//------------------------------// // Chapter 7: Demure, distressed and dishevelled // Story: Her Whispers // by TheAtomicBomb //------------------------------// Fiddling with her purple ponytail between nervous and shaking hooves she held back the salty tears that had started to sting in her violet eyes now red and puffy from her lack of sleep. Usually the library was a very calming place for her. The curious light peeking through the sheer curtains onto the rows of massive bookshelves on the far side of the room. The smell of paper and ink that held a slight musky aroma with gracefully aged knowledge that filled the room to the brim. The remainder of the room was occupied by desks and reading chairs. It was her safe space. Yet she nearly jumped out of her clothes and fur when she felt an unexpected hoof rest on her shivering shoulder. “Twilight I am sure he is okay.” The unicorn mare insisted. “I am positive that he is responsible enough to report back to you if he was in any immediate danger” Now the well-manicured hoof had found its way around the purples unicorns shoulders. Stroking her foreleg reassuringly. The inconsolable student looked up into her confidants azure gaze. At first, she tried to favour the other unicorn with a smile which quickly crumbled. Contorted into a look of confusion and pain. Swiftly brushing the hoof off of her and looked away to the marbled floor “I know...But he’s still been gone for so long.” “Twilight, you said he sends you a letter nearly every day.” “I know! But I am still worried Rarity!” Flinching at her own tone she quickly turned around to apologise but was met by Rarity’s usual motherly smile. Twilight could understand why Spike had such an infatuation with the pony. From her silky indigo mane, to her near ivory coat that was always donned in the latest fashions. One wondered why she had remained unmarried for so long; her only con was her sharp tongue. Twilight winced, and her bastard filly “I’m sorry Rarity...You of all ponies would know how I am feeling right now” Before she could turn her gaze back to the floor the hoof was back. Under her chin forcing her to meet her eyes to the other mares again. “Darling, don’t apologise to me. I know you're scared. But trust me when I say that he is fine. Have I ever been wrong?” “Um, well-” “Excluding those six times.” “Oh!...Well then...No” “Exactly, so no tears! You will ruin your make-up. I spent hours getting you ready for the Gala, and I will be very upset if you got mascara on your pastel blue duchess satin dress.” Cutting her friend a playful glare. “Besides, I know my Spikey-Wikey. I’ll bet he’ll come bursting through those doors whe-” Though his entrance was less than graceful, the young drake banged the door open. Clinging to the door handle to hold up his exhausted frame. “Twi-Twilight!” He gasped between syllables trying to catch his breath. “So-Sorry I’m-” before he could finish his sentence, he was possessed by a fit of coughing “I-idiot Discord JUST signed the contra-” cut short again but instead of a painful ache in his chest he was pulled into Twilight’s. She squeezed him closer as though clutching him so tight gave her life. “You’re the idiot! Do you know how worried I was!?” He was about to come up with a witty response to resume their usual banter but stopped short when he heard her sniffle back a tear. He opted to stroke her back instead. He would be lying if he said he didn't tear up a little as well from being separated for so long. They were everything to each other. He was her ward, child, brother and support. Ever since he had hatched years ago, they were nearly inseparable. Spike was her support. He always knew what she needed. And what she needed now. “Come on now, Twilight. I was doing my job. I know you were worried, but I am fine see?” He pushed her away so she could take a proper look at him. Apart from his dishevelled and slightly muddy suit, he looked fine “Like you were doing yours. How come I get the feeling that you haven't stopped studying these last few weeks.” “Don’t change the subject! I was very worried, Spike!” He grinned at her scolding when he saw her cheeks begin to turn pink. “Meaning you haven’t been eating. Right?” “Actually my dear” Rarity interrupted “I took it upon myself to see that the silly girl didn’t neglect her health” She was graced with a bashful giggle and incoherent murmurs. She had grown used to the young drakes “episodes” and proceeded to clean up his suit with her magic. Twilight rolled her eyes and elbowed him. Finally, he squeaked out “H-hi Rarity, I-um. Thank you. Um, no wonder you look so pretty Twilight!” “Why thank you Spikey-Wikey. But I must ask, what caused such a drastic delay? I mean the Gala is about to start! Yes, Twilight was able to distract herself with books, but I was so lonely.” “I’m sorry Rarity. I only got him to agree to come just a few hours ago. As soon as he signed it, I packed my bags. But I was in such a rush I forgot I could have asked him to teleport me here. So I had to improvise travel. The trains were a nightmare!” Rarity gasped bringing a hoof to her mouth “Why Spike, that is awful” Twilight looked through the window at the setting sun. Spike nodded. “It was rough. I had to trade a mop, just to get my hands on some tickets!” “A mop?” His long-term crush enquired with a wry smile on her face. Relishing in her interest spike continued while Twilight squinted at the clock. “Yeah, but obviously I don't just carry a mop around with me. So I had to gamble my lunch for an old donkey’s toupee and-” “Were gonna be late!” Engulfed in Twilight’s magic once more he felt his feet lift off the ground, his body being pulled by the heels of the unicorn through the open doors. “Oh, Come on!” He crossed his arms and grumbled under his breath “ and was just getting to the good part.” while Rarity merely shook her head in amusement, following up behind.