//------------------------------//
// A Bonding 
// Story: Spike The Dog 
// by bakersong 
//------------------------------//

	As he got closer to Fluttshy's house, he started to hear talking. One voice he knew was Fluttershy's, but the other voice sounded like an animal talking though he couldn't be sure who it was. Though as he started to get closer he could now hear the conversation clearly now.

"I wonder how they're doing on their trip." Fluttershy said.

<You know she has feelings for you right? So why give that up?> The other voice said.

"Oh I know Angel, but this is about making them happy. It's obvious ever since I told her about Pinkie her feelings have wavered. I think it was more of a crush, that's why I sent them both on that cruise." Fluttershy replied, and then he realized what exactly she was talking about.

<Fine, but you have to worry about your own happiness every now and again. But knowing them, they probably already found each other. After all that pink pony is hard to miss.> Angel said, and Spike made the mistake of bumping into a can on the ground. <Looks like we have a visitor, who's there?>

<It's just me, sorry I didn't mean to over hear.> He answered, his ears folded back.

"You mean you heard?! How much?" Fluttershy asked.

<Uh, um, that you sent Pinkie and Twilight on that cruise so they could hook up at the expense of your own feelings.> He replied, making Fluttershy even more panicky.	<Fluttershy calm down, I'm not planning on telling anypony. I was coming up here for some food.>

"O-okay, if that's what you want." Fluttershy said.

<Fluttershy, really calm down. I really won't tell, I Pinkie promise.> He said, and after they meet eyes and an understanding passed between them.

<Oh come on, are you really gonna take his word for it?> Angel said.

"Yes, because I don't think Spike would lie. But what would you like to eat?" Fluttershy asked, though she still seemed a little nervous.

<Um, just whatever you decide.> He said, and Fluttershy nodded and went inside leaving him alone with Angel.

<I'm watching you, and I hope you know she gave up a lot to hook those two up.> Angel said before scurrying off.

Soon after Fluttershy came back out, though she seemed to be calm now as she sat a big tasty looking salad in front of him. After giving her his thanks, he started eating which he hadn't realized how hungry he was until then. As he ate Maple came by to see him woofing down the salad, which she told him to savor it instead of eating it as fast.

<Uh, hey Maple?> Maple looked at him expectantly. <Have I really been talking like a dog?> He asked.

<I'm afraid so, you've been doing it ever since we got here. Though do not concern as I'm sure you can still speak pony, you'll probably have to try though since your vocal chords have changed.> Maple said, though despite the comfort tone she gave it still made him lose his appetite. 

"I guess that's okay, I mean it's not the worst thing." He managed to say, though his voice now sounded weird as he spoke pony. <Wonder why it took this long to kick in and why can I even speak pony.>

<It's probably due to the magic of the portal. Though like you said little pup, it's not the worst thing to happen. At least you still posses the ability to talk regular pony.> Maple said, giving him a little nuzzle.

<Hey Maple?> Maple stopped and looked at him.

<If I had a choice, I wish you would have been my mother.> He said, though instantly he put his paw over his mouth, though Maple gave a loud laughter.

<Why cover your mouth now? That was the sweetest thing a little pup like you has said to me in awhile. Though I must ask, did this come from the comment I made about wishing I had a pup like you?> Maple asked, and he only nodded.

<I mean, Twilight makes a good big sister but that's just how I saw her. As for her mother, while she was great and treated me like one of her own it just didn't feel the same. And after thinking about it, I realized how much I see you as a stand in mother. Or at least how I always imagined my mother would be.> He said, lowering his head.

<That's right, Twilight hatched you from your egg. So you never got to meet your real parents, I'm so very sorry little pup. Though if it makes you feel better, I really would like to try being more of a mother figure for you.> Maple said, her eyes pleading and it made him really think about it before he nodded.

<Thank you.> He said, leaning into her, which surprised her at first but then she put her paw around him.

<No, thank you little pup for giving me this chance.> Maple said, and before he knew it he could feel her tears on his back though he didn't mind.