//------------------------------// // An empty seat. // Story: Being Different // by Harmony_Blue //------------------------------// Today was sunny and bright. The sun cascaded over the land and wrapped it in a warm embrace. The birds chirped a soothing melody and the butterflies danced softly in the air and even the city of Canterlot was more relax than usual. It was a day to be loved and enjoyed by all. Well almost. One scaled being was having a horrible day. He was in the last place he wanted to be doing the last thing on earth that he wanted to. He hated it but there was nothing he could do about it. “Do you Fancypants, take this mare whose hoof you now hold, to be your true and wedded wife; and do you solemnly promise before me and these witnesses to LOVE, CHERISH, HONOR AND PROTECT HER: to forsake all others for her sake; to cleave unto her, and her only, until death shall part you?” Celestia asked the tall handsome stallion to her left. “I do” Spike was trying his best to hold back his tears. He had tried for years to open hs heart to the mare standing at the altar and every time she turned him down asking to be just friends. He genuinely loved her and would pluck Luna’s moon out the night sky if it made her happy. She was kind, generous, and beautiful. Stallions lined up just to see her smile. Today he was losing her. He wanted to stand a pour his heart out to her, to give it one more try. He wanted to but he wouldn’t. She was happy. Happier then he had ever seen her. This was something that no matter how bad it hurt, he’d have to take cause he’d never take this away from her. Celestia turned to her right and asked the same. “Do you Rarity, take this stallion whose hoof you now hold, to be your true and wedded husband; and do you solemnly promise before me and these witnesses to LOVE, CHERISH, HONOR AND PROTECT HIM: to forsake all others for his sake; to cleave unto him, and him only, until death shall part you? Spike had to restrain himself from ripping the pillow he was holding in half. Every word brought the two closer to a life of eternal happiness. He just had to do his part and make it through this. He’s a great guy. He’s kind to her and always listens to her no matter what it is she is talking about. When she needs a shoulder he’s there. Tears never stay long cause he wipes them away. He’s a great guy and perfect for her. Best of all, he’s not a dragon. The very reason….the very reason…. “I do.” The very reason he was turned away. “Rings please.” Looking up all eyes were on him. It was his turn. He stepped forward presenting the rings to the soon to be weds. Each ring was gold with a diamond ring wrapping around it. The middle of the ring a sapphire ring lining it. Whoever made the ring went through a lot to get it done.They each took a ring in there magic, looking deep in to each others eyes they slid the rings on to the others horn. Spike stepped back to his first position and gripped the velvet pillow. Tears won the battle and began pouring. I’ll cry without a sound. Everyone is looking at the two standing at the altar. No one would notice. As long as I’m quiet no one will notice. “I now pronounce you husband and wife.” Celestia said with a happy smile. “You may kiss the bride” I tried dammit. I tried hard. I gave it everything over the years. She found what she was looking for and I’m happy for her. All that is left is for me to let it go. So I say to these feelings for you bye it was nice to have you around but I don’t think I’ll be needing you. She’s out of reach now. Bye my love. The Great hall erupted into cheers as Rarity and Fancypants Shared their first kiss as husband and wife. Everypony stood, hats in the air, hugs everywhere. Pinkie Pie boncing higher than the hats. It was truly a time for happiness. For most. _________________________________ The reception was in full swing. Ponies mingled, danced and congratulated the newlyweds. Pinkie pie had started a conga line and had it twenty ponies strong. Rarity hadn’t left Fancypants side, wanting to be able to look at her husband whenever she could. This was a dream come true and it just didn’t feel real without him right next to her. Spike chose to stay at the table he was seated at and was enjoying the happy crowd. He danced a little with Twilight and Applejack, mingled a bit and just ended up back here. Looking around everyone was smiling. He had emotional mask on. He’d rather not have any sign of sadness on his face. He wanted no attention taken from Rarity. Just as the thought was leaving his mind the newlyweds had started to come towards him. “Hello Spikey Wikey. I just want thank you so very much for these absolutely gorgeous rings. I’ve never seen anything like it.” Rarity said with a warm smile. “I must agree. When you said it’ll be one of a kind you weren’t kidding. When we get back from our honeymoon I’m recommending you to all the Canterlot elite. Thank you Spike my friend.” Fancypants extended his hoof. Spike grabbed it firmly and shook it. “No problem. Rarity is a close and important friend to me. She’s always been there for me. So when she came to and asked if I’d make the rings I promised her something she had never seen. Stayed up late last night to put on the finishing touches.” “I still feel like we owe you something. This is simply too much work to just give it away.” Rarity said. “Your my friend and it’s your wedding. It’s the least I could do. Besides jewel smithing is my job. It wasn’t too much work, I just added a few extras so it took a little longer.” Spike said looking down and scratching his cheek. “Extras?” the newlyweds said in unison. “When things get hard or bumpy just look inside your rings.” Spike stood and started to walk towards the bar. Curious, they slid off their rings and looked inside them. At first they saw nothing but then words started to slide across the gold of the ring. They were clearly enchanted. They began reading together. Our love will outlast diamond. It will outlast time and even existence itself. No force will move us. No object will stop us. If sent the opposite ends of the planet we’d stop at nothing to hold each other again. I love you now and forevermore. Stay by my side and I’ll always be by yours. The two stood there speechless. “Those are the words of my proposal.” Fancypants finally managed to get out. “He remembered it word for word and had it enchanted in to the rings just for us” a teary eyed Rarity said. “He is one amazing friend. I feel like we have nothing to worry about. We’ll always be together. That was his way of saying it” Fancysaid pulling his bride closer and gently pecking her on the lips. Rarity leaned into him. “Thank you Spikey Wikey” she whispered. Spike had already made it to the bar. He was old enough to drink and often had a drink when he need think or relax. “One Kicking Mare please.” Spike said the the bartender. She nodded and went to making the drink. Leaning against the bar he saw that Pinkie’s conga line was still going and had doubled in size. He wasn’t surprised considering Pinkie had a knack for bring ponies together. His thought was interrupted by the giggles of a few mares looking his way. They all smiled and blushed when he smile back. This wasn’t anything new. Spike had grown to be quite to handsome little devil. He was tall with strong, slender muscle. His eyes had narrowed a bit and his smile was gentle but alluring. His scale were always sleek and shining. His tail was as long as his long legs and looked as strong as the rest of him. His wings stayed folded to his back til needed. The fact he had a tux on only made his lady killing looks even deadlier. Too bad for the mares he wasn’t interested. To them he was just a toy. Something exotic. His name got around after he helped save the Crystal Empire and being a dragon made it all the more talked about. Most women claiming to be interested in him was only interested in his little bit of fame or his trade as a skilled jewelsmith. They could never look past the whole scaled best thing. He wanted something real with a mare. Rarity was real and really care about him. She just didn’t want a dragon. It hurt but he understood. A mare and a dragon was unheard of. “One Kicking Mare. Anything else?” the bartender broke his thought . “No thank you. This is all.” Taking the drink he took the napkin stuck to the bottom off and notice writing on it. “Off at ten o’clock if you want play” he read aloud in a whisper. He looked at the bartender who only smirked. “I’ll keep that in mind.” He said walking back to his table. He sipped his drink on his way back tossing the napikin in the trash along the way.He just couldn't get Rarity off his mind. He had lost her for good. He knew she was with a good stallion but if he wasn’t a dragon this would be his wedding he kept thinking. “Stop it.” He whispered. “She wasn’t interested in you as anymore the a close friend. She told you this countless times before. You knew she’d find the one someday. It wasn't you. Let it go.” Making it back to his table after waiting for the conga line to pass( 50 ponies long) he noticed his seat was filled. He didn’t know why but he felt like he seen her before. Her bight yellow mane and grey coat was very familiar. She was wear a silver dress with pale blue gems on its flank. They looked like bubbles. She was staring at her carrot apple just with…….the only way he could explain it was “derped” eyes. One eye was looking up and the other elsewhere, which made him think about where he had seen it before. “Umm hello?” he said to the mare. She looked up at him. Sadness painted her face “Yeah?” “Your in my seat.” “Oh. It was empty so I just thought no one was using it.” “It’s ok you can have it on one condition.” The mare looked at him with a quizzical look. “Can you tell me your name?” She looked at Spike for a few seconds. Spike was starting to worry that he asked something weird. Then she smiled and giggled. It was a beautiful smile that made Spike fell…..better. It was genuine and lifted his spirits. He found himself wanting to know her even more. "I’m Derpy Hooves. Nice to meet you."