Inspired by fanart from artist Banshee42ru. Set a few years after (the current point in) the series, the story follows the relationship of Spike and Apple Bloom. Their young love takes a serious turn when she finds herself pregnant with a half-dragon, half-pony foal. How will their family and friends react, and what will this halfbreed child mean for them and Equestrian society as a whole?

NOTE: Someone sent this to Equestria Daily without asking me, and while I don't really mind this first time, the fact that they work on a three-strike system means that I'd prefer anyone else who wishes to do so hold off for the time being. Thanks!

After a long day of work, Spike shares an intimate moment with Rarity that sparks a budding relationship. Together, the two recover from tragedy and move toward an uncertain future and inevitable conclusion.

A short romance set several years after the conclusion of the series.

THE GREAT AND POWERFUL Trixie gets a baby dragon.

She lives in a wooden wagon.

You do the math.

After another failed attempt to ask Rarity out on a date, Spike finds a ruby which, supposedly, gives Dragons great power and courage. Of course, he eats it. But will his newfound courage become a blessing or a curse when things take an unexpected turn and old enemies return with more power?

Source

It has been five years since he first arrived in Ponyville, and Spike has grown both physically and emotionally. Yet even though he's remained infatuated with Rarity for so long, he's bottled up his feelings, until reality hits him, and his depression forces him to make certain decisions he may later come to regret. Now he must face reality, and all that it entails, including his own reflection, whether he likes it or not.

Spike's choices, however, affect not only him, but those closest to him as well. The six ponies he holds closest to his heart will bear witness to his suffering, and they themselves shall know love at its best...

And at its worst...

Rated Teen, because, just in case. Sometimes it's better to be safe rather than sorry. No sex or gore, just in case you were wondering.

Planned out and written previous to the airing of My Little Pony : Friendship is Magic Season 2 Episode 17. Special thanks to SocraticBrony for all the help and inspiration!

All characters belong to Hasbro and Lauren Faust and blah blah blah, whatever, but the story is MINE. If you'd like to share it, or whatever, I'd ask you to please ask for my permission first.

Spike orders a How-To guide book to win Rarity's heart. Will Spike be able to follow all the steps like a true gentlecolt? Will any of the steps actually work? And just what is Rarity looking for in her friendship with Spike, anyway?

Image by VanilleCream at DeviantArt (used by permission).

Totally awesome fanart by Multiversecafe found here: http://multiversecafe.deviantart.com/art/How-to-Woo-your-Lady-in-9-Easy-Steps-285329019

Stoic. Calm. Unflappable. And above all, Professional. These are attributes that the pianist Frederic Horseshoepin likes to pride himself on.

But sometimes it's difficult to stay professional. Frederic finds it difficult to maintain a veneer of stoicism when he has to deal with his own feelings. What can he do when he's in love with a mare that he cannot hope to have?

Rainbow Dash finally did it! A sonic rainboom on command! Except she also managed to break every window in Applejack's farmhouse in the process. Now she has to pay for each one, and with her wages from managing the weather not nearly enough to cover the damage, she has to work on Applejack's farm for two whole weeks!

Talk about cruel and unusual punishment. Still, maybe it wouldn't be all bad. At least she would get to hang out with her friend AJ right? Wrong.

5-star featured on Equestria Daily.

Sequel: http://www.fimfiction.net/story/4620/Breaking-Barriers