Forbidden Fruit
By NocturneD
The night did not fare well as Shining Armor and Rarity offered to take Sweetie Belle to dinner to celebrate a job well done. Rarity still shot glances at me as I stared from across the room. She would not believe me that the play's plot was entirely coincidental, even if Twilight tried to persuade her that it was. Still Rarity took this personal, Shining Armor really had no opinion besides shifting his shoulders. I watched as Sweetie Belle enjoy being around her sister and new boy to... I meant boyfriend. Sorry. As I was saying, Shining Armor really took a shine to Sweetie Belle as I saw her drag him by his hoof to show him all the drawings she made in school. He smiled and complimented her school work. They laughed and talked more about school work. Cheerilee would come over to talk to Shining Armor some more, maybe about his interests in becoming a teacher himself. Rarity would soon join them, with her body close to Shining Armor's almost like she was his trophy... Or ball and chain.
I looked over at Big Macintosh to find him doing something similar with Apple Bloom. Looking at all the fun stuff they did in school. She just showed us her macaroni drawing of a dinosaur, I thought it was adorable and clopped for a great picture. I asked her if there were probably two artists in the family. She only blushed and waved it off saying Big Mac was the master painter of the family. Spike and Twilight were talking to each other like nothing happened, surely something inside of me felt good about this. Surely she can't stand being away from him. Maybe she will come to her senses and run the library again? Or... just look at me like I wronged her whole family. Again with that stare of hers. After a month she is still unforgiving. But she looked back down to Spike to listen to him say what we did with the library. She was all smiles for him. I guess just let her have it...
Families enjoying the night with each other but then I noticed Scootaloo was rather distant, just sitting there by herself. Fumbling around with her toy sword looking back and forth at the group of parents talking and laughing at each other. Maybe her parents could not make it? I walked over to the orange pegasus and smiled down at her.
"That was great performance Scootaloo." I pulled up a chair and sat down beside her.
She sighed, "Yeah. I guess."
My lips formed a smirk, "Parents could not make it?"
She went back to lightly waving her sword letting the tip smack the ground again and again, "Sort of..."
This got me curious, "Sort of?"
"It's nothing." She grunted, sheathing her sword. "I better get going before they get worried." Before I knew it, Scootaloo walked out of the room as she bid her teacher and her friends a good bye. She did not seem too upset but still it bothered me, was hoping to meet her parents that night. Wonder what they look like. Only thing I knew about Scootaloo is that she was Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle's friend and could not fly yet. Probably because her wings were not growing right or she has not learned yet. Hopefully the latter.
The after party finally ended. Sweetie Belle bid a good night to me and I gave her a big hug in return. Rarity this time did not make any stupid faces at me, knowing that I only had trouble with her and not Sweetie Belle. No Sweetie Belle is far too innocent to even get an idea what the trouble between her sister and I, still the little filly thinks of me as the flawless princess. Which made me smile even more. Shining Armor welcomed Sweetie Belle with open arms and carried her on his back as Rarity walk beside him. Was this confusion? Or was it simple amazement? Shining Armor acting fatherly to a filly? It was very strict between him and I that we did not want kids just yet as that was why we held off and wanted to get out barrings together after the first year or two before we decide. Respectable, yes, lonely... very much so. I had nothing left from that marriage for me to even speak well advisable for. I could drag Shining Armor's reputation through the mud but... I just can't. Even if I almost want to vomit at the sight of Shining Armor having relations with Rarity and want to club their heads together... there is still a piece that makes me regret signing that paper. But for all the things I done with him, I just hope he finds happiness somewhere... He looked happy like he was before.
Shining Armor turned around and noticed me, he waved. Awkwardly I waved back with a cheap smile. I walked over to them and asked how he was holding up. He was not in any emotional pain I read from his face. But I could sense awkwardness reeking from him, maybe he felt strange too? A little part of me was sad that he recovered. Oh well. Maybe a month was enough time for him to saddle up and walk straight. Me, I'm still on the fence. He asked how I was doing real nicely, though with Rarity by his side hanging onto his arm I don't think she is going to care what I had to say. I just told him the short story how aunt Celestia asked me to take care of the library along with Spike. Where Spike was...
*GASP*
WHERE'S SPIKE!?
I turned to my left, then to my right. Panic rose within my mind. I asked a nearby pony if they seen a purple dragon, they just shook their head. I asked another pony, again no. Another and another. I know this made me look bad but it was my responsibility to take care of him and I already lost him! I searched outside the school, must have ran around the building twice calling out for Spike but no answer. Oh what if he was kidnaped? Twilight would really let me have it this time.
Again and again I called out for Spike. At this rate I was going to have half the town accusing me of losing a child now. Tears welled up in my eyes at the thought of Spike being carried off, even worse... unspeakable things happening to him. My heart raced. Apple Jack and Big Macintosh chased after me with little Apple Bloom following far behind. But just then in the corner of my eye... A lone swing set with two seats sat on the edge of the playground. Spike was on one, Twilight was on the other. Slowly swinging back and forth. Looking up at the night sky and the half moon up there. I slowly approached them and told the Apple siblings to be quiet as I heard Twilight was speaking to her little dragon.
"Twilight?" Spike asked.
"Yeah Spike?" She swung up and down slowly.
"Do you ever feel bad about yelling at the princess?" Spike turned his little head.
"A little..." Twilight continued. "But Spike... things have been changing and you should know that when you get older opinions and interests change."
"I know..." Spike looked down at his little claw feet wiggling his toes.
"I thought long and hard about it Spike but.. I really want to go out and do different things." Twilight slowed her swing down more then eventually stopped, "None of this is your fault Spike. I want you to come but... Rarity... and Shining..."
Spike sighed, "Don't remind me..." He tittered a little, "I... really liked Rarity and never thought she would... you know... hook up with your big brother."
Twilight turned her head, "I know it hurts Spike but that is one of things that change for either the better or worse. Rarity was not always going to be waiting forever..."
Spike wiped his nose with his arm.
I wanted to just run right up to him and cradle him but something told me he needed this.
Twilight sighed. Then nodded, "Spike?" He looked at her, "You do know that dragons can live for a long time right?" He nodded in response, "And ponies don't? Well... Alicorns can."
I blinked. Maybe Twilight could explain this better then I could.
"Not this again." Spike brushed his little feet into the dirt below him.
"I know you don't like thinking about it, but one day we're all not going to be here for you." Twilight put her arm around the little dragon, "Physically of course. So... I'm not saying you can't find your own happiness while we're still young because there is a big world out there just for you to explore." Twilight frowned sadly, "Though it hurts me to say this but... sometimes we have to make that journey for ourselves." She hugged him tighter.
"I know Rarity is not going to be around forever." Spike sighed, "Was just hoping during those years I could fit in."
"And you will be." She hopped off the swing. "I'm not telling you to let go but, Rarity has been talking about you lately how she misses you helping her with her dresses and giving her compliments."
"Is that supposed to make me pack up and go back to Canterlot?" Spike asked.
Twilight giggled, "No. Unless you want to." She smiled, "But she really appreciates having you around."
Spike crossed his little arms, "And what about Shining Armor? Can't he just help her?"
"Well... He could." Twilight frowned, "Since he quit the guard, Rarity has been giving him a chance to do stuff around her new shop." She turned to Spike who did not take too kindly to the news, "But its just until the semester starts up and he will be on his way to be a teacher. And so will I." She proudly proclaimed. She rubbed her right cheek with her hoof, "Though... I was thinking if I work hard enough I could teach at the school for gifted unicorns."
"Think princess Celestia will let you?" Spike asked.
"Well... I got a recommendation and said if I wanted to come back I could. It's just..." Twilight frowned, "I made a real jack ass out of myself that night when I told her I wanted to quit."
"I'm sure the princess will understand." Spike brought up.
"I'm sure she will. It's just I want to give this college thing a try... I mean I have been Celestia's prized student for about... fifteen years?" She looked at Spike.
"Somewhere around there seems right." Spike chuckled.
"Twilight?" Spike asked, "Are Rarity and Shining Armor happy with each other?"
Twilight frowned, then tapped her chin, "Well it's rather difficult to say. I think they wanted to keep it professional..."
"Pfft..." Sorry that was me.
"But Rarity really helped Shining Armor in his time of need when he first found out about Cadence. It really ripped him apart as he was trying to come up with an apology present for her. I guess..." Twilight tapped her chin again, "Well Shining Armor said he wanted Rarity to make Cadence a dress so they could go to a party and it was supposed to come in sets... Don't know what happened to it though. And after that Shining Armor started drinking which really scared me, but Rarity really helped me reach him and made things better... Just wished that he and Cadence would just sit down and talk instead of getting a harsh divorce."
"You still mad at Cadence?" Spike asked.
"Honestly... part of me is." Twilight replied.
My eyes widened.
"Are you ever going forgive her?" Spike asked again.
"Maybe one day... There is still some stuff I find what she did was inexcusable." She sighed deeply, "I just can't believe she went ahead and did that." She shook her head, "Cadence to me is like... the perfect older sister that is flawless and can do no wrong. We used to talk about boys and what we wanted out of them. She even told me that fairy tale endings can be real. I thought it was a bunch of hooey until I actually saw her and my brother get married... and then it only went down hill after that... Just proved my point there is no perfect ending."
"It was a mistake. So she's not perfect. Its not like divorce is not common." Spike shifted his little shoulders.
"No. But..." Twilight bit her lip, "I was really hoping on this would work. To be apart of something great... but it was too good to be true." She hung her head down in disappointment, "If those two are unhappy and found others, then I can be happy for them. Still might take a while getting used to."
"I guess I can get used to Rarity too then..." Spike sighed. "But if Shining Armor messes up, I will be waiting."
"I'm sure he'll hold you to that." Twilight chuckled.
"So what ever happened to Shining Armor getting some of Cadence's money?" Spike asked.
"Yes where did my money go?" I thought.
"Investing it into college and help pay my way too." She smiled.
"That's pretty noble." Spike replied, "He give any to Rarity?"
"Not surprised if he did." I thought to myself.
"Actually... He tried to but Rarity said she had her business covered." Twilight smiled, "It's looking really well and she has a lot of clients too. A lot bigger than her old building."
I winced at the thought of the home wrecker refusing the money my former husband won from me. I guess she really was generous.
"So... what's it like having Cadence take care of you?" Twilight asked.
Spike I think blushed, "Well... it's like having a mom. Some pony to wash your clothes and sheets, to feed you, give me baths, let me snuggle up to her when sleeping, read me stories... Makes me breakfast, lunch, dinner. Kisses my boo boos. Go out and play. Sing to me when I'm feeling down. Encourage me. Makes a snack for me to take along whenever I have to make a delivery. Watches TV with me and introduced me to Pony rangers." Spike counted off his little fingers probably around three times worth, "She's really nice and always makes time for me."
I started to tear up. I only spent so much time with Spike trying to make his life better. He was so ever helpful and I'm glad I was willing to make me think of me that way. Still I felt sorry for him. But once he said I felt like a mother to him, I guess Twilight took it differently.
"Like a mom huh?" Twilight frowned, her eyes wandered almost like she wanted to tear up.
"Y... are you okay?" Spike caught on.
"Oh yeah." She sniffed, "You like being with Cadence?"
"Well yeah. I mean she's not you but she has her own methods of doing things." Spike admitted.
Twilight turned around to face Spike. Her face was visible with the tears staining it, she hugged Spike tightly. "Be good for Cadence alright? And help her with the library." She sniffed, "If you ever want me to come get you don't be afraid to write or call. I'll visit whenever I can."
"I'll remember." Spike hugged back.
They remained that way for a full minute. I did not have the heart to interrupt the two. Hopefully this way, it would give them the closure they needed. Slowly I backed away with Apple Jack and Big Macintosh doing the same, let Twilight and Spike be. A short walk back to the school we waited for Spike and Twilight to come back which they eventually did. Twilight was still trying to act distant, but I knew she was not entirely angry at me. She only said one sentence to me, "Take care of Spike for me please..." I will. I will honor that for you Twilight. She gave Spike one more hug and a kiss on his forehead, then bid farewell as she caught up to Shining Armor and Rarity. Spike waved slowly. Feeling relieved he looked.
Spike let out a yawn then I asked, "Tired little guy?"
The dragon scratched his armpit, "A little..."
"Alright hop on." I smiled, the little dragon jumped onto my back and laid his little head down.
I turned to the Apple siblings, "Thanks for helping me back there."
Apple Jack smiled, "It's no trouble at all."
"Yup..." Big Mac smirked, "I'll be over tomorrow to fix up that thing you wanted me to do."
I smiled, "Thanks Macintosh. Spike here is a big boy now and needs his own bed." Yeah sometime in the week I ordered Spike his own bed a couple days ago and arrived this morning, something appropriate for a child his size. Honestly going to miss him clinging to me at night. I don't know what about Big Mac I liked, his honesty and liable to help any pony in need. But a shining hope of radiance I feel flowing off of him. I bid the three siblings a good night. And gave Big Macintosh a wink. Seeing the big shy guy blush, it was cute.
I walked back to the library and entered as usual. Tomorrow is Saturday, unfortunately the library was still open. Ugh after tonight I wanted to sleep in. The next morning proved it as I woke up feeling that I wanted to vomit. During the night it felt really hot even with the window open and felt nauseous. I raced to the bathroom and lifted the seat.
"Oh dear Celestia..." I hurled into the toilet. My hair and face was a mess, was it the food last night at the school? Oh no... here it comes again... BLAUGH... "Oh... please no..."
"Cadence?" Spike asked. I wiped the sweat and tears from my face to look at him.
"I'm... I'm sorry I woke you up." He cringed as I felt the urge coming back. I turned back to the toilet and let loose, crying as I did it. I heard little feet puttering on the bathroom tile and felt his little hands pull back my hair. I hiccuped a couple of times before I muttered, "Thank you..."
The door bell rang. Oh perfect... Now is the time when a pony comes in wanting to read. Or was it Pinkie to deliver her usual donuts?
"Spike..." I asked weakly, "Could you get get that and open the library?"
"Are you sure?" He asked.
"Yeah... don't worry about me I'm just feeling a bit under the weather... I'll be down..." Oh no turn away.
He turned around as I laid my head down on the seat. Giving myself a breather.
"Donut delivery!" That voice could only belong to Pinkie.
"SHHH!" Spike tried to quiet her down.
"Why?" Pinkie asked out loud.
"Because Cadence is sick!" Spike scolded.
"Oh..." She quieted down.
"Oh. She's sick?" A sweet little voice asked. Oh that can only belong to Fluttershy. I asked her if she was willing to swing by and help clean the library. "Where is she?"
It would not be too long as Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie found me where I was. They would help me back to bed like the sweet dolls that they were and assured me that they will help Spike do the chores around the library.
"Maybe it was the pickles and ice cream that I had a weird craving getting its revenge on me finally?" I asked myself. Oh please no...
*HUMPH*