//------------------------------// // Dragon's Breath: Igniting // Story: His Vector Grey // by Darkryt Orbinautz //------------------------------// Spike nervously clung to Twilight's neck as she trotted them away from the diamond fields and back towards their home. He thought about everything that happened this past week. Twilight's apology sundae that one morning, him giving Sweetie a black eye, the pie and attempted spanking, him giving Sweetie her own sundae, and Twilight setting it up to look Spike had gotten Rarity her business so Rarity would forgive him, and Twilight's impulsive, irrational, distrustful behavior towards him . . . Twilight was trotting very slowly, so it was already dark by the time their house became visible in the horizon. “Twilight?” Spike asked quietly. He was going to try asking just one more time. “Yes, Spike?” Twilight answered with concern. “Will you tell me what's going on between you and Pinkie Pie tomorrow?” Twilight froze into a stop. She turned her neck to face him, her lips turned down with regret. Then she perked her up and formed a nervous smile. “Soon, Spike.” Twilight leaned forward and gave him a kiss on his forehead. Spike blushed and smiled back. “Remember, you said you would spend all day with me tomorrow!” Spike reminded her. “I know, I know. I will. I promise. I promised.” Twilight hissed the last word, more for her benefit than Spike's. They arrived back to the library, where Pinkie was standing outside the open front door, light coming from the library's windows. It was obvious she was fretting over their well-being for the past hours. “Where were you!?” Pinkie demanded like a mother whose child had gone off to play in the forest. “Do you have any idea how worried sick I've been for the last few hours!?” “Sweetie,” Twilight said, sounding like a whipped husband. “We're fine.” She slid Spike off her haunch and onto the ground. “Just had a run-in with a Diamond Dog, that's all.” Pinkie gasped loudly. “A Diamond Dog!? Are you hurt!? Oh, please for the love of-” “Pinkie, we're fine.” Twilight growled. “Now would you please move so we can get inside?” Pinkie showed that she wanted to continue harping on, but she thought better of it and moved aside. Twilight nudged Spike inside, but stopped to give Pinkie a look before she went in herself. Pinkie shook her head and scoffed before following them, and she was quite startled at what she found. Twilight was waiting for her, holding up two hangers to the side of her with her magic. On each hangar were the dresses they had worn a few weeks ago on that fateful day where Twilight finally confessed her love to Pinkie with a messy make-out session. The dress on the right was Twilight's; an elegant, yet simple black dress that ended in a ruffle skirt, with a full moon and stars cut over the part that went over her Cutie Mark. The other was Pinkie's, which Rarity had made – she made both of them, actually, but Rarity had made Pinkie's as scant as possible while still being elegant. Trashy and classy. It had several see-through tarps flowing over the black, tight skirt of it, with a plastic collar that extended way up past the neck, and teasing alternating stripes in the chest area. “Remember these?” Twilight asked in a weird mix of nostalgia and seduction, using her magic to wiggle both hangars, the dresses flapping. “Yeah?” Pinkie asked, tilting her head. “Well, I have to spend all day with Spike tomorrow, so I sent him to bed hoping we could have some real . . . fun with each other.” Twilight explained with glee, crossing the dresses over her chest. “What do you say?” In truth, Pinkie was beginning to feel uncomfortable with how . . . candid Twilight was being, but she didn't have in her to say no. “Um . . . all right. What do you want to do?” “First, put this on!” Twilight answered, levitating the black dress toward Pinkie. “Okay . . .” Pinkie said, shyly putting the dress to her chest. She looked up at Twilight, who was staring intently with her tail under her chin. “Wha- in front of you!?” Pinkie exclaimed. “Yes.” Twilight replied flirtatiously, beginning to sultrily ooze her way into her dress. “In front of me . . . hmmmm . . .” Twilight added a small moan to tease Pinkie as she bit the sleeve of her dress and suggestively pulled it across her leg. Pinkie's cheeks were blushing so hard, Pinkie thought they might light on fire. Stuttering and flustered, she started to make her way into the black dress, with all its convoluted straps and laces. “All right.” Pinkie said when she was fully in the dress, even though the backs of her teeth were wiggling. “Now what?” “Now we get on the couch . . .” Twilight gestured to the couch. “And cuddle.” “Just . . . cuddle?” Pinkie asked, somewhat relieved. “Yes.” Twilight answered. “Why?” Twilight lost her composure and began babbling rapidly. “I'm-I'm sorry, I was going to work our way up to the really naughty stuff, like, slowly, you know? So that we could both adjust, but if I'm moving too slow for you I'd be happy to turn the heat up and, like-” Pinkie put her hoof on Twilight's mouth. “Cuddling will be just fine, Twilight. ” Twilight wiped her forehead. “Whew! For a second there, I thought we might have to . . . you know . . . so we could this fire going, but I'm fine with just cuddling too.” They made their way over to the couch, Twilight getting on first and then Pinkie climbing on top of her. Pinkie shifted so they would be both comfortable, but her dress had so many parts on it that it was hard to moving without jabbing something into her body. “Hmm hhmm.” Twilight chuckled once they were fully adjusted. “Hmm hmm?” Pinkie responded, not sure what to think. “This is nice .” Twilight murmured, burying her head into Pinkie's chest. “No Spike, no Owloyicous, none of our friends to bother us.” “Uh-huh!” Pinkie agreed. “Hmmm . . .” Twilight purred. Her horn sparkled, and all the lights in the room dimmed. Pinkie shifted her head back and forth. “Uh, Twilight? What are you doing?” “Just teasing!” Twilight deflected innocently, before reaching down and licking Pinkie's neck, before reaching up and nipping her ear. “Eh-heh.” Pinkie grinned and pretended to be okay with it, even though she really wasn't. “Mmh.” Twilight moaned, looking into Pinkie's eyes with a half-lidded expression. “Well, I'm done for the night, then. If you need me, I'll be in the bedroom.” Twilight lifted up, turned around, and flick her tail to Pinkie's nose before jumping off the couch. Pinkie sat upright and watched Twilight saunter away, wriggling her now-itchy nose. Twilight was sending a clear message with her body. She was being very flirty and teasing, trying to tell Pinkie, “You want this, but you can't have it.” Pinkie, however, felt her problem was just the opposite of that expression: She had “this,” but she did not want it. “Mmm.” Spike grunted when he first awoke the next morning. He actually had a fairly good dream last night of him wooing Rarity and sweeping off her hooves at a formal ball. He grumbled, rolling over in his basket, before opening his eyes and seeing Twilight looking at him. “AH!” Spike screamed and fumbled out of his basket, tossing his blanket. Twilight was usually in her bed, not next to his. “Well, good morning to you too.” Twilight said with her usual dryness. “What are you doing?” Spike asked. “I told I would spend the whole day with you.” Twilight reminded him. It was only when Twilight actively gestured to it that Spike there was a tray next to his basket. “Some sapphire pancakes and an emerald smoothie. Your favorites.” Twilight told him. “Come on.” Spike looked at the breakfast tray, before looking over his shoulder at Twilight's bed. He was expecting to see Pinkie Pie snoozing under the covers, but was surprised when she wasn't. “Uh . . . where's Pinkie?” Twilight giggled. “Spike, this day is about you. Not Pinkie. Not myself. You.” Twilight crossed her front hooves. “I . . . I realize I haven't treated you fairly these last few days, and I want to make it up to you.” Twilight pushed the tray towards him. “Now come on. Eat. I have a big day planned ahead for us, down to the last detail.” Twilight produced a piece of paper. “After you eat, we're going to the park, and then we'll stop for ice cream. Then we'll go that nice restaurant on the other side of town and have a nice dinner.” Hmm. Spike thought as he took the tray and began to eat. Leave it to Twilight to schedule everything about a pleasant day. Twilight left the room and came back with a bowl of cereal for herself. Spike thought he would be glad that this day was to be all about him, but he started worrying about Pinkie Pie. She and Twilight had been so close these last few days. How could Twilight just let her go like that? Either she hadn't really, and Pinkie was still around, or Twilight had somehow severed her tie, or Twilight had exhibited an incredibly strong will so she could really this day “Spike's Day.” After they finished eating, there was a knock on the door. “I wonder who that could be.” Twilight said, giving Spike a confused look. Twilight went towards the door of the bedroom, then stopped before turning back to look at Spike. “Come on.” Twilight levitated him with her magic onto her back before running down to the foyer and opening the library door. Rainbow Dash and Applejack were there, wearing baseball helmets on their heads. Rainbow Dash was chewing and blowing bubblegum, while Applejack had a leather glove. “Hey, Twi.” Applejack greeted while grimacing as Dash rudely blew and popped a bubble, “tha rest of tha gals and Ah are gonna play a game of ball. You in?” “Oh, I don't know . . .” Twilight muttered, looking at Spike. “I had a pretty big day planned with Spike, and I'm not much of an athlete.” “Aww, come on, Twi. Y'all don't have to be.” Applejack encouraged. “Still . . .” “Oh, can we, please?” Spike pleaded, hugging Twilight's neck. “It's been so long since I could play sports with other boys! Pleeeease?” “Hmm. All right, fine, but that means we don't go walk in the park later. Are you okay with that?” “Uhh . . . can we still stop for ice cream?” “Yes.” “Then I'm good!” Spike bucked around in excitement, “Let's go!” Twilight grunted and gave him a glare, not appreciating his shaky motions on her back. “Oh, uh, sorry.” Applejack and Rainbow brought Twilight and Spike to a local, public baseball arena, open to the public all week for them to host their non-regional games of baseball. Applejack brought Twilight and Spike both appropriate attire for baseball, with blue decals. Applejack gave Twilight an abbreviated list of the rules and how to play along the way. As they made their way inside, Twilight noticed the baseball outfit accentuated Applejack's muscular figure quite well. She blushed a little when she realized she had made their observation. “Eh, you okay, Twi?” Applejack asked, taking notice. “Fine.” Twilight assured her. When they finally made it to the actual playing field, Twilight took stock of her surroundings, noticing Rarity, Fluttershy and . . . Pinkie Pie were all there, all dressed up to play ball. Twilight made an embarrassed face when she saw Pinkie, and Pinkie did the same when she saw Twilight. Spike raised his eyebrow, prompting Twilight to wrap her tail around him and nuzzle his cheek. “Shore yer okay, Twi?” Applejack asked again. “Yer acting' awful funny . . .” “Funny?” Twilight asked. “Who's funny? I'm not funny. You're funny, Applejack. I'm just telling Spike that this day is still all about him. That's not funny at all. You're funny, Applejack.” “Uhhh . . .” Applejack stammered, looking on blankly. “Y'all said Ah was funny twice.” “Don't worry about it.” Spike assured Applejack. “She's just been a little frazzled lately.” “Anythang Ah can do tah help?” Spike looked at the ground, then Twilight, whose eyes looked frosted over with worry about what he might say. “Nah.” Spike answered to Applejack while still looking at Twilight. “I'm . . . pretty sure this is something she's gotta do for herself.” “Wut 'bout tha' magic of friendship an' all that?” “Like, oh my gosh!” Twilight said, putting on a ridiculous valley girl accent to detract from the conversation and wobbling onto the field. “I, like, never had a chance to play baseball while in Canterlot! I am, like, sooo eager to learn how!” “Hmm.” Applejack huffed before looking at Spike. “Y'all know sumthang 'bout why she's actin' so strange?” “Uhh . . . let's play ball!” Spike hurried over to a corner of the field, leaving Applejack alone to mutter and speculate about Twilight and himself. “All right!” Rainbow Dash declared, flying up into the air. She gagged like she was hocking a loogie, before spitting out her gum like a bullet into the trash can in the stands. “Yeah!” Dash pumped her hoof. “Bull's-eye!” “How brutish!” Rarity squealed. “Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Dash blew Rarity's complaint off. “Leeeet's play ball!” The game initially started off without a hitch, as Pinkie stepped to the plate and threw a ball at Applejack, who was batting. Applejack swung and hit the ball like a truck, sending it flying. Rarity and Twilight sped off, trying to get the ball before Pinkie and Dash did. “I got it! I got it!” Twilight declared. “Uggh, I'm starting to get all sweaty and dusty!” Rarity complained, but judging from her gallop, she was still focused on her task. “I will not lose at a sport to Twilight Sparkle!” Rainbow roared. “Dash! That's mean!” Pinkie protested, bouncing along. “Pinkie, watch out!” Spike shouted, noticing that on their current courses, Pinkie and Twilight were going to collide right into each other. “WAAH!” “OOF! “Waah?” Applejack questioned. “Interesting choice of exclamation . . .” Rarity muttered. “Well, it is Pinkie.” “Aaagh. Hrmf. Oof.” Twilight mumbled, rubbing her head as she tried to pull herself from the collision. She looked down to see Pinkie underneath her. Instantly,her tail shot straight up and her cheeks went from their normal lavender to red. Applejack and Rarity gossiped. “Hey, does it look like she's having a . . .” “Why, yes, yes it does!” Twilight covered her mouth with her hoof. Realizing she had gotten the ball from the collision, she bolted off Pinkie towards Spike, dropping in his claw. Spike was relieved and embarrassed at the same time. “Aw, gee, Twi . . . I really appreciate that you would leave Pinkie to get to me so fast.” Spike thanked her, causing Twilight to smile softly. “But . . . I'm on the other team.” Twilight's blush returned. She looked around to see everypony else giving her odd looks. Except for Fluttershy, who was quivering on the ground with her hooves over her head. “Eh-heh.” Twilight tried to laugh it off. “Sorry, everypony. Still learning the rules.” She trotted away from Spike, playfully using her tail to swat the ball out of his hand. “Round two?” Going to round two involved shifting the players' position, causing Fluttershy to be up to bat while Spike got to be pitcher. Rainbow Dash was now serving umpire. “Oh my.” Fluttershy mumbled. “Um, please don't throw it too hard, Spike . . . eep!” Fluttershy held her wings out in surrender, the baseball bat gripped precariously in her left one. Spike sighed. He raised up his arm and spun it, giving Fluttershy the ol' Charlie Brown throw. When the ball launched from his hand, Fluttershy squealed, dropping her bat and hitting the dirt. The ball smacked straight into Dash's hoof. “Strike one!” Dash counted off, banging the ball in her hooves before tossing it back to Spike. “Fluttershy, get up.” “Oh my . . . I-I'm sorry.” Fluttershy muttered. “I'll do better next time.” Fluttershy picked the bat up in her wing. Spike rolled his eyes before tossing the ball again. “Eeeh . . . AAH!” Fluttershy squeaked before swinging the bat around in a blind panic. Points for trying, but she still missed. “Strike two!” Dash counted, again tossing the ball to Spike. “Come on, Fluttershy. Pick up the pace!” “Oh my. I wouldn't want to run too fast. What if I hit my head on something?” Fluttershy questioned. Dash scoffed. Spike really didn't think the outcome would be any different, but he threw the ball again. Fluttershy didn't even try, just letting it fly right into Dash's glove. “Strike three!” “Does that mean I'm out?” “Yup.” “Good.” Fluttershy snarled, tossing her helmet and bat to the ground and stomping off. Dash shook her head. “Do the rest of us wanna keep playing?” Dash asked. There were agreements and encouragements all around. “Excellent! Not gonna let Fluttershy's lack of a spine ruin our fun, huh guys?” “Yer insults might . . . “ Applejack whispered softly. Twilight looked to her before turning away. Gosh . . . Twilight thought to herself. We sure have a lot of growing to do. . . “Aw man, that was fun, Twilight!” Spike cheered as everypony trotted out of the establishment. Spike, in his joy, stood up on his tail and spun around. “We should do it more often.” “Yes.” Twilight agreed. “Yes, we should.” “Aww yeah!” Spike added, pumping his fist through the air. “I can't wait to do it again!” “It was fun, but I think I can hold myself for awhile.” Twilight said. “Now, I'm sure after all that running and work,” Twilight put her hoof on Spike's head, giving him a slight noogie, “my little baby dragon would like some ice cream to chill off some of that sweat, huh?” “Yeah!” Spike expressed his enthusiasm for the idea. But he was slightly disheartened by Twilight referring to him as a “little baby” dragon. They made their way to the ice cream stand near the edge of the park, and Twilight ordered one vanilla scoop for herself a double-scoop of chocolate with sprinkles. “Awesome!” Spike declared as he admired the salivating scoop of chocolate before him in his claw. Twilight guided him to a nearby bench, where they sat as they licked their ice creams. “Ha, this is shaping up to be the best day ever!” Spike said as he waddled in his seat. “Yeah, yeah. I guess it is.” Twilight agreed with a hint of sarcasm. “I guess it is . . .” she said sadly, resting her face in her hoof. “Aww.” Spike cooed. “What's wrong?” “Just . . . thinking.” Twilight said, shaking her head back and forth. “About Pinkie?” Spike asked. “Yes. And about you. Both of you.” “What's wrong, Twi?” Spike looked up at her. “Come on.” He tugged at her wither. “You can tell me.” Twilight looked down at him, the way a mother might look at her child when asked about something children aren't supposed to know about. “Eat your ice cream, Spike.” Twilight told him, the way a mother task a child so they'll stop asking about whatever is that's making her uncomfortable. “Okay . . . but sooner or later, you'll have to tell me, Twilight.” Spike warned her. “No, Spike, I don't!” Twilight snapped at him. Whoa, Spike thought to himself, where did that come from? “We have gone through the last week perfectly fine without me telling you ANYTHING, and it will do no harm to keep it that wa- oh, who I am kidding?” Twilight's anger died as quickly was it came to life, and she smacked a hoof against her face. “This last few days have horrible for you, and trust me, they weren't exactly a picnic for me either.” “You want to talk about it?” Spike encouraged, almost pleaded, even. “No. . . but I have to. Eventually.” Twilight said. “Now eat your ice cream.” Twilight took a lick of her own ice cream. They finished their ice cream in silence and then remained on the bench, as dinner was still a few hours away. Spike continued to pry and try to get Twilight to open up about the omnipresent problems she was having, but she continued to rebuff him, switching from “violently defensive and accusatory” to “silently remorseful” like a light switch. It earned them more than a few stares from passers-by, some parents even covering their foals' eyes to shield them from the argument. As it got closer to dusk, by complete coincidence, Fluttershy was one of those passers-by who noticed them shouting at each other. “Why can't you tell me what's wrong?” “You're too young! You won't understand!” “Make me understand, Twilight! Help me understand!” “Oh, um . . . excuse me?” Fluttershy spoke, her soft voice somehow piercing over their raised ones like a thin ninja weapon. “Oh!” Twilight and Spike exclaimed in unison, turning away from each other towards Fluttershy. “Yes, Fluttershy? What is it?” “Well, I-I noticed you two were shouting at each other, and I-I was h-hoping I might be, um, able to get you to stop?” Twilight and Spike exchanged glances. “Well, mission successful.” Twilight said, throwing her hoof through the air. “You can leave now.” “Oh, um, well . . .” Fluttershy tilted her head, flipping her mane over her eyes. “Um, actually, could I maybe, um, bring somepony else along to help you?” Twilight heaved a deep sigh, wiping her brow. “That would be lovely, Fluttershy.” “Okay.” Fluttershy turned to leave, but doubled-back. “Um, don't say anything to each other until I get back, okay?” Fluttershy took off. Twilight noticed the changes in the sky. “It's getting dark . . . it'll be time for dinner soon. Are we still on for that date?” “Didn't Fluttershy tell us not to talk to each other?” Spike asked bitterly, crossing his arms. “Grow up, Spike. No pony actually does what you tell them to do.” Twilight shot back, equally bitter. She sighed, the voices in her head clearly sending her contradictory signals. “You're right, Spike. You're right. But, seriously, do you still want to go to dinner after that?” “Yeah.” Spike admitted quietly. “I do.” Fluttershy returned, visibly more worried than when she had left. “Well, that's strange. I went to Pinkie Pie and explained about the argument, and she was eager to come and help – she's good about this sort of thing, you see – but the second I mentioned your names, she went back inside.” “I wonder why that could be.” Spike smugly quipped, smirking. Twilight made an odd noise that was like a mix between a disappointed sigh and an angry growl, like she couldn't decide which noise she wanted to make. “Well, um . . . have a nice night, you two.” Fluttershy wished them, trotting down the sidewalk away from their bench. Twilight gazed to the sky again, her lips pursing as she mulled over the colors in the sky. “Come on.” Twilight patted the side of bench, getting up. “Let's go eat a real meal.” On their way there, Twilight swung them by Rarity's place to borrow a dress for herself and a suit for Spike. Rarity told them to wait while she rummaged through the back closet. “You just wait right there, darlings.” Rarity had told them. “Why do we have to get all dressed up all fancy, Twilight?” Spike questioned. He didn't like having to dress up. “Because, Spike, this is a classy, fancy restaurant.” Twilight explained. “Like in Canterlot. It has very high standards when it comes to the clientele they'll serve. If we don't show looking like classy ponies, they'll turn us away at the door.” “Hang on, darlings!” Rarity called from the other room. “I'm,” -there was a clatter- “struggling to find something!” Spike gazed over to the closet where Rarity was scavenging for something. He nervously rubbed his fingers together. Twilight now had her chance to notice something was bugging him, rather him or Applejack or Rarity noticing something was bothering her. “What's wrong?” Twilight asked, nuzzling the back of his neck. “Well, given that thing that happened with Sweetie Belle,” Spike rubbed the back of his neck, “do you think I still have a shot with her?” Twilight, to Spike's complete and utter surprise, smiled. Usually when he brought up his crush on Rarity, she either mocked him or gently discouraged him. “Spike, you might not believe this, but I know what you're going through.” “You're right. I don't believe it.” “Haha. Very funny, but listen to me. I know what's it like to be . . . uncertain about telling the pony you love your feelings for her. I know what's like to be scared, to be afraid . . . to be deathly afraid, but you know what I did?” “What?” “I went through it, and I told her- HIM. And you know what? Everything worked out just fine.” Twilight suddenly frowned, looking at him intensely. “Well, almost everything.” She said sadly, lovingly running her hoof through his head scales the way a mother runs their through hoof their child's hair. “Still though, what's . . . “ Twilight seemed to refocus her gaze on him again. “What's the harm?” Spike pursed his lips. “Well, in that case, I guess-” “Done!” Rarity declared, running into the room with a tuxedo and red evening gown held high with her magic. “A dress for the lady and a suit for the dashing young man.” Spike's heart skipped a beat. Maybe two. Rarity levitated the outfits into their grasps, Spike tightly clutching at the suit in his hand. “Oh, gee, Rarity, thanks.” Spike threw the suit over his shoulder. “But, uh, since we're here, could I ask you a question?” “Of course, darling. What is it?” “Well-” “Not while I'm here, Casanova.” Twilight cut off him, dragging him out the door. “When you're alone.” “I'll, um, come back later!” Spike assured Rarity, who was worriedly putting a hoof on her chin. “Twilight and me have things to do!” “”Twilight and I”, Darling.” Oh come on, really? Spike grumbled in his head. Now Rarity's onto me for doing it too? Who's next, Fluttershy? Applejack? The two of them got dressed in Rarity's loans, and Twilight let Spike ride on her back as she cantered to the restaurant where she and Pinkie had their initial “date.” Twilight entered the building and trotted to the register. “Table for two, please. One adult mare, one baby dragon.” She told the attendant, a grey stallion in a red shirt and black pants. Spike gave her a kick in the side. Twilight glared over her shoulder at him. “With a booster seat.” Twilight dryly added. “We don't have those here, ma'am.” The attendant informed her. “Never mind, then.” “This way, please.” The attendant pulled out a pen and two menus and guided them to an empty table with exactly two seats. It looked like a couple's table. “A waiter will be with you shortly.” The attendant told them as he dropped the menus. He left, returning to his stand and resuming his . . . well, attendance. “So, what do you want to eat, Spike?” “Oh, I don't know.” Spike said idly, kicking his legs under the table to pass the time. “Do they have anything with gems?” “I don't think they have gems here, but I'll ask.” Spike briefly skimmed through his menu a little bit before plopping it down. Twilight did the same. Twilight put her hooves together happily and smiled at him. “This is nice, isn't it, Spike?” “Yeah.” Spike admitted. “I guess it is.” Spike surveyed his surroundings. There were so many ponies around, all clad in elegant, classy clothing. Saaay . . . Spike wondered to himself. This would be a perfect time to pop Twilight with a heavy question. The need to keep her composure in such a high-class establishment would surely keep her from just shutting down and screaming at him like she did every time he tried to ask. “Hey, Twilight?” Spike spoke. “Yes, Spike?” “What's going on between you and Pinkie?” Spike asked. “Like, what's really going on, with you?” Twilight gave him another sad look. That was what, the third or fourth one this night alone? “I'm sorry, Spike. I can't tell you. I just . . . can't.” “Well, why not?” Spike demanded, slamming his fists onto the table. “Spike, please, you're going to cause a scene.” At first, Spike thought she was just deflecting like she always did, but she took in a deep breath and began to talk. “A while back ago,” Twilight started, resting her hooves on the table. “I started getting these feelings for somepony. I didn't know what they were or how they got into me, I just knew they were in there. And they were there to stay. I got so afraid and excited whenever they were around. My skin would light on fire when they touched me, and my heart would freeze.” Spike thought about his crush on Rarity and tried to apply the same description, but he really couldn't. He didn't feel that way about Rarity at all, despite his undeniable love for her. “And there was a . . . certain something about this pony.” Twilight added. “That I thought it would make it shameful for me if anypony knew I was in love with them. So I kept it hidden. I started coming up with controls, tricks. Illusions. Lies. Sometimes to myself. I put on a mask. A facade. On and that facade was another mask, and top of that mask was another facade.” Spike didn't know what facade meant, but he could ask later. “So then, when I finally told my somepony how I felt about them, it . . . wasn't exactly as planned.” Twilight rubbed the back of her neck. “But it all worked out in the end. Despite that, though, I still can't bring myself to admit it. Not to you, not to Applejack, not to Rarity. Not even to my own family, for Celestia's sake!” “And this past week, every time I told you it was your fault, that you weren't ready, it was me. Are you ready to hear about this kind of thing, Spike? I don't know. And at this point, I don't even care anymore. It was never your fault. The fault is all mine.” “It's not that you're not ready to hear it. It's that I wasn't ready to tell it. I'm still not. But you need to know. It's starting to affect you. It's going to affect you in the future, and it could change so much.” A waiter approached their table. “Shall we eat?” Sometime later, they had finished their wonderful means – Twilight had some alfredo pasta, just like the last time she was here, while Spike had a hay roast with emeralds in it. (Spike didn't know, but Twilight had bribed the waiter to add whatever gems were handy to the meal) Spike rubbed his fully belly for a bit before refocusing his gaze on Twilight. “Well, Twi . . . this has been great fun, and I did have a really good time . . . and I appreciate you telling me it's not really my fault . . .” “But?” Twilight prodded him. “I've been thinking about what you said earlier.” Spike explained. “While we're at Rarity's? And, well . . . I kinda wanna give it a shot.” “Go for it.” Twilight told him, laying on the back of her chair. “But . . . weren't you going to spend all day with me?” “Eh.” Twilight shrugged. “This day was supposed to be about you, Spike. If you want to try it with Rarity, I won't stop you . . . this time. And besides, the day's technically over.” “Really?” Spike asked. “You won't stop me?” “Yes, really. Go get 'em, tiger.” Twilight pumped her hoof. “I believe in you. You can do it.” Twilight's reassurance made Spike feel really good about himself, and sure he could do it. “I can do it.” Spike said to himself. The more he said, the more he believed it. “I can do this!” Spike was about to hop of his chair when Twilight stopped him. “But . . . if you're going to try to put the moves on your love, I hope you won't object to me putting the moves on mine?” Twilight added. “No problem!” Spike said without really thinking about it, giving her a salute as he dashed out the restaurant. Twilight covered her mouth with her hooves and giggled. “Teehee! Wow . . . I feel so much better now that's off my chest.” She started scooting out of her seat. “I really was going to spend the day with Spike, but now I can take my relationship with Pinkie Pie to the next level up!” Back at the Boutique, Spike was about to dash through the door when he stopped and collected himself. Remember, Spike. Rarity likes a calm, respectful colt. Spike slowed his pace and sauntered inside like he was the top cat on the block. “Rarity?” Spike called, making his voice as low and husky as he could manage. “Spike?” Rarity answered, coming to greet him. “Weren't you with Twilight for something?” “That's taken care of.” Spike said smoothly. He rubbed his knuckles against his tuxedo and examined them. “Twilight gave me permission to come see you.” Quick, a voice in Spike's head that sounded like Twilight, think of a compliment! “Gosh, Rarity, you're so beautiful?” Spike suggested to the voice. No! Don't just chunk it! Ease into the conversation. Say something like . . . “Thanks again for the tux.” Spike said out loud, sauntering towards her. She stepped backwards, as in fright. Spike pulled on the tux's collar. “It really fits my figure, don't you think?” Perfect. The Twilight-Voice complimented him. Smooth. Spike noticed that was the very first time he heard Twilight's voice tell him he was smooth about something without being sarcastic. “Goodness, Spike. I've never seen so you . . . confident before.” Rarity muttered, putting a hoof on her chin. “So much swagger!” “Oh!” Spike exclaimed, thinking that instead of inviting Rarity in with his new attitude, he actually had driven her away. “Do you not like it?” Rarity giggled. “Well, that remains to be seen, actually.” Rarity gave him a suggestive fluttering of the eyebrows. “Shall we away?” Spike said, offering his hand. Rarity giggled uncontrollably. “You-you said “Shall we away”! So fancy! What a proper gentlecolt! We shall!” Rarity wrapped her hoof around his claw. Did you hear that? Spike thought. She called me a gentlecolt! Easy, boy. Twilight-Voice warned him. We've only got her hooked. Now we need to reel her in. Meanwhile, back at the library, Twilight was laying on the couch again, in her svelte blackish grey dress again, posed seductively against the couch, waiting for her prey to walk through the door. Twilight's ears bounced way up when she heard the doorknob jingle. Her heart pulsed with anticipation as the door creaked open. “Hey!” Pinkie said innocently as she trotted in. “I'm back! How did the day with Spike go? Gee, it's awfully dark in here . . .” Pinkie flipped the light switch, and her eyes dilated in shock at Twilight's pose on the couch. “The day with Spike went just fine.” Twilight told her, twisting and contorting on the couch lecherously. “Wha-what is this?” Pinkie demanded.”Where's Spike!?” “He's at Rarity's.” Twilight answered, stepping down from the couch and stalking towards Pinkie like a predator. “He's going to put the moves on her for awhile. I figured I could do the same to you.” “Um, okay . . .” Pinkie muttered. “Last time we did this, it was just cuddling and me nipping.” Twilight reminded her, putting a hoof on her shoulder. “I was hoping, maybe this time, we could do more than just “cuddling” . . .” Twilight climbed up and nipped on Pinkie's ear, then pulled away and turned around, sweeping her tail over Pinkie's face. “Okay?” “Y-yeah.” Pinkie stuttered. “Okay.” Her nose scrunched like she just had shot of pepper up it. She raised her hoof and pushed Twilight's tail off, then looked darkly at the ground. “Oh, I can't wait to just . . . gobble you up.” Twilight purred. “It's gonna be so much fun! We'll finally get to-” “No.” “What?” Every system in Twilight's head suffered a sudden system freeze. “What? No?” “I said no, Twilight Sparkle.” Pinkie Pie made her point clear, taking her gaze from the floor. “Pinkie Pie, sweetie, where is this coming from-?” “Don't you “sweetie” me!” Twilight raised a hoof and took a horrified step back. “I . . .” Pinkie drawled, stalking towards Twilight. “Have had enough of you lying to Spike. I have had enough of you sending him away or making him do something else just so you could spend more time with me.” “We had a mutual understanding this time-!” “Shut up!” Twilight gasped, a tear forming her eye. “I wasn't done. I have also had ENOUGH of you trying to get me in bed with you!” Pinkie shrieked. “Twilight. When I agreed to start dating you that one night, I didn't really have any feelings for you. But I knew – I knew, if I told you 'no', you would never by happy about anything again, and I couldn't have that. I had to make sure you were happy, because it's what I do. I had to keep a smile on your face, even if it meant lying to you. I just smiled to myself and said, “You know what, Pinkie Pie? Maybe once you do this for awhile, you'll learn to love her.” But this!” Pinkie made a non-specific motion through the air. “This is too much! I'm not ready for that kind of relationship, Twilight, and I am DEFINITELY not ready to keep lying to Spike! I understand you were afraid of everypony calling you a “deviant” if they found about how you felt for me, but I won't let you keeping hurting Spike like this.” “But-” “I won't let you keep hurting me in this unhealthy relationship of ours. And most of all, I won't let you keep hurting yourself anymore.” “But . . . “ Twilight stammered through her tears, which evolved into a constant stream. “I was starting to make progress with it . . . I had just told Spike about my control mechanisms . . . ” Pinkie rolled her eyes and sighed. “I wish I could believe you, Twilight.” Pinkie turned around and headed out the door. Before she left, she gave Twilight one last look. “And you know what the worst part is? After spending all that time, I was starting to feel something – I was starting to think maybe, just maybe your better qualities were winning me over, and that I was starting to actually love you.” Pinkie put her hoof on the doorknob. “But I guess we'll never know now, will we?” Pinkie shut the door, leaving Twilight there all alone to drown in her tears. “But . . .” Twilight stammered, having to process so much information at once. “But I . . . it . . . I was making progress! I was being more honest! Not completely honest, but way more honest than I was! I was warming up to the idea! I . . . I . . . I . . .” Twilight just stopped talking so she could gather her thoughts. “I . . .” Twilight raised her nose to the sky and let out a wail; “WHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!” “So, tell me, Spike.” Rarity said, servicing Spike with lemonade served in a wine glass. (fancy!) “However did you make this miraculous transition from the dragon you were into this handsome gentlecolt?” “Well,” Spike drawled, being coy, “a true magician never reveals his secrets.” “Ooh, playing hard to get, are we?” Rarity cooed. “You like hard-to-get?” Spike asked coyly. Then he lost his cool and began stammering. “'Cause-'cause if it frustrates you or annoys you, I could knock it off or-” Rarity put a hoof to his mouth. “I like hard-to-get. It makes the payoff more worthwhile.” Rarity began advancing up on him, giving him the bedroom eyes stare. “I'll keep going, then.” Spike said with a smile, pushing her horn with his finger to shove her backwards. “Oooh! You're good at it. Mrreow.” Rarity batted the air like cat playing with yarn. “A true gentlecolt, uh . . .” Spike struggled for something witty to say. Act fast, genius! Twilight Voice complained. You're gonna lose her! Well, I could say - “RAAAAAAAAAAARITTTTY!” That's a terrible suggestion. Spike told Twilight Voice. That . . . wasn't me. Twilight Voice replied. But then who- The entire room shook, glass shaking, chairs wobbling, liquids splashing and knick-knacks rattling as something came stomping into the room. Spike and Rarity were both surprised to see Twilight come into the room. Spike's first instinct was to make a complaint about Twilight promising she wouldn't stop him . . . but then he looked at her and noticed how she looked like she was going to explode and consume the house in a fiery inferno. “Thank you SO MUCH for your STUPID advice!” Twilight rasped, her voice distorted and garbled from uncontrolled tears and snot running through her sinuses. “I TRIED to “drive her crazy”, like you said, I TRIED to make her “want me”, and you know what happened?” Twilight trotted further into the room, slamming her hoof on the table so hard it caused a spiderweb fracture. “IT DROVE HER OFF! She got uncomfortable, I made things move too fast for her, and now she's GONE! GONE! NOW PINKIE PIE – MY PINKIE PIE IS GONE FOREVER! AND ITS ALL THANKS TO YOUR STUPID, STUPID ADVICE!” Twilight continued pounding the table, making the crack widen and widen, until eventually the table split right in half and fell against the ground. “Some friend.” Twilight added bitterly before stomping out the way she came in. Rarity could only stand there in shock, jaw agape. After a moment, she shook her head and recovered. “Well, Spike, have you the fainest notion of what that was all about?” “I think so . . .” Spike answered, setting his wine glass down on the sink counter top. “And . . . I think I heard something about Pinkie Pie in that mess?” “Yeah, yeah. Don't worry.” Spike assured her. “I've got this covered, okay?” He ran out the door. Rarity looked at her shattered table-halves and sighed. “I hope you do, Spike. I hope you do.” “Twilight?” Spike asked meekly, inching the library door open. He looked around and couldn't see her, so he started to worry . . . until he heard soft sobbing coming from the corner. “Twilight?” Spike repeated again, noticing Twilight had her horn stuck in the wall. “Wa . . .” Twilight's sentence came out garbled. “What do you want, Spike?” “Uuuhhh . . .” Spike stammered. “I don't know . . . uh, is everything okay? I mean, it's clearly not, but I mean . . .” “Pinkie Pie broke up with me!” Twilight wailed. Spike blinked. Surely he didn't hear that right. “OH, um, WOW, that's funny, Twilight! It almost sounded like you said Pinkie Pie broke up with you!” “SHE DID!” Twilight screamed. “O . . . kay. You wanna . . . walk through this one?” Spike circled the air around his head. “We were dating.” Twilight choked out. “The big, super-secret thing I wasn't telling you? Me and Pinkie were dating. I was in love with Pinkie Pie, and we were dating, and now she broke up with me, and I've been banging my head against the wall since I came back from Rarity's, and now my horn's got stuck!” Spike frowned. “”Pinkie and I” . . .” “WHATEVER!” Twilight shouted, pointing her hoof. “Just . . . just leave me a-alone and let . . . let me cry in peace. Please.” “Twilight,” Spike said kindly, “I think the last thing you need right now is to be alone. Maybe you wan to talk about it a bit more-?” “GO TO YOUR ROOM, SPIKE!” “But-” “NOOOW!” “Okay, I'm going, I'm going!” Spike assured her, climbing up the stairs. He could still hear sobs echoing off the lower floor, even as he made his way into his basket. Ah well. Spike assured himself as he curled up into his basket. I'm sure this will all blow over in the morning. Spike had a strange dream that night. He was in a beautiful field, full of vibrant flowers and sturdy, long-lived trees. Blue jays and robins, a few of whom openly perched on his shoulders. Yep. It was a pretty great place to be, all things considered. But then he heard crying in the distance. He shook the birds off and followed the sound to its source. He wasn't sure if he had shrunk, or Twilight had grown, because now she was the size of a giantess. She wouldn't have been able to fit into the castle at Canterlot, let alone their house. She was still crying, and laying in the field like nothing mattered anymore. “Hey, Twilight!?” Spike shouted, trying to get his voice over her house-sized tears. “I know you're really upset right now, but maybe we should-” Twilight abruptly stood up and turned away from him, galloping away. The thuds of her footsteps shaking the ground and uprooting trees as she became nothing than a teary speck in the distance. “Hmm.” Spike noted before he woke up. “Aaah . . .” That dream had been strange, but Spike felt rested and ready for a brand new day. He looked over at Twilight's bed, expecting to see her, troubled but asleep. It was only when she wasn't there did he truly begin to worry about her health and sanity. Spike rushed down the stairs, finding Twilight still stuck in the wall. “Twilight?” Spike called after her. “Are you stuck?” Twilight grunted, her eyes turning open. They were dry and bloodshot from a night of long tears and little sleep. “No . . . I'm not stuck.” “Then you can get out?” “I can,” Twilight told him, “but what's the point?” “Well, um . . . “ Spike stammered. “The point is, Pinkie may have broken up with you, but you still have things to do! Places to go! Ponies to meet!” “So?” Twilight questioned, sullenly sinking. If he didn't know better, he might have thought Twilight was trying to drive her horn further into the wall and get herself permanently stuck there. His suspicious was confirmed when Twilight lifted her read and started bucking. Spike turned away from the depressing sight to gather his thoughts, ignoring Twilight's grunts as she attempted to make herself the world's first living wall ornament. The more he thought about it, the more he solved around it, the more clear the only solution became. Somehow, he, Spike the Dragon, had to go out there and get Pinkie Pie and Twilight Sparkle back together.