"This is it. I'm 5 minutes early, but I'm sure that she'll be ready." Spike thought standing in front of Carousel Boutique, with one claw holding the roses Twilight got for him. He took a slow, deep breath to calm himself and used his free claw to knock on the door. Inside he could hear the sound of hoofs getting closer towards him, until the door opened.
"Spikey, you're here and 5 minutes early no less," Rarity said happily.
The white mare stood at the door with a smile on her face as she looked at him and a red tint started to come across her face as she looked at what he had in his claws.
"Are those for me?" she asked.
Spike just stood there frozen on the spot, looking at the white mare that shined in the night, like he'd never seen before. He cleared his throat to compose himself and said, "Yes, sorry, these are for you. I hope you don't mind. I Just thought you may like them."
Starting to panic a bit, he lifted the roses towards her and said.
"It's ok if you don't like them. I just wanted to get you some nice flowers. Oh, you look amazing by the way," he said as a blush started to appear across his own face.
Letting out a little giggle, Rarity replied, "Oh, Spikey-wikey, you didn't have to do that but thank you. They are beautiful."
Using her magic, she took them from Spike and held them to her nose, giving them a good sniff before saying, "They smell divine," then placed them on a table. "You are looking quite handsome yourself, Spikey." Her face began to go a darker red, clearing her throat to change the subject as the dragon looked at her with a red face. "Though I must admit, I'm not quite ready yet. If it's ok with you, would you mind taking a seat? I just need to go grab something from upstairs. I promise it will only take a moment."
"Not at all Rarity, I'm a few minutes early any way. I don't mind waiting for you, please take your time," Spike replied.
Making his way inside, Spike took a seat as Rarity closed the door and trotted off upstairs.
"I'll just be a moment," Rarity said as she went upstairs.
Spike took this time to calm himself down a bit from the shock that Rarity thought he looked handsome. It was the first time he could think of that she had said that about him.
"She thinks I look handsome! Rarity thinks I'm handsome!" He thought while having a little giggle to himself. He heard her coming back down the stairs where Rarity noticed his giggling and asked, "What's so funny, Spikey-wikey?
Spike turned to look at her as she made her way down the stairs and said, "Oh, Nothi- WOW!!!!" Spike clasped his claws to his mouth, in shock and amazement. Before he had the chance to recover or say anything else, Rarity started making her way over to him, letting out a laugh and with her face completely red as she stood there in front of him.
"I take it, that means you approve of my choice of accessories this evening then?" She asked, putting a hoof to her mouth to stifle another laugh from escaping. There she stood in all her natural beauty with nothing else but a Fire Ruby necklace hanging from her neck.
Spike was in awe as he stared at Rarity while asking, "Is that the Fire Ruby I gave you?"
Looking pleased with herself, Rarity answered, "Yes, Spikey. This is the same Fire Ruby you so selflessly gave to me on your birthday. I hope you don't mind. I know I said we didn't have to dress up. It's just I never get many chances to wear this and I thought tonight was the perfect time."
"Not at all. I mean you look absolutely amazing. What I mean is, you always look amazing of course but tonight you look perfect," Spike said before throwing his claws over his mouth after realizing what he just said and turning bright red.
"Good one, idiot. What the hay were you thinking?" He thought to himself.
Leaning over, Rarity kisses him on the cheek and said, "You really do know what to say to make a mare feel special, Spikey."
Looking at him, she couldn't help go bright red herself as he got that goofy look on his face that she loved so much. It was a look he only ever did for her. It was her goofy look and she loved it.
Spike snapped out of his trance and placed a claw where Rarity had kissed him.
"It's a good thing I'm a dragon, cuz if I wasn't I think I'd of burst into flames by now," he thought.
"Hey Rarity, I know we have to go and all, but do you think I could borrow a bit of parchment and a quill real quick?" He asked. "I have something I want to show you. It will only take a moment."
"Something you want to show me?" Rarity asked with a twinkle of curiosity in her eye before she summoned some parchment and a quill over to Spike with her magic. "I'm sure whatever it is, I'm going to love it, darling."
She watched the little drake scribble something down and set it alight in a green flame before he said with a nervous smile.
"I hope so. The truth is I've had it for awhile but I guess I've just been to nervous to show you or anypony really. I sort of got the idea from you in all honesty,"
Just then, a blinding flash of purple light appeared around Spike's neck, forcing Rarity to close her eyes.
When Rarity opened her eyes, she was astonished at what she saw around Spike's neck. "Sp- Spike is tha-" she began before clearing her throat to compose herself at what she was looking at. "Spike is that a necklace with a Sapphire encased in it? It looks absolutely amazing and I must say suits you very well."
Letting out a little giggle, Spike smiled at the mare and said, "It sure is, Rarity. Like I said before, I was sort of inspired by you. After I saw what you did with the Fire Ruby, I wanted to do something with this." Spike held the sapphire part of the necklace in his claws and looked down at it saying, "It's my greatest treasure because this was the first gem you ever gave me when I helped you mine for gems for the very first time. You said it was my reward for helping you but the truth is, the real reward is I've gotten to know the real you."
Letting go of the necklace, Spike looked back up at Rarity only to find her with hoofs over her mouth and tears streaming down her face.
"Rarity, what's the matter? Did I do or say something to upset you? Is it this necklace? Shouldn't I have made it?"
Spike began to panic, not knowing what to do.
Moving her hoofs away from her mouth, Rarity started to wipe the tears from her eyes and said, "Oh, Spike, that is the most generous and kindest thing anypony has ever said to me. The truth is I just thought you ate it after I gave it to you."
Pulling the little dragon into a hug and holding him close to her, she whispered, "You really do know how to make me feel special. Please don't ever change that kind heart of yours."
Breaking the hug, Rarity wipes the last few tears from her eyes. With the two of them now standing there with blushes on there faces, Rarity looks at Spike and asked, "Well then, Spikey-wikey, are you ready to go have some dinner?"
************
They leave the boutique and start making their way through Ponyville walking side by side. A few onlookers either gave a nod and smiled or just looked amused at the sight they were seeing, as the two passed by with smiles on there faces. Neither one spoke but just enjoyed being next to each other. As they started to get closer to The Rustic Hoof, Spike broke the silence.
"So Rarity, I've got to admit I've never been here before. What's it like?" He asked.
As they approach the main door, Rarity replied, "Hmmm, if I had to describe it, even though it's only been open for about a year, it's gained a reputation for having great food with an over all homely feel to it, I suppose that is why it's called Rustic Hoof, with a touch of Canterlot elegance thrown in. You wouldn't think a combination like that would work well together, but somehow it does."
As they stepped through the door, Spike could see that it was full of ponies happily enjoying their meals. He could even see Octavia and her orchestra friends on stage playing a soft melody. As he looked over at Rarity, she was just standing there with a smile on her face, admiring decorations until the host came over to them.
"Good evening madam and sir. What can I help you with tonight?" He greeted.
"Yes, good evening to you as well, sir," Rarity replied politely. "Myself and my young dragon friend here would like a table, if you please."
"I see," the host said with a frown. "Unfortunately, because of the orchestra playing tonight, we are currently full and are unable to provide you with a table this evening. I'm terribly sorry."
Rarity looked heartbroken as she listened to the stallion.
"Of all the nights to be full, why didn't I think to book a reservation?" she thought to herself.
"I..I see, that is unfortunate," she said before turning to look at Spike, "I'm sorry, Spike but it seems in my hasted to ask you to dinner this evening, I forgot to book a reservation and they are full tonight."
Trying his best to put on a smile at the mare who looked like she was about to burst into tears right then and there, he had an idea.
"Oh, that's a shame," he said. "I was looking forward to enjoying a meal with you. These things happen I guess. But it's not the end of the world. How about we just head home and I'll cook us something instead?"
Rarity gave a little smile at the thought of her and Spike having a home made meal for just the two of them and said,
"Oh, Spike, I-"
Just then, Rarity was cut off as a voice comes from behind her saying, "Spike, is that really you? Oh Celestia, this truly is turning out to be a great night for me. First Octavia and her orchestra friends agreed to play here tonight and now you of all ponies or should that be of all dragons come walking in?" Before letting out a laugh as he corrected himself.
Rarity and Spike both turned to look at the stallion. He was a gray unicorn, about as big as Big Mac. Spike looked at him for a second before he regonized him.
"Platinum Night, is that really you?" He asked.
"HAHAHA! You better believe it my young dragon friend," the pony replied while grabbing Spike and pulling him into a hug before he had a chance to say anything more. "It's been too long Spike, I've missed you."
Spike hugs back the best he can, then breaks the hug to look at him.
"Wow, it really has been to long. I've missed you to my old friend," Spike said. "Whatever are you doing in Ponyville?
Platinum lets out another laugh and said, "Oh, you know. Just living the dream. I'm the owner of The Rustic Hoof."
As he said this he looks at the little dragon, giving him a warm smile.
"WHAT!?!" Spike exclaimed.
For a moment, everyone in the restaurant stops what they are doing to look at what was going on before continuing with their evening. Scratching his nose and with a little blush on his face.
"Hehehe. Sorry about that, I guess it just caught me by surprise," he said. "You know, you being the owner of this place and all. Wait, where are my manners, Rarity, this is Platinum Night an old friend from back in Canterlot."
Stretching out her hoof and giving him a smile, Rarity said, "Oh, an old friend of Spike's what a pleasant surprise. It's very nice to meet you, Mr. Night."
Reaching out his own hoof to shake hers, he said, "It's nice to meet you as well, Miss Rarity. Please just call me Platinum." After they had finished greeting each other, Platinum asked, "So what can I do for you folks tonight?"
Spike looked at him and scratched the back of his head as he let out a little giggle.
"Well, the truth is we came to have dinner but it turns out this place is fully booked and we forgot to book a table. So we were just about to head home."
Platinum gasped and said, "I think not, my friend. If a meal is what you came for, then that is what you shall have." Turning to look at the host, he commanded, "You are to give this dragon and his friend the best table we have. In fact give them the one we keep for dignitaries. They are to be given anything they want and not a bit is to leave their claws or hooves. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes sir, of course," the host replied.
"Wait, Platinum, you don't have to do that for us," Spike said. "I mean I appreciate it, of course, but it's to much, my friend."
"To much? Surely you jest, my little dragon," Platinum said. "It is because of you I'm standing here today as the owner of The Rustic Hoof." Platinum closes his eyes as if he was remembering some fond memories and continues. "While I loved working in the Royal kitchens, most ponies just shrugged off the thought of a low level porter having his own restaurant. Some even laughed at my dreams, but then there was you. The only dragon in all of Equestria to live with ponies."
Platinum opened his eyes to look at Spike. "You never once laughed or shrugged off my ramblings as nothing more than dreams. If anything, you encouraged me to push forward and never give up, even when I myself didn't think I could do it. So, too much, Spike? No, my dear friend, this is nothing compared to what you have done for me."
Giving a little giggle at the now red faced dragon and placing a hoof on Spike's shoulder, he said, "There will always be a table at The Rustic Hoof for the dragon that gave me the strength and courage to make my dream come true. Now go and enjoy your evening."
Letting out a sigh, Spike said, "You know how I feel about taking something I haven't worked for, Platinum, but at the same time I know I'm not gonna win this one." Spike looks at Platinum and smiled saying, "Just this one time, ok? The next time I come here I expect to be a paying customer. Thank you, my friend."
Plantinum smiles back and says, "Of course, Spike, I am running a business after all." With one final hug Platinum gives a little bow to Rarity then turns and starts walking away "Now go enjoy your evening with your marefriend, I got work to do and don't be a stranger."
"Wa..Wait she's not my mar.." Before Spike could finish correcting Platinum, he was already gone. "Oh great that's all I need, what must Rarity think now," he thought. "Here she is just trying to thank me for helping her and now ponies think we're on a date."
He turns to look at Rarity, who at this point had a slight blush on her face and was about to apologies for the misunderstanding when the host spoke.
"Sir, madam. Please follow me to your table." The host then began to walk off. Quickly looking at each other the two just shrugged and started following.
As they make there way through the restaurant and towards there table, Spike spotted some ponies having a quick glance. Some even gave a little smile at them as they passed by.
"I wonder do they all think we are on a date?" Spike thought. "Oh Rarity, I'm sorry, I guess I should make sure she's ok with this. The last thing I want is to have some horrible rumors start up, it could really hurt her."
Arriving at the table, a mare pulled out a seat for Rarity and the host did the same for Spike. Taking there seats Rarity thanked the mare. The host left as the mare said, "My name is Honey Cake and I'll be your waiter this evening. Can I get you anything to drink while you look at the menus?"
"Hmmm, I think a bottle of chilled cider will do, what do you think, Spike?"
"Hmmm? Oh yeah, that sounds great thank you."
Honey Cake smiled and said, "Excellent choice, madame. I'll just go get that for you. Please take your time." She trots off leaving the two alone.
For a few minutes, nothing was said as they looked over the menus. Then Spike suddenly spat out, "I'm sorry Rarity. Maybe this wasn't a good idea after all. I mean what was I thinking coming to a restaurant with you and wearing this thing of all things?" Now gripping the necklace with one of his claws he said, "It's no wonder Platinum thought you were my marefriend and that we were on a da..date." Blushing a bit at what he was saying. He closed his eyes and went on. "What must ponies think? I'm so stupid, I hope I haven't embarrassed you and I completely understand if you just want to call it a night and head home."
"He thinks I'm embarrassed to be seen with him like this. Oh Spike," Rarity thought.
"Enough of that. Do you hear me?" Rarity commanded. "Spike, although that necklace was a surprise, it was a wonderful one and I assure you, I couldn't be happier to be here with you tonight, after all this was my idea."
"This is it Rarity. Time to take a risk," she thought. "I don't care what other ponies think. Is it so wrong to think of this as a da..date?"
Feeling her face getting hotter, Rarity looked down at the table in embarrassment.
Spikes eyes shot open at what he just heard and looked over at Rarity only to see her looking down at the table with a blush on her face.
"She..She thinks this is a date?" He thought. "She didn't just ask me out to say thank you. She asked me out on a date!!!!" "Ra...Rari... Rarity?"
Hearing Spike saying her name, she looks up at him. With a nervous smile she blushes and said, "Well, Spike, is it so wrong?"
His face was so red at how cute she was being it felt like flames were coming out his ears. His heart was beating so fast that he could swear the whole restaurant could hear it beat against his chest. "No!! I mean, no not at all, I think it's great," he said, trying his best to hold back bursting into fits of joy and screams of happiness, Spike started to giggle while scratching the back of his head.
"Yeah, there's nothing wrong with it. Lets just enjoy the night," he said giving her the best smile he could with all the embarrassment he was feeling.
Rarity for her part sat back up and let out a little chuckle in delight after seeing Spike with a goofy smile and said, "Indeed, let's." Holding the menu to her face to try and calm down. "Have you decided what to order? I think I'm going to try the Blackened Mahi Chopped Salad. What about you?"
Taking a breath to try to calm down, Spike looked at the menu and said, "Well, I don't think they serve gems here," letting out a little giggle at the thought of a restaurant serving gems. "I was thinking of trying the House Salad myself, it doesn't sound too bad."
Just as Rarity was about to say something Honey Cake came back over and said, "Sorry for the wait folks, but Mr Platinum said that he wanted you to have this." She held out a bottle that said Crystal Wine and in smaller print just underneath, it said "From the Royal winery of the Crystal Empire."
Rarity let out a gasp and her mouth fell slightly open. "Crystal Wine? I've never had it before. No matter how many bits or how high up you stand in Equestria, you can't buy this anywhere. It's said that only the Royal family has this. How in Equestria did Platinum get a hold of such a rare bottle of wine?" Composing herself, Rarity cleared her throat. "Forgive me, it was rude of me to ask such a question. I was just taken back by the surprise."
Honey Cake let out a little giggle and said, "That's ok. Truth is I asked him the same question. He just said it was a gift from the princesses for all his hard work back when he worked in the Royal kitchens."
Spike looked at the mare and said, "Miss Honey Cake please thank Platinum for us, but we can't accept such a generous gift. He-"
Honey Cake giggled and said, "Yep. Mr Platinum said you would say something like that. Which is why he told me to tell you that he had planned to open this on launch night with you as his special guest of honor. But he never got around to asking you because he knew how busy you were with helping The Princess Of Friendship and he knew that no matter how tired you were, you would of pushed yourself to come out of loyalty to your friend and he didn't want that. So he's held onto it for when you came. He said that he couldn't think of a better night for you to have it."
"He wants you to enjoy it with your lady friend and he said, even if you say no I am to give it to you. So allow me."
With that, she popped the cork and started to pour the wine into their glasses. After pouring there drinks, she set the bottle into an ice bucket. "Have you decided on what you would like to eat or do you need more time?" She asked.
Giving up on the idea of sending the wine back, now that it was opened, Spike said, "No, we are ready to order. I would like the House Salad please and the lady would like the Blackened Mahi Chopped Salad." Looking over at Rarity, he couldn't help but smile at seeing how pleased she looked at the thought of getting to try the Crystal Wine.
"Ok, not a problem. I'll go get that for you. If you should need anything else, please just call. Enjoy your evening."
"Thank you. Please do thank Platinum Night for all he's done for us this evening," Rarity said. "And tell him if he should ever be in need to pop by the boutique, I will be more than happy to help him in any way I can. My door is always open to friends."
Giving a little smile as Honey Cake noded and walked away. Rarity turned to find Spike holding two glasses, and she used her magic to float one over to herself.
"Thank you Spikey. Though I must admit I didn't take you for much of a drinker."
Spike let out a little chuckle and said, "Well, I don't really drink much but growing up in Canterlot Castle I was trained in all sorts of things, one being proper social edicate. Celestia used to joke that while Twilight was a genius at magic and studying, I was a natural at everything else. She used to say that we were two sides of the same bit. So while she studied I sometimes had to attend social events." Letting out another giggle. "In fact, that's how I met ponies like Fancy Pants and Hoity Toity, to name a few," he added, giving Rarity a toothy smile.
"What!?!" Rarity screamed, almost losing her glass at what she just heard. "I had no idea that you knew ponies like Fancy Pants and Hoity Toity. You never said anything before."
Spike just smiled at the face she was making and said, "Well, to be honest you never asked. No pony did. I mean come on, I thought it would be obvious since I lived in Canterlot Castle with Celestia. Of course, I was going to rub shoulders with the elite. It's one of the reasons Hoity Toity came to Ponyville."
Looking confused and a bit hurt at the thought of Hoity Toity only coming to Ponyville to see Spike and not her fashion designs like she thought. She had to ask. "What do you mean?"
Spike realised what he just said and saw the worried look on her face. "Whoa, Whoa, let's get one thing straight right now. Hoity Toity wrote to me asking how I was settling in, in Ponyville. He can seem quiet snobbish when you first meet him, but he's quite laid back when you get to know him. Anyway, he had said he was looking for the next big thing, as he always is in his line of work. So I told him about this mare that had a way with fashion that would knock his hoofs off." He gave her a warm smile, he went on. "Hoity was intrigued and decided to come to Ponyville to see you. He said it worked out great cuz he could kill two birds with one stone, he would see this fashionista I had spoke of and come to see me at the same time."
"Of course, no pony expected Twi and the others to have a go at fashion," he said, letting out a giggle at the memory. "Though when I explained to him Twi and our friends had got a bit carried away, he came back to see your show and he told me after that I was right, you blew his hoofs off. That's not something any pony can do, trust me on that." Looking at her, he could see the worry and confusion fade from her face and the smile return. "It was all you, Rarity, you worked hard for what you achieved. Don't ever think otherwise." Giving her a smile.
"Thank you, Spikey. It means a lot to me to hear you say that, it really does. Now what shall we toast to I wonder? Hmmm, how about to getting to know one another better?" Rarity said raising her glass to meet his.
"Yeah" Spike doing the same "And to a new beginning." As the glasses clinked together, a red blush came over Rarity.
"To a new beginning," she agreed, taking a sip of wine before she let out a giggle. "I must say this taste delicious. It's no wonder the Royal family drinks it."
Spike nods his head in agreement and said, "Yeah, it's always been one of my favs. It's got a nice fruity taste with a bit of spice and it's very soft, allowing you to taste the flavour without overpowering you.
"My Spikey, you are just full of surprises today," Rarity said impressed. "Friends in the Canterlot elite and you seem quite the expert when it comes to wine. I must say." Letting out a little giggle as she took another sip from her glass. "I wonder what else have you been keeping from me?"
"What can I say? When you've had the up bringing I've had. You're bound to pickup a few things. Of course living with a study obsessed perfectionist never hurts either."
Spike couldn't help but let out a laugh before taking another sip of wine. Rarity placed a hoof over her mouth to try and stifle the giggles that were escaping but couldn't stop herself at the thought of a younger Twilight and Spike studying into the early hours.
"I'm sure it wasn't that bad," she said, taking another sip of her wine. "You know it occurs to me, Spike. I know about your life here in Ponyville with us but you never spoke of what your life was like before you and Twilight came to be with us."
Just then, Honey Cake came back to the table and said, "Hi folks. Sorry for the wait," before placing there meals down on the table. "I hope everythings to your liking. Here let me top you up." Taking the bottle out of the bucket, she topped the glasses back up and said, "Well, I'll leave you to enjoy your meals. I hope you like them and if there are any problems please call," before she walked away.
Giving her food a quick look over while taking another sip of wine, Rarity said, "I'm sure they taste as good as they look. Wouldn't you say, Spikey?" She lifted some of her meal onto a fork and put some in her mouth, "Mmmm, this is really good. How's yours?"
Placing his glass back on the table after having some more wine, Spike said, "Mmmm smells great. Can't wait to try it. Truth is I'm rather hungry now."
Taking his fork, he digs into his salad and takes a bite. "WOW! I know this is just a salad, but it's really good. No wonder you said the food here was good. I never got chance to ask before but have you been here already?"
Rarity placed her fork down and had a sip of wine and answered, "Yes. I came here a few months ago with the girls. We had planned on asking Twilight and yourself to accompany us, of course, but I believe you were called to Canterlot for royal business at the time."
"Oh right, I think I remember Twilight telling me something about missing going out with you all after we got back," Spike said. "Still, I'm here now so I guess it all worked out in the end."
As they both continued to eat there meal, Spike remembered that Rarity wanted to know about his life before Ponyville.
"So you want to know what my life was like before I met you," he said as stared into her eyes and started to lose track of what he was going to say. He quickly pulled himself back and cleared his throat as he heard the mare giggling. "and the others, of course. There's not much to tell, really. I was hatched by Twilight and became her assistant."
He started to let out a nervous giggle, which Rarity caught. Rarity looked at him a bit worried. As nervous as Spike could get sometimes, she'd never seen him look so sad. Like he just remembered something that had hurt him.
"Spikey, what's the matter? You know you can tell me anything, darling, I promise whatever it is I won't think any less of you."
Spike gulped some of his wine down to try and calm himself down before he said, "Sorry, I didn't mean to worry you. I guess I'm just not used to talking about myself." He gave her a smile to show he was ok and asked, "How much do you know about dragons, Rarity?" As he picked up his glass to take another sip and waited for her reply.
"Hmmm, about as much as anypony else, I suppose. No, maybe a little more considering the time I've spent with you and Twilight. Why do you ask?" She queried while taking another sip of her wine.
Giving her a little smile, Spike said, "That's what I thought. What I'm about to tell you, not even Twilight knows and I'd appreciate it staying that way. I think it would break her heart if she knew." Giving her a serious look, the mare just gulped and noded. "It's no secret that Twilight hatched me for her entrance exam the day she.. the day you all got your Cuite Marks. What she doesn't know is what happend after. I was taken into a room and placed on a table by Celestia. Of course, I didn't know her name then, let alone that she was ruler of all of Equestria."
Taking another sip of his wine and topping his and Rarity's glasses back up, he went on.
"Did you know that dragons as soon as they are born, they are able to understand language even if the hatchling itself is unable to talk? Celestia thinks it's a survival instinct to make sure we are safe. Mind you, I don't think she knew that day. If she did, I don't think she would of brought me into that room." Spike started to grip his glass a bit tighter and looked down at the table as he recalled the memory, "I lay there, Rarity. A newborn who knew nothing of the world, as these creatures gathered round me to decide my fate. Some thought I should be returned to the dragons, in hopes of not being killed off as unwanted and being taken into a family. While others wanted to..to."
Spike stopped when he felt Rarity's hoof on his claw and looked up to see a tear roll down her cheek, he wiped it away and took a breath. He decided to continue after another sip of wine. "Others wanted to lock me in a cage and experiment on me. Even kill me. One thing was certain, I was nothing more than a monster to them that had no right to live." Clenching his fist, he said, "I know not all dragons are good, but not even they would kill a newborn. That's when I heard a loud bang and the room of ponies fell silent. That's when I saw Celestia standing over me again. She looked so sad, it was heartbreaking to see. I remember her just giving me a little nuzzle and to this day I've never forgot what she said next."
"'How dare you suggest such things about an innocent creature!!! He may not of been laid in Equestria, but he was hatched here and as far as I am concerned that makes him an Equestrian, with the same rights and freedoms afforded to any that live here.' She didn't use any magic but instead opted to carry the baby dragon close to her chest like a mother would a newborn foal and left the room."
Spike giggled at the thought of being carried around by Celestia and looked at Rarity who at this point was sobbing at what he had just revealed about his past to her. He started to wipe away the tears with some tissues.
"Hey, come on now. It all worked out in the end, I mean I'm here right now after all," he said, giving Rarity a little smile.
"Forgive me Spikey, It's just for most ponies the day they get their Cutie Mark is one of the happiest days of their lives and the thought of you having to go through something like that on the day you were born. It's... it's just so horrible," Rarity sobbed. "I can see why you never told Twilight. For her, that was the best day of her life. She not only got into the School for Gifted Unicorns but became her hero's personal student, not to mention being the only unicorn to hatch a dragon. I Pinkie promise I'll never tell her Spike." Taking one last sniff and wiping away the remaining tears, she gave him a soft smile.
"Thanks, Rarity. You know apart from Celestia, you're the only one close to me to know that. Well, I'm sure Celestia probably told Luna at some point, but I guess you could say that it's my biggest secret."
Letting out a little giggle and taking in some more wine, they both just smiled at each other.
"Although that wasn't the greatest day of my life, I went on to do many things after," Spike said looking at Rarity as she carried on eating, eager to hear more of his life in Canterlot. "I spent time with Twilight, of course, but she was just a filly and had her hoofs full, so in the begining I spent a lot of my time with Celestia." Leaning over to whisper in Rarity's ear so no pony could hear, he said, "I even slept with her at night." Letting out a little giggle as he leaned back into his chair.
Rarity looked gobsmacked at what he just said and almost spat food out her mouth.
"What, you shared a bed with the Princess!?!" she exclaimed. Picking up her drink, she took a mouth full trying to get over the idea of Spike and Celestia sharing a bed. She knew he was only a baby baby dragon then, but still the thought bothered her a little.
"Yeah, I guess I didn't know it back then but she must of been lonely," Spike said. "It's hard to explain, but when she's around ponies they are always looking up to her as an example, somepony to aspire to be like. She is their princess and must always stand above them, ready to lead and make the choices they can not. But with me it was different. She was just Celestia. She didn't have to pretend to smile and wave, she could just be herself. And let me tell ya she's got one wicked sense of humor. That's why when Luna returned and we found out that she was her sister, I was truly happy for her cuz it meant she didn't have to carry the burden all on her own."
After taking another bite of his food and a sip of his wine, Spike said, "Anyway, like I was saying, after about a month I was walking, reading, writing and talking with the best of them. Again Celestia put it down to the fact I was a dragon and that's why I was able to pick things up so easily. Well, apart from helping Twi with her studies, which in turn helped me at the same time. Celestia saw I was spending a lot of time getting Twi's meals from the kitchen and asked the cooks there to teach me how to cook, which worked out great for them once I learnt how to control my fire." He giggled at the thought as he poured some more wine.
"That's where I met Platinum and we became good friends. It was the same for a lot of the staff around the castle, really. I spent so much time running around the castle helping ponies. I learned a lot like cleaning and just everyday chore stuff. You know how Twilight is the youngest unicorn to ever graduate from the School for Gifted Unicorns, right?"
"Yes, of course. It's no secret, she was Princess Celestia's student after all. Why do you ask?" Rarity asked while taking another sip of her wine and wondering to herself why Spike would ask such an obvious question.
Spike got a smug grin on his face, knowing full well that Rarity would give that answer. "Well, that's because she might be the youngest unicorn to graduate from the School for Gifted Unicorns, but I'm the youngest and only none unicorn to graduate from there."
Rarity started coughing and had to dab her mouth with tissue before she looked at Spike and spoke. "What?! Bu... but how, you can't even use magic apart from your fire breath to send letters. How did you graduate from a school of magic?"
Spike laughed at listening to Rarity trying to figure out how it was all possible and said, "It's quiet easy to explain, really. Although like you said, I can't use magic, I studied just as much as Twilight and for some reason I'm able to understand how magic works. Twilight used to joke that if I ever could use magic, I would be a force to be reckoned with." Letting a little giggle out at the shocked look on the mares face. He carried on his story.
"After spending so much time with Twilight in class and getting into some heated debates on magic, Professor Inkwell and some other professors took an interest in me. As time went on, they protioned to get the school to enroll me as a student. Which wasn't easy believe you me. Oh and on a side note, although Celestia helped me to learn to send letters by fire breath, that was actually what I did for my final exam before I graduated. No pony was expecting it. You should of seen the look on Professor Inkwell's face that day. Poor mare looked like she was going to have a heart attack."
He let out a loud laugh before he realised ponies where starting to look at him. He chuckled nervously before he had some more food and topped his and Rarity's glasses up.
"Well, that's just some of the stuff I got up to back in my younger days with Twi. There's loads more. Like I was taught by the finest dance, music and art teachers in all of Equestria. Celestia said it was important for a proper gentleman to know of these things, though between you and me I think she just liked making me do all sorts of things to kill time. I was even taught hoof to hoof combat and swordsmanship, not to mention tactics and survival training."
"Well, Spikey-wikey, I must admit you have done nothing but surprise me this evening and although I know why, I can't help but wonder if you have really done all these things. Then you could clearly be doing so much more than being Twilight's assistant. Have you ever thought about it I mean? Doing something else?"
Taking another sip of wine, Spike thought for a moment and said, "Hmmm, in truth I have once or twice before I came to Ponyville. I would see one of my paintings hanging in an art gallery or I would hear one of the songs I wrote for a singer being played. And although I still do some music and art as a hobby from time to time, I do believe you are forgetting the most important thing, Miss Rarity." Giving her a toothy grin. "I am no assistant, I am the number one assistant. I hold that title because I can do so much and I do it all for her and my friends." Letting out a giggle and raising his glass, he says, "Friendship is magic after all."
Rarity picks up her glass to meet his.
"I should of known better. What was I thinking asking such a question? That's just the kind of dragon he is. Loyal, kind, generous, hard working, brave and just a bit dorky. But then again, that's why I love him,"
With a blush on her face there glasses clink together as she says, "Friendship is magic." letting out a giggle of her own.
"I'm sorry, Rarity. I guess I got a little carried away talking about my past in Canterlot. It's just when you wanted to know about my life before Ponyville, I got a bit excited that you wanted to know more about me and went on a bit." Chuckling a little and taking a sip of wine and another bite of his food before he continued. "Truth is I'd love to hear more about you and your past like opening Carousel Boutique and what made you get into fashion designing."
"That's quite alright, Spikey. I've really enjoyed hearing about some of the things you got up to before coming to Ponyville," Rarity said, placing her glass back down on the table. "Hmmm, where to start? Well, my love for fashion came from the fact that when I was a filly I would spend my summers visiting my grandparents in Manehattan. Socializing with the upper crust, the glitz and glamour of it all was just so enthralling and the dresses where just to die for. So I started to learn how to make my own dresses." Taking another sip of wine and with a bit of a sad smile on her face she continued. "An old filly friend of mine was asked to perform in the school play. She was a sweetheart, but was a little hard on herself about the way she looked and she asked me if I would make the costumes for the school play. I jumped at the chance, of course, but as I stood there looking at my creations and my friend, I just kept thinking there was something missing. That what I came up with didn't show the real her and then of course you know what happened next. I saw Rainbow's rainboom, finished the designs and got my Cutie Mark, they were a huge hit, of course, but I never forgot the look on my friends face. Oh, Spike, she was so happy. It was like her smile could light up the night itself." Her smile returned to normal at the memory of her friend's face.
"I knew then in that moment that becoming a fashion designer was my calling; to show ponies the beauty that was within themselves. That's why at the core of every dress I make, I remember that mare's smile and that the true secret to making a great dress comes from knowing that the dress itself while beautiful, is nothing more than an accessory to allow the pony who wears it to shine."
Taking another sip of wine and allowing Spike to top their glasses back up, she went on. "Opening up the Carousel Boutique is another story altogether. I was still young but my skills had gotten a lot better with time and practice. I knew I had to have a shop to let my creativity come alive. I was so scared back then. What if I failed? What if my family thought it was a bad idea? Those sort of thoughts were always on my mind, till one day I told my parents about wanting to own a shop. At first I thought they would say no straight away, but as I went on telling them about how good it made me feel seeing ponies happy from something I made and how it had become my dream - that I knew I had to do it because that is what my heart was saying, they just smiled and said they understood."
Letting a little giggle out, she said, "I was taken aback, of course. I was expecting the worst, but my parents just said I should follow my heart. I was so happy, but I couldn't understand why they were so understanding. I had been so scared to tell them about my dreams of owning a shop and making dresses. Was it really that easy? Had all my worrying and doubt been meaningless? So I asked them, how could they be so willing to accept the fact I wanted to own a shop so easily. I was just a young mare, not a bit to her name. Was it because they were my parents and wanted to support my dreams. That is when my mother laughed and told me a story I had never heard before about my family; about a mare that followed her heart."
Having a bit more wine, she smiled at Spike. "Would you like to hear the story she told me? It's one I've never told anypony before."
Leaning forward on his chair a bit, Spike said, "Are you kidding? You can't stop there. I really want to know what this story your mom told you was about."
Smiling at him, she went on. "You see, it turns out that my mother was a member of the upper crust like my grandparents back in Manehattan. One day when they were having a little soiree, my mother met my father. They hit it right off and spent the night talking and having fun. The only thing about it was, my father wasn't there as a guest, he was the help. Of course my mother didn't know this at the time and asked to meet him again. They met up a few times after that and started spending a lot of time together. Eventually, he told her the truth in hopes that she would accept him as he was. Mother wasn't pleased at the fact Father had been lying to her, as you can imagine, but in the end they worked it out."
Rarity let out a sigh as she continued, "My grandparents, however, where a different story altogether. They were furious at the idea of their daughter dating a commoner. She was a member of the elite and shouldn't mix with riff-raff. They tried to keep them apart, even went so far as to try and buy off my father to stay away from her. But he refused and told them he loved her. That didn't sit well with my grandparents one bit. They even highered ponies to beat him up in hopes of keeping them apart. In the end, my grandparents gave my mother a choice; either stop seeing my father or leave and never return."
Rarity took another sip of wine as her throat started to dry up as she said, "So my mother made her choice and followed her heart; she left with nothing. Not a bit to her name. All she had was him and she said she couldn't be happier." Letting out a giggle, she said, "It all sounded so romantic, fighting for love and overcoming social barriers. It's hard to picture my father being like that. I guess that's where I get my romantic side from. After being told that story, I was heartbroken at the thought of my parents having to go through that and it hurt even more knowing it was because of my grandparents. Mother told me that after she left, they didn't have any contact with them until the day I was born. My grandparents had shown up at the hospital. Mother said it didn't go so well, but in time they managed to put the past behind them and moved on."
"She told me that was the reason why they were so understanding of my dreams of opening a shop and why she told me to follow my heart. Well, that and the fact that I was their daughter. She said it was there job to make sure I followed my dreams. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I hated my grandparents for what they did. I didn't talk to them for a bit but mother told me not to hate them. That they've all moved on and forgave each other, so in time I to forgave them and moved on."
"I eventually opened Carousel Boutique with a bit of financial aid from my grandparents, but at first business was very slow. Just a few friends and family members were all the clients I had. There were many times in the beginning I felt like giving up, but I pushed on and all my hard work paid off in the end. I was able to pay back my grandparents for there help in getting me started. In fact, part of the reason I wanted to open up a shop in Manehattan was for them. So they could see just how far I've come and I was there in part because of them, which is why I called it Rarity For You." Rarity gave Spike a weak smile. "If you could, please don't tell Sweetie Belle. She doesn't know any of this and I don't want her to know."
Spike made the action of a Pinkie Promise and said, "I promise I won't tell a soul." Smiling at the mare, he laughed. "It seems we've learned quite a bit about each other's past tonight. I don't know why but it just seems so easy talking to you about it all." He turned to top there glasses back up only to notice that the bottle was empty. "I'm sure it has nothing to do with this, hehe, should we order another bottle and maybe a dessert?"
Stifling a giggle of her own, Rarity said, "Yes, I'm sure that has nothing to do with it. Another bottle of wine does sound nice and I must say some of these desserts look to die for. Though I am watching my figure, I think it's ok to treat myself every now and then." Raising her hoof, she could see Honey Cake making her way over to them.
The night went on with more laughter and talk about what their friends were up to. As they came to the end of there night, they had left The Rustic Hoof after thanking Platinum once again for all he had done for them that evening and they found themselves at the door to Carousel Boutique.
The door opened and Rarity turned to face Spike with a light blush on her face and said, "I just want to thank you for a wonderful evening, Spike. I haven't enjoyed myself this much in a long time. No, I take that back. I've never enjoyed myself this much. Truly, Spike, tonight really has just been magical, thank you."
Spike stood there with a blush and a goofy smile on his face and said, "No, Rarity I should be the one thanking you. I don't think I've had this much fun in a long time." Giggling a bit nervously, he scratched the back of his head. "Well, it's gotten pretty late. I should probably head back to the castle."
Looking a bit sad of the thought of Spike leaving, Rarity moved her head and said, "Yes, you're right. Good night and thank you again for a wonderful night, Spikey," trying her best to give him a smile.
Spike gave her a little warm smile back, "Well... good night, Rarity," he said. With that he turned and started to slowly walk away in the direction of the castle.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?!" She shouted to herself in her mind. "He's walking away! Are you just going to let it end here after the night you've just shared?! Come on, girl, pony up! Remember take the risk!!!"
"SPIKE, WAIT!!!" Rarity screamed as she started to dash towards him.
Spike turned around at hearing Rarity call his name and started to say, "Wha...?"
Before he had a chance to finish, Rarity was standing in front of him with a red face and said, "Did you really plan to leave without finishing our date properly? For shame. And you would think a gentleman with your upbringing and education would know how to treat a lady."
Spike just stood there shocked at what he was hearing.
"But... but Rarity..."
Putting her hoof over his mouth to stop him talking, she got closer as she said, "No more buts, what if's or maybes. I'm done waiting, my dragon."
Moving her hoof away from his mouth, she moved her face in and kissed him on the lips, closing her eyes as she did. "This feels warm. No, more like hot but not in a bad way," she thought. "I'm feeling so much love from him in this kiss. I've never felt this loved before. It's wonderful."
Spike, for his part, was amazed at what was happening and kissed back the best he could.
As she kept her eyes closed and started to part from him, she thought, "That really was nice." As she was about to open her eyes, she felt Spike's claws on the side of her face pulling her back in and before she had a chance to say or do anything felt his lips on hers once again. "Oh sweet Celestia, I've always wanted him to kiss me! This feels so right! I'm his and he is mine!" She thought. Lost in the passion of the kiss, Rarity had no idea how long it had lasted, but she didn't care. She wanted - no, needed this just as much as him.
All good things must come to an end and they parted from each other. Both of them were making small gasps for air and their faces were red at what had just took place. Rarity let out a little giggle and a squeal much like the one her little sister makes. Snapping herself back to reality, she cleared her throat.
"Yes well... good night, Spikey," she said, giving him one last quick kiss on the cheek before dashing off back into Carousel Boutique and slamming the door shut.
Spike just stood there like a red statue, unable to move for a few minutes. Finally, he snapped out of it and the biggest smile came on his face. He turned around and dashed back to the castle. It didn't take him long to get back home and as he walked through the door, he noticed no one was up so he decided just to go straight to bed and relive the greatest night of his life again in his dreams.