“Explain to me how you honestly think keeping a wild animal, which no one has any knowledge of, is a good idea?” Twilight was pacing the room as we awaited the reply from Princess Celestia. It was a simple letter asking if there were any violations if I were to keep the small pup. I did make it a point to Spike that we add 'pup' to the letter, so that I could play it to her female instincts.
“It’s simple, you’re imagining a full grown wolf but it’s a puppy Twilight. It probably can’t even defend itself in the Everfree if it needed to. I want to raise it because I think it was abandoned.” I stared at her from the same spot when I attempted to get her attention. Spike was sitting on the steps and was just watching us, though I locked eyes with him for a moment and he seemed sympathetic.
“You don’t understand, do you? Timber wolves live in the Everfree forest; Nopony is going to easily accept such a pet. Most of the time ponies avoid going near the forest; and for you to have a creature that lives there for a pet will mean you’ll be more of an outcast than you already are!” Her tone was pleading, and if it weren’t for me having seen the pup before, she really would’ve had me convinced to give up on the idea. Though after having seen Fluttershy so excited over it, I had the will to try and see where this would go.
“I appreciate you looking out for me. In truth I couldn’t ask for a better care-taker than you Twilight, but the truth is I have to try. Would you ask me to abandon an animal that young?” Damn, I really didn’t mean to turn the tables back on her. It just felt as though she were backing me into a corner with the conversation. I started to curse and berate myself as I saw her staring at me wide-eyed, obviously thinking of a response.
Spike however decided to intervene, blasting a green flame that tickled my cheeks as it danced dangerously close. Thank the Princess for small miracles; though I had to wonder if Spike intentionally burped his flame that close to my face. “Well I guess our arguing is done. Let’s see what the Princess says Twilight. Spike, would you do the honors?”
Clearing his throat Spike addressed both me and Twilight.
“To Siegfried,
Thank you for asking me first on this sensitive matter. It is my belief that with your arrival the locals of Ponyville are learning of your characteristics. I would welcome the idea of you showing them you are capable of a huge responsibility; that being the first ever caretaker of a timber wolf. To the residents of Ponyville the timber wolves are an unknown element, one who only journey to the edge of the Everfree forest at the time of a special harvest season.
It is my wish that you be given this task which will be the proof to Ponyville that you are capable of living among them. Perhaps you could even show us how to coexist with the timber wolves so that we do not trespass in to their territory. Perhaps even domesticate a few so that we could learn even more of their kind. Please be prepared for a small visit from me in two days’ time. I for one would love to see this small creature with my own eyes.
Sincerely,
Princess Celestia”
A satisfying grin crossed my face; I knew emphasizing puppy would work in my favor. After rolling up the scroll Spike looked to us both and began to slump his shoulders. For the briefest of moments I did not understand why he looked depressed. This was his Princess, who was coming to visit. Wouldn’t he be happy or even overjoyed to see her? It wasn’t until I looked over to Twilight that I finally understood the reason for his sour mood. Twilight was breathing heavily and her eyes looked to the floor in a high amount of concentration.
“Twilight?”
“The princess is coming here?! To Ponyville, no… to my home?!To see a puppy?! Spike! We have to clean this library up from top to bottom! We only have two days to prepare for the Princess’ arrival, and I don’t want her to think we’re unable to keep our own home clean!”
Ah, that would be why Spike looked so glum, he knew his fate before he even finished reading the letter. Now he was stuck with clean-up duty and I’m sure that Twilight would want even the books to shine after he was done. I started to think of an excuse or I’d be resigned to the same fate.
“You know technically, my job with Fluttershy is finished. I probably should start looking for a new job out in Ponyville.” Please be too busy to notice, please, please.
“I understand Ziggy. However I’m sure Spike would love the help, and I think it would be nice of you to start earning your keep around here. So do you think you can help me and Spike with this small favor? After all you are the reason the Princess is coming to Ponyville.”
Wait, did she just… did she just con me? Staring at her for a moment it became apparent she was not joking or being sarcastic. Oh crap, I forgot about that angle didn’t I? She’s got me by the metaphorical balls now. Damn you Twilight Sparkle, why you gotta be so damned smart?
Grumbling something under my breath about ponies being too intelligent for their own damned good, I set to work with Spike on a plan of action. Three hours later and we were done with most of the work when a knock at the door caught our attention. Twilight was down in her lab and I could tell that Spike was eager for a break. Deciding to get the door myself I told him to just cool his claws and wait for me.
Arriving at the door I noticed it was unlocked and wondered why anyone would be knocking. My answer was a vision of familiar pink and yellow. “Fluttershy? I thought you would be home resting? Is something wrong?”
She nervously looked at me and then produced something from under her wing. I heard a small jingle of bits as it was placed on the ground. “I’m sorry; I forgot to give you the rest of your pay. I was just so… nervous earlier and, well you know. I didn’t forget but I was just really not sure how to come after I slammed the door in your face. I didn’t mean—“
I raised a hand signaling her to stop. “Hey, I told you it was fine. I… liked you hugging me earlier.” Ah jeez, just admit you like a pony you idiot. Herself in particular, though some of her friends did have me turn my head too. “Listen, Fluttershy… I appreciate you watching the little guy for me. I still have to think of a name for him later.”
“Oh, it’s fine. I like animals a lot. He seems to get along with angel bunny really well. The two of them were even playing when I left.” Now that was surprising to me. That the little hare from hell could even like another animal. Though I suppose it just didn’t like me. “So, thank you for watching my little animal friends. Most of them have told me nothing but good things about you. I also heard some of the birds liked to pull pranks on you, I’m sorry about that. They do it in good fun.”
One incident in particular stuck out in my mind. One of the woodpeckers thought it would be funny to imitate someone knocking on the front door with its infernal beak. “Honestly, it was kinda fun for me too. I had no idea that any of them had a sense of humor.”
“Well, I should be getting back now. Thank you again, if I ever need you to watch them again can I ask you to do it for me?”
I swallowed a lump that formed in my throat. The idea of being called on sent shivers down my spine. Trying to calm myself I nervously answered her. “Sure Fluttershy. You can call on me for anything whenever you want.” Her smile could make a snowman melt and die happily. Thank the heavens I ain’t no snowman. She waved to me and I suddenly realized I was letting opportunity slip. “Wait a second Fluttershy!”
She leapt in the air for a moment and turned looking at me with a small fright in her eyes. “Y-Yes?”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. I, uh, I wanted to ask if you were free sometime, uh… next week?” I tried to ignore the sound of my heart beating in my ears. My pace was becoming more rapid and my nervousness was creeping in to my voice.
“I-I’m free tomorrow if it’s important, why?” Oh damn, too short notice. I wanted more time to prepare but I’ll take what I can get.
“Could… ahem, Could I treat you to dinner?” Simple, keep it simple and play it cool.
“Like… a date?”
Screw cool! Danger levels rising! “I… uh, I guess. Yea, I guess I am asking you out on a date.” Keep it together man!
Suddenly her eyes turned serious to me and all of my attention was directed at her. “C-Could I ask, why?”
“Why? What do you mean, Fluttershy?”
“Why are you asking me out?” Ah, that why. I thought carefully on my answer. I didn’t want to just say I was infatuated and believe she would understand it as simple as that. I wanted to tell her why I became infatuated. Why I wanted to ask her out.
“To be honest, I think I’m in love with you; Or rather falling in love with you. I know that it doesn’t make sense, and I don’t expect it to. I’ve never met anyone back home who would make me so worked up like you do, and to be honest I like that. Every gesture you make, every look you give me sends shivers through me. I’m excited when you’re happy, I like trying to be there for you when you ask me to, and I want to get to know you more.”
That look she gave me, I almost swear I had done something wrong. Time seemed to slow around me as the words she said next would feel like the heaviest impact I had ever taken.
“I-I’m sorry. I can’t. I appreciate your feelings, and I think you’re a wonderful… was it human? I-I just can’t date anyone right now. I’m really sorry.” She was gone before I even noticed.
I’m not sure how long I was just staring at the ground, however when I felt Spike poke my leg softly I looked down to him confused. “I heard what happened. Sorry, I didn’t mean to overhear but you were taking a while and I came to see what happened. You’ve got more nerve than I do, if Rarity rejected me… I don’t know what I’d do. Sorry Ziggy, I wish I knew what to say but the only thing I can think of is: tough break.”
Taking a deep breath I lifted my head up and looked forward not focusing on any particular thing. “You know, my life is nothing but tough breaks. I think I’m used to it. Still, I should’ve known better than to think a pony would be accepting of being involved with me on a romantic level. We’ve got work to do, c’mon Spike.”
With that, we both wordlessly entered the tree we called home and set to work on cleaning the place so it would be fit enough for a Princess.