Embers take flight

by Flutterfan457


Chapter 1

Twilight Sparkle was walking through Ponyville at a brisk pace, looking forward to the coming evening. She hadn't had a sleepover in who knows how long. Now she had convinced two of her friends to join her, and she was very excited. She wished the others could be there as well, but they had their own plans and work to deal with. She reached home and entered to find Spike diligently working on his chores. She smiled and tickled him with her wings, making him giggle and squirm away from her.

"Cut it out, Twilight!"

She did and hugged him.

"Are you nearly finished Spike?"

"Almost. Just need to put away a couple more books."

Spike continued his tasks as Twilight pulled out her book on slumber parties. Spike noticed as he finished.

"You're having another sleepover?"

"Mm hmm."

Twilight was looking into her book making sure she had every detail planned out. Spike looked very interested in it.

"Who's coming?"

Twilight spoke without looking from her book.

"Well, not everypony unfortunately. Applejack wasn't interested because of last time. Rainbow Dash has a big event to train for and Pinkie is busy getting the Cake twins two year birthday party ready."

Spike's eyes lit up like stars.

"So....Rarity is coming?"

"And Fluttershy too."

Spike smiled in excitement as Twilight continued to look through her book.

"What exactly were you planning?"

"Why are you so-?"

Twilight finally lowered her book to look at Spike practically bouncing with excitement. She glared at him.

"Oh no Spike. This is a girls night ONLY! I'm not-"

Spike latched onto her leg and pleaded desperately with her.

"Please, Twilight, let me help! I can get things set up or serve snacks!"

Twilight rolled her eyes.

"How are you gonna do that while trying every way to win over Rarity?"

Spike bit his lip. He tried to think how he could convince Twilight. Twilight set the book down.

"Spike, I'm sorry, but you pretty much spend every other day trying, I want this to be a relaxing evening for them as my guests."

"Then.....then I won't try."

Twilight looked confused and Spike looked downtrodden.

"Excuse me?"

"I....if you let me help, I promise I won't try to impress her. I'll just help out is all."

Spike looked at his feet, thinking he was wasting a perfect opportunity. But any chance he could spend time with Rarity was fine, even if he couldn't show his feelings like normal. Twilight thought about it, knowing Spike would probably still try, but he was normally very reliable and tried to keep his word. Not to mention she could use his help. Finally she sighed.

"Alright Spike. You can stay, but you have to promise me you'll behave."

"Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."

Twilight smiled and nodded. Spike immediately perked up and looked through the list and worked as quick as he could to get everything ready. Twilight thought this might not be the best idea, but she did trust Spike enough to be good. Whatever the case, she would be there and she'd make sure things went well.

~

Fluttershy was trotting through Ponyville with an overnight bag, heading for the Carousel Boutique. She was partly excited about tonight, not having many sleepovers herself. She was a little nervous at first, but Twilight assured her she would be among friends. It wasn't like a big party with strangers. She arrived at the boutique and knocked once. She received no response, but she did hear some kind of hustle inside. She knocked once more.

"Coming! Coming!"

A few moments later, Rarity opened her door looking frustrated. She immediately changed her disposition seeing Fluttershy.

"Fluttershy! Please forgive me. I've been so busy today I completely lost track of time."

Rarity invited her inside as she gathered a number of items into an overnight bag. Fluttershy was surprised how much she was packing.

"Goodness. I didn't realize we would need so much."

"Oh don't mind me dear. I just wish to be prepared in case this goes the way of Twilight's last slumber party."

"Wh....What happened last time?"

"Well, Applejack and I had practically been at each other's throats beforehand. We let our tempers get the better of us at first and....well, the evening wasn't very pleasant until after the tree fell on the library."

Fluttershy recoiled in shock.

"A tree fell on the library?"

"Indeed. Hence why I wish to be prepared for this get together."

Rarity finished packing and used magic to carry her bags, not wishing to deal with such a great amount of weight. The two left the boutique and headed for the library.

"So.....what did Spike do during all that?"

"Actually, he was in Canterlot at the time. Twilight said he had royal business to attend to."

Fluttershy saddened a little, thinking Spike wouldn't be there now either.

"Oh, I see. So, it's just a girls' night then?"

"Twilight said as much, yes. i'm certain she will take steps necessary to avoid the trouble of last time but....fortune favors the prepared."

Fluttershy nodded but felt a little disappointed. She didn't get to spend much time with Spike and she had hoped this would have been a chance to talk to him a bit. They reached the library soon after and Fluttershy tried to look forward to the evening, even if someone special wasn't there for her to see. Rarity knocked once and half a second later, Spike opened the door dressed in what looked like a butler's outfit.

"Miss Rarity! Miss Fluttershy! Welcome to our humble home. Please do come in!"

Fluttershy nearly squeaked for joy. Spike was here this time. She tried to hide her giddiness as she and Rarity entered.

"May I take your bags?"

"Why thank you Spike."

Rarity levitated her bags to Spike and dropped them into his hands, making him fall forward as the weight threw him off. Spike struggled to lift them and was barely able to carry them. Fluttershy lifted them and helped him set the bags aside. Spike panted in exhaustion.

"Th...thank you Fluttershy."

Fluttershy helped him to his feet as he rubbed the soreness from his hands. Twilight entered the room and smiled in delight.

"Girls, you're here!"

"Please forgive our lateness, Twilight. I had wanted to be prepared for..... what may happen."

Twilight sighed, knowing Rarity still had fresh memories of her last slumber party.

"Don't worry girls. This will go much better. I got everything planned out to the letter. This is gonna be a good night."

Rarity settled in and made herself comfortable but Fluttershy kept her attention on Spike to which he remained oblivious of.

"Spike, could you get us some punch?"

Spike ran into the kitchen to get them drinks. Rarity looked a little cautious.

"Twilight, what precisely do you have planned for the night."

"Well, just some simple things, really. Don't worry about Spike either. I made him promise not to bother you with his advances."

Rarity looked upset and pouted her lips.

"Why would you do that? I like being waited on."

Twilight raised her brow at Rarity.

"So...do you have feelings for him too?"

"Well, not quite. I simply enjoy his company and he's always very helpful. I don't believe I've given him any reason to think I do care for him in that way."

Rarity smirked but Twilight gave her a stern glare and Fluttershy looked very concerned. Rarity recoiled slightly in worry.

"I.....I don't see any-"

Twilight's horn suddenly began to glow and Rarity recognized it as a warning. She sunk back. Twilight took a breath to calm herself.

"Rarity, you've been taking advantage of him ever since he and I came to Ponyville!"

"B...but....he always seemed so happy to help. I.....I would never have him do work if he was unwill-"

"That is not the point! You lead him on! Now because of that, he honestly thinks it can work between you two!"

Rarity layed flat on the floor and couldn't meet Twilight's furious gaze. Fluttershy worked herself to speak.

"Twilight,please. We don't want Spike to hear-"

"Why not?! At least he'd stop chasing his own tail for nothing!"

Fluttershy noticed Twilight kept her gaze on Rarity who was nearly shaking in fear and embarrassment. Spike returned with a tray of glasses.

"Sorry to take so long but-"

Spike froze when he noticed the girls and nearly took a step back.

"Did.....did I miss something?"

Twilight took a deep breath and spoke to Spike as calmly as she could.

"Spike.....we need a moment to talk. Could you wait in the kitchen?"

Spike nodded and walked back into the kitchen. Once he was out of sight, Twilight used her magic to form an invisible barrier around them.

"Rarity, no more."

"But-"

She stopped when Twilight gave her an infuriated look.

"No more! I'm only putting up a sound barrier to spare Spike's feelings. When Spike asks to help, tell him no. When he offers to take you out, tell him no."

Rarity fearfully nodded. Twilight continued.

"We have to slowly get him out of his crush. You can talk to him and spend some time with him, but do not ask him for any more favors or let him give you any gifts."

Rarity nodded looking downtrodden. Fluttershy fidgeted awkwardly, inwardly wondering if Twilight would get upset if she knew how she felt. She stayed quiet as Twilight lowered the barrier and called to Spike. He returned nervously with the drinks and gave one to each of them.

"Um...what exactly happened?"

Twilight placed a wing around him and gave him a warm smile.

"Don't worry Spike. Just some girl talk."

Spike nodded once but saw Rarity looked very down. He placed a claw on her foreleg in concern.

"Are you okay, Rarity?"

Rarity looked at Twilight who sent her an icy glare as a warning. She gulped lightly and patted his head.

"Don't worry dear. Just......as Twilight said, girl talk."

She smiled nervously. Spike didn't look convinced but decided to let it go. Twilight spoke up happily.

"Would anyone like s'mores?"

They all happily said yes. Twilight used her magic to gather the needed items. She levitated four marshmallows toward Spike.

"Spike, could you handle this?"

"Sure thing!"

He breathed a small stream of fire and toasted the marshmallows to a perfect brown. Futtershy applauded him.

"Spike, that's perfect!"

Spike smirked at her.

"It's just toasting marshmallows Fluttershy."

Fluttershy continued to smile warmly at him. Rarity used her magic to assemble the four s'mores perfectly. Spike eyed the treats curiously.

"Don't think I've had one of these."

"Well, you're in for a treat Spike."

Twilight levitated one of the s'mores to Spike. He sniffed it once and licked his lips at the tasty smell. He took a small bite and chewed it slowly. He swallowed and made a loud yummy sound.

"This is really good."

Fluttershy noticed a little marshmallow on his cheek and without thinking licked it off with a smile. Twilight and Rarity looked baffled while Spike just stared at her in shock, his face blushed bright red. Fluttershy suddenly came to her senses and recoiled and hid her face in her wings.

"Oh! Um.....excuse me."

Spike looked to Twilight completely uncertain what to do. Twilight stood completely dumbfounded. She shook her head to get back her senses.

"Why don't we um.....um....."

"Play a game?"

"Good idea Spike."

They all got comfortable in the living room, though Twilight insisted Spike stay by her side. Rarity stayed near Fluttershy. Rarity noticed Fluttershy was still blushing but was trying to hide that she was constantly gazing at Spike. Rarity recognized the look. She had the same thing the first time she saw Blueblood. Rarity nearly giggled in delight at the sight. Fluttershy had a huge crush on Spike. Rarity looked at Spike who was trying to avoid staring at her longingly, but failed. Twilight was trying to think what to play.

"Hmm.....I do have some old board games we could play. Or we could-"

"Why don't we play Truth or Dare?"

Twilight looked at Rarity suspiciously as Fluttershy meeped in fear and tried to hide her face in her hooves. Spike looked curious.

"What's that?"

"It's a game where you have to either answer a question or do something you're told, depending on what is chosen."

Spike thought about it and looked interested in playing. Twilight didn't like the idea.

"I don't want Spike playing that-"

"C'mon Twilight, it sounds like fun."

"Spike, this is a game that's meant for older ponies."

"I'm not that little Twilight!"

"Maybe but-"

"Twilight honestly! Let him play!"

Twilight tried to avoid glaring at Rarity when she looked at her. Rarity recognized the warning look in her eyes, but Rarity was far too interested in Fluttershy's interest in Spike to be worried about Twilight.

"You allowed Spike to stay with us for the evening, and he has conducted himself as a perfect gentlecolt. I think we can trust him with a simple game."

Twilight softened a bit thinking about it. Spike looked at her with a pleading look and she finally relented.

"Alright, alright. But mind your questions, everypony."

Rarity started to think how she would proceed. She looked at Fluttershy with a knowing look. Fluttershy looked concerned, wondering if Rarity knew.

"Why don't I go first?"

Twilight nodded and Rarity placed a hoof to her chin. Fluttershy hoped Rarity wouldn't ask her, she couldn't-

"Fluttershy. Truth or dare?"

Fluttershy meeped and wanted to hide in her wings. She did know! Well, how couldn't she now, after what she did to Spike? Fluttershy fiddled with her hooves, trying to think what would be less embarrassing for her.

"Um......truth."

"Alright then. Let's see....."

Rarity thought more, looking amused. Spike was quietly asking what was happening to Twilight as she explained in simple terms. Fluttershy was starting to wish she hadn't come at all. This was going to be so embarrassing. Rarity smirked at her with an almost devilish glee.

"Whom do you have your eyes on as a potential coltfreind? And what is he like?"

Fluttershy gasped and her face turned bright red. Rarity simply smirked at her, knowing the answer already. Fluttershy thought about it, terrified of how Twilight would react after her scolding to Rarity. She looked at Spike for a moment and it seemed to help her collect her thoughts. She sighed and couldn't hold back a smile.

"There....there is this....one young man. He's.....he is much younger than me. Some would look at him like he was a little boy."

Rarity feigned surprise but her eyes practically lit up with glee.

"Really? I didn't think you would be interested in someone younger than you."

"Well.....it's just....he's such an adorable and charming little guy. Like a little prince."

Fluttershy sighed blissfully and smiled at Spike. Spike looked a little embarrassed from Fluttershy's attention and Twilight had caught on, sending more warning looks at Rarity. Rarity ignored her and continued to question Fluttershy.

"Is he handsome?"

"Oh yes. He has beautiful sc-"

Fluttershy stopped, not wanting to give away her secret, especially in front of Spike. She fiddled with her hooves as Rarity leaned in closer.

"Beautiful what dear?"

"Um......Hi-his coat. It's a....lovely shade of purple. And he has an amazing mane and tail of green."

Rarity bit her lip trying not to giggle in glee. Spike questioned when Rarity's turn would be over. Twilight simply shook her head, wondering when Rarity would stop.

"Has he ever asked you out?"

"N...no...He....he..."

Fluttershy couldn't take anymore and buried her face in her hooves, hoping to hide her blush. Rarity wanted to keep going, but decided against it.

"Alright. Your turn Fluttershy."

Fluttershy thought for a moment. Twilight still looked very protective of Spike, so she decided to avoid him.

"Um....Rarity."

Rarity raised her brow and thought for a second.

"Dare"

"Um....."

Fluttershy thought, not certain what to say.

"Um.......flip a coin."

Rarity looked disappointed while Twilight rolled her eyes and Spike shook his head.

"Really darling? That's it?"

"Well...then.....without magic."

Rarity suddenly looked a bit worried. Twilight smirked and levitated a bit to her.

"Just remember, you asked for it."

Rarity tried to work up the bit, but she couldn't quite get it. For almost a minute, Rarity tried in vain to flip the coin. Finally, she slammed her hoof on the floor, making the bit flip onto it's other side. Spike laughed out loud once and covered his mouth trying to stifle his laughter. Twilight covered her own mouth trying not to laugh. Even Fluttershy grinned in amusement. Spike stopped laughing and applauded Rarity.

"That was pretty sweet Rarity."

Rarity tried to appear cool and flipped her hair.

"I'll take that as a compliment."

Twilight smirked at her.

"I think that's enough of that, everypony. So what-"

She stopped as a pillow hit her in the side of the head. She looked and saw Rarity holding a pillow with magic. Rarity stuck out her tongue at Twilight. Twilight smiled and pick up a few pillows herself. Spike looked terrified and put a bucket on his head like a helmet.

"DUCK AND COVER FLUTTERSHY!"

Spike dove behind a table and turned it on it's side to act as cover. Fluttershy looked confused until pillows started flying in every direction. She dove behind the couch. Spike occasionally stuck up his head, only for a pillow to fly by him like a bullet. He held up a white flag in surrender, only for a pillow to hit it out of his hand. He shook his fist at the fighting ponies.

"THAT'S UNCONSTITUTIONAL!!!"

His only reply was three more pillows being tossed at him. He decided to simply wait it out, hoping Twilight and Rarity didn't kill each other. Fluttershy stuck her eyes over the couch cautiously, looking and seeing Rarity and Twilight looking like they were having a lot of fun with the pillow fight, both of them smiling and laughing. What was odd was Rarity was keeping an eye on the table Spike was using for cover. Even stranger was whenever Spike looked up, Rarity tossed a pillow at him from the far side of the room. Fluttershy didn't understand at first, until Rarity gave her a knowing smirk and gestured to Spike. Fluttershy's eyes lit up in understanding and Rarity winked at her as she continued to fend off Twilight. Fluttershy carefully sneaked toward Spike's hiding place trying to be as quiet as possible. Meanwhile, Rarity was trying to hold her own against Twilight, but Twilight had decided to play dirty and managed to grab every pillow tossed at her. Rarity suddenly realized she had no way to protect herself while Twilight had more than twenty pillows under her command. Rarity's eyes widened in fear and Twilight clawed the ground with her forehoof in anticipation. Before she attacked, they both heard a loud thud and an 'OOF!'. A second later, they heard a loud raspberry and Spike laughing hysterically. They followed the noise as it continued. They started to hear Spike screaming through his laughs.

"NO! STOP! IT TICKLES!!!!"

They both reached the overturned table and looked over it. They both wanted to aww at the sight. Fluttershy had her forelegs wrapped around Spike as she gave his stomach big raspberries. Spike was trying desperately to get loose by pushing against her, but her grip was too tight. Fluttershy looked like she was having the time of her life, a big smile on her face and her eyes bright and happy as she pressed her face into his little round belly and made bigger and bigger raspberries into Spike. She continued, completely oblivious to the two ponies watching her. Twilight was about to try and get her attention, but Rarity stopped her and made big eyes at her.

"Come now Twilight. Let her have her fun."

Twilight pushed Rarity's hoof away and nudged Fluttershy. Fluttershy stopped, panting lightly and looking very happy until she saw Twilight and Rarity looking at her. She recoiled and blushed fiercely. Spike panted heavily, trying to catch his breath. Twilight couldn't hold back a light laugh to which Spike glared at her. Fluttershy fidgeted shyly and tried to hide her face in her wings. Rarity smirked smugly.

"Having fun, Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy smirked and nodded slightly. Spike got to his feet and rubbed his belly. Fluttershy smirked and gave him one more quick raspberry on his stomach, making him yelp and run behind Twilight.

"Stop it!"

Twilight giggled and hugged him. Spike yawned wide and looked very groggy.

"If it's okay Twilight, I'm gonna go to bed."

"That's fine Spike. Goodnight."

Spike smiled wearily. Fluttershy gave him a big hug and nuzzled him.

"Nighty-night Spike."

Spike said goodnight to the three and wearily went upstairs. Once they heard the bedroom door close, Rarity nearly squealed in delight and bounced for joy.

"Fluttershy, why in the world didn't you tell me you had feelings for Spike?"

Fluttershy smiled shyly and tried to hide behind her hair. Twilight took a breath, worried about everything that was developing so quickly.

"How long have you had these feelings for him?

"Um....since you came to Ponyville."

Twilight and Rarity recoiled in shock as Fluttershy felt very embarrassed and blushed fiercely.

"Darling, why didn't you tell anyone? You've been wanting a chance with Spike for that long?"

Fluttershy lowered her head feeling saddened.

"Well.....he...he always wanted to be with you Rarity. I barely get any time to talk to him, and....well....he'd never come to me......"

Fluttershy looked defeated, but Rarity placed a gentle hoof on her shoulder.

"Sweetie, you can't just sit back hoping your dream stallion, or drake in this case, comes to you."

"But-"

"No buts, darling! You are going to win over Spike, and I'm going to help you."

"That's enough you two!"

Fluttershy and Rarity looked concerned as Twilight glared at them.

"I don't want anymore pressure put on Spike. He's gonna be upset enough about.....Rarity."

Rarity lowered her head as Twilight looked upset with her. Twilight sighed and tried to keep her voice down.

"Not a word of this to him. I don't want him anymore upset than he needs to be. Understood?"

They both nodded. Twilight led them both upstairs.

"Let's get some sleep."

The three quietly walked upstairs to the bedroom. Fluttershy stopped by Spike's basket and smiled at the sight of him gently snoring. Twilight cleared her throat, making Fluttershy walk to the guest bed she shared with Rarity.

"Goodnight girls."

"Goodnight Twilight."

The three ponies settle into sleep, except for Fluttershy. She simply layed still and gazed longingly at Spike, a small amount of moonlight shining on him nearly making his scales sparkle. Fluttershy looked at Twilight and Rarity, making certain they were both sound asleep. Fluttershy knew this might not be a good idea, but she didn't think she would have a chance like this again. She very carefully got out of bed and quietly tiptoed to Spike. She layed down gently and simply took in the sight of him.

"Oh Spike. I wish....I wish you had come to me."

She gazed at him lovingly, wanting to cuddle him. Fluttershy looked at Twilight and Rarity again, having an idea that made her both excited and terrified. She very slowly and carefully leaned forward to Spike's face. She tried to still her breath as she was barely an inch away from him, feeling his hot breath on her face. She whispered one thing to him so quietly she barely heard it herself.

"I love you Spike."

She leaned forward slightly, pressing her lips tenderly into his. She moaned quietly feeling his surprisingly warm lips. She held it for nearly half a minute before slowly pulling away. She panted lightly as her heart beat a mile a minute. Fluttershy looked at the clock which read 1:15 AM. She gently kissed Spike's cheek and carefully walked back to bed and slipped under the covers, hoping her heartbeat would still enough for her to sleep. She didn't notice that Rarity was wide awake and was biting her pillow to keep from shouting in joy at the beautiful and adorable sight she just saw.

End of Part 1