Spike walked back into the Library wearing a bright green V-neck and light brown shorts with an eyebrow raised at his happy and giddy companion walking in with him.
"I can't believe it! I completely forgot that it's almost time for the Grand Galloping Gala!" Twilight said jumping happily. Spike just rolled his eyes.
"I don't see why you're so happy. Our last gala experience turned out to be a whole bunch of..." Spike's words were turned into bright green flames forming a folded up scroll.
"Oh that must be from the princess..." Twilight paused with lifeless wide eyes.
"Uh Twilight? Hellooo?" Spike should have had his ears covered as soon as Twilight replied with a scream. "Okay, what was that for?!" Spike asked in agony.
"I never told the Princess about what happened!" Twilight screamed frantically. Spike just scratched the side of his head.
"Okay I'll bite, why is that a bad thing?" Spike asked as Twilight grabbed him by the collar.
"Because I'm her student! Being part of that honor means I have to live up to the expectations she has on me! What'll happen when she hears about this?! She'll think I'm the dumbest Alicorn alive!" Twilight sobbed as Spike grabbed her arms.
"Twilight, listen. You're anything but the dumbest Alicorn alive! You're full of so many qualities, you're smart, great with magic, and the cutest pony I've ever seen!" Spike suddenly covered his mouth. Twilight suddenly looked up with tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Really? Do you have to lie to me when I cry?" Twilight asked not believing him.
"I'm not lying. I'd even go as far to say is that you're cuter than Rarity. Look, as far as I know, the Princess will understand that it was an accident and we'll get to telling her, but for right now can you look into my eyes and believe everything's gonna be fine?" Twilight looked back up to her friend with a soft smile and hugged him.
"Thanks for always being there for me Spike." Twilight said into his chest.
"No problem. Now, let's see what Princess Celestia has to say. 'Dear Twilight Sparkle, as you know, the Grand Galloping Gala is coming up, and I would never forgive myself if I didn't give you these complimentary tickets for you and your friends. Think nothing of it, and I hope to see you there. Sincerely, Princess Celestia.' Spike pulled out seven golden tickets.
"Wow! I can't believe she gave us tickets again! This Gala is gonna be the best!" Twilight said wiping her tears away.
"Ehh, I'm not sure I'll go." Spike said rubbing his arm.
"What? Why?" Twilight asked rather surprised.
"Well I mean, I don't blame you guys for ditching me, but I didn't exactly enjoy being alone the whole time. All I wanted was to have at least one close friend by my side." Spike said crossing his arms. Twilight put a hand on his shoulder.
"Spike, I'll let you in on a secret. I didn't want to spend the whole night with the Princess. I only meant to spend a couple of minutes talking about what I've learned, but all those other Ponies coming in kept getting in the way of that. When I finally got my alone time with her, I tried looking all over the castle for you, but you were nowhere to be found. Now I want a chance to redeem myself. Spike, will you come to the Grand Galloping Gala with me?" Twilight asked holding up two tickets. Spike rolled his eyes with a smile taking a ticket.
"Hey that's what friends are for right?" Spike asked receiving another hug from Twilight, but Spike soon pulled away.
"But don't think this is a date or anything, I won't be dancing or anything."
"Oh is that right "Mr. Twilight's cuter than Rarity?" Twilight said smugly with an eyebrow raised.
"Oh that's so funny, you thought I was serious." Spike said trying to look away.
"Nooo, you were totally serious! Hey Owlowiscious! Get a load of this!" Twilight yelled as she ran up the stairs looking for her Owl in question. Spike however just sat down at the kitchen table wondering,
"Man, I was serious, but why would I be? I've always thought Rarity was the most beautiful Pony I've ever seen! Now I suddenly let out that Twilight's cuter than her? What's wrong with me?!" Meanwhile Twilight was on her bed talking with Owlowiscious.
"I don't know what's going on with me Owlowiscious, I mean I've never felt so mad when the girls grabbed Spike like that before. Now I suddenly yell when it happens when he's older? What's wrong with me?!" Twilight asked clutching the sides of her head. Owlowiscious just gave a small "who." Twilight looked up and slowly pet his head.
"You're right Owlowiscious, it's probably nothing. Now, let's see what I can pull together for the Gala!" Twilight said getting up to her closet to browse through.
~LATE NIGHT TRANSITION~
Spike walked into the room to see Twilight doing some more late night reading.
"Let me guess, I'm gonna have to share a bed with you again?" Spike asked half sarcastic.
"I told you, "Quills and sofa's" aren't expecting new shipments of sofa beds for months, so sadly, you're stuck in here with me." Twilight said with a shrug.
"I guess it's not so bad. At least I've got my own pajamas now." Spike said climbing into bed with a black shirt and dark blue shorts. "So, you find something to wear for the Gala?" Twilight took her reading glasses off.
"Yes sir! I found an old dress that will look as good as my old Gala dress." Twilight said fixing a strap on her yellow spaghetti strap shirt.
"Cool. I just hope Rarity doesn't make my suit too, fancy."
"Aw come on. You'd look nice in a suit. Besides it a Gala. You're supposed to look fancy. Now let's try to get some sleep huh?" Twilight said turning off her bedside lamp and drifting off to slumber with Spike.
~MIDNIGHT TRANSITION~
Spike suddenly woke up feeling groggy because he felt an arm slumped across his chest. Spike quickly opened his eyes to see it was none other than Twilight's! He could see with the help of Luna's moonlight that she was really deep in sleep.
"Man what do I do?! I can't just wake her up!" Spike thought as he couldn't believe the situation he was in. He was about to get up, but he forgot the fact that Twilight's leg was on top of his. All the while Twilight was having an interesting dream. She was alone on a ballroom floor in her new Gala dress.
"Sup Twi?" She turned around to find that Spike had just said dressed in a new suit.
"Spike? W-what are we doing...?" Twilight couldn't finish since he had just shushed her. Twilight couldn't help but stare into his calm green eyes, which started to close as he started to lean his head sideways, and suddenly...she woke up to find just what her position was. Her arms and legs were wrapped around Spike, who was nervously turned the other way. She wasted no time in untangling herself from him. Spike had never felt so relieved.
"Twilight I'm sorry I didn't wake you up! You just looked so deep in sleep that I thought you would be mad. I'll go sleep in my old bed." Spike said rejectedly, but a hand grabbed his arm before he got out.
"No Spike. I'm sorry. I sort of have this tendency to cuddle with an object when sleeping. You must think that's pretty silly." Twilight said with a slight chuckle.
"Actually I understand, cuddling is a basic need for Ponies. So I have a solution that can solve your problem, but you might not like it." Spike said warningly.
"Let's hear it." Spike took in a deep breath.
"What if, hypothetically, I maybe wrapped my arms around you or something..."
"YES!" Twilight said rather excitedely. Spike looked at her with an eyebrow raised.
"Um, I mean sure. If you think that'll help." Twilight said blushing slightly.
"Okay, how do we do this?" Spike asked.
"Well, I suppose I'll just lie down with you behind me." Spike did as he was instructed.
"Okay, now just wrap your arms around my waist, if that's okay." Spike simply answered by following her second step.
"Is this okay?"
"Actually you could hold me a little tighter." Twilight suggested, as Spike held her closer than he would have if he was still a baby Dragon.
"Okay, now we're good to fall asleep right?"
"Right. Goodnight!" Twilight wished to Spike as she drifted off to sleep for the second time. Spike managed to as well. He was really thankful that he wasn't going through what happened with Rarity earlier.
~NEXT DAY AFTERNOON TRANSITION~
Spike was walking through the street's of Ponyville feeling more comfortable with the gazes of many citizen's. Luckily Carousel boutique wasn't too far from the Library. Spike peered his head gently calling for Rarity.
"Oh hello Spike, come on in!" Rarity called as she came down the stairs holding a couple of clothing bags with hangers.
"Hey Rarity. Twilight said you had a suit for the Grand Galloping Gala for me?"
"Indeed I do! I think we can both agree that you'll look simply smashing in it!" Rarity said giving him his suit and a few other new outfits.
"Gee, thanks." Spike said sheepishly.
"Sure thing! So, listen, I just want to clear any mixed feelings you may have since yesterday." Rarity said sternly as Spike suddenly remembered it clearly.
"Oh...yeah. Listen don't even worry about it. I know it's important to have your measures."
"Are you sure darling? You wouldn't even face me when you were 'ahem' taking you're pants off." Rarity whispered.
"Yep! Totally nothing wrong! Oh what's that?" Spike said putting one of his hands to his ear. Rarity was puzzled.
"I don't hear anything."
"Well I do! I think that's Twilight calling! Well, better go see what she wants! I'll send her over right away!" Spike shouted as he ran out of the front door. Rarity had an eyebrow raised.
"What do you suppose that was all about Opal?" Rarity asked her cat who just let out a "Meow." Later on the gang including Twilight came over to get dolled up for the big night.
"Man! I can't believe it's already that time again!" Rainbow dash said just coming out of the shower with a towel on.
"You said it RD! Shoot! I remember out last Gala like it was yesterday!" Applejack said putting on a white tanktop.
"Yeah me too! Only I had to muchmuchmuchmuchmuch longer than yesterday!" Pinkie pie said tranforming from Pinkamena back to her fluffy haired self.
"So Twilight, is Spike excited about the Gala this year?" Fluttershy asked from behind a changing curtain.
"You could say that. I mean he was pretty bummed about being alone last year, so I'm gonna stay by his side all night!" Twilight said using a curling iron on her hair. Rarity came out wearing a long, bright blue, one strap dress with a yellow gem necklace.
"Aw how sweet, you'll be the cutest couple!" Rainbow dash couldn't help but snicker in her rainbow colored hoodie dress.
"Ha! C'mon Rarity! Twilight and Spike going together?! That's be just, OW!" Rainbow dash yelped as Applejack elbowed her side being careful not to ruin the strap on her short brown dress.
"Now Rainbow, ah think it's mighty nice that Twilight's offerin her company to Spike."
"Yeah! Especially since he's all grown up now! He'll be such a gentleman! Offering his arm, dancing with you." Pinkie pie said bouncing in her white and blue vest with a long pink skirt.
"Whoa whoa, easy girls. I appreciate the support, but we're just going as friends. Nothing more." Twilight reassured wearing a long, purple, strapless dress. Fluttershy finally came out from behind the dressing station wearing a short, green breezy dress.
"Um, pardon me but, how exactly are we going to get there?" Fluttershy asked calmly.
"Oh that won't be a problem. You remember the spell I cast on us to walk in Cloudsdale? I'll use that same spell on us so we can ride on a cloud there, if Rainbow doesn't mind pushing us up to Canterlot."
"Eh, no sweat. I'll have us there in a jiff!" Rainbow dash claimed rubbing a fist up and down her chest. Then came a knock on the door.
"Okay it's almost time to go! Is everypony ready in there?" Spike called from behind.
"Just about! Come on in Spike!" Rarity called curling Fluttershy's hair. Spike came in wearing an amethyst suit with a white collared shirt, and a cyan tie. Twilight couldn't help but glance at him and notice,
"Oh my Celestia! The same suit he wore in my dream! Okay, calm down Twilight. It's just a coincidence." She snapped out of her thoughts and said, "Wow Spike! Look at you!"
"Hey, look at you guys! You're gonna give Princess Cadance a run for her bits!" Twilight suddenly leaped in front of Spike.
"Cadance is gonna be there?!" She asked only inches from his face.
"Yeah, along with Shining Armor!" Spike said backing away slowly.
"Well then we have no time to waste! Rainbow dash get a cloud for all of us to fit! I'll cast the spell on you guys when we're out there, now let's go go go!" Twilight said grabbing Spike's arm out the door. The others just shrugged and followed after them. While Rainbow dash was looking for a cloud where her friends could fit, Twilight cast a spell on everyone so they would be able to sit on it.
"All right guys! This was the biggest cloud I could find, so find a good spot, cause I won't be goin easy!" Rainbow dash announced as everyone boarded on. Applejack sat down next to Rarity who was sitting on her usual cushion.
"Really? So you pretty much take that cushion everywhere we sit huh?" Applejack asked with a tone.
"Well pardon me for not wanting cloud stains on my dress." Rarity said sticking her head up high. Rainbow dash formed a motor out of the back of the cloud and would it up so they would be on their way. Twilight found the takeoff so sudden that she grabbed Spike's arm with fear. Twilight shyly looked up at him, seeing he was distracted by the ride. She then turned to notice Pinkie pie making an 'I told you face.' Twilight rolled her eyes and let go as the cloud had already arrived at Princess Celestia's Palace. Twilight stepping off said,
"I can't believe we're finally here! With all that we've imagined, the reality of this night is sure to make this the best night...!"
"Umm, are you gonna sing again?" Spike interrupted. Twilight gave a glare at him.
"Well I guess not now." Twilight said walking in with her head lowered.
"Aw why so glum Twily?" A familiar voice asked. She suddenly raised her head to see that it was her own brother, Shining armor!
"B.B.B.F.F!" She yelled as she gave him a tight hug. Shining armor chuckled.
"Okay glad you made it! C'mon let's go inside, there's someone waiting to see you!" Twilight and the gang walked behind him into the main staircase room. Twilight stopped for a second.
"Fluttershy why don't you take Rainbow dash, Applejack, and Pinkie pie to the garden and we'll meet up with you in the grand ballroom?"
"Okay Twilight." Fluttershy agreed as they went off. She turned to see a familiar foalsitter approaching her.
"Cadance!"
"Twilight!"
"Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!" They both recited at the same time like always.
"Hey it's been a while!" Cadance pointed out after giving Twilight a hug.
"I know! We have a lot to catch up on!"
"Oh definitely! Um, hey who's that rather tall fellow standing behind you? He looks so familiar." Cadance said pointing to Spike.
"Oh yeah...right. Umm Shining armor, Cadance. I'd like to introduce you again to...Spike." Spike suddenly turned around with an hors d'oeuvre in his mouth.
"Um, hey guys. What's going on?" Spike said rubbing the back of his head. Both of their mouths were agape.
"Wow Spike, I knew you were growing, but not this much." Came a soft spoken figure walking up behind the startled Dragon. He and Twilight both turned around and said,
"Princess Celestia!" She had calmly stood in front of them, however Twilight was just frantically bowing at her hooves.
"Oh Princess I'm so sorry! I was curious about what my magic could do, and it would up turning Spike into a teenager, and I'm so sorry! Please don't be mad!" The princess just chuckled softly,
"Twilight, I'm not mad at all. I remember when I was curious about my Alicorn magic, I made a lot of mistakes, but I always solved them," She kneeled down to bring Twilight's head up from the ground. "And I know you will too. Now please, get up off the floor so you can enjoy this Gala." That was all Twilight needed to hear.
"Okay! Well you heard her everypony, let's enjoy this Gala!" They then made their way down the hallway which led to the grand ballroom. Elsewhere by the punch table Soarin, the Wonderbolt's male flyer pulled out a small silver flask after looking sideways. He got a devious smile on his face and unscrewed the top off and was about to drink but,
"Soarin!" Who was calling his name? Why only the lead captain of the team Spitfire.
"Oh uh, hey Spitfire! What's goin on?" Soarin asked trying to hide his flask.
"You know what's goin on You promised me you were gonna try to be more sober!"
"I-I know babe, but it doesn't count if we're at a party! Does it?"
"Yes it does! Look, I don't wanna have to bail you out again for drunk flying, now please put that stuff away, and let's go say hi to Rainbow dash over there." Spitfire walked over to Rainbow dash's direction, while Soarin, not thinking, poured the flask contents into the punch bowl.
"I'll be right back you guys, I'm just getting some punch." Twilight called to her friends. She walked over to the table, got a whole cup of the drugged punch and downed it all down in a couple of gulps.
"Ahhh. 'hiccup' Oh wow! Excuse you Twilight!" She giggled to herself as she walked back over to her Spike and Rarity, who had just met up with the others. Spike noticed Twilight was walking a little funny towards him.
"What's wrong Twilight? Your legs tired?" Twilight just let out a snicker.
"Of course not Spikey! I'm just feel in the need to do some stretching. Hey that reminds me, you wanna go dance?" Twilight said with a little slur.
"Um, sure, why not?" Spike agreed as they slowly walked towards the middle of the other Ponies slow dancing. As soon as they were in an empty spot, Twilight guided his hands to around her waist, and hers to around his neck. Spike was blushing.
"Man I can't believe I'm actually slow dancing." Spike said with a bummed out tone.
"Aw it's not so bad. Lookie over there!" Twilight said pointing his attention to a sight he'd thought he'd never see. Fluttershy was teaching Rainbow dash how do dance, and Rainbow was blushing! Could this night get any more weird?
"Aw yeah! Good evenin Canterlot!" Greeted Ponyville's resident DJ, Vinyl Scratch. Yep, it just might get more weird. Octavia, the band's cellist stormed up to the shades wearing Mare and asked,
"Vinyl! What are you doing?!"
"Aw come on Octi. This slow romantic jam isn't getting anypony anywhere, what they need is fast romantic jam! Alright everypony, stay with you're partner, cause things are gonna get intense up in here!" Vinyl announced as the crowd cheered after she started playing "Love is in bloom." Twilight immediately recognized her voice singing.
"Aw this song kicks flanks! Spike let's dance the night away!" Twilight said to Spike, who was surprised by her choice of words, but went along with it. Applejack and Pinkie pie were dancing elsewhere in the crowd when AJ noticed,
"Heh! Check it out Pinks! Twilight and Spike are gettin awful close over there!"
"Well duh! I predicted it! He would escourt her, dance with her, and soon, one of them will make their move!" Pinkie said with a devilish grin on her face.
"Uh what exactly will that move be?" Applejack asked suspiciously. Twilight and Spike were spinning each other at the chorus part, but he noticed she was looking a little dizzy.
"Yo Twilight you okay? You're looking like Derpy right about now." Spike asked.
"Um, yeah I just...think maybe I need to...nnnnh..." Twilight said before letting go of Spike's hands and fainting on her back. Vinyl suddenly stopped her record and lifter up her glasses revealing wide eyes. Applejack and Pinkie were standing still, shocked.
"Well Pinkie, I guess Twilight's the one who made her move." She whispered to her.