//------------------------------//
// Ch. 2 Barricade 
// Story: Love Spreads 
// by Closer-To-The-Sun 
//------------------------------//

Chapter 2: Barricade

The next day, Celestia's sun rose over Equestria. Spike, against his wishes, was slowly walking his way over to Fluttershy's home on the outskirts of town. Both Twilight and Fluttershy insisted that Spike take a day off from his extensive work in the library. The dragon, on the other hoof, wanted to continue with his work, but he saw no real point in trying to argue.

Arriving at the pegasus's cottage, Spike took a deep sigh before he knocked on the door.

The door was opened by a yellow mare with a long, flowing pink mane, "Oh, good morning, Spike." Fluttershy's voice was inviting and warm.

"Hey, Fluttershy. I came by as I promised you and Twilight," Spike's response was slightly bitter. He really wasn't in the mood to 'take a break', as they would put it.

"Please come on in. I have a number of things ready to help you unwind and loosen up," the pegasus stepped aside to allow the small dragon inside.

Upon entering, Spike noticed that the interior of the mare's home was filled with animals from birds, rabbits, weasels, and even chickens. "You seem to have plenty of….company?" Spike was trying to find the right words.

"Oh yes. I love helping any and all creatures with whatever problems they might have," Fluttershy explained, looking at a bird that landed on her back, "Many of the animals here needed medical help, which I was more than happy to assist them with. And of course, I care for them until they are ready to leave and return to their own homes."

"Sounds like you got your hooves full," the dragon commented, trying to walk around a cluster of chickens pecking at the carpet, looking for food.

"Sometimes, I do. But its very rewarding work," Fluttershy warmly smiled at the thought of the outcome of her work. She then turned back to Spike, "So, what would you like to do first, Spike?"

Spike looked away, "I don't know…."

"We could start with a relaxing massage. That always helps the mammals relax," Fluttershy explained.

"I don't know…." Spike echoed his previous statement.

"I could make you something to eat. Thought I'm not sure if my cooking or the herbs would have any effect since you're a dragon though…." the pegeasus thought as she brought a hoof up to her mouth.

"No….it's fine…."

"How about a spa treatment? It could help you to unwind any stress and help soften your rough and sharp scales," the mare offered with a smile.

"No…." he rejected yet another idea.

"Do you happen to have any ideas of what you would like to do? I've never cared for a dragon before and I'm worried that I might be going about this all wrong," Fluttershy's meek voice had a slight pleading touch to it as she asked for Spike's input.

The dragon still was stubborn as his voice slightly grew, "I really don't know…."

Trotting closer to Spike, the mare continued her efforts to get an answer, "There has to be something you would like to do. How about a relaxing bath? I can even help by washing your back, if you'd like."

Spike's voice grew drastically to a shout, "No! I don't want to be babied! I refuse to be treated like some baby by anypony!"

The loud cry from the dragon caused alarm in the cottage. The animals who where residing inside quickly evacuated the house in a hurry. Within seconds, the entire house that was bustling with activity and creatures of all sizes was empty. All that remained in the cottage was a small purple dragon and a yellow pegasus who had tears forming in her eyes.