Spike and Rarity have been dating for more than two weeks now, and he still hasn't kissed her. Sure, there have been goodnight pecks on the cheeks, but never a kiss. But he's going to fix that tonight, whether the rest of him is ready for it or not. And little does he know that Rarity's anticipating it just as much as he is, if not more. All she wants is that one, perfect moment—the kind that she's read about so many times in her novels—with her drakefriend. That's all, really. And, knowing what a gentledrake he is, she's certain that's exactly what he'll give to her: a perfect, magical first kiss. She knows he wouldn't disappoint her. He never has.

First time for everything, right?
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Once again, inspired by the world of kilala97
Cover Art © Ms. Kilala
Characters, Settings, and MLP: FiM in general © Hasbro/Lauren Faust

The first episode of The Gems Trilogy.

Sweetie Belle attempts to deal with the realization that she's developed a crush on Spike. Meanwhile, Spike's own feelings are in flux.

Spike has just woken up from his hundred-year sleep and realized that none of his friends are around anymore. He is deeply stricken with grief. Can a letter from his wife Rarity, gifts from his friends, and a poem from Twilight Sparkle help ease the pain of their loss?

The cover picture was drawn by Azzurgil on deviant art (http://azzurgil.deviantart.com/). I really enjoyed her work because she does a lot of dragon art (which I am a huge fan of). This story was preread by Criticul94 and Taranasaurus0.0. Not only are these guysawesome prereaders, but they are great writers. Check their stuff out!

When I was writing this story I didn't mean for it to take the turn that it did, however a personal event that happened in my life made this what it is. I hope those that read it enjoy it.

Spike goes over his thoughts and feelings as he spends time with his sickly love in her final moments.

Spike is forced to confront the truth about his crush for Rarity.

Short, sweet, simple.

Requested by Statoose.

Fan Reading!

As the years drew on, Spike's childish heart grew into that of a true adult, longing for the finer things in life; the finest things. He pursues his relationship with Rarity, but all does not go as planned.

Filled with anger and sorrow, Spike and Rarity fall away from one another. In his grief, Spike pursues new interests, and their friendship is in danger of never recovering.

But perhaps the truest words in life are these: you do not know what you had until you have lost it. Jealous and alone, finding no comfort in stallions she once loved, can Rarity reclaim her one chance at true love, before it is too late?

After her face and body are permanently scarred, Rarity seals herself off in her room with the lights off and drapes drawn, too disgusted by her own appearance to be seen. The only comfort she has comes in the form of daily visits from Spike, though she keeps the room dark to hide her deformities from the baby dragon. Can he convince her that she has nothing to fear; that her beauty is not limited to what she looks like?

My entry for the Feature Box Crusaders' Contest due on March 20th.

Thanks to BubblepipeWrangler for the initial story idea, and the help writing and editing it.

Additional thanks to: Twi-Guy and Featherprop for their help with the editing.

When Rarity writes to Princess Celestia inquiring after how dragons age, she gets a plea for help in reply. A war is brewing, and Princess Celestia thinks Rarity's the one to stop it. Now, still completely uncertain what her feelings for Spike are or if they're even plausible, she's off to meet with his distant relatives to negotiate a truce between the dragons and the sea serpents before the world gets caught up in their destructive clash.

Unrelated to "How to Woo Your Lady" or my other fics.

Cover image generously loaned by fongsaunder at deviantart: fongsaunder.deviantart.com

There are many axioms in Equestria. "Go with the grain." "Count your blessings." "Strive to be happy with what you have."

And, though left unsaid, the most important one of all: "Know your place."

Although Flash Sentry loves Twilight, she can never know of his love. She can never return the feelings. It wouldn't be proper. After all, social order is more important than fulfilling one's own wishes.

Alternate Universe tag is due to the existence of a caste system in this story. Please keep that in mind as you read.

Thanks to Sir Rustbucket, Draconian Soul, Regidar, and Loopy Legend for editing.

Now Featured on Equestria Daily!

Now with a poem by Fiend from the Darkness!

Now with a YouTube reading by BlackIrisBalloon (and multiple voice actors)!

Now with a Korean translation by Kianoke!

Followed by What Hath Joined Together.

Rated Teen for mild violence and thematic elements.

One day in the Crystal Empire, Shining Armor is asked by both his fellow guard Flash Sentry and his sister Twilight Sparkle for love advice. Being the kind pony he is, he helps them both. After all, it can only be a coincidence. What are the odds of a connection between them asking for love advice on the same day?

Thanks to Resonant Spark for being my editor. I have an editor now.