//------------------------------// // 10 – “But When Are You Going to Start Thinking About That Stuff, Spike?” // Story: Spike Quits His Job and Goes on Numerous Quests // by B_25 //------------------------------// ~10~ “But When Are You Going to Start Thinking About That Stuff, Spike?” “Life is great,” Spike said to himself. “Did you say something?” Fluttershy called from the kitchen. “Nothing at all! The table is set, and I’ve already made tea. Please, come in whenever you're ready.” Spike sat down on the couch and waited before drinking his tea. Soon, Fluttershy stood at the doorway; the sun glowed behind her. Even her shadow had a light to it. “Ohh, Spike, this room looks fantastic!” Fluttershy gleed. Indeed, there wasn’t dirt or a hair on the ground; the couches and furniture had been dusted, and the room carried a sweet scent. “I hope you didn’t go too through much trouble to do this all.” “Not at all,” Spike expressed. “Compared to the labor I did for Twilight, this work is nothing but fun! Besides, I get to hang out with different animals, try out new teas, and spend time with you!” Spike's cheeks blushed as his claw reached for the back of his neck. “Ah, that didn’t come out right.” Fluttershy giggled at his antics and walked to her seat. Spike caught a faint glimpse of a blush on her face. He chuckled. Heh, I guess I am decent with some ladies. The smile turned into a frown, as Spike stared into his cup of tea. Not waiting for her to take a seat, he took a sip. The liquid didn’t calm him like it usually did. “So,” Spike started, “how was the market? Find anything you like?” “Oh, yes. They had these beautiful green earrings that shined in the sun, but I was a few bits short. Though, I did get all my animals friends treats they can have tonight.” Something in that statement made Spike feel weird. But he went against voicing it. Fluttershy picked up her tea and plate and sat back in her seat. She gently blew on the liquid's surface, before taking a sip.“So, Spike, where did you want to sleep tonight?” Spike chuckled. “I’ll take the couch as usual.” “Spike…” Spike waved his claws in defense. “Seriously! I like sleeping on the couch; much better than the dirt under a tree.” “I wanted to help you out Spike, regardless of what happened, I can’t have you sleeping outside.” Fluttershy sighed and sipped on her tea. “I don’t like how your legs hang off the couch; surely it can’t be comfortable.” Spike shook his head. “For a guy like me, it’s just fine.” “I wonder if I clean out the old storage room.” Fluttershy pressed a hoof against her lip, deep in thought. “Fluttershy please, there’s no need to worry about this now. I’m completely fine sleeping on the couch; it keeps me away from my thoughts." “But when are you going to start thinking about stuff, Spike?” Fluttershy pressed. She didn’t mean to do it harshly, but the wound needed to be pushed on. “If you’re going to go home, or how long you’ll stay here. Or even if you still want to go on your adventure. You’re welcome to stay as long as you like, having you as a guest has been terrific. But I don’t want you to be running away from your feelings.” Spike blew into his cup of tea. Nothing was ever too hot for him to deal with, but being around ponies, it’s a habit he’s grown accustomed. Plus, it gives him an extra few seconds to adjust his thoughts, like what he’s doing right now. “That’s what I’m trying to do, Fluttershy. When I think, it doesn’t flow straight. If I think, I wonder: why hasn’t Twilight come for me? Or any other girls; do they hate me now? Considering right now in the midst of all these emotions and feelings just doesn't feel right." “I’ve enjoyed spending time with you and working. It makes me happy to get away for a bit and talk to someone else who listens. I know I’m running away, but I promise to face those issues soon." “Just being with you; cleaning the shelves, helping cook dinner, talking about books or reading books. It’s peaceful here. Something doesn’t always have to be going on, and I like that.” Fluttershy hid behind her mane. Despite her face being obstructed, Spike could make out some of her features. But the way how she looked, hiding behind her hair with only her nose poking out. Spike gave up deducing what she was thinking. “That’s fine, then.” Spike looked at Fluttershy, who never left the safety of her mane. “I’m glad to have you here as well.” She then got up, picked up her tea with a wing, and left the room. She never cast a glance Spike’s way. Spike put his tea back on the table and debating about standing up. Did I do something wrong? Should I go up there to see if everything is okay? Spike was a coward. Despite his curiosity; despite wanting to confirm the wellbeing of a friend. Spike was a coward and stayed downstairs, sipping on his tea by himself. Then he went to sleep on the couch and didn’t say goodnight. Does taking your best friend's assistant make you a bad pony? Sure, he was kicked out by her, and in turn, has some choice words for her. But even with that, does it make it right to take your best friend's assistant. Even worse, is it bad to enjoy every moment spent with that said assistant? Or the most horrible notion of them all is it okay to think you treat them better than they did. Fluttershy squeezed her pillow. Tears threaten to escape her eyes. “Am I horrible friend? Am I a good pony? I just don’t know! I just don’t know…” Her breathing came in ragged breaths; her voice just above a whisper. Spike couldn’t see her in this state. “Why is that the one dragon I want to talk to is the same dragon I can’t?” Fluttershy asked, but received no answer. Tonight wasn’t a good night and she wanted nothing more than to be done with it. But sleep wouldn’t come, for her mind wanted answers. All that came were tears.