Chapter #3

It was a quiet Wednesday morning. The light was filtering in through the small windows of the cottage. The only movement in the tranquil room was a yellow Pegasus, pacing back and forth and stomping unusually aggressively against the wooden floorboards. A blue Pegasus was also in the room, though she was quite comfortably settled across a sofa.

“Oh, I don’t know… Maybe this isn’t the right decision. What if I made Spike uncomfortable? What if it goes wrong and we can’t be friends anymore?” Fluttershy continued to worry before falling to the ground and squeaking, retreating into her long pink mane.

The Rainbow Pegasus looked up from the handmade cushions that she so enjoyed being buried into, looking despondent. “Oh, come on, Fluttershy! We’ve been going through this for weeks now. I told you, if things don’t work out – which they will, Spike’ll be the kinda’ guy to just let it go, he won’t want to lose a friend.”

Rainbow Dash dove straight back into the cushions after talking again. The last few days had been torture for her - it’d taken her a considerable period of time to even have Fluttershy ask Spike and now she was regretting it already; it seemed she was never going to hear the end of it. With that in mind though, something in her mind was slightly wary. It wasn’t too troubling; she simply hoped that Spike wouldn’t hurt her friend. After all, she’s looked out for Fluttershy since before she could remember, and she wasn’t going to stop now.

Meanwhile, Fluttershy had fallen atop her haunches, running R.D’s words over in her mind. Maybe she was right. Fluttershy hoped nothing more than things to go well tonight, and some luck would be useful, though preparation would certainly be in order. Spike was coming over this evening at eight, meaning that she had plenty of time to prepare, though she’d need to be sure to look her best.

“Uh. Rainbow Dash…”

Rainbow Dash lifted her head slightly with a consoling smile on her face. “Yeah, Flutts?”

“Can you help me… you know, get ready for tonight?”

There was a moment of complete silence, followed by an extremely exaggerated groan which almost sounded painful. Choosing not to respond with words, Rainbow Dash simply nodded and sunk back into the cushions.

Spike was leaning against a cabinet in the tree’s kitchenette, facing the lively Twilight Sparkle. It had been a long time, he thought, since he had seen Twilight in this state of bewilderment and excitement.

“Spike, today is great! We’ve got to get you ready. Oh, there are so many things that you must know!” As she finished her sentence, her horn sprang into action and dragged an obscure book out of one of the many shelves in the main room, pulling it through the door and into the kitchenette. “Here, this books fantastic. It has all kinds of instructions for the first da-”
“Twilight, I’m not so sure I should go through with this. Do you really think it’s fair on Fluttershy? I’ve never really gotten on with her like… that.” The dragon frowned, looking down at his feet.

Twilight stopped what she was doing and the book fell to the floor. She said nothing for a few moments, then immediately burst into action, stunning Spike slightly. “Look, Spike. Fluttershy is one of the most fantastic ponies – she’s caring, attentive, and sweet. Maybe none of us ever really saw the signs that she wanted anything to do with you, but what do you expect? It’s not like she’s very clear about her feelings, other than fright of course.” A radiant smile spread across the lavender unicorns face.

As Spike opened his mouth to retort, Twilight stole the opportunity and continued. “And besides, something was stopping you from speaking to Rarity properly, and maybe this experience will help you to find what that was if anything. I think this is a great opportunity, and it might end up working out for you!” Twilight’s smile began diminishing slightly, turning into a slightly raised frown. “I just hope one day I get the chance too, I could really use some company.”

Spike kicked off the counter he was against and walked slowly up to Twilight. He gently rapped his claws around her, proceeding to pull tightly. Twilight welcomed the embrace, and it lasted for a few moments. “Twilight, you’ll always have me. You’re my best friend!” Twilight grinned, letting go of the moment and looking out the window, smiling slightly still.

Spike swung the door to his bedroom open with a towel rapped around him. He proceeded to dry himself off quickly; not a difficult procedure for a dragon who can adjust his body temperature within a matter of seconds. The anticipation for the upcoming date was beginning to set in, and thoughts began to flood his mind; regardless, he tried his best to concentrate in order to get there in good time.

Spike found a nice suit which he’d bought in Canterlot for Shining Armour’s wedding (much to Rarity’s disgust, although he was glad that she didn’t remember he had a fitting suit when he visited her shop the day before.) He delicately adorned the suit upon himself, being careful not to ruin the delicate ironing that he had done earlier; warming up an iron using his magical fire was not entirely practical.

Spike tied and straightened a neat red bowtie which he’d had for years. He slipped his feet into a pair of shoes, which he particularly disliked. Shoes weren’t exactly common in Ponyville, and it always took him a while to get used to wearing them.
As Spike felt ready, he stepped outside the door of his bedroom. As soon as he did so, he heard the violent stomping of hooves against the stairs, descending to him. Twilight looked over him, grinning. “Spike, you look fantastic!”

Spike blushed slightly, nervously walking forward while scratching his arm. “Eh, thanks, Twi. I should probably get going if I want to get to Fluttershy on time, though…”

“Oh, time! You need to go now, go go go!”

“Uh, yeah. I’ll see you later!” Before allowing the situation to become any more awkward, Spike proceeded to step outside the house. The sun was beginning to set and it was becoming slightly colder, making him glad that he was wearing a suit jacket.

The walk to Fluttershy’s house was easy, as it was only a short distance. As opposed to having to go into Ponyville centre, all Spike had to do was go around and across the river. He only had scarce time to think to himself.

First of all, he had always known that Fluttershy had been passionately interested in him, but not in the respect that she now revealed. The fact that he was a dragon clearly intrigued her, but it made no difference to the simple fact that he had never noticed her liking. For that matter, though, neither had Twilight – perhaps she only confided in Rainbow Dash all along.

At that point in time, it really made no difference to Spike, for either way – he found himself standing before the door to her cottage. Smoke was ascending from the chimney atop the thatched roof, indicating that somebody was home.

Spike paused for a minute before frigidly knocking against the wooden door. In a matter of moments, it swung open to reveal something that Spike wasn’t prepared for.

Fluttershy stood before him in a dress similar to that which she wore to the Gala. Her hair was curled neatly at the tips, allowing it to gently fall over her face. She wore delicate shoes over her hooves and a necklace representing her cutie mark. Her face was lightly blushed and she looked, as expected, nervous – but most notably, rather beautiful.

“Wow, Fluttershy, you look… Wow.” Spike said, completely dazed by the turn of events.

Fluttershy’s cheeks turned bright rouge as she slipped very subtly deeper into her hair. “You look great, too…”

In the moments that followed, there was an awkward period of silence while the two simply took in each other. Spike decided to be the first to speak out.

“So, should we… get going?”

“Uhm, yes, well, if that’s okay. Where are we going? Not that I mind…” The pony looked as though she was about to pass out from nervousness.

“Well, I thought we’d try ‘The Attic’, you may’ve heard of it. It’s just opened on the other side of town, it’s meant to be really cool!” Spike spoke while trying to display as much enthusiasm as possible, and truth be told – he was doing a pretty good job of it.

Fluttershy smiled and proceeded to walk alongside Spike, who instinctively set course for the restaurant. As Fluttershy shuffled alongside him, he could feel her warmth distinctly over the cold, making him want to move closer, although he didn’t want to make too much of an advance.

As the two walked across the bridge and gradually entered the business district of the town, only a few ponies were about – obviously most of the shops had closed now as the sun was nearly completely invisible. Those who were about, however, looked at the couple perplexedly; clearly curious as to what was going on. Regardless, Spike was contempt that nobody had approached them.

As the two passed the still energetic town fountain, the most unfortunate thing occurred for Spike – Rarity chose this opportunity to walk past. As she came close enough to recognise the two, a look of pure astonishment overcame her.

“Darlings, what is the occasion? Am I due somewhere or is something occurring which I simply have forgotten? I’ve been so very busy lately…”

“Oh, no, Rarity. Spike and I are going on a date.” Fluttershy smiled a smile which was enough to melt even the coldest of hearts.

In response, Rarity was completely silent. Eventually, she gathered the strength to push some words out. “Oh. That’s simply wonderful! How did that come about exactly?”

“Well, Fluttershy asked me out! Kind of untraditional, but who cares? Hah.” Spike felt as though he was caught between two rocks, almost breaking a sweat from the pressure he felt he was under.

With some diligence, Rarity found herself to continue. “Well, that is simply wonderful; I hope you two have the best of time. I, uh, have some things to… attend to, yes. Best of luck!” As soon as Rarity finished her sentence, she broke into a slow trot in order to get away as quickly and discretely as possible.

As Rarity reflected, she felt concerned. What had driven her to react in that way? It couldn’t have possibly been to do with Spike. He had always wanted to be with her secretly and she was fully aware of that, but she never really thought she could feel the same way. Spike didn't even show that he wanted to be with her like he once did anymore, anyway. Shouldn’t a mare of her class be dating gentlecolts? She had never really felt genuine feelings for Spike, what a ludicrous thought.

…Or had she?

Spike was surprised. Main course had already passed, and in his case, a specially prepared gemburger. It wasn’t the gourmet food that surprised him, however – it was actually how great Fluttershy’s company was when she gets used to talking to you.

“-So then Angel came in, dragging mud all over my floor, and pointed straight to Rainbow Dash. She went bright red so quickly!” Both Fluttershy and Spike began laughing together, smiling and looking each other directly in the eye.

Once Fluttershy had finished her meal, she left a hoof on the table. Spike decided to use the opportunity to place his claw around it, smiling amiably. Spike had never really taken time to appreciate the physical appeal that Fluttershy had going; she had long and beautiful hair, with a gentle face and striking eyes, not to mention the adorable wings fluffed behind her back (although at this point, they were obviously concealed).

At this point, the snooty waiter came along. As he picked up the plates, he looked behind. “Is there anything I can get you, sir?” Spike looked towards Fluttershy, though she gently shook her head. “No, I think we’re fine. We’d just like to pay, please.”

Outside, the two began to walk towards Fluttershy’s cottage.

“Wow, it seems to be getting colder. I’ll probably need to move some of the animals inside tomorrow if it continues like this.” Spike looked over at the mare, noticing that she was shivering. He decided to remove his jacket and place it atop her. Fluttershy giggled slightly. “A bit cliché, but thank you…” She blushed, gently advancing on Spike by trying to lower his head against his body. This gesture, much to her relief, went appreciated.

As the two eventually reached the cottage, Fluttershy began to make her way inside. While in the doorway, she turned to face Spike.

“Uhm, goodnight I suppose, Spike…” She said, looking directly into his eyes. Spike slowly approached her, gently placing his arms around her and squeezing tightly. Much to his surprise, as he began to retreat, Fluttershy leant forward and pecked him on the lips, her cheeks immediately turning to a shade of bright rouge.

Fluttershy quickly closed the door, leaving Spike to make his way home. Generally, Spike thought, things went pretty well. If anything, he thought that this could better allow him to understand mares, and it certainly had that effect. Spike sighed contemptuously, remembering how he would be quizzed dramatically as soon as he walked through the front door. Right now, though, he felt like he could just fall onto his bed.

Author's Note

Fans,

I finished this chapter off quite late, so I'm hoping there aren't too many visible mistakes/issues. Enjoy!

Any queries or otherwise issues spotted within the chapter, please drop me a private message.

Thanks