Droplets of sweat beaded on Spike. The heat of the afternoon sun and the dance he tangled with was beginning to work his tired body in ways he had not for so long. They had been practicing now for over an hour with the other ponies around them. A traditional Equestrian Waltz that required the upmost precision when dancing within a group. Patterns swirled between the flowing silks glinted by incredulous color. Dashes of blue sparkled against deep crimsons or brilliant emeralds. The sun reflected off the tempting gemstones as Spike paced the one-two-three step with the other males. Within the massive ring they all spun around paced the lovely mares of the event. They tapped away in a matched pace with their leaders, but pirouetted with every third count to send a cascade of fabric across like a giant flower in bloom. Should any pegasi or griffin be lucky enough to catch the display from the air, it would be quite a marvelous display. Despite the minor hiccups.
Spike had done his best to remember the quick steps and ball-changes of his own part. He watched the other males around him more often than not, trying desperately to mimic their fancy hoofwork. Consort had a very similar struggle to Spike, but to the next degree. He had more than once stepped on the hoof of other gentlecolts and mares in the circle, as his massive frame did not quite fit in the traditional orientation. After an hour of practice, they were at least settling into the movement; albeit they settled very basically.
Rarity, on the other hoof, was a dazzling masterpiece. She twisted and turned like a flower in the breeze. Her dress lifted precisely with her turns as her mane bounced vividly in the spell. Spike had a hard time not focusing on her when they passed by. It did not help that every time they met, she gave him a playful smile and a wink.
The music had been pleasant so far, but Spike was growing tired of hearing the same orchestral composition for their dance. Not to mention his calves had begun burning about two dances ago. Every time he passed Rarity, he silently prayed to the Divines that the endeavor would end.
This time, it seemed his prayer was answered. A record scratch sounded as the violins faded in the track. All the ponies bowed to their partners. None of them looked as worn as Spike or Consort felt. He offered his own bow to Rarity as they ended perfectly next to each other once more. Spike looked at the sun to see it slowly begin illuminating the horizon in the pink and orange streaks of sunset. The actual event would be starting soon, but Spike already felt drained. He offered an elbow to the alabaster mare who graciously accepted. He led her to the far railing on the side of the ship. The cold metal and cool breeze were a welcome difference to Spike’s scales as he leaned over it. His formal jacket had long since been cast aside in favor of negating his sweat.
Spike leaned his back across the railing and let it slowly sink into a crisp string of pops. He shook his wings beneath his shirt and felt the tinge of soreness shoot through the extremities. They were still damaged after all this time. He frowned with his eyes closed at the thought.
“Come now, you can’t be that tired. The actual event is about to start!” Rarity chided. She looked perfect as ever. A lavender fan was held in her aura as it waved in front of her face. The ocean breeze sent ripples across her coat and dress. She looked no more tired than she had at the start of the practice.
“C’mon Rare; you can’t seriously have all that much more left.” Spike groaned out. The truth was, he had been looking forward to the Norfandian music. But it had yet to be played, and Spike was spent past his limit.
Consort and Fashion sat on one of the few benches that adorned the edge of the deck. She was rubbing the massive centaur’s back as he huffed out the lost breaths of the dance. Maybe Spike would sit a few out with him and let the ladies entertain themselves. No harm in taking a break.
“Spiiiiike.” Rarity whined out. He turned his attention back to her with a snarky look. “I really wanted to do the Norfandian dances. I hear they’re so much fun! You have to take me on one.” She begged. Rarity’s purple eyes pleaded to his own emerald ones. Spike rolled them and stood a little straighter.
“I will. But I need to breathe for a second. I haven’t done any Equestrian moves in years. It’s not as fun as I remember.” He grunted. “Besides, there’s a little break before the event starts.”
Almost instantly after his words, the speakers began blaring a loud trumpet solo. Spike hung his head back and let out an audible groan. It was the music of a Norfandian fiesta. All the music over there was high-energy and quite provocative. Spike leaned forward again to see all the trolls run to the dance floor. They began swaying to the music, with some of them hopping around as the main melody began. Almost in sync, the males grabbed their female partners by the waist and began moving them back and forth with their own. The count was simply an eight beat with rests on the four and eight, but the energy was so high paced. Trolls began spinning their partners quickly. For such rugged characters, they moved fast when they wanted.
Rarity was enchanted by the sight. She leaned eagerly as she watched all the couples twirl and run in unorganized festivity. Spike watched her and laughed. It looked like a small filly watching her first Wonderbolts show. He pushed himself off the rail reluctantly and took her hoof.
“C’mon, I’ll show you how.” Spike grinned. He led her to an off-center area where it was a little less crowded. “So, basic step; you go back on your right for one-two-three. Meet in the middle. Then forward left on five-six-seven. Meet again.” He led with his own hips and held her front hooves in his claws. She stumbled for a moment before slowly figuring out his pace. Ponies were not made for hind-leg walking, but Rarity seemed to manage as gracefully as ever. Within moments, she was hooked on Spike’s rhythm, and they fell in with the music.
“Okay, now for a spin.” He raised his left claw and guided Rarity through the turn. She tripped over her hoof a moment, but caught herself in the motion to finish. Spike smiled as they faced each other again.
“You’re already a pro.” He encouraged.
“Please. I’m making quite the fool of myself.” She huffed. But a smile that played across her cheeks told Spike she was enjoying it.
They continued their dance while the music upped in pace. Soon enough, Rarity was moving her hips flamboyantly in tandem with Spike’s. The pair looked as though they were born for this dance. Of course, the spins and switches were not as smooth, but they were managing to stay afloat. Now it became Spike’s turn to mock Rarity as he saw the perspiration build on her forehead.
“Proving a bit much?” He called over the loud music. She raised an eyebrow at him and pulled herself closer.
“I think I just need my partner to take a little more initiative!” She yelled back. Spike laughed and looked down at her.
“If you say so!” He brought his claws down to the lower back of her dress. Prompting with a pull, he began lifting her up and over his head. Rarity followed as best she could, spreading her front hooves in a wide stance as she let her frame be lifted over. Spike tossed her up and spun her in a twirl. He let himself drop to a knee and spin around his own floor before reaching back up to catch Rarity. She unwound in his hold as he turned to carry her momentum into his own. He held her upper back in one claw, the other splayed dramatically as he brought his nose to hers. She lifted one of her own hooves to hold her mane in a display, the other wrapped tightly around his neck. They smiled at each other as some trolls began pounding the floor in celebration.
“Now where did you learn that?” Rarity gasped. Spike brought her back to a stand and grinned.
“Not much to do in a camp when you’ve got no materials. We would dance whenever we felt in the mood. Had some good teachers.” He winked. Rarity heard the hint of strain in his voice at the memories, but at least he was trying to move past them. She smiled and rubbed his arm.
“Well, I’ll say. We need to practice that more when we get home.” Rarity nudged his chest. Spike brushed her mane for a moment and leaned down to kiss her softly.
“Anytime.”
They stood in each other’s arms as the moon shined on their faces. Rarity leaned over Spike’s shoulder and swayed comfortably in his lead. Slow guitar played over the loudspeakers as more and more couples took their leave. Only a few dozen people remained on the dance floor. Spike clutched Rarity closer in the cool night air.
“You ever wonder what Luna’s doing right now?” Spike asked aloud. Rarity grinned over his shoulder.
“Thinking of other women already?” She teased. Spike pinched her back softly and she giggled.
“Seriously. What do you do in retirement?”
“Probably enjoy some fine company and a beautiful night.” Rarity retorted. She shifted herself into Spike’s hold closer and sighed. It was perfect. This whole journey had been, her whole life had been perfect. Despite the hardships she had faced, Rarity knew she was a better mare for having faced them. Her mind wandered as they swayed in the breeze.
“Spike?” She peeked.
“Yes Rare?”
“Do you ever wonder… if you could go back and change anything, would you?” She felt him pause in his motion for a moment before picking back the rhythm.
“Would I change something… hm.” He thought. Rarity was titillating with curiosity.
“Well, I don’t know really. Could I be here without all that happened?” He answered. Rarity pulled herself off his shoulder to look into his eyes. She raised an eyebrow at his confession.
“Nothing? Not even making me love you any earlier?” She grinned. Spike shook his head with his own smile.
“As nice as that might have been, this right here? This is perfect. I wouldn’t trade this for anything.” He assured. Rarity let a soft ‘hm’ sound come forward. Spike leaned in and pressed their heads together as the continued the dance. He was right; this was worth it.
But Rarity was still unsatisfied with his response. As she kept her hooves wrapped around his shoulders, she shifted in confusion. Spike must have felt her sway change as he pulled his head away from hers.
“Something amiss?” His brilliant eyes sparkled against the moonlight. Rarity looked into them and saw an abundance of emotion, yet all of them were muted by this stoic composure. She felt like there was no figuring out what was going on behind his eyes at any given moment. Rarity glanced down at the hardwood floor and frowned a little.
“Just… nothing? Really? I would change so much if I could, but you wouldn’t change anything? After all you’ve been through, you wouldn’t want it easier. Or maybe you’d want Twilight to act differently?” Rarity immediately bit her lip as she saw Spike recoil slightly at her question. The topic of his sister had been a touchy one at best. Spike had divulged that his trust in her was shaken, and that he was having trouble viewing her as a sister rather than a distant ruler. She knew Spike was feeling betrayed, but Rarity wanted to know his true feelings on the matter. She still felt embarrassed by her pushiness though.
Spike paused their swaying and just held her for a moment. She saw his eyes shoot around the empty space, searching everywhere for an answer. Rarity held her breath as Spike dropped his hold on her.
“Rarity… I don’t—” She heard his voice crack. A quick glace around the dancefloor told Rarity that they were one of three remaining couples. Consort and Fashion must have left long ago. Despite the lack of companions, it still seemed too public for Spike to be discussing his feelings about this. Rarity nudged him softly and began leading him back towards the elevator.
“We can talk in the room if you’d like. Or not at all. I’m sorry.” She said in a low tone to cover their conversation. Spike simply nodded and followed along. She caught the look on his face changing every second; first it was anger, then confusion, concern, fear, and so many more. It had not been her goal to make him fluster at the thought of home, but she wanted him to face his feelings again. He had done so for her, if only barely, but now Rarity was concerned for his other relationships he was not willing to address. They were only a day off the coast of Equestria, which meant that Spike would have to see Twilight at least by the next day. Rarity worried that if he did not come to terms with his feelings now, the reunion might end up explosive.
The couple entered the elevator once it had chimed for their attention. It felt stuffy and cramped compared to the wide-open floor of the ballroom. Rarity stood next to Spike, albeit slightly uncomfortably. She leaned her head against his chest and felt his claw begin working its way across her back.
“Spike, I just want you to be ready for home. It shouldn’t be something you’re dreading.” She whispered out. A soft ‘hmm’ sounded from his throat in response. Clearly, he was deep in thought.
“I just know that Twilight has missed you, but she’s also been running a country alone. You can’t hold her responsible for some missteps every now and again.” Rarity offered.
“I think we should pack tonight. Spend it in our rooms so we’re ready to go in the morning.” Spike responded sharply. Rarity felt her heart twist at his response. He was not in a discussive mood, and Rarity had pushed too far.
“Okay Spike. I’m sorry.” She responded. A little anger slipped into her emotion. How was it her fault that he was uncomfortable talking about his feelings? Why should she be punished just because Spike was bottling up? Rarity pulled herself out of his arm as the elevator door opened on their floor.
“See you in the morning Spikey. Sleep tight.” Rarity said as they rounded the corner to their rooms. She felt his claw rest on her withers and urge her to turn around. Rarity complied hesitantly. Spike looked confused and frustrated at the same time.
“Sorry.” Was all he said. He pulled her in and kissed her forehead. Rarity felt her edge soften just a little at his response. It was clear he was struggling with everything going on.
“Oh, Spike. I really am sorry. I didn’t mean to make you all confused and hurt again.” He raised a claw to cut her off.
“No, it’s okay. I do want to sleep together tonight, but I think I need some time alone. It’d be better for me.” His eyes searched hers for validation. Rarity offered it in the form of a smile.
“That might be a good idea.” She leaned up and kissed his lips. The two of them held for a moment in the hallway. Rarity poured her heart into this dragon. She knew he must be feeling a little alone again, and that was the last thing she wanted.
Spike finally pulled away and grinned. He stroked her cheek before pulling her into a tight hug.
“Thanks Rarity. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Sleep tight Spike. And… and good luck.” She smiled at him. Spike turned to walk towards his own room, waving weakly as he went. Rarity raised a hoof to her mouth and frowned. Divines, please let him be okay.