//------------------------------// // It doesn't have to end here. // Story: Spike the stallion // by Wonder //------------------------------// The stars rested peacefully above Equestria, their individual lights bathing the land in gentle lights. If ever one was to be burdened or encumbered with emotions they could always look to the ever present stars for solace. Many adored the night sky and could find peace in it's endless beauty. This had held true for hundreds of years and this night was no exception. The sky was void of any clouds, granting an uninterrupted view of the sea of lights hovering over the world. This night was not one to be squandered. Couples throughout the land shared memories on nights such as these that would be remembered fondly for their whole lives and like many other nights, new memories could be made. All across Equestria, even if everything seemed like an average night, everypony knew that tonight was one to be remembered. Couples spent the night together at home, content to simply be in the company of the one they loved. Romantics enjoyed the many activities the night had to offer. Lovers rushed around trying to squeeze as much fun as they could out of the night. Those who were alone found nights such as these to be the perfect time to relax and reflect of their past. What made a night such as this so remarkable? Why was a night like any other so special? It may be that the sky was clear and offered an uninterrupted view of the stars or the soft cool breeze blowing away the heat of the day. Many things can make a difference but the truth was that this night was simply a night like any other. Nothing made it special, nothing made it more important than any other day. It wasn't anything tangible that made this night important but everypony simply felt that it was a night to remember. You could call it a premonition. It was a feeling that couldn't be described. It was simply a fact that something was special about this night. Rarity and Spike walked side by side, heading in the general direction of the Canterlot Boutique. Spike was overjoyed that nothing had gone wrong. His very first date with Rarity, his very first date ever, had gone off without a hitch. The way Ponyville seemed to attract disaster, he was just thankful no monsters had attacked. "I have to say Spike, that was actually fairly enjoyable." Rarity smiled at the purple stallion beside her. Frankly, she hadn't known how the date would go but she was pleasantly surprised with how the date had gone as a whole. It wasn't overly romantic like in her books which was a bit disappointing but enjoying food never hurt anypony. "Although next time I expect something a little more... inspired. A lady cannot live on milkshakes, as delicious as they are." "N-next time?" Spike visibly shivered. Rarity found this rather endearing. To think just the thought of another date would make him this nervous. "Y-you mean you want to go on another date? For real?!" Spike blushed brightly through his fur. "Why of course darling!" Rarity announced. "Despite your unorthodox suggestion for a date, I had a lovely time. I am excited to see what surprising outing you come up with." "Um, I'll try to think of something... I guess." Spike chuckled as he scratched his mane nervously. It would be rather hard to think of another date since he was only a pony for a day. Maybe he would be able to convince Twilight to cast the spell on special occasions. "I'm sure you will." Rarity gave the stallion one of her patented winks. Spike's only reaction to this was to turn bright red and pretend he hadn't noticed. To think a simple wink could make the poor stallion blush so ferociously. Rarity chuckled causing Spike to blush even further. "Oh, darling, you are simply to adorable. If a wink causes you to blush I can hardly imagine what a kiss would do." She teased, bumping Spike with her hip. Spike's only response to this was to blush even further, the very mention of kissing sent shivers down his spine. Sure, he had been kissed on the cheek before but he'd never had a real kiss in his life. Even though he had promised himself to be more confident the young stallion couldn't help but feel nervous. It was getting late and soon they would be back at Rarity's house. In every movie and comic he had ever read, the couple always kissed at the end of the date. It wasn't that he didn't want to kiss Rarity, in fact it would be a dream come true. He just didn't know if he could go through with it. It was bad enough that he had lied about who he was to go on this date with her. "Darling, are you all right?" Rarity didn't know what was going through the stallion's mind but he seemed a little shaken by her comment. Perhaps she should slow down with the flirting. After all, it was obvious this stallion had no experience with the opposite sex. "You mustn't take everything I say so seriously. What do you say we go for a walk in the park to calm our nerves." It didn't need to be said that by 'our nerves' she meant his nerves. "Y-yeah" Spike swallowed nervously and nodded. Nothing bad ever came from a walk in the park. "A walk sounds good right about now. Sorry if I'm acting a bit... odd. I'm not really good at things like this." "I can see that." The alabaster mare couldn't help but smirk. It didn't take a genius to tell that. "We'll just finish our walk and then you can drop me off back home. Maybe next time we can get rid of your nervousness. Practice makes perfect." This seemed to have the desired effect and Spike smiled. "Thanks, Rarity. You always know the right things to say." "Well of course I do." Rarity beamed at the compliment. "I wouldn't be very good with customers if I didn't know how to ponies happy." "Hehe, yeah. I guess you wouldn't." The two were nearing the edge of two where the park resided. A walk in the park was definitely the right thing to cool his nerves. "Spike, do you mind if I ask you something?" Spike turned away from the park ahead to look at her. "Sure, go ahead." Rarity didn't really know what it was but he felt really familiar to her. She didn't know what it was but something was going on that she didn't know about. "If you don't mind me asking, and I know this might sound a little silly, but are you-" Her sentence was cut short as all the air was forced out of her lungs. Rarity felt the world turn upside down. One moment she was standing upright, enjoying a nice stroll and now she was on her side and her barrel was covered in dirt. For a few moments she strugled to breathe but eventually she managed to verbalise her surprise. "Huwah? What in Celestia's name just happened!?" The alabster mare rushed to her hooves only to see Spike dusting himself off and saw a broken pot plant where she had been standing. "Are you okay down there?!" A voice yelled from above. From the upstairs window of one of Ponyvilles many thatched housed Rarity could she a cream coloured mare looking down at them with worry in her eyes. "I didn't mean to drop it, I swear. I am sooo sorry. Please don't sue me." "Don't worry, we're fine." Spike yelled up to the mare who instantly relaxed with a sigh. She apologized again quickly before disappearing back into the house. Rarity looked down at the broken pot plant, slowly realizing what had just happened. That could have hit her head! Had... Spike pushed her out of the way? Rarity turned to her saviour but he was already a few meters ahead of her so she rushed to catch up. She didn't even know what to say. A stallion that she had only know for a day had just saved her from a possible concussion... and dirtied her coat. Still, a little bit of dirt was much better that possible brain damage. "Um, thank you, Spike." Rarity mumbled. Feeling that her words were inadequate she gave him a quick hug that last only a second. "You really are a true gentlepony. Thank you for pushing me out of the way but next time try not to get my fur so filthy." Rarity let out a nervous laugh as she examine her ruined coat. It looked like another trip to the spa was in order. "I promise." Spike chuckled. "Besides, it was nothing. Anyone other pony would have done the same." "Be that as it may, they weren't here to do so. So for now you are my knight in shining armour." The fashionista smiled at Spike causing his heart to flutter and his face to turn red. He'd always wanted to be her knight, even if it was a knight in rusty armour, but for Rarity to actually say it made his dreams come true. "Now, with my safety assured, shall we proceed to the park?" "It would be my pleasure to accompany you, my lady." Spike put on a noble accent and did an exaggerated bow which Rarity found a little endearing and the slightest bit adorable.