Hackalot Spark is not really romantic...but one pony decides to change all that.
Hackalot Spark is a massive nerd. He's the owner of the Local Ponyville Arcade...and owns a underground house right under the arcade! He's not really a romantic person, as he's just to shy to talk to girls....However after meeting a certain Animal Loving pony, he tries to get the nerve to talk to her..., with the help of some of his friends will he manage to talk to her? Only time will tell...
Hey everypony! This is my first story and it sparked (see what I did there) from what I would do when I was bored...which was talk to myself as if I was my OC...point is I hope you enjoy the story and let's see...if sparks fly.
Business As Usual
It's a normal day at the arcade. I'm in my office checking out the latest video game trends as well as trying to keep my business running. It's not easy but I know how to do it. I'm known as a genius in the Tech and Video Game world according to some of these ponies. Sometimes when I'm bored I like to get out of my office and interact with the customers. Even give some free games here and there. Because I love what I do. I like to see the Regulars here for instance some of the Kids from Ms. Cherilee's class love to come here and play my games...and I let them, They're kids! Running the Ponyville Arcade is kinda tough...but you know what's tougher...trying to run 2 Arcades at once while your trying to build another one. Yes, I run the Canterlot Arcade and it's very successful, I run the Ponyville Arcade that also stores my underground house (more on that later) and I'm trying to run a Cloudsdale Arcade...however we're having problems getting the machines up there.
Like I said before, The Ponyville Arcade houses my underground house. It's only accessible through a certain machine when I punch in a secret code. I've never really had any company come over for a visit...due to the nature of my Autism I'm not really that sociable. It's true, somedays I just stay in my office when everypony's having fun...and when I come out I only say a few words to some of the ponies and then I go. It's nothing bad it's just business as usual. I rarely see any fillies come in to my arcade but when I do they're way younger than me..I can't help it, most fillies my age aren't into video games. But I usually get the occasional visit from Her Majesty Princess Celestia, She just drops by to check on the progress of my businesses and then leaves. I get that she's busy. Ever since last week she stopped visiting me because of some business with one of her students. Not surprising at all if I might add.
So there you have it. I understand if it's not much of what I'm like but...it's worth it. Hopefully one of these days I'll strike up the nerve to talk to a fillie that will steal my heart. Until then...I guess it's back to business as usual.
So it was just another day in the arcade...The kids from Ms. Cherille's class came over to play some games and even Ms. Cherilee herself came to visit and ask me if I could speak at her class about my business. I happily agreed because it would give me an excuse to get out of the house...which I desperately need. Mrs. Cherille left and most of the class went with her. I was happy to see that kids love to visit my arcade and have fun, but as I was looking out the door I saw her...That flowing pink mane...the butterflies for a cutie mark...she made my heart melt. I was in love. Not the love like you love your favorite video game...like true love. I couldn't help myself I wanted to talk to her...but I was to shy to get my hoof out the door. She walked on by without even noticing me...but she managed to make it into my memory. Without hesitation I called up an old friend of mine, Shining Armor, I knew he could help me because I saw him get married to Princess Cadence. If he couldn't help me I don't know who would... So I pick up my cell and call Shining Armor:
[Shining Armor]: Hello?
[Me]: Shining Armor? It's Hackalot.
[Shining Armor]: Dude! It's been a while! How are ya buddy?
[Me]: Great. Business is booming. But I need your help.
[Shining Armor]: Sure man what do you need?
[Me]: There's this filly that I kinda have a crush on...
[Shining Armor]: Dude That's awesome who is it? Did you catch her name?
[Me]: No. I just know what she looks like. She's yellow with a pink mane and 3 butterflies for a Cutie Mark.
[Shining Armor]: Spark that's Fluttershy! You've got the hots for Fluttershy!
[Cadence in the background]: Who are you talking to?
[Shining Armor]: It's Hackalot Spark! My old friend!
[Cadence in the Background]: Oh Spark! How is he?
[Shining Armor]: He's great! He has the hots for Fluttershy but he doesn't have the guts to talk to her.
[Me]: Gee Shining Armor...Thanks for explaining that to your wife.
[Shining Armor]: Sorry man, I'm just trying to explain everything to her.
After a while we started to talk about how I could talk to her. He gave me ideas as well as Cadence...I took notes and listened to every word. Well, not every word because we ran off topic a few times...it was just Cadence wanting to know if Shining Armor wanted anything for Lunch and he answered. Point is he gave me some great advice as well as Cadence because I needed something from a Fillies point of view. Now that I had what I needed...it was time for action. Wish me luck everypony.
As I began my search for Fluttershy I noticed that there was a lot of action going on around City Hall. I went to see what was going on and try to find her but to no avail. I tried looking at SugarCube Corner and the Cakes told me that she hasn't been there, I looked in the Everfree Forest to no luck, I even searched Sweet Apple Acres and I asked Big Mac if he's seen her; he responded with a big Nope. Unfortunately it was getting late and I was running out of time. As I went home out of the corner of my eye I recognized a old friend of mine from long ago; a little purple and green dragon. For some reason he noticed me and ran right up to me! "Hackalot!" he said with a big smile, "Where have you been?! I've missed you so much!" He hugged me and I tried to remember who he was...lo and behold I remembered clearly that he was Spike! "Spike! I missed you too! How's Twilight?" I said with a grin. "She's great! She's been busy reading books and stuff like that, But man is it great to see you! Are you busy?" I said "No not at all! I've been working at the arcade for a while and It's closed, I was just about to head home! Why?" This made Spike fill with excitement, "Man you've gotta come over and visit Twilight! She'll be mega-happy to see you! Come on!". As I followed Spike some of my memories came back to me in weird flashes, I was a dragonsitter before I moved to Ponyville to continue my business. I would always take Spike to the Arcade to have some fun while Twilight was busy. Before she moved to Ponyville she knew me quite well, we would always have a little book club on the weekends and she was also my magic tutor...yes I sucked at magic.
When we arrived at Twilight's house Spike told me to wait at the door. So I did and I was patient, but then I saw her again...out of the corner of my eye I found Fluttershy and she was with a bunny. When I saw her the bunny saw me and gave me some sort of death stare, as if he was telling me something bad. So I looked back at Twilight's house and in just a few minutes Spike opened the door and told me to come in. "She's busy upstairs reading her last book for the day" Spike said with a smile. "It's no problem, I can wait" I said still thinking of Fluttershy and that Bunny she was with. Twilight came down from upstairs and for an instant she saw me and came to welcome me with open arms. I felt great; she actually remembered me! We started talking about what happened after we both left Canterlot and how she's Celestia's Apprentice and I'm just running a business. We enjoyed our little conversation and I showed her what I had learned about magic since she left. I showed her how I can repair Hard Drives, Computers, and even Game Consoles and Arcade Machines! She was impressed. I even told her about my little crush with Fluttershy. She laughed thinking that I was kidding, but after I told her I was serious she was in a state of shock. "But I thought you weren't into mares like her...she's, well, shy!" Twilight said. I told her how I reacted the first time I saw her and Twilight was amazed.
After our conversation I left and said goodbye to both Spike and Twilight. I went back to the arcade when I bumped into a Orange Cowpony with apples for a Cutie Mark. "Excuse me I'm really sorry" I said. "Ah it's no big deal! Just a accident. Do I know you?" She said looking at me. "No I'm new here. I'm Hackalot Spark. I run the Arcade here in Ponyville and in Canterlot" I said. "Well I'll be, Applebloom says she loves that arcade! I can't believe I'm meeting the owner! My name's AppleJack!" She said shaking my hoof. "Well it's nice to meet you, Applebloom is one of my favorite regulars! She loves playing Dance Dance Revolution! She's currently #2 on the Leaderboard...I still hold number one but with some practice she'll be able to dethrone me!" I said. "Well I'll be sure to tell her that Hackalot! You be careful now ya' hear?" She said with a smile. "I will AppleJack thank you!" I said walking towards the Arcade. It's amazing that already I'm now being introduced to some of the ponies here in Ponyville...I really need to get out of the office more often!
On the way back home I noticed a little note had been left on the Arcade Entrance. It looked like it had been written by little filly...only to my surprise I could actually read the thing.
Dear Whoever you are, If you think you have a chance with Fluttershy, you have another thing coming! She's mine and I am not giving her up so easily. If you want her you can try and come to her cottage but believe me...I won't even let you in! You are not going to get anywhere close to her as long as I'm around. So back off and find some other mare. Sincerely, Angel
At first I thought "Angel, weird name for a colt.", but then it hit me...That bunny that was giving me the death stare back at Twilight's house...That was probably Angel! For a minute I laughed because some bunny thinks that he's going to beat me up so easily...It's a bunny, he couldn't hurt a fly! So I threw away the note and went into my underground house for the night...
The next day I woke up only to find 5 mares knocking at the door of the Arcade. Two of which were Twilight and AppleJack, I let them in and the other mares started to introduce themselves:
[Pinkie Pie]: Hey Hackalot! I heard you were new here and I'm sorry I didn't bring the welcome wagon and a cake but that's ok because I'm here now and I'm so glad to see you!
[Rainbow Dash]: Hey I know you! You're trying to build an arcade in cloudsdale! How's that coming?
[Me]: Not so well...the machines won't stay up there! I know, I've tried!
[Rarity]: Hello Hackalot, I noticed you're looking quite casual yet you're running a huge business..why is that?
[Me]: Because it's more comfortable, and I like to show my clients that I'm relaxed and friendly.
[AppleJack]: That's what I do! Sweet Apple Acres has been like that for a while now! It's as if we started a business trend!
[Twilight]: Ok now that everyone is introduced I believe you have a bit of a crush on our friend Fluttershy am I right?
[Me]: Guilty as charged. My heart melts every time I see her...She's a...a...angel sent from heaven...or at least from Cloudsdale
[Rainbow Dash]: Well what's keeping you from talking to her?! Is it you're too scared?
[Me]: Well yes and no....you see I am scared...but there's something else...I have autism...
[Everypony]: What?! What's that?
[Me]: Autism is a mental disorder that refuses me from socializing well with other ponies...My case is High Functioning...where as I tend to be hyper like Pinkie Pie after a Sugar Party.
[Pinkie Pie]: Wow! You can get that hyper! That's awesome!
[Me]: To some it is, to most though...it's annoying...I basically don't know when to shut up...believe me it's never easy to be me.
[Rarity]: Wow Hackalot...That's tough...What can we do to help?
[Me]: I just don't know...wait....I just remembered! I got a ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala this weekend! This might be my chance!
[Twilight]: This is perfect! You can meet her in the garden and have a nice romantic night there! Don't you agree?
[Rarity]: I think that's your best idea yet! Hackalot I'll make sure to have you a suit that will blow her away!
[AppleJack]: Anything I can do to help?
[Twilight]: Applejack maybe you could let us use the barn as a restaurant for their date after the Gala?
[AppleJack]: Sure thing! I'll make sure to clean it out!
[Twilight]: Pinkie Pie, care to work on catering for the lovely couple?
[Pinkie Pie]: Okie Dokie Loki! I'll make some romantic treats!
[Twilight]: And I'll help set up the scenery! Rarity you mind getting Hackalot ready?
[Rarity]: Of course dear. Come Hackalot we got work to do!
[Rainbow Dash]: Hey what about me?
[Twilight]: Rainbow Dash could you get Fluttershy ready?
[Rainbow Dash]: On it!
After all was said and done I followed Rarity to her boutique to get a suit that would fit me and that would impress Fluttershy. She got all my measurements and made the suit within time to spare. I looked great, and I hoped that Fluttershy would think so too. I left the boutique, suit on my back, and left for the office. The Master Plan..was about to commence.
Using some of my vast knowledge of teleportation (or lack thereof) I manage to make it to the front gate of the Grand Galloping Gala. I looked to see if I could find Fluttershy or the others but to no avail. Luckily I get a call from Twilight and she says that they've hit a bump in the road and they're stuck! Without hesitation I tried to look for them. She told me that they were in a big Apple carriage so I thought that wouldn't be hard to find. Then I found them, in the middle of the road, stuck because one of their wheels had broke. I tried to fix it...but as I said before...I'm good with technology, not with wooden wheels. I gave it a shot and to my surprise I fixed the wheel and sent them on their way. Twilight saw me outside the carriage and offered me a ride to the Gala, I humbly accepted and got in. I saw everypony in their beautiful gown...but Fluttershy's gown really caught my eye. There was silence in the carriage until Pinkie Pie decided to break the silence by telling some jokes. They all were funny but I had my sights on Fluttershy and her beautiful gown. Both of us blushed at the sight of each other and most of the ponies in the carriage noticed.
At the gate of the Gala I handed in my ticket and so did everypony else that was with me. Twilight told me to get to the garden as fast as possible because Rarity wanted me to prepare for when Fluttershy got there. I made my way there trying to avoid traffic, and believe me there was a lot of traffic, to then make it to the garden before Fluttershy did. Luckily I made it and Fluttershy was no where in sight; I saw Rarity waiting for me and she told me that I needed to straighten up my suit. She fixed it and got a bouquet of flowers for me to give to Fluttershy. She finished setting up the decor just in time for Fluttershy to make her entrance into the garden. She looked spectacular in her gown, so much beauty flowing through her pink mane. I tried to contain myself and my confidence. Rarity introduced me to Fluttershy and we began talking.
[Rarity]: Well I'll leave you two love birds alone.
[Me]: Thanks Rarity.
[Fluttershy]: Um...Hi Hackalot.
[Me]: H-h-h-h-hi Fluttershy...*gulp*
[Fluttershy]: Are you ok?
[Me]: Um....yea...just dandy!
-I adjust my tie as the sweat was pouring down my face-
[Fluttershy]: You seem nervous...What's wrong?
[Me]: What me nervous? That's just silly! I'm not sweating like a dog, no! I'm just....
[Me]: -bows head in defeat- Yes I'm nervous...I'm nervous...I'm not romantic, or good looking, or anything like that! I'm just a nerd who runs a Arcade!
-I fall to the ground with tears running down my face-
[Me]: I tried to impress you...to have you fall in love with me...because when I saw you...I was in love! Perhaps I'm way over my head....I'm sorry if I wasted your time...
I drop the flowers and run back to the Arcade crying because I know that I have failed to win the heart of Fluttershy. Everypony in the Gala saw me as I ran home...Even Twilight, AppleJack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash saw me run away. Even Her Majesty saw me...how embarrassing is that? The Princess of all Equestria...saw me at my lowest. I had failed her...her friends....and me.
When I got back home I went into my office and cried harder than Pinkie Pie after she helped reunite Luna and Celestia. Believe me that's saying something. But to my surprise I hear a knocking at the Arcade door:
[Me]: We're closed!
[Fluttershy]: May I come in? If that's ok?
My heartbeat rapidly increased not knowing how or why she's here. But I had to do what I had to do; I let her in and she told me how she was happy to hear that somepony was in love with her and she had never had somepony go to great lengths to impress her. After soaking up my tears she asked me if she still wanted to continue our date...I happily said yes.
Fluttershy and I flew all the way back to Sweet Apple Acres where the rest of the gang was already waiting for us! Pinkie Pie had some amazing romantic treats lined up as well as Twilight with the Decorations. It was an amazing sight to see.
[Me]: Thanks everypony. This looks awesome.
[Twilight]: Oh it was nothing. Just trying to help out a old friend.
[Me]: Twilight I owe you one big time.
[Twilight]: I'll remember that.
[AppleJack]: Well what are ya waiting for? Get in and take a seat!
-she pushed both of us in and sat us both down-
[Pinkie Pie]: Ok for starters I brought some delicious heart cupcakes! They're very tasty!
[Me]: Thanks Pinkie Pie they look delicious.
[Pinkie Pie]: awww thanks Hackalot!
-I look at Fluttershy with concern-
[Me]: Fluttershy are you ok?
[Fluttershy]: Yeah I'm just worried about my little Angel
[Me]: You mean that bunny that hangs around with you?
[Fluttershy]: Yeah! Do you know him?
[Me]: I know of him...he sent me a very unkind note...
[Fluttershy]: He what?
-I hand her the note (I kept it just in case she asked)-
[Fluttershy]: Oh this is bad...If he finds out I'm here Celestia knows what he's going to do!
[Me]: But he's a bunny! What could he do?
[Fluttershy]: You don't understand...I gotta go. I'm sorry Hackalot!
[Me]: No wait!
She runs out of the barn and back to her cottage worried that her bunny Angel may do something bad to me. The rest of the ponies saw her run home and looked at me with a sad look.
[Twilight]: What happened? I thought this was going to be a perfect date!
[Me]: She had to go back home to Angel...who had sent me a note saying that I had no chance with Fluttershy...Perhaps he's right...Maybe I am hopeless...Thanks everypony for all your help, really. I'm just gonna head back home.
I cried on the way home knowing that my 2nd attempt at love has failed...even Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon laughed at me while they walked by. I had failed, lost all hope...I was on the verge of leaving Ponyville and never coming back. Maybe that would be best for Ponyville...just shut down the Arcade and run away forever...not knowing where I'm going. But then I saw her....her Majesties Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. They told me not to give up, not to lose hope, that I could find love in Fluttershy, I just had to believe. So I promised Princess Celestia and Princess Luna that I would not give up on Fluttershy! As Celestia as my witness I shall never lose hope in love!
Ever since my run-in with Her majesties, I gave myself a break and decided to get out of the office for a while and enjoy the fresh air. It's been a while since I've been to my old hoofing grounds I used to call home. I saw my old house where I used to live in, It was an amazing place...emphasis on was. It was a sad day to see it die along with my parents...I loved them so much. I had shed a tear for my parents death. After that I went back to town only to run in to a old friend from long ago.
[Me]: Pokeblox is that you?!
[Pokeblox]: Hackalot! Dude! Where have you been Mr. Successful?!
[Me]: I've been working on the business! Wow have times changed or what?!
[Pokeblox]: You're telling me! You're on every freakin video game magazine!
[Me]: Thanks. I've been trying to keep the business up and running. Glad to see I'm still considered the best.
[Pokeblox]: Well man it was good to see you! I gotta go; the only reason I'm in town is because I'm visiting my fillyfriend.
[Me]: Wow man Congrats! Have fun!
[Pokeblox]: Will do man! See you!
We went our separate ways when I noticed another note on the door of my arcade...The hoofwriting looked very different and yet, so elegant...It read:
"Dear Hackalot Spark,
I know that our first date didn't go so well as planned...however I am really hoping that we can have a second date tonight. If you can please come to my cottage at 6:00pm. Hope you can come, if not I understand.
Love, Fluttershy"
My heart flew with joy, she was giving me a second chance! I had a shot! This is my opportunity to impress her one more time!
I made it to her cottage, suit, flower, and all. I knocked at her door and she was in the exact same dress she was in when she was at the Gala. I could not contain my excitement for what was going to happen! I was about to go on a date with somepony I had a crush on!
[Me]: um...hi Fluttershy. I brought you some flowers.
[Fluttershy]: Thanks. Those are real beautiful.
[Me]: Glad you approve.
[Fluttershy]: Come on in! Please have a seat in my living room.
[Me]: Ok. I'll be glad to!
[Fluttershy]: I had sent all the animals back to bed. So we shouldn't have any interruptions during our date.
[Me]: Great. That helps a lot.
[Fluttershy]: Go ahead and make yourself at home. I'll cook us up something delicious...I mean if that's ok with you.
[Me]: Yeah That's great!
After a while she made a wonderful dinner consisting of some fine ingredients she had picked out of her cottage. I'll be honest I really enjoyed her food more than the desserts at Sugarcube Corner...maybe it was because she made it with love...I don't know. Anyway after the dinner we sat down on her couch and began to talk about our interests, what she liked, what I liked, how I knew Twilight and Spike, it was amazing...but things heated up after that.
[Fluttershy]: So I understand you don't have a fillyfriend and a little birdie told me you had a crush on me...
[Me bowing my head in shame]: Guilty as charged. I can't help it...You're beautiful!
[Fluttershy looking at me while blushing]: Thanks...That really means a lot...
[Me looking at her while blushing]: No problem...you really are beautiful.
We started to lean into each other for a kiss when all of a sudden Pokeblox slammed the door wide open...
[Pokeblox]: Hey baby I think one of your animals got....what the hell? Hackalot?!
[Me]: Dude It's not what you think!
[Pokeblox]: Dude! After all these years you're stooping this low?! Stealing my filly?!
[Me with a shocked face]: Fluttershy...is....your....fillyfriend?! Dude I seriously didn't know!
[Fluttershy]: Um...he really didn't.
[Pokeblox]: Not now baby... I got a old friend to take care of...
He looked at me with a death stare like look...and that's when I knew...I had not only lost a friend...but made a new enemy....
