"Fluttershy!"
No answer
"Fluttershy! It's me Rainbow Dash!"
Still no answer.
"Come on Fluttershy, open the door!"
Rainbow Dash pounded furiously at the door to Fluttershy's house. The day before, whilst hiding amongst the clouds to avoid the weather patrol, Rainbow Dash had caught sight of Fluttershy skipping through the town. Like most of the other residents of Ponyville she found the sight to be something of a peculiarity.
It was a rare thing to interest Rainbow Dash, as often it was she who was the centre of attention. If anything she was thankful that Fluttershy's unusual display had managed to distract everyone from the facial hair she was sporting, her stubbly Rainbow mane had started to grow back but in it's current state it only served to make her look even more masculine. Hence the need to hide. She'd tried all forms of remedies to remove whatever held her hair to her face, but nothing worked. She decided to lay low and wait for Twilight to come back, if she made the stuff, she'd know how to get it off.
Seeing the happily skipping pegasus, Rainbow couldn't resist the urge to follow her to see where she was going and to find out what had made her so happy. She followed her only to lose track when Derpy crashed into her, a second pegasus flying after her. They were both apologetic, neither one of them recognizing Rainbow Dash at first. They actually kept calling her "Sir" much to her annoyance. She had to get away rather quickly however once Derpy recognized her. In the commotion, she'd lost her camouflague as well as Fluttershy. After snatching some low flying clouds to hide her face, she started to fly all over town looking for her. The next time she saw her however she only got a glimpse of her running out of town. Rainbow Dash wanted to know what had happened and prepared to pursue, had she not realised peering out from behind her cloud wasn't the smartest thing she could have done. A small filly caught sight of her and pointed it out to her friends. Pretty soon the entire town square looked up, saw her mustache and started laughing. Desperate to get away from the hecklers she flew as fast as she could back home.
I'll see what's up with Fluttershy in the morning she thought to herself.
The next morning she flew straight to Fluttershy's cottage. Given the happy mood she saw Fluttershy in yesterday, she'd expected her friend to be outside, singing, playing with her animal friends, maybe doing some gardening. She didn't however expect to see Fluttershy's house all boarded up. The curtains were drawn, wooden planks were nailed across every door and window, her animal friends were congregating on the front lawn, all with downtrodden looks on their faces. They looked at Rainbow as she landed on the garden path, when she asked them where Fluttershy was they simply looked down and pointed towards the front door which had a crudely painted sign on the front door, the words "GO AWAY" written in red letters on the door.
What the hay's happening here? This isn't like Fluttershy.
Concerned she beat upon the door again, with such force she began to scuff the paint. Flakes of it falling from the door and settling on the dirt path.
"Fluttershy! I know you're in there! Open up!"
From inside the house Fluttershy could be heard shouting.
"GO AWAY, NO VISITORS!"
"Not until you tell me what's up!"
Her voice boomed from inside, seeming much louder and closer than before "I. SAID. GO. AWAY!"
"Flutter..."
The door burst open, the wood holding it shut shattering from the impact of her hooves striking the door frame with tremendous force. The congregation of woodland critters scattered, diving for any cover, any burrow they could find to hide behind. Fluttershy was standing in the open door frame glowering at Rainbow "What part of GO AWAY, do you not UNDERSTAND!"
Once she dared turn her head back towards Fluttershy, Rainbow couldn't believe it. Her hair was a tangled mess, her faced caked in dried tears. The gentle smile replaced by gritted teeth and her eyes. Her eyes were the worst, normally if anypony or indeed any creature, even those as fierce as dragons, were to stare into the eyes of Fluttershy, their hearts would melt at the sight. Looking into those eyes now, all Rainbow could feel was sheer terror, eyes that could once calm the fiercest storms, now burned with hatred. It was as if they were holding back a veritable maelstrom of anguish and pent up aggression. Rainbow had witnessed Fluttershy using the Stare before but that couldn't compare to the amount of rage she could feel beaming from those eyes, it made her entire body go rigid with fear, her wings slamming shut to her body. It was as if someone had drained all the warmth and colour from Fluttershy, leaving behind an cold empty shell.
Fluttershy's brow furrowed "What's the matter Rainbow Crash, cat got your tongue? Got nothing to say to poor little Fluttershy?" she leaned forward until her forehead was pressed firmly against Rainbow's "Do I have something on my face or something? Because you certainly do! There are more subtle ways of coming out of the closet you know!" and with that snide remark Fluttershy slammed the door in Rainbow's face.
With Fluttershy's surprisingly imposing figure no longer standing over her, Rainbow Dash allowed herself to exhale. It is unknown what caused Rainbow's reaction, whether it was her wounded pride, her brash nature or just plain stupidity. She stood up, pawed the ground and charged, the wooden door breaking free of it's hinges when it met with the force of the full grown pegasus slamming into it.
As the dust cleared Rainbow Dash called out "All right Fluttershy, enough Miss Nice Pony! Get over here now!"
The house was in complete darkness save the light that poured in through the open door and the few slivers that seeped in through a gap in the curtains. Slowly Fluttershy emerged from the shadows, a vindictive smile on her face.
Fluttershy spoke in a condescending tone "Oh that was "Miss Nice Pony was it? Breaking down my door? Did you not get the message or is your head just stuck in the clouds" Fluttershy snorted in discontent.
"Hey it's not like you're living up to your title. Remember, Element of Kindness?!" she retorted.
Fluttershy calmly retreated into the shade and walked over to her dresser, retrieving something from it, before walking back to where Rainbow Dash could see her once more. "You mean this? Here take it" she threw the necklace forcefully at Rainbow who flinched, it thudded off of her chest and landed on the floor with a clatter. "What's the point of being the Element of Kindness now Rainbow? You tell me? I spend all my time trying to make everypony else happy, Celestia forbid somepony should ever think to return the favour. Kindness is just a pointless sentiment. Pleasing such simple foals, bending over backwards to keep every single one of those, those idiots happy, ignorant of my own turmoil." She began to pace back and forth "I've been bullied Rainbow, I've heard the taunts, felt the constant scrutiny from my peers. Poked fun at for being seen as inferior, for being weak."
"Fluttershy we do care about you, we do want you to be happy. Why would you think otherwise? Where's all this coming from all of a sudden!?"
"All of a sudden?!" she stopped her foot down and flared her wings "Don't insult me Rainbow, you have no idea what I deal with everyday. I've watched you day in day out. You work, you sleep, you practice those pointless acrobatics in the hopes that the Wonderbolts are going to pick you up. It's fine for you, you're a role model to this town. Everypony young and old aspires to be like you as you persist in chasing those pointless pipe dreams. I've been pushed down my entire life and I'm sick of it! Why don't you just get out of here? Don't you have a town to terrorize with your stupid stunts?" Rainbow had heard enough, she tackled Fluttershy, the two rolled around on the floor, fighting for control knocking into and knocking over furniture. Eventually Rainbow, being the more athletic, managed to get on top and pin Fluttershy to the floor. Pointlessly Fluttershy struggled against the hooves keeping her held down.
"Okay Fluttershy spill it, where's all this coming from, what happened to that big heart of yours?"
She stopped struggling and shouted at her "Heart? Let me tell you something about hearts Butch, they're for the weak. They are too easy to control, to manipulate and t-to... break" she quickly became silent and averted her gaze, Rainbow saw tears starting to well up in Fluttershy's eyes.
"Broken hearts, Fluttershy? Wait... all this is because..." Rainbow murmured
As she began to think about what she'd been saying connections began to form, Rainbow finally understood. She picked Fluttershy up and hugged her. Fluttershy was initially stunned at the display of kindness shortly before wailing and hugging her back. Rainbow shushed the loud sobs that came from the yellow pegasus although she found herself feeling rather uneasy as the pegasus' tears rolled down her back. Being comforting was hardly one of her strong suits. "It's alright just tell me what happened". Fluttershy told Rainbow Dash everything, leaving out names. The admission of her crush, to her crush, kissing him, getting all dressed up to ask him out, only to find that he'd done the exact same thing for someone else. Once she'd finished Rainbow released the hug and Fluttershy began to wipe her face with her hoof.
"It sounds to me like he was a real jerk! I wished you'd tell me who he is though." she said smacking his front hooves together
Fluttershy shook her head "No, no, there's been enough violence for once day" she replied, once again speaking in her usual dulcet voice. Together they looked around at the destruction they had brought upon the small cottage.
"Yeah, I guess your right" said Rainbow who began to rub the back of her head out of embarrassment for wrecking Fluttershy's home.
"Sorry to go crazy like that..." Fluttershy said looking down in dissappointment.
"Aw don't worry about it Fluttershy, it's not your fault. It's water under the bridge as far as I'm concerned. If you want to blame someone, blame the dolt who messed with your head."
Fluttershy nodded slowly "Okay..."
"Tell you what..." Rainbow perked up "Pinkie's throwing a party, I wasn't going to go but do want to come with? You look like you could use some cheer right now."
"Thanks Rainbow, you're a good friend." She let out a small laugh "Sometimes I wonder if you're more deserving of this than me" she said picking up the necklace.
"I appreciate the offer but I'll stick to my lightning bolt one, I hardly think butterflies are my thing."
"Yeah you might be right, I don't think it'll go with that mustache of yours!" Fluttershy said cracking a playful smile, the colour returning to her face.
"Hey!" she gave her friend a playful dig in the shoulder the two sharing a laugh. "I've been trying to get rid of this thing all week, let me tell you I'm gonna have to give Spike a piece of my mind next time I see him" Fluttershy looked away at the mention of his name
You're not the only one.
"You okay there Fluttershy?"
She stood up and Rainbow followed suit "I'm fine or at least I'm better. I'd er better get cleaned up for the party, I'll met you there okay?" Rainbow Dash turned around and prepared to take off, she looked back at Fluttershy.
"Alright, oh and Fluttershy, take the boards of your windows would you? It's really kinda creepy in here."
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Spike flexed his claw, it still hurt from being pricked by the rose thorns. It served as a constant reminder of his humiliation the day before. He wasn't sure quite how he got home, or why he was even in the bathroom. Ever since he walked away from the boutique his body just seemed to be running on autopilot.
"Stupid Macintosh, stupid Rarity." He looked into the mirror "Stupid Spike..."
He took a breath and looked away, unable to face himself.
"Why did I even bother, what could she have possibly seen in me? Twilight was right all along..."
He walked down the stairs, the library was still in immaculate condition. Spike had his doubts initially as to how well woodland creatures could understand cleanliness but looking at it now, he still couldn't believe how tidy the place was.
He began to pace the library floor "What did I think was going to happen, that I was going to turn up with that rose and she was just gonna throw herself at me?" He stopped when his foot caught against something. Looking down he saw it was a book, one of the few that fell down when he threw a cushion at the bookcase. A book of tales for young ponies, nursery rhymes and fairy tales, He picked it up and looked at the cover. It was one of Twilight's old books, the cover was worn and the binder wrinkled, it had obviously been read through several times. Spike tensed up ready to tear it to shreds "Stupid book, you grow up hearing these tales and think everything's just going to be so easy, but it never is. All this is a lie" Spike put the book back on it's rightful place on the shelf before turning away in disgust.
"Why did I put myself through this? Why did I have to know? Twi must be rubbing off on me, I just couldn't leave well enough alone..."
He heard the mail slot rattle as a card fell through it, bright pink and covered in glitter.
Pinkie....
Spike used his claw to cut open the envelope and retrieved the brightly coloured card from inside, confetti and glitter falling onto the floor.
"To Spike" He read aloud "You are invited to a party to celebrate your first time ever home alone, looks like that crazy pony will use any excuse to throw a party." He sighed and continued "Please be at Sugarcube corner at 5pm. From Pinkie Pie. P.S Don't tell Twilight" Spike scrunched up the envelope and threw it into the bin. "I guess I could use a party right now, anything to lighten the mood, though all considered I doubt this is a week to celebrate..." He glanced at the clock "Well the party's not for a while, I better clean up this mess" Spike said, looking down at the piles of decorations that had fallen from Pinkie's envelope, he walked into the kitchen to retrieve his broom.
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"Okay so we've got the streamers up. You got the party food finished Mr. Cake?"
"All done Pinkie, how many you expecting to show up?" He said looking worryingly at the large number of plates of cupcakes, sandwiches, hay fries and potato chips Pinkie had requested. "There's enough here to feed a couple dozen ponies."
"Not many, I invited all my friends." Pinkie replied with an innocent grin as she placed a large bowl of pink punch on the table, some of it's contents sloshing out over the side staining the white tablecloth.
He looked at her with concern "Pinkie that's pretty much the whole town! I don't think you can fit them all in here."
She shook her head rapidly "No, no, no silly I mean my best friends but Twilight's out of town and Rainbow said she couldn't make it, so that's two down. So asked a couple of other ponies to make up for it. I know Spike's coming, this is his party after all. I mean who wouldn't turn up to their own party, especially with an excellent host like me!" She started bouncing uncontrollably from the excitement.
"Okay Pinkie settle down, the party isn't starting yet, just remember not to make too much of a mess, we'll be back by 10. See you later!" He started to leave only to be stopped in his tracks as Pinkie whizzed round in front of him.
"Wait! Who's watching the twins?"
"Oh don't worry about them, their grandmother's agreed to watch them for the evening. They'll be coming back home with us." He turned and left closing the door behind them
She clapped, letting out a small giggle "Goody! That means we don't have to be quiet for the sake of the babies. Vinyl! Green Light!"
A white unicorn wearing her trusty purple shades wheeled in the sound system for the party, eighteen large speakers which she placed around the room, levitating them with her magic. "You sure know how to throw a heck of a party Pinkie. I never even thought of using this many speakers before, not in a venue this small."
"You just wait till it starts, I can personally guarantee that this is going to be a party nopony's gonna forget for a long time!" She grinned, blissfully ignorant of how true her words would be.
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Spike walked up the road towards Sugarcube Corner. He could see lights pulsing through the windows, quickly scanning his watch he remarked "That's odd it's only just gone 5, I guess Pinkie must be getting a little ahead of herself, I bet no-one else is there yet." Upon opening the door however he discovered that wasn't the case,
Sweet Celestia, Pinkie Pie you will never fail to surprise me.
As soon as he opened the door he was greeted by the sight of many party revelers, dancing around the floor as the speakers pumped out Vinyl's latest musical creation. He remained standing into the door way until a pink hoof grabbed him and pulled him to the side, Pinkie was smiling "Well what d'you think? Pretty cool right?" she said having to shout above the music.
Spike looked around in disbelief "It took you five minutes to get everypony up and dancing? That's impressive"
"Oh no silly, that's impossible" She said giggling "I told you to get here at 5, I told everypony else to get here at 4, that way when you got here the party would be in full swing, so you wouldn't have to stand around being bored waiting for people to turn up. I mean who wants to be bored at their own party?"
Spike gave her a perplexed look "Pinkie, that's either crazy or brilliant!"
"Thanks, I think, oh oh oh they're starting a conga line, I gotta get in on that. Have fun Spike!" said Pinkie as she leapt away grabbing hold of the flanks of the pony at the back of the line.
Wow, there are certainly a lot of ponies here, then again it is a Pinkie party. Who would turn that down.
A lot of the ponies there Spike didn't recognize, some he'd seen several times before but didn't know their names, he dismissed them as Pinkie's friends and wandered over to the buffet table.
Let's see whose here that I know, well I can see Lyra and Bon-Bon, they got Vinyl on the turn tables over there. Oh look there's Applejack I guess I should go over and say hi.
He grabbed a cup of punch and began to dance/walk his way over to Applejack being extremely careful not to bump into anyone. "Hey AJ!" he said tapping on her shoulder, she turned to greet him.
"Howdy Spike, how you doing" she said tipping her hat.
"Pretty good. And yourself?"
"Ah can't complain, glad I got someone to talk to though, I ain't never seen some of these ponies before, 'cept Pinkie of course." She pointed over to Pinkie who was continuing to dance the conga. "You bring anyone with ya?"
"Nah, I was thinking about it but decided not to."
"Fair enough, I was gonna bring Macintosh with me, y'know discourage any colts that might try something but he said he was busy doing something tonight"
He swallowed his punch painfully "Yeah I'll bet..."
"What was that?"
Before Spike could say anything they were interrupted by a large whining noise coming from the speakers, Pinkie had jumped Vinyl and grabbed the microphone. "Hello everypony! My name's Pinkie Pie, well you all know me, I invited you here! We're here to celebrate Spike finally being left home alone, a big milestone in anypony's er I mean any DRAGON'S life, let's have a round of applause for Spike." Spike felt himself go red as all eyes turned on him, a few ponies coughed, some managed a light polite applause. For a while there was nothing but awkward silence. "Okay with that out of the way, let's kick it up a notch. Vinyl hit it!" Vinyl placed a record on the turntables, once the music started up again, everyone quickly moved on and resumed dancing as Pinkie began to sing, belting out at the top of her lungs
""When it's time to party we will party hard!"
As the bass kicked in everypony turned around and began dancing again. No longer the centre of attention Spike headed back towards the refreshment table to get another cup of punch. As he was filling up the little red cup he heard a voice from behind that nearly caused him to drop the ladle.
"Spike, we need to talk."
Spike instantly identified the voice as Rarity's. He didn't turn around.
"What do you want" he said sullenly.
She placed a hoof on his shoulder only for him to push it away with his claw.
"Please Spike I just want to talk, can we go somewhere quiet?"
He looked down and answered through gritted teeth "Fine, just make it quick, I want to get back to enjoying myself."
He downed his punch in a single swallow, secretly hoping somepony had spiked it. He crushed the cup in his hand and threw it away before following behind Rarity as she lead him away from the rest of the party into the kitchen, one of the few places Pinkie hadn't put speakers. As soon as the door closed which managed muffle the music, Rarity turned to face him, looking at him sympathetically.
"Are you feeling okay Spike?"
"I'm fine thank you, actually I'm better than fine, I'm fantastic! If that's all you wanted then I want to get back to the party" he turned and grabbed the door handle, as he opened it Rarity slammed it shut.
"Spike I need you to listen to me, I know you were there the other day at the boutique."
He rolled his eyes "Oh yeah, and? What? You've come here to make sure I keep quiet?"
"N-no that's not-" Spike interrupted her.
"Because you know what Rarity? I'm not going to tell anypony, I don't even care anymore, you go off and be with Big Mac!" he made no attempt to hide his fury. He tensed his claws again, stinging pain shooting up from the palm of his hand, seemingly amplified by his foul mood.
Rarity began again "Spike please-"
"You know it's kind of funny, I always wondered why you ignored all my efforts, guess it makes sense now!" Spike shouted over her. He turned to her shaking his head slowly as he walked closer.
"Could you just-"
"Forget it Rarity! Okay! Buck you, buck Big Mac, I'm outta here!" he tried once again to leave.
"Spike please just listen to me." She stood between him and the door.
"Get out of my way Rarity!" he said with a snarl. A small jet of green flames escaping from his nostrils causing Rarity to recoil slightly.
"I know you're upset now, but I need you to listen. I never wanted you to find out like that. It's actually the reason I made Mackie keep quiet, I wanted you to hear it from me first, I wasn't sure how to tell you so I put it off."
Pah! Mackie?! Stupid Nickname... he showed his disgust by spitting off to one side.
Spike allowed himself a breath, biting back the tears he stared into her eyes "How could you do that to me Rarity, after everything we've been through. You must've known how I felt!"
She closed her eyes and looked down "I confess I did Spike and I'm sorry, you worked so hard for me. You rescued me -twice- and I will never forget the kindness you've shown me over all these years. I just, I don't know, this is all a big mess."
Her response did nothing but anger him further "If you knew then why didn't you act? It's because I'm a dragon isn't it?"
Rarity looked hurt "Being a dragon had nothing to do with it! You were just a baby dragon Spike, it didn't feel right. I've had crushes on ponies before Spike and they came and went with the seasons, they changed, I changed. I just assumed that your's would also eventually..."
"What? Go away? It's like you don't know me at all." he scowled at her "When did it start?" she looked away "Come on Rarity, you owe me that much."
She replied in a hushed voice "I started seeing Big Mac a few months after the Royal Wedding. We didn't plan for it to happen it just did."
"I'd rather not know the details thanks."
She nodded her head in understanding "I can't begin to understand how you must have felt when you overheard us Spike and I apologise. I can understand if you don't want to forgive me."
He sighed and looked at her "I do forgive you, your a grown mare, you're more than capable of making your own decisions. I'm just sorry that it couldn't work. It's not like I didn't prepare for this but I admit it still hurts."
"Can we move on please Spike? I still enjoy your company. I don't want to leave here today knowing I'm never going to see you again." she said with pleading eyes
"Yeah, I guess that would be for the best" he admitted
Rarity held out a hoof "Friends?"
"Friends" Spike said shaking her hoof, before Rarity pulled him into a hug.
They held the embrace for a few minutes, when suddenly a startled voice shouted from behind them
"What's going on in here!?"
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Fluttershy headed out of the door with her head held high on the way to the party Pinkie was throwing over at Sugarcube corner, she found herself running late because she'd spent the past few hours psyching herself up in front of the mirror.
Spike's not going to forget tonight anytime soon, Rainbow might want to give him a piece of her mind but she better get in line.
Rainbow Dash was waiting outside for her friend trotting up and down impatiently "There you are! What took you so long?"
"Sorry Rainbow, I just had to get...ready."
"Come on then let's get inside, it looks like a lot of fun in there. Besides the doorman's been giving me all kinds of funny looks"
When they went inside, Fluttershy slipped away from Rainbow Dash first chance she got, leaving her dancing in the large group Vinyl had jumping around in front of the DJ booth. As soon as she caught sight of Pinkie she walked up to her.
"Pinkie..."
Pinkie Pie spun round to see Fluttershy, then carried on spinning "Hello Fluttershy! I didn't think you were coming! You told me these kind of parties weren't your thing, sorry I would've sent you an invite otherwise."
"Don't be sorry, I'm only here because Rainbow wanted someone to go with her." she said pointing to the crowd that were chanting on Rainbow, who determined to show off had begun break dancing, pirouetting on one of her outstretched wing tips.
"That makes sense I guess." She began humming along to the music "Spike sure is lucky to have this swell party thrown for him! I would have loved to have a party like this!"
Doesn't she do parties like this practically every week?
"Yeah, speaking of which, I don't suppose you've seen him have you I need to talk with him."
"Spike? Oh yeah I saw him following someone into the kitchen a couple of minutes ago."
"Thanks"
Fluttershy walked up to the door to the kitchen.
Okay Fluttershy, here we go.
Slowly she opened the door, just in time to see Spike and Rarity sharing an embrace in the middle of the kitchen. All of her confidence drained, what she had prepared to say slipped her mind, she stared at them before shouting out the first thing that came to into her head.
"What's going on in here!"
Upon hearing the sudden noise, Spike and Rarity pushed each other apart, both looking really embarrassed.
It's true then... I had to see it to believe it.
Rarity cleared her throat and began to walk over to her, Spike stood there dumbstruck, he wasn't sure what was going to happen now but he had a pretty good idea.
"Hello Fluttershy, Spike and I were just-"
"N-no it's okay I'll, I'll come back later" She turned and ran from the kitchen, knocking over several ponies on her way to the door, one of whom fell into the turntables and cut the music short. The party-goers stopped to see Fluttershy running out, all eyes turned or Rarity, who in turn was looking at Spike. Spike swallowed deeply.
"Spike? What was all that about?"
Spike just stared blankly back at the hundreds of eyes now focused on him.
Guess I've got some explaining to do.
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Spike chased after Fluttershy, he knew had no hope of catching up to her running on just two legs, he called out to her hoping that she would stop.
"Fluttershy! Wait!"
"Leave me alone Spike." was the pained response.
"Just let me talk to you, it's not what it looked like!"
"I'm not an idiot Spike, I know what I saw! I hope you and Rarity are happy together, I hope it was worth it!"
"Would you stop? Please? I'll run after you all night if I have to!"
Fluttershy stopped, allowing Spike to catch up to her. Once Spike managed to catch his breath he spoke up "Can we sit down please?"he said gesturing to a nearby bench. In silence they walked over to it and Spike sat down, he motioned for Fluttershy to sit next to him. She paused but did as he wished.
"So what did you want?" she said, still refusing to look at him, her eyes firmly shut. Her head held high.
"I wanted to say that, I'm sorry, sorry for everything I've put you through. Rainbow told me what happened."
"Of course she did..." she scoffed.
"It's just that, that day when you... It got me thinking."
Fluttershy opened a curious eye "About what?"
"Everything. Up until that point, I never realised that you had feelings for me, not like that."
She stared at him, her brow furrowing "Well now you know and I still do, even after everything you've put me through. Guess what Spike? I went to that party fully intent on letting you know exactly how I felt, I was ready to let out all the pain it caused me to see you yesterday, ready to ask Rarity out. I was heartbroken. Then I saw you and her together and it just brought it all back." Fluttershy turned away.
"We're not together..." Spike stared at his feet.
"What do you mean?"
"She already has a very special somepony, Rarity, and it's not me."
"So what was that all about then? Back there in the kitchen?" she exclaimed, pointing back towards the party with her hoof.
He allowed himself the most fleeting of smiles "Us making amends, helping me come to terms with what happened. I'm not going to lie to you Fluttershy, about what you saw. I was headed over there to ask Rarity out, there's no denying it."
"I knew it, how could you see me, when you only had eyes for her." she began to get up, ready to leave.
"It was then I caught her with her coltfriend."
"Oh..." She resumed sitting.
"You see then Fluttershy, I have a pretty good idea of how you feel, it's how I felt. If Rarity hadn't come to the party to explain everything, to straighten everything out. I'd probably still be feeling like how I imagine your feeling right now."
"I see..."
"There's something else though..." he said rubbing the back of his head.
"What?"
"The whole reason I went to ask Rarity out, it was because of you."
She looked at him confused "I don't understand"
He shrugged and turned to face her "I'm not sure I do either, but that day when you... kissed me. You sent my mind for a spin. I began to doubt everything I'd ever dreamt of. That's the reason I got dressed up, the reason I went to ask her out. I began to cling to what I'd hoped for all those years. I needed to prove to myself that it could still happen, I don't understand why but a part of me had to be sure."
Fluttershy didn't respond, quietly contemplating what he said. She was still upset by the dragon's words but she no longer felt angry.
He took one of her hoofs in his hands. "I never meant to hurt you Fluttershy. That kiss, it was only quick, but in that moment I felt my whole world crashing down around me. It was so surreal, I think the mental shock of it is what caused me to pass out." Fluttershy didn't respond the look in her eyes one of deep concentration. Spike continued "The next morning when I woke up, I couldn't remember a thing, just hazy fragments. Slowly though, images started to flood back and even then. Even with my memories restored a part of me just couldn't accept it. Accept that someone, that you liked me, when all I've been told is that a pony could never fall for someone..." he stopped as the words stuck in his throat, "Someone like me. I became depressed, I refused to believe it at first but then slowly over time began to accept it."
"Accept what?"
Spike bit his lip "That I enjoyed it. That I was starting to feel the same way. I found myself thinking about you, more than usual. I thought about all you were. Your beauty, your smile. The kindest, sweetest pony in Equestria and you, you liked me, as more than just a friend." Fluttershy found herself blushing slightly. Spike began to shake his head violently "I tried, I don't know why I did, but I tried to suppress it. Even when I walked up to the door of the boutique, my mind kept drifting back to you, over and over again. I was such a fool to deny what was happening right before me. A complete idiot. And all my actions did was to cause you more pain. I just want you to know that I'm sorry."
Fluttershy began to feel ashamed, guilty, even if it was Spike who had upset her, she was still the cause of it all. She pulled her hoof out of his hand "I'm sorry too..."
Now it was Spike's turn to be confused. "What for? You have nothing to be sorry for."
"Yes, I do. I knew how you felt about Rarity, I just couldn't contain myself. I kissed you without any thought of the consequences, without any care as to how you would react. I just wanted you for myself and I didn't care how it happened."
"I guess we've both been pretty selfish then."
"I guess we have."
There was a very uncomfortable silence between the two for quite sometime. The only sound was that of the flowing river and the quiet chirping of a cricket. Spike began to think over the events of the week, everything that had happened. Fluttershy's revelation, his discoveries, his own personal turmoil. The more he thought the more he found himself coming to the same conclusion again and again. Finally Spike spoke up.
"Fluttershy?" he said sidling up to her, looking her in the eyes.
"Yeah..." Fluttershy said calmly.
"I don't know if I'll ever be able to make up for what I did to you" he smiled "But I'd like the chance to try. So, with that in mind... Would you... like to go on a date with me?"
Fluttershy's heart fluttered, as Spike finally spoke the words she'd been wanting to hear. She grinned, already sure of her answer. She nuzzled him quietly whispering.
"Yes Spike, I'd love to"
They stared at each other for what seemed the longest time before Spike kissed her, Fluttershy was surprised at first, then kissed him back. Their lips locked in a passionate embrace, the two sharing the feeling of warmth that surged through their bodies. Spike ran a single claw slowly through her flowing pink mane. No more worries. No more fears. No regrets. When they eventually broke apart Fluttershy had a dreamy smile on her face. She rested her head on his shoulder, content.
Together the two looked up at the night sky gazing at the stars.