//------------------------------//
// Chapter 4 
// Story: A normal day 
// by willun 
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Spike looked up in time to see Pinkie Pie run after Fluttershy with a violet wig in her mouth and a saddle on her back. 'Fluttershy it works I promise. You will feel like a brand new pony. You just need to put on "the wig of confidence"!'

Spike ignored them in favor of cooking breakfast for the girls. It was one of the few times that all of the girls had not planned to meet up at the castle. They all naturally came for their own reasons. Rarity wanted more information about the library incident, Apple Jack wanted to know what happened to her missing barrel of cider. Something Spike wanted to give a healthy glare to Big McIntosh in thanks. Fluttershy had come to request permission for Discord to "stretch his legs" for an hour that afternoon. Pinkie Pie must have smelled Fluttershy's hesitation because she ran to the castle with a wig and a saddle full of who-knows-what announcing that Fluttershy needed her. That just left Rainbow Dash. 

Spike stopped mixing the pancake batter and looked over to Rainbow Dash who sat at the table looking amused at Pinkie Pie. 'Why are you here Rainbow Dash?'

Rainbow Dash just smiled.

'I'm just here for a free meal!' she answered without a hint of remorse.

Spike laughed in spite of himself and went back to pouring pancakes on the pan. The girls eventually settled down when the stack of pancakes was large enough to be passed around. Spike only had syrup for them but they all said thanks as they finished their meal. Twilight led a stuttering Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie outdoors to talk to Discord. Spike felt more than saw Rarity and Apple Jack wait for him while he finished washing the dishes. Again it was Rainbow Dash he was most curious about since she still sat there finishing her pancakes and belched happily rubbing her full belly.

Rainbow saw him looking and answered with a wide grin, 'I am just waiting to see what Apple Jack does to you.'

Spike sighed and closed his eyes in exasperation. He continued to was the dishes and dry them one at a time. It felt odd making others wait but he had to finish this now, or he would not get the dishes done until much later. His day was busy enough as it was.
Spike turned to the girls and looked at both Rarity and Apple Jack. Rarity looked patient and smiled at him. Apple Jack squinted her eyes and gave an impatient huff.

Apple Jack first then. 'Alright Apple Jack what did I do this time?'

Rainbow Dash grinned wider as Apple Jack huffed through her nose. 'I had saved a barrel of our best cider for my aunt who just announced she planned to visit us soon. She is a tough customer and had never approved of me running Apple Acres without a strong husband.'

Spike, Rarity and Rainbow Dash all looked at her. She was too angry to be flustered and plowed through the blush that was beginning to flush her cheeks. 'Suffice it to say, I don waste no time looking for a colt when there has been work to get done. I had hoped that showing how well our cider tradition was being held, she would leave me be. Big Mac just told me this morning that he had lost it in a bet. I'm not even going to tell you what I did to him for betting my barrel on a hoofball game.' 

Spike rolled back on his heels while observing her. After a second but knowing there was more to the story that peaked his curiosity, Spike moved over to the cabinet and opened up the storage unit. Inside was her untouched cider barrel. Spike was disappointed that he had to give it back but he understood that the barrel was important to her. 

'I had not even touched it Apple Jack. I'm sorry. I didn't know he bet something that was not his.'

Apple Jack sighed in relief and placed a hoof on the barrel. The shade of desperation was still there when she looked between the barrel and Spike. 'Thank you Spike. I was mighty worried when Big Mac said he had given it to you earlier this week. All it would have taken was for Pinkie Pie to call a party for the castle and there it would go.'

Spike looked at Apple Jack blankly. The girl still needed to talk to someone. Spike gave an apologetic smile to Rarity before he offered, 'I will carry it for you. I am sorry Rarity, do you mind if I just come by your shop later this afternoon?'

'If it is not much of a bother Spike. We have not chatted since your help at my boutique.' 

Spike smiled and nodded before he knelt to lift the barrel over his shoulder. He turned to the three girls and patted the barrel securely on his shoulder. Applejack led the way to her home. She had calmed down considerably but Spike did not try to chat her up as they left the castle. Behind them Rarity sighed at the same time Rainbow Dash moaned in disappointment.

'I was still hoping to see something interesting with the way Apple Jack marched into town. You would have thought she was going to war.' Rainbow Dash sniffed.

Rarity hmm'ed aloud as they both got out of their seats and left the castle. 'Don't let Apple Jack fool you. I did not know what happened with her aunt, however bumping heads with her over the past year, she only brings up her aunt in the grimmest of circumstance. I honestly don't know the mare's name. She was always just "Apple Jack's aunt". It makes me feel uneasy considering how close she is to her brother, sister and grandmother.'

Rainbow Dash raised her eyebrows. It was more than what she had heard. Rainbow Dash only had a vague idea about Apple Jack's home life but not much beyond she had a large family.

On the path beyond Ponyville Spike felt thirty minutes was long enough for the mare to tell him what really bothered her. 

'Your aunt makes you that nervous?'

Apple Jack nodded. Her canter slowed slightly to turn her head to Spike. She looked at the dragon. 'More than nervous. She is a real piece of work. Granny Smith does what she can to protect me and Big Mac. But we know we have been protected our whole lives. I can't rely on her do to it this time. Not when she is getting slower this past year. It will be a victory if we can just make her recognize us as adults and not little foals with a crazy granny. You are usually good with strangers. Do you have any ideas?' 

Spike chuckled. This is always why he appreciated Apple Jack. He could trust Apple Jack to see him as he is. 'You could always just talk to her how you talk to me. You believing yourself as her equal should always help.' The two slowly walked up the hill that cut off apple Acres from Ponyville. 'You were never mad about the barrel of cider were you?'

Apple Jack had the decency to blush at Spikes observation. 'I had given that barrel to Big Mac ages ago. Just receiving that letter from my aunt did put me in a right state this morning. I had originally come to beg for it back. But I think I built up steam as I walked over. One barrel really won't make a difference to her if she has her mind set. But it is not like she would just choose a colt for me. Its more the disapproval. Granny Smith seems fine with it, but my aunt hosts five ranches and could convince enough people that we need help and just have people take over. And I know that I- ' Apple Jack stopped when she realized she kept talking and closed her mouth and looked down. She exhaled and could not look at Spike when she added 'It was not my intention to come and ask for help...'

'Apple Jack.' Spike slowed to a halt and Apple Jack slowed down and turned to the dragon. The barrel hit the ground with a soft thud. They were still a ways from Apple Acres and the sun was still an hour before noon. Spike looked around both to the orchard in front of him and the town behind him. Apple Jack followed the gaze and smiled at what she saw. When she turned back to Spike, the dragon was sitting on the barrel and at eye level. Spike had her attention and smiled encouragingly at her.

'Apple Jack, you love it here. No one can take that away from you. Not your aunt, not any of the rest of your family. I met at least half of them remember? They would want nothing but the best for you. What does it matter that someone wants to change your life. You have time and you are using the best of it now to have a better future for everypony. Just remember all of that when you talk to her. You are equals remember?'

Apple Jack kept her smile and looked back to Ponyville. It saddened for a moment.

'She is old fashioned Spike. I can argue but she always had that air of authority. Even if the family didn't like it, they would listen to her. She always thought mares should be caring for the home and being the host, not being in front of the plows and the last to leave the barn.' Apple Jack sighed as she tucked her hat over her eyes. 'It was- My father was the same way. I don't know what I would be if my parents were alive.'

Spike gave her a sympathetic smile. 'Apple Jack, there is no use thinking about it now.' After a moment, 'So what are you going to do about Arlet?'

Apple Jack paused at the mention of her aunts' name. The mare swore quietly to herself. "Big Mac can't keep his maw shut.'

Spike smiled before jumping off the barrel and lifting it up. 'And you are thankful for it. It's good to hear the same things from two different people Apple Jack. It's affirmation. Just because I heard Mac's opinion does not automatically mean I am parroting what he says. Think about your parents, but don't let those memories be tainted by your aunt. I really think you have done an amazing job with the farm. Arlet Apple should see it too.'

Apple Jack took a moment before she was able to raise her hat above her eyes again. 'Thanks Spike.'

The two resumed their walk down to the orchard. 'So.. When is your Aunt coming?'

'In three weeks.'

'Think she would accept an escort from the train to Apple Acres?'

Apple Jack smiled and laughed lightly. 'She would. Thank you Spike.'

'You know I would do anything for you girls.' Apple Jack truly smiled to that.

Spike shared some time with the Apples. The conversations stayed clear of the letter the family had received that morning. Right before Spike was about to head out he asked Apple Jack. 'How is Apple Bloom? All three crusaders still seemed shocked last night.'

Apple Jack smiled. 'Apple Bloom at least seemed more upset that she should sit back when something is happening. In a sense I think she feels like her group is the next generation of adventuring ponies. I think you are the first to really shake that vision.'

Spike smiled. He wondered how his talk to Rarity would go. 'We'll I am about to head over to Rarity's, do you need me to relay anything to her?'

'Nothing comes to mind. Although if my sister is there tell her to come home.' Spike nodded before he started running up the road at a brisk pace back to town. Carrying the barrel had really slowed down the trip to Apple Acres. He wanted to make up the lost time to visit Rarity. Spike exhaled through his nose thinking about that old topic. He picked up the pace as he started down the hill towards town. Another friend was waiting for him.

Spike slowed to a trot as he entered town. His pace moved him past several blocks with a polite nod to a few ponies who waved hello. He slowed down to a walk when he came to the last block. The path ended at the steps of Rarity's boutique. 

Spike could hear the crusaders squeal in laughter as he approached Rarity's home. He chose to ignore the front door and walked around to the back. Spike paused and observed the three foals, each with a cape on their back. It looked like they had taken to grabbing another spool of cloth from Rarity's store. 

'I hope Rarity gave permission for you to use that.' All three girls jumped and screamed at the unexpected visitor. Spike looked back at the three impassively. He was more curious what they were making. Wavy lines and a circle were cut from an orange cloth. The white cloth they were currently using had shapes in the form of... 

'Clouds? Is this for your report?' Spike asked as he walked closer while the girls took their time to calm down.

'Yep! We are making a poster for our presentation.' Declared Scootaloo. She gave the dragon a cheerful wave even as her other hoof was pointing to an image she had found in the book Spike handed to her the night before. 'We are getting an early start since we wanted to be the first to present to the class.'

'Good to hear you are all making progress. Sorry to interrupt your work girls. Apple Bloom, your sister said she wants you to come home. She has to talk to you about a family member who is going to visit.' Apple Bloom perked at the news. She had always loved it when family came to visit. It was no different now as she gave a cheer. Spike watched her pack and leave shortly there after. He wondered if Apple Bloom ever met Arlet Apple before. Spike turned back to the two remaining crusaders. He felt his chest tighten and his breathe hitched.

'Is Rarity inside Sweetie Belle?'

Sweetie Belle exchanged looks with Scootaloo before replying. 'Yes she is Spike. She would be in the attic right now. She is looking for an old pile of magazines from a few years ago. I think she was looking for inspiration for something.'

Spike thanked the two girls and turned to go inside. After he left, Scootaloo sighed and rubbed her head. Sweetie Belle scratched the dirt with a delicate hoof. 

'Sweetie Belle, you see it too right?'

'Yeah. I do. That is so...' She stopped before saying anything else. She watched Spike through the window as he made his way upstairs. 'I still don't know how I feel about all of it.'

Scootaloo patted her friend on the shoulder with her wing. 'Let's get this cleaned up and go play. I don't think we are going to make any progress with Apple Bloom gone. She would be sad if she wasn't here to put together the poster.'  

Spike could hear Rarity mutter to herself as he walked up the stairs. He smiled as he got to the top stair and saw her head deep in an old chest with several stacks of year old books, catalogs and magazines scattered around her. 

'Need a break Rarity?'

Rarity curiously lifted her head out of the chest and looked to the stairs to see Spike. 'Spikey! I was ready to believe you would be over at Apple Jack's all day.' She tossed her mane about to have it rest correctly. 

'I almost did. We had a good long talk.'

Rarity gave Spike a sympathetic smile believing he had a rough morning. 'I am sure you did. Lets go down and get some refreshment. Did you eat already?'

'Yes, but if you have not, I'll happily sit with you and drink some tea.'

The girls could be heard below them as they thudded in the house. Just as quickly as their steps sounded in the house, they left again, running back out side to play. Spike just caught the sight of Scootaloo closing the door on the way out.

'Good to see them in high spirits. Scootaloo looked down yesterday when I dropped her off.' 

Rarity murmured in agreement. 'They all seemed to be in high spirits this afternoon after school. So I think they had resolved any reservations they have had about the library incident. I wanted to talk to you about Sweetie Belle but that little issue seemed to have calmed down for which I am thankful.'

Rarity looked around her cold box for what she would eat. A head of lettuce and a bowl of cold vegetables floated to the table. The pony went to the cabinet and started rummaging around again.

Spike stood next to Rarity, taking the things she took out of the cupboard and placed them on the table. It looked like she was making a sandwich for herself. Spike planted one hand on the counter and hopped up to grab her a plate before she could reach for it. 

Spike grinned at her amused look. 

The two had settled into a comfortable routine they had done for over a year. Spike started boiling water and grabbed the tea leaves while Rarity floated the cups from the high cupboard to the table. They occasionally had to invade each other's personal space. The kitchen was small and the table took up most of the room. 

Rarity busied herself with making the sandwich as Spike blew a flame to quickly boil the water. With the tea kettle whistling he poured two cups of hot water into cups and set down the kettle on a metal grate that sat in the middle of the table. 

Spike sat back as he stirred his tea infuser with his claw. It was a small stirrer with just enough room to pack in a clump of dried tea leaves. He took one sip and sighed. After a calm relaxing look at his cup he looked up to Rarity who giggled.

'Spikey. I wanted to talk to you for a while now, we have not a proper chat since you took it on yourself to set up my stage for the mid-day extravaganza. Thank you again for your help. I am sorry for not being able to get anyone else to help you.' Rarity frowned at the memory. Spike recalled she could not find any help to hire and was only able to pull off the event because he volunteered to set up the stage singlehandedly. 

'I knew how important it was going to be for you. You know Twilight would have gone too if she could.'

'I know she would. But Celestia needed her. I would never begrudge anyone including you if you could not have helped Spike.' Rarity sipped her tea and pushed back her plate. Her sandwich was mostly eaten. She started peeling an orange with her magic before she set it down and looked to Spike.

'Spike, thank you for helping my sister. She described a few of the times you helped her when I was not around. I am relieved there is someone there for her when I can not be. Just as you have been there for me.'

Spike found himself chuckling. He had been thinking it more often. Spike looked right at her before saying, 'Anything for my girls Rarity.'

Spike poured himself more hot water to make tea. After he sat back down to stir his tea he saw Rarity look at him in surprise, her mouth shaped in an "oh". 

Spike laughed aloud at the look. 'Is it that weird that I would think of you all as mine? I'm a dragon. I may not be greedy nor do I need a horde gems and gold, but still I have my treasure. All of you are my friends and there is no replacing any of you.'

'Oh Spikey Wikey!" 

Rarity smiled and blinked away the mist that may have formed around her eyes before walking around the table and hugging the dragon. Spike hugged her back and leaned into her neck and mane. After a moment, he pushed back his friend and looked at her. She giggled.

'Look at me, my make up must be a sight.'

Spike rubber her cheek as the make-up ran down her face. 'You look as beautiful as the first day I saw you.'