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// Spike Gets A Room 
// Story: Shards of Nightmare 
// by Stonedpony 
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Spike Gets A Room


Twilight Sparkle looked over her shoulder as she timidly sifted through the lingerie section of Carousel Boutique. She was glad the area was walled off to allow for some privacy. She was looking for something special to make up for last night with Winchester. As her mind wondered back to how she ruined their romantic encounter she pushed a set of white stockings to the side she was startled by Rarity's smiling face behind it. Twilight jumped back she exclaiming. “ahh, Rarity, what are you doing?”
“oh nothing,” the white mare said smiling ear to ear as she came around the clothing rack, “i was just going to ask if you needed help finding anything.” Twilight didn’t like the way the Rarity was looking at her.
“no no I was just I uh.”
“oh.” Rarity chimed in. “want to make it special.” she smiled specking low just encase there was somepony else in the store. 
Twilight’s face turned red “it was ….uh.” she shook her head and changed her words “no  I uh. I was just curious is all.”
A giggle escaped Rarity as she pranced around Twilight smiling slyly “of course darling, I’ll leave you be.” she turned to return to the front of her shop. She paused long enough to say “oh Twilight, you should go with the black lace stocking garter belt set or the red velvet negligee, blue lace simpley just blends in too much.” she trotted away with out waiting for a response.
Twilight was left speechless. She sighed and looked into her saddle bag and pulled out a blue corset and stockings. After checking what her friend suggested, she decided to get both the red and black sets instead then slid them into her bag. 
Rarity happily waited by the register. She smiled as her lavender friend approached, “if you don’t mind me asking, What's the occasion?” Twilight blushed and looked away, “i only want to know, so I can make a suggestion or two.”
Twilight sighed as she turned to let Rarity open her saddlebag to see what she was buying. “well I... need to make up for the last night we're together. I kind of kicked Winchester out during......” she blushed and looked around before leaning in so she could whisper, “coitus.”
“well that could be a problem.” Rarity kept her composure as spoke, she paused to checked the rest of the Twilight’s bag out of habit. “even the best stallion can get more then a little upset when they are denied......such actives.” the white mare spoke all the while taping the keys on her cash register.
“well yeah I.....” Twilight looked really embarrassed now “i kind of threw him out the window.”
Hearing that Rarity snorted as she tried to not laugh. The white unicorn used her magic to work the keys as she stepped back covering her mouth and said “Twilight you couldn’t have been that nervous.”
the lavender unicorn gave her friend a slight glare. “it wasn’t nerves, nor our first time.” Twilihgt clarified, she sighed and leaned on the counter looking out one of the far windows “normally we....fool around.... at his place but last night we were just hanging out reading together and one thing lead to another.” Twilight blushed a deep crimson thankfully Rarity interrupted to tell her the total, like always they had a quick discussion about Twilight not wanting a discount but Rarity insisting on it, the white mare finally won with 'its my store my rules' like she always did. Once that was settled Twilight continued as she counted out her bits “any way we were in my room and I thought I heard Spike waking up and I didn’t want him to see anything and I....” she couldn’t think of the right way to say it.
Thankfully Rarity got the idea as she finished for her friend, “and you bucked him out the window?” she asked trying to not to laugh, but she had to cover her smile with a hoof once again.
“yeah.” Twilight covered her head with her for-hooves as she spoke “ugh I’m sure he's furious with me.”
“Well Darling, to avoid some like this again.” Rarity said with a caring smile and a gentle hoof on her friend's shoulder. “maybe its time for Spike to have a room of his own.” Twilight looked up at her. “most foals his age don’t even have a nightlight any more.”
the lavender mare nodded in thought as she said, “but I don’t want him to think I don’t love him any more.” 
Rarity blinked and smiled as she said, “Twilight you sound like his mother right now.” seeing the look on Twilight's face Rarity decided to not push that angle, “any way, it wont just be for him its for yourself and your relationship. If you don’t compromise a little you’ll end it.”
Twilight raised an eyebrow at her friend. “are you going to tell me how its like apple pie now?” 
“no.” Rarity shook her head, “i don’t need to. You also don’t need too change everything for Winchester or even change yourself at all, just modify yourself a little. I myself have gone to several Rock concert with Thunderlane, and as uncouth as those events are I did my best to enjoy them for my coltfriend's sake. And for me, Thunderlane has gone to several beauty pageants, Even Ones that didn’t feature my dresses.” Rarity smiled as she added “and I think we both found things we could enjoy at those events.”
“that’s a little different then forcing Spike to get his own room.” Twilight replied as she stood straight again.
“yes.” Rarity replied with a nod, “But Twilight it could be good for Spike too, let him grow up little.” the White mare smiled “what are you going to do when he's bring his marefriend home.”
Twilight covered her ears with her hooves “i don’t even want to think about that.” after a moment she sighed then smiled. “he's not going to be a baby dragon forever. Just little. My little Dragon.” the unicorns giggled. “looks like I may need to learn how to make a tree grow a new room.”
“And I need to plan a party.” Pinkie Pie said as she jumped in through the door, it was like she was summoned by possibility of a party.  “it could be a Spike grows up party, or a Spike gets a room party.” the pink mare taped her chin happily before her ears drooped and she dropped her hoof and head “too bad Rainbow Dash wont be here for it.”
“Darling, she's only been gone a couple of days.” Rarity said, it seemed like Pinkie Pie brought up Rainbow Dash being off at the Wonderbolt's training camp just about every chance she got. 
“yeah but I miss her.” Pinkie replied with a cute puppy dog pout.
“we all need to get together and wright her a letter.” Twilight added, she smiled as she made up her mind about her earlier discussion “any way Rarity your right.” the white unicorn nodded almost smugly “looks like Spike and I got shopping to do. Pinkie are you really going to throw him a party?” the pink mare nodded her jiggly head. “well I'm sure you got the invitations covered.”
“yep.” Pinkie replied. 
“okay.” Twilight replied before saying her goodbye's and left. Pinkie and Rarity happily talked about plans.
Winchester was trotting home form Fluttershy's cottage. He had bought a little orange and white kitten just like he had planed, that now it was on his head and chewing on his horn. The stallion gave a stern “no.” as he sparked his horn. The kitten meowed and hid in the stallion's mane for a moment. The angry kitten growled as she shot forward and put one paw on his snot while she held onto his horn with her tiny claws for stability. She meowed cutely into his face. Winchester smirked as his new pet attempted to tell him to not do that. He started to laugh and the young cat made a sound not unlike a giggle.
As luck would have it Twilight noticed her coltfriend happily trotting by. She calling out to him as she caught up. She smiled shyly as he stopped and greeted her with his normal grin. He didn’t seem mad at her. After a short kiss, Twilight noticed the kitten hiding behind her coltfriend’s horn and asked “oh, who is that?” 
“this?” Winchester said looking up with out moving his head “oh this.” he smiled and pick up his kitten with his magic and placed her on his hoof to show her off. “is Butterscotch.” the kitten meowed and looked at Twilight disapprovingly for a moment before turning around jumping onto her owners shoulder and hiding in his mane.
“i remember you saying you were getting cat.” Twilight commented with a smile “she seems to like you a lot all ready.”
“yep.” he replied with a grin. “saw her just about every day since she opened her eyes.” Butterscotch poked her head out of Winchester's mane.
“that’s nice.” Twilight replied as she reached up too see if the kitten would let her pet her, Winchester lowered his head to allow it. The kitten didn’t recoil at Twilight’s hoof, “so about last night.”
“its quite alright my dear.” Winchester replied smiling up her “you didn’t want your little dragon to see, and you forgot just how strong you are.” 
Twilight blushed as she said “yeah about that.”
“oh its alright my dear.” Winchester repeated with a smile, he may have been upset at the time but he got over it with the belief, stuff happens.
“well I still went ahead and bought a little something to make it up to you.” Twilight said shaking her flanks to make her saddlebags rattle.
Winchester smiled “oh let me see.” he purred as he playfully tugged her saddle bag close with his hoof and magic, although his hoof intentionally slipped from the bag to rub her flank.
“woe there big boy.” Twilight smiled as she smacked his hoof with her flank, her face a slight shade of red, “that’s for later.” she turned so they where face to face again. “i have more good news.....I'm getting Spike his own room.”
Winchester's eyes lite up “really.” he smiled.
“yeah.” Twilight said with a smiled. “in fact I was going to take Spike shopping for furniture. want to come along?”
“sure.” the stallion replied “I’ll help you buy for furniture for your lizard.” he regretted the slip before Twilight even processed what he said.
Twilight glared at him “don’t call him that.” 
“Sorry,” the stallion's head and ears low.
Twilight smiled a little as she said “if you can behave you can still come along.”
Winchester stood straighter and stated “I’ll do my best.” he smiled at his marefriend as the kitten on his head meowed.
The stallion stole a kiss of Twilight’s cheek that made her giggle as they made there way to the Golden Oak's Library. It didn’t take them long, the library was just a block away. As the lavender mare trotted inside she dropped her saddle bag by the door and called “Spike.” Winchester on the other hoof had no intention of waiting to see what Twilight got to make up for bucking him out the window. Sadly for him, before he could open the bags, Twilight snapped them up saying “hey, no peaking.” she giggled and put the saddle bags back on. She looked around as Spike still hadn’t shown up, “where is he?” she asked.
A loud laugh and cheer from upstairs drew the ponies attention. It wasn’t hard for the pair to recognize Spike and the crusaders' voices, probably in the bedroom. Winchester followed Twilight up stairs to her room. The mare gasped as she opened door and looked in. the floor was covered in paper, most were crayon drawings of three ponies doing something, each titled with some sort of Cutie Mark Crusader Operation. The walls were covered in posters, for country and rock bands, a ballet troupe, the Wonderbolts and even Rainbow Dash. 
Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Spike were siting in the floor staring wide eyed up at Twilight Sparkle as a soda bottle spun in the center of the circle they made. Spike snapped up the bottle and hid it behind his back as the four young friends nervously greeted their elders.
Twilight had to look away or she may have screamed. Her deliberately organized room was ruined, by none other then the one who helped her organize it all in the first place. “okay girls, Spike. Why are all of you here?” she said as calmly as she could, it only made the Crusaders more nervous.
“the Club house got all messed up.” Applebloom answered, “arh plan to get cutie marks in cart washing ended before it started.”
“So many bubbles.” Scootaloo said shell shocked.
“yeah.” Sweetie Belle squeaked “and the floor still slippery.”
“mah sister slide right out the window.” Applebloom said with a grin. 
Sweetie Belle mimed scrubbing the floor as she said “we tried to scrub it out.... but the soap just foamed up again.” Scootaloo shuttered at the thought.
“i tried to help but it was too much.” Spike added “so I thought we could use our room while the club house drys out.” the little dragon tried to smile but the shadow over Twilight’s face soon erased it.
Winchester looked worried as he took a few timid steps back. Twilight took a slow breath before she said “I'm sorry, girls but you cant use My room for your club house.” she looked up at them all with a forced smile “bbuutt, Spike, you can use your own room as a club house till your real one is safe again.”
Spike raised an eye brow and said “Twilight I don’t have my own room.” 
Applebloom leaned over to Scootaloo and whispered to her, “i think we broke Twilight” the young pegasus nodded and added “again.”
“well.... I've been thinking, and I believe your old enough to have your own room.” Twilight's voice wavered a little as she spoke. “And Pinkie's even going to throw you a party to celebrate you getting you own room.” she giggled as she watched the dragon's eyes widen with excitement and fear. “the crusaders are invited too, as long they clean the mess that all of you made.” her smile became a glare for a moment then returned to the happy smile.
“do you want me to help them clean up?” Spike asked.
Twilight looked back at Winchester to silently ask what he thought. The stallion nodded, however Twilight generally did the opposite of what he thought when it came to what to do with Spike, “no Spike, your going to come with Winchester and I to buy furniture for your new room.” Winchester rolled his eyes wondering why she even asked him. He was hoping for some alone time with Twilight, but a nip from Butterscotch reminded him, he wouldn’t have gotten it anyway.
“okay.” Spike replied unsure. Twilight encouraged the dragon to say goodbye to the crusaders so they could get to work. “Bye Sweetie Belle.” Spike said, she happily gave him a hug before he waved at the other two fillies saying “later Applebloom, later Scootaloo.” Applebloom and Scootaloo said their goodbyes as the pegasus climbed onto the earth pony's back so she could reach a poster of Rainbow Dash.
It didn’t take long for Twilight and Winchester to trot all the way to the department store. Along the way they learn that Butterscotch really didn’t like it when Spike tried to touch her, and Twilight continued to prove she didn’t like too many displays of affection with Spike on her back.
“okay.” Twilight said as they walked into the store. “well we need to get you a bed and some shelves..... a dresser and an end table or two.” the purple unicorn looked around the store “maybe a desk and a chair? Anything you want Spike?”
the little dragon taped his lip in thought “um comic books, maybe a cool lamp?” Spike's eyes lit up as something came to him, “how about one of those new movie projectors?”
“i don’t think so, Spike, besides the library already has a movie projector.” Twilight Sparkle replied with a smile. The mare trotted over to the bed section of the store, not realizing Winchester had wondered off. He was hypnotically drawn to a lava lamp display.
Spike pouted as he slipped off Twilight’s back “but you never let me use it and we only have educational films.”
Twilight giggled as she looked over at him “what else would you watch on it.” she giggled at the full body sigh the dragon gave, “but how about I buy you a nice radio.” the dragon liked that idea. Twilight just hoped her friends didn’t get him one. She was sure they were going to get him presents, it is the pony way after all.
Spike was bouncing on the third bed he and Twilight had looked at, and the mare was getting a little frustrated, “Spike you need to pick the bed you thinks going to be the most comfortable, not the bounceyest.” she said with a sigh.
“but Twilight bounceyness its the dragon way of picking a bed.” Spike responded as he bounced off the bed “that ones not bouncy enough.”
“ugh, really Spike.” Twilight whined, unlike some mares she did not enjoy shopping that much.
“Hey Twilight” the mare heard Winchester call, she turned and greeted her coltfriend wondering what he wanted. The smile on his face told her he found something funny.
“What did you find?”  
“ohhhhhhh just the best lava lamp ever.” Winchester presented a mostly white box, it was covered with blurbs saying how it was the best new lamp since sliced bread. What that actually mean Twilight may never know.
However it got worst when Twilight noticed her name written on the box in several areas, “oh Celestia no” Twilight half smiled as the stallion turned the box so she could see the picture of the lava lamp. The liquid inside was dark purple like her mane and the jell was a rich lavender like her coat. The base was a three dimensional representation of her cutie mark, she sighed and let her head fall “what makes you think that I want that one.”
“oh....this one is mine.” Winchester chuckle, “but this one I thought you would want.” he produced another box, this one had sun and moon motifs on its base. The black and white gel was ether magically or chemically separated from the looks of it. Twilight giggled thinking it seemed fair the princess had their own merchandise like this, long ago just the idea of something like this could get a pony severely punished. “and I even got something for the dragon.” Winchester added.
Twilight’s surprise that Winchester had done something nice for Spike was quickly turned to disappointment, when the Stallion produced a two hoof long rock with a sticker on it that read 'Atrium Heating Rock for Reptiles' the lavender mare narrowed her eyes as she looked up Winchester, “Really.” she said her anger growing.
“what? He likes it.” Winchester replied as Spike plopped down on the rock with a smile, the little dragon commented on the warmth. Winchester smiled at Twilight but it quickly faded seeing her glare, “sorry.” He lowered his ears and head. “I’ll put it back.” his horn lite up and he pulled the rock out from under Spike. Winchester was on his best coltfriend behavior for the rest of the time in the furniture store. Twilight eventually forgave him, she knew what he had seen dragons do so his animosity was understandable. The lavender unicorn really wished he just wouldn’t take it out on Spike.
The couple and their young dragon companion eventually picked out everything Spike needed for his new room. Twilight never once looked at a price tag, there was no chance it would be a problem. While the three were waiting in line to purchase their order Winchester said “hey Twilight, I'm going to run next door and pick up some kitten food.”
“okay.” Twilight replied as she stepped up to the counter to pay. She paused to kiss Winchester before he slipped pass to head for the door.
“Hey I'll come too.” Spike said hopping off the lavender mares back, he needed some advice from a stallion.
Winchester looked from the dragon up to Twilight Sparkle, with out a word she told the stallion to let Spike come along and to be good. The mare giggled as both Winchester and Butterscotch made the same exaggerated face. “very well.” the stallion said, he looked down at Spike and nodded his head to the door, “lets go.” he groaned. 
It wasn’t a long walk to the pet store, it was only three stores down, but too Winchester it felt like forever. To Spike on the other hand it wasn’t long enough, he couldn’t build up the courage or find the words to ask the question that was plaguing him. The one time he had found the words, he lost them when he turned to the stallion with his mouth open and saw the kitten on Winchester's head glaring at him. Why did that little beast not like him.
Spike followed the blue writer into the pet store. The little dragon always hated the smell of the place, and the saw dust tickled his nose something awful. Winchester didn’t say anything as he made his way to the cat food aisle but Spike did, “um hey, Winchester, how do you make a mare like you?”
the stallion stop mid stride a hundred things passing through his mind before he turned to face him, “huh?”
Spike looked at the floor as he shyly crossed his arms behind his back and kicked at the ground and said “well there’s this one filly and I wanted her to like me. I started to learn to cook so I can help her learn, and I gave her a gem or two I found but she didn’t really like those.” he glanced up at the stallion as he said “and well I heard spin the bottle can be a good way too hook up but that didn’t work ether.”
Winchester scoffed “nothing good comes from spin the bottle.” he thought about the only game he was involved in, it didn’t turn out well. Although maybe he should catch up with his friends from school, not like he had much to do now that he was retired and all. Maybe a trip with Twilight to Canterlot would be fun, she doesn’t get to visit her home town enough anyway. The stallion shook his head to clear his mind, he had made it a habit of letting his mind wonder when Spike was talking to him. He glanced at the cat food aisle then back at Spike with a mischievous grin, “you know if you can go grab me a bag of kitten food I’ll tell you the secret.” 
“okay.” Spike said as he hurried in to the aisle.
The stallion move over to where it looked like he was looking at cat treats and whispered “watch this.” too his kitten, Butterscotch was looking all around till the stallion pointed with his ear. Spike examined several bags of kitten food till he heard Winchester call “no, the big one.” the dragon nodded as he hurried over to the bulk 20 pound bag of kitten food on a wooden pallet. He confirmed that it was the one Winchester wanted then got up on the tip of his claws to grab one of the bags on top, till the stallion said “no no the one on the bottom, their newer.”
Spike glanced at Winchester then back at the pallet of kitten food. “uh okay.” the dragon stepped back and inspected the stack of bags as one would inspect a puzzle. The young dragon tugged on a few bags to see if they would come loose till he found one that might. Winchester watched with baited breath as Spike pulled the bag he had picked out till it stopped. the little dragon growled in frustration, it was so close almost half the bag was free but now it was stuck. 
Winchester's smile grew as the dragon spit on his claws and rubbed them together then grabbed the bag again. With a cute, prolonged, grunt Spike yanked on the bag trying to not rip it but still get it free. Winchester felt evil as he watched his hastily thought out plan came together. The bag ripped in two spraying kitten food every and tossing the dragon on its back. Spike sat up just in time to watch the rest of the stack of kitten food to wobble and topple over on him.
The Dragon sat up again and shook a bag of cat food off his head. Spike looked around as he heard Winchester laughing. The stallion stopped as an employee approached him about the mess. Still chuckling to himself he agreed to clean it up and pay for the damaged bag, Even though he would have still paid for the damage, Winchester miss being able to get out of trouble by flashing his knight's crest. 
Spike glared at Winchester as his magical glowed started too pick up the bags. Without paying the dragon any mind, the stallion restacked the intact bags on the pallet. Spike tried to stand up but slipped in the crushed kibble beneath him and flopped on to his rump. He looked over at the six tore bags that were set down beside him. “its not about gifts, or showing off.” the stallion said without looking at the dragon, despite not being a knight Winchester still had his honor to maintain and that meant keeping his word, even to a beast, “the secret is too just be yourself, If she likes you and I mean IF, she'll see you as more then a friend. The only trick could be to try to get her alone, so just the two of you can talk.” Winchester picked up the bag he was going to buy in his jaw as an employee walked up with a broom and dust pan. 
Spike was about to ask a long string of questions but stopped as Winchester nodded for the gray pet store worker to give the dust pan and broom to Spike. He knew what he was being told to do without a word, the dragon simply sighed and got to work.
Twilight Sparkle trotted into the pet store. It was easy to find Winchester waiting inline with a large bag of kitten food on his back. The mare giggled when she noticed Butterscotch was trying to dig into the bag, but her little claws just weren’t strong enough to get through the outside of the bag. Winchester smiled and kissed his marefriend as she joined him.
“Where's Spike?” Twilight asked looking around, she hoped her assistant was just playing with some of the pets.
Winchester hid his grin as he looked around “i don’t know, he's around here some where.” he said as he stepped up to the counter to pay, the clerk knew what had happened and was already ringing up the six bags the writer had destroyed plus the one he was buying.
Twilight shrugged, if something bad had happened to Spike she was sure that the place wouldn’t be so calm. The mare idly leaned her shoulder on Winchester's as the clerk told the writer how much he owed. “that cant be right?” Twilight commented as she looked at the one 20 bit bag of kitten food on her coltfriend’s back then at the 140 bit total, she only grew confused when Winchester didn’t argue the price. That couldn’t be right he was paying attention, and he could do math. Then she noticed Spike walking by with a massive pile of dry cat food in a bin, Something did happen. “Winchester what did you do?”
“well.... the dragon made a mess trying to help me.” Winchester said with a disarming smile. “and well he had to clean it up, and I got to pay for it.”
“Really.” the lavender mare said as she eyed the stallion, he had to have something to do with it. If Spike had done something that cost the dragon hating stallion money she would have heard his anger down the street, and she would have had to pay for it, but if Winchester had something to do with it, he would pay for it himself. “what did you do?” Twilight asked again as Spike made his way over them.
“nothing really.” Winchester said as he counted out the bits in his head “he asked me a question and well his payment was my entertainment.”
“i thought you just wanted the fresh kitten food on the bottom of the pile.” Spike added not sure what was going on.
“was embarrassing himself worth it?” Twilight asked angrily.
“well.” Winchester should have known he was going to get in trouble for this. “at the time it did but not really any more.” 
As Spike said, “i didn't mean to make the such a mess, its not my fault that the stack fell on me.” the stallion realized there was no way for him to defuse the situation, he was already kicking himself.
Twilight looked up from her little dragon to Winchester, she was furious but didn’t want to cause a scene. “what if he gotten hurt?” she spoke through clinched teeth.
the stallion lowered his ears as he said “those things are pretty tough so you don’t have to worry about that” as soon as the words left his mouth he realized that he should have chosen his words better.
“Spike is not a thing.” Twilight growled startling both Winchester and the dragon. The mare took a deep breath and said “we have to talk about this.” remembering that they were going to celibate Spike's new room tonight she added,“tomorrow. this really important Winchester.”
the stallion nodded “well talk over dinner.”
“before.”
“of course.” Winchester replied, he knew he had screwed up.
Twilight Sparkle shook a little as she walked away with Spike by her side. “um Twilight is everything okay?” the little dragon asked.
Twilight sighed “yes!” she force a smile before she looked at him “everything’s fine!” she lead the way home, her emotions were in check for the most part but almost as soon as Twilight walk in the door her shoulders and head fell. “I’m going to go lay down for a bit.” the mare hurried up to her room and locked the door after sliding the Cutie Mark Crusaders out. The three fillies were confused, they wanted to get their stuff but decided to not disturb her.
“your not okay.” Spike said to the air where she should have been.
Spike sighed as the crusaders walked down the stairs too join the dragon. “what happen?” Scootaloo asked confused.
“Twilight and Winchester got into a fight.” Spike said as he ideally rocked back and forth on his heels.
“ooohhh,” Applebloom made a hurt face as she spoke “was a big fight?”
“yeah.”
“uh oh, when my sister Rarity gets into a big fight with her coltfriends she gets really sad after.” Sweetie Belle explained, “Thunderlane and her don’t fight that much but when they do it can get bad.”
Spike looked heart broken as he said “i think the fight was about me.”
the three fillies didn’t know what to say, but Sweetie Belle had an idea of how to maybe make the dragon feel better. With out hesitation the little white unicorn threw her for-hooves around Spike and hugged him whispering “its not your fault.” 
with the reassurances from Sweetie Belle, Spike smile brightly. “maybe there’s something we can do.” the little dragon said still holding onto the little white filly, she blushed but didn’t push him away. It was kind of nice.
“we could ask Twilight if their was anything we can do to help?” Scootaloo suggested with a buzz of her wings. She looked up at the door to the bed room where the adult mare in question was 'studying' a spell.
“no.” Sweetie Belle said finally slipping away from Spike, both a little red faced. “Rarity said its not the mares fault when a couple fights.”
“that just don't seem fare.” Applebloom comment, Spike nodded.
“that’s what I said.” Sweetie replied “but she and Thunderlane seem really really happy together so maybe its true.”
“only one way to find out.” 
“yeah, Applebloom.” Scootaloo agreed before looking very confused, “how is that again, just want to make sure Sweetie Belle and Spike know.” 
the dragon and little unicorn eyed their friend as Applebloom said “we got to go talk to Winchester.”
“okay.” Spike, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo said together. Just as the four were about to declare the the Cutie Mark Crusader Relationship Savers were go, the door bell rang. Spike answered the door, confused to why it was locked. 
“we have a furniture delivery for a Miss Sparkle?” the large gray brown earth pony said, a name tag on his light gray shirt read Flat Bed.
“oh just a sec I'll get her.” Spike replied before he hurried up stairs. The little dragon knocked on the bedroom door and called “hey Twilight the delivery is here.”
“oh.” the mare inside replied, she sounded a little hoarse “could you take care of that I'm uh busy.” inside Twilight had settled down, her tears were gone as was her anger. All that was left was the confusion to why relationships had to be so hard some times, she was still torn between her feelings for her coltfriend and the little dragon that was as close to her child as he could be. Though if forced to chose she knew who it would be.
“okay.” Spike said with a sigh. The little dragon walked down stairs and back to the door where Flat Bed ideally taped his hooves to the beat of the song in his head. “she's a little busy so I’ll sign.”
“okay, not a problem.” the delivery stallion nodded, he pulled a clip bored out of his saddle bags. The purple dragon grabbed a quill and signed. He looked at the Crusaders and said “hey uh I don’t think I can go with you girls.”
“that's okay Spike” Sweetie Belle said with a giggle “we'll take care of everything.” she winked at him before giggling again. Applebloom lead the fillies out the door with a mighty cute Ye-haw.
Spike watched as Flat bed and half a dozen other ponies brought in the larges boxes full of the furniture for his room. They were confused when the dragon said that the room had not been built yet and to just put it all the boxes in a seldom used corner of the library’s main room. 
For the next half hour the little dragon tried to not think about what was going on. He had seen Twilight get heart broken before, and he would hate to be the cause of it. Luckily he had some stuff to clean up and put away, mostly dishes, before the others came of over for the party. He was excited to have his own room and his own stuff, but he was still worried about his greed taking over and well the same fears most young ponies have with their parents think their too old for a night light. Monster under the bed and all, but he had seen worst so those weren’t really that scarey.
Soon enough their was a knock at the door, it was after library hours so Spike knew who it could be. he called for who ever it was to come in as he finished drying a the last few plates. Pinkie had spread the word to all of Spike friends, First to arrived was Fluttershy. On the yellow's mares back was a strange colored flower that gave off a smell that just made Spike feel at ease. “Hi Fluttershy,” the dragon greeted.
“Hello Spike.” the pegasus replied in turn as the dragon joined her in the main room, she easily noticed his eyes locked on the flower “its a Dragon's Peace, it has no smell to a pony but they say a dragon will always be happy when they smell it.” she explained “I'm sorry I didn’t wrap it, I didn’t know till about a hour ago.”
“its alright.” Spike said with a smile across his face “its all good.”
“oh dear.” Fluttershy said stepped back a few paces, she was afraid it may have been too strong, this year was the first time it had bloomed.
Not too long after Applejack and Big Mac came to the door, the stallion had a nice warm quilt draped over his back. “good for those cold winter nights.” Applejack told Spike as Big Mac gave it too him, again he heard an apology about it not being wrapped. Spike didn’t mind, gifts were gifts wrapped or not. He did make a point to mentally tell himself he would be happy even without getting stuff. Twilight Sparkle walked down stares happy to see her friends, she levitated the bright green book of plant magic with her.
Rarity and Pinkie Pie showed up together. Rarity had an expertly wrapped gift in a basket she held in her purely white teeth, even if this was a party for Spike she couldn't help but show off something new. The Teeth whiten kit she bought had worked great, not that her teeth weren't already pretty white. “oh it appears I haven’t over dressed for once.” the white mare said after their hellos “but it dose appears that my gift is over dressed.” 
“well its better then me I sent so much time packing my Party in a box that I didn’t have time to go out and get anything.” Pinkie Pie said with a pout. She was taking careful consideration where she put the large pink box she had brought.
“its okay girls.” Spike said with a smile “you didn’t need to get me anything at all but thank you so much.” although he couldn't hid his curiosity for what was inside both the boxes.
“well that’s good to hear.” Twilight said glad that Spike was keeping that greedy side of him in check, she winked at him to insure he knew it was a joke. The little dragon smiled showing he knew.
“Well Spiky Wikey.” Rarity said setting the basket and present down on the table next to the other presents “you wont have to wait long to open it, Pinkie and I saw the crusaders heading this way.”
“good.” Pinkie said before Spike could reply “everything will be set up before they get here.” as her friends began ask how, the pink mare pulled the string on her pink box. The lid exploded off filling the room with confetti and streamers obscuring everypony's vision, seconds later the room looked like Pinkie had spent all day decorating it for the party. Balloons, streamers and other decorations filled the libarey hanging from the stair railing and shelves with expert placement. A banner hung from the second floor railing read “Congratulation On The New Room Spike” games likes pin the tail on the pony, a sticky dart game and even a pinata were all set up ready for the party goers to enjoy. “OH NO.” Pinkie exclaimed “the cake did make through.”
“What?” Scootaloo said as she and her two friends walked through the door just in time for the five layer cake in question to fall over on top of the three fillies. Applebloom was silent and stoic, befitting of an apple. Scootaloo was confused to the point of freezing up. Sweetie Belle cried out in fright, she was upset by being covered in sticky icing. However after tasting the confection that covered her Sweetie Belle giggled saying it wasn’t so bad. 
“you three should hurry up and hop in the bath.” Applejack said nodded to the up stairs bathroom. “better hurry up before everypony else shows up.”
Twilight Sparkle smiled as she held Spike back before he could say he would help. “well I think this is everypony.” she looked to Rarity and asked “is Thunderlane coming over?”
“no.” Rarity replied in between explaining to the girls what the sugary frosting may be doing to the filly's coats and manes, they barely cared. “he's having a family night. Rumble has been Begging for him to spend some time with them. Is Winchester coming?”
The lavender unicorn force a smile as she answered “NO, i thought it would be best if it was only SPIKE'S friends here.” Rarity frowned realizing something was wrong. “so anyway Pinkie.” Twilight said still forcing a smile “i think you know what you need to do.”
“YAY!” Pinkie yelled as she kicked her recorder player getting the party into full gear. The tense moment was soon forgotten. How could it not be with Pinkie hosting the party. Even Twilight was having fun and everything got better when the three fillies rejoined them.
Games were played, snacks were munched, Punch was guzzled and the Pinata was smashed by Applebloom, showing her earth pony strength, showering the other fillies and Spike in hoof made rock candy. The earth pony was the only one luckily enough to break the pinata when she hit it, Spike didn’t even get close when it was his turn. Sweetie Belle didn’t hit hard enough to break anything and Scootaloo only creaked it a little. Afterward Spike sat down to open the only wrapped gift he had been given, though he did take the time to loveingly tell each and every pony he was happy just to have them there.
The little dragon's claws made short work of the wrapping paper around the fine wooden box on short little legs. The dark reddish brown wood was polished to a near mirror finish the lid was held on by a pair of fine brass hinges and a brass hook clasp. “WOW......what is it?” Spike asked curiously, as the crusaders moved in to look at it filled with the enthusiastic curiosity of youth.
Rarity smiled from where she laid on a pillow with a mischievous smile, “oh darling you have to open it to find out.” she said with a wave of her hoof. 
“well okay then.” Spike replied as the crusaders chanted for him to open the box. The older ponies leaned in to see what it was as well. With the hook unclasped Spike opened the lid filling the room with the building music all of the pony recognized as the song Flight of Valkyries, as soon as famous horns started in full force tiny model pegasi started to “fly” over the painted green fields held up on little brass rods. “WOW this is pretty cool.”
As the party started up again, Rarity caught Twilight alone. “everything okay between you and Winchester?” the white mare spoke low so only Twilight could hear her. 
Twilight narrowed her eyes as she looked at her friend, why did she have to bring that up. Twilight was having fun and had all but forgotten about that problem, however the concern on Rarity's face eased her anger and the lavender mare answered simply. “I’ll know tomorrow.” she turned and walked away hoping somepony would distract her as Rarity apologize. The white mare felt bad she just wished to help, but she knew sometimes the best thing to do in this situation is to just let things play out.
While Pinkie Pie had ran out to get another cake, Spike joined the crusaders to ask them what they found out.
“oh oh.” Sweetie said “you need to pick something to cook tomorrow.”
“what.”
“oh got a head of my self.” Sweetie replied blushing under her white hoof, she quickly explained they were going to cook a nice dinner for Twilight and Winchester. Scootaloo tugged on a blue bag of bits hidden in Applebloom's bow to show they had all the money they would need.
Finally Twilight turned off the music with a smile “okay every pony.” she giggled as Fluttershy blew a nose making, the yellow mare blushed as she noticed the music was off. She hid behind her mane and Big Macintosh chuckled as he pulled her into a loving hug, “its time for the main event.” Twilight announced as she trotted up stairs with her book on plant magic.
the lavender mare was about to head up stairs when Rarity cleared her throat and called “oh Twilight?”
“Yes?” 
“is this spell going to be the type where you just magic it up real quick?” Rarity asked “or is it going to be more dramatic type?”
Twilight Sparkle wasn’t sure what too say, or why she would need too know. After a drawn out “uh” she finally cheeked her book. After a few page turns the unicorn finally replied “looks like the second one....Why?”
“oh good.” Rarity replied with a smiled, Twilight was a little annoyed that her big presentation was being interrupted, “Spike don’t you think this is a good time to put your new music box to use.” it took a moment for the little dragon understand what Rarity meant. He quickly reached under the box and turned the key, tightening the internal springs and priming the complicated mechanizes inside of the music box for its purpose.
Twilight nodded with a smile, it seemed fitting. It added a bit of majesty to the whole thing. As the 'horns' started the lavender mare leaned her forehead on wall twenty hooves from her door. If the mare's calculations were correct she would miss her room and give Spike the proper thickness of a wall for both of their privacy. Almost as if she was timing it with the music, energy pulse over her coat as Twilight spoke to the energy's within the living wood. 
The sound of music was soon joined by the sound of creaking wood. The ponies looked around as light purple energy coursed though the wood making the whole tree building shutter and shake. Deep under the dirt the roots of the oak tree began too pulse and groan as they absorbed as much water and nutrients they could. The tree would need a lot for this process, but there was plenty in the unused soil of the city square. The wood of the tree shifted and grew, expanding as Twilight willed it.
It took nearly fifteen minutes for Twilight to deem the room finished. The mare panted as a few sweat drops rolled down her forehead, she looked to her finds and asked “Applejack could you and Big Mac give me a hoof?”
“of course sugar cube.” the county mare answered with a smile, she nodded to her brother and both trotted up the stairs. The siblings noticed that the wall had the out line of a door in it. “what'cah need us to do sugar?” Twilight happily explained that she left some of the wall for a door, but that she was a little too tired to buck the section of the wall out. The apple siblings were all too happy to put their tremendous combined strength to work taping the door to be out of the wall. It landed with a loud thud. Big Macintosh easily stepped over the fallen hunk of door shaped wood and lifted it up and out of the way.
The ponies hurried up stairs to check out the new empty room. Spike was as astonished as his friends were. This was his own room, even if it wasn’t much of nothing right now. It was his, but it was a responsibility too he had to make sure it was clean and tidy and most of all he had to not fall into the trap of greed, now that he had a lair per say.
Pinkie Pie started to hum, using the ponies hoof steps as a drum beat. As all of the pink mare's companions looked at her with a smile, knowing what was to come, Pinkie started sing. Her song was about moving in to new places and moving up in the world, and how growing up was just something you have to do.
As if they all heard the same music the group joined in, Rarity sang a verse about making the new place a home like the one your used too and even better then before. Her example was about how the left outside wall needed more light and a window would do. Twilight jumped at the chance and sang to the wood, it quickly morphed into just what was call for. A round four pane widow although the tree could not produce glass so they would have to go buy some tomorrow.
Everypony helped bring the new furniture in. What would normally be annoying work done only because it had to be done, became fun when put with the song. The door was built and mounted, the bed was assembled, the mattress and box spring where put in place. Fluttershy sang about how a new home could be scarey but not to worry when friends were near as she tossed the sheets on the bed and they landed perfectly made, the older apple siblings pulled the quilt over the bed as Applebloom hoped over it and made sure that it was all tuck in ready for use later that night. 
Even though the party ended with everypony working, they all left with a smile on their face after a happy good bye hug to Spike. Before Sweetie Belle released her embrace she whispered. “meet us at the fountain an hour after lunch.” Spike nodded.
Pinkie Pie was the last to leave, she wasn’t the type of pony to make a mess at somepony else's home and not help clean it up. When the cleaning was done Spike was having trouble keeping his eyes open, although the way Pinkie said he looked 'cute being so sleepy' woke him up long enough to say that he was a fierce fire breathing dragon. Once Pinkie was gone Twilight tucked Spike into his new bed. The little dragon had a few immature question like what if somepony comes in through the window, or if he has a bad dream could he come sleep in his old basket in her room. A few of the later question made the mare blush, Spicily when he asked if he could sleep in her bed if he had a really scarey dream. The mare reminded him that he hasn’t needed to do that since he sucked his claw.
“well I still do that.” Spike said as he stuck his thumb in his mouth and made overly exaggerated sucking sounds, revealing he had just been teasing her.
“SPIKE!” Twilight called out with a smile “you little rascal.” she hugged him and told him good night before she trotted over to her room. Twilight hopped into her bed and tried to fall asleep. Unfortunately in the quite of the night her mind wonder back to her problems and what's worse was that the thoughts left no room for sleep. After about an hour of tossing or turning she grabbed a book on Advance Magical Quantum theory, however it quickly became apparent this book wouldn’t do. She set it aside and picked another book, this one the latest Daring Doo book, but it didn’t do the job ether.
The sun wasn’t even close to rising when Spike awoke with a shiver. He looked around till his eyes landed on the window. He sighed it didn’t have any glass yet so there was no way to close it in the cold fall morning. The quilt the apples had given him was warm, but the summer sheets under it was working against it. he slipped out of bed he was sure that Twilight would under stand if he join her for warmth. 
Even the rug under his bed was cold, but the hard wood floor was colder. He quickly made his way to his brand new door and opened it. He didn’t bother trying to be that quite he was about to wake up Twilight anyway. The rest of the dark library was much more bearable, thanks to the magic air conditioning Twilight had installed. His open window just rendered it ineffective in his room.
By the time Spike had made it the few pony lengths over to Twilight’s door he had stopped shivering. Spike opened the door to Twilight’s room and stepped in. to his surprise she wasn’t in bed. Twilight Sparkle was instead cradled belly up in the curve of her window, a book laid open on her chest. her mane and tail cascading over the edge of the wood. Spike shrugged not sure why she had slept there, maybe needed to catch up on some studying and just fell asleep. His eyes glowed a little in the dark a sign of his night vision revealing every detail he would have seen in day time. The Pink and Blue book on the mare's chest was call Relationships for Dummies, the ins and outs of Love, Dating, and How to Make Breaking Up Easier. Spike didn’t like that. As he reached out to wake her he noticed something that stopped him in his tracks. Twilight's eyelashes were all clumped together and their were dried tear tracks on her face. That was it his mind was made up, he was going to do his best to fix the problem even if it wasn’t his fault. 
“Twilight” Spike said softly so not to startle her. “Hey Twilight wake up.” the mare groaned a little as the little dragon gently shook her.
Twilight Sparkle cooed as Spike called her name once again with a more vigorous shake of her shoulder. “huh wha?” the mare said groggily, she was still mostly asleep. 
“Twilight your asleep in the window.”
“oh.” the lavender mare looked around barely aware of who she was talking too, let alone where she was. “I'm sorry.”
“come on lets get you in bed.” Spike said as he helped her climb down from the window. As she moved the book on her chest slipped to the window seat below her. The little dragon realized why she was crying, she was reading the section of the book about breaking up. 
Spike had some difficulties getting the groggy, uncoordinated mare into bed, Twilight was completely asleep before her head even touched the pillow. As the dragon pulled the covers over his friend he thought about how he had never seen her broken up like this about anything. Specially when it came to other pony's, although in the last two years Twilight's prioritizes had change. However now it seems those changes were hurting her. The little dragon stepped back his face determined, he had a way to help ease this pain she had. Once he was back in his own chilly room Spike garbed his cook book and a lantern. Using his fire breath he made the little hut of his bed sheets and quilt warm as he flipped through the cook book.
The next morning seemed like any other. Twilight and Spike ate breakfast together. Spike avoided talking about his plans for the day. Luckily Twilight didn’t really want to talk about anything other then what he needed for his room, namely a window. After breakfast and some library work Twilight and Spike set out too install some window panes. First Twilight supervised Spike measuring each and every section of the window, Three times. 
With the measurements in hand, Spike rode on Twilight's back humming the tune to the song they sang the night before. The dragon hoped this would be quick, the measuring took way too long like always. Now it was past lunch time, he had already seen the crusaders that day. They were waiting for him to go shopping for the plan, what was worst the dish he had picked would take sometime to cook let alone prepare it. 
At the glass shop it almost seem like Twilight didn’t want the exchange to go smoothly, her obsession with perfection seem to be in over drive today. She spent fifteen minutes to going over the measurements with Sky Light the window cuter. Spike slapped his claw over his face when Twilight wanted to inspect his equipment, which took another ten minutes. However finally he got to work after he succumb to Twilight’s insistence on letting her watch. The dragon was sure that the white earth pony was going to throttle her when Twilight made him start over for the third time. Thankfully the ordeal ended without a physical confrontation. 
Some how Spike and Twilight installed the panes in about five minutes. As soon as they were done Spike garbed his cook book and ran out saying something about letting her have time to get ready and that he was going to Dinner with Sweetie Belle tonight. The lavender mare opened her mouth to speak but the dragon was already closing the front door. Twilight cursed aloud in frustration, there was nothing in the way now. In little over two hours Twilight Sparkle might have to break her coltfriend's heart, which would braek hers. She trotted into the bath room hopping a nice warm bath would help ease her anxiety.
Spike ran as fast as his short little legs would carry him. Last place he saw the crusaders was the fountain on mane street where they agreed to meet, finally his luck changed the three fillies were still waiting for him. Applebloom was walking back and forth obviously bored. Scootaloo was on the edge of the fountain balanced on one forehoof and the bag of bits siting on her nose, she was about to fall by the looks of her wiggling limbs. Sweetie Belle looked adorable with her legs curled up underneath her, she kind of looked like a egg with a head and tail but Spike didn't care. 
“sorry, I'm late girls.” the dragon called too them. Sweetie Belle giggled and hoped up to waved. Applebloom looked back as Scootaloo yelled, before anypony could help her she lost her balance and fell in the fountain. Luckily the bag of bits landed on the edge.
After they pulled the water logged Pegasus out of the fountain the four set out to go shopping. On the way Spike told the fillies about why he was late.
“wow and I thought Rarity was demanding.” Sweetie Belle commented when Spike was done venting.
“Well, she's just upset.” Spike replied as he remembered seeing her the night before, it renewed his determination. “really upset.” he added in a low voice.
“yeah.” Sweetie Belle agreed as she hopped in front of her friends “but that’s why we're the.” she held out her hoof and Spike quickly put his claw on hers, Applebloom and Scootaloo put their hooves in as well. Sweetie led the group in calling out “ Cutie Mark Crusader Relationship Savers!” and they were off galloping down the street, Spike some how able to keep up.
Once at Market Street, Spike put something he learned from Twilight too good use. He Divided up the money and the list of ingredients between two groups, he had more then one plan going right now. Another skill he picked up from Twilight. He sent Scootaloo and Applebloom with one half of the list and bits, while he blushed and headed off to get the more important ingredients with Sweetie Belle. When your buying produce you have to know what your doing.
The dragon chuckled nervously as he walked side by side with Sweetie Belle through the market. This was it he had to think of something to say, something to start a conversation. “something wrong?” Sweetie Belle asked with a sweet concerned smile.
“oh uhh.” Spike didn’t know what to say but Sweetie Belle did.
“your just worried about Twilight. aren’t you?”
the dragon was surprised, she was right but that wasn’t the reason why he was nervous. “yeah you can say that.” at least they were talking.
Sweetie giggled as she hugged him “its sweet how much you care about her.” she slipped away and the pair started to walk again “shes like your sister or something right?”
“you could say that.” Spike replied with a smile “she did kind of raise me, but I take care of her as much as she dose me.” he chuckled as he started to tell her some funny stories from his past. Like the time when he was little and Twilight was much younger and the pair of them tried to bake a cake for Princess Celestia, and how it didn’t go as plan at all. Sweetie Belle giggled happily enjoying the story, she told him about how she tried to cook Rarity breakfast in bed once and how she burnt everything including the orange juice, the only difference was that it was only about a year ago.
It was surprisingly fun for the two young citizens of Ponyville to shop for food. Squash, Peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, and about a dozen types of cheese. Sweetie Belle was impressed how much Spike knew about buying vegetables, he would check the sound, smell and feel of each of them. “Wow you know a lot about this stuff don’t you?”
“yeah.” Spike said with a smile  “been doing the shopping since I was old enough to read.”
“Really?”
“Yep.” Spike answered as Applebloom run up behind him and yelling his name casueing him to squish the squash allover his face. He wiped as much of the pulverized vegetable from his face as he could “what is it.” Spike asked as Sweetie Belle passed him a tissue.
“we need more money.” Applebloom said a little embarrassed.
“what why?” Spike replied, did he do the math wrong.
“well Scootaloo and Ah tried Pinkie's way of buying stuff but it kind of back fired.” the earth pony answered kicking the dirt.
“Really?” Sweetie Belle commented “but the Cutie Mark Negotiators failed weeks ago.”
“yeah.” Applebloom replied looking off in the distance.
Spike sighed as he got the money out that Applebloom said she needed, he thanked him and ran off. he and Sweetie continued to shop together happily, although Spike was disappointed that now they probably didn’t have enough bits to buy some burgers later. Well maybe two, but the only way that would work is if it was just Sweetie Belle and himself. 
Twilight Sparkle stared at herself in the mirror. For the past hour she had argued with herself over how dressed up to get. If the discussion didn’t go well then she would have just wasted a bunch of time for nothing. She finally decided that she should dress up because she had to believe She and Winchester would work out. Some sparkly red lipstick, that lavender, rose perfume Winchester liked and some diamond studs for her ears. She had just finished curling her eye lashes when she heard the door close and Winchester call her name. “just a minute.” she replied politely. It didn’t take her long to apply some just a touch of blush and eye shadow.
With one last sigh and a last check that all her make up was finished Twilight wished her self luck and headed out the door. Something smelled delicious as the mare trotted down the stairs. “hello Twilight.”
“hi Winchester.” she replied, the mare noticed a large casserole dish on the table. Steam rose from the color full layers of vegetables and cheese. Twilight walked over to it to get a better look at the colorful meal “What is this? It smells Delicious.” she said as she smelt it, she didn’t think Winchester was this good of a cook
“i don’t know.” Winchester replied with a smile, “something Spike and the Crusaders made. I can tell you it was hard not to eat it on the way here.”
“really your tell-” Twilight stopped mid thought as she realized what Winchester had just said “you called him Spike.” her mouth hung slightly open as she looked at the stallion.
“yeah.” the writer replied “its always been the elephant in the room.” he took her hoof in his as he spoke spoke. his deep brown eyes met her rich purple orbs. “no matter what he was going to be around, and all my stupid jokes, my teasing, all of it hurt you and well Twilight.” Twilight plopped down on her rump as she cover her mouth, her eyes teared up. “he's part of the package and I'll be Damned if I don’t love the whole thing.”
a tear rolled down Twilight’s cheek, not one of sadness like had for the last day, but one of relieved joy. “Winchester.” was all she could say before he pulled her into a kiss that she returned with out a fight.
The couple held each other close as the stallion whispered “i cant change how I feel about the species as a whole, but for you I'll change how I feel about him.”
“That’s more then I could have asked for.” Twilight replied in a horse whispered. She added three little words that made the stallion's heart skip a hoof full of beats and he forget to breath. A moment of silent passed and Winchester held Twilight much tighter and confessed those same the same three words to her.
With wide smiles the pair released their embrace Winchester said “I've been wanted to eat this thing since the dra- Spike finished.” he lowered his ears as he pulled the dish over them.
Twilight smiled and kissed his cheek “Baby Steps.”