//------------------------------// // Surrender // Story: Blonde Moments // by FamousLastWords //------------------------------// War… War never changes… And neither does the fact that dragons are not naturally inclined to be good at dancing. It’s been a fact since the dawn of time and will never change. It was a sad truth. A painfully sad one, in fact. One that Trixie was getting quite frustrated with at this point. The up-tempo ballroom music playing in the background did little to soothe her demeanor as once again she found Spike spinning and falling to the ground in the opposite direction of where he was supposed to be heading. “No, no, no!” Trixie smacked her hoof to her face before reaching out to help the offending dragon off the ground. “Sorry, Trixie,” Spike said, trying to catch his breath. “I thought I had it that time with the twirling thing. I’m not really sure how I ended up on the floor.” The blue mare shook her head. “It may have something to do with the fact that you were supposed to spin Trixie at the last turn, not yourself.” “Oh, yeah… that’s a thing, isn’t it?” Spike scratched the back of his head before putting on a big smile. “Well, eight time’s the charm, am I right?” Trixie tapped her hooves on the floor a few times and rolled her eyes. “One can only hope.” Spike could feel the sweat forming over his brow. He was approaching the point of being out of breath with great haste. The living room had been completely moved around to have space for the dancing lessons and they had been at it for at least two hours now. But, even so, they had barely gotten their respective feet and hooves off the ground… literally. He’d been trying to look at least somewhat proficient but all he got for his efforts were a sore back, a bruised knee, and what he was sure to be a fractured tailbone. But, there was no other option if he wanted to make this work. No pain, no gain, after all. Of course, there was also the fact of how patient Trixie had been with him this entire time. Starlight and Twilight had long gone, wearing themselves out from laughter alone. But, Trixie persevered despite having any legitimate reason to do so. It was admirable… too admirable. He was sure Starlight was paying her something under the table, but he was probably happier not knowing. “Okay, I promise, I’ll get it right this time,” he said. “I just need to think about it and focus a bit harder this time. I got it.” “No!” Trixie waved her hooves. “That is the issue! When dancing, one needs not focus on the moves as their happening, but on the music that’s playing. You must let the music guide your steps, not your brain.” Spike blinked. “Trixie, there is absolutely no way I have the creativity or talent for that to ever be a reliable strategy.” “With that attitude, Trixie is surprised you’ve been able to accomplish anything in your life.” The mare turned her nose to the air. “If you’re not willing to try, then perhaps Trixie shall take her services back to her caravan and—” “Alright, alright,” Spike said. “I’ll try it. I’m sorry. I’m just getting frustrated with myself. I feel like I’ve been at this all morning with nothing to show for it except bodily injuries that will have my number tomorrow morning.” “Such is the way these things start,” Trixie said. She rubbed her chin for a moment. “But perhaps a slight alteration in our plan of attack is needed.” She dashed over to the record player and took the needle off, halting any and all of the fun that the casual music brought to the dance floor. She instead levitated over a new record that had been brought our for the purpose of the instruction. She placed it on the machine and gently levitated the needle over it. “You see, Spike,” she began, trotting back towards him. “This entire time we’ve been focusing on faster moves that require a bit more energy and precision than what you may be ready for. It would appear that Trixie overestimated your natural talent and for that she is deeply sorry.” Spike folded his arms. “Yeah, thanks for that apology, there.” “Of course,” she replied. “However, it would appear that perhaps starting a bit slower and simpler may be the better alternative in your case. After all, as it is a couples dance, slower music is more than likely to be a staple of the night.” Spike took a moment to perk his ear up at the new music that began playing. This time, the music was much slower and smoothe; a delicate ballad of sorts. It definitely felt like the music that would be the perfect backdrop for a romantic night. “Okay, this definitely sounds a bit less-challenging,” he said, slowing swaying his head to the music. “Excellent!” Trixie said. She trotted to the middle of the room. “Come here, please.” Spike did as he was bidden and walked up to her. “Okay, let’s do it. Where do we begin?” “As Trixie just mentioned, this is a slower dance, so we’ll need to slightly change our positioning. Take my right hoof in your claw.” Spike reached opened his palm and quickly had Trixie’s hoof on it. “Okay, now what?” “Well, please do your best to contain your cheering, but we’ll need to be a bit closer for this particular style.” Trixie reared up and put her free hoof over his shoulder. “Oh, I’m doing everything I can to not jump for joy,” he joked. Spike knew there would be physical contact, but the idea of slow-dancing with Trixie wasn’t something he recalled ever having on his agenda. But, beggars can’t be choosers and he was definitely in the beggar category at this point. “Now, place your claw on Trixie’s back.” She turned her head as if to direct him with her eyes. “And please be careful with your sharp claws. I do not wish to to have to wear bandages for the next few days.” “No worries. I think I can manage.” Spike lifted his arm up and rested his claw on her mid-back. “There.” She shook her head. “Lower. You will not have the right angle to move us around.” “Okay…” Spike shifted his claw a bit further down. “Lower.” A few more inches down. Trixie huffed. “Spike, please, don’t be shy around Trixie.” Spike rolled his eyes and dropped further this time and unfortunately felt the base of her tail touching his palm. “Okay, too low!” Trixie said, her face heating up. She levitated his claw up a few more inches, before letting it  rest on her lower back. “There, that’s where it needs to be. Please, do yourself a favor and remember it for the dance.” “Got it,” Spike said with a nod. He wasn’t quite sure what to do at this point. He and Trixie were practically stuck together with the position they were in and frankly, having the mare’s head mere inches away from his was strange to say the least. “So, just tell me what to do now,” Spike said. “No, that’s not how this will work,” she replied. “Trixie can’t believe she’s saying this but you will tell her what to do. For this style of dance, the stallion leads and the mare follows.” “So, what? I just start moving and you’ll follow along?” “Trixie does not believe she stuttered,” she replied. “Just attempt to keep your steps in time with the music and move at a pace and distance that feels comfortable.” Even after the explanation he wasn’t sure what to do. He could barely lead himself out of the bed in the morning. How was he supposed to lead a mare on the dance floor? Even if it was just Trixie acting as a placeholder for his marefriend. He decided to forget his inhibitions like Trixie mentioned for a split second and instead focus on the music. It was a gentle tune of piano and violin overlaced with soft and soothing vocals. Now that he was actually hearing it, he could feel a sort direction and vibe coming from it. Not a hard set of rules to follow, no, but more of an indescribably pattern that he could feel around him. He gently pulled Trixie a bit closer. “Here goes.” He slowly pulled them to the left, gently holding her hoof and back. It was far from a perfect starting motion, but they were at least moving in harmony. After a few steps in that direction, he quickly turned them around and began moving the other way. Every step on the floors came in time with a sharp piano key or stroke of a violin to follow. A few more steps in that direction and they circled back around and went the other way. Their steps became easier with each passing second. “Spike, you’re actually doing it,” Trixie said with a smirk as they continued to dance. “But you’re still tense. You need to loosen up and really let the music take over.” The turned once more. “How do I do that?” “Well,” Trixie said, still keeping an eye on where they were headed. “I shall impart some advice I once received at the Performance Academy to you and perhaps you can put some fraction of it to use.” “The Performance Academy? You mean the circus?” The dangerous glare he received was the only answer he needed. They spun in a quick circle before Spike spoke up again. “I think I can figure it out.” “Put yourself in the moment,” she said. “Relax your shoulders, take a deep breath, and picture yourself at the dance. If you need, feel free to even imagine me as your marefriend.” Spike chuckled as they turned once more. “I think that’d be a little too weird.” “True,” Trixie said with a nod. “There really isn’t a mare in existence that can compare to Trixie, after all. But the point remains.” “Okay.” Spike got a bearing on their surroundings for a brief moment and closed his eyes. He took a deep breath and let all of his upper body muscles relax. As he did this, he let his mind fill with nothing but the image of a fancy ballroom floor with a live band providing the backing music… And then he opened his eyes. The change was almost instantaneous. Although they were still finding rhythm with the music at every motion, the pace quickened. What was once simple back and forth steps on the floor had now become a contained flurry of turns, backsteps, and glides from one end of the room to the other. Spike had no idea if anything he was doing was even in the catalogue of acceptable dance moves for this type of music, but it didn’t matter. He was actually enjoying it and Trixie’s wide smile showed that she was doing the same. They cut through the air, moving as one, almost with ease. The song was reaching its conclusion. The subtle upticks in tempo of the music were matched immediately by the dancing pair. Their steps quickened, turns grew more precise, and their speed was almost perfectly timed between the two of them. Spike wasn’t sure what creature had possessed him to do what he was about to do, but it felt right. The tempo kept increasing, the pacing growing tighter, the energy rising… And then, at its peak, there was a brief pause in the music. Spike let go of Trixie’s back, to her surprise, and rose the claw up that was holding her hoof. He stepped a mere few inches backwards and spun his arm, causing her to spin perfectly right as the music kicked back in. He followed it up by returning his claw to her back as soon as she was facing him and they both spun in a circle together… and then another… and then one more. ...And then the song was over. Spike and Trixie both were out of breath, taking deep breaths to try and catch up with their spinning heads. They looked at each other eye to eye with smiles before separating. “Well, how was that?” Spike asked. The blue mare smiled and reached out for a quick hoof bump. “Trixie thinks you got it… finally.” “I’ll take what I can get.” “Whooo, bravo!” Spike and Trixie flipped around to see Starlight standing in the kitchen entryway, clapping her hooves against the ground. “Oh, sweet baby Celestia,” Spike said. “When did you get here?” Starlight trotted into the room, adorning a wide smile. “Oh, you know, just a few minutes ago. I was going to ask how many more times Spike had fallen down, but when I saw you two going wild out there, I just had to sit back and enjoy the show.” Trixie smiled and  flipped her mane. “Well, of course, Starlight. Did you really expect anything less from Trixie? She can take even the most bland and dry paints and turn them into a masterpiece.” “Do you have the ability to give a compliment that isn’t in some way self-serving?” Spike asked. “Of course,” Trixie said with a sly smile. “But the opportunity to do otherwise rarely presents itself.” “Okay, okay, that’s enough,” Starlight said. “But, to be honest, I can’t believe what I just saw. I really didn’t think you had it in you, Spike. I gotta admit, I’m pretty impressed.” He crossed his arms and smiled. “Oh yeah, it was piece of cake. I mean, I had to sell my soul and get a little closer to Trixie than any sane pony would want to, but I made it happen.” Trixie frowned and lightly nudged his lower back where a conveniently located sore spot was located. “Ahh!” Spike cried out. “That… was a cheap shot. But, fine, it wasn’t that easy. Thank you, Trixie.” She grinned. “Of course, Spike. After all, Starlight did tell me your situation was a very dire one, so far be it from TheGenerous and Charitable Trixie to turn a blind eye from one in need.” Spike drummed his fingers against his still folded arms. “Uh-huh, yeah, how much did she pay you?” “Spike, shut up and be grateful,” Starlight said, knocking him upside the head. “From what I saw, you’ll have no problems whisking Derpy off her hooves at the dance this weekend.” Spike rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah, well, one can only hope. It’s one thing to dance with a beautiful mare like Derpy and another to dance with a… well, um, Trixie, I guess.” And that earned him yet another smack. “Sorry, sorry. That was bad timing.” “Trixie accepts your apology,” the mare replied with a playful smile. “However, my job here is done and duty beckons. It is Buy-Two-Get-One-Free day at the grocery store, after all.” With a wave, Trixie exited stage left, the door slamming behind her. “You know,” Spike said, looking at the now closed front entrance. “It seems no matter how many times I hang out with Trixie, I’m never any closer to understanding her.” “Welcome to the club. We’ve got jackets.” Starlight chuckled a bit before continuing. “So, you wanna do something tonight? We haven’t really hung out on our own in awhile.” Spike looked around at all the dislocated furniture in the room. “Okay, I was going to move everything back into place, but if I’m hanging out with you, I could say I forgot to do it and put it off ‘till later.” “Now you’re thinking like a winner,” Starlight said with a wink. “Now, c’mon. There’s this new strategy I was thinking about for Marenopoly that should be killer next time we play against Twilight. I’ve gotta show you.” “Oh shoot, lead the way!” The two darted up the stairs, leaving behind a messy living room. But, Spike would worry about that later. He was in far too good of a mood right now to worry about anything