these days.

Sweetie quickly stepped in. “I’m sure it will be a great time with them.”

“Oh yeah, definitely,” Scootaloo smiled and hurried to change the subject. She stretched out her arms, her tight workout shirt stretched tight, and she let out a long breath. “Aaaah, a nice carefree day with a calm and easy afternoon. Love a good, low-key clubhouse meeting. No surprises or stress of any kind.”

“Not quite!” Sweetie rose in dynamic fashion, finger pointed to the ceiling. “My social senses have been tingling for over 24 hours. Something is amiss in this little community of ours, and you two are gonna help me figure out what it is.”

Scootaloo smirked. Apple Bloom shook her head.

“Okay, so, you get these feelings every other week, right? What are they really supposed to, like, signify again?” Scootaloo asked.

“She’s tryin’ to do the Pinkie Sense thing,” Apple Bloom responded. “But for, you know, someponies gettin’ in a breakup or somepony crushin’ on somepony else, stuff like that.”

“It’s a real thing and Pinkie even backs me up on it and I’ll thank you both for respecting it.” Sweetie’s tone was firm, but still friendly. She looked back and forth between the others.

Apple Bloom giggled. “We know, we know, it’s just more fun to tease you. So come on, whatcha got for us?”

“Hmmm…” Sweetie rubbed her chin as she paced back and forth. “It’s a strong feeling. I haven’t felt like this in a while. Gotta be somepony close. Possibly… somepony in this very room!”

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo kept stone faces.

Oh yeah, I probably should’ve told them yesterday.

Sweetie’s hand shot out, her finger pointed directly at Apple Bloom’s face in a quick flash of movement that made the girl flinch.

Scootaloo snorted.

Oooooor I could let this play out a bit longer.

“Apple Bloom! You mentioned somepony crushing on somepony else! Tell us… is it you?”

“Wellllll,” Apple Bloom started, tenting her fingers in front of her chest, eyes looking up to the ceiling.

Sweetie sat down next to Scootaloo and the two inched forward with interest.

“Oooh, really? Somepony new?” Scootaloo asked.

“Sorta,” Apple Bloom said. “Like, real fresh crush, barely a week old here.”

“Well still, that’s something, and-”

“Wait,” Sweetie held up a hand, cutting Scootaloo off. “Apple Bloom, tell us early: straight crush or a crush with a future?”

Apple Bloom looked askance, head falling slightly. “...straight crush.”

Her friends groaned. Apple Bloom covered her face with her hands. Scootaloo moved next to her and leaned in for a side hug.

“Gotta stop doing this to yourself, girl,” She said. “You know it’s never gonna go anywhere.”

“It’s not like I’m getting them on purpose,” Apple Bloom said, putting out her arm to side hug Scootaloo back. “They just… happen, ya know? Sitting next to some cute girl in class long enough and bam, there it is.”

“True, true,” Sweetie slid over to the other side. “Well, who is it this time?”

“Milky Wave. I’m across from her in Bio and two rows over in Geography.”

Sweetie nodded. “Honestly, not a bad choice. That girl’s got some great hair and an actual sense of style.”

“Yeah, and is also about as committed to her boyfriend as anypony in our grade,” Scootaloo added. “Feels like her and Crystal have been together since middle school.”

“Yeah, I know, I know…” Apple Bloom flopped backward, arms spread-eagled as she stared at the ceiling. Sweetie quickly hovered a pillow over from the couch and pushed it under her fallen friend’s head. “An’ I know I gotta start lookin’ elsewhere, I just… how do you even start? I hardly know anypony who’s out at school, an’ the girls that are… well, they just don’t interest me that much. Ain’t their fault or anythin’, just… no attraction there. I can’t help it!”

“You can’t put so much pressure on yourself,” Sweetie said. She stood up and headed to the table. Right by the TV was a small milk crate, always kept well stocked with an assortment of snacks. “That doesn’t make this any easier.”

“Yeah,” Scootaloo agreed. “It’s not like you can just force a relationship into existence. And like, you don’t really need one at all-”

“Okay, see, I kinda do,” Apple Bloom said. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, I think it’d be real nice to have a special somepony of my own, but even past that… well, I ain’t come out to my family yet, an’ that’s somethin’ that’s really startin’ to bug me. I don’t like keepin’ a big secret from them, an’ this is the biggest one I got.”

Sweetie and Scootaloo shared a knowing look. Apple Bloom had come out as gay to the both of them six months prior, which was already about six months after they’d each guessed it themselves, as had a select number of other friends. They never asked Applejack or Big Mac about it directly, but they had a hunch that Apple Bloom’s secret was only a secret to those well outside her immediate social circle.

“Apple Bloom, dear…” Sweetie started. “I think your family will, uh, not have too much trouble understanding you here.”

“Yeah. Not for nothing, Apple Bloom, but you’ve found yourself in what might genuinely be the queerest family in Ponyville,” Scootaloo added. “AJ’s been dating Rainbow Dash for like a decade now, Big Mac is doing pretty well for himself with the stallions around town ever since he started bouncing at the Branding Iron, and before she passed even Granny was talking about her, uh, experimental younger days.”

Not totally sure why Granny told us those stories, but they were fun to hear.

“That’s just it!” Apple Bloom sat up suddenly. “Right now I’m the odd girl out, just the little ‘normal’ straight kid. I can’t go an’ tell them I like girls with nothin’ to show for it! Will be like I’m just copyin’ my siblings or somethin’. I get a girlfriend, then it’s all, you know, more real, it’s got some meat to it, an’ then I can tell them.”

Scootaloo stood and headed to the couch, dropping onto one of the overstuffed cushions with one leg slung over the armrest. She nodded to Apple Bloom.

“Hey, whatever you think’s gonna work for you, we support it.”

“Oh absolutely,” Sweetie said, munching on a small bag of chips. She tossed a second bag over to Scootaloo, and a third down to Apple Bloom. “I just wish we could be more help. I’m not too good at, well, knowing what to look for, at least so far as what you’re after.”

“Yeah, that one’s on me, but thanks all the same. I figure if I just keep at it I’m bound to get lucky. Still lots of girls to get to at school, after all” Apple Bloom smirked and sighed. “Here I am pouring my little lonely lesbian heart out, and it’s Scootaloo who’s had more gay partners than me.”

“Booooooo, easy shot,” Scootaloo laughed and tossed the other couch pillow at Apple Bloom’s face. The earth pony had no hope of dodging the pitch and took the hit with grace.

“How is Rumble these days?” Sweetie asked. She sat herself down on one room’s scattered chairs. “I miss him!”

“He’s doing real good,” Scootaloo said fondly. “I was chatting with him just today at lunch, actually. Still keeping everything, you know, on the down low, but everypony’s who knows is cool with it.”

“Is he still trying to move in with his brother?” Apple Bloom asked.

Scootaloo nodded. “Oh yeah, he’s actually basically done with that. He said Thunderlane got the last of the court paperwork settled and helped him into his apartment around when school started. He’s still got some stuff at his Dad’s house, but like… he’s just gonna leave it, he doesn’t care. And since he’s out of that house… well, I think his life is gonna get a whole lot better.”

“Thank goodness for that. The sooner he got away from his dad…” Apple Bloom shuddered. Rumble’s father was the type who kept a firm hand and the main reason his son still stayed deep in the closet. “I’m gonna text him right now, I miss him too. We gotta start inviting him around more often.”

“He’s kinda doing his own thing right now, but yeah, give him a poke.” Scootaloo said. “You can help him with his boyfriend hunt, he can help you with your girlfriend hunt. Fair exchange.”

“Ugh, I know he’ll have better luck than me, he’s got a whole drama department he can search through.”

“He and Tender Taps do spend an awful lot of time together…” Scootaloo tilted her head, two fingers rubbing her temple. “Could be something to it.”

“If only. That would be too easy,” Sweetie said.

The three finished off their food in silence. A few buzzes from their phones distracted them, and each got busy responding to texts. Scootaloo flipped hers open to a familiar sight.

Spike:
[I AM STILL DOING HOMEWORK AND HAVE NOTHING BETTER TO SAY]
[BUT SAYING THAT COUNTS AS SOMETHING TO SAY ANYWAY, RIGHT?]

Scootaloo:
[lol]

Spike:
[I MEAN BEING TECHNICAL AND ALL]

Scootaloo:
[This is not how most guys flirt with me]
[So points for originality there]

Spike:
[WAIT]
[IS THIS FLIRTING?]
[AM I SUPPOSED TO DO THAT NOW?]
[SORRY]
[WAIT]
[I CAN DO BETTER]
[UH]
[HEY… GIRL… WHAT’S COOKING]

Scootaloo let out a genuine laugh, more than she meant to.

Hopeless, but in a fun way.

Scootaloo:
[A for effort buddy]
[Finish your homework, think hard over what to do next]
[You’ll get there]
[;p]

She snapped her phone shut and glanced up. The others were staring at her.

“What?”

“Hmmm…” Sweetie narrowed her eyes. “My social sense is still going off. I don’t think it’s anything to do with Apple Bloom. Anything you’d like to add, Scootaloo?”

Right, should tell them already.

“Oh yeah, Spike asked me out yesterday.”

Silence filled the room. Sweetie’s chip bag fluttered to the floor.

“What!?” Sweetie practically leapt from her seat and onto the couch, moving with an agility that impressed Scootaloo. “Spike? Spike Sparkle? Spike Sparkle the dragon? Our Spike? That Spike from down at the library?”

“That would be the one, yes, I don’t think I know any other-”

“Why are you telling us this now!?” Apple Bloom had hopped up and wedged herself onto the other side of the couch. “This is a Thing! An actual, like, Thing To Talk About! Not somethin’ to keep secret at all!”

Scootaloo suddenly found herself pinned between two very curious friends. She took a deep breath.

“First, I wasn’t keeping it secret, it just… well, it just kinda happened suddenly yesterday after school, and I’ve been busy since then, and didn’t see you guys, and just texting you wouldn’t really have been enough, so I figured I’d let you know here.”

“After letting me go through that!” Sweetie said with a small indignant huff.

“Well yeah, I love when you do all that. Good dramatic energy always gets to me.”

“Me? Dramatic? Over this?” Sweetie rested her palm on her forehead as her eyelids fluttered.

“Oooh yeah, that’s the stuff, right there.” Scootaloo nodded. “Brightens my day every time.”

Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes and scootched back ever so slightly. “Alright, alright, I’ll take it down a notch. But please, seriously, do tell us! What did he do? Did you have any idea he liked you like that? I mean… I just didn’t see this one coming at all.”

“An’ what did you say?” Apple Bloom added in.

Scootaloo hopped off the couch and did a small lap around the couch, collecting her thoughts and then sitting herself down in Sweetie’s former chair.

“So, we just happened to run into each other in the hall near the office a little after school got out, and I was about to leave, and he called out to me, and just… asked. He was really anxious about it. I’ve kinda got the feeling that he’s never asked anypony out before.”

“Everypony’s first time is tough,” Sweetie said. “I remember when dear Spring Step asked me to the spring fling back in Freshman year. I thought he was going to faint.”

“As for knowing about Spike liking me… I dunno, maybe? It’s kinda hard to read. We’ve known him for, what… always? I guess I got so used to having him around I never really thought too hard about anything more than being regular friends with him.”

Well, maybe the thought did occur once or twice, but… what to even make of that.

The three girls considered it for a moment. While Spike had never been a core part of their friend group, he had nonetheless been present in some fairly integral parts of their lives from even before elementary school, back in the days when they had all met for the first time. Others had come and gone over the years, but he was always around in some form or another, one of a set of a few dozen names and faces that remained constant through time.

“He’s always been pretty close, true,” Sweetie agreed. “Not like a brother or anything. Maybe a close cousin?”

Scootaloo wrinkled her nose. “Thankfully, I’ve never thought of him as a relation, that might make things a bit difficult here.”

“Oh, you know what I mean.”

“Huh, Spike…” Apple Bloom scratched her chin. “I always thought he was gay.”

Sweetie rubbed her temples and took a long breath. “Apple Bloom, dear, honey, darling… we need to have a very long discussion about your gaydar, because it is just not pinging correctly. If you might recall, Spike had a large crush on my sister once upon a time.”

“Yeah, but that was just puppy love when he was like seven. I’m talking now, when he’s never seemed interested in any girls at all!” Apple Bloom countered. She gestured around the room. “Think of all the parties an’ stuff we’ve been to an’ seen him at, since middle school at least, an’ he’s never tried to hit on anypony, dance with anypony, do much of anythin’ with anypony. Always just hangin’ out with Button or Featherweight or just chillin’ with us an’ not actin’ weird or anythin’.”

“I think he may have been watching me,” Scootaloo said. “Not, like, in a creepy way or anything, I just… I dunno, I feel like I’ve caught him glancing my way an awful lot, especially lately.”

Sweetie thought back. “Hmmm… how much have we seen of him lately, anyway? He was at Diamond Tiara’s big party when he got back in August, couple hangouts at the cafe, that party at Goldenrod’s house right when school started…”

Scootaloo shuddered at the thought. “Ugh, don’t even say his name, that jackass… not my proudest night at that party, and I’m working to forget it and move past it.”

“Relax, we ain’t judgin’ you for nothin’.” Apple Bloom walked over and patted Scootaloo on her wings, giving her a reassuring smile. “We know that guy’s full of it anyway, an’ the rumors he an’ his dumb friends are tryin’ to spread ain’t worth the breath to repeat. Everypony knows that.”

Don’t I wish they did.

“You know, come to think of it,” Sweetie said, thinking back carefully. “Spike was at that party, but he left pretty early. Right around when everypony really started dancing and you and Golde- that is, you got, uh, a little involved on the dance floor. After that, I didn’t see him anywhere, and he’s the type to stand out in a crowd even when he’s off to the side of it.”

Scootaloo’s eyes widened. “Ooooh, yeah, maybe… he got a bit of the wrong impression that night.”

“Well, he seems to have recovered from it.” Sweetie said. “So, like Apple Bloom already asked… what did you say to him?”

Scootaloo shrugged. “I said yes. He’s a nice guy, and given every dude I’ve done even a half-assed attempt at going out with since Rumble, I think I’d really like to just… have a nice evening with a nice guy. Keep things simple, ya know?”

Of course, aren’t all guys nice until, suddenly, they’re not.

She sighed and sagged in her chair. Apple Bloom and Sweetie glanced at one another.

“Look, I know the rumors going around about me, and I don’t really care about them, and certainly don’t care about the jerks spreading them, but still…” Scootaloo sighed again. “It would just be really cool to get all that shit off my wings for a night and go relax with a guy who wants to spend some time with me and who also doesn’t care about all that. Plus, I mean, it’s Spike: we’ve known him long enough to know him well enough, which means I already know he’s a chill dude who probably won’t do anything too dumb. He seems… reliable. That’s important.”

“True, true.” Sweetie nodded. A wicked grin flashed on her face. “Plus… well, he’s not too terrible to look at, now is he?”

Scootaloo rolled her eyes.

Ooh yeah, here we go.

“He’s definitely still growin’ into his wings,” Apple Bloom said. “Tall, but not too tall, bit gangly, lean…”

“Comes from a prestigious family known all across the land…”

“Real good brain, good work ethic, good at keepin’ Button in line…”

“Used to play soccer…”

“An’ was good at it, too! So he’s athletic.”

“Rather nice smile, if a bit… toothy, for my tastes.”

“So high marks all around, but… does it all come together for a certain somepony here?”

“A very important question, Apple Bloom, very important. If only that certain somepony could weigh in and give an informed opinion on it…”

“If only, if only…”

The two leaned in expectantly and stared the pegasus down.

“Okay, okay,” Scootaloo put her hands up in submission. “I’ll say it: yes, I think he’s kinda cute.”

Like… wow, I really do, don’t I.

“Aaaayyyyyyyy!” her friends said in unison, their hands in the air.

“I can always count on your support in my personal life,” Scootaloo said. “Anyway, right now it’s just dinner next Friday. That’s assuming he makes it that far, because going by the texts I’m getting, I think he’s melting into himself over all this.”

“Awwwww, that’s adorable,” Sweetie said. “Downright endearing.”

“He’s just trying his best.”

“An’ we shall do our duty in only slightly teasin’ the livin’ daylights outta him come next week,” Apple Bloom grinned devilishly. She was already reaching for her phone.

“Oh yes,” Sweetie said. “If he thinks he’s going to take our beloved Scootaloo out to just any old fast food joint wearing that usual ratty hoodie of his, he’s got another thing coming. We shall need to properly educate him over the next few days. And furthermore-”

Scootaloo snapped her fingers and pointed at each of them. “Oh no you don’t. Both you girls are gonna keep this under your lids, and you’re gonna act good and oblivious, at least until after it happens. I’m serious here! Nopony needs to put any more pressure on him. Right now, the only one doing any Spike teasing is gonna be me, and I will be mostly merciful.”

Sweetie raised an eyebrow. “Mostly?”

“Welllllll… gotta toughen him up a little, right?” Scootaloo smiled, hands intertwined in front of her chest in as close an approximation to an innocent pose as she could manage. “...Also I was thinking of wearing my crummy jeans, too. Keep his expectations in check.”

Sweetie laughed, and then so did Apple Bloom, and once Scootaloo the joyous chorus doubled, filling the air with the sound of teenage cheer.

Guess everypony’s onboard with this. Cool.

An alarm on a phone went off. The girls moved around the room, gathering their bags and books and notes. It was finally time to get onto the other important part of their biweekly meetings: keeping everyone current on their homework. They didn’t need the best grades to keep going about the fun parts of their lives, but good ones certainly helped make everything smoother.

The sun started to set. The lights running along the tree’s ceiling, installed many years ago and mostly a lot of very nice flashlights gaffer taped into place, were snapped on, filling the room with a kind of makeshift stage lighting. As the girls lay on their stomachs with their textbooks open, tails in the air, pens and pencils in hand.

As Sweetie and Apple Bloom quietly compared Bio notes with each other, Scootaloo’s mind drifted away.

Spike… Spike Spike Spike… a senior dragon and a junior pegasi, out on the town… it could work. Why shouldn’t it?

She snuck a glance at her phone, sitting over by her bag on the sofa. It hadn’t buzzed since their earlier conversation. Scootaloo thought back to it, and what she had told the others about her feelings towards Spike over the years.

Crushes are funny things. They can come and go without any rhyme or reason, sometimes brought on by the right funny line or a good look in the right light or even something more general and ambiguous than that, a strange sense of things clicking naturally into place whenever one and the other were in the same room.

No logic, no consistency, just pure feelings right from the heart, or sometimes the gut, or maybe both at once.

Scootaloo had had many a crush over the years, most mere fleeting things. All the boys that had caught her eye, some that stayed put and others that flashed out in the next blink. Spike… where did Spike land for her? Where had he been before? Would he stick around? Could he?

Why am I always drawn to guys with nice wings…

The thought made her giggle to herself. The others could only stare and wonder.

Spike sat at the desk in his room. It was as overflowing with papers and books as it ever was, a few stacks forever threatening to teeter off and collapse to the floor below. He liked that. A busy desk was a productive one. Definitely a lesson he learned from Twilight.

Most of his homework was already done. He never needed too long to work on it, having devised a good system years before and sticking to it nearly religiously. By sundown he was functionally finished, beyond needing to review his history essay. And given that that was only a first draft, it wasn’t going to be the most involved review anyway.

Right now he just stared at his phone. It had been open to the same text conversation for the last hour. Every time his fingers reached for the buttons, hesitation hit. The words just weren’t there.

He sighed and leaned back in his seat, letting his mind drift away.

Seems to be going fine. Haven’t blown it yet. Though still plenty of time to do that… ugh, what do I even say next? Do I just start a conversation? Do I talk to her more at school? I can’t, not yet, it’s not like we’re… I mean, it’s one date and it hasn’t happened yet and who knows how it’ll go and-

“Spike! Dinner time!”

Twilight’s shout jolted Spike in his chair. He hurriedly snapped his phone shut and shoved it in his pocket as he headed for the door. No sooner had his claws brushed the knob when he felt a buzz. He yanked the phone back out and stared at the screen.

Button:
[Dude! new Galaxy Wars trailer dropped!]
[it looks so cool!!!]
[We gota go see it!!!!]

Spike sighed. He tapped a quick reply as he walked down the stairs.

Spike:
[YEAH, I SAW THE VIDEO EARLIER]
[WE WILL]
[DON’T WORRIES]

Button:
[Im gonna get opeing night ticks when they go on sale]
[u gotta be there]
[Its the law]

Spike:
[I’LL CONSULT MY CALENDAR]

Button:
[Spike]
[Don’t fight Button Law!]
[U can’t win!]

Spike snorted and shut his phone. That movie was still three months away, but Button was the type who wanted prime seats for his opening night viewing experience. Spike was less picky and tended to be perfectly content anywhere so long as his wings weren’t blocking the pony behind him.

Twilight was in the dining room, scooping salad and what appeared to be tofuloaf onto a plate for Spike. Much of the table was piled high with papers and books and various research projects still in progress, as was the case of nearly every flat surface in the living areas of the tree, but the two of them had carved out specific spots near the end where they could still sit and eat and otherwise use the room for its original purpose.

“Hello there,” Twilight smiled at Spike as she sat down. “Homework all done?”

Spike nodded. “Yeah, pretty much. Gotta revise that history essay, but I figure it can wait until the weekend.”

“That’s good. Also, I know you told me yesterday, but I need to get back to that teacher at school about those advanced spell lessons.” Twilight scribbled a small note to herself on a loose scrap of paper. “I’ll call the school tomorrow and see if I can set up an appointment next week, give the whole syllabus a once-over.”

“Thanks, Twilight.”

The two ate in relative silence. Twilight reviewed one of her many notebooks related to one of her endless projects, while Spike stared into space. After a while, Twilight glanced up at him. She studied his expression closely.

“Everything… going okay?” She asked.

Spike gulped down his food. “Uh, yeah, just… thinking about school stuff.”

Can’t start a conversation about Scootaloo, don’t think Twilight is quite the right pony to ask for advice. And… I don’t know.

Twilight raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. Spike got the sense that she wanted to probe deeper. He was glad she didn’t. Not yet.

Why get her hopes up for something I can still screw up.

A buzz broke the moment. Twilight raised her other eyebrow.

“That sounds like a phone.”

Spike’s hand subtly went to his pocket. There weren’t a whole lot of rules living under Twilight’s roof, but phones at the dinner table were largely off limits.

Silence mode, stupid thing. Silence!

“A phone? At this table? Right now?” He said innocently.

“Evidence certainly suggests it.”

“Couldn’t be.”

Another buzz sounded off.

“An absurd fiction,” Spike said.

One more buzz.

“Your ears deceive,” he added.

Another buzz sounded off, followed by yet another.

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Lucky for you I am in a very distracted mood tonight, so how about you tell Button that he can talk to you later and then keep it away until you’ve finished your plate, okay?”

“Thanks,” Spike said sheepishly. He fished out his phone and flipped it open under the table.

Button we can’t even buy tickets for another month, what are you so worried about-

His eyes widened when he saw the screen.

Scootaloo:
[Howdy hey Spike]
[So I’ll be be real busy with family stuff from tonight through middle of next week]
[Won’t be at school tomorrow]
[Gonna be mostly radio silent]
[But I’ll message you when I can]
[I am looking forward to next Friday night]
[:)]

Spike smiled to himself. He typed his response slow and easy.

Spike:
[ME TOO]
[:)]
[TAKE CARE!]

“Everything okay with him?” Twilight asked as Spike shut his phone.

“Yup, yup,” he said. “You know Button, just… really excited about some stuff coming up.”

Excited and anxious and maybe a little terrified. Should be fine. Maybe it’ll even work out?

Chapter 4 - September 27th

I’m definitely overthinking this.

Scootaloo stared at herself in her bedroom mirror, a shirt in each hand. One: a nice purple long sleeve affair. The other: her black t-shirt with the sleeves ripped ever shorter.

Somewhat classy vs. somewhat trashy…

Much as she hated the cliché, she still stood there, holding one shirt up in front of her, then the other, then back again. Thinking a moment longer, she finally tossed the purple shirt onto her bed. She already had on the torn jeans and studded belt, so why not lean into the look. Pulling the black shirt over her head, she reflexively tucked her wings through with practiced ease, then finally got a good look at herself. She nodded.

Well, it’s a first date. Gotta make sure he gets a good impression of who I really am.

She grinned as she walked to her nightstand. Her alarm clock stared back at her. The time: 6:56PM. Four minutes to go to the prearranged time, when a certain someone was due to appear on her doorstep. Next to that, her phone was plugged into its charger. The screen flashed with one new message.

Must’ve come when I was showering. Hope he’s not about to back out at the last second… nope, different dude, still cool.

Rumble:
[Hey hey Scoots]
[What you doing tonight]

Scootaloo wandered from her room to the hall and on towards the staircase while her thumbs did their thing on the tiny keypad.

Scootaloo:
[Hey hey Rum]
[Why do you wanna know]

Rumble:
[I am a nosey guy]
[And feel the need to keep a close eye on those close to me]
[Also PowerHour is playing at Trixie’s tonight and my bro said he could get me in]
[Wanna tag along?]

Someday I’ll need to break it to him that that band kinda sucks.

Scootaloo:
[Thanks for the offer, but I’m set for tonight]
[Got me a date]

Rumble:
[:O]
[At long last]
[Is Scoots a girl about town?]
[A pony on the prowl?]

Scootaloo:
[>:)]
[You know it]
[About time I settled down anyway]
[Get some stability back in my life]

Rumble:
[Is he cute?]

Scootaloo:
[Wouldn’t you like to know ;P]

Rumble:
[So rude]
[If he’s a dud drop me a line]
[I’ll swoop in and save you]

Scootaloo:
[lol]
[Always my hero]
[Enjoy your night]

Rumble:
[Likewise]

Scootaloo’s hoof hit the bottom step. She shut her phone and let out a long sigh, when movement out of the corner of her eye caught her attention. Turning, she found her Aunt Holiday relaxing in the living room, leaning back in her favorite chair with her hooves on the table and deeply engrossed in the book in her hands.

“Looking lovely as always, Scootaloo,” the red-haired Earth pony said without looking up. “Going out with the girls again tonight?”

“I am going out,” Scootaloo said. “Just not with them.”

“Ahhh, going out with somepony new then?”

“Bound to happen eventually.”

“Is he good?”

Scootaloo considered the question. “Is he good… yeah, I’d say he is.”

I sure hope so.

“Wonderful, I like when boys are good.” Aunt Holiday calmly turned a page. “I especially like good boys that get my niece home by nine.”

“Well I don’t know if he’s that good. Maybe he’s more of a ten o’clock good.”

“Oh no, I’ve got a strong feeling about this one.”

“You don’t even know who he is.”

“And yet the feeling remains, and that feeling is telling me nine PM, on the dot, not one tick more. Have fun, and see you then.” Aunt Holiday grinned behind her book. Her eyes never left the page.

Scootaloo groaned, but could only acquiesce. Even a latchkey kid knows that sometimes it’s better to concede the little battles for more strategic victories down the line. She reached for the front door and stepped out into the cool evening air.

Spike stood by her front gate. He was standing in place, one hand on her gate, like he’d frozen in motion as soon as she came out. She smiled and waved.

“7:00 exactly. That’s a good start.” She walked over and patted him in the arm. She heard his phone buzz, but he ignored it. He was in his yellow hoodie, freshly washed by the smell of it, and those cargo pants of his with the little purple stripes along one leg. It shouldn’t have worked, but Scootaloo had to admit there was a style to it. She was also willing to bet money that Spike considered them his nicest clothes.

“Uh, well, you know… gotta make the right impression.” Spike said with a smile. He indicated down the way with his hand. “Shall we?”

“We shall. According to my aunt, you’ve got me for exactly two hours.”

“Then there’s not a moment to lose.”

The two walked out along the street in front of Scootaloo’s house. It was a quieter part of town, away from the main boulevard, and not many others were out. They moved in silence at an easy pace until the end of the block.

“So!” Scootaloo said. “What’s the plan? Whatcha got for me tonight?”

“Well, going off our texts the last few days, I thought we could keep things simple,” Spike said. “How about dinner over at Twin Pines? If that works for you, I mean?”

Twin Pines Diner was about six blocks away, approaching what could be called Ponyville’s outskirts facing the forest. Cozy lighting, plush booths, quiet without feeling lonely, good dessert options, and occasionally populated by the more offbeat members of the community. In other words, it was Scootaloo’s favorite place to eat in town, a fact she tried not to betray at the moment.

Hmmm… good guess, or somepony gave some advice? Works for me either way.

“Sounds good. Lead on.”

They turned a corner and moved east. It was a lovely early Autumn evening, temperature a few clicks above brisk and some clouds floating lazily in the sky. The kind of night the weather patrol tends to take off entirely. Sometimes nature doesn’t need any help.

After another block of silence, Spike clapped his hands together. “So! Scootaloo! Do you like… stuff?”

Scootaloo paused for a moment mid-step, then broke into a strong fit of giggles.

“Did you, like, look up the dorkiest way to start a conversation on a date?” Scootaloo asked when she got her voice back.

Spike grinned. “Would you believe me if I said yes?”

“For you, absolutely. I can’t think of a more, what’s the word… studious individual than you.”

“Thanks, I think?”

Scootaloo laughed again. “It’s a compliment, I swear. You put in the work. We all see it.”

“Yeah, well, I kinda gotta, you know?” Spike’s phone buzzed again, and again he ignored it.

“True, true. I can probably guess at the pressure you’re under, but I’m not sure I could fully understand it.”

“Eh,” Spike waggled his hand back and forth. “Twilight isn’t nearly as tough as everyone seems to think she is. If anything she kinda… gives me a lot of freedom?”

“Freedom, which you use to… pour your life into a ton of hard classes and lots of extra studying?”

“Mmmm, well…” Spike trailed off. Scootaloo watched his face and the slight smile he had, his eyes suddenly off in thought.

I wonder what he keeps trying to distract himself from.

They reached the end of the lane. At the corner, under a streetlight that hadn’t yet snapped on, the diner could be seen not too far away. It wasn’t too crowded on this end of town, even for a Friday night. A few groups of ponies ambled along the wide street in the opposite direction, headed for the more packed streets of Ponyville’s small approximation of a downtown. Up in the sky, a small gaggle of griffons were swooping back and forth in no particular direction at all.

The two continued along, sidestepping adults with ease. Spike’s phone continued to buzz intermittently.

“Soooo, not to pry, but is somepony, like, really trying to reach you right now?” Scootaloo finally asked.

Spike rolled his eyes and grabbed his phone, quickly switching it to silent. “It’s nothing. I just… maaaaay have mentioned to Button what I’m doing tonight, and he is a tad eager for updates.”

“Awwwwwwwwwww,” Scootaloo’s face broke into a wide grin. “He cares about you so much!”

“Yeah, that’s gotta be it.”

“What did Twilight say?” Scootaloo asked.

“What did Sweetie and Apple Bloom say?” Spike countered with a grin of his own.

Scootaloo frowned. “Hey, which one of them talked to you? I specifically told them not to-”

“It’s nothing like that,” Spike waved her off, smiling. “Neither said anything. It’s just… I don’t know if you know this, but it’s been generally accepted for years now that anything anyone says to one of you, is gonna filter to the other two within about a day.”

Scootaloo’s eyes widened. “What? Who says that?”

“Literally everyone.”

“...yeah, fair.” Scootaloo could only shrug. “I think I knew that already.”

“We generally like it. If we ever need help or support, we can get three times as much from you girls compared to anyone else.”

“You know us, always giving back to the community.” Scootaloo laughed and gave Spike a small punch in the arm.

They arrived at the diner. The clear glass door jingled with a small bell as Spike pushed it open. It looked to be a light evening, with plenty of free tables and booths to be had. Scootaloo wasn’t surprised. She wasn’t sure she had ever seen this place more than half-full. She always felt it added to the charm, though also wondered how they could stay in business for so long like that.

Stepping away from Scootaloo for a moment, Spike headed to the waitress and whispered something in her ear. She glanced back, nodded, and grabbed a few menus before leading the two of them to a booth by the rear windows.

“What did you ask her?” Scootaloo asked quietly.

“Well, my tail tends to stick out a bit more, uh, firmly, than most ponies, and I don’t wanna trip anyone, so…”

“Ah…” Scootaloo nodded, then frowned. “Uh… have you tripped anypony before?”

“Let’s just say I very nearly got banned from the Waterfall Grill after a series of unfortunate events.”

“Wild.”

They got to their booth and slipped into the plump vinyl seats. Scootaloo noted Spike adjusting his tail through the seat slots in a manner so as to make it as unobtrusive as possible along the back wall.

The waitress had already hurried away to deal with a customer calling her over, leaving them alone with their menus. Spike awkwardly studied the specials. Scootaloo glanced out the large windows to their right, half covered by large red curtains but still leaving a pretty view. It truly was the edge of town. Before her lay a long stretch of open fields and then the edge of the Everfree Forest, looking wild and tangled as ever.

They really never are gonna build anything near those woods, are they? Thank goodness. Looks better this way.

She looked back to Spike. He had been looking at her, only to suddenly turned away at her gaze. Scootaloo studied him closely. The green spines running along his head and down his back had a nice shine to them in the light, as did the purple scales coating the rest of his body.

He does a good job keeping himself neat. I don’t think I’ve ever really looked at him this closely before… I think I like what I see.

Spike drummed the table a few times with his fingers, claws making tiny *ting* sounds.

“So…” he started.

“So…” she continued.

A beat in the moment. Then Spike forced a small laugh.

“Sorry… I am! I just, uh… you know…”

Scootaloo tilted her head and grinned. “Spike, be honest: is this your first date?”

Spike could only nod.

“Am I the first girl you ever even asked out?”

Another nod.

“Well then good news dude: hardest parts are kinda over.” She gave him a thumbs up, though she could see he was still pretty tense.

Hmmm… gonna have to really take point tonight. Okay, let’s just dive on in.

“In fact, here’s some more good news.” Scootaloo shifted up in her seat, getting her elbows on the table as she leaned forward. “First dates are awkward for everypony. That’s, like, the nature of the thing. But we already got some hurdles out of the way. We know each other, and have for a long time. We’re moderately close friends, I’d like to say.”

Spike nodded. “Yeah, I’d like to say that, too.”

“Perfect. So that’s a lot of boring small talk out of the way. The who are you, how are you, what are you, all that jazz. Which means we can skip to the deeper stuff, really jumpstart things.”

“The boring small talk seems safer.”

“Safe is a dead-end street. Gotta take chances in life. And you already did!” She indicated towards Spike with enthusiasm. “Like, you asked me! Unprompted! How’d that feel?”

“Like my head was gonna explode,” Spike blurted out, then immediately looked a little embarrassed.

Scootaloo pressed onward. “No, that’s normal, it’s all good. But, begs the question… why me? Because since you asked, that’s what Apple Bloom and Sweetie were trying to figure out. What’s the angle here? What makes you want to take a crack at all of this?”

Scootaloo dramatically waved her hands around her face and torso. Spike snorted and let out a few small laughs, his shoulders relaxing in the process. Scootaloo’s smile widened.

Hey, finally getting something here. Good thing, his shoulders were so tense it seemed like he was gonna snap in half.

“It’s… kinda hard to describe…” Spike said.

“I mean, yeah, this stuff is. But like…” Scootaloo searched for the words. “I have known you for, what, basically always?”

“Oooh, pretty much? I know I knew you before elementary school, but I dunno how well back then. Memory gets fuzzy.”

“Right, but like, we’ve been around each other for so many years now. And you’ve never really, well, seemed particularly interested in me, like this. Or anypony ever… except for Rarity, of course.”

Spike immediately blushed and put his hands over his eyes at the mention of his boyhood crush. Many a small paper valentine had found their way from his desk to her mailbox, and many a classmate had laughed when they found out about it. The years of teasing that followed were good-natured but still wearing.

“Yeah, that… I got nothing, really. Just some baby dragon infatuation I guess…” He grinned sheepishly, cheeks red as roses. “Emotions are weird when you’re six, that’s all I remember.”

I wonder if he knows that his scales make it more obvious when he’s blushing.

“For the record, Rarity always thought it was cute,” Scootaloo said reassuringly. “And yeah, little boys be like that. I’m pretty sure like half our first grade class had a thing for Miss Cheerilee.”

“Oh yeah, big time. And let me tell you,” Spike leaned in, speaking in a tight whisper, “now that she’s the high school principal, those same boys are, shall we say, having some real conflicted feelings.”

Now it was Scootaloo’s turn to blush. The two teens were still giggling when the waitress returned to take their order.

Once food was safely on the way, Scootaloo got things back on track.

“But okay, so you’re growing up, but not into anypony else, so… what’s the deal there?”

Spike shrugged. Scootaloo watched his wings rise and fall with his shoulders in a strange grace. “I’m really not sure, just… got quieter and geekier as I got older I guess. Spend a lot of time studying, playing video games, hanging with Button and Button’s friends, that kind of insulates me a bit, you know? Apple Bloom getting into gaming probably did a bit to help keep me in you girls’ lives for a while there.”

“Yeah, we really kinda stopped hanging out a lot back in middle school, but I mean, you still did stuff around school, especially once we got to high school,” Scootaloo said. “I saw you at parties here and there. Plus you did soccer for a few years. And were good at it! Hardly that geeky, especially compared to, you know, Button.”

“Well, soccer is the geekiest of the sports,” Spike said. “Nothing like softball. Which you crush everyone at, by the way.”

Scootaloo beamed. “Thank you for noticing! Always nice to meet a fan.”

Spike nodded. “You know it. I, uh… I made sure to be at all your home games last year. When I was still around, I mean.”

“Really? I’m not sure I ever saw you in the stands.”

“Well, a lot of the time I was up in the announcer booth.”

“Ooooh, watching me from afar in secret. That’s good creeper energy there,” Scootaloo grinned.

Spike shook his head. “No, no, not like that, uh… Featherweight runs the AV equipment for all the school’s sporting events, so I’d just hang with him while he kept things going. And since I’m up there, I got to watch the games, and that was, well, kinda fun. The team’s good and you’re really good and you all play really hard. And then the game would be over and you’d be busy with your teammates or friends or… whoever, and I just… I dunno. Didn’t want to bug you I guess.”

Spike’s face fell slightly, and Scootaloo frowned in turn.

Hmmm, probably shouldn’t have made the creeper remark.

“I would’ve been glad to see you.” Scootaloo made a small motion with her hand towards Spike’s hands, but he pulled them off the table. He did it without looking, almost a reflex. She wondered if he did it consciously.

While Spike composed himself, Scootaloo let her eyes drift along the back-and-white zig zag patterns on the floor. She’d always been entranced by them as a kid, though had to make sure she didn’t stare too long. She was convinced the floor would hypnotize her that way.

“Uh, anyway…” Spike perked himself up. “I see you at games and at parties and in the halls and, well… I dunno how to put it, I just… got to like seeing you. I mean, it made me feel good to see you and be around you… wait, okay, that sounded weird, I mean… it’s this feeling that I don’t get elsewhere, it’s not like when I’m around my friends, or the other girls, or anyone else, it’s just, like, you, and… ugh, this is hard to put into words…”

Spike’s face flushed red again. Scootaloo smiled.

“Dude, I get it, crushes are just… like that. Somepony catches your eye, a wire in your brain hits the right spot, and you can just… feel it in your gut.”

“Yeah, well… I’m better with things I can wrap my head around, really, like, fundamentally understand. All of this…” Spike waved his hands around over the table. “Real new to me.”

“Gotta start somewhere. And, just so you know…” Scootaloo shifted a little in her seat. “I feel a little good when I’m around you, too.”

Spike’s eyes widened. Scootaloo blushed.

“I’m not saying, like, to what extent or anything like that,” she said. “But I think you should know, I agreed to be here because I wanted to be here. So, you know… think on that.”

For a quick beat, the pairs’ eyes met across the table. They each smiled, a smile similar but just different enough from everything prior. A small smile of relaxed recognition and of newfound possibilities.

Right on cue, their food arrived on two large plates. For Scootaloo, a tofu burger with extra pickles and a side salad, with a big glass of cherry coke. For Spike, the house soup special with a slight gem dusting and extra bread, root beer to drink. They thanked their waitress and dug in.

“So, you know,” Spike said as he stirred his spoon. “There actually is something specific I can point to about you that, uh, made you catch my eye. Something that makes you stand out from the other girls.

Scootaloo took a large bite and raised an eyebrow.

“Oh yeah?” She asked after swallowing. “Do tell.”

Spike gestured down to Scootaloo’s chest. She blinked.

Wow, getting bold here buddy.

“Your shirts,” he said nonchalantly.

Scootaloo blinked again and looked down. There didn’t seem to be anything new on her shirt since she’d picked it out.

“Uhhhh…”

“Sorry, sorry, that was smoother in my head, since you’re usually… what I mean is: you usually wear all those horror shirts.”

“Oh… oh! Yeah, I got a ton of those.”

“And the pins on your backpack. The little Silent Grove hockey mask and what I’m pretty sure is the pendant from Braindead.”

Scootaloo was impressed. The iconic killer’s mask of the Camp Crystal Lake franchise was a gimmie, but not many ponies would recognize the other one.

“I do enjoy the occasional scary movie. What of it? Do you…?” Scootaloo tilted her head.

Spike glanced around, then casually lifted up his hoodie, revealing his shirt underneath. Drawn across the front was a large graphic of a gruesome looking character wielding an enormous blood-soaked sawblade. The title The Appleoosa Buzz Saw Massacre was spelled out in big block letters underneath.

“Scootaloo, I love scary movies. Like, a lot,” Spike answered with a smile.

Scootaloo lifted her hands to her mouth and squealed in delight. “Dude! Why are you just telling me this now? Do you know how long I’ve been trying to find a good horror buddy? I feel like I’m alone out there!”

“Tell me about it,” Spike said, lowering his hoodie back down. “Button and Feartherweight and I watch a ton of stuff together, but they want action movies, sci-fi, comedies, basically anything but horror.”

“Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom are the same. Can barely even drag them to an Apparition sequel, and those are some of the lightest horror movies around. Anypony could get through them, but they just ain’t having it.”

“Wait, didn’t Sweetie Belle have a whole goth phase for like over a year?”

“Yeah, and the most I could get into her was werewolf romance movies. Not exactly what I’m after.”

Spike laughed, almost spilling his soup from his spoon.

“Well okay, now we’re really getting somewhere,” Scootaloo said. She leaned in. “Now we can start to really forge some new connections. But tell me: what are your favorites?”

“My favorites… wow, where to start?”

Now it was Scootaloo’s turn to point to Spike’s chest.

“You got Rawhide on you right now, so I can only assume he’s a favorite of yours.”

“Oh yeah, the ABM movies are great. First one is as good as horror gets.”

“Well, first one’s a classic, sure, but the sequels?”

“You look me in the eye and tell me you don’t like the buzzsaw duel in the abandoned amusement park at the end of Part II.”

“Fair point, that shit rocks. Anything else?”

“Uhhh… I mean, Who Goes There is probably my out and out favorite horror movie, but also love stuff like the Book of the Dead movies, Overlook, Psycho Cop II, uh, 7 Doors of Death if I feel like getting weird… too many to list, really.”

“All great stuff, love them all. Me, I love Nightmare Night, Stab, Day of the Flesh Eaters, Dawn of the Flesh Eaters… all the Flesh Eater movies, really… but when you get down to it, I’m a Nightmare on Cherry Lane gal at heart. Shreddy Shears is the best!. Love his jokes, love his blade gloves, and love the crazy stuff they do in all the dream sequences.”

“That’s a solid series, definitely. Like, I love the Camp Crystal Lake movies, but they’re mostly just a lot of choppy fun. Basic, if you will, and I say that with affection. The Cherry Lane movies have a lot better, like, actual production design put in, you know?”

Scootaloo took a sip of coke. “Totally get what you mean. Though that’s probably why there’s twice as many Camp movies, they could really pump those things out.”

“Whatever helps gives Grove his body count.”

“Absolutely. When he tears through the train car in Part VIII? First time I saw that I had nightmares for a week and I still went back for more.”

“Yeah, same, that bit messed me up. Of course, I was waaaaay too young when I saw that movie for the first time.”

“Also same.”

They laughed together, then took a moment to eat more of their food.

“So… you got into horror when you were younger?” Spike asked, wiping his mouth clean.

Scootaloo nodded. “Mmm-hmm. Because of my Dad, actually. He also really likes scary stuff, he has his whole life, and he has this enormous stash of Beta tapes of all his favorites. Seriously, it’s like a whole bookshelf in our house.”

Spike let out a low whistle. “Wow, I’d be hard pressed to even find a tape player these days.”

“Ours still works,” Scotoaloo shrugged. “Anyway, you probably know this, but my parents aren’t… around that much. Busy work lives, it’s a whole thing, we make it work, whatever. Point is, I try to really make my time with them count. And for my Dad, ever since I was little, that would mean I’d stay up late with him to watch whatever he was watching. At first it was just an excuse to, you know, spend more time with him and stay up past my bedtime.”

Spike nodded. “Seems win-win.”

“Bingo. Over time, though, I just, well, really started to enjoy what I was seeing, and then started watching them on my own. First I went through his collection, then I realized that a lot of them were the TV versions he’d recorded years ago so I went to the video store-”

“The one over at the Moxie?”

“Bingo again, that theater rocks. Anyway, I went to rent the full uncut movies, and at that point it’s like, wow, there’s this whole bloody world out there I’m missing. I gotta get in on this. Because these things are cool! Some are violent and some are scary and some are goofy and some are downright mean and it all, like, just works for me. It’s… look, you know this, it’s hard to put it into words, and everypony looks at you weird when you dive into it, but it just really connects with me. At a gut level. It just… feels right.”

Spike nodded. “I getcha, I really do.”

“Plus, hey: it’s fun! Gets the blood pumping, so to speak. So now here I am a solid decade later and it’s just, well, my main jam.”

“I can see that, yeah. Do you and your Dad still watch stuff together?”

“When he’s able to, yeah. Less so these days, but, yeah… he tries,” Scootaloo’s voice trailed off for a moment.

He really does try, doesn’t he?

Spike slurped his soup, somewhat awkwardly. Scootaloo quickly regained herself.

“What about you?” She asked. “Don’t tell me Twilight is secretly a gorehound.”

“Not a chance.” Spike shook his head. “She hates this stuff. For me, it’s more like… when I was little there were a lot of nights where I was on my own. Not, like, literally alone, since Twilight was home, she was just really busy and distracted in her lab or her study and I just… didn’t want to bug her, I guess.”

Scootaloo frowned. “Do you really think you bother your mom by being around her?”

“No, no, nothing like that, I just, like, she’d spend all day with me and then she needed quiet time to get her work done in the evening or at night. I picked up early that it’s better if I… entertained myself around those times.”

“Mmm.”

Still seems a bit lonely at home.

“So anyway, one time I’m around… I wanna say seven, it was really late, I didn’t want to go to sleep, and I got bored, so after I’d read all my books and wandered around the library for the hundredth time I finally ended up in our little living room that we never seemed to use and just… turned on the TV. And kinda by chance, the late night station I ended up on was one that did a lot of horror marathons, over and over and over again, all night long. So I just… started watching, first that night, then the next, watching a lot of them, all the time.”

“That scare you much?”

“Big time. I ended up hiding under my covers every night and having lots of nightmares, which Twilight was always trying to figure out, since she never saw what I was watching. But still, I kept going back. It’s like… I dunno, it was scary, but Twilight had taught me young about ‘facing your fears’ and all that, and how things get less scary when you can understand them, so I wanted to figure them out. I think what really made things click was… you ever see The Hellbound Heart?”

“Hell yeah, that one’s awesome. Nailhead’s the man.”

“Yes he is. But what I’m talking about is, in that movie, there’s that scene where the guy in the attic, like, reforms himself from a few drops of blood. First the skeleton, the the organs, the flesh, all that, right?”

“Also a super cool scene. And wait, they showed that on TV? Man, you guys get way better channels than we did.”

“It really was, and yeah, no idea what they were thinking, but there it was at like one in the morning and I’m just this third grader and… and I was just… fascinated by it, because like, I knew it wasn’t real, Twilight had done a real good job explaining to me how movies are fake and made-up and just actors and all that, but I was watching this and it’s like how did they do this. Because at first I thought it was just magic, but then, I’ve been around Twilight enough to have a pretty good eye for what’s magic and what’s not, and this seemed… different.”

“It’s kinda crazy how much stuff in movies isn’t done with magic.”

“Right! Because like, illusion spells aren’t really that common or work the way everyone seems to think they do, and… well, whatever, off topic. Anyway, not long after I saw that, I was looking through the magazine section of the library and just found this huge stack of Chopped Monthly and one had a whole article about that very scene, and then more behind the scenes stuff, makeup and special effects and all that, and I just got real into it. There’s so much artistry they put into those movies, even the crummy ones have a lot to love. So much strange effort put in by weird artists just to scare you and me. It’s… great! I wonder if I still have those issues…”

Scootaloo sat back in her seat and studied Spike. He was staring off into space now, head lost in recollection.

This is the most animated and talkative I’ve seen him in… years? When he cares about something, he really gets invested into it. Good thing to keep in mind.

“So anyway,” Spike said, snapping himself out of his mini-stupor, “It’s like, yeah, kinda like you. I got older and watched more and more, usually on my own because none of my friends ever seemed into it, and now I’ve got a room full of horror posters and a shelf full of little scary action figures and even a small drawer full of freaky t-shirts. Though I’ll be honest, a lot I end up hiding under my hoodies. Don’t ask me why, I just… I dunno, I feel like I’d get too many weird looks? Am I too self-conscious? Probably.”

“Hey, don’t be embarrassed for repping the bloody side of things,” Scootaloo said, pointing firmly at Spike’s face. “Embrace what you love and all that.”

“I know, I know,” he said. “I do envy you. You just wear whatever and make it work.”

Scootaloo beamed at him. “I own my style! Can’t ever back down... Although I did take that a bit too far that one time when I wore a Cannibal Destruction shirt to school.”

Spike nearly spit out his drink. “A shirt for that movie would be nuts.”

“It’s pretty gnarly. Found it online on a forum I go to a lot. I think that day I made it midway through Geometry before Ms. Waterlily really looked at it and sent me to the principal’s office. I had to wear my gym shirt the rest of the day.”

“See, mine are, uh, calmer. I think the bloodiest one I have is the one I’m wearing now.”

Scootaloo laughed. “Gotta up your game then. Alright, you mentioned posters, lay it on me, list them off. Because I got a few myself, even some originals.”

Their conversation grew more and more animated as the evening wore on. Comparisons of memorabilia, more talk about big franchises and obscure titles, some that one hadn’t seen and some new to the other. Layers of anxiety stripped away as Spike spoke freely and easily, and Scootaloo happily indulged in a side she rarely got to speak to anyone about.

The clock ticked on. Dinner passed slowly, neither in any great hurry to rush things, but still, before they knew it, there was a half-finished slice of cherry pie sitting between them and a modest-looking bill.

Spike paid it. He was clever. He’d slipped the hostess his debit card before they’d even sat down. Scootaloo protested, but there was nothing she could do about it. Still, she insisted on leaving the tip herself as they headed out the door and into the cool nighttime air.

They walked slowly towards Scootaloo’s house. The streetlights were on and the sidewalks clear. A few bikes moved through the large lanes at the center of the street, their headlamps flashing along the neighboring houses.

A chill was building in the air, and even though Spike shoved his hands into his hoodie pockets, Scootaloo didn’t seem to notice. She stretched her arms out, resting them both behind her head, cracking her knuckles loudly.

Going well, going well… maybe I can get things a little further along.

“So, Spike… why did you stop playing soccer?” Scootaloo asked.

Spike seemed surprised at the question. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, you played it all through middle school, and your first two years of high school you were crushing it in JV. Could’ve made varsity, no problem. Why’d you stop? Didn’t you like it?”

Spike thought for a long moment. “Yeah, I… I liked it a lot. Had a great time out there, all my teammates were really cool, and like you said, I was kinda, well, good at it. Thing is, and I’m sure you know this, there is a lot of stress the more into a sport one gets.”

Scootaloo had to concede that one. “Definitely true. I know I’ve lost sleep before some big games. And the training, it just never ends sometimes.”

“Yeah, and I talked to the guys on Varsity about what to expect and what came next and I just… didn’t like that, and it was more than I wanted to deal with at a certain point. So I stopped it. Put all my energy into classes and schoolwork, all that stuff, and just moved on.”

“And what are you after now?”

“What am I after…” Spike murmured. “Well, there’s the obvious answer to that, which is it’s just me trying to get into a good college. Good grades, some extra curricular stuff, nice well-rounded application, and I can go anywhere I want. But I’ll admit, at this point it’s probably a bit of overkill.”

Having Twilight Sparkle for a mom probably doesn’t hurt much, either.

“School doesn’t stress you out, though? However bad softball gets to me, I can handle that a lot better than I can the night before a test I’m not ready for.”

“That’s the thing, though, I… I just like doing school stuff. I’m in these advanced classes and learning this stuff and I can just get it, kinda without much effort? I mean, I study hard, and I know that everyone jokes about Twilight rubbing off on me and that’s probably at least a little true, but still, I see others around me struggling a lot and on stuff that I really just snap to and all that hard studying I just said I do? It’s not actually that hard for me. I do it and I just find myself in a nice little space where I just… got a good bead on everything. Good sense of control over everything and myself. And I think I need that.”

Spike looked off, his eyes gliding over random houses as they walked along. Scootaloo kept her eyes right on him.

Wow, this guy is really trying to keep himself together.

“So you obsess over your schoolwork and you do real good at it and it makes you feel good, but also…” Scootaloo thought for a moment. “There’s less of you around as a result. I mean, for the rest of us.”

“True. And look,” Spike stopped suddenly. The two stood on the dark sidewalk, illuminated only by the bright light from a nearby porch.

“I’m a pretty oblivious guy a lot of the time, I know that. But this past summer when I was off on my own in a basement across the country cataloging old magic scrolls and honestly having a real nice time down in the dark I had this sudden, like, moment of pure clarity. Out of nowhere. A genuine epiphany.”

Scootaloo watched expectantly.

“I was quiet and calm and nice and happy and suddenly it seemed that not only was I finding a weird way to take the easy way out, I was doing it and… I was so alone in the process. I’d found the ultimate easy comfort in being alone.” Spike stared for a long moment. “And that, I didn’t like. I was… coasting into a lonely void.”

“Nopony wants to be lonely,” Scootaloo said. “So… isolated, like that.”

“Right. But I also thought about all the time I’d been with friends over the last years as I got more wrapped into my studies and even with them I was feeling, well, alone. Like I was drifting away in the same room. And I wanna be clear, this isn’t something anyone else was causing, none of you did anything wrong. It was me, I was… I wasn’t engaging. I was detaching myself.”

Scootaloo had a momentary flashback to Spike over recent times. Seeing him glide through parties and school hallways, rarely getting more than small talk out of him, him always leaving something early, never really connecting like she did with her other friends. Not like when they were younger.

“You know, I do get you here.” Scootaloo inched a little closer to Spike. “I mentioned the stress of softball already, but seriously, that really takes a lot out of me, and I honestly just do, like, fine when it comes to my normal grades. And then at home… I love my aunts, they love me. I love my parents, they love me. But… I dunno, I look at all my friends and feel like I’m this nearly untethered thing just kinda floating nearby. I pass myself between them to stay connected, otherwise I’ll, like you said, drift away.”

“Gotta try and stay grounded, yeah, I hear you.” Spike moved closer himself. He was watching her intently, and Scootaloo got the impression he really wanted to ask more questions, but held back.

“It does get lonely sometimes,” she said. “Even surrounded by ponies, just… feels off.”

“Right. So, I had my little moment of clarity and looked at my life and thought, okay, can I keep doing this? Can I be proactive and change something, make that effort to not be stuck in the dark, even if I liked it there?”

“So can you?”

“Well…” Spike motioned a hand towards Scootaloo. “I’m certainly trying.”

Scootaloo’s mouth turned to a small smile. She reached out and firmly grasped Spike’s hand in hers. He gulped, caught off guard by the action but not pulling away either. For a moment the two basked in the silence, feeling the warmth emanating from each other’s grip.

Softer hand than I was expecting. Colder, but smooth. Trims his claws too, very nice.

“We’re, uh…” Spike tried to start.

“We’re almost to my place, and I’m almost late,” Scootaloo said. She resumed her pace, and the two walked along, hand in hand.

“You dodged a question from me earlier,” she said.

“I did?”

“Yup. I asked what Twilight said about you doing this with me. Didn’t get an answer.”

“Probably because I didn’t tell her. Not, like out of embarrassment or anything like that, I just…wasn’t even sure what to tell her. You know what, this whole thing just didn’t seem real to me until I saw you earlier tonight, coming out of your house.”

“Awwwwww.”

“Still doesn’t, to be honest.”

‘I repeat, awwwww.” Scootaloo’s teasing got some extra blushing out of Spike’s cheeks.

“And your aunts? What do they think?” Spike asked back.

“They know I’m out with a good dude, they just don’t know the specific dude.”

“That’s something.”

“Though at this point, I’m kinda curious what Button’s thoughts are gonna be.”

Spike reached into his pocket and glanced at his phone. “Judging by the number of messages I have, I’m guessing he’s gonna be interrogating me all night.”

“We have got to get you boys out more. This kind of thing should not be that great a mystery.”

“Such is the curse of the perpetually geeky.”

“Hey, that’s just an attitude thing. He can overcome it. You did.”

“I’m trying to. Though I’ll say, I don’t know how Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom haven’t been pestering you with texts all night, either.”

“They can show real restraint sometimes. Not one buzz out of them all night.”

“...you put your phone on silent earlier, didn’t you.”

“Like the second I stepped out of my house, there’s probably at least 50 texts waiting for me.”

Spike could only laugh. Scootaloo joined him. They walked on.

At last, they arrived at the small fence in front of Scootaloo’s house. The lights were all on, and she could barely make out the outline of her Aunt sitting inside the living room through the drawn curtains. Scootaloo pulled out her own phone. Five minutes to nine and a whole boatload of messages to check.

“Well, this is me,” she said, almost immediately regretting the hackneyed remark.

“So I can see.” Spike said.

After a moment of hesitation, she finally let go of Spike’s hand. It quickly retreated to the familiar comfort of his hoodie pocket in a move that made her suppress a giggle.

This is all so wonderfully new for him.

An awkward pause hit the air.

“So…” Scootaloo said. “What’s your plan next time?”

Spike blinked at her. “My… what?”

Scootaloo half-rolled her eyes. “Well, this was the first date. What about the second date? There’s an order to these things, you know. A natural progression.”

“I, uh…” Spike stammered.

Oh, don’t say it, don’t say it…

“I didn’t think I’d make it this far…” Spike said.

Okay, gotta work on increasing this dragon’s confidence.

“We just held hands for over two blocks. By the ancient laws and customs of the land, that means you’re duty bound to take me out again.” Scootaloo folded her arms and nodded in satisfaction at her argument.

Spike nodded to himself. “I do like to obey laws…”

He stood pondering, his mind racing. Scootaloo rolled her eyes again.

“Spike, what movie opens next Friday?”

“The Book of the Dead remake,” he quickly answered. “Why?”

Why are the smart ones always so slow?

After a beat, the penny dropped and Spike’s eyes widened.

“...ah! So uh, hey Scootaloo, I just thought of something, if you’re free next Friday night…”

“Yeah, I’ll bet you did.” Scootaloo spun on her hooves with a smile on her face. She opened her gate and moved down the walkway to her porch.

“I expect good seats!” she called out over her shoulder.

“I… yes. Yes!” Spike’s body jolted, a spark of life roaring into him and his animation returning in force. “Yeah, that… that sounds great! I’ll, uh, go order some right now.”

“My man,” Scootaloo raised her hand with a thumbs up, then reached for her doorknob. “Text me!”

The door opened, closed, and she was gone.

Spike stood alone on an empty sidewalk. He stared at nothing in particular. He felt his heart pounding through his hoodie. Eventually, after a few rough steps forward, he let his wings stretch, took a quick running start, and flew off towards the main square.

There were two movie theaters in town, the large multiplex at the mall and the smaller single screen not too far from the library. Spike had a pretty good hunch which one Scootaloo would like more, and it was open for a few more hours that night. Perfect time to score some opening night tickets.

Inside her house, Scootaloo leaned against the front door, fingers drumming against the wood.

So let’s recap: Nice boy, awkward as hell, some extra bits of lonely depth, actual good taste in movies, kinda cuter than I thought up close… yeah, I think he’s worth pursuing.

“My my… back with three minutes to go.” Aunt Holiday sat in her chair, looking for all the world like she hadn’t moved a muscle since Scootaloo had left. The only evidence of change was a fresh cup of tea on the table next to her and a lot fewer pages to go in her book. “You must’ve been eager to get away from this one.”

“Hardly,” Scootaloo grinned. She walked towards the living room and leaned against the entryway. “He was just the sort who knew it was wise to obey an Aunt’s curfew.”

“A good boy, just like I predicted.” She smiled and looked up at Scootaloo. “He certainly looked polite out there. Familiar, too, though I can’t say I’ve seen you hang around many dragons in your life.”

“He stands out in a crowd,” Scootaloo said. “And yeah… good one, I’d say.”

Holiday raised an eyebrow. “Good enough for seconds?”

Scootaloo nodded. “Very much so. Now, I think I’m gonna retreat to my room and catch up on the rest of my social world.”

Holiday nodded and looked back to her book. “Sounds like a plan. And remember, Lofty needs you up early tomorrow, she doesn’t want to miss her train.”

Through it all, Scootaloo had nearly forgotten she had an overnight trip that weekend with her other Aunt to Canterlot. Aunt Lofty’s love of quilting was legend in the town, and she was not one to miss the annual expo that happened every year. Scootaloo was less sure how she’d gotten roped into things, though a trip to the city usually meant a chance to wander off and around, and she could always go for more of that.

Upstairs in her room, Scootaloo flopped on her bed. Flipping open her phone, she scrolled through a long series of different messages. Rumble poked her a few times, the group chat with Sweetie and Apple Bloom was exploding with questions and speculations, and even Button had sent her a quick message.

Button:
[Please be good to him]
[or else]

Spike, your friend is probably too sweet for his own good.

She tossed her phone aside. Everything could be answered in due time. Right now, she just wanted to lie back and stare at the ceiling and think over the night. She had hoped for a nice time. She got something much more engaging. And with butterflies perking up in her stomach, she suddenly realized just how much she wanted more of it.

Chapter 5 - October 4th

It was a dark and stormy night.

A crimson curtain fell from the skies and drenched the isolated forest cabin in thick, gooey blood. Smoke rose from the overturned jeep as it was engulfed in an inferno, flames licking the windows, torching the frame, and melting the seats. The fire crawled along by way of a gasoline trail over to the collapsing wooden structure. It wasn’t long before it too was transformed into a massive bonfire that lit up the grisly scene.

In the yard illuminated by the flickering orange light, the bisected corpse of some horrible creature lay rotting. Some limbs still twitched. An eye sagged from its socket. The fleshly-carved chunks of flesh oozed into the wet soil while streaks of viscera were scattered all around. Maggots rose and flies buzzed. Their feast had just begun.

A gore-soaked unicorn staggered forward into the night. As she cradled the severed stump that was once her left hand and let the still-running chainsaw fall to her hooves, her mouth opened and she let out a mighty wail, something halfway between a laugh and a scream. Her eyes are wide. The horrors of the night are etched down into her very soul. There is no respite with the breaking dawn. There are only the rotting memories of misery and death.

Then it all goes black.

And in that void, letters suddenly popped up onto the screen:

THE BOOK OF THE DEAD

Red credits started fading in, starting with the director and working down through to the cast. Out in the aisles, murmurs rose up amongst the packed house, and as the chatter grew louder, it seemed a positive buzz was building. A buzz shared by the two teenagers sitting fourth row center.

“Wow… that was awesome,” Scootaloo said. She leaned back in her seat. Her jacket was open, showing off her black t-shirt adorned by a drawing of the titular flesh-bound book.

“Gotta be the bloodiest movie I’ve seen in a long time,” Spike said. He was in yet another hoodie, although this one matched the evening’s theme with a smiling image of the series’ mainstay protagonist, Ashy Mountains, complete with his trademark chainsaw and boomstick.

“Oh yeah, definitely. The part with the nail gun? Or the cleaver?”

“It was honestly the box cutter that got me the most.”

“I know, you were practically writhing in your seat,” Scootaloo teased as she stood up.

“For good reason! Going in the tongue like that… blerg,” Spike shuddered. He brushed some popcorn off his lap and got to his feet. “Anyway, I liked it, but also it was kinda… really mean? I’m not sure I mean that in a positive or negative way, just, an observation. Does that make sense?”

“Yeah, it’s not as, like, fun as the older ones,” Scootaloo agreed. “But I liked that. Real gnarly attitude. Gotta make these things really pack a punch these days.”

“Maybe, but it was downright cruel at times. Those friends had a real bad time out in those woods! And I thought horror had moved past that over the last few years…”

The two continued their post-movie discussion as they went with the flow out of the room. It took a moment to navigate. They had been in theater one, the largest of the Moxie’s three screens, and however modest the little picture house was, when it sold out a show it really could pack in an impressive crowd.

Eventually they were able to squeeze their way into the lobby, where things were just as hectic. A sea of ponies flowed before them. Nearly all were dressed in some kind of clothing marking them as longtime fans of the Book of the Dead series. A few had even come in full costume.

Spike stood on his toes to get a better view.

Yeesh, haven’t seen this place this slammed in forever.

“Guess the multiplex deciding not to show this one really paid off,” he said.

“They totally wimped out. Can’t handle something this violent,” Scootaloo said. “More for us then.”

The concession line snaked nearly to the front doors, while the couches that lined the walls were all crammed full. A few stressed-looking ushers were scurrying back and forth trying to properly herd everyone where they needed to go and keep noise levels from interfering with screenings already in progress. Across the lobby and through a large gap in the wall, they could see into the attached video store, which was crawling with ponies on the prowl for the evening’s entertainment options.

Truly, everyone was spending Friday night at the movies.

At the manager’s desk up front by the box office, a teal-haired pegasus did his best to orchestrate the bedlam.

“Hey, that’s the guy who owns the theater.” Scootaloo pointed towards the desk and waved. The manager pointed back without looking over. His focus remained on the assistant manager he was in deep conversation with.

“He looks a little frazzled,” Spike said.

“Very. I’ve talked to him a few times. He recommended some good stuff when I was younger. Dude knows his movies.”

“Yeah, I’ve met him a few times, too. He still works the counter at the rental shop a lot. He used to quiz me on movie trivia, and if I got it right he let me rent the gory stuff back in freshman year.”

Although Twilight was kinda mad when she found me with that uncut copy of Flowers From Hell. Then again, I’m not even sure I could get through that one.

“And he lets me into the R-rated stuff like this.” Scootaloo grinned. “Cool dude when he sees you’re a real fan.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen him leave the building. He just… lives here.”

“Life he chose I guess.”

The two finally made their way to the glass exit doors and paused. Scootaloo glanced around and checked her phone.

“So, it’s about eight thirty. We can go hang in the horror section next door and debate favorites, or we can go get some pizza the other way.” She looked at Spike. “What you thinking?”

Spike rubbed his chin. “Hmm… I have a feeling if we go to the horror section we’ll spend the rest of the night dissecting each other’s taste to an insane degree. Seems like a lot for a second date.”

Not that I wouldn’t mind that either…

“Pizza it is then,” Scootaloo said with a smile.

They opened the doors. A burst of wet air met them. A light shower was coming down, the first real rain of the season. Everywhere they looked, ponies hurried along, most at least with umbrellas or coats, all moving as quickly as they could to stay dry. It wasn’t rough rain, but the sky wasn’t getting any less ominous. Wetter weather was inbound.

Spike looked up. “They sure pushed those clouds in fast. Wasn’t even that overcast when we got here.”

I should’ve brought the umbrella, not like the forecasts are a secret, stupid, why didn’t I plan ahead, real stupid.

“Storm’s gotta storm,” Scootaloo said with a shrug. She looked across the street. A bright neon sign spelled out the words Super Slice. A crowd pulsated under it.

She zipped up her jacket. “Come on, let’s hustle.”

With that, they scampered out from the theater and across the busy thoroughfare, dodging a few waterlogged bikers in the process. Making it across, they ducked under an awning. Spike glanced at the line while Scootaloo shook some water off her clothes.

“At least this thing is rain resistant,” she said, watching drops fall from her sleeve.

“Sweet, this place still has the dark pepper topping.”

“Sounds a little much.”

“Won’t know until you try it.”

“Maybe later…” Scootaloo suddenly trailed off. She peered through the large window in front of the restaurant and frowned.

“On second thought,” she said softly. “Let’s try somewhere else. Looks a little crowded in there.”

Spike glanced at her, then tried to follow her gaze. Sitting in the back corner, furthest from the front doors, he saw a group of teens clustered in a booth. A few girls, none of whom he recognized, and two boys that he did: Star Rush and Goldenrod, still the preeminent jocks of Ponyville High.

Wow, she must’ve had a bad falling out with them, they seemed alright back in August.

Spike’s mouth opened, a question on the tip of his tongue, then he quickly thought better and changed course.

“Sure. Sharkie’s is three blocks away and they’re open late. That work?”

“You betcha.” Scootaloo quickly spun on her hooves and hurried off, barely giving Spike a chance to keep up.

The two walked in silence until the end of the block. Scootaloo was staring off into space as the rain fell around them, one hand buried deep in her jacket. Spike reached out, as casually as he could, and grasped her free hand hanging by her side. She clamped onto it, moving closer to him in the walk. He saw her tense shoulders relax ever so slightly.

Spike couldn’t help but blush.

The rain started to pick up. Puddles in the street grew larger before their eyes, larger and larger splashes from the falling drops.

“Real ideal weather for a night out,” Spike said, his tone trying to lighten the mood. Scootaloo said nothing.

The rain got harder. Spike pulled Scootaloo in closer. She looked over to him as he extended one of his wings over her head, making a very effective umbrella.

“...thanks.” She leaned in against Spike, their clasped hands now squished between their somewhat soggy bodies.

“Gonna do that for yourself?” she asked.

“Can’t really angle it over myself that well.” Spike smiled as rain dropped across his face. “It’s okay. I don’t mind the rain. This hoodie dries out fast.”

“Yeah, but what about the rest of you?”

“Water tends to not stick to scales very well.”

“Lucky you.” Scootaloo looked up at the wing over her head. Even at this awkward angle, it was an impressive sight. Looking around she saw more than one other pony watching them as they walked by, including a few pegasi watching the display with a curious intensity.

“What’s it like with wings like that?” Scootaloo asked, almost absent-mindedly. “I mean, I know about having wings, obviously, but like… you only got them at all, what, back in ninth grade?”

Spike rubbed the back of his head. “Yeah, that was kind of a weird year, especially when they started growing so fast. Health class really didn’t prepare me. Had to learn a lot of stuff, uh, on the fly, as it was..”

“I’ll bet. Gotta buy a lot of new clothes, too, get those wing holes.”

“Oh you have no idea. So many great shirts, gone forever as I tried to tear out the backs… anyway, it worked out okay, but, like, I still don’t really know what to do with these things sometimes.”

“I like how you’re managing so far.”

They turned a corner. The large cartoon shark mascot atop a spinning sign told them they had reached their destination. As the weather reached a drenching crescendo, they didn’t hesitate, and all but ran the final half block into the front doors. The pizzeria had planned ahead and actually laid out mats for customers to stamp their hooves dry and shake their manes off before finding seats.

While Scootaloo wrung out her tail, Spike flexed his wings out the door, giving them one last big stretch before closing them up.

“It’s nice to just give them a workout like this sometimes,” he said. “I mean, you know what it’s like, if I haven’t flown in a bit they get stiff and then… uh, I mean…”

Spike couldn’t help it. He glanced at Scootaloo’s back. Her wings, damp feathers and all, were as undersized and underused as they’d ever been. He gulped and looked at the floor.

Just gotta shove that foot alllll the way down your mouth, don’t you.

He looked up and found Scootaloo looking at him with a soft smile on her face.

“Relax,” she said. “It’s fine.”

“I’m sorry, I-”

“I said, it’s fine,” she repeated firmly.

The restaurant was largely full, but the order counter surprisingly had no line. It didn’t take much time for them to order a few slices, grab some sodas, and find a nice booth along the big bay windows to sit down. The last free booth, even.

Spike took his first few bites in silence.

Okay she said it’s fine but does she mean it it’ll always be a thing won’t it do I just never address it at all or what though I mean it’s weird to say nothing right unless that actually isn’t and I’m making it weird wait what if-

“You can ask,” Scootaloo said. She took a big bite and munched while Spike watched her.

“Uhh…”

“About my wings,” she said. “Everypony gets one time. This is yours. Go ahead. I don’t think I’ve ever actually, like, really said anything to you about them.”

“Yeah, um, so…” Spike fumbled with his hands. “I thiiiiink I remember Twilight telling me something when I was younger? I must’ve asked her at some point when we started growing up and you, uh… okay so she said birth defect, if I remember-”

“And she got it in one,” Scootaloo said, cutting Spike off with practiced patience. “DisproportionateWing Syndrome. Affects something like every one in fifty thousand pegasi, give or take a few. It is what it is and I’m used to it now.”

“Okay. Cool. Well, not cool, obviously, but… okay.”

Scootaloo shrugged. “Like I said, it is what it is. I really am okay. Really. I got plenty of other things to focus on and worry about in life. Plus, I bet it’s a lot easier for me to get into shirts than you.”

Spike forced a chuckle. “Probably. I gotta special-order basically everything I wear. Little zippers or buttons in the back and it’s a hassle to put it on and, uh… I’m sorry I made you talk about it.”

He looked down at the floor. Scootaloo reached over and put her hand on his wrist.

“Hey, nopony makes me do anything,” she said. “I don’t mind talking about it, especially when somepony asks nicely. Or awkwardly, but in a nice way. I just… I just don’t wanna seem like some charity case, or like I’m supposed to spend every night sitting in some field staring at the night sky and pining to be able to just soar away at a moment’s notice. I’m not gonna be what everypony thinks I’m supposed to be.”

Wow, do I know that feeling.

Spike looked up. Her smile looked genuine. He tried to match it.

“Okay, I get you,” he said.

“Look at it this way: I can’t miss what I never had.” Scootaloo released her grip and took a quick sip of soda. “Besides, my best friends keep their hooves on the ground. They manage okay.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean there, too.”

Wonder what Button would be like in the air… dunno if he has the focus for it. Featherweight manages okay, though he never does want to move very fast. I think he prefers walking.

Outside, a gust of wind shook the windows, splattering them with a fresh coat of rain.

Spike watched the drops streak across the glass. “Really wild weather for early October. Gotta be some weather ponies going hard… any chance your parents know we were doing this?”

“Yeah, I texted my dad about it. Bet he did this on purpose as a joke.”

“Wicked sense of humor.”

“He thinks he’s funny like that.” Scootaloo smiled and laughed to herself.

Spike leaned in. “What do your parents do for the Weather Service, anyway? I don’t really know. I’ve never even met them, actually.”

“Not many have,” Scootaloo said. “Mom works in wind research, while Dad’s a rainchaiser.”

“Those guys who gotta wrangle all the rogue storms?” Spike was impressed. “I’ve heard that’s a tough job.”

“It takes him all over, that’s for sure. I don’t think a lot of ponies really know how much weather just, like, happens naturally on its own, and how much Weather Service work is spent just wrangling that on top of the stuff it makes itself. Mom tends to follow him, since those natural storms bring natural winds. They’ve traveled the world together…”

Scootaloo stared out the window. Spike stared at her.

All these years seeing her around town, I’ve met pretty much everyone else’s family… I’ve barely even seen her aunts. Weird her parents are just, like, barely around at all. That is weird, right? That can’t just be me.

“Are they always moving?” Spike asked. “No, like, permanent post anywhere?”

Scootaloo shook her head. “Nature of the jobs, apparently. They come around whenever they can, for as long as they can, but, well, always gotta be somewhere. Sometimes if they’re doing something nearby I can watch them do it. I remember going to the Weather Service headquarters in Cloudsdale when I was in second grade, that was so cool… you ever been to Cloudsdale?”

It was Spike’s turn to shake his head. “Actually no. I’d like to, it looks gorgeous, but Twilight and I have never really been able to find the time, or when we do have the time it’s when it’s on the far side of the country or something.”

“Yeah, floating cities can be really inconveniently located like that. Anyway, we took the balloon up, because, yeah, couldn’t all fly there. Was kinda weird being the only pegasi onboard, though at the time I remember thinking it was weird unicorns or earth ponies were going up at all. I didn’t know about those tourist areas with all the magical walkways for them.”

“One of Twilight’s old professors at Canterlot University helped design those,” Spike said. “It was this whole breakthrough levitation process. She got kinda giddy talking about it once.”

“I’ll bet she did.” Scootaloo chuckled. “For us, they were good to have. They never actually said it but I’m pretty sure my parents were worried I wouldn’t be able to cloudwalk. Because of my wings and all that jazz. Dad practically had a deathgrip on me when I took my first steps onto a real fluffy one by their hotel.”

Spike looked up and scratched his chin. “Oh yeah, I remember that from Bio last year. Something about cloudwalking being granted by residual magic specific to glands spread through the wings, I think. I dunno, Bio was never my strong suit, I’m more a math and numbers guy.”

“So, what, you only got a B in Bio then?” Scootaloo said with a laugh.

“Excuse me, it was a B+,” Spike replied with mock indignation. “Fun fact about me: if I really don’t care much about a class, I’ll get a B+ in it. I do the work, pass the tests, move on out.”

Scootaloo rolled her eyes. “It’s like you struggle not to be like Twilight.”

“Yeah, yeah… so: clouds?”

“I walked great!” Scootaloo was giddy as memories came flooding back. “I must’ve played around there for hours, running around and playing tag with dad and jumping with mom and the both of them just tossing me around. I really wore them out in the end.”

Scootaloo’s smile suddenly flickered. “And like… I could see it in their faces, ya know? Just this look of… relief. Pure relief. Like, great, their daughter almost worked the way she was supposed to.”

She took another drink of soda while Spike said nothing.

“A few years later, I heard my aunts talking,” she continued. “They mentioned that my parents briefly considered just settling down in Cloudsdale, having me live up there with them. The city moves enough, they might’ve been able to change departments, figure out something that worked. But in the end… they thought it would be a lot easier for me to stay down here.”

Scootaloo’s eyes wandered up to the sky. Almost on cue, the heavy rains started to lighten up, bringing things back down to a steady drizzle.

Spike reached out, fingers brushing Scootaloo’s arm. She looked at him. He wore a light smile that matched his inviting eyes.

“For what it’s worth,” he said. “I’m glad you’re still here.”

“Yeah… me too,” Scootaloo grabbed Spike’s hand. The two looked into each other’s eyes for a few moments, the chatter of the patrons around them fading deep into the background. A blissful interlude.

Then inevitable teenage awkwardness crashed down onto both of them. They freed their grips and suddenly found themselves wanting to busy their hands with the remainder of their food.

Soooo… do I, like, let her make it even? That seems right, right?

“You can ask me something,” Spike said.

Scootaloo tilted her head. “Huh? What do you mean?”

“Well, I asked you a deeply personal question and got a long, heartfelt answer out of it, seems only fair you should be able to do likewise.” Spike gulped. “...right?”

Scootaloo stared at him, then broke into a laugh.

“You know what, okay, sure, why not.”

She thought for a moment, her face going into an exaggerated expression of deep concentration that made Spike snicker politely. Finally, she came to a decision.

“So, Spike: you’re a dragon.” Scootaloo waved her hand, indicating Spike’s whole body. “Tell me about that.”

Spike blinked.

…ah, right.

“I am?”

“Well, I didn’t mean to be the one to break it to you, but…”

“No, no, I’ve heard it said once or twice before.” Spike rubbed the back of his neck and shrugged. “It’s… a thing? I mean, uh, huh, broad question, gotta think.”

“Well here, let me narrow it down.” Scootaloo leaned across the table, balanced on her elbows, hands clasped. “I guess what I mean is… you’re the only dragon I really know. There’s others around town, I do see them, but not many.”

“Enough to still get special toppings for us at restaurants.” Spike pointed to his last remaining slice, a gem-and-chili-pepper mix. “Helps that the shiny stuff doesn’t actually expire and is cheap to buy in bulk.”

Scootaloo giggled. “True. But really, it’s like… what is all that to you? Being a dragon here.”

That’s narrowing it down?

Spike thought for a long moment, tapping a finger on the table. “Well, I’m basically fireproof. Not, like, 100% fireproof, but still, it’s cool. I… well, nobody here smokes and I don’t have a lighter so I can’t prove it, but, yeah, open flames don’t really do anything to me. I still sweat, but it’s not much, some kind of regulatory system thing half-tied to emotions? I don’t know. I can breathe in smoke just fine as well, so… always got a career as a firefighter in my back pocket. Nice little safety net there. Just… regular dragon things there, I guess.”

“Mmm.”

Spike’s smile faltered. He could see a flicker of disappointment in her eyes.

Probably can’t make a joke about not having to worry about Cutie Marks without sounding like a pervert… come on, she gave a real answer, I can do better. Dig deep.

Spike took a breath. “Do you know I’m the only dragon in school? There’s something like seven hundred students, whole smorgasbord of Earth ponies, pegasi, unicorns, plus a fair number of Griffons… just one dragon.”

Scootaloo thought for a moment. “Huh, that’s… weird? I guess I never really, uh, noticed before.”

Go figure.

“I did a town survey for Sociology last year. There’s roughly two hundred dragons in Ponyville. So about 2% of the total town population, which is noticeably under the national demographic average. Not many families, either. A few kids are incoming, there’s some in elementary and middle school, but, yeah, just me here right now. The one dragon of Ponyville High.”

“Why don’t more dragons move here? I’d hope everypony would be cool with it.”

Spike waved his hands. “Welllll… everyone is? Mostly? About me and everything? I rarely get any kind of, you know, shit for being me at school, and I can ignore the assholes who say stuff pretty easily, but… look, this is a town called Ponyville. It can try to be the most welcoming place in Equestria and it is still gonna be a tough sell from the outset. There’s just a… vibe to it, one that is, well, for ponies. And even with almost everyone being cool to me, I get the feeling sometimes that a lot go out of their way to not notice me, to just… paint me into the background. Or get overly awkward when they do see me.”

Scootaloo thought on that.

Spike went on. “Not to mention, uh… well, words like everypony, somepony, and anypony? Those are kinda regional words. I don’t think I heard them once when I was in Vanhoover. They just… say everyone, everywhere else.”

A sudden flash of realization washed over Scootaloo’s face, and she winced.

Whoops, too far, don’t wanna lay this on her or anything.

“Look, I really don’t mind that, honest,” Spike said as reassuringly as he could. “It’s… harmless. I don’t really notice hearing it. And I kinda got off topic anyway, which is… folks are fine to me. I just also know that I’m one dragon growing up in a sea of ponies and I honestly have no idea how I’m supposed to be or what it really means. I have read books on dragon history and I’ve spoken to a few around town when I bump into them, and talked to a lot more in Vanhoover, and I can see all those other lives and lifestyles but they’re not me and I know it’s not like I’m doing anything wrong here but…”

Spike rested his elbows on the table and let his head sink a little. His eyes drifted back to the rain outside, now more of a heavy mist.

“I’m Twilight Sparkle’s adopted son. A son she adopted when she was really young, and that’s a whole other story right there that I… don’t wanna get into right now. Point is, though, there’s no way to have the most normal life from that, even if I wasn’t a dragon. But I am and that’s my life now and forever and ever and I… I just don’t want to get lost. Even if I don’t know where I’m going.”

Scootaloo leaned forward. “Spike… would you say you’re happy? Like, in general, life, all that?”

Spike considered the question. “I love Twilight. I love my friends. I like the life I have here in Ponyville, and all the various wacky shenanigans I get up to here. It’s a good life. I am, by every available metric, a really lucky guy.”

“But are you happy with all that?”

Scootaloo stared into Spike’s eyes. He did his best to stare back.

She gets to the heart of it all.

He relented and smiled. “Yeah, I am. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to get so… whatever that was. I’m not usually so dramatic.”

Scootaloo smiled back. “Hey, I like it when friends get real. And Spike, for whatever it’s worth, and not to be any kinda motivational poster or something, but you can be whatever and whoever you want to be, and that’s only your decision to make. Nopo- nobody’s else’s.”

And she’s trying.

Spike nodded. “My friends really help with all this, I gotta say. You’re all a good bunch, even if- WHOA!”

BANG

A hand smacked the window. The sudden appearance of a smiling face in the glass sent Spike reeling backwards in surprise. Scootaloo quickly turned, and then just as quickly let out an exhausted sigh.

Sweetie Belle had her face pressed against the restaurant window. She wore a dark purple raincoat, matching umbrella in hand, and the largest cheshire grin she could muster on her face. A similarly-clad and expressioned Apple Bloom joined her a moment later. They eagerly tapped on the glass.

“Hey! Hey guys! What’s up!?” They said in unison. Their taps and shouts drew a few confused looks from nearby diners.

Spike grabbed his drink and quickly sucked down what was left through the straw in an effort to calm himself.

Ahhhh how what whyyyyyyy

Scootaloo forced a smile but snapped her fingers at the window and tried to wave her friends off.

“Bad timing! Beat it!” she hissed. “Get out of here!”

“Just checking in,” Sweetie sang, smiling innocently.

“You two need anythin’?” Apple Bloom added. Their voices were muffled but still got through the window okay. “Is everythin’ goin’ good?”

Spike glanced around and smiled nervously. The griffin behind the counter just rolled his eyes and went back to work.

“I need you two to leave,” Scootaloo said with some force. “I will text you later. Be gone! Vanish!”

“Fiiiiine, if you insist,” Sweetie giggled. She turned and began to wander away.

Spike turned back in time to see Apple Bloom staring at him. Her face was all business now. She narrowed her eyes, pointing two fingers at her face and then at Spike. She kept pointing at him as Sweetie grabbed her by the collar and tugged her off into the night.

Spike shivered. He tried for another sip of soda, but his cup was empty.

“...they mean well,” Scootaloo said. She abruptly laughed, rubbing her fingers on her temple as she worked to regain her composure.

“How’d they even find us? Did they plant a tracker on me? I’d believe it if they did, I really would.”

No wonder Apple Bloom was following me at school all day yesterday.

“Relax. Sweetie’s house is like around the corner from here, they were probably just heading back from dinner and happened to see us on the way.”

“I hope so,” Spike said. He laughed nervously. “They kinda cornered me once or twice at school this week, had some… very probing questions about my intentions with you.”

“Yeah, I heard. They’re the… protective sort. I’d be doing the same thing if one of them was out with a new suitor.”

“Uh-huh,” Spike said.

I guess I can bring this up now.

“I also had a pretty long chat with Rumble,” Spike continued.

Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. “Oh? And what did that lovely ex of mine have to say?”

“Uh… kind of a lot. Nice things about you, definitely, he’s real supportive there. Some stuff about himself that I… well, I didn’t exactly see it coming, I can say that much.”

“Mmm-hmm,” Scootaloo said, still non-committed.

Spike leaned in and lowered his voice. “I should clarify, he came out to me, which I know he’s been asking the few friends that know to keep a secret for now, so… yeah, a lot kinda fell into place when he said that.”

Scootaloo nodded. “Yeah. I found out about that… well, actually, I think it’s better to say we both figured it out at some point towards the end of our relationship. I stuck with him after that as… well, as cover. As you know, he’s really not ready to broadcast it out loud. ”

“Someone at school he’s worried about?” Spike asked. “There’s at least a few queer students around, I haven’t seen or heard any bullying.”

“You not knowing about it doesn’t mean it’s not there,” Scootaloo replied.

Spike conceded and nodded.

Yup, duh, come on. Like she’s probably never heard the muttered remarks about my scales. Or seen the graffiti in the boy’s bathroom…

Scootaloo went on. “And at his home, the news would’ve been… let’s just say, not well received. Nah, he’s staying on the down low for now, just like Apple Bloom.”

“I hope Apple Bloom figures out her secret is much more obvious for her than it is for Rumble.”

“Believe me, Sweetie and I are well aware of that. We do what we can.”

“Mmm. Anyway, Rumble’s a cool dude. I wanna hang with him more, actually,” Spike said. “But still, he was very… polite yet firm about you, in that he still cares about you a lot and wants what’s best. And that I’d better be sure you get it.”

“How very sweet of him. I do still care a lot about him, too,” Scootaloo said. “It’s good to have friends that can form a shield for you.”

“Or a sword,” Spike half-muttered. “Well, if I screw this up, I’ll have all of them to look forward to. No pressure.”

“Do you think you’re screwing this up?” Scootaloo asked, looking at Spike intently.

Am I?

“...no. No, uh, I think things are… nice, so far,” Spike said, fighting the urge to shrug. “I like this.”

“Me, too.” Scootaloo smiled.

They finished the last of their food and got up to leave. Spike reached out his hand, and Scootaloo took it as they walked out. Spike felt a few beads of sweat run down the back of his neck.

Can get through any heat, and my body sweats from anxiety. That’s dumb evolution.

Outside, the rain had ceased, and up in the sky gaps were appearing among the clouds. Bits of moonlight were visible, as were the legs of the weather ponies shifting the overcast around. As they walked the streets down to the library, fresh dew hung in the air, the smell of wet gravel and grass all around. A few other groups were out, including a number of dog walkers getting in a post-storm stroll.

They moved along, hand in hand, enjoying the brisk evening air. With his free hand, Spike surreptitiously pulled his phone out of his pocket to check the screen. It buzzed in his hand, catching Scootaloo’s notice.

“Something more interesting over there, Spike?” she asked, sticking her tongue out at him. “I’m doing my best here.”

“No, no,” Spike said, rolling his eyes as he skimmed the new text. “Just Twilight checking in on me. She’s… very eager I’m out doing this. Was even excited to assign me my very first curfew tonight.”

Scootaloo laughed. “That’s a good sign.”

“She said she’d always wanted to do that, ever since reading about it in parenting books years ago. But she said she never had the right chance until now.”

“So caring… what does she think about me?”

“I think she’s happy about that, too?” Spike shrugged. “She remembers you well from when you were younger, but that was a while ago. I think she mostly hears about you through Rainbow Dash these days.”

“I guess that’s fair. I don’t think I’ve even talked to her over the past few years. Sweetie Belle or Apple Bloom see her more often since she’s always with their sisters, but since I usually see Dash solo for workouts, I’m the odd girl out there.”

“Twilight has a limited social circle like that, I’d say. If you’re not one of those specific ponies or a very old book, you’re not gonna see a lot of her.”

“Hey, whatever works for her. How much time did she give you tonight?”

“We’re in the closing stretch now, actually.”

“Better make it count.”

They walked on, turning a corner. The silhouette of the tree could be seen ahead in the distance, growing closer with every step.

Spike subtly tightened his grip on Scootaloo’s hand.

Guess it’s as good a time as any to ask.

“So… what do you think of me?”

“Hmmm?” Scootaloo glanced at him. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, well, I… last week I got into how I feel about you, and, well, this is all going pretty good I’d say and I’d like for it to keep going good and part of that will probably involve knowing just how you feel about me, ya know? You did mention that you feel at least a little good around me, so…”

“Ah, yeah. Hmm…” Scootaloo pursed her lips. “When I said yes to you last week, I think part of it was I just wanted to, you know, have a nice night out with a friend. Something simple, something… okay not harmless or anything, I’m not calling you… look, Spike, my thinking was you are a swell guy and I’d like to see more of that. But…”

Spike felt a strange sensation in the pit of his gut.

Well, was fun while it lasted, figures she doesn’t-

“But…”

Scootaloo paused in the street. Spike stopped with her. She looked him over, feet to wings to hoodie to face.

She smiled. “But Spike, I really do like you. As more than a friend. I feel like… there’s something extra there, definitely some kinda spark. It’s… okay, I did say I felt good around you before, so bear with me as I get a little more abstract, but I’ve always got a lot of energy swirling around inside me. Like, always kinda gotta move and keep focused and not lose my edge and all that.”

“Sounds like that sports stress I dodged out of soccer.”

“Probably. But around you it’s like… I can calm down. I feel less exhausted around you, like there’s this… little comfortable bubble. I like that. I like it a lot. It’s not something I’ve felt with any guy I’ve been with before. Even Rumble, he was matching my wavelength in a lot of ways. You, you’re… this is weird for me, I can usually figure out what to say…”

Scootaloo tugged on Spike’s hand and pulled him in close, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace. Slowly, unsurely, he put his arms around her as well. The two stood in their close hug, Scootaloo’s face pressed against his shoulder, tilted to let his head rest on hers.

“Spike, you’re someone I wanna keep being around,” Scootaloo said.

…wow

Somewhat abruptly, Scootaloo popped out of Spike’s arms and started walking away. She spun in place and pointed at him.

“Plus, you’re really cute. That’s a big plus for me as well.”

“I’m… hey, no I’m… not?” Spike stammered as he started moving towards her.

“Don’t doubt my judgment on these things!” Scootaloo said cheerfully. “Besides, you think I’m cute, right?”

“Uh…” Spike tensed up. “I, well, you… yes of course?”

“Don’t say it like a question, give me some meaning here.”

Spike gulped. “Yes, Scootaloo, you’re cute. Really, really cute.”

Scootaloo grinned and pointed a thumb at her face. “Dang right I am. And that’s not ego talking, that’s confidence. Confidence adds to attraction, it’s important. I’ve got plenty, Spike, and I need to give you more, because you need to wake up and realize how you’re this really cool, good-looking guy that the rest of us already see.”

The tree was just ahead on the deserted street. The light from the windows and the shine of the moon was all that was around to illuminate them.

“Well, I…” Spike said. “I guess I’ll… have to work on that.”

“Better work fast.”

Scootaloo reached out to Spike’s hand and tugged him in close, this time her face aimed up. Using her free hand to grab his head, she tilted him down, shut her eyes, and planted her lips square on his.

Spike’s body fought valiantly not to crash on the spot.

………………….wow

Softly, he wrapped his arms around her again. He shut his eyes.

The kiss only lasted a few seconds. Every tick seemed to take an hour as far as he was concerned. A warmth he never knew spread from his face to his whole body all the way down to the tip of his tail. His heart felt like it wanted to beat right out of his chest. Whatever sweat he had to give was cascading down his back. It was a flash of an experience that he never wanted to end.

Finally, inevitably, tragically, Scootaloo broke it off and pulled back. She opened her eyes to Spike’s. They stared at each other for a long moment. She smiled. He stared. He desperately hoped he didn’t look scared.

She didn’t ask if it was his first kiss, and he was extra thankful for that.

“Two for two,” she said at last. She took a step backward, hands still in his.

“Yeah,” he said. “Wanna do another? Because… I do.”

“A date or a kiss?”

“...yes?”

Scootaloo laughed. “Spike… you’re on the right path.”

He smiled. “Helps to have someone show me the way.”

Scootaloo laughed, even harder this time. “I don’t know if you’re being really clever or really cheesy.”

Neither do I.

“I think I’m just flying blind,” he said.

“I’ll bet. Spike, yes, I wanna keep seeing you. I want… I want what I’m feeling to stick around. I like it. A lot.”

“Does, uh, that mean we’re, you know…” Spike almost didn’t want to say it “...dating?”

She considered it. “Well, we’re sure not not dating. I think the labels will reveal themselves over time. For now… there’s a unicorn in that tree who’s waiting for you.”

Spike glanced over his shoulder. He didn’t see Twilight’s outline in a window or anything ominous like that, but then, Twilight didn’t always need to see him to know he was afoot. Not that close to the tree.

“Yeah, I gotta get back… don’t wanna leave, though.”

“Yeah.”

She gripped his hands tightly, just once, then let go and started walking away. Spike stood on the walkway, the door to the tree not far behind.

“You’d better start hanging closer at school now!” she called as she walked. “Your confidence training is gonna start there. Be ready on Monday!”

“...I can’t wait!” he called back.

She waved behind her, then turned a corner and vanished from sight.

Spike watched after her for a while. It took him a moment to realize he’d been waving the whole time.

He smiled to himself as he reached for the door to the tree.

Okay… okay? Yeah… okay.

****************************************

Scootaloo moved briskly down the path through the park. It was all she could do to not skip along. Her heart was aflutter and her mind was all over the place.

So, he seems down with it, and I seem down with it, guess we’re gonna go for it… awesome!

She smiled. She couldn’t stop smiling. It had been a hot minute since she’d felt this good.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket. She suddenly became aware it had been buzzing for some time. She pulled it out and popped open the screen, glancing at the most recent messages.

Apple Bloom:
[SCOOTALOO]
[WHAT IS UP]
[SOMETHIN IS UP]
[ITS GOTTA BE]

That reminds me, I gotta figure out why Spike’s phone makes him shout at everypony when he texts.

Scootaloo:
[Why]
[Whatever do you mean]
[Friend]

Apple Bloom:
[There you are]
[Sweeties bout ready to have a damn seizure!]
[Her social power thing is givin her a fit]

Scootaloo:
[Awww]

Apple Bloom:
[She nearly collapsed in the ice cream shop just now!]
[Ponies stared!!]

Scootaloo:
[lol]
[I’d have loved to see that]

Apple Bloom:
[Spill it!!!!]
[How did it go!!]
[Whats that boy up to!!]

Scootaloo:
[Wouldn’t you like to know]
[;)]

Apple Bloom:
[Dont hold out pegasus]
[We have ways of making you talk]

Scootaloo:
[Aww gee]
[Look at the time]
[Gotta get to bed]
[Tell Sweetie I said hi]

Apple Bloom:
[THIS AINT OVER!!!]
[WE KNOW WHERE YOU LIVE!!!]

Scootaloo snapped her phone shut and laughed out loud.

That’ll teach ‘em to try and crash my date.

She ambled along the concrete path. A few other ponies clustered in groups on the other side of the park, illuminated by lampposts and marked by the sounds of Friday night merriment, but her area was deserted. She liked that. Time to take the long way home and just be alone with her thoughts for a while.

There was a lot to think about.

Chapter 6 - October 31st

Spike stared into his gym locker. He’d been in a bit of a stupor since class let out. It happened sometimes. He shook his head. The sound of fading footsteps and the door closing indicated he was the last one in the locker room. Glancing around he found himself as alone in his row as he was in his thoughts. He shook his head again.

6th period gym right before AP Calc. That was a real bright idea. Just the thing my body and brain’s gotta deal with at the end of the day.

He sighed and took off his gym shirt. Hardly any sweat at all. He pulled on his Shepherd Of Evil shirt and then quickly covered it up with a plain blue hoodie. Old habits die hard.

It had been a pretty lackadaisical class, mostly just a lot of laps around the track. Spike figured that nobody had much of an interest in doing much when a three day weekend was nearly upon them.

Certainly not when it was a holiday weekend, too.

And I know Wormwood’s gonna be riding me all period long. Again. He just won’t let me-

Darkness loomed and cut Spike’s thoughts short. He turned to find the source of the shadow now covering his locker.

“Well well, what’s this… Looks like something green and scaly crawled indoors again.”

Star Rush stared down the dragon and grinned, his arms crossed across his chest. The tall pegasus was dressed in his flight squad uniform. A small captain’s C was freshly stitched on it.

Spike shrugged him off. “Huh, thought I was alone… well Star, I guess you can move fast sometimes. I’m truly shocked.”

Star’s grin faded. “Got a real smart mouth there.”

“Report card said I’m smart all around.”

“Pity grades for a charity case.”

“Ooh, real pithy. Had that one saved up?”

Star narrowed his eyes.

“So, uh, anyway,” Spike said, trying to sidle away from the situation. “I’m running late, so I’m just gonna go and-”

*BANG*

Star’s open palm slammed into the locker inches from Spike’s head. His head snapped back to attention, and he stared the larger boy down.

“Got your attention now?” Star growled.

Geeze what is this guy’s problem, I hardly ever even see him.

Spike shook his head in exasperation. “Look, dude, what is this? Why are you here? I gotta get to class and I know you got better shit to do, can’t you just leave me alone?”

Star kept staring, then relaxed and smiled again. He rested a hand on Spike’s shoulder, with a very firm grip. “Hey, relax there bud. I’m just here to pass on a message. From me, through you, to a certain cute little flyer you’ve been hanging out with recently.”

Spike's expression turned cold. Star leaned in close to Spike’s head, his mouth practically on the dragon’s cheek.

“You tell Scootaloo, when she’s done messing around with the sideshows? I’m still willing to take her back. Show her a real good time again.”

He winked.

Spike didn’t say anything. Slowly, he raised his hand up and grabbed Star’s wrist. A flash of anger went through his eyes. His hand started to squeeze.

Star’s smirk faltered, just for a moment. He tried to tighten his grip on Spike’s shoulder but felt his fingers start to tingle. Pressure was building on his wrist, right down to the bone. Pressure he did not predict.

Dragons can be so very, very strong...

“HEY! What is going on here!?”

Both students turned. Physically Fit, the flight team coach whose body matched his name, was standing at the end of the row. His expression was as stern as it ever was, his wings flared almost menacingly. He pointed at Star.

“Captain of the team carries certain responsibilities, Mr. Rush. One of them is being at practice first before anypony else gets there. You plan on keeping that C? Or do you have something more important to do right now?”

Star stared at his coach, then looked back to Spike. Slowly, simultaneously, the two released their grip on one another. Then, in one quick motion, Star hopped back, hands up and opened in front of his body.

“Nah, got nothing to do here, Coach. Just a friendly chat. I do got better shi- gotta get to practice.”

He nodded at Spike. “Be seein’ you.”

With that, he turned and left. He did his best to avoid rubbing his wrist until he was out of sight.

Coach watched him leave and then finally turned his attention to Spike.

“Mr. Sparkle,” he said plainly. “Don’t suppose you’ll finally be trying out for flight? Last year to grace us with your presence, and much as it pains me to say it, we could use you.”

I’d sooner hurl myself in front of the Canterlot Express.

“I think I’m good. Sir,” Spike said as respectfully as he could manage in the moment. “I got enough on my plate.”

“Then you better get to it. First bell has already rung. You got two minutes to get to class.”

Coach Fit spun on his hooves and marched out.

Spike stood still for a few seconds before suddenly clocking just how tense his body was. He let out a long, long breath and slumped against the locker. His mind went nowhere.

…shit, I am about to be late, aren’t I.

Grabbing his bag, he slammed his locker shut and dashed for the exit. Mr. Wormwood’s classroom was about as far away from the boy’s locker room as any room in the school, and he was a real stickler for punctuality.

The ringing of the last bell of the day brought an even larger fervor than usual. Students rushed to their lockers, shoved their books away, and hustled for the exits. It was a mass flood to leave the school grounds instead of the usual steady stream. Spike was jostled through the halls several times, once to the point of almost losing his backpack.

Jeeze, everyone’s overstimulated today.

Not that he could blame them. He’d normally be just like them. After all, it was October 31st. That night was Nightmare Night. Spike’s favorite holiday. And the learned adults of the school board, in all of their infinite wisdom, had decided that Friday, November 1st, would be an administration work day, and thus, a holiday for the students.

A Nightmare Night leading into a three day weekend.

The energy in the high school that day could’ve powered the town. Hardly anyone paid attention in class that day. Too much discussion of what parties there were to go to and who would be dressed as what. Half the school arrived in costume that morning, but everyone knew the good stuff didn’t break out until the sun went down.

It was a day of jubilation and that made Spike’s foul mood that much worse. To him, it had been a long day of longer classes.

Freakin’ Wormwood, all he could do not to just send me to detention today for being three minutes late. And then I had the audacity to ace that pop quiz of his. Bet he thinks I’m cheating.

The last class of the day was a perpetual source of stress on Spike’s mind, and the growing amount of work from his other courses was slowly starting to weigh him down. Every night his desk had a few more piles of homework, a few more sticky note reminders by his computer, a few more notebooks to study and first drafts to review.

Even Twilight had warned Spike about overloading on AP courses. Perhaps he had taken it as a challenge.

Still, school stress was Spike’s bread and butter. He could roll with it.

What Star Rush had said to him in the locker room, though… that had staying power. He’d spent all of Calc trying not to think about it, which just made thinking about it that much easier.

That big dumb asshole, who does he think he is… and why’s he gotta bring her into… I mean, it’s not like she’d…

Spike quickly banished the thought. Glancing around he thought he saw a few students looking his way. A few more than normal.

For the past few weeks, a lot more eyes seemed to be on him, and a lot more whispers. He couldn’t place them all. Or was he imagining things?

Spike rubbed his forehead as he headed downstairs and through the main doors onto the school’s front lawn. The student body as a whole moved in front of him. A fleet of bikes took off in every direction, while a score of pegasi hit the sky. Much to be done in these few precious hours of remaining daylight.

Spike just kept walking, his face set in a dull grimace.

Okay, it’s probably nothing, why would it be anything, that’s just a jerk trying to get a rise out of you on account of that’s what jerks do and probably spreading whatever dumb rumors that I’m clearly too smart to worry about and why am I worrying about this what am I even worrying about why is today going like this is it already ruined maybe I should just stay home tonight and-

“Heeeeeeeey Spike!”

A vocal ray of sunshine cut through Spike’s cloudy mind. He turned in time to catch Scootaloo hopping up to him. She threw her arms around him and gave him a big hug.

“How’s my favorite bookworm?” she asked. She gave him a small kiss on the cheek and looked him over.

She frowned. “Woof, rough day, huh?”

“Was it?” Spike stammered. He looked at her and found himself giving the first real smile he’d had since breakfast. “Guess I got lost in it.”

“I’d say so. Hardly saw you at lunch. Not at all in the halls.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry, just… all over the place today.”

“Okay.” Scootaloo gripped Spike’s hand as they walked towards the main boulevard in front of the school. “Anything you wanna talk about?”

Definitely. Probably. Maybe?

The two of them had been spending a great deal of time together over the past few weeks. A few more date nights, a lot of lunch and after school hangouts, and whatever they had going was developing into… something. Something very nice. Not yet something with a genuine label, but still, very nice indeed.

Though Spike still struggled with a few basic concepts.

Communication being one of them.

“...nah, nothing important, just school junk.” Spike squeezed a little tighter. Just her being there was enough for him to feel the stress of the day melt away. He looked at her and grinned excitedly. “Besides, it’s all over. Gotta get ready for…”

“Nightmare Night Party Time!” Scootaloo finished his sentence with a burst of energy.

“Heck yeah it is!” Right on cue, Button Mash, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom appeared from around the tree they’d been waiting by. They hustled over and after the usual amount of greetings and hugs, the five met in a tight conference.

“So…” Button started, “What are we doing tonight, again?”

“Button, you’re in the same group chat as the rest of us,” Spike said.

“I skim it from time to time, yeah.” He grinned. Button liked to be a pain from time to time. “But hey, real quick primer? Throw me a bone here.”

“We are all headed to Laid Back’s house tonight,” Scootaloo said. “Rumble’s telling me it’s gonna rock.”

There was no shortage of social activities in Ponyville on Nightmare Night. As such, the group decided days ago to pick where they were gonna spend their valuable party time.

The big festival in town square? Too family oriented. Pinkie and Cheese’s Wild Party Spooktacular Extravaganza™? Too many responsible older relatives in attendance. Diamond Tiara’s grand estate gala? One of those a year was enough for most of the group.

Consensus quickly fell on Laid Back’s house party. His house was only a few neighborhoods away, and this year he was the lucky teen whose parents didn’t get the hint and decided it was a good idea to have an extended business trip at the end of October. Laid Back certainly wasn’t complaining. He saw it as a great way to celebrate his senior year.

None of them knew the unicorn particularly well, which is to say, not at all, but they had enough friends of friends to socially daisy chain their way in. Button and the girls were likely to be the only juniors there, but that just added an extra layer of coolness to the whole thing in their eyes.

“So, Button aside, we’re all set for the game plan tonight, yeah?” Spike looked at each of their faces.

Sweetie Belle nodded. “Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and I are going to my sister’s shop to change into our costumes.”

“Then we’re headed right to the party,” Scootaloo continued.

“An’ wherever we’re done, the three of us are crashin’ in my treehouse tonight,” Apple Bloom finished.

Spike nodded. “Cool. I’m gonna go to the library with Button. And seriously, did you clear things with your mom about staying over tonight?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Button affirmed. “All set there… though, uh, she thinks we’ll be staying there the whole time and I’ll be asleep before midnight, so if anypony asks, that’s what I’m doing.”

“What a protective mother who loves her little boy.” Sweetie giggled, making Button blush. “Think Twilight will go along with you coming out with us?”

“She’ll be busy at Pinkie’s party until who knows when,” Spike said. “Honestly, there's a good chance we get back before she does.”

Apple Bloom nodded. “Yup, same goes for AJ. I don’t think they’ll be leavin’ early even if they wanted to, not the way Pinkie runs things.”

Scootaloo shrugged. “Whatever keeps them occupied. LB’s party sounds like it’s gonna run late and go hard. Just the place for us.”

The friend group grinned. It was a recipe for a lot of good times. They put their hands in the center and fist bumped, then they splintered off to head to their respective destinations.

Scootaloo and Spike hung back, just for a moment.

“Still not gonna tell me your costume?” Spike whispered.

“Tradition says I can’t. Though if you really wanna know, I could make an exception… just because I like you.” Scootaloo stuck her tongue out.

Spike blushed. He was blushing a lot around her. It was a good thing he knew she liked it or else he’d be truly embarrassed.

“You gotta tell him!” Sweetie called out. “How else can you have matching costumes if you don’t!”

“Oh that would be so cute, just think about it,” Apple Bloom chimed in. The two of them joined arms for a joined chorus of “Awwwwww…”

Button just rolled his eyes. He was happy for Spike, but he could only take so many public displays of affection.

That was a bridge too far for Spike. As his cheeks went into overdrive he turned to go. Scootaloo stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.

“Hey,” she said pointedly. “You’re forgetting something.”

She pointed to her face. Doing what he could to ignore her friends’ piercing eyes, he leaned back and the two enjoyed an affectionate, yet brief, kiss.

This was a newer trend. One that never failed to make Spike glow.

“I didn’t forget,” he said as he walked away. “I just like hearing you remind me.”

Now it was Scootaloo’s turn to blush, and before her friends’ giggles could overtake them all, Spike was hurrying away with Button towards the bike rack.

“Giiiirls! You’ve been nearly an hour in there, so I hope you’re decent, because I’m coming in!”

Gliding into the fitting room with practiced ease, Rarity moved swiftly and knocked on the three changing room doors. She then took a step back, standing at the ready to inspect the three teens’ fashion choices for the evening. While she waited for them to emerge, she admired herself in a nearby mirror.

Never one to downplay things, Rarity had gone with a rather extravagant dress for her costume this year. It was a mixture of oranges and blacks, with ribbons crossing back and forth to give the appearance, at the right angle, of a very intimidating face staring back, like something one might see on a Jack-o-lantern. Eye-catching, classy, and even a little spooky, and all in a package that managed to grip her body in the most flattering way possible. She nodded with satisfaction at herself.

Apple Bloom was the first to step out. Her oversized coat nearly caught on the door handle, but with all the rips, tears, and patches it already had, it would only have added to the effect if it did. She tightened her oversized bow tie, pulled the fingerless gloves tight over her hand, and tipped the enormous hat on her head to one side. She’d spent a lot of time on her homemade Mad Hatter costume, and it showed.

“Ready to serve up!” she said with a grin.

“Marvelous work darling, marvelous! Love the hat especially, I truly do, and that makes the outfit here,” Rarity said. “Just be sure to keep it angled right, you stand it up straight and the whole thing falters.”

“No need to worry about being too straight,” Sweetie quietly joked through her door. Apple Bloom quickly coughed to cover it up. Rarity held her tongue, though reminded herself to tell Applejack she should really have a long talk with her sister sometime soon.

Next up, Sweetie Belle’s door opened. With grace that could match her sister, she stepped out, did a small spin, and took a bow. Thigh length leggings led to a very short dress, constructed from a wavy material all around and pulled in tight around the waist. Cutoff shoulders led to loose fabric draped around her arms, and she held a small decorative eye mask on a stick in one hand. Small flourishes from the back down gave her tail some companions, while elbow length gloves added an extra touch of class. The mask and her lipstick were red, the rest jet black.

It was her own take on the Masque of the Red Death, as she half-remembered it from her Literature course. As she saw it, something unique and certain to stand out in a competitive playing field that was to be the evening’s social engagement.

“Yes, yes I think this all came together rather nicely.” Rarity moved her fingers through her sister’s outfit, her expert eyes checking all the seams and stitches. “Sweetie Belle, you outdid yourself this year, this threadwork is top notch. Really matches the sketches I did perfectly. I will say I wish I had more time to work on the lace here, but this will have to do. Just don’t stand under too many bright lights and nopony should notice.”

“It looks great sis, relax,” Sweetie said, politely yet firmly moving out of her sibling’s grip. “Thanks a lot for all your help.”

Rarity glanced down and found herself seeing more of the teen’s thighs than she had anticipated. She frowned.

“Some last minute alterations I see? I’m afraid that upsets the balance of the whole outfit, and that just won’t do. Maaaaaybe just a little touch up here and here aaaand…”

Rarity’s horn glowed. Fabric blossomed out of the dark edges of Sweetie’s dress, adding a few inches up and down. Within moments the whole outfit had grown out, still looking stylish as ever but now no longer showing off anyone’s rear end in the process.

Sweetie Belle crossed her arms in a pout. “Rarity, come on! I’m the one who really made this thing, and I’m old enough to manage how my clothes look on my body.”

“Given how much work I put into designing it, those are as much my clothes as yours. Besides, you look even lovelier now, and in a much more ladylike way.” The sugar dripped off Rarity’s voice as she patted her sister on the head and tied an extra ribbon into a black bow. “And at any rate, if mom saw as much of you going out as I did just now, she’d flay us both alive.”

“Hmmmph,” was all Sweetie could muster. She knew better than to try and fight her sister on the fashion front. They all turned to Scootaloo’s door.

“Well, come on, what you got for us Scootaaaaaugh!”

Apple Bloom broke into a scream, joined by Sweetie Belle when she turned to look.

Scootaloo stepped out in a simple outfit. Red workout shorts, a white t-shirt, and a whistle on a string around her neck. Text on the shirt said Camp Crystal Lake Counselor in big green block letters.

The cause of the commotion was the enormous bloody gash, going from Scootaloo’s neck diagonally across her chest. The neck wound was still freshly applied, and fake blood oozed down her shirt, soaking into the white cotton in several dark splotches. She’d even poured a few splatter marks on her shorts for good measure. One of her eyes was dark red, the result of the costume contact she’d spent a good five minutes wrestling into place.

Seeing her friend’s reaction, she laughed and gave a little fist pump. “Awesome! I had to watch a lot of online videos to apply this stuff right, but it was worth it to get those screams.”

Recovering her composure, Sweetie Belle rested her hand on her chest and walked over to for a closer look. “Well, I must admit, it is a pretty effective look.”

“I’m guessin’ this is from one of those movies we wouldn’t let you drag us to?” Apple Bloom asked.

“And that was your loss,” Scootaloo said with a nod. “I love what both of you did this year, but guys, come on: tonight needs some good scares too.”

“There’s scares an’ then there’s outright nausea,” Apple Bloom said, but she had to admit, her friend got the heart of the holiday better than they ever could. Every year she found some creepy new costume, even as Apple Bloom started going kookier and Sweetie Belle going more… eye-catching.

While Scootaloo’s mind was already wandering to the elaborate zombie getup she wanted to try next year, Rarity bent down to take a closer look herself.

“My, my, what a gruesome style we have going this year,” the older unicorn said. Her hands went by her face in mock terror as she leaned in for a closer look. She smiled and nodded. “Impressive makeup work, you really used your reds well. You’ll certainly give the boys a fright tonight. Scare them all right off if you’re not careful.”

“So long as a certain one sticks around, she’ll be okay.” Sweetie grinned.

“An’ I think he’s gonna be into this look,” Apple Bloom said with a nod. “I’ve seen his shirt collection. Those two are on the same wavelength.”

“Yesssss,” Rarity placed an arm around Scootaloo’s blood-free shoulder and steered the pegasus into the outer room. “I have been meaning to ask about that.”

The boutique was closed and empty, but the activity of the street outside could be clearly seen through the shop windows. Rarity and Scootaloo headed for the counter while the other girls gathered the rest of their things in preparation for heading out.

Leaving Scootaloo on one side, Rarity rounded the till, put her elbows on the counter and her hands under her chin, and stared down. She smiled sweetly. “Sooooo… how ever are things going with our dear green friend? I’m asking because I’m both terribly curious myself and because I know certain friends of mine are simply too… skittish to ask themselves.”

Scootaloo chuckled and rubbed her head. “Well, uh… Spike’s cool. I like him a lot, we’re hanging out a lot, going out a lot, uh… we’re holding hands when we’re together, so that’s something.”

“Any official… titles to things yet? A relationship status, as it were?”

“No, no, nothing like that, but, um… I mean, maybe? Almost?”

Rarity thought for a moment. “Do you like him?”

“Oh sure.”

“I mean, like him like him?”

“Mmmmm… definitely.”

“Nice to be around?”

“100%”

“Brightens your day?”

“Every time.”

“Good kisser?”

“Well he’s getting bett- hey!”

Rarity giggled and waved her off while Scootaloo turned beet red. “Sounds very promising indeed. Now! All of you! In front of me now, it’s briefing time!”

She snapped her fingers and watched the teens assemble in front of her. She loomed tall behind the counter. Her face grew less jovial, and she narrowed her eyes.

“Listen up girls. Despite what you all seem to think at your age, adults aren’t totally oblivious, and we have some idea of what all the teenagers get up to tonight, or at least try to get up to. And Sweetie, I have no idea how you talked mom into letting you stay out as late as you want, because goodness knows that was a luxury never afforded to me at your age.”

“Well maybe I’m just such a good little girl that mom trusts me more.” Sweetie smiled innocently and clasped her hands together.

Rarity sighed and continued. “Well, as the last responsible adult you’re likely to talk to tonight, I bring a message from a mother, a sister, and two aunts respectively: You’re all very smart. Please act like it tonight. Whatever party you’re headed off to and whatever shenanigans you’re planning on getting involved with, do try to keep your minds active and working the whole time. I don’t need to tell you to look out for each other, I know that’s a given, but look out for everypony around you too. Goodness knows not everypony out there is as responsible as you three are.”

The teens shifted in place, trying their hardest to look as respectable as their reputation apparently suggested.

Letting her expression soften slightly, Rarity leaned forward. “And as advice that’s me speaking from a lot of experience: Whatever alcoholic drinks that, of course, aren’t going to be around you tonight, don’t get crazy with them. Best case scenario you’ll find yourself puking all over somepony’s lawn. Should whatever drugs that certainly aren’t going to get passed around make their way to you, just don’t bother, because you will have a real bad time with them. Ponies your age only have access to garbage. And especially whatever boy tries to get you to go inspect his costume in the bathroom… well, that one hopefully needs nothing further. If one of your homes gets a knock on the door from the police at four in the morning, your weekend is only going downhill from there, believe me.”

She stared into the distance for a moment. The girls glanced at one another. After a moment, Rarity shook her head.

“So act smart, know your limits, and above all, just have fun tonight!” She clapped her hands together. “Nightmare Night only comes once a year, do make it count!”

“We’re gonna try.” Scootaloo grinned and high-fived her friends at the same time.

Rarity nodded, grabbed her purse, and they all headed for the store’s front door.

“Where are you goin’ tonight, Rarity?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Oh, I’m off to a group dinner with some other designer friends,” Rarity said as she locked up the store. “And then after that I’ll be spending the long night hours at Pinkie’s place with your sister and everypony else we all know. Where I imagine I’ll be doing what I do at Pinkie’s Nightmare Night party every year.”

“Dance a lot, flirt with cute guys, and end up getting completely shitfaced with Rainbow Dash and Pinkie?” Sweetie Belle said with a snigger.

Rarity tapped her nose. “Bullseye. And watch your mouth, young lady. Now I’m off. You all have every phone number you could possibly need, so use them if you need them, and I’ll see you all tomorrow to tell me all about whatever you get up to.”

Giving them all one final look of encouraging suspicion, Rarity turned and quickly disappeared into the crowd. The teens giggled as she departed.

All around them, costumed groups were moving in every direction. Decorations lined every storefront, creating a black and orange mosaic that stretched down every street. Groups of little kids giggled with delight as they worked their way towards their meticulously planned trick-or-treat routes. The mood of the town was an excited one.

Scootaloo took a deep breath and smiled. “Aaaaah, can’t beat this kind of atmosphere. Everypony in town gets into the swing of things.”

“Definitely makes it easier to have a good time tonight,” Sweetie said. She quickly smoothed down part of her dress that had folded wrong. “Oooh, really can’t wait to get to the party and show off our costumes.”

Apple Bloom glanced at her phone. “Come on, we gotta get goin’. The house is a bit of a walk from here.”

“Yup, don’t wanna be late,” Scootaloo said. The three took off down the street, dodging through the mob as best they could. She pulled her phone out. “Let me text Spike, make sure they’re all on their way. Can’t waste a minute tonight!”

Scootaloo:
[Yo!]
[You here yet???]
[This party aint waiting!!]

Spike:
[SORRY, GOT HELD UP AT THE LIBRARY]
[WALKING UP NOW]

Scootaloo:
[:D]
[At last]
[We’re out back]

Spike snapped his phone shut and slipped it back into his pocket. They were at that very moment standing on the stoop of Laid Back’s house. The modest McMansion was placed prominently at the end of its respective street, just far enough away from any nearby houses to feel totally self contained. Perfect for a battalion of high schooler seniors to invade for a night.

The sun was barely setting. They knocked on the front door.

The thumping music and sounds of conversation inside told them things were well underway. And also that nobody could hear them. Spike pounded again, much harder this time, and a skeleton opened the door.

“Aaayyyyy, Spike! Button!” A grinning skull waved them inside. “Welcome! Glad you guys could make it.”

“Hey Rumble,” Spike said as he walked in. “Good work on the costume.”

Besides the skull face paint, Rumble had on a black long-sleeve shirt and tight black pants, with bright white bones printed along every surface. The two shared a fist bump. “Thanks. Some cool girls in the makeup department were happy to help. Wait until you see me under a blacklight. Didn’t have time for the wings unfortunately, so y’all will have to imagine bones on the black. And you two, we got a nice Gedi Warrior and an… office worker?”

Button’s Galaxy Wars robe, however simple, was still distinctive enough and he smiled, doing the film series’ iconic hand gesture along with it.

Spike was in black pants, a white collared shirt, and a red tie. The only other prop was a small nametag, white text on red plastic, which read “4E-ELECTRONICS: Sunrise - Sales Associate”.

He rolled his eyes and shook his head.

Can’t believe nobody gets this. I showed Button this movie. He liked it!

Rumble shrugged. “Featherweight with you guys?”

“Nah, he’s out of town,” Button said. “Some family thing over in Fillydelphia. Left for the train after school yesterday and won’t be back until Monday. Gonna spend tonight at his cousin’s party over there.”

“Hey, so long as he’s having a good time somewhere.” Rumble gestured them both inside. “Anyway, come on in, let me show you around.”

He led them through the entryway to the small foyer. A staircase headed up in front of them and open doorways led in every direction. He pointed through one of them. “Living room is the dance floor. Somepony hooked up their ePod to the speakers. Dunno who, but it’s a pretty good playlist so far. Den downstairs is the chill space, all bedrooms are off limits, bathrooms are scattered around, every other room is fair game. Lotta folks out in the backyard, too, including some girls I think you know.”

He winked at Spike, who stuck his tongue out in return. All around them, dozens upon dozens of teenagers dressed in a variety of costumes conversed, danced, drank, and generally partied the night away. A few recognized Spike and exchanged hellos as he walked by. He reflexively high fived a pony dressed as a banana, even though he had no idea who it was. The fruit didn’t seem to mind and went right on drinking.

Walking through an archway brought them into the dining room. The extended wooden table that dominated the center of the room was covered in open pizza boxes, a few smaller boxes of tofu sliders, bowls filled with chips and pretzels, and even a few fruit bowls. A veritable feast for all.

“Grab whatever you want,” Rumble said. “I’d get the pizza early, that ain’t gonna last. But first, most important, we gotta make a stop in the kitchen. You guys are noticeably drinkless.”

It was true. Everyone else at the party was holding a colored cup. Whatever drinking culture that did exist at Ponyville High was out in force tonight.

Rumble ushered them through a nearby doorway into what seemed to be the most crowded room in the house. Besides being packed with teens, cooking appliances, and a cornucopia of half-empty cups, cans, and bottles stacked on every surface, the side of the room was dominated by a large folding table pushed against the wall. Atop it was a large spread of just about every drink that anyone there could really want, along with multiple stacks of colored cups.

A griffon wearing a fuzzy shark-themed kigurumi was busy pouring herself a drink from a green bowl. She turned and locked eyes with Spike. A big smile broke on her face.

“Spike! Hey there!” In one smooth motion she hopped over and gave the dragon a big hug. His eyes bulged as she squeezed him as hard as she could.

“...little tight Gabby,” Spike was able to get out. She quickly released him and gave a sheepish smile.

She hasn’t hugged me like that in forever. Guess I was overdue.

“Whoops, sorry. Lotta punch tonight, got me amped. So happy to see you here though! I feel like I hardly see you at school at all anymore, you’re not in the library at lunch anymore. And don’t say we see each other in class, that doesn’t count and you know it.”

Spike smiled. Gabby wasn’t in nearly as many classes with him this year as in the past, but they were longtime classmates and friends, not to mention his current lab partner in chemistry. He should’ve been seeing her more and he knew it.

“Yeah, sorry, I’m kinda… all over the place right now. Having a good time tonight?”

“Oh totally, it’s early but things are good. And hey Button! What’s up?” She waved at the other pony, who had been standing quietly just behind Spike the whole time.

“Just hanging, you know, being cool, doing… cool things.” Button gave an awkward pair of finger guns. Gabby and Rumble laughed. “Hey, has anypony seen this Laid Back guy? I’ve never met him.”

Gabby and Rumble shook their heads.

“He’s around somewhere, but to be honest, I don’t know him either,” Gabby said. “I came here with friends, I think they know him.”

“I’m sure he’ll turn up. Meanwhile, I’m just bringing these two to the watering hole,” Rumble said. “Wanna give them the rundown? I’ve done it twice tonight already.”

“Ooooh, my pleasure.” Gabby turned and waved a hand over the table, starting with a gesture to the green bowl she’d been drinking from. It was filled halfway with a dark red liquid, complete with ladle. Surrounding it were a seemingly endless amount of fresh soda cans and two-liter cola bottles. “Okay, so, LB coded things for their, uh, level of intensity. Stick to the cup color that matches the bowl, it’ll make life easier. Green bowl: fruit punch, homemade and sugary as cuss, so watch yourself, you’ll be buzzing after two cups. Also the usual suspects of sodas and whatnot for whoever wants something nice and basic.”

With a flourish, she brought them to the middle of the table. The centerpiece of the whole kitchen spread was the huge metal beer keg sitting right smack in the middle of the table. Large strips of yellow duck tape had been slapped onto it. Stacks of yellow plastic cups surrounded the nozzle. Below it on the floor, a large yellow cooler sat open, stuffed with ice and practically overflowing with a random assortment of beer bottles and cans. “Yellow is beer, naturally. Don’t know what’s in the keg or how LB got it. Supposedly he’s got a spare ready to go when this one’s empty, but nobody’s seen it. The cooler has a mix of… well, whatever anyone was able to scrounge up. I don’t drink so I don’t know what’s good.”

“Keg’s got Batty Light.” Rumble took a drink from his yellow cup. “Tastes about as good as this stuff can, I think.”

Gabby giggled. “And finally, the red bowl.”

She pointed to the bowl at the end of the table. It was by far the smallest one, barely a third the size of the punch bowl, and still mostly full. A strange, somewhat brown, mostly clear liquid was pooled inside. A few empty bottles with labels nobody could read were sitting nearby.

“Whatever real hard stuff is here, it’s in there. I think LB got the recipe from his older sister. He calls it Firestarter. No idea what the ingredients are, and everyone who’s tried it has made it about half a cup before puking. But then they go back for more, so, you know, must be something to it.”

Spike leaned in and took a whiff. The hard liquor fumes seeped hard into his nose and fried them like a bad fuse. He winced and backed up. “I think I’d burn the house down if I took a drink of that.”

Rumble chuckled. “Yeah, that one is for dudes looking to get properly fucked up. So I’ll at least wait until after midnight to take a crack.”

Spike smiled and reached for a yellow cup. The keg filled it quickly. He didn’t drink particularly often, but when the situation called for it, he found he could enjoy it just fine.

Button watched him, took a breath, and filled a cup of his own. Spike frowned.

Huh, first time he’s gone for more than just punch.

“Gonna be okay?” Spike leaned in and whispered. “I mean, have you ever even-”

Button waved him off. “Relax, I got this, it’s fine. Gotta start sometime, right?”

He took a breath and then a big sip. His face made a variety of expressions as he forced it down. “...smooth.”

“That’s the spirit, dude!” Rumble slapped Button on the back, causing the pony to nearly choke on his next sip. He laughed and the two steered themselves towards the backyard door.

Gabby sidled next to Spike as he calmly drank his cup.

“Soooooo, Spike, how, uh… how are… things?”

“Huh? Oh, uh, good! Real good, yeah, everything’s going pretty good right now I think. Only stress is class stress.”

Well that’s just not true, why’d I say that.

Spike quickly took another drink and started walking towards the back door. “How about you? Sorry I haven’t been keeping up, been, uh, pretty distracted this last month.”

“Oh I got nothing, just, same old same old peppy me, doing my thing.” Gabby kept a quick pace with him. “I’m sorry I haven’t been seeing much of you, too, because there was, uh, well, something I kinda wanted to, well…”

She trailed off for a moment as they stepped into the backyard.

A large concrete patio stretched back to a well-maintained lawn. A small tool shed was the only structure. String lights ran along the fence, giving lots of illumination to the teens massed back there. To one side a table had been set up for beer pong, and a large and rambunctious group was huddled around it. Besides them, a good twenty ponies were all scattered about in small clumps, all chatting away. A few pegasi flapped around overhead, tossing a ball back and forth and more than once coming dangerously close to flying right into someone’s head, if not the side of the house.

“That is, something I’ve been meaning to ask you, for, well, a while…” Gabby continued on. Spike turned to her.

“Yeah? What’s up?” he asked. She sputtered, her eyes fixed with his.

She’s acting goofy again. Been doing this a lot in class lately. Wonder what’s up. Hopefully nothing’s wrong.

A member of a nearby cluster looked over and waved. A familiar voice shouted out.

“Spike! Over here!”

Spike waved back and led Gabby over to the group. Button was already there with Rumble, chatting away with Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo.

Scootaloo let out a long whistle as they walked up. “Sunrise of the Dead, good choice, love that movie.”

“Ooooh, that’s what it’s from,” Button said, eyes going wide with recognition.

“I keep meaning to watch that one,” Rumble said with a shrug.

Spike was aghast. “It’s a classic! Scootaloo never showed it to you? Genuinely shocked to hear that.”

“I tried! A lot!” Scootaloo said defensively. “That boy just will not give an inch for anything with zombies in it, even funny ones.”

Rumble nodded. “It’s true. Don’t trust zombies. Too shifty for me, too bitey. Very aggressive vibes.”

“Gonna have to tie you down one of these days and force it on you,” Scootaloo said.

Rumble grinned. “See, if you’d opened with the tying part, it would’ve happened a long time ago.”

Scootaloo laughed and slapped Rumble on the butt, which made him laugh in turn. Spike felt a strange emotional twinge somewhere in his gut, one he couldn’t place right away but which he knew he didn’t like. He forced it down.

“Sunrise of the Dead… I liked that one, I think,” Apple Bloom said, steering the topic back. “Kinda hard to remember, it’s been a while.”

“I liked everything except the crazy violence at the end,” Sweetie said. “That’ll always stay Scootaloo’s thing.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard of it,” Gabby said, a little too quietly for anyone to hear. She was edged near the outside of the group.

Spike could only shake his head. He looked up and down Scootaloo, properly taking her costume in for the first time. Her bloody makeup really glistened in the light. “Really good Camp Crystal Lake costume here. I wanna say… Part VI?”

Scootaloo laughed and gave him a fist bump. “Got an eye for quality, this one! I like that in a boy.”

My favorite one of the series. That’s nice. Did I tell her that? Would it matter?

Her friends rolled their eyes simultaneously.

“He would get that,” Sweetie sighed.

“It’s not that hard, it’s the only one in the series where the camp is actually, like, open for business. I forget the name of this specific character, she gets a machete in the neck in the supply shed, right?”

“I’m not even sure she has a full name. Didn’t live long enough to get one. Been planning this costume for a while, glad it’s working. Been getting great looks all night.”

I’ll say. You look amazing in those shorts…

“You know, my backup costume was gonna be Silent Grove himself,” Spike said, somewhat awkwardly. “Got a real good replica mask back at home. Sitting on my bed right now, in fact, I kinda chose last minute to go with this instead.”

“Wait, isn’t that the main bad guy for those movies? With the hockey mask?” Sweetie Belle’s eyes went wide. “So you two really could’ve had matching costumes!”

“Awww, dude, that would’ve been cool! Should’ve gone with it!” Scootaloo playfully punched Spike in the arm.

“Eh, I didn’t want to have a mask on all night,” Spike said. “Gets in the way of, you know, general party merriment.”

“Among other things,” Scootaloo said with a grin. She leaned up and gave Spike a nice smooch. He had a hunch it was coming, and the two enjoyed the moment with a tight embrace.

The inevitable giggles around them eventually broke it off. Off in some other nearby group, Spike’s ears picked up a snigger directed at them. Maybe.

Did I hear anything at all?

He shook it off.

“Aww, don’t stop on our account,” Apple Bloom said.

“Cute couples doing cute couple things,” Button snorted and took another drink. His cup was nearly empty now.

Spike waved them off while Scootaloo leaned against him, gently grasping his hand. Spike turned to Gabby. “So Gabby, you wanted to… hey, are you okay?”

Gabby’s face was pale, her expression wiped out. She looked from Spike to Scootaloo and back again. “...sorry, I think I feel a little off… I gotta go find, uh, someone. Good seeing you all, see you around!”

She managed a friendly wave and quickly scurried back inside. The others watched her fleeing form and looked at Spike.

“What was that about?” asked Rumble.

Spike could only shrug. “No idea.”

Should talk to her later, really not sure what’s up.

“Well, anyway, we’re all here and we all look lovely!” Sweetie Belle said, clapping her hands in front of her. “Good friends on good costumes, the most important foundation for any Nightmare Night.”

“You really like my costume?” Button asked, his cheeks redding.

Sweetie smiled at him but didn’t directly respond. “Come on everypony, we’ve got a party to mingle through. Oh, and as we all know, one of us has an ulterior motive here to find a special somepony to start sharing some sparks with.”

Now it was Apple Bloom’s turn to get red cheeks. “Hey now, that’s not what I-”

“In fact I was talking about me,” Sweetie said, sticking her tongue out with a cheeky wink. “I dressed to impress to be a mare on a mission, thank you very much.”

“Wait, so what are you exactly?” Spike asked. He liked the outfit, though she was unique at that party for not dressing as a known famous pony or character or object.

“I’m a conversation starter,” Sweetie said with a wink.

“Sorry Rarity had to give you a chastity extension,” Scotaloo remarked, pointing to Sweetie’s slightly-more-covered flank. “How you gonna compete with those girls practically stripping inside with their costumes?”

“Ugh, don’t remind me. I saw Berry Sweet inside dressed as a cat, you’d think she was just wearing underwear and ears.” Sweetie tugged at her hems, but it was no use. If Rarity wanted her material a certain length, no force in the universe could tear it shorter. “Don’t think I’ve seen so many cutie marks outside of the locker room.”

Spike made a show of looking to the sky and whistling, not at all thinking about that setting in his head. Scootaloo laughed and gave him another playful punch on the arm, this one with slightly more oomph. Button just stared into his cup.

Sweetie composed herself and looked determined. “No matter. More than one way to be noticed at a party than dressing extra slutty. I’m just gonna crank up the charm. Hot boys will look my way tonight, count on it!”

Button coughed and hurriedly finished off his drink.

“Oh, I’ll take some help in that department, too,” Rumble said without a hint of embarrassment. “Anypony see anypony cute, send them to the skeleton. I’m covered in bones, can’t miss me.”

“Like you’ve got any trouble finding cute girls,” Button half muttered under his breath. The rest of the group winced slightly.

Rumble just laughed. “Oh yeah! Knew I was forgetting something. Button, let's take a walk, got a fun chat for you. Ladies, dude, see you all around.”

Taking Button by the shoulder, Rumble gently steered the younger pony off to a more secluded part of the yard, whispering into his ear the whole time.

“Glad he’s getting more comfortable telling folks,” Scootaloo said. “It’s been a struggle, but he’s working on it.”

“Really proud of him,” Apple Bloom said.

“A journey to be copied, perhaps?” Sweetie asked sweetly.

Apple Bloom pointed to her. “Hey, you find me a cute girl here, we’ll talk.”

“Working on it. For now, friends, I bid you all adieu. My social senses are hitting their cruising speed, and I’ve a shindig to dominate.”

Sweetie gave her head a little dip, and turned to walk further into the yard towards another group.

“I’m off too,” Apple Bloom said. “I wanna find some other friends of mine I know are here, an’ get another drink. Later you two.”

Apple Bloom tipped her massive hat and headed back inside. Spike and Scootaloo stood and enjoyed the crispness of the evening air. Their hands remained gripped tightly together.

“So…” Spike eventually said. He finished off his cup and tossed it towards the nearby trash can that had been dragged from the side yard. “Uh… what does one do at a party again?”

Scootaloo laughed and pulled him towards the beer pong table. “Come on, Sunrise. Time to properly socialize you.”

The moon rose. The party kicked into gear.

Spike proved surprisingly adept at beer pong, sinking shot after shot and making Scootaloo cackle with glee every time. Their team made short work of a pair of unicorns, despite their blatant attempt to magically cheat. No matter. That just cost them double shots, which drew no complaints.

Then they ventured back into the maw of it all.

Time passes in mysterious ways at a party. Conversations can feel like hours and be only minutes, or a single song on the dance floor can make half the night go by. The night went on, and the party grew. New groups arrived in clusters as the hours ticked by. A large contingent suddenly barged in around 11, apparently due to a different house party on the other side of town being shut down by some very uncool cops.

Despite the population growth, the party kept a calm flow. The drinks flowed, the laughter grew, the music swelled. The worst occurrences that sprang up were when someone accidentally spilled a drink on someone else. No big deal. What costume could really survive a proper Nightmare Night party anyway.

Good times leaked out the walls and into the street. The neighbors didn’t mind. It’s Nightmare Night. Everyone gets a pass on Nightmare Night.

Through it all, Spike and Scootaloo weaved in and out of the crowd, hand in hand. There was no set course and no destination. They just went where the vibes took them, stopping only to chat with friends or to head back to the kitchen for a drink refill. Spike’s first yellow cup led to two more, as well as a bottle selected at random from the cooler. Meanwhile Scootaloo put down four yellow cups herself. The two of them and Rumble even split one of the feared red cups, and it was all Spike could do not to puke it back up right there and then. Scootaloo got a big kick out of that, even if she didn’t fare much better on her turn.

Eventually, they found themselves on the dance floor. The room was packed. Standing room only and practically bulging out the walls. Someone had swapped out all the light bulbs in the room for black lights, giving a strong purple glow that lit up certain colors like flares while hiding others in shadows. EDM blasted out of a cobbled-together pile of speakers. It throbbed loud, a pulse cascading through the mass of swaying bodies.

Spike tried to protest that he didn't know how to dance. Scootaloo smiled and pointedly ignored him. She just dragged him right to the center, put her arms around his neck, moved in close with his around her hips, and moved him to the beat.

It was slow going at first, but he quickly found a rhythm. The buzz from all the drinks was kicking in. He laughed, and so did she. It was shoulder to shoulder and it was all either could do to avoid elbowing the pony dancing alongside. Thankfully Spike’s wings and tail got them as much of a pocket as they could. All around them everyone was dancing, some laughing, cheering, sometimes along with the song, other times just because someone else started it. Pounding hooves shook the house to its foundation.

They moved together, often clumsily, sometimes as one almost by accident, but the groove was their own and they were loving it. Their eyes were glued to each other. He leaned in and kissed her, and then kissed her again and again. Their lips stayed together longer each time. One tongue met another. All eyes shut tight now. They pressed against each other. Hands moved over each other's bodies, reaching, exploring. Nothing too risque, but then, still much more than either of them had ever really felt of one other.

An intimate moment sneaking its way into the herd. Spike felt a desire that, while far from unknown, was rearing up in a way he’d never truly experienced before. He could feel a white hot sun forming inside him, an intense heat that threatened to overwhelm him entirely.

He opened his eyes. Hers were half open as she looked at him. Her smile was slight, but it spoke volumes. A magical moment was there for them.

One that boiled over.

Right then and there, Spike’s mind rebelled.

He broke eye contact. Just for a moment. Why, he didn’t know and couldn’t say. Around him it was the same sea of dancers as it had been. Who knows how long they’d been there in the thick of it. Time was a total nonentity. The party rolled right along. And yet…

He thought he caught a glimpse. Just a few. Here and there, eyes watching them. Sometimes couples, sometimes groups of friends. Looking at them. Laughing. Whispering to each other. He even thought he saw someone point. At them? Was it him? Did he do something? Did Scootaloo?

What am I doing, there’s not… nobody is looking at us. Nobody cares. Why am… why aren’t I enjoying this. What’s wrong, what’s wrong, what’s wrong…

His pulse, already fast, was beating out of his chest. He was sweating, more than he had in weeks. He could feel drops sliding down his back and slicking his stomach. The butterflies in his stomach had morphed to hornets.

He looked back at Scootaloo. She was still smiling, but it fell off when she saw his face. She leaned in, close to his ear this time, and even with all the noise her voice got through to him clear as day.

“Are you okay?”

“I… I…”

Spike didn’t know what to say. What had just happened. What switched in his brain. His body wanted to fall apart.

What am I doing to myself, what’s wrong with me…

He gestured vaguely over his shoulder and smiled as best he could.

“Gotta take a quick break!” he said.

“Do you want me to come with you?” Concern was in her voice, even over the music.

“No! No, I… real fast break! Take a… bathroom! That, yeah!”

Scootaloo looked at him for a long moment. “...okay. I’ll be here when you come back.”

Spike wriggled his way out into the hall. Glancing behind him, he saw Scootaloo dancing peacefully to the music, just for a moment, before the other bodies swallowed her from sight.

Spike sighed. Through it all he had managed to work himself up into actually needing to pee, and he searched for a free bathroom. The ones downstairs were a lost cause with the lines around them, so he headed upstairs. Snippets of conversation flashed by with every step as he maneuvered his way through the throng. He drifted along, willing his pulse to return to normal and eavesdropping all along the way.

“...such a sick costume, wish I’d thought of that…”

“...believe that he said that to her? After all she does for him, she’s gotta dump his ass already…”

“...no, cops totally took it down, I heard it from my cousin, trust me. Found the stash under the TV. Party’s over, and ain’t no way Lightwave’s at school on Monday…”

“...too stupid to know better. Who even calls up and does that, I can’t believe…”

“...gotta be lighter fluid or something in this, couldn’t he just steal some vodka like anypony else would? Gonna get brain damage drinking it, I’m telling you. Anyway, give me another cup…”

“...don’t know what she expected, dressing like that. This party ain’t the place for a dyke to go fishing.”

That last one caught Spike’s attention, and he paused behind two girls he didn’t know, one unicorn and one earth pony. Each was dressed in a nurse outfit, though with how much skin was showing, the only real clue was the red cross hat on their heads and the stethoscope around their necks. The fishnet stockings certainly didn’t seem hospital safe.

“Hey, you can’t call her that, that’s not okay,” the earth pony said pointedly.

“It’s what she calls herself! I’m trying to be supportive,” the unicorn replied, hands up defensively.

“They can say it, we can’t. We say lesbian. Or just gay. Or queer. I think. I don’t know the rules on that last one actually.”

“Whatever the case, coming to a Nightmare Night house party dressed as a scantily clad Little Green Galloping Hood is just gonna get a bunch of horny wolves circling her. I don’t know how many other dy- lesbians are here, but I don’t think they’re gonna stand a chance.”

Spike filed this one away and continued to the bathroom. Luckily the one at the top of the stairs was vacant.

Washing his hands after he did his business, he stared long and hard at himself in the mirror. A few beads of sweat still lingered on his forehead.

Get your shit together. What are you so anxious about? You were having a real nice time on the dance floor, probably the nicest you’ve ever had, and then… and then… you broke away and had a panic attack? What the hell! Where does that even… And then you imagined… nothing. Nothing at all.

He sighed. He thought about seeing her dance, and the feeling of eyes on them, and shook his head again.

Cut this out, you’re being weird and insecure. And you know you are, which means you can stop it. Be smart about this. She’s here with you and for you and… and that’s that.

He splashed some water on his face. He’d seen it done in the movies. All it managed to do was get his face wet. At least it dealt with the sweat.

He quickly dried off and stepped into the hall, where he nearly tripped over Button, who was slumped on the floor by the door.

“What the- Button? Are you okay?” Spike knelt down to check his friend over. Button’s eyes were a tad out of focus, but he otherwise seemed okay. Physically, at least. His expression told another story.

“...jush needed a momen ress,” Button slurred. Spike smelled the alcohol on his breath with every word.

Haven’t seen him in a bit. How many drinks has he had?

“...how’d you do it?” Button managed to ask. He was staring down the staircase in front of them.

The response “Do what?” was formed and ready on Spike’s tongue, but he caught himself. He followed Button’s eyes.

At the bottom of the stairs, leaning on the wall by the front door, Sweetie Belle was laughing and generally entertaining a small group around her. All guys, and fairly attractive ones at that. Each was subtly doing his best to keep Sweetie’s attention fixed on him and him alone.

Spike looked back at Button. A rather obvious brick crashed through a window in Spike’s brain.

…right, duh.

“Um… I mean, I just… did?” Spike knew how lame he sounded and tried again. He rested a hand on Button’s shoulder. “It’s just… I don’t know, it's not like a trick or anything. You really do just have to be direct and, well… talk to her. Tell her how you feel and, you know, what you want.”

“An if she didn like yoo back? Or jush… didn notice you at all?” Button finally turned and looked at Spike. A small tear was forming in his eye.

“You move on. There’s a whole other world out there, dude. You… you can’t get hung up on one girl.”

Spike spoke with determination. Button just grunted.

“Easy for you say,” he muttered under his breath. “It work fer you.”

A green wave started overtaking his face.

“Uh oh, gun throw up.” With surprising deftness, Button popped up, darted into the empty bathroom, and slammed the door shut. Spike tried the handle a few times, but the door was locked tight.

“Hey Button?” he called out. “You okay in there?”

The sound of active retching was the only reply he got.

“Well, just… stay in there, okay? I’m gonna come back and check on you in a bit.”

Not much else I can do for him now. Don’t feel like breaking the door down just yet.

Spike took a few steps downstairs, and stopped.

What are you doing, she’s waiting for you.

He turned around and went down the hallway instead, through the second floor landing. The doors up there, presumably all bedrooms, were shut and covered in caution tape in an effort to keep out snoopers. A window at the end of it fed out into a view of the side yard. Carefully climbing through it, he flapped his way up onto the roof. It seemed like the only place in the party he could really be alone with his thoughts.

Get back down there you idiot.

Three pegasi were huddled on the far corner of the roof, giggling and passing a joint back and forth. They turned and waved at Spike, one offering him a hit. He politely waved them off and headed to sit down at the roof’s edge.

For the second time that year, Spike sat alone and overlooked a party as it carried on below.

Even as the night grew colder, the backyard remained packed, likely by those seeking a break from the increasingly jammed house. Groups mingled and split off, ponies headed off to chat or drink or make out or, way at the back of the yard, very casually try to take a leak against the fence. Costumes were starting to feel the wear and tear of the party now, but everyone was still having a grand old time. The banana from before was laughing with some bowling pins. A whole host of superheroes were in a tight conference watching one of their number try to shotgun a beer. Spike even spotted Rumble and Apple Bloom chilling in some patio chairs, drinks in hand and deep in conversation.

Time passed. Spike sat and watched.

Suddenly, directly below him, there was a commotion. He looked down. Scootaloo had just walked out the back door and into the path of a group of girls. He couldn’t make out what they were saying, but the other girls started laughing, and Scootaloo tensed up. She smacked a drink out of the hand of the closest girl and stormed back inside, her fists balled up by her side. The girls just kept laughing and wandered away from the house.

…shit, I gotta see what that’s about.

Three quick flaps brought Spike down to ground level, only narrowly avoiding a tight group of inflatable dinosaurs trying to come out the back door. He hurriedly apologized as he pushed his way inside.

He couldn’t see Scootaloo anywhere in the crowded kitchen or surrounding hallway. Bumping his way through the partygoers, he nearly ran face first into a short unicorn dressed in a green hood and very tight, very revealing leotard. It took a little magic from her horn to keep her drink from spilling all over them.

“Whoa! Sorry, I didn’t… look, did you see an orange pegasus girl just come through here? Blood covered shirt for a costume?”

The unicorn turned and pointed to the closed bathroom door at the end of a hallway.

“Thanks.” Spike nodded and started to walk away. His mind tossed up a flag.

…wait

He turned. “Uh… are you supposed to be Little Green Galloping Hood?”

The girl raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

“I, uh, well, I heard that… look, here…”

Spike pointed out the kitchen window. Barely visible through the forrest of heads was Apple Bloom. Or at least, Apple Bloom’s hat and part of her eyes.

“You see that girl sitting out back? Red hair? Huge green hat? I think, uh, you should go say hi, because… you two have a lot to talk about. That is… uh, you two have something in common and, um… came here looking for the same thing?”

He tried to gesture with his hands but didn’t really know what to do. Luckily, a spark of recognition went across the girl’s face, and she smiled. She quickly finished off her drink and made a beeline for the backyard.

“Don’t tell her I sent you!” Spike called after her. He then turned and headed straight for the bathroom. Amazingly there was nobody else around it. He knocked once, twice, a third time. “Uh… Scootaloo? You in there?”

In one smooth motion, the door flung open, Scootaloo yanked him inside, and the door shut and bolted again.

It was a small, narrow bathroom. Toilet, sink, towel rack, and a standing shower half built into the wall. That’s it. The window on the wall was completely frosted, barely giving an indication of light or movement outside. Scootaloo paced back and forth in front of Spike, taking deep breaths and working to regain her composure.

Okay, so, this is something I gotta deal with, gotta ask the right question, don’t screw this up.

“Uh… is everything okay?” Spike asked.

“Yeah… no! It’s… ugh, it’s nothing,” Scootaloo said with a wave of her hand. “Just some girls saying stupid shit. I’ll get over it.”

She stopped and looked at Spike with more focus.

“But you! Where did you go? Are you okay?” She asked, more than a little annoyed.

“Yeah, I… I was up on the roof, I-”

“Up on the roof? What? Why?”

I need a break.

“I just… I needed a moment to, like, clear my head.”

“Uh-huh.” Scootaloo crossed her arms and took another breath. “Okay, dude, what’s going on? We were dancing and, I thought, having a real nice time and then you just, like, did a total 180 and ditched me.”

Spike stared and said nothing. His hands fidgeted, and he suddenly got extremely self conscious about where to hold them.

“Hey, come on, what’s wrong?” Scootaloo continued, her tone making an effort to remain inviting. “Did something happen? Did… did I do something wrong?”

“No! I mean, not… not really? I don’t think so? Maybe?”

Spike regretted the words as soon as he said them.

Scootaloo frowned, hurt. “Okay, so… what? I really need you to talk to me here, not do that thing where you stare into space or avoid the issue. Spell it out, tell me what’s up.”

Well I thought things were fine except now I keep getting this super weird feeling and I think it’s something to do with your past with other guys and I can see others looking at us or whispering behind our backs and I don’t know what it all means and I’m feeling what is probably a ton of insecurity or maybe even jealousy and I don’t know what to do about it without making you mad or saying the wrong thing but I still need to know because it’s driving me up the wall-

“I just…” Spike tried, took a moment, and tried again. “I guess I just got really… lost? In the moment? And it felt like everyone was staring at us and also I know it’s probably nothing but I had this really weird encounter with Star Rush at school today and-”

“FUCK!” Scootaloo’s sudden outburst made Spike jump.

She paced back and forth, fuming under her breath. “That no good sack of… what did he say? Was it… what?”

Okay we gotta clear this air.

“Did something happen? Between you two? Something that everyone else in school seems to already know about?”

“Look, that’s not… that’s none of your business.”

“Uh, actually, it kind of is.” Spike spoke like he suddenly found his footing. “Because now I got a lot of guys who seem to want to make it my business.”

“That still doesn’t-”

“You wanted me to talk to you, you gotta do the same back!”

I can already guess the answer, why am I doing this to her.

Scootaloo threw her hands up in frustration. “Fine! Star and I hooked up! We were at a party and I drank too much and so did he and we went and I blew him in a bathroom! It was a stupid thing to do but sometimes I do stupid things and it happened and I can’t change that and ever since it happened every single pony at this school has apparently made it their mission to never ever let me forget it! There, now you know, hope you’re feeling satisfied.”

Scootaloo stood back and fumed, glaring at him.

That’s not the feeling, nope.

Spike thought for a moment. At once, memories he’d mostly forgotten came rushing back. He pressed on. “Was this… that party at the end of August? At Goldenrod’s place?”

“That’s right, you were there, weren’t you.” She looked at him and sighed. “Didn’t stay very long, if I remember right.”

“Yeah, I… dunno how I ended up at that party in the first place.”

I wanted to talk to you.

Scootaloo snorted. “At least you were getting out more.”

“Yeah, well, then I… did what I always do, and felt out of place and left early.”

Because you were tight with all those guys and dancing with them and I figured I didn’t have a chance and would just be bothering you and got a headache and had to get out of there.

“Probably saw me grinding away on the dance floor with Star.”

Him and a few others.

“Wasn’t exactly a sight to cherish.”

Scootaloo leaned against the shower door and slid down until she was sitting on the floor, her hand rubbing her forehead.

Great, made her feel like shit, real good job, fantastic use of the situation, A+ work there Spike.

Spike rubbed his hands together. “I’m… I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have made you-”

“You didn’t make me do anything,” Scootaloo snapped. She collected herself, and softened her voice again. “Also, no, it’s… it’s okay. We’re a couple, this is a thing to talk about. It had to come up eventually anyway.”

She stared into space for a long while. Spike had a vivid realization at how often he did that when talking to her, or to others, or just in general.

“Well, I’m not sorry,” she finally said. “I mean, I’m sorry I did it with him, because he’s a huge asshole who wasn’t worth it, but I’m not gonna apologize for being as dumb and horny as everypony else around here. Probably some happy couple going at it upstairs right now. That’s high school, Spike. It’s what we all want to do when we’re not alone, or at least we really really try.”

Spike had no response. Even the idea of sex didn’t enter his mind much. That was something that happened to others. Simply not a concept in his life… until, suddenly, recently, he realized how very much it was an important component of serious relationships. And something he is going to have to contend with, probably sooner rather than later.

He’d been grappling with this train of thought ever since.

Tired of standing over her, Spike knelt and leaned against the cabinet under the sink, directly across from Scootaloo. In the tight space their knees were slightly overlapping.

“I’m not… mad, or anything,” Spike said.

“You’d have no right to be,” Scootaloo replied.

“I know that. I don’t… I don’t care that you, like… did stuff with another guy before me.”

Scootaloo bit back a laugh. “‘Did stuff’. Wow, Spike… okay, I am sorry there, I just…”

“I’ve never done anything with anyone,” Spike practically blurted out.

No shit, who doesn’t know that.

“I know Spike,” Scootaloo said, as gently as she could. “Well, I have. Lost my virginity with Rumble.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Only did it with him once. It was… awkward. That’s kinda what really helped him figure out he was gay, so…” Scootaloo could only shrug. “Hooray for him, I guess. Meanwhile, I had a boyfriend for a nice long while, eventually broke up, and then hooked up once a few short months later, so everyone just started connecting their own dots and now I’ve got the reputation as the biggest slut in school who banged half the flight team. Doesn’t matter if that’s not true. Doesn’t matter if I hardly did anything at all, or that lots of other girls have done a lot more, I’m still the one ponies look at and whisper about and write shitty messages about in the bathroom.”

“And those girls in the yard just now?”

Scootaloo nodded. “Okay it’s rare for, like somepony to actually say something to my face, but they were pretty drunk. Hopefully they’ll forget it all tomorrow. Ugghhh…”

She slapped the wall in frustration. “And there’s nothing I can really do about it. I ignore it as best I can but, well, here I am. I am this close to just taking a bat and beating the shit out of Star. And don’t think I couldn’t.”

The grim determination that worked into her voice surprised Spike.

Whoa… she can be really scary when she wants to be.

“Okay that’s mostly a joke, but, still… ugh…” Scootaloo trailed off in a long groan. “Fuck, my head hurts. And I didn’t even drink that much tonight.”

Spike frowned. “Why’s Star doing this? Seems like he’s the epicenter for all the gossip. Can’t imagine you’re the only girl he’s been with.”

Scootaloo snorted. “Probably because I’m the only girl who didn’t treat him like a stud afterward. And then started dating some nice geeky guy who he really has it out for.”

Yeah he does. Good thing him and his crew decided to go somewhere else tonight.

“Anyway, fuck him, he graduates in eight months and probably will get some bullshit flight scholarship that’ll take him far away and I’ll never see him ever again. And… I do all I can to just, like, keep living my life and not let everything get to me.”

She hung her head again. Spike slumped his shoulders. They sat on the bathroom floor, listening to the thumping sounds of music and chatter from just outside the door.

“Except…” Scootaloo said slowly, “It is getting to me. It really, really is. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, they run interference and tell me not to worry and I know it’s all bullshit that’ll blow over but it is still exhausting to deal with it. Especially so fast! That party was barely two months ago! It’s like the worst case of emotional whiplash you can think of and it’s coming at me from ponies I don’t like to deal with and ponies I don’t even know and who certainly don’t know me! And with it comes the worry that every guy who even approaches me just wants to get a piece, and…”

She trailed off. Her eyes glanced pointedly at Spike.

He stared right back. “Scootaloo, I… I’m not here just to get in your pants.”

“I know! I know, I do, I just…” Scootaloo sighed. “Look, with this reputation, I gotta… I just got this little voice, waaaaaaay in the back of my head, that was saying, like, ‘Oh he’s just talking to you because he thinks you’re easy’ and I, well, I don’t want that to be the case with you. And I know it isn’t. But… you asked me out only a few weeks after all that started, so…”

Spike mulled this over. “When I asked you out, I had no idea about any of this. Never heard a word. That stuff doesn’t filter to me, I guess.”

“Benefits of a loner lifestyle.” Scootaloo gave a weak chuckle.

“I guess. But I mean… like, I know why you’re with me, and that you like me, and all that other good stuff that we’ve talked about, I guess, I just, I wanna know…”

He trailed off, searching for the words. Scootaloo thought for another moment.

“Spike, do you think I agreed to go out with you just because I thought you were harmless?” she asked.

“Did you?”

“I mean… maybe a little.”

Spike nodded. “Well, did you think I wanted to go out with you because I thought you were easy?”

“Honestly, no. And even if I did think that somewhere in my head, I still would’ve said yes.”

“I don’t think me knowing anything any sooner would’ve changed me asking you either… I think that sentence made sense. Sorry, I’m a bit buzzed here.”

“No worries, I gotcha.”

They smiled weakly at each other.

A pounding on the bathroom door interrupted the moment.

“YO! Is whoever’s in there done already? Some other ponies out here gotta go!”

“FUCK OFF!” Scootaloo shouted. She reached for the nearest thing at hand to toss at the door, which happened to be a can of air freshener. It bounced and clattered loudly, sending whoever was on the other side of the door scurrying away.

A brief pause, and then Spike laughed. Scootaloo joined him, the momentary levity a good break for them both.

“Anyway…” Scootaloo started as she stopped giggling, “It’s just those two. That I’ve done anything sexual with, I mean. Just Rumble and Star, and just those two times, total. And I… I don’t think I wanna… do anything else. For the foreseeable future. So… nothing with you, I mean. You didn’t do, like, anything to, uh, put me off, nothing like that, it’s all me. Right now sex just… I think it’d put me in a real bad headspace. I’m sorry.”

Spike shook his head at her. “No, please, please don’t apologize. You didn’t do anything wrong. And to be honest, well… I don’t think I’m ready to do anything with anyone anyway. Including you. Not yet.”

Is that true? Am I saying that to make her feel better? I was getting pretty antsy before, wasn’t I? What do I want here?

Scootaloo flashed another smile. “I’ll be ready again, someday.”

Spike returned it. “I hope I’m ready then, too.”

Scootaloo shifted over, rotating around until she was sitting next to Spike. She leaned over, resting her head on his shoulder. They clasped hands, letting a familiar feeling of comfort and security wash over both of them.

Spike sighed, very quietly. He didn’t even realize he did it. Scootaloo still picked up on it.

“Hey Spike… anything else bugging you? You just… still seem down, a lot, in general, outside of… everything we were just talking about,” she asked softly. “What’s up?”

Spike thought long and hard.

So the truth is I’m a weirdo loser dork who likes keeping to himself and also somehow got the super hot girl he likes to like him back and now I’ve stumbled into some kind of actual romantic relationship and things are going well and maybe it’s even becoming something more serious and I feel great around you and so happy and you’re the best thing that ever happened to me and I really can’t believe you’re here and I am so far out of my depth and that means I’m so scared of finding some way to fuck this all up and I can’t make sense of this and I’m trying my absolute hardest not to take the easy way out and cut and run and why can’t I just say these words to you right now because I don’t want you to worry because holy shit you can do better than me and you’ve got so much more important stuff than me to worry about and even after everything you just now said I can’t stop feeling insecure and even a little jealous and now I’m thinking I’ve somehow fooled you into being happy around me and I don’t deserve you at all and this isn’t going to work none of this is going to work I can’t keep this up I can’t-

“Nothing,” Spike said.

Scootaloo studied his face closely. “...nothing?”

“Nothing. I mean, nothing besides… just general stress.”

“You’re always generally stressed.”

“Exactly.”

“Well… I hope me being with you makes you less stressed.” She turned her head and kissed him on the cheek. “You make me less stressed, that’s for sure.”

Spike turned and looked at her. The two shut their eyes and kissed again, tenderly, Spike reaching over to rub her cheek.

“One thing,” Scootaloo said when their lips finally broke contact. “Please, for me… no more just flying off when you get too, like, lost in your own head or something. Take me with you. Let me help you. I’d want the same from you for me. We don’t gotta do any of this alone.”

No way I can promise that. But can I try?

“...okay,” Spike said with a nod. He looked down and adjusted his name tag, which had been awkwardly poking him in the chest. “Sorry I… kinda ruined Nightmare Night for you.”

“Pfft, please,” Scootaloo said, shaking him off. “This party’s been great, and one rough talk isn’t gonna change that. Especially since it kinda seems to have helped things?”

…yeah, I think so.

Scootaloo reached into her pocket and checked her phone. “Besides, it’s 12:20. Nightmare Night was yesterday. Whole new day now.”

“Lucky us.” The two of them stood up. As they did, Spike noticed Scootaloo’s blood makeup smeared onto the counter behind them, as well as the shower door she had initially been leaning on. Red streaks dripping down onto the tile and for all intents and purposes looking like someone had gotten slashed real bad.

“Uhhhh… should we clean this up?” he asked.

“Nah, fits the aesthetic.” Scootaloo looked down at Spike and grinned. “You got red on you.”

Spike checked his shirt and saw the fake blood smeared on it. “Fitting.”

He reached for the door handle and paused. They both looked at the bathroom door and tensed up. The same thought entered both their minds.

Yeah, probably wouldn’t help matters if everyone sees us coming out of here together after being locked in for so long.

As one, they turned and looked at the window. Frosted though it was, it could be opened, and let out into the small side alley between the backyard and the front of the house.

“...think your wings can fit?” Scootaloo asked.

Eventually, all parties wind down.

The food table was picked down to crumbs. The drinks were completely exhausted, not to mention the table itself broken in half after one particularly inebriated unicorn’s failed attempt to do a keg stand on top of it. Even the music playlist had reached the songs that everyone was tired of hearing.

So it goes. The fatigue, however unwelcome, was inevitable.

Plus, at some point, every teen in attendance knew their parents might start to actually wonder what they were up to at half past one in the morning, regardless of whether or not there was school to get up for when the sun came up.

Out in the yard, Scootaloo and Spike were chilling in a small circle of chairs. They’d been there ever since Spike managed to wiggle his way out the bathroom window and sneak back into the house. He took a quick trip upstairs to find Button passed out in the hall, after having emptied his stomach contents into the bathroom sink. After some thorough checking to be sure he was alright, and then some careful maneuvering, he was able to deposit his friend into a chair directly behind his outside to sleep it off, and get himself back to socializing.

It had been a rotating order of friends stopping by ever since, all having pleasant conversations about nothing at all, and at this late hour it was Sweetie Belle who finally wandered over and flopped into a chair.

“Well!” she said dramatically, “I do believe I am quite spent.”

Scootaloo eyed her smeared lipstick and extra-ruffled dress. “Have a nice night then?”

“Ah ah ah, I know that look. I was a proper lady with polite gentlemen all night, thank you very much… of course, as my sister might say, a lady must still test certain attributes.” She gave a small wink.

Scootaloo smirked and took a drink of soda.

“Got a weekend of activities lined up now,” Sweetie continued. “Date with Dew Drop tomorrow- or rather, tonight? Whatever, he’s first, then Spring Step on Saturday, and finally… well, somepony on Sunday. Can’t remember who. But it’s fine, he’ll text me.”

“I hope they all know they’re part of a package deal,” Rumble said as he walked over and took another seat.

“Such are the rules of the game,” Sweetie said.

“Wait, I thought you already dated Spring Step before,” Spike said, looking up and scratching his chin, trying to remember.

“Everypony deserves a second chance.”

“I’ll bet,” Rumble said, sticking his tongue out at her.

“Well, how about you, Mr. Cool Bones,” Sweetie asked. “Have any luck tonight, or a total strike out?”

Rumble grinned and sheepishly threw his hands up in the air. “I never even made it to the batter’s box. Lots and lots of hot guys here tonight, and they all had one thing on their mind: all you cute girls.”

The others laughed. Scootaloo leaned over and patted her ex on the head.

“Buck up, champ,” she said. “There’s always other parties.”

Out of the darkness from the back of the yard, Apple Bloom wandered forward, large hat in hand. She calmly sat down, a blank look on her face.

“Howdy, y’all,” she said. The others looked at her closely. A small mark on her neck caught Rumble’s attention first.

“Why my dear little pony…” He leaned in for a closer look. “I do believe you’ve got yourself a hickey.”

They all looked back to where she’d just come from. The mysterious pony in the green hood was wandering out, straightening her leotard. She blew a kiss Apple Bloom’s direction as she walked past and headed inside.

Apple Bloom had a terrible poker face. Her cheeks turned bright red as her friends collectively started to hoot and holler.

“Somepony found somepony!” Sweetie practically sang. “My social sense has been in overdrive all night because of the party, but I knew I detected a little spicy twang in there.”

“It’s nothin’, she’s just… a nice girl I may have met,” Apple Bloom managed to say. “An’ we had a whole lot to… talk about.”

“Spill the details, sister.” Scootaloo pointed at her friend. “I wanna hear everything, start to finish. Like… who the heck even was that?”

Spike said nothing. He just smiled and drank his cup of the last fruit punch in the house.

The conversation flowed on. Teasing, pseudo-saucy details, and a fine flowing camaraderie kept them occupied until phones started dinging. 2AM had arrived. Whatever passed for a curfew that night was gonna be in effect soon.

Time for goodbyes, farewells, and See You Soons.

As Spike stood, he looked around at the incoming ponies headed for the exits. Behind him, the chair he had left Button in was conspicuously empty. He suddenly realized he hadn’t actually laid eyes on his friend in over an hour.

“Anyone seen Button?” Spike asked. “I left him right here… did he wander off?”

Oh man, if he’s passed out in a bush somewhere…

“Oh, you don’t know?" Rumble asked. Getting only a blank stare in return, he motioned him to follow him.

While the girls went to retrieve their bags, the two of them walked inside. After a few turns, they headed down the stairs into the basement, where some shouting could be heard. Reaching the bottom revealed a small den, one set up with a lot of overstuffed shelves, thick shag carpet, two big plush couches, and a very large TV. Hooked up to that tv was a Playbox 3, and hooked up to the controller was a very inebriated Button Mash. Three other players were gaming with him, all of them looking a mixture of frustrated, baffled, and impressed.

On screen, a Toadstool Racers: Triple Dash race was nearing completion. As Spike watched, Button’s character effortlessly dodged two rockets sent his way, drifted around a turn for a speed boost, knocked off two other racers with surprise traps, and crossed the finish line a good five seconds ahead of his competitors. All the while, he never moved or said a word.

“For fuck’s sake!” the pegasus next to him shouted, tossing her controller on the couch. “Every time! How is he doing it!”

She leaned over and snapped her fingers in front of Button’s face. Nothing. His eyes were hardly even open. From the right angle he seemed to be sleeping.

“Yeah, he stumbled down here a while ago,” Rumble said. “Been schooling every challenger ever since.”

“He’s one hell of a gamer,” a voice to Spike’s left said. He turned and saw a unicorn dressed as a mime flopped on the couch.

The vaguest bit of recognition from school pinged off, and Spike took a stab. “Uh, are you Laid Back?”

“So they say.”

“Hell of a party, man.”

“Thanks. Happy to provide for the community.”

“Sorry that community trashed your house,” Rumble cut in. “I didn’t think it would get that crazy.”

“Broken kitchen table, couple smashed windows, a mountain of garbage, puke in every bathroom and bush, and somepony did something truly awful to the guest bed and I’m probably gonna have to burn those sheets. But…” the unicorn sat back and shrugged. “So the party goes. It’s cool. Got my sister to help me get a cleaning company to swing by tomorrow. Should make it work by the time the ‘rents get back.”

Spike had to respect his attitude. He gave him a quick fist bump, and then returned his attention to Button. He’d instinctively started another race, even though by now it was only bots playing along.

“Okay buddy,” Spike said, leaning down and taking his friend under one arm. “Time to bounce. Rumble, grab an arm would you?”

Button didn’t resist, but he didn’t help much either. It was like hauling a sleeping bag full of potatoes. The stairs were a true group effort, as was navigating the hallway out the front door. Trash was everywhere, and Spike saw at least three ponies passed out on various couches. The front yard was just as bad, cups and beer bottles strewn everywhere. A griffon wearing a homemade cardboard armor was staggering off into the night, evidently not even bothering to fly this one off.

“Yup, good times tonight. Great party,” Rumble said. Spike looked at him. He knows he saw him knock back twice as much beer as he’d had, plus at least two of those red cups, and he still seemed fresh as a daisy.

Must get it from his brother.

Outside, the girls had put their jackets on, small bags over each shoulder containing additional clothing changes. Seeing those jackets made the boys suddenly realize how chilly it had gotten.

“Damn, should’ve thought to plan ahead,” Spike said.

Scootaloo laughed. “I can’t get by on a t-shirt and shorts all night.”

Rumble nodded. Carefully, he leaned out from under Button’s arm, letting Spike get a steady grip by himself, with Button half-slumped on him.

“Well, I’m off everypony,” Rumble said, spreading his wings. “Anypony free this weekend? We can grab lunch.”

“I’ll text you,” Spike said. Apple Bloom and Sweetie agreed, and on that, the skeleton gave one last wave, took a few steps, and flew off into the dark night sky.

“Spike, will you be able to get Button back okay?” Sweetie asked.

Spike nodded. “Yeah, I can walk him to the tree. Hopefully he sobers up by tomorrow morning. I don’t think his mom’s gonna be happy if he stumbles home hungover. Sleep will do him good.”

“Time for us to get goin’, too,” Apple Bloom said. “Treehouse isn’t too far away, thankfully. Got our sleepin’ bags out there an’ everythin’.”

“That’s smart thinking dear,” Sweetie Belle said. She pulled out her phone to send a few quick texts to family to confirm the plans, confident they wouldn’t be read until morning.

“Actually… I think I’ll go with them,” Scootaloo said. Her friends shared a look. Spike kept his mouth shut. Scootaloo leaned over and gave her friends a few quick whispers, then stepped over to Spike and Button. With a slight lean, she was able to hoist Button up onto her shoulder.

With her on one side and Spike on the other, Button was held up like a particularly floppy scarecrow. He mumbled something under his breath but otherwise stayed out of it.

“Well, if you’re sure about this…” Apple Bloom shot Spike a very pointed expression. He gulped.

“Hey, girls: relax,” Scootaloo said. “I got this. You get going, I’ll text you later.”

Another long pause, then her friends relented. After one final round of hugs, the two of them turned and headed off into the quiet night.

The three remaining friends turned and got underway for the staggered walk home. Button did his best to keep up, but only managed to make one step out of every three. At best.

“Are those two really worried about me?” Spike asked.

“They’re just perpetually protective,” Scootaloo said. “They don’t know how to be any other way. I wouldn’t worry.”

Someday I’ll learn how to do that.

However close the tree may have been, actually walking the path back proved tricky. It was decided that the two of them half-dragging a nearly-unconscious, utterly plastered teenager through the main streets of Ponyville in the middle of the night might attract some unwanted attention. Cops liked to sniff around more after Nightmare Night. Spike also ruled out just trying to fly him back, the extra weight combined with his lack of grip and Spike still having some faint buzz himself meant that was asking for trouble.

So, they found a back path through a nearby park. Added about twenty very cumbersome minutes to the walk, but hey, they’d get there. And towards the center of town, a beam of light and faint echoing music told them that Pinkie’s party was still cruising right along, so Twilight was likely still busy.

She hasn’t texted me in a few hours, probably a good sign. Maybe she’ll make it all the way to dawn this time, like Pinkie keeps hoping.

They walked on, alone to the world. Spike and Scootaloo didn’t say much. Button stayed silent.

Eventually, a t-junction appeared, cutting through the neat grass and low shrubs that made up this side of the park. A neighborhood off to the left, and their route home to the right. They made a wide curve for the turn.

Up ahead, they noticed a few silhouettes in the dark, illuminated by some lights from some nearby houses. Voices told them it was a small group talking and laughing amongst themselves. Didn’t seem like adults, but the three of them steered clear anyway.

Their path took them under a light in the park. A member of the mystery group turned, and a very familiar and unwelcome voice sounded out.

“Oh, SHIT! Look who we got here.”

Spike tensed up, and he was certain he felt Scootaloo do likewise, but they didn’t stop moving, or even look over.

A streetlamp abruptly turned on. Motion sensor triggered, most likely. Star Rush appeared in the light, his bulky form made all the larger in the amber shadows. Behind him, his earth pony goons Goldenrod and Shineheart stood even taller. Three golems standing at attention, all wearing their letterman jackets and cheap plastic monster masks haphazardly resting askance on their heads. Standard bully attire, stretching back through time immortal.

“Still some real freaks skulking around tonight,” Star said. Spike could hear his smirk from there. “Tsk tsk. This town’s really gotta do something about them.”

“Can’t believe they just let them wander around at will,” Shineheart said.

“Real social problem, somepony’s gotta do something about it,” Goldenrod added.

The three bunched up and moved closer. Spike and Scootaloo kept walking and still didn’t look.

Star got a better look at who was there. His grin got bigger.

“And hey, somepony real special here! Hey Scootaloo! Ready to ditch the dead weight? I’ll take you back, no questions asked. Least I can do, because I’m such a nice guy.

His friends laughed. They moved closer. There was a slight stagger to their steps. Spike wondered how much they’d had to drink that night.

“In fact, I think I’m so nice, I could show you a real good time tonight.” Star’s body tensed up, ever so slightly.

“All three of us, even, could have real good party,” Star said, spreading his arms. “Make some new memories tonight.”

Star took another step forward. His tone sharpened. “Seriously, get your crippled ass over here and-”

In one smooth motion, Spike turned, took a breath, and breathed out a fireball.

It was like a bomb going off. The burst of yellow and green flames exploded out of his mouth and made a jetstream that lit up the park in every direction. Intense heat flared up and burned away the grass, turned the bushes to twigs and ash, even making a slight ooze out of the top layer of concrete on the path. Crows in nearby trees abruptly took flight and fled, cawing in annoyance the whole way away. Somewhere a few blocks away, a dog started barking.

And just like that, the fire went out. A flashbulb in the dark. The smell of smoke lingered in the windless air.

A dark black scorch in the shape of an arc lay between Spike and the jocks. The edge of it stopped a few inches from Star’s hoof. Star himself was flat on his back, laid out by the burst of heat and struggling to catch his breath. What remained of one of his eyebrows crumbled away when he turned his head, ever so slightly, to see if his friends were still there.

They were not; they’d turned tail and fled faster than they might’ve thought possible.

Star remained motionless. He watched the sky for a long, long time.

Spike, Scootaloo, and Button walked on.

After about a block, Scootaloo finally spoke up.

“Forgot you could do that.”

Spike grunted. “Do what?”

Between them, Button coughed. “Think I’ve got a fever…”

The tree was as quiet as a grave. The candy bowl Twilight had left out front for trick or treaters was nearly empty. Even though she had a good selection, everyone in the neighborhood knew to obey the Just Take One sign. Local lore amongst the schoolkids spoke harshly of those who dared to cross the witch librarian.

By now Button was nearly walking on his own. He’d thrown up a few more times on the way back, but luckily managed to miss everyone’s clothes, and didn’t seem to have much left in him as they walked through the front door. It made it easier for them to walk him upstairs and, as gently as they could, toss him onto Spike’s bed.

“Thanks guys, love you both, gonna nap nowwwww…” Button was asleep before he finished his thoughts.

Spike collapsed onto his desk chair, breathing out a long sigh of relief.

“Think Twilight’s back yet?” Scootaloo asked in raised whisper.

“Nah,” Spike said. “She’d be standing right here if she was. Trust me on that.”

“I’ll bet.” Scootaloo walked around Spike’s room. It was her first time there. Her eyes slid over the messy desk, walls covered in horror movie posters, and finally paused at the shelf by his door. Low and wide, it held Spike’s modest DVD collection. Hardly 100 titles, alphabetically ordered. She smiled and looked over at Spike.

“Tired?” she asked.

Spike yawned.

“Nope,” he lied.

“Cool. Pick something good, I’m gonna go wash this makeup off and change. Meet you downstairs.” Her blood had largely smeared all over now, making a very deranged pattern on her neck and shirt. She headed down the hall to the bathroom.

Spike quickly changed out of his worn costume and into a more comfortable pair of sweats and whatever ratty workout shirt was closest, and looked at his movie shelf.

He considered his movies and the situation. Nothing too long. Definitely nothing foreign, neither of them were up for reading subtitles right now. Slow burn? They’d barely last through the menu.

Nope, time for a tried and true favorite. Spike knew just the ticket.

He was down in the den when Scootaloo returned. Her face was still a bit damp from the water, but she was free of any red, and the contact finally gone from her eye. Now she wore a navy blue tee with a graphic of a bloody ax bursting through a wooden door, with a crazed face just behind it. The word Overlook was in thick blocky letters just underneath. It was a bit big for her, drooping over the leggings she had on now.

Spike popped the disc into the player and hopped on the couch. The tiny tv room was seldom even entered by Twilight, so it was largely Spike’s domain, and he made it his own. A big plush corner couch, small table at ideal popcorn bowl height, and a wall mounted flatscreen provided him the perfect viewing spot for many a bloody movie over the years.

As he settled into his usual spot, Scootaloo approached and pointed at him.

“Scoot.”

Spike shook his head. “No, me Spike. You Scoot.”

Scootaloo’s sigh would have drained the life of a lesser soul. “Funny boy. Now move over.”

Spike acquiesced. Scootaloo grabbed the blanket from the armrest and laid down, her head across Spike’s chest, arms folded in by his side. She snuggled up as close as she could, blanket over her body. Spike’s hand ended up resting on her warm abdomen.

At that moment Spike realized this was the most physically comfortable he’d ever felt in his entire life. It was like a puzzle piece snapping into place. He smiled, picked up the remote, and hit the button.

The opening title sequence for A Nightmare on Cherry Lane 3: Dream Fighters started. Scootaloo practically vibrated with glee.

“Awwww, my favorite!” She rested her hand on Spike’s knee and gave a squeeze. “My boyfriend is such a sweetie.”

Spike caught the gasp in his throat.

“...well, my girlfriend deserves the best.”

“Dang right she does.”

They watched the movie for a while. Spike hadn’t seen it in a hot minute, but he still remembered it all like it was yesterday. The teens in the psych hospital, Shreddy Shears invading their dreams one by one, the terrific gore effects, everything. They laughed together as the movie went on, sometimes chiming in with a random trivia fact that the other already knew but didn’t care. Sometimes one dozed off for a few minutes, only to be awoken by the next round of screams.

Eventually, apropos of nothing, Spike brought up another topic. “I liked dancing with you. Before, at the party, I mean. I liked it a lot.”

Scootaloo imperceptibly shifted in place. “I liked it too. It was fun. You’re a fun guy, Spike. When you let yourself.”

“So they say. I’m… I’m sorry I didn’t stay with you on the dance floor, and made things so awkward. I’m sorry I keep, just…”

Sorry I keep trying to run away.

Scootaloo rolled up to look at him. She lifted her hand and held it to his cheek.

“I want you to believe what I believe, right here, right now: you’re doing good. You are not screwing this up. You can do this.”

Spike looked into her eyes. He saw the truth she was desperately trying to show in her eyes. She meant every word.

I love you.

“Okay,” he said.

They leaned in for a kiss. Both their hearts soared.

They returned to watching the movie. Onscreen, Shreddy transformed a screaming girl into a giant fly and smashed her with a giant flyswatter. Terrific effect. One of their favorites. Worth fighting off sleep for just a few minutes more to see it.

Chapter 7 - Into the Future...

The forms were spread all over the table. They’d been neatly organized into stacks, one for each set of applications. Some were already filled out and ready for mailing. Others needed work.

Spike stared at the one in front of him. Probably the most important one. Twilight sat in the chair next to him, patiently watching him.

“We don’t have to do this right now,” she said. “The deadline isn’t for another month.”

“Nah, I’d rather not let these linger.”

Spike’s pen moved quickly, blurring past personal bio and academic information and sweeping into the personal statement. He spoke as he wrote.

“Twilight, do I… really need this scholarship? To go to VU, I mean. Like… what if I don’t get it? Can we afford it?”

The unicorn patted Spike reassuringly on the shoulder. “Spike, you’ve more than got the grades, you’ve got actual experience there already from the summer, and, well, I do have some pull with a few chairs over there. Not to be too overconfident, but I think this whole process is just a formality with you.”

“I appreciate the reassurance, but this is the school for, like, government official’s kids, or kids who have family names on the buildings,” Spike said. “I don’t want to assume I’ll get anything. So… how would it be if I had to get in the hard, expensive way?”

Twilight thought for a long moment. “Well… it would be tough, let’s say that. But there’s other scholarships you could apply for, financial aid, grants, and… well, I know Vanhoover is your first choice, but you’ve got a wide range of really good schools you’ve designated your backups. I mean, look at all these options.”

She gestured broadly to the table in front of them. Spike had originally intended to do his college applications alone, but Twilight insisted on being involved. He wasn’t too surprised. He watched her pick up the packet he’d just finished.

“Canterlot University… can’t go wrong there.” Twilight held the papers to her chest and let out a long, satisfied sigh. “Ahhh, so many wonderful academic memories. Plus, hey, you practically grew up there!”

“I know, Twilight, I remember,” Spike said. “I wasn’t that young when we moved to Ponyville.”

“Right, right.” Twilight returned the paper to its spot and watched Spike write in silence for a while.

As he got through his essay, Spike shifted in his seat. Vanhoover University had been his first choice college for pretty much all of high school, and now he was right there, so much hard work behind him… and yet, his mind was distracted by the much smaller, more unassuming packet still on his desk in his room.

The one for the local community college. Because, well, what if he didn’t want to go somewhere so far away? What if he had a reason to stick around now?

I can’t just leave her behind…

“You know, Spike…” Twilight said, breaking his train of thought. “I just wanted to say… I’m so, so proud of you.”

Spike put down his pen and looked at her. There were practically tears in her eyes.

“I know, Twilight,” he said, smiling. “Couldn’t have gotten this far without you, you know.”

“Oh please, you did all the real work. I just kept shoveling books your way,” Twilight said. She wiped her eyes and leaned in and gave Spike a big hug. “You’re the one who got the grades, you’re the one who put in the effort. I’m just… so happy to see you get here. And then I think of all the possibilities your future has to offer! Any one of these schools would start you on a path where… well, where you could do anything you wanted, anywhere you wanted. The whole world at your fingertips.”

She sighed proudly, one hand on Spike’s shoulder. He could almost see the visions of academic pursuits and achievements flashing through her eyes. And of all they’d been through together to make it this far.

Spike couldn’t help but feel a bit guilty for it all. Whatever world awaited him, it was one she could’ve breezed through and beyond, once upon a time. Before him. Before he unexpectedly entered her life and permanently altered her trajectory.

“Anyway,” Twilight said, finally recovering herself back into the moment, “just keep hacking away at these. I can get them all mailed away whenever you’re ready.”

“I know,” Spike said. As Twilight pulled away, Spike got a sudden urge, and he leaned over and gave her a huge hug. She practically gasped. It had been a while since Spike was so openly affectionate towards her, but then, he was becoming a lot more emotionally open as of late.

“So, hey, Twilight,” Spike said softly, “...thanks for being my mom.”

“...it was the best thing that ever happened to me.” Twilight embraced her son. “I love you, Spike.”

“Love you too, Twi.”

The hug lasted a while.

Eventually, they broke apart. Spike returned to his essay. Twilight returned to doing her absolute best to keep her composure up.

Spike stood next to Scootaloo’s locker. She had finished swapping out her books and was now trying to find the rest of her good pens. She’d shoved them somewhere, they were bound to turn up. Around them, the hallway was emptying out as students left the school for the day.

“Good day today?” Scootaloo asked, her face still buried inside the locker.

“Was pretty good. History test came back with an A, econ paper got an A, chem project got me a B+...”

“Oooh, Twilight is gonna be crushed by that last one.”

“She’ll get over it,” Spike said with a grin. He glanced around again. Nobody was around in any direction, so far as he could tell.

Should probably bring it up now, it’s been over a month.

“Soooooo… things going okay?” he asked.

“Yeah, I’d say so. My grades aren’t as stellar as yours but I’m still riding pretty high on things. Plus, gonna really start training for softball season soon.”

“Isn’t that still like four months away?”

“Never too early for the best. Besides, Rainbow Dash has been looking for an excuse to start our workout sessions up again. I’m not complaining.”

“Cool, cool…” Spike hesitated before moving onto his next thought. “Everyone, uh… treating you good? Or better? Or the same?”

Scootaloo shut her locker, perhaps a bit louder than she had meant to, and Spike almost jumped. She shoved her books in her bags before looking at him,

“Things are… fine? I guess?” she shrugged. “No new rumors about my promiscuity, if that’s what you’re after.”

“I mean, I care about how everyone treats you.”

“I know, and I appreciate it.” She grabbed his hand and they started walking towards the stairs. “There’s still some sniggers here and there among all the cheerleader types, and I still catch some graffiti in the locker room, but… I dunno. It’s just kinda carrying on.”

“Star’s not giving you any trouble, is he?” Spike asked.

“You know, funnily enough, he hasn’t even so much as looked at me since Nightmare Night.”

“Go figure.”

Almost getting incinerated must’ve done a good job reshaping his priorities.

“I dunno,” Scootaloo said. “It was all so much at the time, and it still is, but… something’s helping to mute it a bit. Making it a lot easier to deal with. Hard to say what it is.”

“Perhaps having a total dork for a boyfriend?”

Scootaloo giggled. “Could be, could be.”

She turned and gave him a peck on the cheek. He tightened his grip on her hand that much more. They rounded the staircase and moved towards the school’s main doors.

“Did we have any plans this weekend?” he asked.

“Oh, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle got something fun planned,” Scootaloo said.

Spike groaned. “Another surprise activity?”

Scootaloo winked at him. “You’ll like this one. Just you wait and see.”

Whyyyyyy did I agree to this, what am I doing here, okay, no, none of that, come on Spike, don’t psych yourself out, focus, focus…

He looked through the machine. Choices flashed by with each push of the button. Searching, searching, looking for just the right selection…

“Come on, Spike, get a move on,” Apple Bloom said. “We only got the room rented for another half hour. Pick somethin’ an’ let’s hear what you got!”

Next to her on the couch, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle chimed in their agreements. Sweetie Belle reached for another bag of chips on the crowded snack table in front of them. Up on a wall, a small countdown timer backed up with Apple Bloom had said with its ever descending numbers.

Spike had never even been inside this building before, but being with the girls on weekends was dramatically increasing his social map. No matter how little say he tended to have in their destination, he still found himself enjoying things.

“Don’t stress Spike,” Scootaloo said. “You heard us. Karaoke ain’t about singing ability, we’re here to have fun.”

“Are you saying I lack the ability?” Sweetie said with a playfully chagrined expression.

“No, but I sure do,” Scootaloo said with a smile. “You heard me just now. I think I sounded genuinely sick.”

“Worked well for that song,” Apple Bloom said. “Punk suits you well.”

“That’s the nicest thing anypony’s ever said about me.”

Spike kept looking through the machine’s song catalog.

…you know what, yeah, this is the one.

He punched in his choice and stood back with the microphone in his hand. He watched the screen. The girls perked up expectedly. On either side, speakers started pumping out a tune he was quite familiar with.

He took a deep breath and watched the lyrics.

“You light a candle just to see in the dark
You're only running on a fuse, and it's been falling apart again
I'm by your side, I hope at least that helps
And life sucks sometimes, it's feeling more like hell…”

He barreled ahead. He wasn’t actually sure how he sounded. Just that he was doing it and the world wasn’t ending.

Fuck it, get cocky.

He shut his eyes. It’s not like he needed to see the lyrics.

“...When everything
Is falling apart, put your head on my shoulder
Don't cry, just another bad night
You'll make it out alive…”

Rumble may have introduced him to this band as a joke, but this song struck a chord, and he listened to it quite often. Hadn’t shared that fact with Scootaloo yet. Just waiting for the perfect moment…

Of course, the song being short was an added perk, and he was soon on the last verse.

“...You don't have to cry alone
And I'll hold this weight above you
If you slip, I'm falling too
And I'll never let you go.”

The song wrapped up quickly. Spike took a breath and finally opened his eyes.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were cheering in their seats. Apparently Spike had impressed them both.

Scootaloo was gripping the seat. Her cheeks were bright red, and there was a small tear in her eyes. Her smile told him that he’d gone right to the heart with that one. He smiled back.

Huh, maybe there’s something to this confidence thing after all.

The sound of them walking through the crisp, fresh snowfall was an oddly satisfying sound. Crunch after crunch after crunch. Spike and Scootaloo weren’t that far from the well paved park path, but it didn’t take long before they were out in the thick of nature.

He carried both his backpack and hers. Seemed only fair, since she’d brought back his jacket that he had foolishly left at her house the other night. It had been a very cold morning flight to school without it.

She led the way, taking them over a low hill and through a clearing in the trees. It led to a small open meadow, next to an idyllic looking pond. The first snow of the season had given it a good dusting, but it would still be a while before it really froze over.

“Yeah, this looks good,” Scootaloo announced. She promptly plopped back into the show, landing on her folded wings and puffy winter jacket.

Spike shoved the snow off a nearby rock to rest the bags on, and then carefully lay down next to her. They shimmied close, until they were shoulder-to-shoulder and watching the gray sky. Overhead, a few crews of weather ponies were working in tandem, maneuvering some large clouds around to bring in fresh snow-filled ones and create an even spread over the entire town.

The process seemed chaotic, but there was some method to the madness. The two teens watched as a work crew wrangled a particularly fat cloud into place.

“Gonna be a good storm coming,” Scootaloo said. “Got a text from my dad about it. They wanna really kickstart the season here, kind of set the tone of the whole region.”

“So, what, no more shorts?” Spike asked.

Hmm, too lame, gotta do better than that.

“At least your hoodies are all back in style now,” Scootaloo said.

“Lucky me.” Spike looked around at the clearing. It had a frozen stillness to it, one that he felt would be there even in the dead of summer.

“How often do you come out here?” he asked.

“Every once in a while,” Scootlaoo replied. “This part of the park is always pretty empty year-round. I guess everyone else doesn’t know about it or something. Their loss. I like it. Gives me a quiet place to think when I need it.”

“I thought you had the treehouse for that.”

“Spike, I’m gonna let you in on a secret: there are times when I want to be alone, and that even includes Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom.”

Spike gasp dramatically. Scootaloo giggled.

“Yeah, I get it, but still, here I am.” She sighed. “Sometimes it’s nice to take a breather from friends and family and school and sports and just… give my head a break. Ya know what I mean?”

“You’re asking me this? The Loner King?”

“...true.”

Spike smiled. “So… you brought me to your special alone time place.”

“Yeah, I figured, you know… you’re the one I can be alone with.”

She rolled on her side and rested her arm across Spike’s chest. He reached over and held her hand. They both had gloves on, but even so, he could feel what he needed to.

His heart started beating faster. Despite the cold, a few pricks of sweat dropped off his neck. Even after all this time, all the hugs and kisses and hand holding and even occasional couch cuddles, he couldn’t help it. She just got to him right down to his core.

“Penny for your thoughts, bub?” she asked.

He looked at her. Her stark white snow jacket blended with the landscape around her, leaving her head sticking out as an orange and purple spot. At this angle her hair curled over one eye. He loved it when it did that. Her whole look just got better the more he looked. Drawn like a moth to a beacon in the empty void.

I’m crazy in love with you.

“It’s beautiful here,” he said. “Kinda like you.”

Scootaloo almost barked with how hard her laugh was. She shook against his body, her laughter coming up in waves. Way up in the sky, one of the weather ponies glances down to see what the commotion was.

Spike blushed. “Okay, see, I thought that was a nice thing to say.”

“Oh, it was, trust me,” Scootaloo said, wiping a tear away from her eye. “It really, really was. Just, also, holy shit dude, that’s some real mushiness right there.”

“Well, guess I’ll cut back on that, go back to being aloof,” Spike said. He feigned a pout.

“Oh, don’t you dare.” Scootaloo sat up and leaned over until she was practically on top of him, her head staring down at his. He put his hand up and pulled her head in, and they enjoyed a nice long kiss in the snow. The kind that did a real good job warming up both their bodies.

Still, the cold couldn’t be held off forever, no matter how much their growing urges wanted otherwise. They stood, collected their bags, and headed back the way they came in, following their tracks the whole way.

“So, hey,” Scootaloo said on the way out. “My parents are back in town for a while pretty soon.”

“What’s a while?” Spike asked.

“Two weeks, maybe three. Pretty much through Hearth’s Warming.”

Yeesh, barely a blip on the calendar.

“Okay, cool.”

“Yeah, but, like…” Scootaloo searched for the words. “You wanna come over and have dinner with us? They’d really like to meet you, and you can bring Twilight, because they’d really like to meet her, too.”

“Oh yeah, totally,” Spike said. “I can’t wait for that.”

“...was thinking about maybe engineering? Seems like that would give me a lot of job opportunities. Or I could be like my brother and stick to flight sciences to start, then network with him and get a good courier job.”

Rumble scratched his chin as he thought. Button just giggled.

“Listen to this guy, got his whole life mapped out over lunch,” he said.

“It pays to think ahead!” Rumble replied.

“It is wise thinking,” Featherweight agreed.

Button, Featherweight, Rumble, Scootaloo, and Spike all sat around the table at the corner of the library. It was midway through lunch, and with their food gone, conversation had drifted off to the future. Namely, where outgoing seniors Rumble and Spike were headed next.

“But really, I have no idea,” Rumble continued. He glanced over the college brochures spread over the table and grabbed the one that caught his eye. “Besides, college is half what you study and half where you go. Got my eyes here, that’s for sure.”

He laid out the spread for Desert Orchard, Fillydelphia’s largest and most well known college. The others peered over.

“Oooh, somepony wants to be a city boy,” Scootaloo said. “Think you could handle it out there? Ponyville’s a tiny drop in the bucket compared to that place”

“Hey, that means a big social scene I can latch onto,” Rumble said. “Got my hopes up for them, and I think my grades are solid enough, plus all that soccer helps pad out the application.”

“Can you afford it?” Featherweight asked. “The city is not a cheap place.”

“My brother’s gonna be a big help there. Got a college fund going for me a while ago, and we shouldn’t have any issues getting financial aid. He also said he’ll co-sign a loan with me. Still, if that doesn’t work, I got Canterlot and Cloudsdale as my backups. I think I might be auto-admitted to Cloudsdale, actually, since, well, my dad went there, but I kinda don’t wanna look into that too much, ya know?”

Scootaloo nodded and turned to Spike. “What about you? Didn’t you already put a bunch of applications with Twilight? What are you hoping for?”

The others watched him. Spike took a long drink from his soda and considered his reply.

“...I dunno, haven’t really thought about it much yet,” he finally said. “I just… cast a pretty big net, and I’ll see what takes me. Don’t got a real favorite, I think.”

Button snorted. “Please, you’ve been itching to go to Vanhoover U pretty much since your freshman year. Not like Twilight had to drag you there over the summer.”

Scootaloo let out a long whistle. “Well well, shooting for the moon there. And hey, with your grades and Twilight behind you, you got that one in the bag.”

Spike waved his hand in a wishy-washy motion. “I mean, okay, yeah, that would be incredible to get admitted there, but I’d really have to get a big scholarship to be able to afford it, or an even bigger loan, and probably some extra financial aid as well. Plus it’s, well, kinda really far away…”

“Yeah, you wanted that, too,” Button said. “Wouldn’t shut up about it last year, about how you wanted to get somewhere fresh and new and far away. Just be sure you get a good internet connection there, we’re still gaming together even if you’re across the country.”

“Yeah, yeah, that’ll be the case no matter where I go.”

“Huh, Vanhoover… what do you want to study?” Rumble asked.

“So I’m still kinda thinking that one over-”

“Civil Engineering,” Button said without missing a beat. “Come on Spike, you made me listen to this enough times. Whole speech about how it was like a more realistic version of being an architect or something. I dunno, I tuned it out after the third time you said it. Point is, VU’s got the best department for that in the country. Lotta jobs go right to graduates.”

“Ooooh, very fancy,” Scootaloo said. “You wanna build cities?”

“Uh, yeah, I guess…” Spike gulped and looked away from the table, glancing around the room at nothing in particular.

Scootaloo gently patted his hand. “Well, it’s way too early for me to really think about it, but I’m really gunning for a good athletic scholarship. Maybe something that gets me to Canterlot? I saw a few options for them and I think I’m a shoe-in.”

“That’s some confidence. Really think you got it?” Spike asked.

“Heck yeah. This season’s in the bag for me.” Scootaloo grinned. “I’m gonna crush it and snag league mvp, just you wait.”

“Hey, I’m with you all the way.” Spike and Scootaloo traded a quick fist bump.

“What do Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom have to say about this?” Rumble said with a snigger. “Or are you three going to have to finally split up?”

“We are hoping for the best but also recognize reality,” Scootaloo said. “But we’re not worried. Distance can’t break our bond!”

She nodded confidently. Rumble knew better than to push her position. He turned to the two remaining underclassmen at the table, looking pointedly at Featherweight. He answered quickly.

“My parents want me to pursue something STEM, so I am going to be applying to a lot of technical schools,” the tall pegasus said. “Though I would much rather study photography. There will be a long talk with my parents about that next year I am sure.”

“Good luck to you, dude,” Rumble said. “Follow your dreams. Now’s the time to do it.”

“I really think I’m taking the smartest route,” Button said. “I actually already talked about it with my mom. Start off the first year here in Ponyville at community college, knock out the GEs, then I can transfer much more easily to a larger university.”

“Your grades are pretty good, Button,” Scootaloo said. “Why not just go straight to the main event?”

Button shrugged. “It’s not a grade thing, it’s just, well, less pressure this way? Heck of a lot cheaper too, what with community college being free, so that’ll really help out my parents. I think I’d want to go to Canterlot, but, yeah, too early to tell.”

“Honestly a really good play,” Spike said. “Plus, keeps you nice and local for a while longer. Which seems… well, nice.”

I can’t just ditch them all. Maybe… maybe I can just stay here for a few more years. Put it all off, just… see what happens.

Spike’s expression glazed over until Scootaloo slid her hand over by his. Instinctively he grabbed on. He shook himself out of a daze and looked over at her. The other boys had spiraled off into their own conversation by now and didn’t notice, giving Scootaloo a chance to lean in and whisper.

“So… Vanhoover, huh?” she asked. “Heck of a train ride away.”

Everywhere is a long train ride from Ponyville.

“Absolutely nothing is decided and I’m leaning a lot of other ways, too,” Spike whispered back. “Don’t worry.”

Scootaloo frowned. “Who said I’m worried? You’re the one who’s gotta decide. No pressure or anything. Just the track for the whole rest of your life being laid out in front of you. Easy peasy.”

She stuck her tongue out at him. He just rolled his eyes, but gripped her hand all the tighter.

Would she really want me to stay?

Spike placed the dish in the sink and washed his hands. He knew Scootaloo would tell him not to bother putting the dishes away when he was a guest, but old habits die hard. Besides, as he listened to the chatter and laughter from the other room, it sounded like they hadn’t noticed him leave.

Worked for him. He needed a break. He was having a great time, but it was still rather exhausting back at the dinner table to sit between Scootaloo and her parents. Snap Shudder was a boisterous guy, and Mane Allgood sometimes felt like a condensed version of Pinkie Pie. He could tell Twilight was barely keeping up as well, though she at least had Aunt Holiday to bounce off of on the quieter end of the table.

Through the window, a small light caught his eye. He peered outside.

On the snow covered back porch, Auntie Lofty stood against the railing, lit cigarette in her hand.

Huh, thought she wasn’t back yet.

Spike quietly slid open the sliding glass door and stepped out into the cold. He shoved his hands into his hoodie. The temperature had really plummeted after the sun went down, and while Spike could handle it better than most, even he still needed some layers.

Auntie Lofty, meanwhile, hardly seemed to notice the chill despite only wearing jeans and a turtleneck. She took another long drag, blowing out a small smoke cloud as Spike approached.

“Hi there, Lofty,” Spike said, taking a bit of a gamble on being so informal. “Off work early?”

“Hey Spike. Yeah, figured I could ditch out of the office a little sooner and nopony would care. Holiday season and all that,” she said, her voice gravelly. She pulled out the cigarette pack and held them idly in the air. “Want one?”

Spike was still getting used to Lofty’s sense of humor. He politely waved her off.

“I’m good with just the secondhand smoke, thanks,” he said, not inaccurately. “Dragons like that stuff.”

“Mmmm,” Lofty went back to smoking and staring into nothing.

Spike stood there, somewhat awkwardly. He turned and glanced through another window further down the house, one looking into the dining room. From this angle he had a clear view of Scootaloo laughing between her parents, who both looked to be having a grand old time.

He took a stab at a conversation. “It’s cool to finally meet her folks. They’re pretty fun to be around. Very… high energy.”

“Mmm-hmm…”

“Cool to hear about their jobs taking them all over, too. All that travel, seeing all of Equestria and overseas. That’s something I really wanna do someday…”

“Mmm…”

Spike watched Lofty carefully. She was still staring into the yard, but she wasn’t ignoring him.

He went for a much bigger gamble.

“You, uh, don’t really like them very much, do you?”

Bingo. Lofty cracked a cynical grin and laughed, a laugh that quickly turned into a harsh cough. It took her a few goes to get her breath back. She took another deep puff when she did.

“Damn cold, always gets my lungs going.” She turned and leaned on the railing to look at Spike. Raising her hand, she pointed to the dining room window. “Spike, look through there and tell me what you see.”

Spike turned back around. The scene was much the same as before. Snap looked deeply engrossed in some story that he was telling, which was cracking Scootaloo all the way up.

“Uh, Scootaloo laughing with her parents?”

Lofty shook her head. “Nope. At that table is Scootaloo laughing with a couple of teenagers who like to wander by from time to time and play pretend.”

Spike turned back around, but didn’t say anything.

“Look, I don’t hate my brother-in-law or his wife, they’re perfectly nice ponies, out living perfectly fine lives. They’re also a couple who had a baby when they were way, way too young and decided the best course of action would be to ditch the kid as soon as she took her first breath and then forever keep themselves busy halfway around the world.”

Lofty sighed. Spike had a feeling he was hearing something she didn’t get to talk about very often.

“How old were they? When Scootaloo was born, I mean,” he asked.

“Younger than you,” she said flatly. “Not a lot of pregnant Juniors walking around then, so it caused a bit of a stir. At least Snap married her and didn’t run off. I’ll give him that much, he really does seem to love that girl.”

Spike reflected on this and crunched the numbers.

I thought Scootaloo’s folks looked young… geeze, that’d make them younger than Twilight, and she’s barely in her mid-thirties. Meanwhile her aunts are a solid decade older than all of them.

Still, Spike felt he had to take a shot at a defense. “I mean, what were they supposed to do? Raise a daughter while still in high school? If nothing else I don’t think that would’ve turned out great for Scootaloo.”

Lofty crossed her arms. “I ain’t saying they made a bad choice there, I’m saying they took what was originally going to be a temporary solution by handing Scootaloo over to us and then proceeded to run with that ever since. Now their daughter has to deal with having parents that treat her like some kid cousin they can drop in on whenever they fancy. Not their own flesh and blood, somepony they needed to raise and nurture and love.”

Another puff. “No, that’s been me and Holi’s job, sixteen years running, and it ain’t stopping anytime soon.”

Spike frowned. “Wait, are you saying you feel like you were just burdened with raising Sco-”

Lofty snapped her fingers and pointed at Spike. Her face grew threatening. “Don’t even finish that sentence. Don’t you dare. Besides Holi, Scootaloo is the best thing to ever happen in my life. She’s far more of a daughter to me than she is to them. Every morning I wake up and realize how damn lucky I am to have her, but that doesn’t mean I can’t still get real annoyed at the stupid couple that fooled around and decided not to stick around for the consequences.”

Her stance softened. She leaned back, shoulders falling. The cigarette burned down quietly in her fingertips, momentarily forgotten.

“It just gets so… tiring, to see her get her hopes up when they come by. She’s grown up a lot faster than she should’ve had to, she knows far too well how the world works, and she knows they’re not gonna stay, but… she always kinda hopes they do anyway. And somehow, that, well…”

She trailed off. Spike found himself recognizing her expression. He could remember seeing it on Twilight years ago, at some of the elementary school parent-teacher conference nights. Even then, at a young age, he understood.

That strange and totally irrational sense of being a “fake” parent with a kid who would surely jump ship to the real thing the moment they got the chance.

“So, you already know this,” Spike said gently, “but speaking as somebody who also grew up with an, uh, unusual family situation, I can see that Scootaloo loves you two. A lot. And like, yeah, she’s happy when her parents come to town and she can goof around with them and have a nice time, but at the end of the day, well, she knows who made her the girl she is today. And that’s you two. And I’d say, at this point, she wouldn’t have it any other way.”

I know I wouldn’t.

Lofty smiled at him. Kindness worked its way back into her hard eyes. “I know, Spike. Adults just get moody sometimes. Teenagers don’t have a monopoly on that, try as they might.”

She took one final drag, only to realize her cigarette had reached the filter. She started looking around.

“Shoot, where’d I put that ashtray… Holi is tired me flicking my butts out into the yard.”

Almost reflexively, Spike held out his palm. Lofty raised an eyebrow.

He shrugged. “Dragon thing.”

The pegasus studied Spike for a long minute before casually dropping the smoldering butt on the patio and grinding it out with her hoof.

“Don’t hurt yourself for others, Spike.”

“Oh, don’t worry, I can take it.”

“I don’t doubt it.” Lofty patted Spike on the shoulders and started walking inside. She spoke as she left. “You’re a good egg, Spike Sparkle. Those are in short supply. Don’t lose your way.”

A few more steps and she was in the house, to the excitement of the occupants.

Spike stayed outside a bit longer, hands in his pocket. He listened to the growing sounds of conversation inside and let his mind drift some more.

Before going back himself, he made sure to stoop and grab the discarded cigarette and throw it away inside.

Spike shifted in his seat. He did it carefully, so as not to wake Scootaloo, who was slumped over onto his shoulder. Though given how hard she had danced and that she had fallen asleep with her earbuds still playing music, he had a hunch that she would be totally out of it until they got back to Ponyville station. As to that, he checked his phone: 1:12AM. Still well over an hour to go.

He shoved his phone back in his pocket and looked out the window. There wasn’t much to see. The train had moved out of the mountains around Canterlot and was now deep into the valley. Mostly a lot of open farmland between the city and Ponyville, which meant few lights. Outside was just a dark blur.

He turned and looked across from him. Button was curled up in his seat, face illuminated by his GameColt, which he’d had out since they left the station two hours prior. Besides the light from his game and some dim overhead lights, the car was dark. The Quiet Car. Just over the top of Button’s seat, Spike had a view of the passageway to the adjoining, well lit, much less quiet car. Sitting up front he could see Applejack and part of Rainbow Dash, both of them deep in conversation.

He guessed they were chatting with Apple Bloom and Flash Fire. Those two had really hit it off at the Nightmare Night party, and while it took everyone a few days to even get the mystery girl’s name out of Apple Bloom, the secret finally broke and the two have been going strong ever since.

Strong enough for her to finally come out to the rest of her family. AJ and Big Mac, to their eternal credit, made a sincere effort to act surprised.

This recent action is probably why AJ and Dash had agreed to chaperone the teens on this overly long day trip to Canterlot to go to the Magenta Park concert. Pop-punk likely wasn’t AJ’s style, but she seemed to enjoy herself anyway. Everyone else certainly did, especially Rainbow Dash, who was in her element. The show provided a much-needed energy release after the recent finals season wrapped up. Spike’s ears were still ringing a bit from standing too close to one of the speakers.

Definitely gotta bring earplugs to my next concert.

Scootaloo murmured something in her sleep. She rolled herself over and moved down, resting her head on Spike’s lap, face half-buried in his belly. Throughout the move she never stirred.

Button looked up for a moment to watch them, then returned to his game.

I should really talk to him about it, been putting it off long enough.

“So, Button…” Spike whispered. Can’t break the Quiet Car rules. “How you been doing lately?”

“Huh? Uh, good, I guess,” Button whispered back. He paused his game to look at Spike. “Why? What’s up?”

“Well… you remember the Nightmare Night party?”

“Heh, not really,” Button said. He gave a half smile and rubbed his head. “I, uh, don’t think I’ll ever drink like that again. Felt like garbage all weekend, too.”

“Yeah, gotta go easy your first few times,” Spike said. “But I mean more, uh, well… did you ever actually, like, talk to Sweetie Belle?”

Button held a finger over his mouth and waved off the question. “Nope, nah, not even gonna… no, I didn’t, and I don’t intend to.”

“I mean, Button, it’s not as hard as it seems, and she’s in between suitors now, as it were, so…”

Button shook his head. “No. Spike, bud, you’re not getting it: I’m just… not even gonna try for a relationship with a girl right now. In fact, I’m not gonna bother for the rest of high school. I’m out.”

“Why’s that? I thought you, you know, were interested?”

“Wellll…” Button thought for a moment. “It’s like, Spike, look at me, and I don’t mean in some ‘Oh I’m ugly no girl would want me’ kind of sad sack way, I mean… I’m just some dork who plays too many video games. Which is fine. I like playing video games. I’m really good at it. I have them and I have you and a few other close friends and, well, that’s kinda enough for me right now? Later in life, I’ll be ready to try and branch out and, you know, talk to girls that way, but not now. Now… that’s not in the cards for me. And, again, that’s fine. I’m good as who I am, where I am.”

Spike frowned at him. “Doesn’t that seem kinda, I dunno, regressive? Like, you can’t just keep putting stuff off that you want to happen. They don’t happen on their own, and it doesn’t make it easier to just avoid it. Plus, you’re a great guy! You’ve got plenty to offer anyone. Not to mention, well… this is a really nice thing to be in.”

Spike motioned to the sleeping pegasus.

“I know.” Button smiled at his friend. “And thanks, and I’m also really happy for you two. It’s been great to watch. But I’m not worried. I mean, I’m sixteen. I can be a young dumb slacker having fun for a few more years. In fact, this is the prime time to do it. Why should I try to rush out of that?”

Spike searched for a reply and came up with nothing. Button shrugged, and returned to his game. Spike watched him for a bit and then leaned his head back on the window.

He’s been hanging out on those advice forums too long again… or he’s a lot more mature than I’ve ever given him credit for. Certainly more self aware.

Someone a row over snapped on their overhead light. Spike looked outside again. All he saw now was his own reflection staring back at him.

Rumble:
[I got the letter today]
[I did it!!!!]
[I got accepted!]
[8D 8D 8D]

Sweetie Belle:
[Congrats dude!]

Apple Bloom:
[I knew ya would :)]

Scootaloo:
[Never had a doubt]
[:D]

Rumble:
[the confidence is appreciated]
[This time next year Im gonna be a cool city boy]
[living the high life in Fillydelphia]

Scootaloo:
[Enjoying the night life you mean ;P]

Rumble:
[I will party in a mature and responsible manner]
[and also in a way that lands me a hot boyfriend]

Apple Bloom:
[Reach for the stars bud :P]

Rumble:
[Easy for you to say]
[You’re set now]

Apple Bloom:
[;P]
[I messaged FF and she says kudos]

Sweetie Belle:
[We all have to come visit you]
[I’m desperate to see the city]

Apple Bloom:
[aint no way Rarity will let you go that far away without her]

Sweetie Belle:
[we’ll see about that]

Scootaloo:
[Any visits count me in]

Spike:
[HEY IM HERE NOW]
[RUMBLE THATS AWESOME!!]
[HOPE YOU DO GREAT THINGS THERE DUDE]

Rumble:
[Thanks man]
[You hear back from anywhere yet??]

Scootaloo:
[Yeah yeah]
[Spill it dude]
[How much good news have you already got]

Spike:
[NOTHING YET]

Rumble:
[Weird]
[Lotta places shouldve already sent out replies by now]

Sweetie Belle:
[I wouldn’t worry]
[Mail can be so slow sometimes]

Apple Bloom:
[Tell me about it]

Spike:
[ITS COOL]
[IM NOT WORRIED]

Spike sat back in his chair. The group chat quickly moved on, mainly with Rumble discussing his serious plans for his first year at college. The girls were eager to support him and even more eager to get involved in his planning. He was the first of the friend group with a genuine path into the future, one they could all visualize. Excitement abounded.

Would it be that easy…

The dragon sighed. He put his phone down on his desk. He had to find space. It was crowded with large envelopes that had been arriving steadily in the mail for the last few days, all of which he had to carefully intercept and sneak inside before Twilight got so much as a glance at them.

Of course he’d gotten accepted everywhere he applied. He wished he could be surprised. But there it was. His pick of the litter.

Chief among them being the very prestigious looking letter sitting square in front of him. The one congratulating him as being the recipient of a full ride scholarship to Vanhoover University’s Civil Engineering department, pending only his acceptance of such and his successful graduation from Ponyville High School in four months time.

Of course, he had less than three months to let them know his decision.

Spike just stared at the letter, and then at his phone.

The decorating committee had really made an effort this year. The school’s gymnasium was decked out in streamers, stars, banners, and even a large mirrored ball hanging from the center ceiling. Word was it took every pegasus on the crew to properly get it up there, and also that it was never actually cleared by the teachers, so that was a whole separate discussion to happen. Still, there it was, and it did make a very effective centerpiece over the dance floor.

Only the best for the Hearts and Hooves Day Dance. Ponyville High’s biggest official social event of the year. Not even senior prom could really compete, being so much more limited in scale.

Well-dressed teens ambled throughout the large open room. Boys in tuxes, girls in dresses, and teachers in suits acting as eagle-eyed chaperones. Many sat at the tables that stuck to the outer edge of the room, but most were enjoying the dance floor. The DJ had sent the music through a variety of genres through the night, and after so many high energy moments it was finally time for a slow number to bring the happy couples together.

Spike and Scootaloo danced in time as best they could. Spike let Scootaloo lead, since he knew he’d end up scattered on the floor if he tried that himself. It worked out well. She liked to take charge. They held each other close under the twirling spotlights. Even if they missed the beat, it’s okay, they were happy in the moment.

Spike looked around. He spotted Apple Bloom and Flash Fire dancing not too far away, in matching green and red dresses that really made them stand out and also nicely matched their skin tones. Technically, Flash Fire went to another school, but nobody was asking too many questions when she showed up.

Looking another way, he spotted a beautifully blue-gowned Sweetie Belle dancing with Chipcutter. The pegasus was looking a bit overwhelmed, but doing his best to keep up with Sweetie’s confident movements. He had to keep trying. Sweetie was still sampling all the boys she could, likely saving any serious relationship for senior year, and she was finding plenty of eager takers who might someday become the lucky one to stick with her. Or maybe they just thought they’d be getting lucky a lot sooner. Those ones always went home disappointed.

Around the edges of the room, Spike spotted a few random faces turned their way. A few small whispers and laughs.

He was quite pleased to find he truly did not give a shit what they might be saying about them.

He tightened his grip on Scootaloo’s hips. She smiled at him, her arms around his neck. They did a small spin, keeping a good amount of balance in the process.

Wow, this is… going really well.

They’d been formally together and going steady for five months now. Five very good months. Fun and good feelings and everything else that they could hope for in a high school romance. He was riding high on the crest of a wave, one that just seemed to be getting bigger with every passing day.

Guess now’s a good time to finally actually say the words to her…

A beat in the song. Everyone paused as the music quieted, waiting for the next swell and next cue to move.

“Scootaloo…” Spike spoke softly.

“Hmm?” She cocked her head at attention. A colored spotlight passed overhead, and her purple hair was given an extra glow. It dazzled in his eyes.

“I… I love you.”

Her expression didn’t shift a muscle. “...really?”

“Uh… yeah.”

“Wow…” she smiled, almost taken aback by actually hearing the words.

They looked into each other’s eyes. He could see the reflection of his scales in her iris.

The seconds ticked by.

…shit, she’s not gonna say it back, uh, fuck, quick, say something reassuring

“You don’t gotta, like, say it back,” Spike stammered out, “Or at all, if it, you know, isn’t-”

It took Scootaloo leaning all the way in for the kiss to cut Spike off. He somehow didn’t see this one coming. They closed their eyes and enjoyed the moment, even though they could feel the nearest teacher’s eyes burning a hole through them the longer they stayed locked together.

…does that count as saying it back?

The dancing carried on for a while longer. Eventually, as the music started wrapping up and the DJ gave his final announcements and shoutouts, the various couples all retired to some tables of their own.

Spike flopped into his chair, Scootaloo on one side, Apple Bloom to the other. Flash Fire, Sweetie, and Chipcutter rounded out the circle. The conversation drifted, as they often do, in no direction as all as friends all traded late night small talk. Finally, and somewhat dramatically, Sweetie Belle yawned and stretched out her arms.

“Woooo… I’m beat,” she said. “Haven’t danced that long in… I don’t know how long.”

“Music was good this year,” Chipcutter said. “Much better than last year.”

“What time do they kick us out of here?” Scootaloo asked.

Apple Bloom dug her phone out of her dress pocket and checked the screen. “Uhhhh… in like ten minutes. Anypony got any plans after?”

“I don’t gotta be home for more than an hour,” Spike said. “Twin Pines Diner is open for longer than that. Anyone wanna grab a snack?”

“Oooh, now there’s an idea. I’m game for that,” Scootaloo said. She and Spike exchanged a fist bump.

“I think I’m going to call it a night. It’s cold enough out there, I don’t need to be out there any longer than I need to be,” Sweetie Belle said. “Chip dear, I don’t suppose you’d mind escorting me home?”

“Uh, yes, absolutely!” Chip practically leapt out of his seat to help Sweetie out of hers. The two gave their final waves around the table and joined the other departing teens for the exit.

“I wonder if he knows Rarity is gonna be waiting at the front door when they get there?” Scootaloo asked with a snigger. “Poor boy ain’t getting anything tonight.”

The others giggled, albeit a bit awkwardly. The overall hormone level in the room was reaching near critical mass, but this was also the night where it seemed like the town’s parents were enforcing early curfews with an iron hoof. Still, some would try to sneak off, and for the rest that didn’t, that was still a lot of steam that needed to be released somewhere, somehow.

“What about you two?” Scootaloo asked. “Wanna join Spike and me?”

Apple Bloom and Flash Fire both nodded, and with that they all stood and prepped to leave. This involved gathering their thick coats, jackets, and gloves, and properly bundling up before stepping out into the brisk February night.

It was a good call by Spike. The diner wasn’t terribly far away, and they all enjoyed splitting part of a pie and laughing away the late night hours. A few other couples had even followed along, and for a brief period the restaurant was packed with tiredly rambunctious teens.

Still, all things must end, and as the midnight hour approached, the bills were paid and tracks were made for home. Scootaloo and Spike gave their hugs to Apple Bloom and Flash and watched them wander off in the direction of the farm.

“Real chatterbox, that Flash Fire,” Spike said. “Surprised Apple Bloom could ever get a word in.”

“Hey, at least she’s nice and cool,” Scootaloo said. “And apparently they don’t live super far apart? Just across the school district lines. Good for them, got a lucky find.”

“Yup yup.” Spike turned and held his elbow up to Scootaloo. “M’lady? Care for an escort home?”

Scootaloo giggled and took his arm. “Lead the way. And don’t dawdle young man, Aunt Holiday is waiting at home and she does not suffer tardiness.”

Even with this threat looming, they took their time walking along the moonlit streets. There had been something of an early thaw this year, and much of the snow had been cleared off to the sides. Still, even with Spring just around the corner, it was plenty cold at a quarter to midnight, and they held each other real close. They walked in silence, listening to their own steps on the sidewalk.

As they neared Scootaloo’s house, Spike finally spoke up.

“...I’m sorry to spring what I said on you,” he said. “About me… you know…”

“Hey, it’s okay,” Scootaloo said reassuringly. “I kinda had a hunch. I’m happy to hear it, I really am.”

“Cool, cool, I’m glad.” They walked a little further before he spoke again. “But, uh… can I ask how you feel in that department?”

Scootaloo thought for a moment. “I’d say… I’m about there? Like, I really wanna say it dude, but also… I truly wanna mean it when I do, ya know?”

“Yeah, I can get that,” Spike said. Deep inside, some small part of his heart took a hit. He wished he could feel otherwise but there it is.

“It isn’t because of you, I should add,” Scootaloo said quickly. “Like, you’re pretty much everything I want in a guy at this point in my life, it’s just… I dunno. Hard to describe really. It’s… it’s something that I gotta work on, if that makes sense”

“It’s okay, I understand,” Spike said.

Do I?

They reached her front gate. The light was on inside, and they could indeed make out the seated silhouette of Aunt Holiday waiting in a living room chair.

They hugged and kissed and saw each other off. As she walked away, Spike spoke out.

“Hey, Twilight’s out of town Friday night. Wanna do a movie marathon at my place? We still gotta watch the Sand Worm series together.”

“That does sound fun,” Scootaloo said. “Count me in.”

She then stopped, and turned to face him.

“Of course, uh… if we’re ready, we can always do more than watch a movie?”

She smiled nervously. It took Spike a moment to catch on, before his brain promptly melted.

“Uh… y-yeah?” he was able to say.

She nodded, and turned back to go inside.

Spike stood out in the cold longer than he had anticipated. Eventually he snapped out of his stupor and flew home, his mind still a blur. Twilight was grumpy at him being nearly a half hour late, but he hardly even noticed and went straight to his room to bed. He’d suddenly found himself at an intersection between extreme excitement and gut-wrenching nervousness and he hoped that he could sleep at least some of those feelings away.

He thought wrong. Paying attention at school that week proved to be a very difficult task indeed.

The bedroom was dark. The rest of the home was empty.

Two figures slipped into bed. They closed to a tight embrace. Lips locked together, a kiss that was longer and harder than ever before. Tongues met, not for the first time, but never before with such intensity.

Hands started exploring. Fingers felt along clothing, finding seams, reaching past sleeves and under shirts.

Pulses raced. Sweat was already forming.

Voices were quiet, hardly enough to be heard a few inches away.

“Um… can I… reach up under here?”

“Yeah.”

A hand felt around. It cupped, it held, it squeezed. The breathing increased. Grew labored.

“...that feels nice.”

Some clothing came off. The two rolled in bed. Wings, already pulled in tight, were compressed that much further. A hand started venturing south.

“Want me to keep going?”

“Um… y-yeah…”

More rolling. More labored breathing. What might’ve been a moan. A finger worked its way under a waistband, moving gently, with a purpose, trying to work its way in just a bit more, until finally, it was nearly on top of-

“Wait.”

Full stop, total freeze up.

“Everything okay?”

“I… I…”

The breathing caught, just for a moment. A pulse pounded with a deafening beat.

“...fuck.”

“What’s wrong? Did… did I-”

“No, no, it’s not… dammit, shit, fuck, damn, I… I’m sorry, I need to stop.”

A figure rolled, facing away, eyes burning a hole in the darkness.

“...I really thought I could handle this now, but…”

A tremor rippled through the body. Not a happy one.

“Hey, it’s okay, it’s fine, really, it is.”

“No, it isn’t, I just… I’m sorry, I don’t know what’s wrong with me right now.”

A tear hit a pillow. A sniffle, one more guttural, with suggestions of more to follow.

An embrace, tight, loving, and calming.

“Hey… I don’t want you feeling bad about this. If you don’t wanna keep going, then neither do I. We just stop.”

“...thank you.”

The embrace had a good effect. Bodies relaxed.

“Do you wanna go back downstairs?”

“Yeah, but, not yet… can we just… stay like this, for a while?”

“Of course.”

“Thank you. Again.”

The cuddle grew closer and closer. No more tears. No more sniffles. Breathing evened out, pulses relaxed. A body embraced a body, a hand held a hand.

“...love you.”

“...I know.”

The night passed on.

Spring arrived in force. Besides the warmer weather, that meant that softball season had finally, truly arrived. Scootaloo had been doing her workout routines all school year and was ready to put it all to the test. She was determined this year, not only to help push her team as far as they could possibly go, but to really stand out and be noticed up there on the pitcher’s mound.

Of course, between school, practice, homework, practice, and still more practice, it meant that she and Spike suddenly had a lot less free time together. Not a surprise. Even before she’d warned him directly he knew that she grew scarce between March and May. Still, they did their best to make it work. While she stretched and worked drills with the rest of the team on the field, he quietly chilled in the bleachers doing his schoolwork.

He liked to watch her practice. She was fully in her element out there. Confident, focused, and disciplined. All qualities he came to realize drew him to her in the first place.

Plus, and he would never actually admit this to her face, the uniform really complimented her body well.

The longer stretches of time apart did have their downsides. Her post-practice exhaustion tended to mean less nights out, or that she had to focus on keeping up with schoolwork, and Spike could only help her with so much of that while still focusing on his own workload. They still saw each other as much as they could, but for a span their text conversations started becoming more prevalent than their face-to-face ones.

In a way that brought Spike a lot of anxiety, this benefited him. He had yet to make his college decision, and the clock was ticking down. Just a few weeks left. By now Twilight knew about the responses he’d received and was positively ecstatic, but did promise to keep it a secret until he’d finalized his decision. This just led to night after night of her asking probing questions and helping him do more in-depth research of not just the schools themselves but the surrounding areas he would potentially be living in.

Leave it to Twilight to make a research project out of the next few years of his life and beyond.

Spike just kept thinking it over. Or rather, pretending to think it over.

Really he was just trying not to think about it at all.

As the first game of the season arrived, he sat in the stands and cheered Scootaloo on as loud as he could. He practically willed his energy into her, and with it a belief that every win she had would make things easier, would make the future that much better. This also led him to worry he was losing his grip, but then, it didn’t much matter what he did that day. The Ponyville War Horses had a strong lineup this year, and Scootaloo’s arm helped lead the way to a blowout victory over Sunnyview Prep.

As Spike huddled up with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom to congratulate Scootaloo after the game, a constant thought kept ringing through his head, one he couldn’t shake off.

I can’t leave her behind.

Another school day. Another lunchtime.

For the first time in a few weeks, Scootaloo and Spike were actually eating together with no other friends around, the social calendar having lined up just right to give them a little gap. They were out by the fields, sitting on the bleachers Spike had become much more familiar with as the softball season progressed. They had the whole area to themselves, most choosing to eat in the quad or closer to the main building.

While Spike munched away on his sandwich, Scootaloo eyeballed him carefully.

Alright, enough of this, time to finally get it out of him.

“So, Spike… can we talk about something?” She kept her tone loose and casual.

“Hmm?” Spike looked over, wiping his mouth. “What’s up?”

“Welllll… what’s, you know, going on with your college choice? Because it really seems like you’re putting that way way off and it’s kiiiiinda important.”

Spike froze like a deer. Scootaloo could practically see the gears turning in his head.

The hell is he trying to wriggle out of here?

“I mean, where’d you get in?” she asked. “Come on dude, just tell me already. You’ve been ducking this for a while, and I’ve let it slide because I know it’s a really big decision to make, but every other senior I know settled on their choice ages ago and you still need to commit.”

“Why is this important to you?” Spike asked. He sounded a little annoyed. “It’s my thing to deal with, I can handle it.”

“I care about it because I care about you!” Scootaloo exclaimed. “Like, do I really have to spell that out? Why won’t you just tell me this? What is the big secret?”

Spike made a face. He could beat around the bush in text and in passing conversations, but he couldn’t lie to her face.

“...fine, I got in everywhere I applied,” he said, with a hint of remorse. “Every college, every scholarship, everything.”

Her eyes went wide. “Scholarships? What kind? Where to?”

“...full academic scholarship to Vanhoover University. Completely covers tuition, housing, the works.”

“That’s great!” Scootaloo smiled. “That’s really amazing! So you’re gonna take that full ride to VU you wanted, right?”

Spike shifted in his seat. His eyes darted around, as if he wanted to look anywhere but right at Scootaloo’s face.

Scootaloo’s smile faded. “What’s wrong? That’s the place you were after. It’s being handed to you. This is, like, every smart kid’s dream, and you’re the smartest kid I know.”

“...I’m not gonna take it. I’m gonna just do community college here in Ponyville, stick around for a while.”

She stared at him, mouth agape. He shoved his hands in his hoodie pockets and looked at the ground.

“Why the heck would you do that?” she asked. “That’s turning down the chance of a lifetime, ‘cause I’ll bet that’s a one time offer. What do you wanna stick around here for anyway?”

Spike finally looked up and looked her right in the eyes. An alarm in Scootaloo’s head, one that had been sounding off since the conversation got going, finally reached the conscious part of her brain.

…dammit. Of course that’s why.

Her shoulders sagged. “Spike… you can’t stay for me.”

Spike looked confused.

“Why not?” he asked. “This is my life, I can take it at whatever pace I want, and right now the most important part of it is you. I can’t just ditch you!”

“You’re not ditching me, you’re going out to actually live your life.” She gestured around them, from the field to the school. “This is not your life, this is high school. It’s a fucking weigh station we all gotta pass through before we can escape into reality.”

“Well, then…” Spike tensed up. “What about us?”

Scootaloo sighed. “Well, then, we eventually say our goodbyes. High school romances always have an expiration date. That’s the game. That’s how it works and it’s fun while it lasts and we miss it when it’s over but we don’t settle on it forever. We… we can’t do that.”

“It’s not settling, though,” Spike insisted. “It’s staying here with the pony I love.”

Yeah, I gotta address that too, shouldn’t have put it off so long, that wasn’t right.

“Spike…”

“Scootaloo, I am in love with you,” Spike said determinedly. “I truly, really feel this, in whatever way I’m supposed to feel it.”

“Yes, I know you do, and I believe you, I do! It… it’s just…”

“Do you love me?”

His eyes were fixed on her. She could see the sweat building at the base of his scales near his ears. Always a sign that his anxiety was building. Normally she found it endearing. Now it just worried her.

“It is not fair for you to put me on the spot like this,” Scootaloo said. “That is not how it works.”

“I need to know!” he said, his agitation rising. “I need to know because it is wrapping around my brain all the time and I am freaking out that I can’t tell what to do about it and I need some kind of answer here. So, again, do you love me?”

Do I? Do I… I really want to, don’t I?

Scootaloo threw her hands up in frustration. “Fine! Maybe I do! I think! I’m pretty damn close to sure, at least, and that might be as good as it gets. I hate to break this to you but that’s a really hard emotion for me to pin down and I’m sorry I can’t be as straightforward about it as you but shit ain’t easy sometimes and you putting me on the spot like this sure doesn’t help.”

Why is this so hard for me?

She took another breath. “Spike, even if we love each other, we can’t… you can’t just stay here like that.”

“Why the hell not?” Spike was adamant now. “Why is it a weird thing to want to stay with you?”

“Because, then, what? What’s the plan here? We gonna get married and stay together forever and that’s that?”

Spike sputtered. “I mean, not like… that’s not what I’m talking about here, I’m…”

“You’re what? Spike, there’s no plan there, there’s nothing. You can’t put your life on hold for me.”

“Sure I can! What better thing is there to put my life on hold for?”

Nobody stays for me, he can’t stay for me, that is not how any of this is supposed to go.

“Because I’m not worth that!” Scootaloo shouted back. “I am not gonna be some anchor around your neck that keeps you from going out there and actually becoming someone. I don’t want anyone to do that, any more than… than I’d want you to do that to me.”

Now it was Spike’s turn to sag his shoulders. “So, what… you want me to leave? You want to just toss all this away? Did this relationship… mean nothing to you?”

“Of course not, you stupid boy!” Scootaloo growled in frustration. “Despite what you seem to think this relationship matters to me as much as it does to you and I am sorry that being realistic means that it ends but that is what happens to good things, they end. And I don’t like it either but I also have a life ahead of me, just like you do, and I’m not gonna spend it standing still.”

“How the hell can it be-”

The ringing of the bell cut off whatever Spike was about to shout. They both looked at each other, breathing heavily, emotions still flaring.

“Look, I got class and I got practice and I got a ton of homework and I do not have time to think about this right now.” Scootaloo snatched her backpack off the bleacher and stormed towards the school.

Well that was a fucking stupid thing to get into a fight about. How the hell is he so dense, he’s like a damn lovesick puppy, and yeah of course I don’t want him to go! This whole thing is so dumb and frustrating… why can’t he just leave and make all this easier… stupid dumb loving jerk… dammit I handled that so badly what was I thinking, what was he thinking, dammit dammit dammit…

She fumed all through the rest of her classes.

Spike was not in the stands to watch practice that day.

On the mound, Scootaloo’s first furious warm-up pitch nearly sprained the catcher’s hand, and the next three went so wide they may as well have been thrown blind. She had to run laps the rest of the afternoon to cool off.

A long, awkward week passed. They passed uneasily in the halls. They didn’t speak or text or do any of the things they normally did. Spike stuck deep to the library at lunch, Scootaloo to the field.

Their friends tried desperately to figure out what was up. Nobody was talking. Not even Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle cornering Spike on the stairs could get anything out of him.

The simple fact was they were both very frustrated with each other, and even more so with themselves.

Spike had been taking the back field to get home every day. It took longer but he was in no mood to run into any friends in front of the school.

Today, as he approached the fence, he saw a figure waiting for him.

Scootaloo was casually leaning against a post. Her arms were crossed, her expression neutral.

“Come on.” She jerked her head towards the park. “Let’s go.”

They walked in silence. It didn’t take long for Spike to realize she was leading him to the quiet spot by the lake. As he expected, they were completely alone when they arrived. They tossed their bags onto a nearby fallen log and sat down, close to each other but not within touching distance.

Scootaloo looked determined, but she was fidgeting a lot more with her hands than normal. Spike kept his buried in his hoodie pocket. Was all he could do to not have his hood up as well.

Eventually, it was him who broke the stalemate. “So, um… did we break up?”

A long beat passed. Scootaloo took a breath, then smiled, and even barked out a loud laugh. She quickly stopped, one hand over her mouth, looking embarrassed.

“Sorry! Sorry, that was… not the response I was trying for.” She took another breath. “No, Spike, we did not break up. That was a fight. Couples have them. I guess that was our first, so, hey, milestone.”

Spike cocked his head. “Did that thing on Nightmare Night not count as a fight?”

“I’d say that was… venting frustration, and not really at each other,” she replied.

They took another moment.

“So, I am so, so sorry,” Spike said. “I tried to box you in and that was really shitty of me, and I apologize.”

“Thanks,” Scootaloo said. “I’m sorry too. Sorry that I reacted as fiercely as I did, it just… I dunno, it seemed to really trigger something in me.”

“I shouldn’t have kept it all bottled up for so long.”

“Big time, yeah. You can’t avoid your problems forever, that just makes them grow and fester.”

“So I’ve noticed.”

“Spike…” Scootaloo sighed. “I get where you’re coming from. It’s a lot to think about. More than I could handle all at once then. More than we both could handle, I’d say.”

Spike nodded. “Scootaloo… I am so, so scared of losing you. And to be clear, I’ve had that fear pretty much from our very first date. I cannot believe I have made it this far and I don’t know what I’ll do when, well… it’s all over. Losing that, losing you… it scares the shit out of me. All the more so because, yeah, you’re right… it’s gonna happen eventually, one way or another, like it or not.”

His face was crestfallen. His eyes glistened, not yet to the point of tears, but certainly headed that direction. Scootaloo moved closer to him, pulling her knees up against her chest in the process.

Gently, she placed a hand on his leg. “Spike, I need to be clear about something: you will never lose me. Even if… even when we stop dating. I’ll always care deeply about you, and I’m guessing you will about me, too.”

She smiled at him. He weakly returned it.

“Folks come and go in our lives,” Scootaloo went on. “You and I know that better than most. But they’re always still there with us, one way or another.”

“Yeah, I know… I missed you this week.”

“Yeah, I did, too. Got so used to having you around, I guess.”

“Same, same…” Spike laughed as a small tear came out of his eye. He hurriedly wiped it away with his sleeve.

“Jeeze, sorry, I didn’t think I’d get like this…” he hurriedly cleared his throat. “So, um, I guess… I think I’m taking that scholarship then?”

He phrased it as a question he hadn’t actually answered yet. His eyes were carefully studying Scootaloo’s face.

She did her best at keeping the smile on her face.

“Spike, I’m glad you’re doing that. I am! That is a fucking incredible opportunity and you’re gonna have an amazing life! I’m happy for that and for you!”

Her smile flickered, just for a moment. Spike saw it, and Scootaloo saw him see it.

“...yes, I’m gonna be sad to see you go,” she said. Her posture sagged, her voice dropped. “Spike… yes, I’ll be honest, I’m in a really weird spot. I don’t want you to stay… but I don’t want you to go. And… and I realize that after everything we fought about that is… not what you need to hear right now.”

“No, no, I’m glad you said that,” Spike said. “I guess… I dunno, it’s stress we can both share. Spread the load and all that. And… I’m still gonna go. Because you were right. The logic holds up. I gotta go live a real life, out there, somewhere.”

“Still…” He worked his shoulders like he wasn’t sure how he was supposed to look for this part. “Well.. what about us?”

She could only shrug. “We keep going, until we’ve run out of time. Then we say goodbye.”

“I guess I… I’m worried that’s not enough. Like, if a relationship just ends, then I must’ve done something wrong. I must’ve failed at something.”

Now Scootaloo had to shake her head. “Spike, these things aren’t like that. We’ve had, and are still having, such an amazing time together. That’s what counts. A relationship doesn’t need to be defined by its ending. You didn’t do anything wrong, and you definitely didn’t fail at anything.”

“Yeah… yeah, I know you’re right. It’s not a zero-sum deal. It’s just… it’s probably been the best few months of my entire life. It’s scary, realizing that it’s going to come to an end. But… everything does end, doesn’t it? High school has to end.”

They’d been shifting towards each other the whole conversation. By now their bodies were leaning shoulder to shoulder, leg to leg.

“Who says teenagers can’t be mature?” Scootaloo said with a forced chuckle. “You’re growing up real fast, you know that?”

“Somebody once told me the same thing about you,” he replied. “I dunno, I think I’m just faking it all. None of this ever really made sense to me.”

This got an actual laugh from Scootaloo. “Spike, I’ve been with you long enough to plainly and sincerely tell you you’re a good boyfriend who is doing things right. You seriously need to start giving yourself a lot more credit. You’ll be happier when you do. And it’ll help you out big time later, I’m sure.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right.”

Scootaloo relaxed her stance, finally able to shake free the tension that had been binding her for days. She stretched her arms behind her head and leaned back onto the ground, wings to the dirt.

“Anyway, it’s definitely a good thing you’re gonna move on,” she said idly from her new horizontal position. “No way you wanna be that creeper college student with a high school girlfriend.”

Spike seriously considered this as he laid on his back next to her. “...fair point.”

They lay together for a while, enjoying the calm breeze that ruffled her feathers and danced off Spike’s head scales. They both let out long, satisfied sighs, like it was the first real chance they had to relax all week. Spike felt a familiar warming comfort flow back through him, and Scootaloo felt a chain break from around her neck.

“So… what’re you gonna get up to next year?” Spike asked.

“I’m not sure. Probably more of the same. Do decent in school, do awesome at softball, and hang out with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom and Button and my teammates and whoever else comes my way that seems cool. You know. Basic school stuff.”

She turned her head to the side to look his way. “What about you? Ready for college? Ready for life on the other side of the world?”

“Well I don’t think Vanhoover is that far away,” Spike said. “Barely an 11 hour train ride. It’ll fly right by.”

“A hop, a skip, and a jump away.”

“Exactly. But… well, I don’t know what it’ll be like. Before I met you I probably would’ve given a firmer answer, though. Something about being really excited to be somewhere new, to truly learn and integrate into a new environment, to… to truly be off on my own…”

His eyes drifted as he said that last sentence, his mind easing back to how he used to be, how his life and attitude was shifting before that fateful day where he asked out a cute girl he liked.

“Still feeling happy alone, Spike?” Scootaloo asked softly. She placed her hand on his as he did. “Because… I’d kinda like you to promise me you… won’t stay lonely over there.”

After a moment, he gripped it. “Yeah… yeah, I’ll try. You’ve, uh, taught me the perks in, uh, not being alone. And whatever happens out there I’ll try to, you know, not be the quiet wallflower guy who ditches parties and hides in movie theaters and keeps working late for the sake of avoiding everyone around him. Whatever I’m gonna make of myself, it’s gonna be something that’s not isolated in a self-made void.”

“Smoothly said.”

“I gotta say, I am a bit scared I won’t meet anyone I could even hope to have a chance with.”

“Pffft, oh please.” Scootaloo knocked Spike in the arm. “You asked out the coolest girl you’ve ever met. You got that kind of thing in the bag. Other girls should be so lucky.”

“I’ll try to keep that in mind,” Spike said sheepishly. “Anyway, it’s college. Just more teachers, lectures, homework, the works. How hard could it be?”

“That’s the spirit. Show those big city folks what for.”

She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. He turned and found his nose touching her. The kiss that followed clicked everything nicely back into place. A balance restored.

“Hey, uh, Scootaloo…” Spike said when they separated. “What you said when we fought, about you not being worth it? Not being worth staying for, I mean?”

“Oh, yeah, I think I was just… frustrated and fishing.”

“Maybe, but like… don’t say stuff like that about yourself. You are worth it. You know that. This all doesn’t change that.”

“I… I know.”

“You’re supposed to be the confident one here.” Spike chuckled.

“Got me there,” Scootaloo nodded her head, just a little. Spike watched as she stared into space for a minute, and wondered where her head was off to. It wasn’t often he heard her talk down about herself, and he didn’t like what he made of it.

“Alright, time to get out of here,” Scootaloo said abruptly, standing up and dusting her shirt and shorts off. “Let's go see a movie or something. I’m dying for a proper fun evening.”

“Well, I dunno,” Spike said as he stood beside her. “I kinda got a lot of homework I still need to do. Final essays and projects coming up soon, so, you know-”

Scootaloo poked a finger in his chest, cutting him off. “Spike, you are a second semester senior with a guaranteed scholarship and admission to the best college in the country already in the bag. Your grades are amazing. You’re graduating in a month and a half. You literally cannot academically screw things up here. So if there’s one thing I will consider a failure with you, it’s not instilling some sense of genuine chill into your life.”

She turned to grab her bag and his, tossing it to his chest. “So, to wit, you are blowing off homework tonight, you are gonna come with your girlfriend to watch whatever dumb movie is playing, and then we’re gonna get dinner and go hang out with friends so we can finally reassure them that all's right with the world again.”

Spike had to concede the point. Plus he knew it would be really good to get Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom off his back. Their texts were starting to take on a very menacing tone.

They wandered down the path back towards town, hand in hand. Halfway down the path, Scootaloo spoke again.

“You’re a good boyfriend, Spike.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, you’re a better girlfriend, Scootaloo. And I don’t say that enough.”

“Thanks.”

He put his arm around her shoulder. They walked on, embraced and content, into the late afternoon light.

Spike’s final weeks of Ponyville High sped by in a blur. Events and memories piling on in such rapid succession he could hardly keep up.

The Ponyville War Horses had their best season yet, rocketing all the way to the regional finals. Sadly, they made it there only to lose in a very close finish to reigning champions Saddleview Prep. Still, Scootaloo wasn’t too disappointed. She walked away with the league’s MVP award due to her superb pitching, and kept her hopes high for next season. The coach telling her she was gonna be Captain certainly put an extra spring in her step. As did Spike and her friends cheering her on at every game.

Then came birthday season. Apple Bloom was up first, followed by Sweetie Belle a week later, and Scootaloo two weeks after that. As per tradition, the three threw one large joint birthday party to get all their various friend groups involved, this time taking over the field around the farmhouse for a big outdoor event. It was a blast for all, and Scootaloo was over the moon for the gift Spike got her: an original Nightmare on Cherry Lane one sheet, signed by Shreddy himself. Spike had Button to thank for that last part, as his friend had snagged the signature at a convention he went to a month earlier. Button was only too glad to help out.

Finals season swooped in like a hawk after a fish, and the students did all they could to wriggle free of its vice-like grip. The juniors buckled down, Spike offering his assistance as a tutor in whatever they cared to ask him about. Rumble opted to take the no stress route and took all his exams with zero studying, and somehow still came out with a B+ average at the end. A charmed boy, it was said. Spike, naturally and seemingly effortlessly, aced every class. Even Wormwood’s dreaded AP Calc and a teacher who would never come out and say he thought dragons shouldn’t be that smart, but that was certainly felt with every interaction. Spike left his room on the last day with glee and never looked back.

Then, at long, long last, the signpost at the end of the road: graduation day.

The seniors gathered, decked out in cap and gown, and they proceeded in orderly fashion into the gym and into chairs assembled in front of the stage. Their family and friends packed the stands on either side.

They all listened to Principal Cheerilee give a nice speech. About the places they’d go and the ponies they’d become. They heard class valedictorian Twist give a very eloquent reflection on her time at school. Both speakers gave them the right amount of optimism for their collective tomorrows.

As salutatorian, Spike merely had a nice sash on his gown and a seat up front. Worked fine for him. He dreaded the idea of giving the speech anyway.

They read the list, they called his name, he took the stage and took his diploma. He could hear plenty of friends cheering him on the whole time.

That was it. He’d done it. Spike had survived high school

After the last of the graduates walked off and the hats tossed into the air, they were let out into the quad to the joy of the waiting masses. Everyone wanted a hug, a picture, one more word of congratulations.

Spike stepped out, blinking in the light as he looked around.

Heck of a day.

He wandered through the crowd. The first familiar face he spotted was Rumble, who was standing off to one side with his brother. He headed their way.

“Hey, made it to the finish line,” Rumble said, fist bumping Spike as he walked up. “Feels good, right?”

“Didn’t think I had it in me,” Spike said. He nodded at Thunderlane, who smiled and gave him a nod back.

“Eh, you were the one we were all the least worried about,” Rumble said with a smile. “Nothing gonna keep Spike Sparkle down.”

Spike smiled. “Always appreciate the confidence. And same to you. Coming to the tree later?”

“Wouldn’t miss it. Gonna get lunch with my bro here first, and then-”

“SPIKE! WHERE ARE YOU! DON’T YOU HIDE FROM THESE HUGS!”

Pinkie’s shout hot knifed its way through the crowd, which melted away accordingly, revealing a very excited pink pony hopping in place. Twilight stood next to her, along with the rest of her usual crew. She ran up to Spike and gave him an enormous hug, smiling and crying the whole while.

Didn’t think she had this kind of grip strength… okay, gonna black out…

Luckily Rarity was able to gently pry her loose. Twilight wiped some tears from her eyes.

“Oh Spike, I’m… I’m just so proud of you, I…” She was at a loss for words and just moved to hug him again. Spike hugged her back and even took the incoming kiss on his forehead with pleasure. He waved as Rumble and Thunderlane walked away and was then promptly surrounded by the usual suspects. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, even Fluttershy had managed to sneak away from her animal clinic to come and wish him well.

Everyone wanted to share their joy for the moment. Little baby Spike was all grown up. Plus they needed to take every possible combination of pictures to commemorate the moment.

Through the clump of ponies, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle wedged their way in.

“Hey Spike!” Apple Bloom said. “We’re on our way to the tree, so we’ll give you a proper congrats there! Just gotta get some supplies first. I saw Button somewhere around here, I think he’s gonna get Featherweight and meet us up later as well.”

Pinkie gasped loudly. “Spike’s graduation party! I have a cake waiting for it at the bakery, I need to go get it!”

“Pinkie, I think we already brought the cake to the library,” Twilight said.

“You brought a cake, but a party like this needs way more than just one cake,” Pinkie said with a wink. She gave Spike one more hearty slap on the back and quickly trotted off.

Spike looked around and frowned.

Weird, I saw her in the stands next to Twilight, where’d she get to…

Sweetie could tell what he was thinking and leaned in. “When you get a moment, somepony is waiting for you over there.”

She pointed towards the library entrance. At this moment Twilight also got the hint.

“Well Spike, I know you need to turn your gown in and get the actual diploma,” she said. “We’ll be waiting for you at the tree when you’re ready.”

“Don’t be long, bud!” Applejack said. “Gonna have one heck of a party tonight.”

Wrapping her arm around Rainbow Dash’s shoulder, she walked off, snagging a Fluttershy on the way. Twilight gave Spike one last smile and headed off with them. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle didn’t linger much longer either. Each gave Spike a hug and a quick word of encouragement and then disappeared into the crowd.

Spike made his way to the library. Scootaloo was waiting for him, sitting two steps up and looking very satisfied.

“Well well, look at this: big boy high school graduate,” she said. “Top of the world and everything.”

Spike took a bow, nearly losing his cap in the process.

Scootaloo held her arms out. “Alright, let’s do the thing.”

Spike made a show of considering it. “Hmmmmmm, do I want to, let me think about that one.”

“Don’t make me pout.”

“You’re really cute when you pout though.”

“You saying I’m not always cute?”

“Hey let’s do the thing.”

Spike reached under her armpits and lifted Scootaloo into the air. He quickly shifted and held her around the waist, letting the two enter a tight embrace and a nice big smooch. To complete the scene, he slowly spun her in place, a picturesque image of a happy young couple.

Someone else certainly thought so, as Spike heard a telltale *click* to one side. Gently setting Scootaloo down, he turned and saw Featherweight and Apple Bloom scurrying from the nearby bushes, a camera around the former’s neck.

“Great shot, real keeper!” Apple Bloom giggled over her shoulder as the two disappeared around the corner.

Wonder how long they were planning that one. No wonder she made me practice lifting her up like that.

Spike could only roll his eyes. “Nice setup.”

Scootaloo smiled innocently. “Just needed something sweet to remember the moment. Gonna stick it on my wall.”

“Well, get me a copy at least.”

She and Spike grabbed hands and walked to the cafeteria, which was currently doubling for gown turn in. At the front, Spike took his actual diploma, and in exchange returned his cap and popped his gown off. Doing so revealed his t-shirt: a stark black and white design of a decapitated head that had sprouted legs and an extra set of eyes, looking ready to scuttle off. Written above the head, in big blazing words, was the sentence YOU GOTTA BE FUCKING KIDDING.

The teacher behind the counter raised her eyebrows at him. Spike waved his diploma back at her and gave a big thumbs up.

Scootaloo was still laughing as they exited the building.

“Took you way too long, but you finally decided to show off your fashion sense,” she said, wiping her eyes. “And with a Ducking Fecayed design no less. I’m jealous of that one, I don’t think I have any Who Goes There shirts.”

“That’s a bummer for you then. And yeah, I think I can finally shake free at least a few inhibitions,” he said. He leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek. She laughed and kissed him back.

They wandered around the school, with no clear direction in mind. Campus was largely empty now, the graduating class having dispersed to whatever events were going on that evening. The two of them knew they had to get to the library themselves soon, but a little extra time just to themselves wasn’t going to be skipped.

Eventually they ended up at their usual lunch spot, the bleachers in the back field. They took a seat all the way on the top row. Spike stretched out his legs and wings, flexing like it was the first time all day he was able to properly relax.

Scootaloo glanced around the wide view of the baseball diamond, grass fields, and the quiet school buildings. She turned to Spike.

“Gonna miss this place?” she asked.

He looked around himself. “...nah, probably not. I think I had a pretty good run here, all things considered. But like… my life is just starting. This place will likely just end up a footnote.”

He slid closer to her and put his arm around her shoulders. “Of course, the friends I made here, that’s a different matter entirely.”

“Darn tootin’.” She stuck her tongue out at him, then leaned over and nuzzled against his neck. They sat like this for a while longer.

Spike’s mind drifted. Events yet to come drifted his way.

He saw the summer laid out ahead of him. It was a busy one. Events flashed in and out of his mind’s eye.

His 18th birthday party. A group camping trip to the mountains. Sneaking to a concert in Canterlot. Taking an excursion or three to the beach. Summer holiday celebrations.

The usual social nights around town. Date nights. Movie nights. Game nights. Friends coming and going, all the time.

His goodbye party.

A farewell at the train station, complete with a cinematically-appropriate tearful kiss goodbye.

And then…

An unknown life doing who knows what and with who knows who… and probably not this amazing girl sitting right next to me.

Spike stared off into the horizon. It was a while before he realized Scootaloo was speaking to him.

“Huh?” He shook himself out of his stupor. “What’d you say?”

“I asked what you were thinking about,” Scootaloo said. “You got really tense for a bit there.”

“Oh…” he turned to look at her. “I guess… just everything that’s coming. Summer and college and beyond and… it all feels like it’s coming faster and faster and I… don’t know how to feel about that.”

Scootaloo gave him a peck on the forehead and smiled. “Hey, you’re about to close off the first real chapter of your life. Plenty of time to adjust to the next phase. Whatever it is.”

“Mmmm…”

The next phase, real soon, is the end of this… the end of us… or is it already here?

He gripped her hand tightly. She could read his mind.

“I wish this summer could be longer. No matter how much we fit in, it’s gonna blow right by, I can feel it. But we gotta focus on getting the most out of every minute of it, that’s what counts here. A journey isn’t all about the ending, after all.”

“Yeah, yeah…” Spike looked away. He knew she was right, but he still couldn’t shake the gray clouds moving in on the outskirts of his brain.

Scootaloo saw, as she often had in their relationship, that it was time for executive action.

She reached up and turned his head, so they were looking each other eye to eye. “Spike… I love you. I do. We’re going to have an amazing summer, and we’re going to say goodbye, and it’s gonna suck, and then… we’ll move on. But, and this is as mushy as I’ll ever get so listen up, we’ll always have a place in each other’s hearts.”

Spike watched her intently. He couldn’t stop the smile spreading on his face. “I love you too, Scootaloo. So, so much. I’ll miss you when it’s time. But for now… I’m so happy to be here with you.”

“Likewise.”

They moved in and had a long, deep kiss. How long it lasted, neither of them could say, or much cared. Their spirits were intertwined and their emotions soared together.

In time they would stand, head back to the library, and enjoy a great night of partying with friends and family. And just like they said, that would be the kickoff night for one heck of a summer, and then, eventually, the rest of their lives would begin.

But for now, they were just two teenagers, stuck together in love and ready to take on the world.

Chapter 2 - September 18th

“-took me like fifty tries, but I finally beat her at around three in the morning. She kept summoning attack drones! She’s already sitting in a whole tank! So cheap, even for that game. Thank goodness I’d upgraded my nitro cannon or I’d probably still be trying to fight her.”

Button’s voice droned at a steady pace. Spike just nodded. He was locked in a serious recap of his latest late night gaming session. Spike was long used to these, but even after all these years, he was still amazed his friend got so little sleep and yet had so much energy every morning with which to deliver them.

“Uh-huh…” the dragon said wearily.

Button carried on. “Anyway, she’s done, wrapped up that base, though I think there’s some random secrets I haven’t found yet, I need to explore the rooftops again. And then I’m back to the badlands because there’s a least five more outposts I gotta get through, and that one mutant boss in the crystal mine…”

Spike’s mind, cozy in his familiar gray hoodie, drifted away.

Gotta get these formulas down, no way Wormwood provides us the proofs for the test… Shoot, wait, did I recheck the figures for the lab today? I think I did but my reasoning was kinda shaky and Ms. Lane always gets me if I can’t prove all my work. Okay formulas first, then recheck figures, I got time, can do it at lunch too… Advisor meeting right after school, but I thought she said last time she was off this week? Wait, yeah, that’s gotta be next week, I know I wrote this down, got it somewhere, I’ll check-

“Spike!”

Button’s hand hit the table. Spike jolted forward and shook his head. The two were seated in the school library at one of the long tables near the back window of the second floor. Button’s shout drew little attention, empty as the library was at barely eight in the morning, but it still got a reproachful look from the librarian at the nearby reference desk. Button shot her an apologetic expression and then turned back to Spike.

“Sorry, but you were doing your ‘staring into nothing for a while’ thing and I was losing you entirely.”

Spike shook his head again. “Yeah, sorry, just… tired. And a lotta school work on my mind this morning, gotta focus on it.”

Button stared incredulously. “What are you even doing, Spike? It’s morning study hall. Classes haven’t started yet. This is as close to a school-sanctioned goof off period as you’re gonna get, and you’re stuck in your notebooks actually studying.”

Spike looked around the room. Mocha Berry was a few seats down, idly flipping through a comic book hovering in front of him. Glamourpatch and Spring Shine were huddled together at another table, both whispering and giggling about nothing in particular. A freshman unicorn was sneaking a nap on the large couch up front. Over on the computer table Snips and Snails were furiously typing away at what looked like a web forum, and while Spike couldn’t make out the site’s subject matter from here he wagered a guess it was something they’d rather the school not know about.

He turned back to the table in front of him. His calculus textbook was open next to his main notebook. Chem and Stat books weren’t far away. He looked back at Button and could only shrug.

“I have a lot I need to prepare for. There’s a big lab assessment today, I’ve got a calculus exam tomorrow, and a pretty big history paper due next week.”

Button rolled his eyes.

“Spike, school’s been in session for like, what, a month?”

“Three and a half weeks,” Spike said absent-mindedly.

“Three and a half weeks!” Button said. “Where are you even finding all this homework? Most of my classes are still gearing up for their first tests.”

“Yeah, but most of your classes are stuff like Journalism and History of Film,” Spike countered with a small smile. “While half of mine are AP courses.”

“Oooh, look at Mr. Smarty Elitist here. They really must beat you down in those things, huh?” Button said with a whistle. “Hope it’s all worth it in the end.”

“Gotta get those grades to get that good college.” Spike tried to chuckle. “I just need to stay on top of it all one more year, and then…”

“And then you can earn yourself four more years of even more intense work. I wanna go to a good school too, but I also don’t wanna burn out before I even get there.”

“I can handle it. I got this, I promise.”

“Uh-huh. Is your mom putting you up to this?”

“Twilight is supportive of my academic decisions.”

“That counts as yes.”

A loud ringing sound broke up the conversation and caused a stir throughout the whole building. Books and papers were shoved into bags, computers shut down, and a slow herd began making its way towards the door.

Morning bell: ten minutes to first period. Time for another school day.

“Anyway,” Spike said with some emphasis as he leaned back in his chair to stretch his arms and wings, “I like my classes. I like learning what I’m learning, it’s interesting to me.”

“Hey, my classes are interesting, too!” Button feigned indignity with a hand on his chest. “I’m learning just how to sweet talk Mrs. Softquill so she’ll let me put a recurring video game review column in the school paper this year.”

“Button, just join the debate team already. You’d be good at it.”

“Who’s got the time?”

Spike pushed the doors open and the two of them walked out into the early morning light of Ponyville High. They were greeted by the wide open quad, occupied as always by scattered tables, trees, and clusters of students taking their sweet time getting to class. The expanded cafeteria/gym sat directly across from them. To their left, the open grass and sports fields, and to the right the looming presence that is the two-story school building itself. Spike had long heard students grumble about the strange layout of the school and so many elements being separate from each other, but he liked it. Gave one a chance at some fresh air before going back into the depths.

The two friends hustled across the quad and through one of the open doors and down the hallway. Rows of lockers lined each wall and the endless crowd of students milled about. Button waved at a friend while Spike focused on his day.

What was my history paper topic again… the first Fillydelphia elections, that’s right. Gotta pick a book. Or maybe… I wonder how disappointed Twilight would be if I just researched stuff online for this one.

He dodged left and right through the crowds. Despite his wings giving him a wider figure than most, he managed to keep a low profile, dashing swiftly between ponies talking by their lockers or walking into the classrooms, weaving past the range of tails that always seemed to find their way in front of him. Most hardly even noticed him. Not even the one he reflexively reached out towards to stop some of their books from tumbling out of their locker to the floor.

Oh right, Ms. Sundaze also wanted to talk to Twilight about some classroom spells. Aren’t there other unicorns in this school who can do that? Like she’s the one magical user in the area everyone turns to. Or maybe does it all on purpose to keep an eye on me. Probably that. Sweet? I guess?

Button struggled to keep pace. “Spike, you gotta walk slower man, I am a but a simple lazy pony. We move at our own pace.”

Okay, wait, what’s my checklist for today: chem work first, then history, then calc prep exam… need to find time for econ work this weekend, too…

“Hey Button, hey Spike.”

Apple Bloom’s words caused both boys to slow their roll, but only slightly. Six minutes left to start of class. No time to dawdle.

“Hi hi!” Button’s chipper words sang out in the halls.

Apple Bloom frowned. “Button, that’s too much energy for eight in the morning.”

“I thought you farm folks were used to getting up early.”

“Doesn’t mean we gotta like it.”

“Well, I’ve been told my attitude can brighten anypony’s day.”

“Uh-huh.” Apple Bloom took a moment to look Button up and down. That day Button had opted to go with his Legend of Orion shirt, a bright green affair with a crude starship pattern spraypainted on and a long string of text indecipherable to anyone who hadn’t played at least two games in the series. “Button, dear, we have got to do something about your shirt choices.”

“I know, I know… it’s not as good as my pun ones, but those are in the wash.” Button sighed dramatically. “I know how much you miss those. But don’t worry, I’ve got some nice fancy ones coming in soon, and that’ll make everypony happy.”

“I don’t believe that and Spike doesn’t believe that. Do you, Spike?”

No, wait, that’s no good, today’s Wednesday, calc prep is tomorrow…

“Spike? Hello?”

“Sorry Apple Bloom, he’s in his zone.”

The pony tilted her head in confusion. Button pointed to Spike’s face.

“See, when his eyes are glazed over like that? Study brain zone, real hard to snap him out.”

“It is September, what is there to even-”

“I know, I know, I tried telling him that but here we are.”

Okay so I can do more for econ early, swap that around and do calc over the weekend, exam is next Wednesday, ugh of course Twilight was right, I need to organize my study board better…

“Well, good luck to him then. Button, you still doing your LAN party this weekend?”

Button grinned. “Wouldn’t be the weekend without a Spacecraft session. Besides, I want a rematch, last time cannot stand.”

“Hey, you keep playing with your weird little bug creatures, you’re gonna get stomped by my tanks.”

“The Crits shall rise again!” Button gave a thumbs up, before lowering his voice. “You uh… you think Sweetie Belle will tag along this time?”

Apple Bloom shook her head and checked her watch. “I keep telling you, it’s not really her scene. Not sure why you want her there anyway, she doesn’t even know how to play. And I gotta get to Bio now, so take care guys!”

Button waved her off. “Bye, see you later!”

Apple Bloom wandered towards her class, while Button hurried along, practically tugging Spike with him. Three minutes to class. Button was thankful his first period was in the room right next to Spike’s. They turned a corner and were up the stairs two at a time, up and around and nearing the doors at the end of the quickly dispersing hall.

“Come on smart guy, that’s it, steer yourself around the ponies and through the door…”

These books are way too heavy, gonna throw my back out by November, need to see about getting a second locker up here for quicker access, can they do that? I’ll need to ask tomorrow during advisor appointment, since that’s definitely tomorrow, and also-

A flash of orange at the end of the hall broke Spike’s concentration.

Scootaloo scurried along, deep in conversation with a girl Spike didn’t know but who looked like another softball teammate. They were headed across from the opposing stairs towards an open door. For a brief moment, Scootaloo looked up and caught Spike’s eye. She smiled and gave a quick wave and then she was gone, lost in the crowd funneling into a classroom. Spike didn’t even register fast enough to try and wave back.

Button raised an eyebrow. “What’s up, dude?”

Spike blinked. “Huh? What?”

“Something caught your eye.”

“No, uh, I was just, you know, lost in thought.”

Button shook his head. “No, this was a different look, not your zone thing. You actually stopped and focused here. What’s up?”

“...nothing, I guess.”

Button moved to position his eyes next to Spike’s and look where he’d been looking.

“Hmm, nothing there, but you’ve had that look before, when was it…”

Spike moved quicker than Button anticipated and was nearly at the door before the pony began to smile.

“We’re gonna talk about this later! Count on it!” he shouted with a grin as Spike ducked into AP History.

The sound of the bell made Button jump and he all but ran into the adjoining room, wherein he almost tripped over his teacher’s tail as she started roll call.

Next door, Spike slipped quietly into his seat and stared into space.

…huh

Lunch always scattered the school. Some headed for the large cafeteria at the rear of the building to line up for whatever was on the menu that day, while others who brown bagged from home headed for the field or baseball bleachers for a more outdoorsy experience. A few quick upperclassmen even hopped off campus to the fast food joint a few blocks away, though the vice-principal was always quick to grab whoever got back so much as a minute late.

Wherever anyone ended up, they had 45 minutes to relax and munch and appreciate the moments of free time afforded to them.

Spike sat at one of the lunch tables near the corner of the cafeteria, one closest to the nearly-floor-to-ceiling windows that made up the back wall. He liked it there. It got him a nice view of the field and kept him a good distance from the hustle of the tray line, while the open slots over every window got him a nice bit of breeze to push away the smell of so much cheap processed food.

Thank goodness for Twilight and her cooking. And also thank goodness for Pinkie teaching her how to cook.

He put down his gem-encrusted sandwich and looked back out the window. His eyes wandered in an idle fashion, pretending not to know what they were looking for but still pausing on every orange body they found, and gradually becoming more surprised at how many students at this school fit that particular hue.

I gotta stop doing this, I got econ in half an hour and I know Graphly is gonna grill me on the Canterlot Reforms Scandal… whaaaaat am I looking for, what am I doing…

A shadow fell over the table. Spike looked over and then up to find Featherweight standing opposite him, lunch tray in hand. He gave Spike a friendly nod that the dragon returned.

It was a source of endless speculation in school exactly how tall Featherweight had gotten. Somehow everyone was too polite to ask, and he was too good natured to notice the stares, so it all found a way to work out.

“Oh, hey dude.” Spike slid his lunch bag over to make some room. “Anything good today?”

Featherweight shrugged on his way down to the bench. “Sloppy Joes, which I have only ever had at school, so I have no frame of reference as to whether these are good or not.”

Button popped up from the crowd and slipped right in next to Spike.

“I’ve heard the school’s changing tofu suppliers to something cheaper,” he said, passing Spike his usual extra chocolate milk. “So enjoy these while you can.”

“I will make the effort.” Featherweight dug in while Spike turned to look out the window once more. Button tried to follow his eyes only to be foiled by a reflected glare.

“Alright Spike, gotta get to the bottom of this, because there’s something here,” Button said. He placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder and leaned in close. “Something… secret, even?”

Spike shrugged. “You’ve already lost me.”

“Oh no, I’ve seen it every week since school started. Twice a week. Three times a week, even!”

“Seen what?”

“That look, that thing where your eyes do the focused thing.” Button tried to demonstrate and stared Spike down. The dragon couldn’t help but flinch.

“Not that intense,” Featherweight said without looking up from his meal. “Less of a Boring Through Skull With Laser Eyes thing, more of a Searching For Something thing.”

Spike shook off Button’s continued stare. “Have you two been comparing notes?”

Button smiled. “Like I said, that look, three times a week. That’s three times, what, three weeks-”

“Three and a half,” Spike said.

“Three times three and a half! And that’s, you know, some number-”

“Eleven point five.”

“My point is,” Button said, somewhat flustered, “it’s been frequent enough to notice and to start to wonder and you should probably tell us something because otherwise I’m gonna start developing theories and how does that always go?”

“How does that always go?” Spike asked.

“Featherweight, tell him how that always goes.”

Featherweight sighed. “In endless circles.”

Button’s eyes went wide and he pointed up at the pegasus. “Got it in one, our boy knows all.”

“You got more self aware over the summer,” Spike said, raising his eyebrows at Button. His friend beamed.

“It’s called leveling up! And it was bound to happen eventually.”

“I think ‘personal growth’ would be a better way to put that.”

Button waved a dismissive hand in front of Spike’s face. “Gotta still stay on brand. Now, back on topic: Spike, friend, buddy, pal… what’s up? Something’s grabbing you, and for once it isn’t school. It’s not any new game, since there’s nothing good out until Contagion 4 comes out next month, and I don’t think it’s anything at home because every time I’m over there things seem exactly the same as they always do, so… uh, yeah, that’s all I got, but is something up? Are you okay?”

“It is good to share. If you want to, of course,” Featherweight added. “Despite Button being… Button, we do not want to push anything you are uncomfortable with.”

“Oh yeah, sure, just, you know… you wanna say anything, we’re all ears.”

Button and Featherweight wore earnest expressions as they looked at Spike. Looking back and forth between his two friends, Spike could only smile.

“This is real sweet guys, but I’m fine. Just… thinking something over. When that becomes something I wanna share, I will, but for now I’m totally fine. I promise.”

Button squinted his eyes, then shrugged. “Well, I tried. Open invitation there, though. Now, Featherweight, you and I gotta talk about this weekend, because I think we’re gonna need more ethernet cables to connect everyone together. Also I wonder if we can get any more monitors, since Water Spout said he can make it this time…”

As Button’s LAN party planning carried on, Spike rested his head on his hand. It wasn’t long before his eyes were back out on the field. He’d narrowed in on what he was after right around when Button sat down, and she was still there, sitting with a group on a low bleacher bench and laughing at something someone else had just said.

He didn’t know why he bothered looking around. Scootaloo always had lunch there, it was her and Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle’s usual lunch spot whenever they ate together. Somehow he knew, though, that if he had sat down and looked directly at her, then it wouldn’t feel right.

Suddenly, Scootaloo turned her head and looked over at the cafeteria. For a moment their eyes locked. Spike hurriedly turned back to his food.

This is dumb and you know it, back to work, back to work…

It took some energy to force his brain to think about economic theory, but he muscled through it.

There was a calm breeze moving through the field that occasionally kicked up with a brief gust of moderate intensity, swirling through the grass and tossing around whatever napkins students were sloppy enough to lose track of. Scootaloo watched one such miniature vortex make its way across the lawn and towards the rear fence.

Somepony’s messing with the wind machine again in the weather lab.

She grinned. The school did its best with the foolhardy few who wanted to get into the climate sciences, and that meant indulging a lot of trial and error. Or just some simple pranks. Whatever the cause, from her point of view it meant adding variety on otherwise dull and cloudless end-of-summer-start-of-school days.

Seated next to her, tail splayed on the bleacher bench somehow both lazily and gracefully, Sweetie Belle was leaning back and in the middle of her latest social update.

“...which you know what it means when she says that, but hey, I’m not judging. Anyway, Jasmine was talking to Penelope about Posey because Posey had been sneaking behind her back to talk to Alpine and he totally didn’t even notice because he’s still hot for Sapphire Spirit and so…”

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo could only smile and nod. They loved their friends’ keen obsession with the various social flows of the school, though they never could keep up. Or even recognize most of the names she said. Scootaloo secretly wondered if she was making some up, just to test them, but she never pushed the matter.

Taking a moment to stretch out her wings and shake loose some stiff feathers, Scootaloo turned to face the field.

Ugh, baseball jocks are gonna trash this place again before we even have our first practice session next Spring. Don’t know why this school doesn’t get us a dedicated field, softball always ranks a lot better every year anyway.

“Oh, Sweetie Belle, before I forget,” Apple Bloom said when Sweetie paused for breath. “Button wants to know if you’re comin’ to his computer party thing on Saturday.”

Sweetie Belle considered for a moment. “Now, when you say it’s a party…”

Apple Bloom smiled and shook her head. “Not that kind. Gonna be me an’ him an’ some of his friends playin’ video games all night, probably watchin’ some movies too.”

“I think I’ll have to politely decline.”

“Come on, they’re fun! I’ve been goin’ for a while now, an’ I always have a good time. Just a nice, chill hangout. You don’t gotta play the games even, can just sit and chat.”

“Just tell them I’ve got to sort out my outfits for next week, I’m sure they’ll understand.”

Apple Bloom rolled her eyes. “You’re turnin’ into your sister more an’ more every day, you know that?”

“Ugh, don’t remind me.’ Sweetie Belle let out a dramatic sigh. “I know I’m doing it and I try to stop it and yet I still do it. I guess I can’t fight genetics, you know?”

“Uh-huh.” Apple Bloom shifted her focus. “Scootaloo, how about you?”

Scootaloo didn’t respond. Her attention had wandered from the baseball diamond, across the pony-strewn field. It briefly stopped on Star Rush hanging out near the big tree with some other jocks, causing her to shudder internally. She quickly moved her gaze back towards campus, and specifically, to the large cafeteria windows. It was a long way off, but pegasi had good eyesight, and Scootaloo was no exception. Her focused view netted her a specific dragon sitting right by the glass. Sitting and watching her.

Their eyes met. She saw Spike flinch and look away, a sandwich in his mouth moments later.

She let slip a small smile.

What to do with him…

“Scootaloo? Hey, Scootaloo!” Apple Bloom waved her hand in front of her friend’s face, finally getting her attention.

“Huh, what?”

“I asked, are you gonna come to Button’s LAN party Saturday night?”

“Oh, sorry, can’t. Family stuff all weekend, you know that.”

“Oh yeah! Sorry, got my dates mixed up for a sec.”

Sweetie Belle raised an eyebrow. “What were you looking at just now?”

Scootaloo looked at her as innocently as she could manage. “Just staring into space, thinking of nothing at all.”

Sweetie Belle narrowed her eyes. “Scootaloo…”

“Fine, fine… over by the quad I just saw Sunny Daze talking to Lemon Sprite. Talking real closely, if you get my meaning.”

Sweetie Belle gasped. “I knew it, I just knew it! Lemme tell you, those two have been trying to hook up since Freshman year, and now…”

And Sweetie Belle was off to the races once more. Apple Bloom busied herself by checking a few texts on her phone, carefully keeping it hidden in her bag lest a teacher see, while Scootaloo snuck one more quick look at the cafeteria.

Spike’s table was vacant now, and he was nowhere to be found.

…Hmmm

The ring of the final bell was always met with some level of relief and good cheer. No matter how good a day at school is going, everyone, student and teacher alike, is glad when it’s over. They filtered out of every exit, most heading to the large bike rack out front. A moderate number of pegasi walked out past the fenced perimeter, ready to fly home just as soon as they cleared the Grounding Spell that kept everyone with their hooves on the floor while on school property. It didn’t take long before the whole campus was largely deserted, save for a few study groups in the library and whatever after school clubs were up and running.

Up on the second floor and in one of the more isolated corners of the building, Spike busied himself in his locker. Books in, books out, papers shuffled, snack levels counted. The usual after school activity, today delayed by a long chat with a teacher after the final bell.

Freaking Wormwood, can’t give me any damn slack at all, got all the homework questions right and aced that pre-school exam he forced on me and he’s still “concerned about my performance,” thank goodness Twilight doesn’t even bother with him anymore.

Spike grumbled to himself and slammed the door shut. The metal clang echoed down the empty hall. It was louder than he expected and he jumped with a start. A quick glance in every direction reassured him that he was still alone.

Easy there, Spike. That’s too jittery for a Wednesday.

He headed down the long hall to the nearest exit. His mind quickly began a tabulation of tasks while his legs went to autopilot.

Okay, do that calc review again, shouldn’t take long, then start on history. Does Twilight have the books for that? Didn’t someone check out like half that section last week? Need to check the records when I get home.

Spike’s feet pounded in the silence as he turned and headed down the stairs.

Ugh, also that English Composition thing, what even was that? Totally spaced already. Got until Tuesday for that, maybe I can push and do it Monday if the word count’s low.

One flight of stairs past, then two. The ground floor lay in front of him. Spike hurried down two steps at a time.

As he neared the final step a figure suddenly appeared in front of him. Spike ducked and practically rolled forward, popping up and sliding backwards until his backpack hit the lockers across the way, wings slightly extended in his startled state. He blinked a few times to clear his head.

Scootaloo stood frozen by the stairs, eyes wide. She finally sniggered. “Uh, real smooth move there, bud.”

Spike gulped, then patted himself on the chest. “Uh, yeah, you know… all in the reflexes. Years of dodging falling books in the library.”

Scootaloo smiled wider. “That must’ve been a real dangerous youth.”

“Yeah, you know Twilight, always putting the big ones up top, and, uh…” Spike smiled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head. He took a few steps to the side to clear the lockers and put a little distance between himself and Scootaloo.

Wait, where am I going?

“What are you doing here?” He asked. “Like, this late after school, I mean. I know you’re in school to, uh, be in school, and… stuff.”

Scootaloo gave a nod. “Yyyyeah, so, just, like, at the office. Had to get them some updated medical papers, no big deal. Headed home now. What about you?”

“Oh, Mr. Wormwood wanted to talk to me after class.”

“Wow, in trouble in AP Calc. Good for you, rocking the boat early in the year.”

“Nah, he just wanted to review my work a bit. I’m acing that class and he just, uh, wanted to check on that…”

“Weird to see a teacher take an interest in somepony doing too well.”

Not when the teacher hates smart dragons…

“Yeah, well, it is what it is…”

The pause lingered, then extended. Spike shifted from one leg to another, tightening the grip on his backpack.

Okay, time to go home, work to do, no time for anything other than that, no time at all, let’s go now.

“Well, sooooooo… see you later, then.” Spike said, motioning towards the far doors behind him. “Gotta lotta homework. Need to get home.”

Scootaloo shrugged. “Well, okay Spike. Talk to you later then?”

“Yeah, yes please, definitely.”

Spike and Scootaloo turned from each other, heading towards opposite exits.

Gotta do that stupid study review and then that stupid paper and then that other stupid paper and then-

Spike stopped. He turned, slowly but surely, and looked back.

“Uh, hey, Scootaloo?”

She paused and looked over her shoulder. “Yeah?”

Wait what’s happening-

“So, um, I was just wondering, if, um…” Spike stammered. He felt a warmth in his forehead that was new and very unwelcome.

Scootaloo turned all the way around. Spike looked at her. Usual ratty jeans, backpack slung over one shoulder, and a thin jacket half-covering a faded Return of the Flesh Eaters t-shirt. In other words, Scootaloo appearing as her usual self.

Wow she looks good.

The more he looked, the hotter his forehead got. He gulped.

Scootaloo waited. “What’s up?”

“It’s just that, well, if you…”

Just abort, you’re in over your head, turn and leave and let her think you’re the same weirdo she already thinks you are-

Spike took a deep breath.

“Are you doing anything Friday night? Wanna… wanna go out? With me? On Friday? Dinner on Friday night?”

The school was whisper quiet. Spike could only hear his own heartbeat pounding in his ears.

Scootaloo watched him for the longest second of Spike’s life. Then she laughed. Spike felt his heart collapse into itself.

“Oh! Wow, uh, cool, um…” Scootaloo’s hands made fists on her backpack straps. “Sorry dude, I uh… my parents are in town this weekend, and I don’t really see them much, you know? So, real busy from, like, tomorrow night through next week when I’m not at school. Real… real busy.”

“Ah… okay! Yeah, that, that’s fine.” Spike faked a smile and put up a hand. “That makes sense, wow your parents? I haven’t seen them in forever, hope they’re doing fine, you guys have a good time, I gotta take off now, see ya, bye!”

He turned on his heels and scurried forward.

Dumb dumb dumb DUMB what was that supposed to be anyway okay fine if I avoid her for a month maybe she’ll forget probably hopefully maybe-

“I’m free next Friday.”

She didn’t speak loud, but the words still pierced right through Spike’s head like an arrow. He practically skidded to a stop and pivoted on his heel. Scootaloo was watching him, hands at her side and grin on her face.

“Huh?” Spike could only sputter out.

“I’m available. Next Friday night. For a dinner date.” Scootaloo said calmly. “That’s what you’re asking for, right? Gotta be clear about this stuff.”

“A dinn- yes! That! A… a date, yeah.” Spike’s smile was goofier than he would’ve liked and he was subconsciously glad he couldn't see himself right now. “Great! Thanks! I’ll, um…”

What do I do know should’ve written something down here no plan at all

A small buzz. Scootaloo scooped her phone out of her pocket and glanced over the screen.

“Listen, I gotta go, my Aunt is waiting for me,” she said without looking up as she typed a response on the tiny keyboard. “Text me later, okay?”

“Uh, yeah, I, uh…” Spike trailed off as Scootaloo walked towards the far door. Opening it and letting in the late afternoon sunlight, she paused one last time and looked back at Spike. He was still rooted in place in the middle of the hall.

“Spike… relax.” She winked at him. “You got this.”

The door shut, and she was gone.

Spike gulped. His legs refused to move. Moments ticked by.

“...Okay!” he pumped his fists, his shout echoing in the halls. Excitement flooded through his veins and he felt a burst of energy he’d rarely ever felt before.

The janitor coming down the stairs gave Spike a confused look. “Okay what?”

Spike’s eyes bugged out and he fled to an exit.

“Nothingnotyousorrybyebewell!” He shouted over his shoulder.

Spike hit the doors running, past the bike racks, through the gates, and spread his wings for a quick takeoff. He felt a blinding need to get home and assess his life and he couldn’t get there fast enough.

Two blocks and a quick park path away from school was Morning Dew, the local cafe that stayed open far later than its name might suggest. It was always crowded after school. Its cozy beanbag-filled interior and ample patio space outside providing a welcome relaxation post for the flood of students looking for a good social space between classes and homelife. The owners didn’t mind the rush, so long as everyone bought something and didn’t leave a mess.

At one of the tables near the edge, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom sat quietly. School books were open in front of them and they both had their heads resting lazily on one hand as they read through whatever assignment they had to get through before dinner.

Abruptly, Sweetie Belle frowned and looked up. She glanced back and forth, then turned in her chair and looked behind her. Her movements were jerky and almost frantic. Apple Bloom tilted her head in confusion.

“What is it, Sweetie Belle?”

The unicorn turned back in her chair and looked at her. “Something just happened. I don’t know what. I can feel it. Something… social just happened.”

Apple Bloom could only stare, then her eyes returned to her book.

Sweetie Belle pulled out her phone and started flurry texting, thumbs moving at a terrific speed. Something somewhere had happened between someone and someone else, she felt it from horn to hooves. She had to know what, and she had to know soon, or she’d vibrate right out of her mind.