//------------------------------// // Suits // Story: Presence // by Jamie Wolf //------------------------------// Spike awoke to an empty bed and a savory smell filling the room. His eyes squinted from the bright morning sun shooting through the massive window at the foot of the bed. It was floor-to-ceiling and let every trace of sun drink up the space within. Spike rubbed his eyes as he lay still under the covers. How is it already morning. He had slept restlessly. Again. Despite Rarity’s calming presence, Spike could not lull himself into a manageable sleep. He stretched his arms slowly and squeezed his eyelids shut. Pops sounded from his elbows and wrists. His stomach whined for a moment as his body began waking up with him. Spike yawned dramatically and smacked his dry tongue against the roof of his mouth. “Good morning to you too.” Came Rarity’s voice from behind the bed. She was shuffling around out of sight, no doubt planning her outfit for the day. “Sorry Rare.” Spike yawned again. He slowly propped himself on his elbows and scooted up against the headboard of the bed. The deck of the ship below was bustling with the trolls from Norfandia and other ponies. Spike noticed not for the first time how stark the contrast was between the two races. Trolls usually had the duller gray or brown coats, with some of them being born lucky in a white coat. Ponies, while sometimes also gray, were mostly colorful. It looked like a hodge-podge of berry bushes sprinkled with dirt down there. Spike cricked his neck to watch as some of the wolfmen came out from underneath the shaded bar. Their black coats stood out in puffiness from everyone else filling every space they stepped to. There was no sign of the centaurs today; the three of them were most likely already in the gym. “Spike,” Rarity asked again, “Won’t you please come out of bed and eat your breakfast before its cold?” Spike pivoted to look back towards her. She was sitting at the bar his room had come with. Rarity was wearing just a plain blue short dress today, but right now was wearing her cherry-red reading glasses as she peered down at a paper on the bar. Her hooves traced every word she followed as she muttered to herself. On the counter was a plate clearly from the breakfast bar. It had what looked like some pancakes and eggs on top. Spike jutted his chin towards her and began standing. “Whatcha reading?” He meandered over to the small steps that led up to her. Rarity did not bother looking up from the paper and squinted harder as she waved a hoof to him. “The final itinerary from the crew. We only have another day until we’re home!” She chirped. Spike glanced sideways at the window again as he sat on the stool next to her. Rarity finally stopped looking at the paper and up to the bare-chested dragon. Spike had failed to even try cover his post-sleep mess. His spines were all curled over, and his chest had sleep lines covering it. Not sleep lines Spike remembered as he traced them. The scars tracing his figure were still new to him. He shuddered at their thought. They had not come favorably. Spike pushed it out of his mind and refocused on Rarity. He smiled at her as he grabbed a fork and began carving up the food on his plate. “Thanks for this Rarity. Sorry I slept so late.” He bit down on the mouthful. Rarity was right; his food was starting to get cold. “No worries, dear. I didn’t want to wake you. It seemed like you were finally having some sleep.” She smiled kindly back. Spike paused for only a moment at her comment. So, she’s been noticing that too. He felt his cheeks grow hot for a moment. The last thing he wanted was to bother Rarity. “So,” Spike tried to move on quickly. “What should we do for our last day?” Rarity flipped the paper in front of him and pointed with a hoof to a line. “Sunset ballroom.” She read for him. Spike cocked an eyebrow at her. “Dancing? You didn’t get enough of that in SugarCuba?” “I didn’t get any with you. Plus, we need to make sure your moves are still up to par! The Grand Galloping Gala is only a week after we return, and you must be presentable.” She giggled in delight. Rarity began fanning herself as she thought of the night in store. “Oh, dresses, royalty, our friends, and elegance. It’s been so long since I’ve been to a formal gala or anything. I have so been looking forward to it.” She sighed dreamily. Rarity had failed to see Spike drop his fork on the plate. His face was sullen, and he sat unmoving. She finally looked back to him from her fantasy and frowned. “Spikey? What’s wrong? It’s just a dance, I’m sure your moves are not that bad.” She grinned. She reached a hoof across to his arm and rested in on top. Spike looked back to her with a shocked expression. “I—it just has been so long since I’ve been to one too.” He whispered out. “Well, that’s no problem, Spike. That’s why I suggested the ballroom.” Rarity reassured. She stroked his arm gently and continued to generate a warm smile. “No no, it’s not that. It’s just—I haven’t seen anyone for five years now. I haven’t even seen Twilight yet. I don’t know if I’m ready to either.” He rested a claw over her hoof and squeezed it. Despite his action, Spike’s eyes were far off in the skyline. “What do you mean?” Rarity asked. “Remember what I said about Twilight? Her being less of a sister through all those years of war?” Rarity nodded. “Well, right now I can’t even think about seeing her. With all this time to think about it these last few days, I’m realizing how angry I was—and still kind of am at her.” His face spread with guilt as he spoke. Rarity sat patiently so as to let Spike work his thoughts for themselves. When he sat silently for a minute, she decided to interject. “Well, I think it’s okay to feel that way. And I’m sure she understands why you would feel that way. But it takes a conversation. Remember; she has little to no idea of what happened either. Just the letters you would send now and again.” Spike huffed and sat back a little. “And the after-actions of every major battle.” He grimaced. “Twilight knew what I was going through, at least enough, and still didn’t make an effort. I still don’t know if I can see her after that.” “Well,” Rarity pulled her hoof back and stood up on the carpeted floor. She folded her glasses with her magic and placed them on the countertop. “You won’t have to see her for at least another two days. Three if you count the train ride. For now, we can try to enjoy what we have left of this cruise, hm?” She gestured for him to follow her as she turned to the bathroom. “We need to get you ready for the day.” She winked at him and sauntered towards the door. Spike sighed and unfolded his arms. “We can try. Don’t really feel like dressing up right now though.” “Who said anything about dressing up?” Rarity spoke in a sultry tone. Her sly smile paired with the sunken eyelids told Spike he had missed her meaning. His throat choked for a moment as he chuckled. “Ah, I see what you mean. Get the water warm, will you?” She nodded to him with a playful smile and swung the bathroom door closed behind her. Spike sat still for a moment trying to think. A little voice in his head whispered back as he sat there. You’ve got a beautiful mare in there just waiting, and you want to wallow? He shook his head and pushed up from the counter. No use in sitting in his troubles. Rarity finished pulling the loop of her dress over the shoulder with her magic. It hung loosely from her form in a flowy manner. The deep purple silk was lined with some vibrant green emeralds interspaced along the fabric. It gave the appearance of a deep gemstone cave with her white fur contrasting the darker color. She turned to Spike as he finished buttoning his own white shirt. Rarity cleared her throat and nodded to her back. “Zip me up, will you?” She smiled. Spike fidgeted with the top button for a moment before Rarity used her magic to pull it through the small hole. “You can’t just do that with your zipper?” Spike grinned. “Can’t afford to catch any fur in it. Besides, I quite enjoy when you do it.” Rarity played. She walked over in front of Spike. They stood in front of the mirror in the first part of the bathroom. There was plenty of space on the tile for another four ponies to crowd inside. Rarity watched in the mirror as Spike gripped her dress and carefully pulled it tight. She smiled at him through the mirror. “Thank you darling. Let’s get you your ensemble.” “Rarity,” Spike halted her assault of suit jackets. She raised her eyebrow at him. “Yes Spike?” He looked a little nervous. It would not have been the first time this cruise Spike had acted so hesitant in her presence, but they had been together romantically now for three days. She felt it was about time to get over the awkwardness. “I’m a little worried about getting home.” He answered. “Spike, we went over it; Twilight will understand and give you what space you need. You just have to be clear and considerate when you talk.” Rarity refocused on matching the jackets in her line. She heard Spike sigh at her response. “It’s not just that though.” His voice was very quiet. Rarity paused again and looked up at him. She saw him staring right at her with worry in his eyes. “You… you’re worried about us?” She realized. Rarity almost laughed for a second before she thought about his words. Spike was right; what would happen between them when they were off this majestic cruise away from reality? “I guess.” He said. “It’s just, it’s easy right now while we’re away from everything. And even then, it hasn’t been that easy. What happens when in a month you get called back to the Boutique, and I get sent to another country?” Spike took a step forward and fiddled with his hands. Rarity frowned and looked back to the mirror. She looked at the worried dragon and old mare. They were not the children they used to be. “Spike, I think we make it work if we want it to. I want that. Do you?” She hesitantly asked. “Of course I do! I’m just worried about… well, what if we don’t get a proper goodbye?” She saw his eyes begin misting. Rarity turned back to Spike and walked up to him. She embraced his shoulders and squeezed firmly. His arms gripped her back like a vise. “I know it was scary over there. I know you didn’t know if you’d wake up the next day sometimes. But Spike, that is the past. You’re safe now. I promise, we will always have time to say goodbye.” She consoled. The tension in Spike’s grip loosened slowly. Rarity did not know if Spike believed them, or if he was just calming down. She did not know if she believed those words herself, but it was all she could think to say. After a minute of holding each other, Spike finally pulled away and looked down into Rarity’s eyes. His own bright irises glistened in the tears that threatened to spill over. Rarity smiled at him and leaned into his face. “I promise, Spike.” She whispered again. “But right now, we have a dance to get to. And I would rather like to enjoy our last day of luxury either way.” She pulled back a from him and stepped away. Rarity brought up a black suit jacket and pushed it into his arms. “But I can’t show up without a handsome escort. How about we hasten it along, hm?” She teased. Spike closed his eyes and nodded with a thin smile. “Sure thing Rare. Thanks.” She led Spike out of the room and down the hallway. The ballroom was on the top of the cruise liner so the dancers could get the best view of the sunset. The actual event would not start for another few hours, but supplementary classes were given until then. Rarity had figured they both could use a refresher on the etiquette. They came to the corner where Spike’s room separated from the other high-class residence on the ship. As they did, Rarity spotted her friend and mentor coming out from her own room. High Fashion swept out of her door in style, with a flowing silver dress dragging across her back. Her brilliant blonde mane was pulled into a high bun with two strands dangling by the side of her face. Silver earrings with a diamond on the end of each hung from up high on her midnight-black fur. She smiled at Rarity and Spike as they approached. “Rares, I’m so glad you invited me!” She exclaimed in a shrill voice. The two mares embraced in the hallway. High Fashion had gifted Rarity this trip out to SugarCuba and back for her success in the new head of Fashion magazine. She had also been the one to push Rarity into pursuing Spike again on their reacquaintance. “Of course I invited you!” Rarity squealed back. “You can’t have an elegant ball without the elegant mare!” She giggled. They pulled apart and admired each other’s dresses for a moment. High Fashion eventually broke the string of complimenting when she turned to Spike. He smiled back and offered his own hug. “And Spike, so glad to see you again.” She hummed. “The pleasure is mine, miss Fashion.” He offered politely. “So, do you have a partner for the class?” Fashion beamed at the question and straightened herself a little. “I do! Consort offered to learn with me. He’s never danced, but I convinced him after a little negotiating.” She grinned back to them. “Great! Where is that lumbering beast?” Spike laughed. “He’ll meet us there. He said he’s having difficulty picking out something that fits his strange body.” Fashion lifted a hoof to cover her mouth. “It’s awfully hard for a centaur to find some suits on a boat full of ponies. He considered sewing one himself!” She laughed. Rarity covered her own giggles at the comment. The idea of stitching pony trousers with troll jackets brought a frightening image to the fashionista’s mind. “Well, I’m about ready to embarrass myself with him if you ladies are.” Spike redirected their attention to the ballroom. The elevator at the end of the hall dinged as it opened. A troll strolled off with his wife on his arm. Their rugged features contrasted to the silky black attire they wore. They jutted their jaws at the companions in a smile as they walked by. Rarity was still getting used to the very ‘other’ appearance of these creatures. Spike looked perfectly comfortable in their presence. His cool demeanor reflected the years spent in Norfandia. He simply waved and smiled back. “See you on the floor, Roc!” Spike called after the trolls. The male turned back and squinted his eyes with the awkward smile. “Consider us lucky to embarrass ourselves in front of you!” The troll sang back. Spike chuckled as they disappeared. Rarity looked up at his warm face with her own smile perforating her lips. The rugged face swung back to look her in the eye. Spike’s forehead creased in a goofy look as they met. “What?” He asked as the mars both smiled at him. “Nothing dear. Just admiring the sights.” Rarity glinted. She saw a trace of red touch Spike’s cheeks at her comment. “Well, let’s get going. I’m sure Consort is getting lonely up there.” Spike began herding them towards the elevator. The three companions boarded the carpeted box. The walls inside were a dull silver, so their reflections were all slightly obscured. Spike reached for the buttons with his claw and punched the one to bring them to the top. They stood in a comfortable silence as the doors began closing with a chime. Soft tones of a marimba played overhead, and Rarity leaned herself against Spike’s coat. He reached around her with an arm as they waited. “So, one last day of luxury.” Fashion broke the silence. “Yes. I was so hoping this dream would continue.” Rarity chattered back. It was hard to believe that a whole month and a week had gone by. She had left for the luxurious banks of SugarCuba just over a month ago with her friend-slash-boss. The trip there had been dream-like; exotic drinks, sites, and ponies all to enjoy expense free. It had all been crowned by their return aboard the Cosmic Sister cruise liner, and her fortunate reuniting with Spike. She again looked up to the large dragon; he stood just over a head taller than her. Twilight had grown that large too with her own celestial powers. All her friends were becoming so old now. Applejack had injured herself bucking last year, possibly for the last time. Her hip was not on a healing track, and she limped subtly wherever she went. Fluttershy’s hearing was getting worse. Sometimes Discord had to relay almost every conversation to her through some large contraption. Pinkie Pie had slowed down her energetic lifestyle significantly since her son had been born; her own mane was deflating and going slightly gray. Rainbow Dash no longer enjoyed her daring stunts, opting instead to teach more often than demonstrate. Only Twilight had grown more youthful, but that was to be expected. She was now the sole ruler of Equestria with all the power of the previous sisters. Rarity had a righteous envy of that; she wanted so desperately to remain full of color as she aged. But now, her precious mane was showing silver streaks, and her eyes were losing their refinement. She did not want to tell Spike yet how far it had progressed. Somedays, she needed the glasses more than she did not. But Spike looked down to her with a brightness in his eyes that told her just how little he cared about all that. With Spike, Rarity could feel like the little girl she used to be. The world seemed smaller with him here now; more manageable. She hardly cared if her age continued to show, as long as Spike kept his beautiful eyes on her. “Who says the dream is ending?” Spike said as if to read her mind. “I know mine is just about to start.” “Okay you two; enough being all cutsie. It makes the rest of us sick to our stomachs.” Fashion teased them. Of course, she had been the one who insisted on them being together in the first place, but they knew she only meant it in jest. They broke their longing gaze and Rarity looked back to her. She scrunched her nose at her friend and smiled. “Oh please, just because you still have to woe your own brute doesn’t mean you’re entitled to the single mindset.” Rarity played back. The two mares giggled. Spike cut in with his own retort. “Hey! You calling me a brute?” His feigned anger earned more laughing from the trio. A chime sounded overhead as the elevator arrived at the top floor. The doors slid open to reveal a massive hardwood deck with railings all around and an open sky. Ponies were dressed fancily and wandering the floor, with some already taking a few dances to the music playing from the speakers around. In the left corner was a booth where a DJ was set up. Massive computers stacked on top of the black box with wires running out like a nest of snakes. No doubt the evening would become more rowdy as the patrons became looser. A few trolls were by the DJ exchanging discs with them. The DJ was dressed in more formal attire, but still had the long, loose mane of a typical music maestro. He accepted the disks with quiet chatter; no doubt some alternative Norfandian music would hit the floor tonight. On the other side of the booth was the massive golden centaur Consort. Rarity had yet to get up close to him, only briefly interacting with the three centaur back in the gym. As they approached, she noticed how much larger he appeared than she initially thought. He was just over a full head higher than Spike was with bulging muscles spilling from his tight-formed suit jacket. He smiled as they approached and unfolded his arms to embrace Fashion. “Consort dear, I do hope we didn’t keep you too long.” She hummed in their embrace. It looked awkward from Rarity’s perspective as the massive creature practically bent his whole body down to hold the small mare. But if he was uncomfortable, he made no effort to show as he held the embrace as long as he could. Consort finally pulled away with a grin splicing his face. Rarity felt a little nervous at the rows of pointed teeth she saw. Tirak had been the only centaur she met, and he was less than friendly. But she was doing her best to see past the rough exterior for who this man was. Consort reached his hand towards Rarity gently and offered his head in a bow. “Miss Rarity, a pleasure to see you again.” He smiled kindly. She offered her hoof to the outstretched hand. He raised it to his lips and kissed it gently. Rarity nodded and smiled back. “And you, Consort. I must say your ensemble is exquisite tonight.” She offered. Consort wore a brilliant white suit jacket with complimentary pants along his four legs. A deep red tie with gold lines rested underneath the buttons. It perfectly went with his golden skin and white hair. He smiled back to her wider and dipped his head. “Thank you. Miss Fashion here helped pick it out.” He tilted his gaze to the dwarfed mare by his side. She looked up to him and rubbed his leg in approval. Consort turned his attention to Spike and smiled even wider. “But great beast! How mighty it is to see you again!” They embraced and laughed. Spike looked strangely small in the centaur’s arms. They shook each other around for a moment before breaking apart. “You too Consort. Though, I’m impressed you fit in that monkey suit.” “Come now! I must look as good in a suit as I do in the works!” They laughed rambunctiously. Other patrons turned to see the massive creatures shaking the whole deck. Rarity waited patiently as the friends exchanged condolences. The sun was high in the sky as of now. It would be a few hours until the actual dancing started. Some creatures were already forming couples along the rightmost side where some more experienced dancers were offering lessons. Rarity tugged on Spike’s jacket like a little filly looking for attention. “Spikey, I would like to get a little practice in before tonight.” She interrupted. He turned and followed her gaze to the crowd gathering. “Sure thing. My two left feet definitely need some help.” He clicked his shoes together. “Consort? Care to join us?” “Uh—perhaps in a bit, great beast.” His courage wavered. “Nonsense dear; you’ll do just fine. We can stand in the back.” Fashion soothed his worry. Consort looked down to her unconvinced. He grumbled something to himself and sighed. “Alright. I suppose it can’t be worse than the Mill.” He nudged Spike with a weak smile. Spike slapped him on the back in affirmation. “That’s the spirit, man. You’ll be a pro in no time.”