Well, I hope this goes alright. Looking out of the nearest window in the library, one could easily notice that fewer ponies were still out and about with Celestia's Sun giving off a faint orange glow along with its yellow beams piercing the clouds. It would only be about another hour or so before Luna's Moon would make its appearance.

There's no way that the day was almost ending already. Earlier it seemed like the day was actually going slower than usual. Apparently I was mistaken. I need to get that letter written before Rarity begins to think I stood her up. That's a pretty good beginning to the story of how I blew my one golden opportunity, huh?

Standing up from where I had been seated by the half empty book shelves, I gave my legs a second to wake up and crack my back. Making my way over to find some spare parchment on a nearby desk, I began to think whether or not this was a good idea. I should really tell her face to face that I needed to reschedule. It was for her anyway. However, I think this is going to turn out best if I write my thoughts down so I have time to rephrase portions of idiotic ramblings. Yeah, nothing wrong with a little pre-reading so you don't make an ass of yourself.

Acquiring my sheet of parchment and a quill already dipped in its well, I seated myself on the wooden stool in front of the desk ready to write. Now, how to start this?

Crap I can't think of a good way to start 'any' of this off! Well I suppose that is why I decided on a letter rather than using my words directly. Great call, Spike. Okay then, let's wing it and see how things turn out.

I know that I said I would take you out on a date this evening but it turns out that isn't going to work out.

I regret to inform you that I will not be able to take you out tonight due to me being unprepared because I have altered our plans slightly. I simply need more time to figure out what to ready the surprise I have in store for you, the most stunning mare I know have seen could ever imagine.

Well, That will have to do for now I suppose. This can't possibly go any worse than I am imagining it will.

Can't think about what could go wrong right now, Spike. You need to get this letter sent pronto! Standing back up with fewer difficulties this time, I set the quill back in its well and creased the small segment of parchment into a neat fold, putting it in an envelope to be sent via Pony Express mailing.

(Why? Would you rather me hand this embarrassing envelope to her in person? Thought so.)

Stepping across a few stray cookbooks from earlier, I made my way to the door hoping to Celestia that there was still somepony to deliver a simple message of great importance.

Stepping out of the library and closing the door behind me, I turned back to face the empty street. Hopefully there was still somepony out at this time. It wasn't 'that' late. Walking a bit further, I spotted a mare carrying mail-pony bags at her hips. Perfect! I quickly made my way over to her with the letter still in hand.

With a small 'huff' I lied back on my bed to just think. Think about how all of this would turn out for both Spike and Myself. To reschedule because I was overwhelmed by new emotions rising up so suddenly, seems a bit selfish. However, I need to be able to compose myself in front of him at least a little. Remembering how he didn't mind earlier still made me smile. I can't help but realize how silly a mare can act in such a simple situation.

Then again, I doubt other mares get asked out by tall, muscular, handsome, fire-breathing dragons. Another smile escaped my lips at my filly like thoughts.

Recalling for a third time that Spike didn't care how silly I acted made me think that I should just tell him face to face about pushing the date back just 'one' more day. It would still be rude, Rarity. Getting his hopes up after so many failed attempts to get your attention like this, just to put it off longer then he already had to wait.

A small creaking sound could be heard from the door leading into the bed chamber. Sitting up right in my bed, I noticed it was just darling Opal looking for somewhere to sleep no doubt. As if to confirm my quick assumption, Opal leapt onto my bed to curl up a few inches from my being.

I couldn't help but ask Opal what I should do. I knew fully well that she would not reply with anything more than a soft blink. It didn't hurt to attempt it anyway.

Laying back onto the soft blankets atop my mattress, I brought a pillow over my face in a poor attempt to smother myself and avoid the possibility of hurting Spike. Bringing the pillow down to my chest, I held it in a steady embrace. The longer I thought of pros and cons, I hugged the feather-filled case harder to my body.

Feelings can really suck at times, pardoning my lack of a better word. Well if I can't decide on what to do...

I levitated a red, medium-sized button out of a nearby drawer along with a black marker. Quickly coloring in one side of the 'coin,' I placed the marker back and the button in my hoof.

With a swift flick of my hoof, the button flipped into the air and landed spinning. Once it settled, It revealed Black face up.

Best two out of three is what I was going to do anyway. Flipping the button a second time, it came up Black once more.

Best three of five. Black again. Fine, four out of seven! Black! Tossing the button casually into the trash bin, I got up to write a letter to Spike.

(Somepony obviously made a typo when they said Black was the 'Face to Face' plan...)

Sitting in front of my small desk, I brought a fresh quill and ink well over to the side of a spare piece of parchment in my horn's sapphire grasp. Dipping the quill tip in the ink, I glanced out of my bedroom window.

When did it get so late out? The Sun would be ready to set beyond the dimming horizon in a matter of hours! Best not to waste time writing then. Straight to the point, Rarity.

I know that I agreed to go out on a date this evening with you, but it turns out that isn't going to work out.

I am sorry to say that I will not be able to meet with you later this evening. I truly feel sorry about terrible about doing this. However, I have simply gotten caught up on my feel fallen behind on a very important design that needs to be finished post haste. I very much hope you can understand. I will be free to do anything something nice with you tomorrow though! Again, I apologize for this coming out of nowhere.

I suppose that will do. I don't want to lie about the reason of my delay, however, it seems far too selfish on my part for wanting some more time alone.

I don't know how well this letter was written, but it's got to get mailed nonetheless! Hurriedly folding the letter and sealing it in an envelope, I made my way out of my bedroom and down the boutique stairs to the front door. I suddenly realized how quiet the place was.

Wait! Where is Sweetie Belle?! She should have been home by now! I can't believe I have been 'that' distracted!

Still rushing out of the entrance of the building, I thankfully remembered Sweetie was staying with Apple Bloom at Sweet Apple Acres tonight.

I felt my heart slow back to it's original pace remembering the reassuring information. What was I doing again? Momentarily forgetting the important letter still in my magic safe-keeping, I headed down the path hoping to run into a Mail-Pony or something close enough to deliver the message.

(I flipped 'against' the face to face meeting, why would i deliver it in person? It's almost as bad.)

Seeing somepony's silhouette down the road, I squinted my eyes against the still beaming sun. She's just the pony I was looking for. I made my way over to the mare still carrying her mail-pony bags.

Slipping a small bundle of mail through the door slot, I looked back at my mail bag and opened the pouch with my wing. Sweet! Only a few left.

I had gotten a larger load of deliveries today. Not to mention with Special Delivery calling in a sick day, I took some of his route to lighten the load while he was gone. Of course this meant I would be out longer today but it wasn't all that bad. No heavy packages or anything like that, anyway.

Moving to the next address, I noticed something approaching me. As it got closer I noticed that it was just Spike. As he came up to me he asked me if it would be possible to deliver something for him. Double checking my bags again, I only had about eight more letters to give out. Some were bundled up for the same homes so it was more like only having four more stops.

Looking back to the dragon with a smile on my face, I said that it wouldn't bother me. It appeared that he was rather relieved by my answer. He told me that it was going to the Carousel Boutique and that it was very important that Rarity received the message before night.

I was a little puzzled as to why he didn't give it to her himself seeing as how the destination was literally around the corner of this road. However, I guess he had his reasons for secrecy so I didn't ask any further. I told him that my route would end around that area and it would be delivered in time.

With a thanks he turned back for the library. He spun back around to ask me one more thing. Upon inquiring what it was, he asked if I knew anything that would settle for a romantic meal for a first date. I scrunched my nose and looked at my hooves in thought. I told him I had no idea what would sound good. I did tell him as long as it was made with feeling and handled with care, it could be something as simple as a plate of muffins. It was the thought that makes anything special.

He looked down thinking to himself and gave me another thanks and headed back to the library, saying that he owed me a muffin sometime.

(Today wasn't a good day to call in sick, Special Delivery. You missed out of free muffins!)

~----^---~*~---^----~

Last one on the list. I reached back into my saddle bag and pulled out the last bundle of mail. Sliding it into the mailbox, I closed the lid and turned look at the quite street of Ponyville I was on. It was really peaceful at this hour.

I heard somepony galloping towards me from behind. Turning to see just who it was I was a little surprised to see it was the owner of the Carousel Boutique, Rarity. I started to ask her what was wrong upon seeing her mane a little frayed and unkempt, when she asked if I could do something for her.

I asked what it was exactly and she presented an envelope to me. Taking it from her magic she asked if I could kindly deliver this to the Golden Oaks Library. I asked who it was for, not seeing a name written on it's front.

She said that it needed to be delivered to Spike as soon as I could manage. I told her that it wouldn't be a problem seeing as how she was my last stop of the day. Thanking me, she looked quite relieved. I placed the letter in my bag and clasped it shut.

She asked me what I meant by her being the last stop since she already got her mail for the day. Remembering the letter in the other bag, I reached in and handed her the last minute delivery to her. Taking it from my muzzle in her magic, she eyed it curiously.

I told her that I would deliver her letter right away. I turned around and began flapping my wings. I wanted to make this last delivery a little faster so I would be home before night. I didn't trust Doctor to fix dinner for Dinky, or for himself to be honest.

Rarity quickly asked me who the letter was from. I looked back, already in the air, and told her it was from Spike. She had a surprised look on her face as I started to fly away. She called something out but it was inaudible. I simply took it as a thank you and waved back at her.

It only took a few seconds to reach the library again. I landed in front of the door and knocked a few times, reaching back into my bag.

Twilight opened the door and greeted me. Setting the letter in my hoof I greeted her as well and told her the envelope was for Spike. She took the envelope from me and asked what I was still doing out so late. Before I could answer, Spike was at the door grabbing the letter from Twilight. Ignoring Twilight's startled questioning, Spike asked how Rarity replied so quickly. I told him that I was given this before I gave her the one from him.

Looking a little confused now, he thanked me again and disappeared back into the Library. Before leaving I remembered that there was another thing I needed to do at the library. I reached into the bottom of the 'near' empty mail bag and handed Twilight a book. Levitating it back into the library, I asked her to please stop checking out these books to Doctor. She told me that she would tell him that they were out next time.

Thanking her and walking towards home, I heard Twilight call to Spike, saying that she had another cook book for him. A loud groan could be heard from inside the tree. Remembering the reason I just returned that accursed book, I quickly took off for home before more of the Doctor's specialties could be made.

When We Danced

by ulquiorra1

Chapter III - Mail Delivery