//------------------------------//
// Getting Ready 
// Story: Spike The Dog 
// by bakersong 
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	As Maple carried him on her back, he honestly couldn't help but feel excited, this would be his first official date. Thinking about how she kissed him before he really asked her out once again put a goofy smile on his face. For Maple's part she couldn't help but to laugh as they talked, mostly because it was all he could talk about.

<I really am happy for you my little pup, I can tell by the one hundred and sixty seven times you said it that you're excited.> Maple said, Fluttershys house now within sight.

<You've been keeping track?> He asked, feeling a little embarrassed though that quickly made Maple laugh.

<No little pup, I was only teasing. Though I will offer this as advice, try not to take things too far on your first date.> At that Maple laughed as he couldn't get any words out due to how embarrassed he was. <But in all reality, I know you'll be a complete gentle man. Just try to relax before hoof.>

<Uh, t-thanks Maple.> He mumbled.

<You are very welcome, now where would you like to be dropped off at?> Maple asked, and he told her under a tree where it was shady. <I will be back with Fluttershy so she can help you get ready, and don't worry I'll let you tell her the good news.>

Maple then quickly nuzzled him before she went to go get the yellow mare, leaving him alone for the moment. He sat there for a moment and couldn't help but think about how easier it was for him to ask Winona then it would have been for Rarity. Though as he thought about it, the more he realized the only reason why he liked Rarity at first was because of her beauty.

Granted he did eventually come to know her, but he knew that the only reason he continued to have his crush was because of her using said beauty to get what she wanted. Though he couldn't stay mad at the mare, but he couldn't believe how shallow he was when he first came to Ponyville. Which he couldn't believe all that had to happen for him to realize it was him turning into a dog.

"Spike?" He looked up to see Fluttersh staring at him with concern. "You okay?"

"Uh, yeah just thinking about a few things. Sorry, how long have you been there?" He asked, then remembered he didn't have to speak pony for Fluttershy.

"Not long, just a minuet. So what's this about you wanting to get cleaned up for tonight for a special occasion?" Fluttershy asked, as she examined his hind leg, taking off the bandage to get a good look and gave a little sigh. "She did a good job, the bleeding stopped."

<That's good to hear.> He said, feeling a little guilty. <But, uh, a-as for tonight I-I may have a-a date...>

"OH my goodness! That's great news Spike! We definitely need to get you ready then, but first with who?" Fluttershy asked, though her smile told him she already knew which didn't surprise him since Applejack told him the Pegasus already had subconscious. 

<I-I'm going on a date with Winona.> He said, though his nerves seemed to kick in and made him sound small.

"That is wonderful news, I just know you two will be happy. But first we have to get you ready." Before he could say anything else, Fluttershy quickly grabbed him in her hooves and went straight to the bathroom.

Fluttershy really knew how to give a good bath, taking extra caution around his bad leg but still managing to clean it just as good. Soon she was blow drying him dry, which made him feel hot and made him pant a little bit. Then the mare started to brush him, which felt pretty good, but he didn't say that.

"Hmm, somethings missing..." Fluttershy said after finishing and putting the brush down, and then gasp. "I know, you need something nice to wear!"

Before he could say anything, the mare picked him up and put him on her back then quickly went out the front door. Maple took notice and started to follow and asked where they were going, Fluttershy said to Rarity's to get something for him to wear. Though that made him feel very nervous, though he made up with Rarity telling her that he had a date would feel a little awkward.

<It will be fine my little pup, I will be there when you tell her.> Maple whispered to him, making him feel a little better.

As they walked, Fluttershy stopped by a few places to pick up a few things for her house before continuing their walk. Soon Rarity's place came into view though after they talked for a little bit his nerves seemed to be under control now. But he still didn't feel comfortable with having to tell Rarity after crushing on her for as long as he did.

"Oh, hello you three!" Rarity said as they entered. "What brings you by?"

"How about I let Spike tell you." Fluttershy said.

<I-I...> He cleared his throat. "I need something to wear for a date tonight." He said quickly.

"A date!? That's great to hear Spike! So, who is the lucky lady?" Rarity asked gently lifting him with her magic and placing him down and started to take measurements, though her tone was cautious.

"It's um, well it's Winona." He answered, avoiding eye contact though Rarity put her hoof under his jaw and gently made him meet her eyes.

"I am so very happy for you Spike, even if I can't quite understand it. But if it makes you happy then I'm happy." Rarity said, giving him a warm smile that usually would make him have hearts in his eyes.

"T-thanks, that means a lot to me." Which it did, since he felt like she had completely forgave him for what he said to her.

<So, what is she planning to make?> Maple asked, making Rarity look at Fluttershy who asked the same question.

"For a special occasion such as a first date, and for Spike I have something very special in mind. It's something not too over the top and fancy, but I think it will look nice." Rarity said, quickly putting something together.

The Unicorn worked in complete concentration for a few moments, but she seemed to be working hard before saying 'A-Ha'. Before she showed them she hid the article of clothing behind her giving them a huge smile. Walking over to him, she had him close his eyes and slipped on his outfit.

"There we go, you look very dashing, wouldn't you say you two?" Rarity asked after moving out of the way, though she had him keep his eyes shut.

"Oh yes, very handsome." Fluttershy said.

<Yes, I would have to agree you do looking good.> Maple said nodding.

<Can I open my eyes now?> He asked, which Fluttershy asked.

"Why is he barking though?" Rarity asked.

"It may be because of his transformation, but he seems really excited to see what you made him." Fluttershy said, and Rarity seemed to get the hint.

"Oh yes, you can open your eyes now." Rarity said, and he opened his eyes to see that he was wearing a simple bow tie.

"Wow, this looks great." He said, seeing that it had little green stripes in it.

"I knew you would love it, now tell me about how you asked Winona out. Don't leave out any details, and I'll consider it a payment." Rarity said with a smile.

"I want to hear about too!" Fluttershy said, sitting next to Rarity.

He gave a sigh, his face was on fire though Maple gave him a little nuzzle and whispered that he could do it and not to worry. Taking a deep breath before starting with his and Mapes trip over to AJ's. Soon he was at the part where him and Winona had their moment of kissing, his cheeks burning bright as both the mares grew a huge grin on their faces.