It was a dark and stormy night.
A crimson curtain fell from the skies and drenched the isolated forest cabin in thick, gooey blood. Smoke rose from the overturned jeep as it was engulfed in an inferno, flames licking the windows, torching the frame, and melting the seats. The fire crawled along by way of a gasoline trail over to the collapsing wooden structure. It wasn’t long before it too was transformed into a massive bonfire that lit up the grisly scene.
In the yard illuminated by the flickering orange light, the bisected corpse of some horrible creature lay rotting. Some limbs still twitched. An eye sagged from its socket. The fleshly-carved chunks of flesh oozed into the wet soil while streaks of viscera were scattered all around. Maggots rose and flies buzzed. Their feast had just begun.
A gore-soaked unicorn staggered forward into the night. As she cradled the severed stump that was once her left hand and let the still-running chainsaw fall to her hooves, her mouth opened and she let out a mighty wail, something halfway between a laugh and a scream. Her eyes are wide. The horrors of the night are etched down into her very soul. There is no respite with the breaking dawn. There are only the rotting memories of misery and death.
Then it all goes black.
And in that void, letters suddenly popped up onto the screen:
THE BOOK OF THE DEAD
Red credits started fading in, starting with the director and working down through to the cast. Out in the aisles, murmurs rose up amongst the packed house, and as the chatter grew louder, it seemed a positive buzz was building. A buzz shared by the two teenagers sitting fourth row center.
“Wow… that was awesome,” Scootaloo said. She leaned back in her seat. Her jacket was open, showing off her black t-shirt adorned by a drawing of the titular flesh-bound book.
“Gotta be the bloodiest movie I’ve seen in a long time,” Spike said. He was in yet another hoodie, although this one matched the evening’s theme with a smiling image of the series’ mainstay protagonist, Ashy Mountains, complete with his trademark chainsaw and boomstick.
“Oh yeah, definitely. The part with the nail gun? Or the cleaver?”
“It was honestly the box cutter that got me the most.”
“I know, you were practically writhing in your seat,” Scootaloo teased as she stood up.
“For good reason! Going in the tongue like that… blerg,” Spike shuddered. He brushed some popcorn off his lap and got to his feet. “Anyway, I liked it, but also it was kinda… really mean? I’m not sure I mean that in a positive or negative way, just, an observation. Does that make sense?”
“Yeah, it’s not as, like, fun as the older ones,” Scootaloo agreed. “But I liked that. Real gnarly attitude. Gotta make these things really pack a punch these days.”
“Maybe, but it was downright cruel at times. Those friends had a real bad time out in those woods! And I thought horror had moved past that over the last few years…”
The two continued their post-movie discussion as they went with the flow out of the room. It took a moment to navigate. They had been in theater one, the largest of the Moxie’s three screens, and however modest the little picture house was, when it sold out a show it really could pack in an impressive crowd.
Eventually they were able to squeeze their way into the lobby, where things were just as hectic. A sea of ponies flowed before them. Nearly all were dressed in some kind of clothing marking them as longtime fans of the Book of the Dead series. A few had even come in full costume.
Spike stood on his toes to get a better view.
Yeesh, haven’t seen this place this slammed in forever.
“Guess the multiplex deciding not to show this one really paid off,” he said.
“They totally wimped out. Can’t handle something this violent,” Scootaloo said. “More for us then.”
The concession line snaked nearly to the front doors, while the couches that lined the walls were all crammed full. A few stressed-looking ushers were scurrying back and forth trying to properly herd everyone where they needed to go and keep noise levels from interfering with screenings already in progress. Across the lobby and through a large gap in the wall, they could see into the attached video store, which was crawling with ponies on the prowl for the evening’s entertainment options.
Truly, everyone was spending Friday night at the movies.
At the manager’s desk up front by the box office, a teal-haired pegasus did his best to orchestrate the bedlam.
“Hey, that’s the guy who owns the theater.” Scootaloo pointed towards the desk and waved. The manager pointed back without looking over. His focus remained on the assistant manager he was in deep conversation with.
“He looks a little frazzled,” Spike said.
“Very. I’ve talked to him a few times. He recommended some good stuff when I was younger. Dude knows his movies.”
“Yeah, I’ve met him a few times, too. He still works the counter at the rental shop a lot. He used to quiz me on movie trivia, and if I got it right he let me rent the gory stuff back in freshman year.”
Although Twilight was kinda mad when she found me with that uncut copy of Flowers From Hell. Then again, I’m not even sure I could get through that one.
“And he lets me into the R-rated stuff like this.” Scootaloo grinned. “Cool dude when he sees you’re a real fan.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen him leave the building. He just… lives here.”
“Life he chose I guess.”
The two finally made their way to the glass exit doors and paused. Scootaloo glanced around and checked her phone.
“So, it’s about eight thirty. We can go hang in the horror section next door and debate favorites, or we can go get some pizza the other way.” She looked at Spike. “What you thinking?”
Spike rubbed his chin. “Hmm… I have a feeling if we go to the horror section we’ll spend the rest of the night dissecting each other’s taste to an insane degree. Seems like a lot for a second date.”
Not that I wouldn’t mind that either…
“Pizza it is then,” Scootaloo said with a smile.
They opened the doors. A burst of wet air met them. A light shower was coming down, the first real rain of the season. Everywhere they looked, ponies hurried along, most at least with umbrellas or coats, all moving as quickly as they could to stay dry. It wasn’t rough rain, but the sky wasn’t getting any less ominous. Wetter weather was inbound.
Spike looked up. “They sure pushed those clouds in fast. Wasn’t even that overcast when we got here.”
I should’ve brought the umbrella, not like the forecasts are a secret, stupid, why didn’t I plan ahead, real stupid.
“Storm’s gotta storm,” Scootaloo said with a shrug. She looked across the street. A bright neon sign spelled out the words Super Slice. A crowd pulsated under it.
She zipped up her jacket. “Come on, let’s hustle.”
With that, they scampered out from the theater and across the busy thoroughfare, dodging a few waterlogged bikers in the process. Making it across, they ducked under an awning. Spike glanced at the line while Scootaloo shook some water off her clothes.
“At least this thing is rain resistant,” she said, watching drops fall from her sleeve.
“Sweet, this place still has the dark pepper topping.”
“Sounds a little much.”
“Won’t know until you try it.”
“Maybe later…” Scootaloo suddenly trailed off. She peered through the large window in front of the restaurant and frowned.
“On second thought,” she said softly. “Let’s try somewhere else. Looks a little crowded in there.”
Spike glanced at her, then tried to follow her gaze. Sitting in the back corner, furthest from the front doors, he saw a group of teens clustered in a booth. A few girls, none of whom he recognized, and two boys that he did: Star Rush and Goldenrod, still the preeminent jocks of Ponyville High.
Wow, she must’ve had a bad falling out with them, they seemed alright back in August.
Spike’s mouth opened, a question on the tip of his tongue, then he quickly thought better and changed course.
“Sure. Sharkie’s is three blocks away and they’re open late. That work?”
“You betcha.” Scootaloo quickly spun on her hooves and hurried off, barely giving Spike a chance to keep up.
The two walked in silence until the end of the block. Scootaloo was staring off into space as the rain fell around them, one hand buried deep in her jacket. Spike reached out, as casually as he could, and grasped her free hand hanging by her side. She clamped onto it, moving closer to him in the walk. He saw her tense shoulders relax ever so slightly.
Spike couldn’t help but blush.
The rain started to pick up. Puddles in the street grew larger before their eyes, larger and larger splashes from the falling drops.
“Real ideal weather for a night out,” Spike said, his tone trying to lighten the mood. Scootaloo said nothing.
The rain got harder. Spike pulled Scootaloo in closer. She looked over to him as he extended one of his wings over her head, making a very effective umbrella.
“...thanks.” She leaned in against Spike, their clasped hands now squished between their somewhat soggy bodies.
“Gonna do that for yourself?” she asked.
“Can’t really angle it over myself that well.” Spike smiled as rain dropped across his face. “It’s okay. I don’t mind the rain. This hoodie dries out fast.”
“Yeah, but what about the rest of you?”
“Water tends to not stick to scales very well.”
“Lucky you.” Scootaloo looked up at the wing over her head. Even at this awkward angle, it was an impressive sight. Looking around she saw more than one other pony watching them as they walked by, including a few pegasi watching the display with a curious intensity.
“What’s it like with wings like that?” Scootaloo asked, almost absent-mindedly. “I mean, I know about having wings, obviously, but like… you only got them at all, what, back in ninth grade?”
Spike rubbed the back of his head. “Yeah, that was kind of a weird year, especially when they started growing so fast. Health class really didn’t prepare me. Had to learn a lot of stuff, uh, on the fly, as it was..”
“I’ll bet. Gotta buy a lot of new clothes, too, get those wing holes.”
“Oh you have no idea. So many great shirts, gone forever as I tried to tear out the backs… anyway, it worked out okay, but, like, I still don’t really know what to do with these things sometimes.”
“I like how you’re managing so far.”
They turned a corner. The large cartoon shark mascot atop a spinning sign told them they had reached their destination. As the weather reached a drenching crescendo, they didn’t hesitate, and all but ran the final half block into the front doors. The pizzeria had planned ahead and actually laid out mats for customers to stamp their hooves dry and shake their manes off before finding seats.
While Scootaloo wrung out her tail, Spike flexed his wings out the door, giving them one last big stretch before closing them up.
“It’s nice to just give them a workout like this sometimes,” he said. “I mean, you know what it’s like, if I haven’t flown in a bit they get stiff and then… uh, I mean…”
Spike couldn’t help it. He glanced at Scootaloo’s back. Her wings, damp feathers and all, were as undersized and underused as they’d ever been. He gulped and looked at the floor.
Just gotta shove that foot alllll the way down your mouth, don’t you.
He looked up and found Scootaloo looking at him with a soft smile on her face.
“Relax,” she said. “It’s fine.”
“I’m sorry, I-”
“I said, it’s fine,” she repeated firmly.
The restaurant was largely full, but the order counter surprisingly had no line. It didn’t take much time for them to order a few slices, grab some sodas, and find a nice booth along the big bay windows to sit down. The last free booth, even.
Spike took his first few bites in silence.
Okay she said it’s fine but does she mean it it’ll always be a thing won’t it do I just never address it at all or what though I mean it’s weird to say nothing right unless that actually isn’t and I’m making it weird wait what if-
“You can ask,” Scootaloo said. She took a big bite and munched while Spike watched her.
“Uhh…”
“About my wings,” she said. “Everypony gets one time. This is yours. Go ahead. I don’t think I’ve ever actually, like, really said anything to you about them.”
“Yeah, um, so…” Spike fumbled with his hands. “I thiiiiink I remember Twilight telling me something when I was younger? I must’ve asked her at some point when we started growing up and you, uh… okay so she said birth defect, if I remember-”
“And she got it in one,” Scootaloo said, cutting Spike off with practiced patience. “Disproportionate Wing Syndrome. Affects something like every one in fifty thousand pegasi, give or take a few. It is what it is and I’m used to it now.”
“Okay. Cool. Well, not cool, obviously, but… okay.”
Scootaloo shrugged. “Like I said, it is what it is. I really am okay. Really. I got plenty of other things to focus on and worry about in life. Plus, I bet it’s a lot easier for me to get into shirts than you.”
Spike forced a chuckle. “Probably. I gotta special-order basically everything I wear. Little zippers or buttons in the back and it’s a hassle to put it on and, uh… I’m sorry I made you talk about it.”
He looked down at the floor. Scootaloo reached over and put her hand on his wrist.
“Hey, nopony makes me do anything,” she said. “I don’t mind talking about it, especially when somepony asks nicely. Or awkwardly, but in a nice way. I just… I just don’t wanna seem like some charity case, or like I’m supposed to spend every night sitting in some field staring at the night sky and pining to be able to just soar away at a moment’s notice. I’m not gonna be what everypony thinks I’m supposed to be.”
Wow, do I know that feeling.
Spike looked up. Her smile looked genuine. He tried to match it.
“Okay, I get you,” he said.
“Look at it this way: I can’t miss what I never had.” Scootaloo released her grip and took a quick sip of soda. “Besides, my best friends keep their hooves on the ground. They manage okay.”
“Yeah, I know what you mean there, too.”
Wonder what Button would be like in the air… dunno if he has the focus for it. Featherweight manages okay, though he never does want to move very fast. I think he prefers walking.
Outside, a gust of wind shook the windows, splattering them with a fresh coat of rain.
Spike watched the drops streak across the glass. “Really wild weather for early October. Gotta be some weather ponies going hard… any chance your parents know we were doing this?”
“Yeah, I texted my dad about it. Bet he did this on purpose as a joke.”
“Wicked sense of humor.”
“He thinks he’s funny like that.” Scootaloo smiled and laughed to herself.
Spike leaned in. “What do your parents do for the Weather Service, anyway? I don’t really know. I’ve never even met them, actually.”
“Not many have,” Scootaloo said. “Mom works in wind research, while Dad’s a rainchaiser.”
“Those guys who gotta wrangle all the rogue storms?” Spike was impressed. “I’ve heard that’s a tough job.”
“It takes him all over, that’s for sure. I don’t think a lot of ponies really know how much weather just, like, happens naturally on its own, and how much Weather Service work is spent just wrangling that on top of the stuff it makes itself. Mom tends to follow him, since those natural storms bring natural winds. They’ve traveled the world together…”
Scootaloo stared out the window. Spike stared at her.
All these years seeing her around town, I’ve met pretty much everyone else’s family… I’ve barely even seen her aunts. Weird her parents are just, like, barely around at all. That is weird, right? That can’t just be me.
“Are they always moving?” Spike asked. “No, like, permanent post anywhere?”
Scootaloo shook her head. “Nature of the jobs, apparently. They come around whenever they can, for as long as they can, but, well, always gotta be somewhere. Sometimes if they’re doing something nearby I can watch them do it. I remember going to the Weather Service headquarters in Cloudsdale when I was in second grade, that was so cool… you ever been to Cloudsdale?”
It was Spike’s turn to shake his head. “Actually no. I’d like to, it looks gorgeous, but Twilight and I have never really been able to find the time, or when we do have the time it’s when it’s on the far side of the country or something.”
“Yeah, floating cities can be really inconveniently located like that. Anyway, we took the balloon up, because, yeah, couldn’t all fly there. Was kinda weird being the only pegasi onboard, though at the time I remember thinking it was weird unicorns or earth ponies were going up at all. I didn’t know about those tourist areas with all the magical walkways for them.”
“One of Twilight’s old professors at Canterlot University helped design those,” Spike said. “It was this whole breakthrough levitation process. She got kinda giddy talking about it once.”
“I’ll bet she did.” Scootaloo chuckled. “For us, they were good to have. They never actually said it but I’m pretty sure my parents were worried I wouldn’t be able to cloudwalk. Because of my wings and all that jazz. Dad practically had a deathgrip on me when I took my first steps onto a real fluffy one by their hotel.”
Spike looked up and scratched his chin. “Oh yeah, I remember that from Bio last year. Something about cloudwalking being granted by residual magic specific to glands spread through the wings, I think. I dunno, Bio was never my strong suit, I’m more a math and numbers guy.”
“So, what, you only got a B in Bio then?” Scootaloo said with a laugh.
“Excuse me, it was a B+,” Spike replied with mock indignation. “Fun fact about me: if I really don’t care much about a class, I’ll get a B+ in it. I do the work, pass the tests, move on out.”
Scootaloo rolled her eyes. “It’s like you struggle not to be like Twilight.”
“Yeah, yeah… so: clouds?”
“I walked great!” Scootaloo was giddy as memories came flooding back. “I must’ve played around there for hours, running around and playing tag with dad and jumping with mom and the both of them just tossing me around. I really wore them out in the end.”
Scootaloo’s smile suddenly flickered. “And like… I could see it in their faces, ya know? Just this look of… relief. Pure relief. Like, great, their daughter almost worked the way she was supposed to.”
She took another drink of soda while Spike said nothing.
“A few years later, I heard my aunts talking,” she continued. “They mentioned that my parents briefly considered just settling down in Cloudsdale, having me live up there with them. The city moves enough, they might’ve been able to change departments, figure out something that worked. But in the end… they thought it would be a lot easier for me to stay down here.”
Scootaloo’s eyes wandered up to the sky. Almost on cue, the heavy rains started to lighten up, bringing things back down to a steady drizzle.
Spike reached out, fingers brushing Scootaloo’s arm. She looked at him. He wore a light smile that matched his inviting eyes.
“For what it’s worth,” he said. “I’m glad you’re still here.”
“Yeah… me too,” Scootaloo grabbed Spike’s hand. The two looked into each other’s eyes for a few moments, the chatter of the patrons around them fading deep into the background. A blissful interlude.
Then inevitable teenage awkwardness crashed down onto both of them. They freed their grips and suddenly found themselves wanting to busy their hands with the remainder of their food.
Soooo… do I, like, let her make it even? That seems right, right?
“You can ask me something,” Spike said.
Scootaloo tilted her head. “Huh? What do you mean?”
“Well, I asked you a deeply personal question and got a long, heartfelt answer out of it, seems only fair you should be able to do likewise.” Spike gulped. “...right?”
Scootaloo stared at him, then broke into a laugh.
“You know what, okay, sure, why not.”
She thought for a moment, her face going into an exaggerated expression of deep concentration that made Spike snicker politely. Finally, she came to a decision.
“So, Spike: you’re a dragon.” Scootaloo waved her hand, indicating Spike’s whole body. “Tell me about that.”
Spike blinked.
…ah, right.
“I am?”
“Well, I didn’t mean to be the one to break it to you, but…”
“No, no, I’ve heard it said once or twice before.” Spike rubbed the back of his neck and shrugged. “It’s… a thing? I mean, uh, huh, broad question, gotta think.”
“Well here, let me narrow it down.” Scootaloo leaned across the table, balanced on her elbows, hands clasped. “I guess what I mean is… you’re the only dragon I really know. There’s others around town, I do see them, but not many.”
“Enough to still get special toppings for us at restaurants.” Spike pointed to his last remaining slice, a gem-and-chili-pepper mix. “Helps that the shiny stuff doesn’t actually expire and is cheap to buy in bulk.”
Scootaloo giggled. “True. But really, it’s like… what is all that to you? Being a dragon here.”
That’s narrowing it down?
Spike thought for a long moment, tapping a finger on the table. “Well, I’m basically fireproof. Not, like, 100% fireproof, but still, it’s cool. I… well, nobody here smokes and I don’t have a lighter so I can’t prove it, but, yeah, open flames don’t really do anything to me. I still sweat, but it’s not much, some kind of regulatory system thing half-tied to emotions? I don’t know. I can breathe in smoke just fine as well, so… always got a career as a firefighter in my back pocket. Nice little safety net there. Just… regular dragon things there, I guess.”
“Mmm.”
Spike’s smile faltered. He could see a flicker of disappointment in her eyes.
Probably can’t make a joke about not having to worry about Cutie Marks without sounding like a pervert… come on, she gave a real answer, I can do better. Dig deep.
Spike took a breath. “Do you know I’m the only dragon in school? There’s something like seven hundred students, whole smorgasbord of Earth ponies, pegasi, unicorns, plus a fair number of Griffons… just one dragon.”
Scootaloo thought for a moment. “Huh, that’s… weird? I guess I never really, uh, noticed before.”
Go figure.
“I did a town survey for Sociology last year. There’s roughly two hundred dragons in Ponyville. So about 2% of the total town population, which is noticeably under the national demographic average. Not many families, either. A few kids are incoming, there’s some in elementary and middle school, but, yeah, just me here right now. The one dragon of Ponyville High.”
“Why don’t more dragons move here? I’d hope everypony would be cool with it.”
Spike waved his hands. “Welllll… everyone is? Mostly? About me and everything? I rarely get any kind of, you know, shit for being me at school, and I can ignore the assholes who say stuff pretty easily, but… look, this is a town called Ponyville. It can try to be the most welcoming place in Equestria and it is still gonna be a tough sell from the outset. There’s just a… vibe to it, one that is, well, for ponies. And even with almost everyone being cool to me, I get the feeling sometimes that a lot go out of their way to not notice me, to just… paint me into the background. Or get overly awkward when they do see me.”
Scootaloo thought on that.
Spike went on. “Not to mention, uh… well, words like everypony, somepony, and anypony? Those are kinda regional words. I don’t think I heard them once when I was in Vanhoover. They just… say everyone, everywhere else.”
A sudden flash of realization washed over Scootaloo’s face, and she winced.
Whoops, too far, don’t wanna lay this on her or anything.
“Look, I really don’t mind that, honest,” Spike said as reassuringly as he could. “It’s… harmless. I don’t really notice hearing it. And I kinda got off topic anyway, which is… folks are fine to me. I just also know that I’m one dragon growing up in a sea of ponies and I honestly have no idea how I’m supposed to be or what it really means. I have read books on dragon history and I’ve spoken to a few around town when I bump into them, and talked to a lot more in Vanhoover, and I can see all those other lives and lifestyles but they’re not me and I know it’s not like I’m doing anything wrong here but…”
Spike rested his elbows on the table and let his head sink a little. His eyes drifted back to the rain outside, now more of a heavy mist.
“I’m Twilight Sparkle’s adopted son. A son she adopted when she was really young, and that’s a whole other story right there that I… don’t wanna get into right now. Point is, though, there’s no way to have the most normal life from that, even if I wasn’t a dragon. But I am and that’s my life now and forever and ever and I… I just don’t want to get lost. Even if I don’t know where I’m going.”
Scootaloo leaned forward. “Spike… would you say you’re happy? Like, in general, life, all that?”
Spike considered the question. “I love Twilight. I love my friends. I like the life I have here in Ponyville, and all the various wacky shenanigans I get up to here. It’s a good life. I am, by every available metric, a really lucky guy.”
“But are you happy with all that?”
Scootaloo stared into Spike’s eyes. He did his best to stare back.
She gets to the heart of it all.
He relented and smiled. “Yeah, I am. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to get so… whatever that was. I’m not usually so dramatic.”
Scootaloo smiled back. “Hey, I like it when friends get real. And Spike, for whatever it’s worth, and not to be any kinda motivational poster or something, but you can be whatever and whoever you want to be, and that’s only your decision to make. Nopo- nobody’s else’s.”
And she’s trying.
Spike nodded. “My friends really help with all this, I gotta say. You’re all a good bunch, even if- WHOA!”
BANG
A hand smacked the window. The sudden appearance of a smiling face in the glass sent Spike reeling backwards in surprise. Scootaloo quickly turned, and then just as quickly let out an exhausted sigh.
Sweetie Belle had her face pressed against the restaurant window. She wore a dark purple raincoat, matching umbrella in hand, and the largest cheshire grin she could muster on her face. A similarly-clad and expressioned Apple Bloom joined her a moment later. They eagerly tapped on the glass.
“Hey! Hey guys! What’s up!?” They said in unison. Their taps and shouts drew a few confused looks from nearby diners.
Spike grabbed his drink and quickly sucked down what was left through the straw in an effort to calm himself.
Ahhhh how what whyyyyyyy
Scootaloo forced a smile but snapped her fingers at the window and tried to wave her friends off.
“Bad timing! Beat it!” she hissed. “Get out of here!”
“Just checking in,” Sweetie sang, smiling innocently.
“You two need anythin’?” Apple Bloom added. Their voices were muffled but still got through the window okay. “Is everythin’ goin’ good?”
Spike glanced around and smiled nervously. The griffin behind the counter just rolled his eyes and went back to work.
“I need you two to leave,” Scootaloo said with some force. “I will text you later. Be gone! Vanish!”
“Fiiiiine, if you insist,” Sweetie giggled. She turned and began to wander away.
Spike turned back in time to see Apple Bloom staring at him. Her face was all business now. She narrowed her eyes, pointing two fingers at her face and then at Spike. She kept pointing at him as Sweetie grabbed her by the collar and tugged her off into the night.
Spike shivered. He tried for another sip of soda, but his cup was empty.
“...they mean well,” Scootaloo said. She abruptly laughed, rubbing her fingers on her temple as she worked to regain her composure.
“How’d they even find us? Did they plant a tracker on me? I’d believe it if they did, I really would.”
No wonder Apple Bloom was following me at school all day yesterday.
“Relax. Sweetie’s house is like around the corner from here, they were probably just heading back from dinner and happened to see us on the way.”
“I hope so,” Spike said. He laughed nervously. “They kinda cornered me once or twice at school this week, had some… very probing questions about my intentions with you.”
“Yeah, I heard. They’re the… protective sort. I’d be doing the same thing if one of them was out with a new suitor.”
“Uh-huh,” Spike said.
I guess I can bring this up now.
“I also had a pretty long chat with Rumble,” Spike continued.
Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. “Oh? And what did that lovely ex of mine have to say?”
“Uh… kind of a lot. Nice things about you, definitely, he’s real supportive there. Some stuff about himself that I… well, I didn’t exactly see it coming, I can say that much.”
“Mmm-hmm,” Scootaloo said, still non-committed.
Spike leaned in and lowered his voice. “I should clarify, he came out to me, which I know he’s been asking the few friends that know to keep a secret for now, so… yeah, a lot kinda fell into place when he said that.”
Scootaloo nodded. “Yeah. I found out about that… well, actually, I think it’s better to say we both figured it out at some point towards the end of our relationship. I stuck with him after that as… well, as cover. As you know, he’s really not ready to broadcast it out loud. ”
“Someone at school he’s worried about?” Spike asked. “There’s at least a few queer students around, I haven’t seen or heard any bullying.”
“You not knowing about it doesn’t mean it’s not there,” Scootaloo replied.
Spike conceded and nodded.
Yup, duh, come on. Like she’s probably never heard the muttered remarks about my scales. Or seen the graffiti in the boy’s bathroom…
Scootaloo went on. “And at his home, the news would’ve been… let’s just say, not well received. Nah, he’s staying on the down low for now, just like Apple Bloom.”
“I hope Apple Bloom figures out her secret is much more obvious for her than it is for Rumble.”
“Believe me, Sweetie and I are well aware of that. We do what we can.”
“Mmm. Anyway, Rumble’s a cool dude. I wanna hang with him more, actually,” Spike said. “But still, he was very… polite yet firm about you, in that he still cares about you a lot and wants what’s best. And that I’d better be sure you get it.”
“How very sweet of him. I do still care a lot about him, too,” Scootaloo said. “It’s good to have friends that can form a shield for you.”
“Or a sword,” Spike half-muttered. “Well, if I screw this up, I’ll have all of them to look forward to. No pressure.”
“Do you think you’re screwing this up?” Scootaloo asked, looking at Spike intently.
Am I?
“...no. No, uh, I think things are… nice, so far,” Spike said, fighting the urge to shrug. “I like this.”
“Me, too.” Scootaloo smiled.
They finished the last of their food and got up to leave. Spike reached out his hand, and Scootaloo took it as they walked out. Spike felt a few beads of sweat run down the back of his neck.
Can get through any heat, and my body sweats from anxiety. That’s dumb evolution.
Outside, the rain had ceased, and up in the sky gaps were appearing among the clouds. Bits of moonlight were visible, as were the legs of the weather ponies shifting the overcast around. As they walked the streets down to the library, fresh dew hung in the air, the smell of wet gravel and grass all around. A few other groups were out, including a number of dog walkers getting in a post-storm stroll.
They moved along, hand in hand, enjoying the brisk evening air. With his free hand, Spike surreptitiously pulled his phone out of his pocket to check the screen. It buzzed in his hand, catching Scootaloo’s notice.
“Something more interesting over there, Spike?” she asked, sticking her tongue out at him. “I’m doing my best here.”
“No, no,” Spike said, rolling his eyes as he skimmed the new text. “Just Twilight checking in on me. She’s… very eager I’m out doing this. Was even excited to assign me my very first curfew tonight.”
Scootaloo laughed. “That’s a good sign.”
“She said she’d always wanted to do that, ever since reading about it in parenting books years ago. But she said she never had the right chance until now.”
“So caring… what does she think about me?”
“I think she’s happy about that, too?” Spike shrugged. “She remembers you well from when you were younger, but that was a while ago. I think she mostly hears about you through Rainbow Dash these days.”
“I guess that’s fair. I don’t think I’ve even talked to her over the past few years. Sweetie Belle or Apple Bloom see her more often since she’s always with their sisters, but since I usually see Dash solo for workouts, I’m the odd girl out there.”
“Twilight has a limited social circle like that, I’d say. If you’re not one of those specific ponies or a very old book, you’re not gonna see a lot of her.”
“Hey, whatever works for her. How much time did she give you tonight?”
“We’re in the closing stretch now, actually.”
“Better make it count.”
They walked on, turning a corner. The silhouette of the tree could be seen ahead in the distance, growing closer with every step.
Spike subtly tightened his grip on Scootaloo’s hand.
Guess it’s as good a time as any to ask.
“So… what do you think of me?”
“Hmmm?” Scootaloo glanced at him. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, well, I… last week I got into how I feel about you, and, well, this is all going pretty good I’d say and I’d like for it to keep going good and part of that will probably involve knowing just how you feel about me, ya know? You did mention that you feel at least a little good around me, so…”
“Ah, yeah. Hmm…” Scootaloo pursed her lips. “When I said yes to you last week, I think part of it was I just wanted to, you know, have a nice night out with a friend. Something simple, something… okay not harmless or anything, I’m not calling you… look, Spike, my thinking was you are a swell guy and I’d like to see more of that. But…”
Spike felt a strange sensation in the pit of his gut.
Well, was fun while it lasted, figures she doesn’t-
“But…”
Scootaloo paused in the street. Spike stopped with her. She looked him over, feet to wings to hoodie to face.
She smiled. “But Spike, I really do like you. As more than a friend. I feel like… there’s something extra there, definitely some kinda spark. It’s… okay, I did say I felt good around you before, so bear with me as I get a little more abstract, but I’ve always got a lot of energy swirling around inside me. Like, always kinda gotta move and keep focused and not lose my edge and all that.”
“Sounds like that sports stress I dodged out of soccer.”
“Probably. But around you it’s like… I can calm down. I feel less exhausted around you, like there’s this… little comfortable bubble. I like that. I like it a lot. It’s not something I’ve felt with any guy I’ve been with before. Even Rumble, he was matching my wavelength in a lot of ways. You, you’re… this is weird for me, I can usually figure out what to say…”
Scootaloo tugged on Spike’s hand and pulled him in close, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace. Slowly, unsurely, he put his arms around her as well. The two stood in their close hug, Scootaloo’s face pressed against his shoulder, tilted to let his head rest on hers.
“Spike, you’re someone I wanna keep being around,” Scootaloo said.
…wow
Somewhat abruptly, Scootaloo popped out of Spike’s arms and started walking away. She spun in place and pointed at him.
“Plus, you’re really cute. That’s a big plus for me as well.”
“I’m… hey, no I’m… not?” Spike stammered as he started moving towards her.
“Don’t doubt my judgment on these things!” Scootaloo said cheerfully. “Besides, you think I’m cute, right?”
“Uh…” Spike tensed up. “I, well, you… yes of course?”
“Don’t say it like a question, give me some meaning here.”
Spike gulped. “Yes, Scootaloo, you’re cute. Really, really cute.”
Scootaloo grinned and pointed a thumb at her face. “Dang right I am. And that’s not ego talking, that’s confidence. Confidence adds to attraction, it’s important. I’ve got plenty, Spike, and I need to give you more, because you need to wake up and realize how you’re this really cool, good-looking guy that the rest of us already see.”
The tree was just ahead on the deserted street. The light from the windows and the shine of the moon was all that was around to illuminate them.
“Well, I…” Spike said. “I guess I’ll… have to work on that.”
“Better work fast.”
Scootaloo reached out to Spike’s hand and tugged him in close, this time her face aimed up. Using her free hand to grab his head, she tilted him down, shut her eyes, and planted her lips square on his.
Spike’s body fought valiantly not to crash on the spot.
………………….wow
Softly, he wrapped his arms around her again. He shut his eyes.
The kiss only lasted a few seconds. Every tick seemed to take an hour as far as he was concerned. A warmth he never knew spread from his face to his whole body all the way down to the tip of his tail. His heart felt like it wanted to beat right out of his chest. Whatever sweat he had to give was cascading down his back. It was a flash of an experience that he never wanted to end.
Finally, inevitably, tragically, Scootaloo broke it off and pulled back. She opened her eyes to Spike’s. They stared at each other for a long moment. She smiled. He stared. He desperately hoped he didn’t look scared.
She didn’t ask if it was his first kiss, and he was extra thankful for that.
“Two for two,” she said at last. She took a step backward, hands still in his.
“Yeah,” he said. “Wanna do another? Because… I do.”
“A date or a kiss?”
“...yes?”
Scootaloo laughed. “Spike… you’re on the right path.”
He smiled. “Helps to have someone show me the way.”
Scootaloo laughed, even harder this time. “I don’t know if you’re being really clever or really cheesy.”
Neither do I.
“I think I’m just flying blind,” he said.
“I’ll bet. Spike, yes, I wanna keep seeing you. I want… I want what I’m feeling to stick around. I like it. A lot.”
“Does, uh, that mean we’re, you know…” Spike almost didn’t want to say it “...dating?”
She considered it. “Well, we’re sure not not dating. I think the labels will reveal themselves over time. For now… there’s a unicorn in that tree who’s waiting for you.”
Spike glanced over his shoulder. He didn’t see Twilight’s outline in a window or anything ominous like that, but then, Twilight didn’t always need to see him to know he was afoot. Not that close to the tree.
“Yeah, I gotta get back… don’t wanna leave, though.”
“Yeah.”
She gripped his hands tightly, just once, then let go and started walking away. Spike stood on the walkway, the door to the tree not far behind.
“You’d better start hanging closer at school now!” she called as she walked. “Your confidence training is gonna start there. Be ready on Monday!”
“...I can’t wait!” he called back.
She waved behind her, then turned a corner and vanished from sight.
Spike watched after her for a while. It took him a moment to realize he’d been waving the whole time.
He smiled to himself as he reached for the door to the tree.
Okay… okay? Yeah… okay.
****************************************
Scootaloo moved briskly down the path through the park. It was all she could do to not skip along. Her heart was aflutter and her mind was all over the place.
So, he seems down with it, and I seem down with it, guess we’re gonna go for it… awesome!
She smiled. She couldn’t stop smiling. It had been a hot minute since she’d felt this good.
Her phone buzzed in her pocket. She suddenly became aware it had been buzzing for some time. She pulled it out and popped open the screen, glancing at the most recent messages.
Apple Bloom:
[SCOOTALOO]
[WHAT IS UP]
[SOMETHIN IS UP]
[ITS GOTTA BE]
That reminds me, I gotta figure out why Spike’s phone makes him shout at everypony when he texts.
Scootaloo:
[Why]
[Whatever do you mean]
[Friend]
Apple Bloom:
[There you are]
[Sweeties bout ready to have a damn seizure!]
[Her social power thing is givin her a fit]
Scootaloo:
[Awww]
Apple Bloom:
[She nearly collapsed in the ice cream shop just now!]
[Ponies stared!!]
Scootaloo:
[lol]
[I’d have loved to see that]
Apple Bloom:
[Spill it!!!!]
[How did it go!!]
[Whats that boy up to!!]
Scootaloo:
[Wouldn’t you like to know]
[;)]
Apple Bloom:
[Dont hold out pegasus]
[We have ways of making you talk]
Scootaloo:
[Aww gee]
[Look at the time]
[Gotta get to bed]
[Tell Sweetie I said hi]
Apple Bloom:
[THIS AINT OVER!!!]
[WE KNOW WHERE YOU LIVE!!!]
Scootaloo snapped her phone shut and laughed out loud.
That’ll teach ‘em to try and crash my date.
She ambled along the concrete path. A few other ponies clustered in groups on the other side of the park, illuminated by lampposts and marked by the sounds of Friday night merriment, but her area was deserted. She liked that. Time to take the long way home and just be alone with her thoughts for a while.
There was a lot to think about.