//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 // Story: After The Secret // by jw278 //------------------------------// It has been about a week since Spike had told Rarity's parents, Shining Armor and Cadance who he really was and Discord telling everypony his little part in all of it. It was a quite normal day in Ponyville, the sun was shining and there wasn't a cloud in sight. "I'm finally done," Spike said with a sigh as he placed the last letter he received from his fans in the Crystal Empire down on the table before taking a sip of coffee. “I didn’t think I was ever going to finish reading all those letters.” “Good job, Spike.” Twilight said as she walked into the study room and took a seat next to him and smiled before saying with a little giggle, “I guess all those years being my number one assistant paid off. You managed to get through the whole lot and not only that but you put them in alphabetical order.” “What can I say? Spend enough time around books or mares obsessed with books and it just becomes a habit,” he said with a giggle of his own, before asking, “You know Twi, I don’t understand why you’re going to this Starswirl the Bearded convention? I mean you know Starswirl personally, if there’s anything you want to know about him, wouldn’t it make more sense to just ask him?” “Oh, come on, Spike. You of all creatures should know it’s more about the ponies that share their love for the history and achievements that Starswirl accomplished. So rather than talking to Starswirl, I get to meet others that share the same enthusiasm and love for history as me,” Twilight said with the biggest smile on her face before asking, “Isn’t that why you love collecting comics and playing O&O?” She said with a knowing smirk as she looked at her not so little brother. Spike smiled back and said, “Fair enough, Twi. You got me there. I made some food and put it in the fridge for you to take with you when you go tomorrow, so make sure to put it in your saddle bag before you leave in the morning. Ok?” Twilight shakes her head and with a slight laugh said, “Yes, dad,” before letting out a bigger giggle as she sees Spike grinning at her. Twilight then asked, “Are you sure you don’t want to come?” Spike shook his head and said, “Nah. Not my thing. Besides, with you going to the Starswirl the Bearded convention and Starlight on her little tour with Trixie, it would be nice to just have some chill out time to myself.” Twilight grinned back and said, “You mean some make out time, with your special somepony, right?” Chuckling as Spike became red in the face. “It’s not like that, Twi. It’s just after the whole Grogar thing and in-between explaining my growth to all the ponies and telling her parents everything, we haven’t had a chance to sort of just stop and relax, you know. Truth is with you out all day tomorrow and Starlight not due back for a few more days, I was going to take this chance to have a date night,” Spike said as he scratched his cheek with his claw in embarrassment. "Hmmm, what did you have planned Romeo?" Twilight asked curiously. Clearing his throat and seeing the now warm, loving smile on his sister’s face, Spike said, “Nothing fancy. I was thinking of maybe just a simple home cooked meal and just enjoying a nice quiet night in.” “That sounds lovely, Spike. I hope you have an enjoyable time,” Twilight said with a smile as she looked at her brother. “You know, Twi, I think you should maybe think about trying to find a special somepony of your own,” Spike said, seeing Twilight's cheeks turn a little red. “Thanks for worrying about me Spike, but I think I have plenty of time left to worry about finding a special somepony and besides it’s not exactly easy to meet somepony when you’re a Princess,” Twilight said with a light giggle. “Look Twi, I’m not saying you have to go out there right now and find somepony. All I’m saying is, if you find someone that you think you have a connection with don’t just blow it off.” As Spike gave his sister a sad smile, he said, “No matter how much time you think you have with the ones you love, it’s never enough trust me on that and besides I have first hoof, or I guess first claw experience with princesses finding Mr. Right. So if you ever do find that special somepony, he better know how to run, cuz only the best will do for my sister,” he finishes with a toothy grin. Twilight giggled and said, “Just how is it that princess Celestia’s dad ever managed to survive?” Spike smiled and said, “That’s easy, when I looked into his eyes I saw nothing but Lilith. The eyes are the windows to the soul after all. That’s when I knew, there was nothing he wouldn’t do to keep her safe, that he would love her like no other. That’s when I knew I could entrust him with one of my treasured children. It’s a good job to because if I had saw differently, let’s just say Celestia and Luna may not be here today. I’m a dragon Twi and although creatures think we care for nothing but gems and gold, they’re wrong. The one thing we care for more than anything is our mates and offspring, for them there is nothing we won’t do. Even during a baby dragon’s molt. Although the parents kick them out, what the baby dragon doesn’t know is that one of the parents follows them to ensure their safety, it’s more like training the baby dragon to be able to survive by themselves.” As Spike pulls Twilight into a hug, with a giggle, he said, “So in short, if Mr. Right does come knocking for ya, I’ll know.” Twilight broke the hug to give Spike a smile and said with a giggle, “You really are a knight in shining armor, or how does Rarity put it, shining scales, hehehe.” Spike chuckled along with Twilight as he said, “What can I say, I aim to please.” Just as the laughter died down Spike burped up a scroll with the royal crest on it and passed it to Twilight and she began to read it out. “Dear Grandpa Spike, Although it is very short notice I and Luna were wondering if you didn’t have any plans for tomorrow, that maybe you would like to join us for lunch at the castle. Of course Twilight, Rarity and the others are more than welcome to join us if they wish, we await your response with eagerness. Your Loving grandchildren Celestia and Luna Twilight looked at Spike and said, “Oh, wow, Spike. What are you going to do? I mean you said you wanted to spend a quiet day in with Rarity tomorrow.” “Hmmm, that’s true but I know how hard it is for them to find time to do things like this with how busy they always are,” Spike said with a worried look on his face before saying, “I guess I could always see what Rarity wants to do and who knows I could turn it into a bit of a day out with her. I know you're busy and all tomorrow, but do you think the others would mind if I didn’t invite them?” “Not at all Spike, I’m sure they’d understand,” Twilight said with a smile. Spike looked at his sister and smiled back before he said, “Yeah your right, Twi.” As he got up and started walking towards the door, he looked back at Twilight and said, “I’m just going to pop over to Rarity’s and see what she wants to do, I shouldn’t be too long, ok.” “No need to rush back I’ve got nothing going on at the moment, take your time, ok. I’ll see you when you get back,” Twilight said as she smiled back and waved at Spike before he walked out the door to the study room. As Spike walked out the main castle door, he took in a deep breath and slowly breathed out, enjoying smells that came with a fresh sunny day and started making his way towards the Boutique. As he made his way through the market and saw all the ponies of Ponyville going about their daily business, some stopped to say hello or wave at him as they passed by, he smiled and thought, “You know, I think I’ll pay my favorite florist a quick visit before I see Rarity.” As Spike made his way to Rose's shop and he opened the door, the little bell rang out to let Rose know someone had come in. Spike was greeted with the same warm smile he always saw when coming to buy flowers. “Well hello there Spike,” Rose said with a smile before letting out a little giggle and saying, “I know I’ve seen the new you after you came back all grown up but it’s still hard to believe little Spikey has all grown up and all for the sake of his love. It’s like something out of fairy tales.” Spike gave a little playful shake of his head and smiled as he walked up to the counter and said, “Hey, I’ll have you know little Spike is still here, just bigger and better.” “Oh, no, Spike,” Rose said with a smile as Spike looked at her, before she said, “You may be bigger, even stronger than before, but better? I don’t think so." As Spike looked at Rose a bit confused at what she meant, Rose placed her arm on the counter and rested her head in her hoof before giving him a warm smile and said, “What I mean is, you may be bigger and stronger, but you are still the same old hard working, kind hearted, loved up little dragon that comes in here to buy flowers for the mare he loves, nothing is better than that. Rarity is one lucky mare.” She finished with a little giggle as she saw Spike starting to blush. Clearing his throat to try and calm down, Spike said, “Thanks, Rose. So how has business been today?” As Rose sat up with a slight laugh at how Spike tried to change the conversation, she said, “Same as always, busy, but fun, thanks for asking. Now then, what can I do for Ponyville’s number one dragon today? You want some dragon lilies? I just got in a fresh batch this morning” “Na, not today thanks, I’m looking for some Roses, Eleven to be precise,” Spike said as he smiled at Rose. Rose giggled and said, “Well, some dragon knows the meaning behind the numbers.” Spike giggled back and said, “What can I say, I’ve done a lot of reading in my time.” “Let me just get that sorted for you Spike,” Rose said with a smile as she began to wrap them up and as she passed them to him, she was about to say that they were on the house before Spike put some bits on the counter. As Rose looked at the bits, she saw there were too many. As Spike turned around and started to walk towards the door Rose said, “Wait, Spike, this is too much, you need to take some back," as he opened the door. Without looking back and waving a claw as he walked through the door Spike said, “Consider it a tip for good customer service; enjoy the rest of your day Rose, I’ll be sure to say hi to Rarity for you,” as the door closed behind him. As Rose giggled and placed the bits in her till, she thought, “Yep, still the same old Spike. I’ll have to make sure that dragon gets his next lot of flowers free whether he likes it or not,” as she went back to her business. Spike found himself standing outside Rarity’s Boutique, with his flowers in claw and was about to knock when the door opened and Sweetie Belle came running out and past him, as she did she shout back, “Sorry, Spike. Can’t stop running late for a CMC meeting with the girls. Go right in.” As Spike watched her, he couldn’t help but chuckle as he made his way inside. As he looked around the shop he saw his love working away on a new design and in the zone. From all the time he spent with her, he knew better than to bother her when she was like this, so he walked into the kitchen and made him and her some coffee and placed the flowers in a vase with some fresh water. He came back out and placed the vase on a table and a cup of coffee next to her and sat down on a chair as he watched his lady work with a smile. After a few moments, Rarity shouted, “And I’m done, I have no more work to do for the next few days.” As she used her magic to place it on a manikin and got the faint smell of coffee coming from her cup, she picked it up and smiled at her new design and said, “One of my best designs to date, it’s absolutely beautiful.” Just then she heard a chuckle and turned around to see Spike sitting there with a smile as he placed his cup down and said, “Almost as beautiful as the mare that made it, almost.” “Spikey, when did you get here?” Rarity said now trotting over to Spike with a smile. “Not too long ago. You were in the zone, so I didn’t want to bother you,” Spike said with a smile as Rarity kissed him on the cheek. “Oh, Spikey, you could never bother me. You know that.” Rarity said with a smile as she looked at her dragon. “I brought some flowers for you and placed them in a vase on the table, I hope that was ok?” Spike said as he looked at Rarity. “Oh, Spikey. You didn’t have to do that,” Rarity said as she turned to see the roses on the table and said, “They are beautiful though, thank you.” Giving him another peck on the cheek. Spike smiled at her and said, “Tell me Rarity, do you know the meaning of eleven roses?” Rarity thought for a moment and said, “I know the meaning behind some of them, but I’m afraid I don’t know the significance behind this particular number, why, what does it mean?” Spike’s smile got bigger as he wrapped his arms around Rarity and said, “Eleven roses assure the recipient they are truly and deeply loved,” as Spike said this he saw a blush come on Rarity’s face before he leaned in and passionately kissed her. As Rarity wrapped her hooves around Spikes neck enjoying the kiss, she thought, “Just how lucky a mare am I to have found such a devoted and loving creature to call my own.” As the kiss broke, Rarity smiled at Spike and with them both still holding each other she whispered, “Truly, just how lucky can I be,” before leaning her head forward to kiss Spike again. After a few moments the kiss ended and they just sat there holding one another as Rarity thought to herself, “There will never be a more comfortable place for me to be than right her.” Before she smiled at Spike and asked, “Though I do love when you come to visit me like this, my Spikey-wikey. What brings you here today? I can’t imagine it was just to woo me with your sweet words or your sweeter kisses. Spike chuckled and said, “What if it was, would that be a problem?” Rarity giggled back and said, “Oh no dear, not at all. Well it would be a problem for my customers, but that’s their problem not ours.” As she kissed him lovingly on the cheek. Spike smiled and said, “Well, there was something I wanted to ask you. I was going to see if you were free tomorrow, with Twilight going to the Starswirl the Bearded convention and Starlight not around, I thought I could cook you a nice homemade meal.” As Rarity smiled back at Spike, she said, “Oh, that sounds like an absolutely divine idea Spikey. With everything that’s happened lately we haven’t really had time to just relax. And it’s come just at the right time too since I don’t have any more work to do for the next few days. I mean we did have a nice meal after the whole Grogar thing, but we never really got time to just unwind as it were. Top that off with telling my parents everything and the whole Discord thing, I think this is just what we need." Spike scratched his cheek and said, “Yeah. That was my thinking to, but I got a letter from Celestia this morning asking if I wanted to join her and Luna for lunch at Canterlot Castle.” Rarity tried to smile as best she could and said, “I see, I know how hard it is for them to find time to do this sort of thing, so it can’t be helped. There’s always next time, right?” “Oh, no, you misunderstood. They invited all of us, it’s just with Twilight having plans, I thought that maybe you would like to join me. I thought we could make a day of it. You know maybe turn it into a date day or something. What do you think?” Hearing that, Rarity jumped out of Spikes arms with a squeal and said, “Yes! That sounds fabulous darling.” As she started trotting around the room, she said, “Oh but what am I to wear? I’ve only got a little time to prepare, so much to do, so much to pack.” Spike stood up and chuckled as he wrapped his arms around her and said, “Rarity I know you like to look your best, but I think this time all you need to do is bring your beautiful self. Nothing more. Just you.” As Spike kissed her on the lips. As he broke the kiss, Spike couldn’t help but think how beautiful she looked standing there with red cheeks, looking at him. “Hmmm, yes maybe this time I won’t bring anything. Just having my dragon at my side is all I need,” Rarity said with a warm smile as she stared back at Spike, before saying, “Though I have one little request, do you think I could at least bring the Fire Ruby with me?” Spike giggled and said, “I don’t see why not, a lady has to accessorize, right?” “Indeed, my Spikey-wikey. Indeed. It seems all this time spent with me is starting to pay off for you.” Rarity said with a giggle of her own. “Which reminds me, do you mind if I borrow a bit of parchment, a quill and some ink? I need to let Celestia and Luna know that we’ll be coming tomorrow,” Spike asked as he smiled at Rarity. As Rarity took a step back from Spike and smiled as said, “Not at all, Spike,” as her horn lit up and some parchment, ink and a quill floated over from Rarity’s work desk. “Thanks, Rarity,” Spike said as he took the parchment and quill while Rarity held the ink in the air for him to use as he started writing his letter. “Dear Princess Celestia and Luna, Thank you for inviting me to the castle for lunch tomorrow, as Twilight is busy with the Starswirl the Bearded convention tomorrow; she will not be able to attend, but thanks you for your gracious offer and looks forward to seeing you both again. However Rarity and I cannot wait to see you for lunch tomorrow, I’m really looking forward to being able to walk around the castle, I may just have to take a walk down to the kitchens for old time’s sake. And who knows? I may just make that chocolate cake a certain princess used to love back when me and Twi used to live there. I Hope that won’t be a problem. Hehehe Till tomorrow Grandpa Spike and Rarity. Spike smiled warmly as he rolled up the parchment but looked kind of sad at the same time. Rarity noticed this as she took the quill and ink and placed it back on her work desk before she asks, “Is everything ok, Spikey?” “Hmmm? Yeah, of course. It’s just still a bit weird you know, I mean I have all my memories of my time with Lilith and the others, but at the same time I have all these memories as baby dragon Spike. Spending my days around Cantalot Castle, helping Twi as best I could as Celestia watched over us and guided us. Now here I am writing to her as her Granddad.” Spike said before he lit the parchment on fire and watched it turn to ash and disappear. “Yes, well, I could imagine it would seem a bit strange. Though I can’t pretend to completely understand how you feel.” As Rarity wrapped her arms around Spike, she said, “I will say this, baby or adult, you are you, and we all love you just as you are. If you ask me, I’d say your connection to the princesses only grew stronger since the whole Grogar incident because now you don’t have to feel like they are family since they are your family. You share a connection, maybe not by blood, but by time.” Rarity leans in and pecks Spike on the cheek before saying, “They knew their mother and Father, now it’s time for them to know their grandfather.” As Spike wrapped his arms around Rarity, he said, “What did I do right, to end up with such an amazing mare?” As he leans in to kiss her. Rarity for her part giggled slightly as she said, “Many wonderful things my Spikey-wikey,” and just as their lips were about to touch, she said in a whisper, “But more than anything, you loved me like no other.” After a few minutes their passionate kiss came to an end and as they both gasped for air, Spike couldn’t help but lose himself in Rarity’s eye. Just then Spike burped making Rarity jump back a bit as a scroll appeared in front of them. Spike opened it and read it out. Dear Grandpa Spike, This is Luna writing this time as for some reason my sister Tia seems to be in some kind of trance. All she keeps saying is ‘Spike’s chocolate cake’. It’s most unbecoming of a princess to be dribbling, especially given her age. It saddens us that the others could not join us; though I must admit I’m really looking forward to spending time with you and it would be nice seeing Rarity again. We will send a royal carriage to pick you up from your castle at 11am, so don’t worry about having to get the train or flying. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow Your Grandchildren Luna and Celestia P.S. I would like to try this chocolate cake, please don’t tell Tia I said that. Spike couldn’t help but burst out laughing as he read the end of the letter and then he looked at Rarity with a smile and said, “Well I guess that’s sorted then, guess we’re going to Canterlot tomorrow.” “I’m looking forward to it Spikey,” Rarity said as she smiled back. ************ The sun was shining, the birds were singing and Spike was sitting at the table drinking some coffee after seeing Twilight off this morning as he heard a knock at the door and he shouted, “Come on in, Rarity!” Rarity walked into the room, wearing her Fire Ruby around her neck and with the biggest of smiles on her face and said, “Good morning Spikey, I do hope I’m not late,” as she walked up to him and kissed him on the cheek. Spike smiled back as he looked at her wearing her Fire Ruby and said, “Good morning to you as well, my love and you’re right on time. But I told you before that you didn’t need to knock it's only me here.” Rarity gasped and said, “Even if you are the only creature here, Spikey-wikey. It’s only good manners to knock before entering a room.” As she looks at him, a smirk comes on to her face as she said, “Besides, I know a certain dragon that to this day, still knocks on my door even though I’ve said many times before that it is a business and there is no need." Spike chuckled and said, “Ok, fair enough, you got me there.” Before his ears twitched and he said, “Sounds like the carriage has just pulled up. We should get going.” Rarity smiled as Spike got up and made his way to the door, to open it for her; as he did, Rarity said, “That dragon hearing of yours it quite something, my dear.” Just as she was about to pass him, Spike bowed and said with a smile, “Ladies first.” This made Rarity giggle as she said, “Why thank you Spikey, ever the gallant knight as always." As they made their way outside of the castle, two royal guards stood there attached to the carriage as one of them said, “Master Spike and Lady Rarity, we have come to take you to Canterlot.” As Spike ran over to open the door for Rarity, she gave a little nod of her head and said, “Thank you for the transportation, my good sirs,” as she took Spike’s claw and he helped her in. “Yeah, thanks for the lift guys.” Spike said with a smile as he climbed into the carriage and closed the door. ******************* Spike and Rarity soon found themselves landing inside the royal gates and outside the main castle doors of Canterlot Castle, as the carriage door opened Spike got out and held out his claw for Rarity, who gladly accepted his offer as she stepped out of the carriage with a smile as she said, “Thank you, Spikey.” Spike smiled back and said, “Anytime, my love.” Before they both thanked the guards once again for the ride and made their way into the castle. As they stood just inside of the main doors, a servant pony approached them and said, “Master Spike, Lady Rarity,” as he bowed to them. He then said, “I’m sorry to inform you that Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are still attending to some matters and they have asked me to take you to the dining area where they will join you shortly. If you both, please follow me.” “Actually, if it’s all the same with you, I’d rather pop down to the kitchen and make a start on the cake I promised to make for the princesses.” Spike said with a smile as he looked at the servant pony. “Very well, I’ll tak-“ “That’s ok,” Spike said cutting him off and turning to Rarity with a smile. “I remember the way. You want to come with me Rarity? Who knows you may see some of my other old friends still working down there.” “While kitchens aren’t really my thing, it would be nice to see where you learned to cook and the idea of meeting some of your old friends does sound nice. Yes, I believe I would like to accompany you,” Rarity said with a smile. “Very well, I shall inform the princesses and shall come to get you when they are ready.” The servant pony said as he bowed and took his leave. Spike smiled and said, “Well in that case, please follow me, my lady.” As he giggled and bowed to Rarity. Rarity said, “Oh, please lead the way, Mr. Knight.” As she bowed back with a smile and giggled. As they were making their way down a corridor, Rarity couldn’t help but be amazed at how beautiful and stunning everything looked. Even if all the corridors started to look the same after a bit, she couldn’t help but wonder just how much hard work must have been put in to keeping a place this big clean. As she was lost in thought, she heard a voice coming down the corridor say, “Well, well. I heard the rumors but it appears the baby dragon has finally grown up.” As Rarity looked to see who it was, she wasn’t impressed. If anything, she was hoping never to have to see him again. Just then Spike said, “Yep, the rumors are true. Hello Prince Blueblood. It’s been awhile." As Blueblood approached them, he smirked and said, “Yes it has been awhile.” Before glaring at Rarity and saying, “Hello Miss Rarity; you’re looking as lovely as ever.” Rarity put on her best fake smile, as she glared back, before bowing slightly and saying, “Yes, hello Prince Blueblood and thank you very much.” As she did, she heard Spike and Blueblood, start to snicker and looked up. As she did, both Spike and Blueblood burst out laughing before Spike said, “Ok, I can’t take anymore,” Getting a confused look from Rarity, Spike said, “I think something’s need to be cleared up here." “Yes, I suppose so,” Blueblood said before looking at Rarity and saying, “But first, I must apologize for my behavior at our first meeting Miss Rarity.” He then bowed to her before he said, “The truth is, I find it really hard to make new friends and even more so, to meet ponies that aren’t just looking to use me for my standing in life or my connections to the throne. So I try to stay away from parties and gatherings like the Grand Galloping Gala, but Princess Celestia ordered me to go, so I had no choice. I acted like a jerk towards you at the Gala because I thought you were just interested in me because I was a prince.” Blueblood said with a giggle. At this point, Rarity nervously giggled before sighing and said, “The truth is Prince Blueblood, back then; I came looking for my fairy tale prince, the stallion of my dreams, who was going to whisk me away so that I may live the life I always dreamt.” Rarity placed her hoof on Spike’s shoulder and smiled at him before saying, “It took me a long time to realize that my prince was already by my side, protecting me, helping me, loving me.” Rarity leaned in and kissed Spike on the cheek before saying, “So if anyone should apologize it is I, I’m sorry.” Seeing Spike blush, Blueblood said, “Tell you what, how about we forget about what happened and start anew.” As he stretched out his hoof, he said, “I’m Blueblood, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Rarity smiled and shook his hoof as she said, “Deal, my names Rarity, I hope we can be friends from now on.” Spike giggled and said, “See, was it really that hard, Bluey? I told you to come to Ponyville and do this sooner.” Blueblood looked at Spike and said with a smile, “You know, I really wish you’d stop calling me that, but you’re right, I should of. It’s just as time went on, it got harder and harder to do it. I’m sorry.” Rarity looked at them both and said, “You told him to come to Ponyville and apologize?” Hearing this, Blueblood giggled and said, “Yes. Shortly after the Grand Galloping Gala. And I wouldn't say told so much as demanded. Spike may have sharp claws and even sharper teeth, but trust me when I say they are nothing compared to how sharp his words can be.” Before laughing a little louder. “Well what you expect, you upset Rarity. What, did you think I was just going to sit back and do nothing?” Spike said as he looked at Blueblood. Rarity couldn’t help but smile warmly at the thought of baby dragon Spike, running off to defend her honor and righting the wrong that had befallen her, before she asked, “So, how did you two become such good friends?” Spike smiled and said, “That’s easy, Bluey here used to be in a room just down the corridor from me and Twi back in the day and since neither of us never really had many friends back then, we started hanging out with each other. In fact it was Bluey here that got me into the Power Ponies and comics in general. Though, some of the best nights we had were when Shining would come over and we’d play O&O, they were some crazy nights. He may not look it, but he’s just as much of a book worm and into magic as Twi. Just thinking about all the debates they used to have still gives me nightmares,” Spike said with a giggle. “Oh, come on. You were just as bad, and I really wish you would stop calling me that. I am a prince you know,” Blueblood said as he smirked at Spike, before asking, “Talking of Twilight, where is she? I thought for sure she would have come with you today.” Spike smirked as an idea came into his head, “Oh yeah, Twilight is- Speak of the mare,” Spike stopped and started waving and shouted out, "We’re over here Twi.” Hearing this Blueblood spun around as fast as he could to see her, only to see nothing and hearing Spike giggle; he turned back around with a slight blush on his face as Spike said with an even bigger grin now on his face, “Sorry, Bluey. Your goddess couldn’t make it today as she’s at the Starswirl the Bearded convention.” Rarity stood there gobsmacked at what she was hearing and seeing Blueblood go redder in the face all at the same time. “Wha- I don’t know what you mean Spike, it’s just that I haven’t spoken to her in awhile and thought it would have been nice to catch up,” Blueblood said as he nervously giggled trying to hide his embarrassment. Spike smiled at his friend before saying, “Hey, you got a bit of parchment I can quickly borrow?” As Rarity and Blueblood looked at Spike a bit confused, he said, “Yeah sure,” As he used his magic to materialize a bit of parchment, some ink and a quill. As he watched Spike start to scribble something down, he asked, “What you doing, Spike?” As Spike lit the scroll on fire and watched it turn to ash and disappear, he said, “Oh, you can think of this as my way of saying sorry for letting slip that you have just as big a crush on Twi, than I do for Rarity.” Spike said as he laughed. “Wha- no, I-“ Blueblood tried to protest but struggled to get any words out as he started to go even redder in the face, as Rarity smiled at him. As Spike smiled at him, he said, “Knowing you, you decided not to go to the convention, thinking that Twilight was going to come here with me instead.” Giving up trying to say anything Blueblood just looked at the floor embarrassed. Just then a scroll appeared in front of Spike and as he opened it he had a grin on his face, as he started to read it. Hi Blueblood I had no idea, you wanted to come to the convention, you should have said something sooner, but that’s ok. You said Spike is going to Teleport you to the convention. When you get here, I’ll meet you by the historical facts about Starswirl, section. I think going for some food after sounds like a great idea, it will give us some time to catch up with each other; it’s been way too long. Nowhere too fancy though please, you know I don’t really like all that fancy stuff, well that and I’m in my Starswirl the Bearded cosplay. Hehehe. See ya soon Twilight “WHAT!!!” is all Blueblood could say. Spike and Rarity both giggled, before Spike said, “You got your bits on you right?” He saw Blueblood nod his head to the question. “Good. Now, I’ve opened the door for you, where you and Twi go from here is up to you, but as your friend, I’m telling you. Don’t do anything stupid. And as her brother, I’m telling you that if you ever make her cry, there will be nowhere you can hide from me, do you understand?” As Blueblood saw a flash of green go over Spikes eyes, he gulped and nervously said, “Yes, I understand.” Rarity giggled and said, “A piece of friendly advice, if I may. Just be yourself, that’s all a mare really wants, don’t try showing off. It sounds like you both have a lot in common, so if you get stuck on what to say, just take a breath and talk about something you find interesting. Also don’t give up, it took me awhile to realize what I had, it may just take some time for Twilight as well, to see if you both have that spark with each other.” “Right, will do. Thanks Rarity,” Blueblood said as he smiled at her, before looking at Spike and saying, “You too, Spike. Thanks for always being my friend.” “Anytime pal. You ready?” Spike asked before he said, “Oh yeah, one last tip, you’re better off going somewhere like Hay Burger, that’s more Twi’s thing. Now go get her Romeo.” “Thanks for the tip, Spike.” Blueblood said with a smile before he disappeared from in front of them, as Spike’s eyes glowed green. After a moment of silence, Rarity said with a giggle, “I guess it was a good idea teaching Twilight how to send and receive letter from you Spike, but who would have thought, Prince Blueblood having a crush on our Twilight? I wonder if she knows?” Spike smiled and said, “Yeah I thought it was about time she learnt how to do it, she is a princess after all. You know I could teach you how to do it as well, if you want." A smile came onto Rarity's face at the idea of being able to send and receive letters from Spike. Before he continued, "As for Blueblood, he’s been crushing on her since they were kids. Twi’s one of the smartest mares I know, she’s always had her head in the books but I’m sure somewhere in that head of hers she’s figured it out by now.” Spike stopped smiling and said, “You know, Blueblood was right about one thing, it’s hard for a prince or a princess to find somepony to love them for them and not the crown. Truth is I don’t know if Twi likes Blueblood the same way he likes her, but I know she likes him and cares for him. So whatever happens from this point on will be for them to work out.” Rarity puts her hoof on Spike’s shoulder, smiled and said, “That’s how it started for us, isn’t it. Liking and caring for one another,” before she kissed Spike on the cheek and said, “A wise dragon once said, ‘No one can know what the future will bring, all we can do is try our best to be prepared to face it when the time comes.’” Spike smiles at Rarity and pulls her into a hug and asked with a toothy grin, “Why Miss Rarity, just who is this dragon you are talking about?” Rarity giggles lightly and wraps her arms around him and said, “Why my husband of course and that’s Mrs. Rarity to you, Mr.” As she leans in and passionately kisses Spike on the lips. After a few moments, they break their kiss and Spike said, “As much as I would love to stay like this with you, we really should make our way to the kitchen, otherwise I won’t have enough time to make the cake for Celestia and Luna.” Rarity giggled and said, “Yes, I suppose you have a point,” as she gives him a quick peck on the cheek before saying, “Let’s go then.” After a few more minutes of walking down corridors, the sound of pots and pans could be heard and as Spike opened the door, all he could see was ponies from all over Equestria, working at their cooking stations. Just then the crashing of pots and pans hitting the floor could be heard as a young stallion sat on the floor scared and shouted out, “A Dragon!!!” Making everyone stop and look over at the door to see Spike and Rarity standing there. Before Spike or Rarity had chance to say anything, an old gray stallion, wearing a chef’s hat, came over to the younger stallion and popped him over the head with a ladle before saying, “This is Canterlot Castle youngen. If you can’t handle seeing a dragon or two, then you’re working in the wrong kitchen, now get back to work.” As the young stallion picked up his pots and pans, he ran over to the sink to start cleaning, as the older gray stallion came towards Spike. Before Spike had a chance to say anything, the stallion popped him over the head with the ladle and said, “You should know better than to scare the new guy and if you’ve come to try and sneak sweets to Princess Celestia again, Spike. I swear I’ll wear your claws as a necklace. It’s my job to make sure the Princesses eat healthily, just because you’ve gotten bigger doesn’t change that fact and don’t pretend that being hit with the ladle hurt, we both know it didn’t.” Spike giggled and said, “It’s good to see you to chef.” As other ponies in the kitchen started shouting out, ‘Hi Spike, welcome back’ or ‘wow, look how big you’ve gotten.’ Before the gray stallion shouted out, “What do you think you’re all doing, it isn’t break time yet, we stop when we finish. Now get back to work!” In unison they all shouted, “YES, CHEF!” before continuing what they were doing as Spike stood there with a smile on his face watching them. “So if you haven’t come to sneak sweets, what are you here for?” the gray stallion asked as he looked at Spike. “Well, actually, I was kind of hoping to make Celestia and Luna a cake for lunch. Sort of promised them and was hoping you’d let me use the kitchen,” Spike said with a smile. The gray stallion stared at Spike and said, “What did I say about sweets, Spike.” “But I promised and Celestia hasn’t had it in forever, it’s just this one time. Come on chef, please.” As Spike stared back at the chef, he said, “Besides, if you weren’t so strict with her diet she wouldn’t need to sneak sweets in the first place.” This earned Spike another smack over the head with the ladle. As Spike heard Rarity giggling, he said, “Oh, where are my manners. I’m sorry, Rarity this is Hazel Walnut, but every pony here just calls him, the iron che-“ Spike was cut off by another hit to the head with the ladle. As some of the other ponies started to snicker, Hazel turned around and glared, stopping them in their tracks before turning back around and saying, “I may be old Spike, but she needs no introduction, she is one of the Elements of Harmony, hero to all of Equestria. It’s an honor to meet you, Miss Rarity.” “Please, just Rarity will be fine and it’s a pleasure to meet you to Mr. Hazel Walnut.” Rarity said with a smile. Hazel Walnut smiled and said, “just Hazel, will do.” As Rarity nodded, he looked at Spike and said, “So how did you manage to get a mare like her Spike? Bet it was thanks to all those cooking lessons I gave ya.” Spike laughed and said, “Na, it was just me being my amazing self.” Hearing Rarity giggle, Spike puffed out his chest. But after seeing Hazel glare at him, Spike lowered his head and said, “but, I guess knowing how to cook a good meal helped.” As he said that, he saw Hazel let out a little smile. Hazel sighed and said, “Fine. You can use that station over there, but just this once, you hear me. I can’t let the princess think this is going to happen every time you come to visit, because if she did, she’d have you come every day.” Hazel said with a little giggle before pulling Spike into a hug and saying, “Welcome home, kid. The place hasn’t been the same without you.” As Spike hugged back he said, “It’s good to see you to, ya old coot,” As Spike broke the hug he looked at Rarity with a smile and said, “Ready to work, my number one assistant?” Rarity looked a bit confused and said, “Excuse me?” Spike giggled and said, “Well I figured, I’ve spent all these years being your assistant in the Boutique, helping you with your dress making. I thought that it would be a nice change to have you help me make this cake. But don’t worry I know you don’t want to get dirty before meeting the princesses, so all you have to do is watch me and pass me the ingredients when I call for them ok.” Spike said with a smile. “Well in that case,” Rarity saluted and said “Your number one assistant reporting for duty, Spikey.” As they both giggled Spike said, “Well, let’s get to it, my faithful assistant.” As they both walked over to the cooking station. Spike popped into the big fridge to get the ingredients. As they worked or more like as Spike worked, some of the other ponies came over every now and then to say hi and catch up with him while Hazel Walnut wasn’t looking. As Rarity watched Spike work, she couldn’t help but think, “Is this what it’s like when I’m in my zone. The level of concentration he’s putting into this, even though it’s just making a cake. The way he mixes the ingredients together is like when I’m weaving thread into my fabrics, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him look so serious while cooking before.” Just then Rarity was snapped out of her thoughts by Spike saying, “All done,” As he popped the cake tin in the oven to cook before saying, “just got to wash up now.” “Good job, Spikey,” Rarity said with a smile. Spike smiled back and said, “You to Rarity, thanks for being my assistant.” “But I didn’t do anything Spike,” Rarity said as she looked at him. Spike chuckled and said, “Sure you did, you passed me the ingredients, without them I could never have made the cake in the first place,” he said with that goofy look she loved so much, making her chuckle. Just then the young stallion that dropped all the pots and pans earlier, came over and looked at the cake in the oven before saying, “Wow, that looks good,” Then looked at Spike and said, “I’m sorry for the way I acted earlier Mr. The Dragon, sir. It’s just you’re the first real dragon I’ve ever seen before.” Spike smiled and said, “It’s Spike and don’t worry about it, I take it you’re not from around here then?” The stallion shook his head and said, “No, I’ve only been here for about 2 weeks, I come from the Cajun Swamp, lived there all my life. But I’ve always dreamt of being a chef here in Canterlot Castle, so I was really happy when chef took me in and said I could work here. Since I’ve been here though, all I’ve done is clean pots and pans,” he said with a sad look on his face. Spike giggled and said, “Would you like a tip?” To which the stallion nodded his head, as Spike smiled, he said, “If Hazel didn’t think you had some sort of potential, you wouldn’t be here, and that’s a fact. Every pony here started out washing pots and pans, myself included. Hazel does this with everyone that comes through that door, for a few reasons, 1. Is to see if you have what it takes to stick it out, 2. Is to teach you that no matter where you come from, whether it is from Canterlot or the Cajun Swamp, or even if you’ve been head chef at a restaurant before, everyone starts from the beginning here." As Spike smiles at the stallion he continues to say, “The best cooks in Equestria come from here because they all start from scratch, with baby steps. Working their way up, one step at a time learning as they go. Understanding that each step is just as important as the next. That is the secret to how you become a great cook, not just a good one." As Spike giggled he said, “You know, I learnt a lot from cleaning pots and pans in this kitchen, you’ll be surprised what you can pick up by watching the other cooks as you clean. Understand?” With a wink. The stallions face lit up as he now understood the reason why he was just cleaning pots and pans and said, “Yes, I think I do. Thank you Mr. Spike.” Spike laughed and said, “I told you, it’s just Spike.” “Right. Sorry, Spike. My name's Rocky Road, but my friends just call me Rocky.” He said with a smile. “It’s nice to meet you Rocky,” Spike said with a smile before saying “And this is Rarity.” “It’s a pleasure to meet you Rocky,” Rarity said with a smile. “Likewise, Miss Rarity.” Rocky Road, said happily. “Well, I need to go wash this stuff, so if you’ll excuse me,” Spike said as he started to pick up the bowls he was using to make the cake. Rocky Road, started to take the bowls off Spike and said, “Allow me, please. It’s the least I could do for all the advice you’ve given me, and it is my job. Baby steps, right?” He said as he smiled at Spike. Spike chuckled and said, “Right. Thanks, Rocky.” No sooner had Spike said that, when he noticed the servant pony from before standing at the door. Spike looked at Rarity and said, “Looks like Celestia and Luna are ready for us now.” “We should go then. We wouldn’t want to keep them waiting” Rarity said with a smile. Before they started to walk over to the door, Spike asked Hazel to take his cake out of the oven when it was done, and said goodbye. Just before Spike and Rarity walked through the door, they heard all the ponies in the kitchen shout in unison, “Thank you for cooking with us today, chef.” This made Spike turn around and see all the ponies standing there looking at him with smiles on their faces. As Spike saw Hazel give him a wink, Spike shouted, “What do you think you’re all doing, it isn’t break time yet, we stop when we finish. Now get back to work!” In unison, they all happily shouted back, “YES CHEF!” As Spike smiled at them, Rarity couldn’t help but let out a little giggle before they walked through the door and Spike said to the servant pony, “Sorry to keep you waiting, please lead the way.” As Spike and Rarity follow the servant pony, making their way down the corridors, Rarity looks at Spike and says, “I think it was really sweet what you did for Rocky Road, giving him that tip about learning while he cleans. It was really nice to meet Hazel as well; he seems like a nice stallion,” Rarity said with a smile. Spike smiled at Rarity and said, “Hazel has got to be one of the first ponies here in the castle that didn’t look at me like I was an outsider, like I didn’t belong. When I was little a lot of the other ponies would stay away from me or smile and pretend to be nice to me to my face while they talked or whispered behind my back, but the worse was when they used to make believe I wasn’t even there. At least when they talked behind my back they acknowledged my existence,” Spike said now with a bit of a sad look on his face. Before Rarity had a chance to say anything, Spike smiled and said, “But not Hazel, He didn’t care what others thought, he didn’t care that I was a dragon. All he cared about was cooking and teaching any creature that was willing to learn, he didn’t just teach me to cook. He taught me to hold my head up high and that if I was going to do something, that I better put 100% into it. That way even if I failed or others talked about me, I could hold my head up with pride knowing I gave it all I had. That’s when I decided I was not only going to be Twi’s assistant, but her number one assistant because she deserved the best.” Spike let out a giggle and said, “If I saw a pony working, I worked harder. I gave all those ponies that didn’t think I belonged no choice but to acknowledge me, soon enough, I found that they started to look at me differently, even offering to help me when I messed up or didn’t understand what to do and not because I knew the princess but because they wanted to truly help me.” Rarity smiled and said, “You used your determination and willingness to never give up, to change how they all saw you. That’s what’s amazing about you Spike. You never give up.” Spike smiled and said, “It was the same for Platinum Night, Hazel was one of the few ponies that never laughed at Platinum, instead he made platinum work even harder to make sure Platinum made his dream come true. That’s why I gave Rocky that tip. I wanted to try and help him towards his dream, if only a little. Just like Hazel did for me.” Rarity smiled and said, “I see. I think that was very kind of you, Spike.” Spike giggled and said, “I told you before, I may have not had the best start here in Canterlot but in the end I made some great friends and learnt a lot.” As Rarity giggled and smiled, she said, “It seems you most certainly did.” As they stopped walking and stood before a door. The servant pony said, “We are here,” and bowed before saying, “Please go on in. The Princesses are waiting for you inside.” As Spike and Rarity walk into the room they see Princess Luna and Celestia sitting at a table. “Hi, Celestia. Hi, Luna. Thanks for having us over.” Spike said casually as he started to walk over to them with a smile. Rarity on the other hoof bowed to her princesses and said, “Thank you for inviting me today, princesses.” Celestia and Luna giggled and smiled, before Luna said, “Please, Rarity. There is no need to bow and just calling us Luna and Celestia is fine.” Before she pointed to the two empty chairs next to each other around the table and said, “Please have a seat and join us.” As Rarity watched Spike take a seat, she smiled and nodded her head as she took her seat next to Spike. Just then another servant pony opened the door and as Celestia looked over at the door, she said, “You may bring the food now.” As the servant pony bowed and was about to close the door, Spike said, “Oh yeah. That cake I was making should be done in a few minutes with how great the ovens are around here, so can you make sure to bring that as well.” The servant pony nodded their head before closing the door. Spike looked over and saw a smile on Celestias face that made him giggle before he said, “So how’s thing going?” “Oh you know same old, same old. Just ruling over Equestria, sorry we couldn’t greet you when you arrived, Spike.” Celestia said. “Yes, we had planned to greet you ourselves, but the meeting we had ran over a little, as they so often do,” Luna said with a smile. “That’s quite alright Luna, it’s understandable, I mean you have a country to run after all,” Rarity said with a smile. The doors to the room opened and a handful of ponies came in carrying food and placed it on the table, making sure to place the cake Spike made in the center of the table. Rarity watched as she saw Spike and the princesses telling them what foods they wanted as the servant ponies placed the food on their plates before she realized that a pony was standing next to her waiting to be told what she would like. Following Spikes lead she told the pony what food she wanted and as the plates were placed down in front of them with drinks, princess Celestia said, “Thank you for your hard work, you may leave us now and please tell everypony that we are not to be disturbed under any circumstance from this point on.” As all the servant ponies bowed and left the room, Luna asked, “So how’s things been for you and the others Spike?” Spike smiled and said, “Well, it’s been ok. It’s been pretty quiet in fact, no threats to Equestria or anything like that, but at the same time, quite hectic with everything that’s happened in the last few weeks. We haven’t really just had time to relax, you know.” Luna and Celestia both nodded in understanding and Celestia asked, “How was it being in the kitchen again and seeing chef Walnut, I do hope he didn’t hit you too much with the ladle this time,” she said as she chuckled. Spike laughed and said, “That old coot hasn’t changed a bit, if I didn’t know any better I’d say he was the immortal one.” As everyone laughed and started to eat their food, Spike said, “But it was great seeing him again, I always meant to come back more but I guess with how busy things got over time it just never seemed like a good time.” “Hmmm, that’s quite understandable with all the work you, Twilight and the others have been doing since your move to Ponyville, Spike.” Celestia said with a smile as she looked at him before saying, “I do wish chef Walnut would lighten up and not be so strict about our diet though and allow me to cook a bit more too.” Rarity looked at Celestia and asked, “I would have thought that being princesses would allow you to do anything you wanted.” Both Celestia and Luna giggled before Luna said, “While as princesses there are many things we can do, Tia here is not allowed in the kitchen as she has a habit of making nothing but sweets. As a compromise though, chef Walnut agreed to allow her to make breakfast if she feels like it, under his watch of course,” Luna finished with a chuckle. Celestia got a serious look on her face and said, “That pony takes his job as head chef to serious if you ask me,” before smiling and saying, “Oh how I miss the days of having my little dragon steal me some treasure to enjoy throughout the day.” she chuckled. “I don’t, I was hit so many times over the head with that ladle, that to this day it’s a wonder how I never got any brain damage,” Spike said as he rubbed his head, making everyone laugh. As they all continued chatting away, Rarity couldn’t help but feel like something was off. Everything seemed to be going well, they all seemed happy enough, but it just felt weird. Like something wasn’t sitting right. Taking a sip of her drink, she had a glance around the room to try not to think about it. The room was beautiful just like the rest of the castle. She even spotted a piano in the corner of the room, but the nagging feeling she had just wouldn’t go away. Just then, she heard princess Celestia say, “It’s a shame Twilight wasn’t able to come, though. I do know how much she loves her Starswirl history. Maybe I should have told Blueblood that she wasn’t coming. Poor dear was looking forward to seeing her again.” Spike laughed and said, “Yeah, don’t worry about that. I took care of it. I’d say by now those two are walking around the convention, happily lost in their own world." As Celestia smiled, she looked at Spike and said, “I see. Well, thank you for that, Spike.” As Rarity sat there listening, it finally hit her. She had figured out why everything felt so weird. After placing her fork down on the plate and clearing her throat to gain the attention of everyone, she said, “If I may be so bold and ask, how has everything been for you and Luna since the Grogar incident?” Getting a funny look from both Celestia and Luna, Celestia said, “Just fine, my dear.” “In fact, I’d say better than fine, myself,” Luna said with a smile. As Spike looks at Rarity confused, Rarity sighed and said, “Forgive my rudeness and bluntness for saying this, but I can't help but feel something is wrong here. It's just that as Spike's wife and somepony that cares about you both greatly, I can't help but feel that you are holding back and I don't understand why. You said before that when you were alone with Spike you would happily call him grandpa and yet now we are alone, not one of you has done so. So I guess what I'm really asking is, why?" After a few moments of silence Spike nervously giggled and said, “Come on, Rarity. I think you’re thinking too much about it. Besides they can call me whatever they want. I told them as much myself. It’s no big deal.” Rarity looked at Spike with sad eyes and was about to say something before Luna said, “You’re right, Rarity. While we have indeed written to you and called you grandpa, Spike. The truth is it’s a lot to take in for us, especially Tia. When I was first freed from my curse as Nightmare Moon, I had trouble adjusting back into pony society. I had been gone so long and ponies only saw me as the nightmare I once was. I would spend all my time with Tia trying to catch up on all that I had missed. She would tell me about her number one pupil and all that she had done. When she spoke of Twilight I could see such happiness in her eyes. But the happiest I ever saw her was when she would talk about you, Spike.” After taking a breath Luna continued, “She would spend hours going on about all the things you had done. Of how hard you had it when you were first hatched and how hard you worked to make ponies see you as something other than a monster and that you belong here." As Luna looked at Spike with a warm smile, she said, “Over time, I found myself growing closer to you just as you had with Tia.” As Rarity sat there, still confused at why, if Luna felt this close to Spike. she would be having trouble calling him grandpa now, she said, "Forgive me, but if you felt this close to Spike before, then why is it so hard to call him grandpa?" As Celestia sighed and put a hoof on Luna’s shoulder, she said, “Me and you, Spike, we have always had a confusing relationship. Haven’t we? While the ponies saw me as their princess and somepony to look up to, you just saw me. I was only ever a pony to you; you treated me like every other pony. I clung to that. The only other one to treat me like that was Luna after all. As I watched over you and Twilight, I couldn’t help but start to see you like a son and Twilight became more than a pupil to me. Ever since the Grogar incident and the truth was revealed that you were our granddad...” Celestia sighed and said, “The truth is I was happy at first, but the more I thought about it, the more it hurt.” Rarity put a hoof to her mouth and sadly said, "I see. Now I understand. The reason you are having problems calling him grandpa is because you see Spike as your son and nephew. I always knew you were close to one another and acted like you were family. I just never thought that you looked at each other that way. Forgive me for being so blind and pushing so hard on the matter." "There is nothing to forgive, Rarity. You were just trying to look out for Spike," Celestia said with a warm yet sad smile before she turned to Spike and said, “I still remember the day you hatched and I remember carrying you in my arms, and how you clung to me that day. I swore to keep you safe from that day on, and even now as you sit there all grown up, all I can see is the baby dragon I raised." Spike sighed and said, “Nobody said you had to call me grandpa. It’s hard for me too, you know. I still have all my memories of the time spent with you as baby dragon Spike as well as all my memories with Lilith and the others. While half of me wants nothing more than to jump into your arms and hear you tell me everything’s ok as you hold me, the other half wants to wrap my wings around you and keep you safe." As Spike smiled at Celestia, he said, “As I grew up here, with you. I always felt like we were a family, even more so when Luna returned. But since the whole Grogar thing, though...” Spike sighed and said, “The truth is I was scared. Scared of losing what we have.” As Spike gave Rarity a warm smile, he said, “But a smart mare told me that I don’t have to feel like you are family anymore because you are my family.” As Spike looks at both Celestia and Luna, he said, “Our connection to each other is now a fact. Not pretend. Seeing you both here means everything I did, everything I gave up was worth it in the end because you are here. So what if you don’t want to call me grandpa?” as a tear comes down Spikes face he said, “All I ever wanted was for you to be happy, both as your grandfather and as your son and nephew.” Celestia got out of her chair and walked over to Spike. She pulled him into a hug as she started to cry and said, “Forgive me. How could I have been so selfish to think this wasn’t hurting you as well? I’m sorry.” As Spike hugged back he said, “What do we do now? Can’t I be selfish just this once and have it both ways? Can’t I be both grandpa and son?” As he cried into Celestia’s chest. As Celestia tightened her grip on Spike, she said, “Yes, yes you can. It may take some time to adjust, but we’ll find a way to make this work.” As Celestia said that, Spike’s wings wrapped around Celestia. She giggled and said, “Now really is this any way for a grown dragon to be acting? Especially in front of his wife?” Spike just looked at her with a red face and said, “It’s my experience that no matter how old you get, it’s ok to act like a child when getting a hug from your mother.” Celestia’s face went red at hearing Spike call her mother for the first time as she hugged back and said, “I heard it’s the same when you are getting hugged by your grandpa too.” Spike giggled and said, “So I’m told.” After a few minutes of just holding one another, they broke their hug and smiled at each other before Spike said, “Thanks. I needed that, mom.” Making Celestia go red in the face again. After hearing a little chuckle, both Spike and Celestia looked over to see Rarity smiling while Luna sat there giggling before she asked, “Feel better now? I know I do after getting it all out in the open.” Celestia smiled and made her way back to her seat before saying, “Yes, little sister. I feel much better now.” Then she looked at Rarity with a smile and said, “And thank you, Rarity. I guess we were all holding back because we were too afraid of hurting each other’s feelings. But it seems by holding back we were doing just that. You would think we of all creatures would have known better by now,” finishing with a giggle. “Oh no. Please you don’t need to thank me. I didn’t do anything,” Rarity said as she started to wave her hooves about in a panic before calming down after seeing Spike smile at her. As Spike got out his chair and giggled, he said, “But you did, Rarity. You gave us the push we needed to get this all out in the open.” As Spike walked around the table and made his way to Luna, he looked at Rarity and said, “Thank you, my love.” He then smirked at Luna before saying, “And don’t think I’ve forgotten about my one and only aunt,” before pulling her into a hug, which made Luna giggle as she hugged back. As they broke their hug, Spike asked, “Who’s ready for some cake?” “ME!” Celestia shouted like a little filly that had been waiting all day for this, making the others giggle. As she cut the cake up and placed some on plates for everyone. “I must say this does look delicious, Spike,” Rarity said with a smile as she looked at Spike. “Indeed it does,” Luna said, eager to try it. As Spike started to walk back to his seat, he saw the piano and made his way over to it. As he pressed some of the keys, he said with a smile, “I see you’ve kept it tuned.” “Yes, I’ve made sure to keep it tuned just in case you ever felt like playing it,” Celestia said with a smile before saying, “I have missed listening to you play.” “I must admit, I’ve never heard you play the piano, Spikey,” Rarity said. Spike took a seat at the piano and smiled at Rarity before saying, “Well, today’s your lucky day,” as he started to play some soft melodies while the others sat there eating their cake and listened. After playing a few notes, Spike started to play a melody and smiled as he started to sing: Sleep tight little darlings Now it's time for slumber And dream of what tomorrow will be “Si- sister, is this? Did you?” Luna said as her eyes began to water. Celestia getting just as teary shook her head and said, “I never taught him this song.” Someday your child might cry And if you sing this lullaby Then you know deep in your heart I will always be with you Spike looked over at them and gave them a warm smile as he played and said, “I made up this song to sing to Lilith and the others when they were children to help them sleep,” before continuing the song. Someday I will be gone But my lullaby will live on and on... Just then Celestia and Luna started to sing with Spike. It will never die That's how you and I Will live on forevermore. After Spike finished playing the last few notes and stood up, Celestia and Luna ran over to him and hugged him as they cried. Spike smiled and started stroking their manes as he said, “It seems my little Lilith passed it on.” As Luna nodded, Celestia said, “No matter how long a day she had, mother would always tuck us in at night and sing us that song as fillies. We haven’t heard it since. Thank you.” As Rarity wiped a tear from her eye she said, “That was simply beautiful, Spike.” After Spike broke his hug with Celestia and Luna, he giggled and said, “Thanks. It’s been awhile since I sang it,” as he, Celestia and Luna all sat back down. Spike started to eat his cake and asked, “How was it? As good as you remember?” To which Celestia giggled and said, “Yes, maybe even better.” “Indeed. I can see why Tia was looking forward to eating such a cake,” Luna said as she smiled at Spike. “I must say, Spike, it really was delicious. I dare say you could give Mr. and Mrs. Cake a run for their bits with such a cake. How come you’ve never made this before?” Rarity asked curiously. Spike giggled and said, “It’s special. Well, maybe not special, but I only make it every now and then on certain occasions. Like say a certain princess’s birthday.” As Celestia smiled at Spike, he grinned back and said, “This was the first thing I ever truly made by myself.” As Spike finished his cake, he said, “I had started to learn to cook, so I could help Twilight more. But as it was coming up to Celestia’s birthday, the whole castle was busy sorting stuff out for her big day. As I saw ponies from all over come and leave gifts for her, I wanted to get her a present too, but what could a baby dragon with no real bits to his name give to the princess that she didn’t already have? I mean she was a princess after all.” Spike giggled and said, “She had done so much for me. I wanted to give her something to say thank you. Something no other creature could, but what?” Spike looked at Rarity and smiled as he said, “Then it hit me; she likes sweets but I hardly ever see her eating them, so I came up with a plan to make her a birthday cake. I would wait till everyone was asleep and sneak into the kitchen to practice. Night after night, failure after failure, her birthday drew closer until the night before her birthday, I had finally done it. I had made her a cake I was sure she would love and remember.” Spike took a drink from his cup and continued, “The next day, before joining Twilight and the others at the party, I went to get my cake from the place I had hid it in the kitchen, only to find it had gone. All that hard work, all that time, wasted. I was heartbroken, after searching everywhere and finally giving up, I made my way to the party. It was packed, you could hardly move. Thankfully, I was able to find Twi in the corner, reading a book.” This made everyone chuckle a bit before Spike said, “I guess Twi could see I was upset and was about to ask me what was wrong when all of a sudden Celestia ordered the music to stop and called Walnut up to her as everypony looked on. That’s when she said ‘Chef Walnut, although your food is excellent as always. I must congratulate you on this wonderful cake. I’ve never had such a delicious cake in all my time.’” As Spike smiled, he said, “That’s when I noticed she was eating my cake, and before I had a chance to say or do anything, Walnut bowed to her and said, ‘Thank you your majesty, however I cannot take credit for that cake as it was not I that made it but Spike The Dragon. He has spent the last few nights in the kitchen to make you this cake on his own.’” As Spike giggled he said, “I wasn’t too great with crowds back then, so to have everypony there looking at me was really scary. As I stood there, Celestia made her way over to me and asked if it was true what Walnut had said, so as I stood there nervously twiddling my claws together, I told her that I wanted to get her something for her birthday that she would like as a thank you for all she had done for me. The next thing I knew, she’s hugging me. The princess of all ponies hugging a dragon in front of everypony. The room was dead silent as she smiled and said, ‘This is the best present I’ve ever had because it was made by my favorite little dragon. Thank you Spike.” Celestia giggled and said, “And I meant every word,” as she smiled at Spike, before saying, “Although, Chef Walnut making you clean pots and pans for 3 months straight was a bit hash a punishment for using the kitchen without asking if you ask me.” Spike laughed and said, “Yeah, that old coot chewed me out for weeks about using the kitchen at night. But I’d do it all over again to see you smile.” As Celestia smiled warmly back at Spike, he said, “Besides, I learnt a lot from cleaning those pots and pans,” with a chuckle. Rarity giggled and said, “Such a lovely story. I see why you don’t make this cake more often now, Spikey.” Spike just smiled warmly at Rarity before they all carried on chatting and enjoying themselves. After a while Celestia said, “As much fun as this has been, unfortunately, we will have to leave it there for today as we still have things we must do.” “Yes. Although I must admit I would rather carry on enjoying myself we have work that must be done. We’re sorry,” Luna said with a sad smile. “Not at all, we understand. To be able to spend time like this and hear stories of Spike’s life before he came to Ponyville has been such a treat,” Rarity said with a smile before saying, “Thank you for allowing me to come today.” “You are most welcome, Rarity. Come back anytime. That goes double for you, Grandpa,” Celestia said as she looked at Spike. Spike smiled and said, “Count on it, mother,” making Celestia blush before Spike looked at Luna and said, “I expect good dreams tonight, aunty,” as he giggled. Luna laughed back and said, “I’m sure you will, Grandpa,” before she smiled and said, “Allow us to get a carriage sorted to send you back home.” “Why, Thank you. That is most kind of you,” Rarity said with a smile. “Actually, if you don’t mind, can we pass on that offer?” Spike asked as everyone looked at him. “Since we both have some time and we are in Canterlot, I thought it might be nice to go for a walk and see where the day takes us,” Spike said with a smile before looking at Rarity and saying, “What do you say, Rarity?” Rarity smiled back and said, “That sounds like a marvelous idea, Spikey-wikey.” Getting a giggle from Celestia and Luna as everyone stands up from the table, they walk over to Spike and hug him, as Luna says, “Thank you for coming.” Spike hugged them both back and said, “Thank you for having me.” As Celestia is hugging him, she said, “Your home may be in Ponyville now, but you will always have a place here. Never forget that, my son.” As they break their hug, Spike smiles at them both and says, “Like I could ever forget where I came from.” After saying their goodbyes and making their way outside the castle gates as Celestia and Luna wave goodbye, Rarity looks at Spike and says, “Where to now, Spikey?” Spike smiled back and said, “Anywhere we want,” getting a giggle from Rarity as she pecks him on the cheek.