“Don’t worry Twilight, I’ll get the door!” Shouting over his shoulder, Spike let a contented smile fall on his face. The image of Twilight constructing the basics of his new room, of putting the books away without asking him to do it; was freeing. Sure Twilight still asked him for help, but there were fewer occurrences, and he could say no.
“Hello?” Opening the door, Spike was greeted by Ditzy, who handed him a letter before flying off. Raising an eyebrow, Spike turned around, closing the door with the back of his foot as he opened the letter. Eyes widening, he breathed in sharply, barely registering Twilight walking towards him.
“So who was at the door?” Dusting herself off, Twilight frowned, concern painting her features as Spike stood there frozen. Trotting over, she looked over his shoulder, reading the letter aloud.
“Dear Spike, we received your cancellation and as such have refunded the money, in the form of a gift card, for such a time as when you can re-book. This card is valid for half a year, so be sure to note the expiry date, and plan your booking plans more carefully in the future.” Finishing, Twilight watched as Spike pulled out a small slip of paper with a signature on the bottom.
“Were these the plans you mentioned? I thought you meant plans like a relaxing book-reading night, not this.” Putting a hoof to her chin, Twilight slowly realised the severity of her actions. Spike had been saving for that, Twilight had known about it and had fully supported it. And yet, she had forced him to cancel.
“Oh Spike, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know these were the plans. And after you saved so long, and mustered up the courage. What a terrible friend I’ve been.” Ears flopping down, Twilight stepped back, looking at Spike with honest regret. Biting his lip, Spike looked to the letter, and gave a warm smile.
“Twilight, I got a refund for my booking on the hotel. That was where most of my money went. It will only take me another month to get the money for the restaurant, this is great news. I didn’t think I’d even get a response, let alone a refund.” Hugging the letter, Spike allowed himself a moment of open joy, before walking over to Twilight. Placing a hand on her bandaged shoulder, he let a depressed sigh escape his mouth.
“If anything, I should be the one sorry. I just don’t think I’ll ever forgive myself for physically hurting you. I mean, what does that make me?” Looking down, Spike brought his hands in front of his face. Just what sort of dragon did that make him? To hurt the one he most cared about…
“Oh Spike, it’s not your fault. I don’t know if even telling me would have made me listen. I was so blinded by how much I was using you, that I didn’t realise what a terrible friend I was being.” Bringing Spike into a hug, Twilight felt her fur brush up against the hard scales, and winced slightly.
“No, it is my fault. I should have expected them to refund my money with something so expensive. I should have told you.” Returning the hug, Spike could feel the guilt, and bit his lip to keep the moisture from leaking down his eyes. Chuckling, Twilight released Spike, and leaned down, putting a hoof under his chin.
“I’ll make you a deal spike, let’s agree to disagree on whom is to blame, and instead agree to forgive each other.” Wiping the moisture out of her own eyes, Twilight levitated over some tissues, holding it out for Spike.
“O-Okay, I can agree to that.” Giving a weak smile, Spike once more embraced Twilight, feeling a wave of relief. Their friendship hadn’t been irrevocably damaged, and he no longer had to resent Twilight at times. Rising, he placed the letter down on the table, and the two began walking back toward his new room. Furniture didn’t build itself, after all.
“Aaah,” sighed Twilight as she slipped into her bath. Letting her mind dwell on Spike’s open smile, she allowed one to also fall on her face. It hadn’t been too late to make things right with Spike, she was lucky. Turning her eyes to her shampoo, she began to scrub her hair and fur, pausing as once more it hurt to apply pressure.
“That’s strange,” she commented, raising a hoof to her eye. Looking at her fur, she noticed it was extremely brittle for some reason. Had she been using too much conditioner? Or maybe not enough…
“Just to be sure...” Squirting the entire bottle of conditioner over herself, Twilight’s smile returned. Rubbing it into the hair, she brushed her hoof against the fur, and nodded as it responded much less like a porcupine.
“Maybe I’m just getting old.” Scowling, Twilight examined her body for gray hairs, worried she might be right. Finding none, she tilted her head.
“Hold on, does fur lose color likes hair and beards can?” Pursing her lip, she shrugged, and continued her bath, making a mental note to research it later.
Yawning, Twilight rose from her bed, looking toward the sun streaming in from the window. Glancing toward Spike’s old bed, a feeling of melancholy passed by her, and she stood up. Walking over to her dresser, she began to brush her mane. Moving on to her fur, she placed a hoof on it once more, and visibly cringed as pain passed through her body.
‘Well, the conditioner didn’t help for very long. Maybe Rarity can help.’ Nodding once, Twilight turned away from her mirror, and blinked. There were a few feathers on her bed. Shrugging it off as her molting, she trotted downstairs, planning on cleaning them up later. Seeing Spike making breakfast, and noting the two plates, Twilight took a seat.
“You didn’t have to make me breakfast, Spike.” Giving an endearing smile, Twilight watched as Spike rolled his eyes.
“Come on Twilight, is doing you a favor against the rules now? I like helping you. I just don’t like being forced to do it.” With their memories of the event triggered, both winced, looking away for a moment. Thinking quickly, Twilight thought of a new subject.
“Oh by the way Spike, I heard you got a present. It should be next to your letter.” Coughing into her hoof, Twilight watched as Spike raised an eyebrow. Serving their food, he left the room to go check on it. Smirking, Twilight grinned as she heard the pitter patter of two dragon feet, and fell off her chair as she was tackle-glomped.
“Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!” Hugging her tight, Spike noticed the brittleness of Twilight’s fur, but was too caught up in celebration to comment on it. Leaping into his food, Spike couldn’t wait to book everything.
“Have fun Spike, and good luck.” Smiling, Twilight felt another weight leave her chest as Spike began to rapidly tell her his plans for Rarity’s all-expense paid trip to Canterlot.