Spike had made his way back to the Crystal Castle and stood outside the door, still unsure and shaken of what that nightmare was. He remembered a breathing exercise that Twilight and the other princesses used to calm down, so in the hope that it would help do the same for him, he decided to give it ago.
"Breath in and slowly breath out," he said to himself.
After doing this a few times, he was feeling a bit better and decided to just push it to the back of his head for now.
"Hey Twi, I'm back," he announced
As he walked back into the castle, he looked around and saw books everywhere he looked. There in the middle of a mountain of books, he saw Twilight with her head in a book.
Twilight looked up to see Spike standing there and placed the book she was reading on a table next to her coffee.
"Oh, welcome home Spike. How did it go with Rarity? Was she able to get her new designs finished?"
"Yeah all done. It was a lot of hard work but you know Rarity, when she gets in the zone there's no stopping her," Spike answered. "And considering the mess of books all over the place, I'd say somepony managed to get some reading done. You did remember to eat, right?
Letting of a little giggle at the dragons question, Twilight answered, "Yes, Spike I remembered to eat and thanks for the cupcakes by the way, they were delicious. You know what Spike? I really love days like this."
A warm smile came onto her face as she stretched. "Just being able to read a good book without having to worry if the worlds gonna end. Days like this really are the best."
"I couldn't agree more, I should probably go whip up something for Starlight and Trixie," Spike said. They'll probably be hungry when they come back to Ponyville and you know Trixie. That mare can eat."
"Oh that's ok, Spike, I got a letter from Starlight shortly after you left," Twilight said. "She said they are going to be staying in Fillydelphia for a week or so. Something about helping Trixie with her great and powerful show, so I wrote her back and told her not to rush back and to enjoy herself. After all, spending time with your friends is just as important than studying."
Holding back a little giggle of his own after hearing Twilight say that, Spike said, "You of all ponies saying that always makes me laugh, but I'm glad she's having fun though. So you want me to cook up some food for just you and me then?"
"No, that's ok, Spike," Twilight replied. "I'm full and I still have some leftovers I can eat later. Unless you want then saved, you can make anything up for yourself."
"Na, I'm not really hungry just yet, but thanks," Spike replied. "Besides, I got some gems in my room if I want a snack, so I'm good. I guess I can just help around here for a bit. Why don't you go back to reading whatever it is you were reading, I'm just going to sort out that pile of book over there. You finished reading those right?"
"Yep sure have," Twilight answered. "They were some great reads to. Thanks Spike, don't put them to far out of hoof though, I may want to re-read them after I'm finished with this one."
"You got it Twi. Well, better get started then."
Time just seemed to pass by quickly as the once book-covered floor was now clean once again. Then there was a knock on the castle door.
"I think somepony's at the door. You mind getting that, Spike?" Twilight asked.
"Sure, No problem. I just finished sorting out that mess of a pile of books any ways," Spike answered.
"Thanks Spike, I just got to the really good part in this book. It's abo..."
Cutting of the mare before she went any further, Spike quickly said, "Got to get the door remember? Be right back." Spike ran to the front door wondering who it could be. They were not expecting anypony today.
As he opened the door, his pupils shrank and he stuttered, "Hi, what can I..I... Rarity, hi. What are you doing here? Come in, come in." "I wonder why she's here, not that I mind but it hasn't been that long since I left her," he thought.
Making her way inside, she turned to look at Spike and said, "Thank you Spikey. I'm sorry to come over so soon after you left, but you see, I.. I.. Wa.. Wan..."
"Come on, Rarity. He's standing right there," she thought to herself. "Just say it. Come on. You said you weren't going to run. You said you were going to be honest for once. I mean look at him. Don't you think he has a right to know how you feel after all this time? You owe him that much, but more importantly, you owe it to yourself! come on!!!!"
Rarity feels her face going red as the small dragon looked at her with wonder.
"I wanted to... Oh Twilight dear, how are you?"
Twilight started to walk towards her friend by the door.
"Hey Rarity, I'm great thanks just finishing up some light reading," she answered before looking at Rarity a bit worried and confused. "Not that it's not great to see you, but is everything ok? You're looking a little flustered."
Giving off a little smile, Rarity looked at the other mare and said, "Oh, that's sweet of you to ask dear. Everything's fine. I assure you."
Spike still looking at Rarity said, "Well, that's a relief, I thought that maybe we forgot to finish something before I left. I'd hate the idea of just leaving when I said I was going to help you."
"That's very sweet of you, Spikey. There is one thing we did forget to be honest with you though and that is why I'm here." After taking a quick breath and said, "You see Spike, we finished all the work but I never got the chance to thank you properly before you left."
"Rarity, that's ok. I'm glad to help you any time, you know that. You don't need to do anything for me. Just knowing I was able to help you, Is all the thanks I need," he said as he looks at her with a gentle smile.
"Oh dear sweet Celestia, give me strength. This drake has no idea what he's doing to me," Rarity thought.
"NO!" A bit surprised at her own outburst, she calmed herself down and started again after clearing her throat. "What I mean to say is. I'm afraid that won't do Spike, I must insist that you allow me to thank you properly. Anything else would be an insult to you and myself as a lady. Now you mentioned something about dinner earlier, if you haven't already eaten. How would going out for dinner sound to you?"
Spike was sure his face was redder than anything he could imagine. The mare of his dreams was asking him to dinner. He knew this was only as friends and to thank him for his help but still, she was asking him. It didn't help that he was remembering that one great bit of the dream he had earlier, where he and Rarity kissed. Spike realized that he was spacing out and snapped himself out of it.
"Sure Rarity. I haven't eaten yet and dinner sounds like a great idea to me. So what's the plan?"
Rarity just looking happy with herself, stood there for a second to take in his answer before smiling.
"Excellent, dear nothing to fancy. Though I do like to dress up at times. Tonight I was just thinking a nice quiet meal at The Rustic Hoof would be the best thing after all our work today. wouldn't you agree?"
"Yeah, sounds like that's just what I need, I can't wait. shall we say 8 o'clock?"
Spike couldn't stop the goofy smile coming on his face, even if he tried.
stifling a giggle, as she looked at him.
"Yes, 8 o'clock is fine. It gives me enough time to get ready. Oh, of course, where are my manners?" Turning to look at Twilight. "You're more than welcome to join us of course Twilight, if you wish.
"I know this is selfish but please say noooo!!!! I just want it to be me and spike!!" She thought.
"Thank you for the offer, Rarity but if it's all the same, I think I'll pass," Twilight says. "I've already eaten and I still have a book to finish, not to mention the leftovers from earlier. Thanks all the same."
"Well, as long as you're sure darling, I guess I really should take my leave. I still need to sort a few things out before tonight. I'll see you at The Rustic Hoof at 8 o'clock then, Spikey-wikey."
Giving him a smile as she looked at him, she takes her leave.
"Wait, Rarity. If you don't mind, I'll come by the Boutique to pick you up," Spike offered. "That is if you don't mind me escorting you to The Rustic Hoof. After all it's the least I can do. Not to mention it's the gentleman's duty to escort a lady to dinner, wouldn't you agree, my lady?"
Taking a small bow and looking at her with a toothy grin on his face.
Rarity giggled and said, "Yes, quite right, Spikey-Wikey. Very well, I look forward to seeing you later. Please get to the Boutique at quarter to eight then. It'll give us some time to get there." She starts walking out the castle, and said "Ta-ta."
Spike starts to wave as Rarity walks away and said, "Ok, Rarity I'll see you then. Take care on the way home."
Once she's out of view, Spike closes the door and turned to see Twilight with a big smile on her face.
"Oh my CELESTIA!!!! Spike you're going on a date with RARITY!!!!" She exclaimed. "I...I... I can't believe this! My little brothers got a date! It's amazing your first date Spike and with one of my closest friends! I couldn't be happier for you!"
After thinking on what she just said out loud, her smile vanished and panic started to take over.
"Wait, my brother and one of my best friends are going on a date. What if it doesn't work out? What if they have a fight? It could ruin all our friendships forever!" Twilight starts to freak out.
"Twi, calm down, that won't happen," Spike said calmly. "No matter what we will always be friends. Besides you're reading too much into this. Rarity's just taking me to dinner to thank me for all the work I helped her with today. It's not a date. So stop freaking out."
After taking a few deep breaths to calm herself, Twilight turned to Spike and said, "I don't know, Spike. Rarity seemed pretty happy about going to dinner with you. In fact, if you ask me, I kind of got the feeling she didn't want me to tag along."
"Come on Twi, that's not true. She offered you to come because we're friends. And besides, it can't be a date," Spike said, before he started to get a goofy look in on his face. "I mean come on. She's the most beautiful and generous pony around. Not to mention one of the top fashion designers in all of Equestria,"
Then he stops, like something just hit him. Spikes goofy look disappeared before he said, "And what am I?" Spike starts to look at the reflection of himself on the floor. "Just some dumb baby dragon who likes to make believe he's more than an assistant."
"HEY! how dare you talk about yourself like that. Just an assistant, REALLY!?!" Twilight rebuked using her hoof to raise his chin to look at her. "Could an assistant save a whole empire, not once but twice? And don't forget it was you that made friends with the changelings, First Friend Spike. Now the changeling are living with us in peace and we have become friends with them. You took part in the Gauntlet of Fire and won. Then after becoming dragon lord, you gave it up in a heartbeat for us and made a friend in the process, insuring not only the safety of all of Equestria but bringing dragons and ponies closer together than ever before. That's not even mentioning what you do for our friends or myself on a daily basis. So Spike just an assistant, I think not. You are so much more than you see but I see it, Rarity sees it, we all do. You are amazing and don't you ever forget that."
"Y..you really think that?" Spike asked as he wiped the tears from his eyes as he looks at her.
"I don't think it, Spike, I know it." Twilight said while pulling him into a loving embrace and wiping a tear from her eye. "And if you ever forget that, I'll be here to remind you of it every time, my number one assistant."
Returning the hug, Spike said, "Thanks Twilight. You're the best and I know I don't say this much but I love you, sis." Spike pulls away and smiles at her.
"I love you too little brother," Twilight replied with a warm smile. "Ok, it's time for you to start getting ready. Go have a shower and sort yourself out for your big night."
"Will do. Oh, and Twilight, I have a favor to ask," Spike said. "While I'm getting ready, you think you could run to Rose's shop and grab me some flowers? I can't go empty clawed when I go to get Rarity. What would she think? I'd go myself of course but, by the time I've got ready the shop will be closed."
"Sure thing, Spike," Twilight replied. "I'll go now just to be sure I can get some nice ones. Any flowers in particular?"
"Yeah, I think roses would be a nice change," Spike answered. "Oh, and one last thing, please don't tell anypony about this dinner tonight. I wouldn't want to start any rumours, you know how ponies like to talk."
"Rose. Got it. And don't worry, Spike I won't say anything to anypony. I pinkie promise."
************
Meanwhile, on the other side of Ponyville, Rarity finds herself standing outside her mom and dad's house.
"Ok you can do this." she thought. "It's just talking to them. It's nothing to freak out about. Deep breath Rarity. You got this."
"Hello mother, father. I'm home for a visit." she announced as she walks through the door, looks around to find her parents and hears her mother shouting from the kitchen.
"Hi sweetheart! I'm in the kitchen! Come on in!" She called out.
Rarity walked through to the kitchen where she saw her mother putting out some fresh baked cookies.
"Seems I made it just in time for some cookies," Rarity said. "I do hope you have some oatmeal one's. You know how much I like those."
Cookie Crumbles gave a nod of her head and said, "But of course, dear. I wouldn't dream of leaving my little diamond's favourite cookies out now would I? Not that I'm ungrateful for the surprise visit or anything, but to be honest I wasn't expecting to see you today. I thought you had work to do."
After taking a seat at the kitchen table and helping herself to a cookie, Rarity replied, "Oh well, yes mother, I had quite a lot to get done but was able to finish earlier than I had planned, thanks to a little help. I thought I'd pop by for a visit since I don't get enough chances to visit as of late with all the orders and business I've been getting. It can be a bit troublesome finding time to come see you and father. Speaking of which, Where is Father and Sweetie Belle?"
Cookie takes the seat opposite Rarity and said, "You know your Father. He's out fishing down by the lake. Says he's gonna catch a big load today. I never see the point myself but it keeps him happy," she puts a hoof to her mouth to stifle a giggle. "As for your sister. She's out with the other CMC members. Something about a little filly needing there help to find their cutie mark. Whatever they're doing, I just hope they don't cause to much trouble."
"Yes well they do have a knack for getting themselves into trouble, but I'm sure they are fine," Rarity said, holding back a little giggle of her own before finishing her cookie. "So how have you and father been any way?"
Cookie just looks at her and said, "We're doing just great Rarity," before letting out a sigh, "Look, Rarity it's not that I don't like it when you come to visit. Far from it in fact. It's just I can tell something is bothering you and I'm guessing that's the reason you've really come here today, so out with it my little filly. You know you can tell me anything."
After taking a deep sigh herself, Rarity said, "I should of known better. You always could see right through me, no matter what. Just like the time I wanted to open a shop and run my own business. I was so worried about how I was going to tell you and if you would thing it was a good idea. Then boom, just like now you looked right through me and told me to say what was on my mind. How do you do it?"
After a little giggle, Cookie replied, "I may not be an element of harmony or a princess, like you and your friends, but it's kind of like a super power everypony gets when they become parents. We can just tell. You'll understand one day when you have foals of your own. So what is it. Somepony giving you trouble? Or is it something else? Maybe boy trouble?"
"I see, that power of yours is truly something, Rarity remarked. "Ok mom. I really don't know how to say this so just bear with me. You are right though, it has to do with a boy. I don't know what to do mom. He's the most caring, kindest, hardworking and loyal creature I've ever met. That's only a few things I could say about him. He's funny and ever so smart but tries to hide it. He always gives any challenge he faces 100% and never backs down when faced with adversity and there's nothing he won't do to help a friend."
"In short, he's everything I've ever dreamed of and I like him, mom. Really, really like him. But I'm so scared. What if this doesn't work out? What if we fallout? It could ruin everything. Not just our friendship but all the friendships we have. Not to mention what other ponies will think. It could even ruin my businesses. I don't know what to do. I can't understand myself lately. He's all I think about. I find any reason to be near him. I get upset if I can't see him or jealous of others being around him. It's like he's mine and no other creature can have him."
Feeling the tears starting to well up, she puts her hoofs to her face and starts to sob.
"Wh..what do I do mom?"
Cookie stands up and walks over to Rarity and pulls her into an embrace.
"It seems it's finally happened. My little diamond has found love and by the sounds of it, you've fallen hard."
She giggled to herself before she continued.
"Yes, you've had little crushes here and there, some of which I question who you get your taste from. This is different though isn't it? In all honesty, I can't help you Rarity, even though I want nothing more than to do so right now. I can't help you because this is something only you can do. It has to be your decision whether you go forward or stay where you are. It's all part of growing up, my little one and sometimes it hurts. But if we're lucky, it can be the most magical thing in the world. Even better than the Magic of Friendship."
"Yes it's risky. You could very well lose it all, but you could gain so much more. Just like the day you told us about wanting to open up a shop. The risk was there and you faced it head on. Now look at you, one of the top fashion designers in all of Equestria and a hero to all. You and your friends inspire all around you to be better than they are, to have the courage to stand for what they believe in. I couldn't be more prouder of you."
Using her hoof to stroke her mane, Cookie smiled and said, "Now the only real question you need to ask yourself is, are you ready to take the risk?" She lifts Rarity's head up to make eye contact, "Well, my little diamond are you ready?"
Rarity wipes the remaining tears from her eyes and smiles.
"Thank you mother. You always know what to say," she said standing up from the chair and pulling Cookie into her own hug, "You are amazing and I'm the luckiest mare around to have you as my mother." she broke the hug and looked at her mom saying, "You're right. What is the point if I'm not prepared to take the risk? Well no more standing around. I hate to leave so soon, but I have a date to get ready for. Before I go though, don't you want to know who I was talking about?"
Cookie burst into laughter and said, "That's a good one, Rarity," before wiping a tear from her eye. "Please, any pony with a pair of eyes can see who you are head over hoofs for. It's not hard to see. That little dragon is crazy about you and just so we're clear, I'm sure I can speak for the rest of the family when I say this, couldn't be happier for you. That dragon is one fine catch."
Cookie started to burst into laughter again after she saw Rarity go bright red.
"Mother!!! Really what are you a little filly!?!" Rarity exclaimed after taking a breath to try to calm down. "It's really ok? You know that he's a dragon. It doesn't bother you at all?"
"Nope not one bit," Cookie said reassuringly. "He could be a changeling for all I care. The only thing that matters to me is that he makes you happy and if he ever makes you cry, not even Celestia herself will stop me from making him pay. Dragon or not, he will rue the day he hurt you."
"Spike would never hurt me, mother, you know that," Rarity said with a smile. "Well now that you know, I feel much better and thank you for understanding and for your help. I really must be off though, I need to get ready."
After one last hug, Rarity starts to walk out the kitchen when she hears, "bye-bye, my little one. Better hurry. Wouldn't want to keep your Spikey-wikey waiting now, would we? Have fun tonight, my little diamond."
And shortly after that, another fit of giggles followed.
"Seriously, that mother of mine," Rarity thought, Shaking her head to try and get rid of the blush now on her face. In a deadpan voice to try and hide her embarrassment she replied, "Yes, Mother. I will and see you later ok?"
Now stepping outside she takes in a deep breath of fresh air.
"Right, no more hiding or running, it's time to take a risk. Ready or not here I come," she thought as she makes her way back home to start getting ready.