//------------------------------// // Soaring Hearts // Story: Helping the Dweeb // by Draconian Soul //------------------------------// Spike didn’t get much sleep that night. Most of the time, he laid in his bed, trying to make himself forget about the weird dream he was having. His mind would always wonder back to the griffon who plagued his mind, refusing to stop grating at his dreams. Once he actually was able to destroy the thoughts and get some sleep, the sun beamed through the windows, preventing any rest he could possibly have. He pulled his pillow over his head and groaned loudly into it. “Well, might as well get up,” he said to himself. “Not like I’ll be able to sleep anyways.” He went to the bathroom to freshen up. Looking in the mirror, he noticed that his eyes were baggy and red; his restless night had taken its toll on the dragon, and it was all Gilda’s fault. The question was, why was he still thinking about her? Spike splashed cold water on his face in hopes that it would wake him up. He dried his face and walked down the stairs to fix himself something to eat. “Well, looks who’s finally up?” Twilight teased, watching as Spike drowsily walked towards the kitchen. “Twilight, the sun just came up,” he duly replied. “Not everyone gets up at the crack of dawn like you do.” Twilight noticed Spike’s raspy voice and his sluggishness, raising an eyebrow in concern. “Spike, are you okay?” “Yeah, I’m good,” he said, rubbing his eyes. “Just, you know, still kinda drowsy and all. I should be able to wake myself up soon.” “Well, if you say so,” Twilight said. Spike softly smiled to assure he was okay and walked into the kitchen to grab himself some food. He went to the cupboard and grabbed himself a bowl. As he made himself a bowl of honey flakes, his mind drifted, which he assumed was due to being deprived of sleep. Hey dweeb, gonna share some of that cereal with me? “Huh… wha?” Spike looked around for the source of the comment. “I said, could you bring some of that cereal to me?” Twilight called from the living room. “Oh, sure! No problem,” Spike replied clumsily. Twilight eyed Spike as he brought her the box of cereal. His nervous, confused expression concerned her. “So, um… I’ll go get the the bowls and milk, alright?” Spike spat out his response and swiftly went back to the kitchen. “What’s going on with him?” Twilight asked herself. Spike grabbed two glasses and the jug of milk, trying to clear his head of the griffon in the process. “Okay, so you can’t get her out of your head. So what!” He tried to rationalize with himself. “That doesn’t mean anything. I mean, you’re always thinking about Twilight and your other friends all the time! Why are you sweating thinking about Gilda?” Aww, ain’t that just pwecious? The little twerp has a crush on me! “Ahh!” Spike jolted at Gilda’s voice, dropping both the milk and the bowls, which shattered all onto the floor. “Spike!” Twilight darted towards the kitchen. Spike tried to clean up the bits of broken glass along the puddle of spilt milk. “What in Equestria happened here?” “It’s okay, I can clean this!” he said as he hastily picked up the broken plate. Twilight sighed and trotted towards Spike. “Don’t worry about it,” she said. “I’ll clean the mess up. You just go get us some more milk.” “But…” “I think going for a little walk could do you some good. You obviously have something on your mind.” “What are you talking about?” Spike asked nervously. “I’m not even thinking about her!” He covered his mouth after realizing what had slipped out. “See? That’s what I’m talking about!” Twilight patted Spike’s head. “I think you need some time to clear your head of whatever is bothering you. If you want to talk about it, I’ll listen.” Spike huffed softly through his nose, blowing small puffs of ash out. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. I could use a little walk.” He grabbed enough bits to purchase some milk and walked towards the door. “I’ll be back in a bit.” Twilight waved to him as he walked out of the library. “Take your time, Spike. I want you to come back with a clear head.” Once he closed the door, he leaned against it and let out a loud sigh. “Man, what’s wrong with me?” *** Spike walked along the streets, kicking at the ground. He couldn’t figure out why he couldn’t get Gilda out of his head. Throughout his walk, he was tormented by her voice. Sup, dweeb, it said. Any reason you ignoring me? “Leave me alone!” Spike grunted. “Why are you constantly following me?” Because I just like messing with you! It’s fun teasing the little dragon who has a crush on me. “But I don’t have a crush on you! We’re just friends!” Spike realized there was a huge crowd of ponies littering the streets, so he did his best to avoid drawing attention of him talking to himself. Yeah, keep telling yourself that. It’s completely normal to dream about kissing a “friend”. Spike face went red. “Look, can you just back off?” Not until you admit that you have a crush on me. “Why the heck do you care?” It’s called a conscience. I’m supposed to follow you until you come to terms with it. “Well, you’re doing a terrible job at it.” Spike walked towards one of the town’s benches and sat down, cradling his head with his claws to think. “Okay, you’ve gotten over Rarity. That’s good. You don’t need any other hairbrained crush.” Spike closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “She’s just a friend, that’s it. A feathered, loud mouthed, witty, fun, fiery, cute…” Spike’s words became more wistful as he droned on until he caught himself at the word “cute”. He brought his claws up to his reddened cheeks, rubbing his arms and smiling softly. “Maybe visiting her wouldn’t hurt,” he said, reasoning with himself. “I mean, she did say she enjoyed spending time with me…” Tapping his claw on the bench, he hummed lightly to himself in giddy delight, ready to see his friend once again. “But, she also said that she didn’t want me bothering her all the time.” Spike frowned at this realization. He needed an excuse… no, a reason to go and visit her. “Hmm… she does like fish,” he said. “Maybe I can bring her some lunch and just say that I want to hang out with her for a while! Only problem is… where am I going to get a fish?” Ponies didn’t particularly cater to other species, so finding anything other than vegetables or fruit was a task on its own. “There’s gotta be someone who knows where I can get some fish.” Spike brought a claw to his chin to think. “Now, where could I go to get some fish?” Then, just as the question emerged, the answer did as well. “I got it! I’ll ask Fluttershy! She has a knack for animals, so most likely she could help me out.” That was one issue fixed, but a new one surfaced. “But how should I tell her? ‘Yo, Fluttershy, I want a fish to feed a griffon. Can you help me out?’ I don’t think she would take that too well.” Spike leapt off of the bench and began walking towards her cottage. “I’m going to have to handle this gently…” *** Spike reached the front of Fluttershy’s home, knocking on the door lightly. “Um… who is it?” the soft voice asked. “It’s me, Spike. Can I talk to you?” And while you’re at it, why not tell her you want to kill her fish to feed your love interest? The voice was back again, much to Spike’s dismay. I thought I told you to leave me alone! Spike thought to himself to avoid confusion with Fluttershy, who opened the door and smiled softly at him. “Hi there, Spike,” she said cheerfully.“What brings you here?” Spike gulped. “Well, I came here to ask you a favor.” “Oh… a favor?” Yeah, he wants to roast a fish of yours and give it to me! Will you shut up?! Spike kept composure despite the voice in his head,and began to explain himself. Spike nodded. “Yeah. After I let go of Peewee, I kind of… well… felt lonely.” Spike did his best to sell his performance, widening his eyes for extra effect. “I see everypony else with pets, and here I am, all alone with no one to take care of.” Fluttershy looked saddened by Spike’s position. “Oh, you poor thing. Would you like to come inside and talk? Maybe I can find you a little critter to take care of.” Spike gave a fake sniffle and smiled. “I’d like that, thank you.” Spike followed Fluttershy inside. The home was filled with a wide assortment of animals of different shapes and sizes. “So, is there any animal in particular you’re looking for?” she asked with enthusiasm. “If you’re looking for another bird to replace Peewee, might I suggest you pick out one of our birds? Chirpella the Swallow is very sweet.” “Thanks, but no thanks,” Spike said “I’m looking for a pet that’s kind of easy to take care of. Even though I would like another pet like Peewee, with me having to work so much to keep it… you know…” “I understand. You need a pet that you can manage easily.” “Yeah. I was thinking something small… a pet you can keep in a container…” Just get to the point and tell her what you want! I’m getting hungry. Spike internally rolled his eyes and continued, “You know, something like…” “Oh, a fish?” Fluttershy asked. “Um, yeah!” “Of course! There are plenty outside in the pond. How about you go and see which one you would like while I get a bag to put it in?” Spike ran up to Fluttershy and hugged her. “Thanks, Fluttershy! You’re the best.” “Oh, Spike, no need to thank me,” Fluttershy said. “Anything for a good friend.” They exchanged short hugs before Spike went back outside and towards the pond. He sat by the water, looking at the fishes that swirled around. He couldn’t figure out which one he would pick; he didn’t really know what type of fish Gilda preferred. You know, that blue one looks pretty tasty. Spike flinched as the voice returned. Only, this time, the silhouette of Gilda loomed over the water, pointing at the pond. Or what about the big whiskered one? Mmm, can already taste the fish… “When did you get here?” Spike turned around to see Gilda, but no one was there. He turned back to the water and groaned, seeing the smirking vision of Gilda. What’s the matter, ‘Spikey Wikey’? You act like you’ve seen a ghost! “Oh great, now I’m seeing things.” Spike groaned, putting his claw against his skull. You’re the one thinking about me. Not my fault you can’t stop thinking about my wide, fluffy wings, curved beak, purple-tinted eyeshadow, and… “You’re not helping!” Spike shouted, annoyed with the voice. “Um… I’m sorry Spike.” The voice this time was much softer. Spike turned and saw Fluttershy holding a plastic bag in her wing. “I should be more helpful than I am…” “No, I wasn’t talking about you,” Spike replied awkwardly. “Oh… so who were you talking to?” Spike looked nervously at her, trying to come up with an excuse. Just tell her you were thinking about me and get it over with already! “I was… um… talking to the fish. Yeah! That’s it!” He turned towards the water and leaned towards the fish. “Hey, you’re not helping me make a choice! Be still so I can choose!” Fluttershy giggled. “Well, if you need more time to pick, I’ll wait around.” Spike concentrated on the fishes, a smug Gilda silhouette still smiling at him. How… about… that one! “Um, I’ll take the golden one,” Spike said, pointing at it. “Ah, so you want Whiskers!” Fluttershy said with glee. “He’s an excellent fish to have.” Great! I’m looking forward to eating it! “Seeing how he’s your fish, I wouldn’t doubt that.” Spike smiled as Fluttershy dipped the baggie into the water and tied the fish in. “There there, Mr. Whiskers. Spike will take good care of you.” More like take good care of me… Spike growled at himself. Don’t you ever shut up? “Um, yeah. I’ll take good care of it. So, how much do you want for it?” “Oh, I’m not going to charge you for the fish, Spike.” Fluttershy him waved off. “I understand that you need a pet, and I don’t mind helping a friend out.” “Thanks, Fluttershy,” Spike said, extending his free hand to to shake her hoof. “I really appreciate it.” “Oh, no problem, Spike. Just take care of him, will you?” “Of course!” Spike gave her a thumbs-up. “I would never think of harming the little thing.” “That’s good to hear. Now, if there’s anything else you need—” “No, I’m fine, Fluttershy. I should probably get Whiskers home and put him in a tank to be more comfortable.” Spike waved at Fluttershy, receiving one in return, and walked off, a small frown forming on his face. He raised the bag up and stared at the fish he was soon going to cook. “Sorry, Mr. Whiskers, but I have someone I want to have lunch with…” *** Spike finished preparing the lunch that he had planned for himself and Gilda. All the food was there, and he even had it all neatly tucked into a basket for them. Now all he needed to do was go and get Gilda, a task that seemed harder for him than he previously thought. “Right, now all I gotta do is knock on her door and ask her if she wants lunch!” he said to himself, walking in the direction of her home. “It shouldn’t be that hard.” So, why are your knees all shaky then, loverboy? “Why are you still tormenting me?” He growled. “I just want to go around in peace without my conscience following me and making me more confused than I already am!” Confused about what? “You know, the entire Gilda situation.” What’s to be confused about? You starting to get a crush on her, aren’t you? Once again Spike’s felt his face redden at the thought. “No!” So, what’s to be confused about? “It’s just… well, I want to remain good friends with her, and I’m not sure if she wants to bother being mine.” Yeah, keep telling yourself that, kid. Spike tried to shake the annoying voice out of his head, walking closer to Gilda’s door. With each step, he felt his legs grow heavier, as if they didn’t want to confront the griffon. However, he pushed on until he finally reached the front porch. He raised his fist to knock on the door… … Which proved to be unnecessary, since she opened it before he had a chance to knock. Gilda raised an eyebrow, staring down at the shaking Spike. “Um, hi Gilda,” he clumsily greeted, waving at her. “Um… how are you doing?” Gilda noticed the big picnic basket that Spike was swinging in his hand and pinched her forehead with a talon. “You know, when I said don’t expect another day like yesterday, I wasn’t being sarcastic. I really meant don’t bug me too much.” “Well, I don’t really want to bug you,” Spike said, gulping loudly. “I just wanted to… you know… thank you for your help yesterday.” “Uh-huh,” Gilda replied, unconvinced. “And I’m assuming that basket is just your fancy way of saying, ‘I appreciate it’?” “Well… I just… thought we could eat some lunch together. I mean, I know you—” “Hold it right there, twerp.” Gilda held out her claw. “I was just about to go out and find me something to eat. The last thing I need is you coming along and ruining a nice, solitary day I could have.” “Bu… but I got free food!” Spike protested. “How can you turn that down?” “Well, let me ask you this: how is it free when I have to do something for you in order to eat it?” Spike was about to open his mouth and reply, but words failed him. “Mmm-hmm, can’t give me a straight answer, can you?” Gilda asked. “Well, hate to say it, dweeb, but today you just wasted your time coming here.” Spike’s face flushed. There was something about her personality that sent his heart soaring. It was that fact that gave him the will to keep trying to persuade her to join him for lunch. “I have stuff that you can’t get normally,” Spike said. “I know you will like it!” Gilda folded her talons together in a smug manner, chuckling sarcastically at him. “Oh, and what could the little dweeb possibly have that I can’t buy from the—” “How about fish?” Spike said triumphantly, catching Gilda off-guard. Her eyes widened at his statement, her curiosity piqued. Hook, line and sinker. “Huh. Fish, you say?” Spike nodded proudly, though his cheeks still were a soft shade of red. “Yeah. I even cut up some pears for you. Peeled and diced, too.” Gilda thought about it for a second, licking her lips at the thought of eating fish. Spike smiled goofily at her gesture. “You know what? I think I can join you for lunch for a bit.” “YES!” Spike jumped up in excitement, only to be given a glance by Gilda. He ceased his jumping and coughed into his claws. “I mean, yeah, thanks for agreeing to have lunch with me.” Gilda snickered. “Well, just my luck. I had to go ahead and have the kid imprint on me. Alright, I’ll eat with you, but I ain’t going anywhere but my front porch to have lunch!” “Well… that’s fine,” Spike said. “I didn’t have anything special planned anyway.” “Good.” Without another word, Gilda opened the basket, looking to see what was in it. Sure enough, there was a container filled with peeled and diced pears. There was also a baggy containing a sandwich, blanketing a roasted fish between its two fluffy slices of rye bread. “Well well, looks like you went all out on this picnic,” Gilda said, which Spike could only assume was a compliment. “Aw… well… I wouldn’t bring a friend something I couldn't bare to eat!” Spike rubbed his arms nervously, pulling out his lunch, which was just a simple tomato and lettuce sandwich. He sat and watched as Gilda took out her sandwich and bit down on it. Her light hums of approval and puffy cheeks as she chewed brought a wide, swooning smile on his face. “Um, what are you staring at?” Gilda asked. “Nothing!” Spike jolted and turned away. Gilda simply shrugged his awkward reaction off and continued eating. Smooth move, casanova! Spike cuffed his claws against his forehead; the voice was still tormenting him. He did his best to ignore it. However, it kept grating at his skull, over and over again. Why not just tell me how you feel? I won’t hurt your feelings… too bad. The voice wasn’t really helping him any. He just became more nervous around her, scared to even tell her he had a hint of a crush on her. “You know… this ain’t half bad,” Gilda muttered through the mound of food she had in her mouth. “Fish tastes really good. Could have done without the mayo, but it’s fine. Definitely better than the trash I was planning on eating.” “Really? You mean that?” Spike smiled widely at the compliment. “I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it, Spike.” She winked, continuing to eat her sandwich. She called me by my name again! Spike felt as if he was going to faint. That’s pathetic! You’re getting all happy over me calling you by your name. Great accomplishment! And, of course, his conscience was there to remind him that it wasn’t going to let up until he admitted his feelings. Biting into his sandwich, he took periodic glances at Gilda’s form. Her feathers were perfectly fluffy. Her tail swished around, making Spike want to tug and play with it. She just screamed awesomeness… And he could no longer deny himself. He was falling for her. “Well, that was some good eats, kid,” Gilda said, throwing the bag into the basket. “Alright, that saved me a trip! Now I can go back and—” Once Gilda suggested going back and leaving Spike, he jolted up and looked wide-eyed at her. “NO!” he shouted before composing himself. “I mean… why not just hang out with me for the rest of the day?” Gilda looked at him with agitation. “Kid, you said only lunch. I don’t have the patience to deal with you today.” “What if we just hung out for a little while?” “And what’s your idea of a little while?” Spike tapped his fingers together and looked down at her talons, which were clenching the ground a little. “I was just thinking… maybe a few hours. We don’t have to do anything special. Just walk around, talk, have you meet my friends—” “Pause!” Gilda held her claws out with disapproval. “Who said I wanted to meet your friends?” “But… they still think you’re a jerk.” “Good! That just means they won’t bother me.” “Well, don’t you think it would be nice to at least have your name cleared?” “Look kid, I really don’t…” Spike began to frown, looking up at her with wide, beady eyes. Gilda tried to pry her eyes away from the display, but he expertly drew her attention to his puppy dog eyes. She absolutely hated it. “Okay, okay! Stop with the freaking sad face!” Gilda shielded her face so she could avoid looking at the pathetic sight. “Fine, I’ll hang out with you! But just for a few hours. We meet your friends, talk for a while, then I’m done.” Her response was met with a giant hug. Spike buried his face into her fluffy chest and snuggled against it. “Thanks, Gilda!” “Yeah, no… problem.” Spike stayed attached to her much longer than she had hoped. Gilda pulled him off her and shoved him off to the side for some room. “Heh… sorry about that, Gilda.” Spike rubbed the back of his head. “I’m just a little excited to hang out with you, ya know?” “Whatever. Let’s just get this over with.” Gilda sighed. “With pleasure!” Spike skipped off, humming to himself and urging Gilda to follow. His giddy nature confused Gilda. She looked quite dumbfounded at how much enjoyment Spike was having just being around her. Had she really left that big of an impression on him? Gilda straightened out her feathers and followed behind the energetic Spike. “I should have let him stay miserable…”