//------------------------------// // Chapter 27 - Am I Ready? // Story: My Feelings Have Shifted // by rarityxspike //------------------------------// A couple of weeks have passed since Rarity had found out about Spike and Luna’s relationship, and by this time, everypony from Ponyville and Canterlot knew. Rarity had not opened her shop to the public nor has she left the boutique except for essentials and even then she wore a disguise. “Oh, Opal! Why are you eating more than usual? I only went to the store a couple of days ago,” Rarity moaned, not wanting to go out. Opal just looked at her with disgust and walked off into another room. Rarity just continued to lie on the couch, thinking of every excuse she could to avoid going out, but then realised what she was doing. “Oh my goodness! This is ridiculous, I have to get myself out of this slump,” then she remembered why she stopped going out, “Ready or not, I’m inviting Spike out for a picnic tomorrow,” Rarity took a deep breath, and left the boutique and made her way to the market wearing no disguise. Rarity went up to the counter. “Two bags of your finest cat food, please,” the mare behind the counter turned around. “That’ll be four bits,” Rarity handed her the money, but was confused. ’She always says, ‘Back again already’ to me, has she just gotten used to me coming every other day now’, but then Rarity remembered, Oh yeah, I’m not wearing that disguise anymore. Rarity got a few more things she needed from the market and went back to her boutique. “Right! Feed Opal, put the shopping away, make a picnic, and then... invite Spike out,” Rarity found it very hard to say the last part. It still hurt, but she knew she couldn’t hide away forever. While Rarity was making the sandwiches, she was thinking about Spike and thus was on autopilot and hadn’t realised she cut the sandwiches into hearts before putting in the basket, it wasn’t until she heard the butter knife tap the side that she realised she zoned out, “Oh, I guess I made them without thinking,” Rarity packed up the rest of the picnic and made her way to the castle, “I am so nervous, but a little bit excited to see Spikey again,” Rarity smiled. Rarity was outside the castle doors. ’Have I left it too long?’ Rarity thought to herself. ’No! You’re finding reasons not to see him’, Rarity made herself push the castle doors open and walk in. “Hello? Twilight? Are you here?” Rarity called out. Twilight came out of the main hall. “Oh, hello, Rarity, how have you been? I haven’t seen you in a while,” Twilight said, surprised to see her. “I’ve been... managing,” Rarity said in a defeated tone. Twilight noticed the picnic basket. “Looks like you’re ready to see Spike again,” Rarity looked at the basket and smiled the best she could. “Yes, I feel I’m ready to continue our little outings again, is he free?” Rarity asked, not knowing if Spike was even there. “Yeah, he’s free, and I know he’ll be happy to see you,” Twilight smiled. “I’ll just get him or you,” Twilight went to Spike’s bedroom to get him. Rarity smiled. ’He’ll be happy to see me? Oh my goo--‘ then she stopped her thoughts, and her smile dropped, No, it just means he’s happy to see me as a friend Momentarily, Spike came out, went up to Rarity and gave her a massive hug. “It’s so good to see you, I’ve missed you,” Spike’s hug shocked Rarity, but felt so warm, soft, and gave Rarity the best feeling she has ever felt. “I’ve missed you too”, Rarity returned the hug. Spike broke the hug, even though Rarity didn’t want it to end. “So, are you ready for our picnic?” Rarity asked with a smile, Spike returned the smile. “I sure am!” Rarity was both happy and confused with Spike’s attitude towards her and her head was full of questions. Did something happen between him and Luna? Does he love me again? How come Twilight wasn’t confused by his attitude? What is going on?