//------------------------------// // Espirando // Story: Ace of Hearts // by blowngasket //------------------------------// Chapter 5: Espirando "Do you have any twos?" "Go fish...do you have any kings?" "Go fish...seriously, Spike?" groaned Catacomb as he held up his hand of cards. "You have this golden opportunity to do whatever the hell ya want..." Catacomb looked over to the unconscious Twilight. "...and we are playing cards." "What's wrong with go fish?" Spike asked, pouting slightly. "Nothing, really. It's just that a boy your age should be out there seeing the world, doing what you want, wooing the ladies." Catacomb said, crossing his arms and nodding his head. Spike scratched the back of his head, blushing somewhat. Catacomb grinned slightly at this odd behavior. "So there is someone. Tell me all the juicy details, did you to get intimate yet?" Catacomb asked, getting up in his face. He knew the answer. Spike was still a kid, but this was going to be fun, and with kids these days, you never can tell. "Ahh...well...nothing like that. She doesn't even know I like her, really. If I tell you, will you keep it a secret?" Spike asked, Catacomb took his thumb and forefinger and moved them across his lips. "Pinkie Promise?" "What's a Pinkie Promise?" Catacomb asked, not really sure if he wanted to know. "It goes like this. Cross my heart..." Spike drew an X with his fingers across his chest. "Hope to fly..." The next motion he did was flapping with his hands. Catacomb watched, slightly amused. "Stick a cupcake in my eye!" Spike then took his fist and placed it against one of his eyes. "You get it?" "I got it...but what is so special about it?" Catacomb asked. "Well they say that if you ever break a Pinkie Promise, then Pinkie Pie will hunt you down to the ends of Equestria and jab a cupcake into your eye." Spike said nodding. "Who is 'they'?" "Well, I think that's what would happen. I kinda made it up, but I have a feeling she would actually do that." Spike shuddered at the though of being stalked by her. "Seems legit. Fine then, Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." Catacomb repeated the motions as Spike demonstrated. "Ok!" Spike got close enough to whisper into Catacomb's ear. "I like... Rarity..." "No kidding!" Catacomb said, slightly surprised. "Bonus points for setting your standards high there. So what have you done to make her notice this little crush of yours?" Catacomb asked, pulling up the chair and sitting on it backwards, arms resting on the back with his chin on his arms. "I help her out whenever I can. I spend most of my free time I get with her if possible, and I even gave her one of my prized possessions." Catacomb listened closely to Spike. "I just don't know if she has noticed that I like her. I swear that one of these days I might just need a billboard!" "Have you tried actually telling her?" Catacomb asked plainly. "That won't do! For a fine lady like Rarity, I need it to be extravagant and breathtaking, something that will leave her speechless!" Spike jumped up onto his chair. "I want her to notice it and say... 'Oh Spiky Wikey, you are the only man I will ever need ever!'...and then we will kiss!" Spike raised his hand into the sky excitedly. Catacomb simply watched. "Ok, Casanova. You seem like you got your mind set here. What is the plan then?" Catacomb asked. Spike looked over to him, his eyes widening slightly. "You would be willing to help me?!" Spike said in surprise. "Of course! This is far more entertaining then what I was planning on doing." Catacomb chuckled. "What were you going to do?" Spike asked, curious. "Either hunt down my friend and beat him to a pulp, or repeatedly poke Twilight there with a stick." Spike raised an eyebrow. "What, I think it would be funny." Catacomb said, grinning. He had a gut feeling Spike knew what he meant, but he played it off as a joke. "So again, what's the plan then?" Catacomb said to the young boy, trying to stray the conversation back on the path of decency. "Well, here it goes. We are gonna..." ---------- ---------- --------- Rarity sat at the edge of her bed, watching as the sun started to shine through the clouds, though considerably lower. The rainstorm was finally over, and the town had a refreshed glow to it. Even a rainbow started to peer its way over the town, making for a lovely sight to behold. Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door, causing her to jump slightly. She got up and made her way to the shops entrance. "I will be right there!" She yelled out. Finally arriving at the door, she opened it quickly. Spike stood there, dressed up in a nice green dress shirt, with matching purple dress jacket and pants. He held in his hand a bouquet of tulips, each one a different color of the rainbow, and handed them to her. "Good evening, Rarity. The day is becoming more bright, but nothing can shine as bright as you do." Spike said in a suave manner. "I know you were planning on working today, but how about you take some time and relax. I promise you that the time spent with me will be easily worth it." Rarity stared there, slightly shocked by the whole scene. She knew Spike had a thing for her, but to go all out like this, was nothing short of shocking. "Wow, Spike...I don't quite know what to say..." Rarity said. She knew it would be proper to tell him she couldn't, but all the effort he is putting forward, it would be more rude to say no at this point. He was trying hard, and she knew he had feelings for her. Most of Ponyville knew he had feelings for her. "Well I don't know... this order does need to be completed soon, and ..." "My lady, if you wish to say no, I will not be upset because of it. I will be upset because you will have missed out on a wonderful chance to relax and let someone be your prince, if not for a day." Spike was simply smooth with the way he spoke. Rarity tried to find a reason to tell him no, but she wanted to know what Spike was planning, and secretly, she enjoyed the thought of being treated. "I...uhh...I will need some time to get myself ready, wait down here for me will you, it shall only take a minute." Rarity said to Spike, who only proceeded to smile. "I understand that perfection takes time, so you may have as much as you please. Though no matter, I guarantee you will be stunning." Spike said as she walked away. She was glad her back was turned, as it helped her hide her blushing. Spike stood there for several seconds, before a soft whisper was heard from an open window. He walked over to it, finding a second Spike standing there, wearing the exact same outfit. "That was fantastic! And you did that all so perfectly." The outside Spike spoke. The one on the inside gave a slight grin, and chuckled. "Years of practice, and you will be able to do so as well." The inside Spike said. "As much fun as this is though, I will have to end the charade here. It wouldn't be classy of me to have her fall in love with pretend Spike here." "I know, but what if I screw up? I don't want to make a mistake." outside Spike looked down, obviously nervous. "Trust me on this one. If ya care for the woman, then you can't possibly make a mistake. Even if you do, if she cares for you, then she will be able to forgive you...as long as the mistake isn't like blowing up a house, or sleeping with her best friends. Only if that guy knew..." Outside Spike looked at inside Spike with a puzzling look. "What did you just say?" He asked, causing inside Spike to scratch his head slightly. "Nothing, nothing. So are you ready for the switch? Don't worry, I will still be at your side tonight just in case. You have to trust me." The outside Spike nodded, and the inside Spike opened the window. He quickly jumped up and out, helping the other inside. Checking that the coast was clear, the former inside Spike's shape quickly changed to that of Catacomb's preferred form. Adjusting his hat, he gave the actual Spike a thumbs up. Spike gulped slightly and walked back to the front entrance, now holding the bouquet of flowers, though shaking slightly. Catacomb made his way to the next location to prepare for part two of the 'CataSpike master get Rarity to be Spike's date' Plan. He still cringed at the stupid name, but the kid had a serious set of stones to be willing to go through with this. Catacomb didn't think Spike had a snowballs chance in Tartarus, but with a push in the right direction, anything is possible. Catacomb would go down in history as the greatest wingman to ever walk the face of Equestria. It would be the unwritten history book, but that was good enough. ---------- ---------- ---------- Spike waited there for several more minutes, trying to gather his composure as he kinda asked Rarity out on a date. 'Maybe it wasn't a date, more like a social gathering between two people...of the opposite gender...and I had a crush on the other...' Spike's mental train of thought wasn't helping his nerves. He looked down at the flowers, and then back to the stairs. 'Ok Spike, you can do this. Just act smooth, like Cata did.' His thoughts were finally disrupted when he heard footsteps coming down the stairs. He looked up, his jaw effectively dropping to the floor as he witnessed his crush in a stunning evening dress, a shimmering red that accentuated her curves in all the right places, though not showing too much skin. She looked down at Spike, giving a wink. "So how does it look? Not to fancy I hope." Rarity said to the stunned Spike. His lack of words and expression were enough, eliciting a giggle from her. Spike had to say anything at this point, or he would look foolish for the rest of the night. "Would you like me to put the pot in a water full of flowers?" He quickly asked, beating himself mentally for the butchered sentence. She chuckled slightly at the amusing comment. "Let me see them." She said, walking up to Spike. She took the bouquet and took a whiff of their delicate fragrance, and walked into the kitchen. She pulled out a glass vase from one of her cupboards and filled it up, putting the bouquet into the vase and setting it on the kitchen table. Spike stood their focusing himself. He needed this to be perfect, and to do so, he needed to act like the gentleman Rarity was expecting. Catacomb had faith in him, so he needed to have faith in himself. Taking in a deep breath, he leaned against the door and watched Rarity walk out of the kitchen. He gave her a smile, before opening the door for her. "Whenever you are ready, Rarity." Spike said, trying to mimic the suave tone that Catacomb used. He surprised himself with how well he was able to do it, and even more surprised by the slight blush on his crush. "Let us be on our way then. So what do you have in mind?" Spike pulled out a menu for the restaurant Catacomb recommended. He had never heard of the place, but Catacomb said he had seen it while taking the tour through town, and Rarity raved about the place, so it had to be worth a shot. "Fiore al tramonto." Spike said slowly, trying to make sure he didn't mispronounce it. Istallion wasn't a language he had much exposure to, but Catacomb said it meant something like Flower at Sunset, so it had to be romantic. Spike's suspicion was confirmed when Rarity gasped at the name. "You got a reservation there?! Oh my, do you have any idea how difficult it is to do so?! This is fantastic! How did you manage it?!" She asked, practically jumping up and down. Spike thought back again to the plan. Catacomb said he would handle all the fine details, so just wing it until then. "I know some people, who know some people." Spike said while trying to remain cool. He held out his arm to properly escort her, which she gladly accepted, still all giddy from learning where they would be dining. Everything was finally working out, and Spike couldn't be happier. ---------- ---------- ---------- Spike gawked at the general fanciness of the place. Crystal Chandelier's candlelight at every table, and all of the serving staff was snooty looking and wearing a tuxedo. Spike panicked slightly, not sure how he would be able to pay for this. He gulped, walking up to the host. "Do you have a reservation?" He asked, in a slightly snooty voice as well. Moment of truth at this point. "Table for two for Spike." He said, trying to remain confident. "Spike...Spike...oh here we are. You reserved the private lounge correct?" The host asked, causing Spike's eyes to go wide. He wasn't going to ask how Catacomb did it, but he was thankful. "YES...I mean, that was definitely for us. Thank you very much." Spike responded, getting a odd look from the host. "Follow me then." He told the couple. Rarity was trying her best to hold in the squealing of delight, but any longer and she just might explode. Holding it in was no longer an option as she had a chance to view the private lounge. It was a walled off section of the dining room, perfect for two to dine without being bothered by anyone, other than the waiting staff. Spike watched Rarity practically jump up and down before giving him a hug. He blushed slightly, not really sure what to do. The host coughed slightly, causing Rarity to regain her composure. She smiled and walked towards her seat. Spike just stood there in a daze, unsure of what was even going on. A surprise elbow from the host jolted him back to his senses. He ran up and pulled out the chair for Rarity. Spike went to look for the host, but he was nowhere to be seen. Shrugging it off, he sat in his chair across from Rarity, looking at the dining setup. There were many utensils, most seemed completely unnecessary to Spike. The napkin was folded into an odd design, and there were two rose colored candles shining their gentle light on the two that sat at the table, giving an overall sophisticated appearance along with a romantic lighting. "It's perfect, Spike. Oh thank you so very much. I got to say, I am actually a bit overwhelmed by all of this." Rarity finally spoke after a minute of silence. "Well, I know how much you like these kind of places. You're always so caring and generous, so it's about time someone gives back to you." The waiter finally entered the area holding two menus. He placed them in front of the two, and took out a small notepad. "Can I start you two off with something to drink?" "I'll just have a glass of water, please." Rarity said to the waiter. "Make it two as well." Spike added in. Finishing with his scribbling, he left to go grab the drinks. Spike opened up the menu, and stared at it for at least a minute. 'All of it...in istallion...what do I do? I don't want to seem foolish and ask what it says...but I am going to need to order...' Spike was caught in another mental crisis. He stared through the menu, trying to find something he could understand, even if it was by association. Rarity put her menu down, signaling she was ready, but Spike was in a panic. He had no idea what to do. The waiter finally arrived, and after placing the water glasses down, it was the moment of truth. "I take it you are ready to order, miss?" The waiter asked. Rarity nodded, and he again took out his note pad. "I'll have the vegetable rigatoni in white wine please." Rarity gave her order, which the waiter quickly took note of. He then turned to the panicking Spike and started to speak. "Your specialty sapphire salad should be done soon as well. Thank you again for placing the order ahead of time." He said, causing Spike to almost gasp in relief. 'Catacomb...you will forever be my hero.' Spike thought to himself. "Thank you very much." Spike and Rarity handed the waiter their menus and began to just talk. It wasn't anything important, but it was just talking. She talked about how her business hasn't been nearly as busy lately, and how she has been having problems with Sweetie Belle and the others from time to time. Simple conversation, but it made Spike happy none the less. He was here with just Rarity, and everything was perfect. The food came after some time talking, and Spike and Rarity started to eat in silence. Spike occasionally looked up to glance at Rarity, but quickly looked away when she had seen him looking. "The food here is divine. Thank you again, Spike. I don't think I can thank you enough." Rarity said happily. "Don't worry about it Rare." Spike said as smoothly as he could. The waiter came back and started to take the now empty plates. "I take it everything was to your liking?" He asked. "It was fantastic." Rarity said. "Great job on the sapphires. Not many places can cook them well, but yours were fantastic." "I am glad to hear that. Can I offer you any dessert?" The waiter asked. Both Spike and Rarity shook their heads. "Then here is the bill." He slid the check face down towards Spike and walked away. Spike's eyes widened when he saw the check. He was expecting some numbers, big numbers, but not this. It was a crudely drawn picture of Catacomb giving Spike a thumbs up, with a message to go to the host to pay the bill. "I will be right back, Rarity." Spike said as he got up. "Oh no, Spike. I can't possibly let you pay for me as well. Let me handle my cost, how much?" She started to dig through her purse for bits. Spike started to panic slightly, before coming up with a great idea. "I got an idea. I got this one, just leave the tip, and you can cover for us the next time." Spike said. "Next time? Awfully ambitious of you." Rarity said, chuckling slightly. Spike's face started to glow red with embarrassment, only realizing now what he had said. "Relax, Spike. I was only teasing you. I guess that does sound fair though. I have to use the powder room myself, so I will meet you up front." She set the bits on the table for the tip, and Spike quickly made his way over to the front. He looked at the host and spoke slowly. "I am here to pay for my meal." The host looked back at Spike and gave a slight grin. Reaching into his own coat pocket, he pulled out all the bits necessary for the food and placed them into the register himself. The host looked Spike dead in the eye and smiled. "Remember that one day I might come along for a favor. I only hope that you are so inclined to aid me with it." Spike chuckled slightly, hearing him say that with that voice was almost comical. Rarity walked up to Spike quickly. Both Spike and the host quickly regained a stoic appearance as she approached. "Everything all right?" Rarity asked. Spike nodded and smiled. "It is better now." The host gave a subtle nod at the line, cheesy as it was. "How about a nice nighttime walk in the park?" He asked, leading her out of the restaurant. "I would love to, but it is getting late." Rarity responded. "Maybe another time perhaps." "Then let me at least escort you home." Spike said with a dutiful tone in his voice. "Of course." She turned towards the host and gave a smile. "Thank you again, have a great evening." "Come back again." The host said. As the two walked out, he went up to another worker. " I am going to take my break now. See you again soon. If I seem out of it, I apologize, a have felt dizzy all day." The other man just nodded slowly, not sure how to process that odd statement. Heading out the back door into the alleyway behind the restaurant, his form quickly shifted back to Catacomb's and he stretched out the kinks in his body. It was now time for the final phase in the plan. ---------- ---------- ---------- Spike and Rarity walked along the quiet streets, enjoying the clear skies and gentle winds blowing their way. They decided to walked slowly to be able to enjoy the outside for as long as they could. Wanting to be more open, Spike tried desperately to gather up the courage to grab Rarity's hand, but he just couldn't make the move. He settled for just enjoying her company. It was a perfect end to a perfect evening. "Hold it right there..." A voice came from an alleyway right by were they were walking. Before anyone could do anything, Spike heard a muffled scream from Rarity as she was dragged into it. He quickly turned and shuddered at what he was seeing. It was a large burly man. Thick beard and short brown hair. His clothes looked worn, completely darkened from time, and lack of cleaning. He was gripping his hand over Rarity's mouth, trying to hold the squirming woman still. "Alright nows. This is how it is going to go. You leave yer valuables with me, and I might let this here lassie go. Sound like a plan?" He jolted her up slightly, his other hand reaching for a knife, which he held to Rarity's throat. This all seemed too unreal for Spike, what was he going to do, this kind of thing never happens. 'This...never happens...I get it now...your a genius!' Spike grinned with an odd determination as he slowly walked towards the man. "You think your a tough man, holding a woman hostage for simple pocket change. I got a better idea. How about you let her go and fight me like a man. Not like I can do anything if you beat me...or are you that much of a coward." "You little brat!" He through Rarity to the side and held the knife out. Spike smiled as he began charging the man. He was fast, as to be expected of a young boy, more so one with dragon blood. He jumped and delivered a kick to the mans stomach, causing him to groan slightly from the unexpected attack. "Take that you jerk!" Spike said, standing triumphant. The man quickly glared at Spike, and the next thing Spike knew everything was going white. He looked down and seen a huge gash across his chest, blood starting to drip out, staining his suit. He stood there, dumbfounded. This wasn't another one of Catacomb's disguises. He could hear Rarity screaming in terror at the sight. He felt the strength to stand leaving him, as he collapsed onto his stomach. "Little brat, serves you right. Now I think some payment is due." He walked towards Rarity, who was practically in shock from everything that had be happening. She wanted to run, but her legs wouldn't move. She just stared at the looming man quickly approaching her. She was truly surprised when he stopped. He looked down, causing her to look down as well. Spike latched onto the man's ankle, gripping it tightly. He tried to kick Spike off, but he held on to him for dear life. "I don't...care what you do to me...but you even touch her again, and you will regret it." Spike's glare was something Rarity had never seen in him. Even though the man kicked at him and stomped on him, Spike refused to budge an inch. Rarity could only tear up at the scene. Spike, the playful young boy, was laying there bleeding out and taking hit after hit, just for her. "Just let go, ya brat." The mugger was getting angry and taking his knife he quickly made a motion to stab, but stopped inches from Spikes back. "Well...well. We got our self a tough guy here..." Spike slowly looked up, and saw a face he was more than happy to see. Catacomb stood there, gripping the knife arm in one hand, and holding a rune gun to his head with the other. "Picking on women and young boys with weapons...tsk tsk..." Rarity finally looked up as well, seeing Catacomb standing there, wearing his usual cocky grin. With a quick motion, Catacomb threw the mugger towards the street causing him to land flat on his back. Catacomb quickly walked up to him, and placed a foot against his chest, and aimed the gun down at his face. "You probably don't know what this is...well too bad, I don't feel like telling ya." Catacomb pulled the trigger, causing a bright pink light to shoot out of the barrel. The light enveloped the mugger, causing a blinding flash and everyone there to cover their eyes. When they could see, they saw Catacomb holding the gun in one hand and a large glass ball in the other. Spike, even in his weakened state, managed to ask the main question. "Is he dead?" "No, It is a detainment spell. This guy is going to be dealing with the guards." He walked over to Spike and Rarity, but remained silent when he looked at the two. "Rarity...are you alright?" Spike asked from his spot on the ground. The poor woman was practically in tears. "Please...tell me you are all right..." "I am fine Spike, but we need to get you to the hospital!" Rarity said, quickly running over to the boy. "I am glad...then. Thanks for the save, Cata, but I could have taken him." Spike said, laughing slightly. "I am sure you could of, but having backup never hurts." Catacomb said, loading a white bullet into the gun. "Hold still for a second, Spike." Catacomb aimed the gun at Spike and pulled the trigger again, causing a subtle white orb to flow from the gun and into Spike. Rarity watched in silence as the blood managed to stop from his chest. "It's a quick fix, since he is resistant to magical effects. He is still going to need medical help." As he went to pick up Spike, he was stopped by Rarity's hand. "I'll take him. It is the very least I could do. Thank you so much Cata..." she said, picking up Spike herself. "Don't thank me. I wouldn't have made it in time to save ya if it wasn't for him. As for me, just a matter of convenience, nothing more. I'll walk ya to the hospital though, just to be on the safe side." Rarity nodded, looking down at Spike. The healing magic had put Spike to sleep. Catacomb made the silent walk with Rarity. The injury was superficial, so he would be fine. Catacomb got to witness the birth of a man today, and even more surprising, is that he could pick up that subtle chemical from both Rarity and Spike. Catacomb chuckled at the scandal, but didn't really care himself. Love was love, and if it takes them years, they will be able to figure it out themselves. Catacomb was just happy to be apart of it all. "So..." Catacomb started, looking worried. "what do you think Twilight will do once she finds out..." ""Dark clouds send forth your emissary. Show judgment to those deemed unworthy..." "Rarity...what's that...and why did you move away from ..." "LIGHTNING!!!"