//------------------------------// // Ink and Tears // Story: Leave of absence // by Stormhoof //------------------------------// It was 10:00 AM, Rarity and Twilight were cleaning up the library, as Rarity had offered to stay and help with the clean up, hoping she might be there when Spikes reply arrived. There was not much to do, the library would remain closed for another hour and she had been caught up on all her orders, and besides, even if she had been swamped with them she would still have made time to see as to whether or not er dear Spikey-wikey was returning. Until a reply saying such a thing would come however, she would busy herself with the dishes as Twilight went about putting the rest of the food away. After a few more minutes Twilight heard something up stairs, knowing it must be the reply she had been waiting for she galloped up the stairs to find a rolled up piece of parchment in front of the fireplace. Rarity who had heard the noise as well was right behind her, and practically shoved Twilight forward "Go on...Read it!" Said the white unicorn, her voice urgent. "Oof...Ok ok I am." said Twilight, stumbling over her hooves because of the shove. Levitating the scroll he unraveled it, aware of Rarity peeking over her shoulder. As she read she felt her eyes watering, reading the last words out loud as if it would change the meaning of the letter. "S-still angry...Y-your unn-needed assistant, Spike...I...I don't think he is coming back Rarity...he is still upset" Twilight said, her voice shaky as the realization hit her she continued "W-what have I done? What will I do?I..I messed up Rarity..." Her voice shook more and more as she spoke, a few tears falling down to mix with the ink and stain the parchment. Rarity remained silent, as she took a few steps back. Twilight turned to face her, to see that she was doing nothing but staring at the ground, expression blank. "I...I was planning something special for him...and...and now he's gone..." Rarity said sniffling a bit, turning quietly she said is a quiet voice "If you need me Twilight, I can stop by later, I need to get my Boutique open..." she finished head still drooping as she made her way down the stairs.\ As her friend left Twilight looked back at the letter, the words on the parchment practically burning her eyes as she reread them. She reread it to the point where the very sight of the ink on the page crushed her. Rolling the letter up she placed it on her bed,and made her way down so she might open the Library, It was going to be a long day. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The day was busy, There were four new shipments and it seemed that everypony had picked that day to pick up some light reading. Each checkout bore more paperwork, more to write, more to read, she grew sick of the sight of ink of paper. Closing the door, she sighed, the day would not have been nearly as hard with Spikes to help. Sighing she lowered her head sniffling as she made her way up the stairs. A knock could be heard at the door, sighing she trotted over and opened it to see Rarity, wearing a hopeful smile. "Twilight dear, any other news on our dear spikey wikey? did he maybe change his mind?" Came her voice, in a rather depressed, yet hopeful tone. Twilight sighed before replying "no, nothing else...Today was hard, maybe I have taken him for granted, Working the library has never been this difficult. Maybe I should send another letter?" she finished looking up at the white unicorn who simply shook her her head. "Spike has made it clear he would rather not be bothered...we...even though we may be worried we should respect his wishes..." Rarity said smiling weakly before continuing, "Perhaps...you should leave the library closed tomorrow, Pinkie pie,Fluttershy, and I were all going to have a day out at the spa, and you could obviously use some relaxation dear." Raritys voice was gentle, and comforting, which betrayed the sad look in her eyes. Twilight simply nodded tiredly, and Rarity made her way out the door. She trotted upstairs and seen the letter from spike she had lain on her bed. As she laid down she set the letter on her nightstand, her eyes beginning to well up in tears. She was not sure if she could bare to read his words again. crawling under her covers she pressed her face against her pillow, crying quietly till she fell asleep. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spike curled against the flat rock he had made his bed, he knew he shouldn't be this angry...or should he? There was something in the back of his mind, absolutely furious. He knew he should not have gotten so loud, but who could blame him? He donated his time to any pony in town who needed it, and in return he is told he has been slacking. He swung his claws at the stone floor of his new cave, leaving a few deep gouges. His mind drifted until it ran into the mental image of a beautiful white unicorn. Would Rarity understand him? She was one of the ponies he helped the most, and could not be happier to do so. Her Image drifted through his thoughts gracefully. He could still picture each small detail of her form, from her perfect silky coat, to her shining eyes. His clenched claw relaxed, and so did he. Perhaps there would be a reason to return...in time of course. He drifted off to sleep, saying aloud "I miss you Rarity, Don't worry, I'll return..." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rarity awoke with a start, a chill had run down her spine. She looked about her room, the moon shone through her window, its light caught on something gleaming red. She knew what it was, how could she not? It was only the most divinely flawless gem ever to grace her life. lifting it with her telekinesis, she brought the gorgeous fire ruby towards her and laid it on her nightstand, staring at it, lost in its beauty. No outfit,nor dress,nor any project she could ever work on will be as perfect as this gift from Spike. One does not simply give up such a gem because they are asked, no, she knew Spike must truly have deep feelings for her. Sighing she closed her eyes,reluctantly, as she was fascinated ever more by the gem. As she drifted off to sleep Spike stayed in her thoughts. All she could hope for was is safety and a swift return. She would not let him skip out on the birthday present she had planned, it had taken her too long. Her sleep came gently like a summer breeze, leaving her in her dreamland bliss. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Authors Note: This chapter I finished early as a small little thank you to my awesome readers. Expect more soon. and by soon I mean whenever the hell I get around to it XD. also its voting time. There is going to be a fight scene in this fic. so... will it be against A.)Garble (red dragon from dragon quest) B.)Wild angry Manticore C.) Iron Will D.)A Hydra. most votes will win ze chapter! Huzzah!