//------------------------------//
// Big Night 
// Story: Shards of Nightmare 
// by Stonedpony 
//------------------------------//

 Big Night


Ponyville's Spring festival was ready to start as the sun slowly started to rise. Twilight was already up and doing some last minute checks as the ponies that ran the stalls made their way to the festival grounds. daring the day there would be all kinds of games, clowns, street magicians and other foal friendly fun. However at night fall the festival changed gears and had music for young couples hoping the seeds that had been sown in their harts would grow into something much more magical.
Fluttershy opened the Festival mid morning with her chorus of birds. She didn’t mind preforming so early. Twilight Sparkle had set up a amplifier system so that all of the festival grounds as well as most of the town could hear her birds as well as the bands later that night. She was also nervous enough as is with just a forth of Ponyville watching. This evenings performance would be terrifying. 
After many flowing spring medleys from Fluttershy's bird chores the shy pony turned to the gathered ponies she almost lost her nerve when she looked out over the crowd. Just as she started to tremble and shrink back behind her mane Pinkie pie appeared beside her and called out to the crowd to show Fluttershy how much they enjoyed her birds. Every pony stomped their hooves and cheered, several foals jumped up on their parents backs and started to chant Fluttershy's name. The Yellow pegasus blushed as she smiled and bowed to the crowd. the birds quickly flew away soon followed by their conductor.
Pinkie Pie smiled as her friend left then welcomed all of the guest to the festival and announced when a few of the days events would take place. The Pink hostess smile grew as she saw all the happy faces looking back at her, she couldn’t contain a song about having fun in the spring sun. She sang as she jumped form the stage to do her job and make sure that every pony had a good time. Most ponies only heard parts of the song as she'd help them find something they were looking for or meet up with friends. A couple of times used some of her own money to buy some foals a treat or chance to play a game, she even gave out prizes that hadn’t been won, all while still in song.
Twilight Sparkle mean while was around to make sure that everything was running smoothly, even if Pinkie Pie was some how inadvertently trying to ruin her perfect plan. The overly organized Lavender unicorn stopped at every stall and booth to ask the workers if they had everything they needed. Twilight Sparkle smiled as she made her way to the game run by Spike. The baby dragon was great at getting ponies attention and keeping the patrons playing even though the game was intentionally hard but not unfairly so. 
The lavender unicorn stopped and waited for the dragon finish giving a gray pegasus mare and her similarly colored unicorn daughter a free chance to toss a stuffed bee into a flower. The young filly wanted to try because her mother had missed three times already, with those eyes of her it was no wonder. The young mother smiled and set the bee in her daughters hoof. The unicorn filly brushed her straw colored hair out of her face before she stuck her tongue out to the side and concentrated hard on her target. With a cute little grunt she threw the toy bee as hard as she could. The stuffed bee flew through the air and rolled around the flower target in the middle everything seemed to be in slow motion as it slipped into the flower. the filly unicorn and her pegasus mother jump up and down excited. Being the first of the day to get the bulls eye the filly didn't only get her choice of all the prizes in the booth but a good sizes bag of bits. Spike congratulated the pair and smiled as they went on their way. Everything was going according to plan Twilight thought.

Rarity’s plans had been ruined before they could even get started. Mid-moreing her parents came by with Sweetie Belle saying that Rarity should join them at the festival. The two loving but oblivious parents ignored their adult daughters protest about having plans she needed to be ready for that night. 
“we haven’t had any family time lately and Sweetie Belle really wants you to come to the festival with us.” Said Rarity's mother.
“but.” Rarity whined with a pout.
“now now sweetheart its going to be great.” Said her father through his mustache.
Sweetie Belle just smiled as Rarity gave up and sighed “okay.” the white unicorn mare walked to the festival grounds for a day of “fun” with Sweetie Belle and their parents. The filly wanted to try her hoof at all the games and even convinced their parents to buy into some of the raffles. Rarity had to admit her younger sisters enthusiasm was hard not to smile at.
Through out the day Rarity saw Thunderlane out with his little brother and mother. he seemed to be having having a lot of fun with his little brother, much more then Rarity with her little sister. Not that Rarity wasn’t having fun, this sort of thing just wasn’t her thing. At least Thunderlane would understand if she was late that evening.
The day went by too fast for Sweetie Belle, but wasn’t fast enough for her older sister. By the time the sun was starting to the fall Sweetie Belle was so tired that she had to ride on her fathers back as they walked home. Rarity said her quick goodbyes to her family and hurried to her home, she panted as she kicked open the door and ran up the stares to her room. She had a lot to do and even less time to do it then she had planed.
The sunset was in full swing and looking beautiful as Thunderlane trotted up to Rarity’s boutique. He wore a simple but well made tuxedo that complemented his colors wonderfully as Rarity put it. he was still surprised that it was so comfortable around his wings, it felt good even while he was flying here. However his attire was not what he had on his mind as he stopped at the back door of the boutique. after a deep breath to calm his nerves the stallion knocked on the door but he swore his hart was beating loud enough that Rarity should have heard him anyway. He smiled despite his nerves as he hared Rarity’s elegant almost sing song reply “just a minute.”.
Thunderlane stood and waited, his tail and wings twitched nervously as he thought about this night. It was Thunderlane's and Rarity's first real date, they did have lunch once or twice before and they did spend quite a bit of time together just hanging out while she worked or when they both were preparing mane street for the Spring Festival, but this was a date and a dance no less.
Soon the door opened and revealed Rarity. The unicorn mare smiled as she looked at the handsome stallion in the suit she made him herself. She too wore something of her own design, a small sky blue party that hugged her classic curves down to her skirt that looked like the pedals of a spring flower several similar flowers hung from her tail and one much larger flower adorned her mane. The elegant mare had added a little bit of blush to complement her eye shadow and just a touch of lipstick. As well as a dash of a sweet flowery perfume that Thunderlane just couldn’t name, but liked all the same.
Thunderlane was barely able to keep himself from stuttering as he said “evening, Rarity your looking gorgeous.”
“but of course darling.” the unicorn said as she walk beside him “and you look simply dashing.”
“it's all your doing.” Thunderlane said as he turned to walk beside his elegant date.
“oh darling you give me too much credit.” she smiled and flutter her eyelashes at Thunderlane “but do go on.” she giggled as Thunderlane added a few more complements to his earlier ones, the pair had a brief laugh as they made their way to the festival grounds. 
Along the way they bumped into Twilight, she wore her gala dress that Rarity had repaired a few months back, the dress maker had tried to make Twilight another dress however the younger unicorn had politely turned down the offer not wanting her friend to work over time on her behalf that didn’t mean Rarity hadn’t made a few miner changes here and there.
After a short greeting the three joined the large gathering of ponies to watch Fluttershy's birds sing to the quickly coming night, Thunderlane could tell there was some tension between the friends but he couldn’t fathom what it could be. Fluttershy  also wore her gala dress, its design was fitting for the festival. It too was repaired and modified a little by its creator.
Fluttershy wasn’t even nervous this time, she was too focused on conducting her birds in a driving powerful song to even noticed the thousands of eyes on her. In her mind they were all on her birds she wasn't even there, just her birds singing their little harts out. the shy pegasus had found many large birds with more bass voices just for this song and it had proved worth it. The crowd was awestruck. 
When the song ended Fluttershy stood panting drops of sweat beaded on her forehead she had put her whole bean into conducting. After a few seconds the crowd started to stomp and cheer for her, she blushed and almost didn't have the courage to turn around. She wasn’t preforming for foals and their parents, this crowd was made up of other ponies her age, a thought that made Fluttershy start to hyperventilate. However after Pinkie Pie appeared to give Fluttershy a big hug, which got a few cheers on its own. Fluttershy turned to the crowd with her friend by her side and bowed smiling cheerfully.
Pinkie Pie giggled as she got the crowd to keep showing their “love” for Fluttershy and her birds which just made Fluttershy blush more. Pinkie Pie like most of the mares in attendance wore a dress. The pink fabric hugged the curves of the earth pony's “drop dead hips” as Rarity had put it while she was sizing the dress for her friend. The Unicorn mare had accidentally let slip that if Pinkie Pie wasn’t such a good friend she would “not” have been able to “not” spread a rumor or two about how a pony's whose diet that consisted mostly of candy and sugar could keep such an attractive figure. The oblivious Pinkie pie had thanked Rarity any way.
“thank you Fluttershy.” Pinkie Pie Said as the crowd's cheers died down, the yellow pegasus flew away and her birds happy followed. Pinkie Pie did her duty as hostess just like she had that morning by making a few announcements about that nights events. She ended by saying “oh and Boys don’t forget to buy tickets for the chance to win a Dance with meeee.” she smiled and winked at the crowd flirtatiously, however she couldn’t keep the sensual look for long before it was lost to her ever present foalish smile and a hearty laugh.
“you mares out there aren’t left out.” Pinkie Pie giggled “one of you lucky girls could win a dance with Ponyville's newest resident, Winchester.” she motioned to her right as the stallion walked out onto the lit stage. He wore the suit Rarity had made him, he was bushed and groom to perfection like a military stallion should be. However his smile and eyes were just as flirtatious as any of the young stallions in the the crowd. He smiled and winked at a few of the mares near the stage, his grin grew a little more at the jealous eyes of the stallions with them.
“oh my he dose 'clean up good' as Applejack would say.” Rarity said her eyes sparkling as she watched relieved that her hard work on his suit would not go to waist on a slob, like she thought he was. Thunderlane couldn’t help but be jealous, his date and her friend were making no attempt to hide their reaction to the knight on stage.
Pinkie Pie smile as Winchester joined her at center stage. “yep just a couple of bits and ladies you could have this fine knight of Equestria to dance with to your harts content.” the crowd was surprised to have such a pony living in their town most just thought that he was some rich colt from Canterlot. Twilight Sparkle smiled seeing the crowds reaction to Winchester and Pinkie Pie, the raffle would do its job easily.
Pinkie Pie explained what the crowd need to know about the dance raffle in her normal round about way. The ponies of Ponyville we're used to the overly excitable way Pinkie talked, so every pony got most of the information they needed. The pink pony ended by introducing the first band of the evening.
While the band got ready and greeted the crowd, Twilight turned to Rarity tension filled the air between friends. Thunderlane was worried, he opened his mouth to hopefully say something to calm them down but Twilight beat him to the punch. “have a nice night Rarity.” the librarian said, with no small amount of spite hidden in her voice as she turned around and trotted away. 
Rarity nodded “you too Twilight.” both the mares were glade they had parted ways before one of them said something they may regret. 
Twilight started her rounds for the night. She was still angry with Rarity, she made no attempt to hide it. However she didn’t want to ruin the night for Rarity and Thunderlane ether. She just hoped that everything would turn out alright for every pony involved.

“Darling.” Rarity said to Thunderlane as a jaunty fiddle tune filled the air. “shall we dance?” 
the pegasus stallion looked nervous for a second before he said “sure but how about a drink first?” he asked nodding to the Sweet Apple Acres refreshment booth. 
Rarity eyed him suspiciously before agreeing “well some fresh cinder would be nice.” 
Thunderlane trotted over to the large stand and ordered his date and himself a drink. Applejack also brought him a shot of 'liquid courage'. she didn't say what it was, all she said was that he should breath. Luckily he listened, because what ever it was took his breath away. He waited for the fire in his throat to go out before he rejoined Rarity. 
The pegasus wasn’t nervous about dancing as Rarity thought, he been to several school dances when he was younger. he was nervous about dancing with Rarity and he wasn’t sure why, he could talk to her just fine what made dancing so scarey. he would never know. After a second round of drinks for the pair and a couple more shots of liquid courage, the stallion was just impaired enough to ask Rarity to dance. She gladly excepted and the couple made their way into the dancing crowd and let the music of the third band of the night take them. Thunderlane's worry was for not, he was one of the better dancers out there that night, easily impressing Rarity who was as graceful as any mare dancing that night.

Mean while Twilight was making her rounds for the forth time of the night. Some of the worker ponies were starting to get annoyed with her near consent hovering, even Spike patients was running thin and he was used to it. However the lavender unicorn had reason to worry the celebrity dance raffle wasn’t going as planed. The stallions had taken the bate so to speak and were buying tickles at a fairly steady pace. However as far as Twilight could tell not a single mare had bought a tickle. 'What could be wrong.' She thought as she trotted over to the raffle table run by Winchester. The stallion tried not to look bored as the crowds passed by. a few mares stood across the lane form the booth talking, all seemed a little nervous.
“hey Winchester.” Twilight greeted as she got close enough to have a normal conversation.
“hello Twilight.” Winchester replied glade to have someone to talk to other then the Stallions that wanted to buy a tickle to dance with Pinkie Pie (some of which had revealed some of their hopes for the night) or the odd angry or jealous colt friend. He hadn’t decided which of the two were the more annoying.
“so hows the sells going.” Twilight asked skipping the pleasantry despite the fact she could tell from size of the ticket reals.
“um I guess you could say their going okay.” the stallion replied “Pinkies quite the draw for the bachelors. Already sold almost a hundred tickles.” he forced a smile.
“what about the mares? they buy any chances to dance with you?” Twilight prodded.
Winchester sighed and shook his head “nope most seem......scared.” 
“what are you doing?” Twilight asked anger creeping into her voice she knew he must have been responsible.
“smiling at them.” the stallion replied matter-o-factly. “they approach, I smile and bow.” he smiled and bowed his head slightly to demonstrate. “and well most react like you are but they tend to blush and turn tail before even stammering out a response.” he was kind of upset by the nights events, this was why he hardly ever did anything more then a simple brushing. There's a inherent primal magic to beauty, It could be both a blessing and a curse.
Twilight shook away the redness in her cheeks and regained control of her breathing, she couldn’t really do anything about the sudden heat wave that had washed over her other then hide it. “your not that handsome.” lied Twilight, Winchester merely smirked most fun he all night. The primal reaction in Twilight was quickly replaced by anger, she just wanted to remove that smile from his face. The Lavender mare used her magic to pull her purse from her pocket. Winchester raised an eyebrow as she slapped some bits on the table with her hoof and said “one tickle please.”
“of course my lady.” Winchester said with a bow. He quickly pulled a tickle from the wheel then split the ticket like he should, he levitated half to Twilight and placed the other in a small raffle ball which he dropped in a basket.
Twilight slid the tickle stub in her pocket with her bit purse and said “just to show every pony your not that scary.”
“but of course fare barer of harmony.” Winchester said letting his Canerlot accent seep into his voice. He smiled at Twilight letting his eyes say more then his mouth. “like you said I’m not that pretty.” the stallion held back a laughed as Twilight Sparkle's cheek turned just as red as they had earlier. Twilight quickly regained her composer she glared at the stallion then turned to leave. His eyes followed her like many other stallion's did. 

Fluttershy sat at a table alone simply tapping her hoof to the beat of the music. She sighed and sipped her drink, the burn in her throat and stomach made her cough and cringe. She never really cared for alcohol but Rainbow Dash had convects her to get some hard cider, saying tonight was all about fun and she should cut loose. However the stunt flier had been unable to get Fluttershy to even consider dancing. The shy pegasus wished that her friend was still there so she could ask Rainbow Dash to finish the hard cider for her, Knowing the rainbow maned mare she probably would. But alas she had to go stop a small rainstorm from covering the town.
Applejack frowned seeing her friends siting alone no more then a couple yards away from her in the Sweat Apple Acres refreshment booth. The country mare looked from her friend to her older bother. Big Macintosh was busy mixing a cocktail for another stallion, he was pretty good at making mixed drinks nothing too showy just good drinks. Like their uncle had told them many times, just because you can drink something straight doesn’t mean you have too. 
However drinks were the last thing on Applejack’s mind as she slid over to her brother. Applejack was a perceptive pony she could normally tell when somepony was hiding something and she was sure that Fluttershy had a crush on her brother. Now she knew it wasn't her place to tell him or anything but that didn’t mean she couldn’t play cupid and push both of the shy ponies together, plus her bother can be dense on the subject matter. 
“hey big Mac.” Applejack said after the stallion had finished the order he had been preparing “why don’t you take this to Fluttershy.” Applejack slide a glass of fresh cool apple juice over to her brother with her nose. “and while your at it why don’t you two go have a dance or something. y’all both need to have some fun at this festival.” Applejack smiled in the way that family dose when its more then just a suggestion.
Rather then argue Big Macintosh just nodded with his customary “eeyup” and slid the drink onto a tray and left his sister to fix a drink for a mare that just didn’t know what she wanted. 
Just as Fluttershy had decided she was going to leave a glass of apple juice slide in front of her. “Applejack said its on the house.” Big Mac said with a smile. The shy stallion didn’t really know what to say to such a cute mare, all he could do was hope he didn’t say anything stupid.
Fluttershy blushed as she replied “oh um thank you.” her hart was pounding and she could barely speak above a whisper.
Big mac shifted nervously for a moment before asking “so um would you like to dance.” Fluttershy gasped and her eyes went wide “just for fun of course.” Big mac added faster then the mare had ever heard him talk. 
Fluttershy could barely breath but the half a glass of hard cider helped her say “yes.” her voice just above a whisper, Big Macintosh barely heard her answer. “that would be nice.” Fluttershy took a quick sip of the juice to help cool her down before she and Big Macintosh trotted over to the dance floor to find a spot to join in on the dance. 
the two nervous ponies were a little awkward at first. Big Macintosh was almost to big to really dance and the only thing keeping Fluttershy from running away was the alcohol. Even if it was just a square dance being this close to her crush filled the nervous mare with both joy and terror. They were just starting to find their rhythm when the song ended and the singer smiled out at the crowd and said “lets get theses lights turned down a little. this ones for all the couples out there.” 
Big Macintosh and Fluttershy both blushed as all the lights deemed and a slow song about a moon lit love started to drift around them. Fluttershy's hart was racing as she saw the moon behind the stallion of her dreams. Big mac was glad he had red fur as he said “hey its just for fun right.” his hart was in his throat.
“r-right.” Fluttershy replied as the two started to dance a little closer like the couples around them. “just for fun.” she whispered, it would take a lot more alcohol to give her the courage to say anything else.

Back stage Pinkie Pie could barely contain her excitement as she and Winchester prepared the raffle machines. Any second now the latest band would be cleared off the stage. the next band was already set up back stage so the curtain could be drawn back and they could start. Winchester sighed as Pinkie Pie spoke so fast that the stallion couldn’t understand her. Finally one of the stage ponies poked her head in and said “their ready.”
“YAY!” Pinkie Pie yelled with glee as she tore through the curtain like a rocket. Winchester sighed and followed pushing his raffle machine with his magic. Pinkie Pie had wasted no time in turning on the motor that turned the spherical cage that contained the balls that held the ticket stubs each a possible winner. Winchester tried to smile as he activated his machine, where Pinkie Pie's was full of hundreds of balls only one ball tumbled around in his machine.
“add the winner is.” Pinkie pie said as a ball finally found the opening of the cage and rolled down shoot to land on a pillow so that Pinkie Pie could read it. Suddenly with out warning the pink earth pony wheeled around and kicked the raffle machine with both her hind legs and yelled. “EVERY ONE.” she giggled and laughed happily as she said “if you bought a ticket you win.” she laughed some more as she jumped into the crowd, which easy caught her and set the excited mare down between several of the winners. A couple of which wore crooked smiles that suggested that they wanted more then to just dance with Pinkie, it was any ponies guess if she knew this or not.
Winchester stood up, he had too duck under the flying raffle machine or loose his head. The writer looked out at the crowd unable to hide how much he didn’t want to be there any more. He called out the number in the ball with out having to read it as the curtain behind him was drawn back revealing the latest band and they started to play. The knight trotted off stage with the raffle machine behind him. Twilight's plan it seems had back fired, she had thought that if she bought a ticket the other mares would have the courage to buy one if they wanted to. However it seems that all the mares had spread the word that it takes the courage of the bearer of harmony, somepony who had faced down dark gods and evil queens to talk to Winchester. He sighed as he heard a few more scoffed remarks from some other stallions, he was already tired of them. If only insulting a knight was a crime.

Rarity and Thunderlane walked through Ponyville park, they could still hear the music coming from the stage. They didn’t talk much as they walked, both were worn out from all the dancing. Yet Rarity had somehow managed to only have a few hairs out of place in her mane. This was just another perfect part of what was turning out to be a perfect first date. The couple made their way up a hill with a perfect view of the moon. They sat with out a word and just enjoyed being close to one another, Rarity leaned on Thunderlane's shoulder and rubbed her horn on his chine making them both blush. The pegasus was able to keep his wings tucked firmly to his sides although Rarity's cheeks were flush with warmth.
After a few minutes the two ponies looked into each others eyes. Thunderlane smirked as he leaned towards Rarity’s lips. The unicorn mare closed her eyes as their lips met, lightening ran down Rarity’s spine. their first kiss became two then three. the passion grew as quickly as Thunderlane's control on his body shrank, his wings extended to their full span but the unicorn didn’t care as she throw her front hooves around him. 
While Rarity ran a hoof their her colt friend’s short sliver mane she couldn't help but feel like she was being watched. The mare opened one eye too see who would so rudely interrupt this perfect moment. Rarity gasped and pulled away from Thunderlane when she saw the culprit. Standing their with the saddest most hart broken eyes she had ever seen, still wearing the hat and coat she had made him just a week ago holding a few flowers in his little claw. “Spike!” his name had barely left Rarity's lips before he turned and ran away failing at his attempts to not cry. “Spike wait.” the mare stood and called him again, she looked back at Thunderlane she didn’t know what to do. The stallion was confused but he nodded for her to go.

It didn’t take Winchester long to find Twilight Sparkle. The two ponies stood by the 'dance floor' well within ear shot of Pinkie Pie's gleeful laughter. Winchester and Twilight thought fate had somehow intervened to bring them together like this. After an awkward greeting their eyes met. Each expected cupid's arrow to hit like lightning and they would see the other in a new light, but as the moment grew even more awkward they both came to realize that the only new feeling was a strong physical attraction that came with seeing somepony 'dressed to impress' like they both were. But she was still just Twilight Sparkle him and he was still just Winchester to her. They were just a mare and a stallion that had some common interests and could enjoy each others company nothing too unusual, they were just friends.
“hey.” Winchester said finally breaking the silents and tension between the two. “you want to just skip the dance go back to normal.”
“sure.” Twilight replied with a revealed sigh.
“first rounds on me.” the stallion offered.
“deal.” Twilight said her mood returning to normal “I’ll have some apple peach cider if they have any left.”
“cool.” Winchester called back to her as he turned to get their drinks. The stallion wasn’t gone too long before he return with their drinks. Twilight thanked him, she was parched. As the unicorn mare sipped her drink Twilight noticed a very worried Rarity trying to work her way through a large group of ponies.
“Rarity?” Twilight Sparkle called as she hurried to her distraught friend's side. “something wrong? did Thunderlane-”
“have you seen Spike.” Rarity cut in worry tearing through her normal velvet smooth voice.
“why.” Twilight asked growing nervous.
“whats going on?” Winchester asked joining the two mares he could tell something was wrong.
“somethings wrong with Spike.” Twilight explained quickly.
“I’ll get my sword.” Winchester replied, the knight only knew one way to deal with a dragon.
“NOO!” the mares yelled drawing more then just the stallion's attention.
“sorry, what was I thinking.” Winchester apologized.
“what happened Rarity?” Twilight asked. Winchester listened concerned but still sipped his drink.
Rarity blushed and couldn’t look Twilight in the eyes. She didn’t want to admit that the younger mare had been right, and a lady never kisses and tells. “well my date with Thunderlane was going perfectly and well...... Spike saw it going perfectly in the park and he ran away before I could talk to him.” Rarity was on the verge of tears from the memory of Spike's face and the thought of how hurt he must be. 
Winchester bit his tongue and shook his smirk off his face as Twilight glared at him before she turned to Rarity and said “Come on I think I know where he would run off too.” Twilight turned and galloped off toward her library, Rarity and Winchester followed.
Twilight Sparkle panted as she tried to open the front door to the library only to find it locked. Rarity’s hart fell as she and Winchester waited behind Twilight. Winchester noticed some burnt fabric on the ground outside one of the lower windows. He showed it to Rarity while Twilight looked for her keys in her purse. 
“that’s the hat I made Spike.” Rarity said lifting some of the burn fabric. “and the coat and shirt even the tie”
“how do you know?” Winchester asked looking closer at the burn remains. He could only tell it was the remains of some clothing but it would take him some investigating just to figure out what they use to be.
“i know my work.”
“um okay.” Winchester replied. 
A flash of green light drew their attention to the window just as it opened and Spike threw some more burning things out into the grass. Winchester he stomped out the green flames before they set the grass on fire. Rarity called “SPIKE!” the baby dragon stopped and stared at her for a moment, many emotions passed over his face fear, anger and disgust. Before Rarity could say anything the little dragon slammed the window shut hard enough to shake the glass.
“Spike wait.” Rarity said stepping to the window and place a hoof on the glass. “Spike, please cant we talk.” tears appeared in her eyes as she spoke “i should have told you sooner, I shouldn’t have lead you on like I did. I should have thought about you and not just what I could get from you.” she lowered her head as tears streamed down her face and she began to sob. “how am I the element of generosity when I’m such a horrible pony.” she spoke more to her self then anyone else.
Twilight Sparkle finally found her keys only to have the door open and Spike stepped out his cheek wet with tears. “Spike are you okay?” Twilight asked.
Spike nodded slowly before he looked at Rarity. The white unicorn took a deep breath as she tried to regain her composure. After a moment she was ready to make this right “Twilight can Spike and I have a moment?” Rarity asked trying to wipe away her running make up.
“um okay?” Twilight Sparkle replied. Rarity took another deep breath and gently prodded Spike with her nose to get him to go inside, the little dragon complied. Rarity used her magic to close and lock the door. Winchester joined Twilight with out a word, he just wanted to be there for his friend if she need it, all though he was sure that he was no where near Twilight's first chose. He was right. They stood quietly for several minutes while Rarity talked to Spike. Winchester started to pull small gems from the hoof he stomped out the fire with, he could only guess where they came from “What is the lesson here?” Twilight Sparkle asked breaking the silents. 
Winchester spit out a gem then thought for a moment before he said “there may not be one here.” the lavender unicorn looked at him suspiciously “but I really don’t know all the details after all so I wouldn’t know.” he removed the last stuck gem and added “but I could always brain storm with you.”
“maybe it's about how you should tell somepony how you feel about them and make your intentions clear before its too late and their feelings get hurt.” Twilight replied.
Winchester nodded “be honest from the start?”
“Exactly.” Rarity said from the door way with a small almost forced smile.
“And that’s what we sent to the princess.” Spike added he was sure how to feel.
“Spike, Rarity.” Twilight said looking at them “is everything okay?”
Rarity looked at Spike a little worried. The dragon shrugged “i guess so.” Rarity kissed the dragon on the cheek, the dragon hissed and wiped his cheek not unlike an embarrassed little brother would. Rarity and Twilight both wrapped their forelegs around Spike. The young dragon try to wiggle his way out of the group hug.