He avoided her eyes as he tried to keep himself from completely break down. But as he looked away he took a breath, while yes that was a fear of his. Though that fear wasn't what made him make this decision and in fact that fear was put on his back burners for a while now.
"T-twilight, I honestly mean this. I want to stay a dog not because I'm afraid of things going back to how it was, but because for the first time in years I'm genuinely happy. Not that I wasn't happy before..." He started before he felt a hoof on his back.
"I know, but I'm just making sure Spike because like we already talked about it may be out of our hooves, or in your case paws," Twilight said. "But I do promise I'll do my best if you are a hundred percent certain."
"I am, and thanks," He said finally meeting her eyes again as he wrapped his paws around her in a little hug. "You are the best big sister I ever could ask for."
"Are you ready to see the others? They were all so worried about you," Twilight said after breaking the hug giving him a kind smile.
<Y-yea...> Once again he cleared his throat. "Yeah, I think I'm ready."
At that, he and Twilight started to make their way to Fluttershy's where everypony was waiting, including to his surprise Winona who avoided making eye contact with him. As they approached all their friends noticed them and of course Maple was the first was to go see them. When she approached he shrunk under her gaze.
<Are you okay little pup?> Maple asked but her tone certainly didn't match the look she was giving.
<I'm good...> He replied his gaze going over to Winona before he refocused himself.
"You had us all worried there for a little while Sugar cube," Applejack said coming over giving him a pat on his head.
<I tried to tell them not to worry,> Maple said which made him know she may have been watching his date, which made him wonder how much did the Timberwolf know?
"Spikey- Wikey, thank Celestia you're safe! Oh, and you slept in your shirt didn't you?" Rarity asked making him chuckle a bit. "It's no laughing matter Spike! I need to go iron it right away!"
He felt magic pull at his shirt and his collar before they came off and Rarity took off a bit hastily like she didn't want to stick around. It did sting just a bit since he had hoped that he could just explain to the whole group at once of his decision and his resolve to see it through. Turning his gaze back to Winona who was still hanging away from them he took a breath.
"I-if all of us could gather around, I wanted to tell you all about what choice I made," This made all of them look at him with curiosity except for Maple, Twilight, and Winona, though he really did wish Rarity had stuck around.
"I'll take care of it," Twilight said and he could feel a little bit of weight lift as he gave her an appreciative smile.
He took his time to explain his wanting to stay a dog and answered their concerns about it and the more he answered and showed that he meant what he said, Winona started coming closer. Twilight explained her role in the plan and even helped him with some of the more tough questions. But he was just glad that she was supporting him in any way she could at this point.
"Hmm, well you have been a lot happier..." Fluttershy said.
"Not to mention your confidence has improved," Rainbow said.
"Yeah, t-thanks for listening guys and supporting me," He managed as the group came around him giving him a group hug.
Not too long after that one by one, the group started to leave knowing he was safe and sound. He himself could feel the difference now between how he was and how he is since they came back. Though he was broken out of thought as he felt something nudge him.
<I-i'm really sorry for leaving you l-like that...> Winona said and as he looked he saw her guilt which she squeaked a little in surprise as he hugged her.
<No, I'm sorry for just spring that on you.> He told her breaking the hug.
<S-still, I-I shouldn't have panicked like that and left you out there alone,> Winona said. <I-it's just w-what you said a-about g-giving us the chance to see w-where things go...>
<S-so does this mean t-that y-you're still willing to g-go out with me?> He asked and blushed as she licked his nose.
<If you are sure about remaining a dog, I-I don't see why not?> This made the last of the weight on his shoulders lift as he wasn't sure about their relationship after last night. <I'll talk to you later okay? And maybe you plan the next date?>
Before he could respond Winona was gone heading back to the farm to finish up her chores he guessed. Soon the only ones left were Twilight, Fluttershy, Maple, and him. He told Twilight he would be home in a little while as he wanted to talk with Maple a little bit.
"Alright, just please don't stay out all night again okay? You know it'll just mess up your sleep schedule," Twilight said after giving him a nuzzle before leaving.
<So little pup, what did you want to talk about?> Maple asked sitting next to him.
<I just wanted an excuse to hang out for a little while longer,> He said as he curled up and snuggled close to her. <I-it's just been a long day...>