~6~
"Did Those Words Hurt You?"
Spike laughter filled the cottage. Earlier he was conscious not to show his fangs out of Fluttershy’s fear, but now, he displayed them in all their length.
The laughter soon died into a chuckle. “That a great question, Fluttershy,” Spike said as he gained control of his breath. “Truth be honest: I’ve no clue.” He began to laugh again, his smile as wide as an upside-down bridge.
Fluttershy dashed behind her mane. The laughter momentary stopped her heart and elicited a “Mep!” from her. She too struggled to control her ragged breaths.
The laughter then died entirely. “Oh, sorry Fluttershy. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
Fluttershy shook her head from behind her mane. “Oh no, you didn’t. Well, you kinda did, but it’s okay.” She peaked out from her mane. “But, why are you laughing?”
“For the same answer to your question – I have no clue!” Spike felt the laughter rising in his throat, but he cut it there. He shut both his eyes and mouth. I’ve already scared her enough, Spike thought.
The fangs were hidden behind Spike’s mouth. Fluttershy exhaled and emerged from her mane. It wasn’t nice to be afraid of others featured, she knew this, but those fangs looked like they could tear through anything. Anything…
Fluttershy gulped. “Um, Spike? That’s not something you should be happy about.”
“I know,” Spike said as he opened his eyes. His claws soon covered his face. “I know.”
No sound emitted from the room for some time. From behind his claws, Spike tried thinking about what his future may be. But no image formed, nothing could be seen, besides the vast landscape of blackness.
The butterscotch pegasus looked down at her chair. What was worse, when Spike was laughing like a mad pony? Or when it seems like he’s lost everything? One was scary, the other begged for sympathy.
Poor dear… Fluttershy thought. Not going outside, staying locked up in that library. I know him and Twilight like their alone time, but just what has Spike been doing for himself?
“Spike,” Fluttershy began, gaining the courage to look at the drake once more. “This fight, while I know nothing of it, I do know Twilight can get worked up sometimes. Maybe, she needs some alone time, to cool off. I bet when she’s all calmed down and ready, she’ll take you back in a heartbeat!”
“I’m not so sure.”
“Please don’t say things like that, Spike. Twilight is just upset is all.”
“What about me?” Spike couldn’t help himself; he had to lay down on the couch. He placed his claws behind his head. “What if I don’t want to go back?”
But you have nowhere else to go. Fluttershy held back the urge to say such a thing, as it wouldn't help the situation, and just make the drake feel worse.
Whatever Twilight said had already upset him, and in this moment, he needed someone to talk with than to be lectured by.
“Did Twilight say anything that… hurt you?”
“What?” Spike propped his head up so he could see her. “No!”
Fluttershy wanted so badly to just back away. Apparently, he was still bent over the subject and needed some alone time. But that reasoning felt hollow to her. “Are you sure about that, Spike?” Her voice came stern. She refused to look away from his accusing stare.
The two stared at one another. Fluttershy didn’t smile nor frown; she kept her eyes straight on the dragon. While the fire burned in Spike’s emerald eyes, his face wavered, and he collapsed back into the couch.
“Eh. Maybe she said some things that made me angry. But she was mad; I was mad, so I shouldn’t take them to face value.”
“Did they hurt you?”
“Not really.”
“Spike. Did those words hurt you?”
“I said no.”
“Spike–”
“Okay!” His claws flung to the roof. “Maybe she called me useless. Maybe she said some things that are true about me! But they don’t matter because she didn’t mean them.”
“Spike…”
His arms fell back to the ground. He huffed and turned his head. “Sorry.”
Fluttershy nodded her head. “It’s okay.” That outburst nearly had Fluttershy running out the door. They way his voice would roar like an actual dragon’s – it terrified her. But Spike was a friend, a friend in need.
“Look, thank you for offering me tea, but I think it’s best if I leave.”
“No!” Fluttershy shouted, albeit too quickly. She sank back in her chair. “I mean, please don’t go yet.”
Spike sat up on the couch. “I’ve already scared you more than enough,” Spike said. “It’s common knowledge that you’re afraid of dragons. And, when I’m angry, I tend to act more like one.”
Spike began to stand up from the couch. Fluttershy craned her neck just to see him; the sight was causing her to sink further into her chair.
Spike sighed and looked away. “You’ve been a terrific host and even listened to my problems.”
He chuckled. “I haven’t had a pony do that for me in a while. Thank you.” He nodded his head and turned around. He would go out that door and let his feet take him wherever they pleased. To go somewhere where there was no one...where Spike could be alone.
Perhaps up in the mountains, I can find a nice cave to sit back in, he thought. His feet started for the door, but yet his ears caught something that halted his being.
“Sorry.”
Spike shot his head back. “What?”
“Sorry,” Fluttershy repeated. Half her face was once again hidden behind her mane. “But, could you please just stay for a little longer?” Racking her mind for reasons on how to get him to say, Fluttershy could only find one that might work.
“It’s not nice to finish something someone’s given you. Will you please just stay and have a cup of tea?”
Spike turned around and gazed at the mare. She blushed as her words were falling apart. “I mean, we don’t have to talk or anything. Just drink tea, please?”
Spike sighed as his shoulders dropped. Fluttershy hoped playing to his kindness would work.
“Alright,” he said. “I’ll stay for one cup.”
To be honest, Spike was just glad someone wanted him around.