//------------------------------// // 5 – "Spike and Fluttershy went for Tea." // Story: Spike Quits His Job and Goes on Numerous Quests // by B_25 //------------------------------// ~5~ "Spike and Fluttershy went for Tea." “Oh my, did you fall asleep again?” Spike felt something tapped against his scales. His eyes stirred, a smiled formed. “No no. Just, napping is all.” Fluttershy stood before him. A satchel one each side of her, filled with what Spike presumed treats for the animals under her care. She wore her mane like any other day as it fell to one side. It'd be good if she tried different styles, Spike thought as he placed his chin on his palm. He continued to study her, to look at her every feature like had done with the wind-blown grass. Fluttershy blushed under such direct eye contact, taking one step back. “Uh, Spike? Are you feeling okay?” “I feel like I’m floating in the sky,” Spike replied. He had to shake his to realize he’d been Fluttershy this entire time. “Uh, I mean, I feel good.” “That’s- that’s good to hear, Spike.” An awkward silence followed, where the two weren’t sure what to say or even where to look. Fluttershy coughed into her hoof. “Would you care to come in for a cup of tea, Spike?” Spike smiled. “A cup of tea does sound nice, thank you.” He stood up from the tree and joined Fluttershy, as the duo walked down the hill and soon crossed the bridge. Spike hadn’t realized it, but clutched in his claw was grass. “Heh.” Spike unfurled his claw and allowed the breeze to take the grass, as it carried it down to the water’s surface and flowed down the stream. Spike and Fluttershy went for tea. Upon approaching the cottage, Spike stepped first and held open the door. Fluttershy thanks him with one of her warm smiles, as she stepped into the home and laid her bags on a wooden table. Spike closed the door behind him. “Angel Bunny, I’m back!” Fluttershy looked around and soon came to frown. “Are you here?” No bunny came which caused Fluttershy to sight. She turned to look at Spike. “Please make yourself at home,” Fluttershy sweetly instructed as she went into the kitchen. Spike held his breath as he looked around the room. The room normally filled bears and bunnies, of mice and rats, was barren of any such animals. It was just Spike and Fluttershy in this cottage. But not struck Spike was weird. Rather, the room looked smaller than he last remembered it. His head was nowhere near reaching the roof, but if he stood on his back legs, then he could touch the ceiling. The furniture had also been moved around and some if it replaced. The room was all too different, or maybe it was Spike who had changed. Be it either one; he disliked the feeling. A sound clattering of cups came from the kitchen. A tap was turned on for a few moments, then turned off. Spike could hear the kettle beginning to boil, so he ushered over to the couch and took a seat. When Fluttershy came back into the room, she found Spike staring at right claw. She tilted her head but held back the urge to ask him what he was doing. Instead, she cleared her throat. Spike snapped his head to her. “I wasn’t expecting to see you today, Spike,” Fluttershy started as she sat on the chair opposite of his. “It is pleasant to see you.” “As it is to see you,” Spike replied with a chuckle. “Honestly, I don’t when was the last time I talked to you girls.” He wrapped two claws behind his head. “Seems like awhile.” Fluttershy nodded her head. “Yes. Truth be told, we were starting to become worried about you.” Spike quickly leaned forward. “Really!?” Fluttershy giggled. “Oh, yes. Applejack and I were discussing the other day if you got out much.” That cause Spike to smile at the thought of others talking about him, or even, thinking about him. “I hope you don’t mind my saying this, but you’ve been in the library for quite some time now.” Spike leaned back on the couch. “Yeah. Tell me about it.” He was about to kick his legs up when he realized just whose company he was in. Of course, Fluttershy would never tell him to have manners. He sat up straight. “Though it's nice to see you, Spike,” Fluttershy said with a smile. “So, what prompted you to take a day off?” Spike found difficulty looking at the mare. The memories of last night were wiped away when he laid against the tree. The topic still felt sore to him. But he couldn’t come to lie to the mare. “I and Twilight… we… kinda got into a fight.” Fluttershy covered her mouth. “Oh dear.” “Yeah.” “Is that the reason why you slept outside yesterday? Did Twilight kick you out?” Fluttershy voice was full of concerned, though she found herself wishing she hadn’t said that last part. "Well, I’m not sure if kicked me out. Well, no, that’s a lie.” Spike sighed. His words weren’t coming out like they should. “I haven’t processed what happened; I don’t want to. I think I’m just going to take a few days off to just relax, then deal with this whole mess.” Fluttershy didn’t say anything for a while. Her concern was written all over her face, yet something troubled her within. “Look,” Spike started, a weight dragging down his shoulders, “can we this a secret for now?” Fluttershy bit her bottom lip. “Spike, you know I don’t like lying.” Spike sighed. “You don’t have to lie. Just don’t tell them anything different with Twilight and me.” “Spike–” “Please?” Spike gave her the doggy eyes. Mare can’t resist the doggy eyes. “Fine,” she breathed. “But we’re not keeping this secret for long, okay?” Spike nodded his head. “Just long enough for me to figure things out.” Fluttershy seemed to agree with that. Though it seemed like something new was troubling her. Spike went to ask, but she beat him to the punch. “Spike, I do hope you don’t mind my asking this, but where are you going to live.” The drake had a new train of thought to follow.