The Feelings We Keep Inside

by jw278

Chapter 2

It’s another lovely day in Ponyville. The sun is shining and birds are chirping as we join Rarity walking through the street with Emerald Cloud. Rarity lets out a small sigh that Emerald Cloud catches and says, “I do hope I’m not boring you, Rarity.”

Rarity quickly snaps back to her senses and smiles at Emerald Cloud as she says, “Oh, no, not at all. Please forgive me. What were you saying?”

Emerald Cloud lets out a small chuckle as he says, “That’s good to hear. I said you were right about Ponyville. It sure is a beautiful place. Almost as beautiful as you.”

Rarity blushed slightly and said, “Oh, that’s very sweet and kind of you to say, Emerald. Thank you.”

Emerald Cloud cleared his throat and said, “Rarity, I mean no offence and I do hope you don’t mind me asking but, is everything ok? It’s just you seem, shall we say, a little out of it today. You hardly said a word or ate a bite at lunch today. If there’s anything bothering you, I’d like to help,” as Emerald Cloud starts scratching the back of his head, he nervously says, “Unless it’s me that’s bothering you and if it is I ca-“

“What!?! No, Emerald. You’ve been nothing but a gentlecolt all day,” Rarity replied before sighing and saying, “This is all my fault. I’m sorry. The truth is I’ve recently just found out something about a dear friend of mine and it’s knocked me through a loop a bit in all honesty. I hardly slept last night because of it.”

“Oh my. I see. Well, I don’t know how much help I could be, but if you want to talk about it I would gladly listen. Who knows? Maybe talking about it could help,” Emerald Cloud said with a smile.

Rarity smiled back as she gently shook her head and said, “That’s very kind of you to offer, but it’s not something I can share with anypony.”

As Emerald Cloud used his magic to pluck a flower from the ground, he said, “I understand,” before brushing Rarity’s mane back over her ear with his hoof and placed the flower behind her ear as he moved his face closer and said in a low calming voice, “This flower isn’t as beautiful as you but now that it’s with you, it will have a chance to bask in your radiance,” before kissing Rarity gently on her cheek.

Rarity quickly took a step back, blushing as she looked at Emerald Cloud. Before she had a chance to speak, Emerald Cloud said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do that. I just thought... I don’t know what I thought to be honest. I was hoping it would cheer you up though, I guess.” Before he turned away and continued to say, “Now, not only have I made you feel uncomfortable, but I must look like a right fool. I’m sorry, I’ll just lea-“

“No!” Rarity said cutting him off and making him stop before turning him around with her magic and giving him a warm smile, saying, “It’s fine. You didn’t do anything wrong. You were just trying to cheer me up. Thank you.”

“Oh, what a relief,” Emerald Cloud said as he sighed before he began to let out a little chuckle and said, “I’d thought I’d messed things up.”

Rarity giggled and said, “No, don’t be silly. I thought it was very charming of you.”

As a big smile came on to Emerald Cloud’s face, he said, “Look, I hope this isn’t to forward of me, but I’m here in Ponyville for a few days and if you are free tomorrow night I would very much like to take you out to dinner. What do you say?”

Rarity thought for a few moments before saying, “Well, I do have some work that I need to get done,” as she was saying that she saw Emerald Cloud looking at her with a dejected look on his face and continued to say, “But, I don’t see it being a problem. We can class it as a do over for my behaviour at today’s lunch.”

Emerald Cloud had a smile on his face from ear to ear hearing that and said, “That’s great!” Getting all excited as he says, “But don’t worry about today. I was just grateful to be able to spend time with you. I’ll make the arrangements today and pick you up at 8 o' clock on the dot tomorrow night. How does that sound?”

Rarity couldn’t help but giggle at how happy Emerald Cloud looked and blushed slightly as she said, “That sounds great to me.”

As she stopped her giggling and smiled at Emerald Cloud, she heard a voice from behind her say, “Hi, Rarity.” Rarity stopped frozen for a moment as she recognised that voice and then turned around to see Spike standing behind them with a smile on his face “Spike! Oh no, how much of that did he hear or see?” Rarity thought to herself before saying, “Spike! What are you doing here?” surprised to see him.

Spike raised an eye at her and said, “I live here. Well, not here, here, but Ponyville.” He said with a chuckle before saying, “Are you ok? You’re acting kind of weird.”

Rarity laughed nervously and said, “Well, yes. I’m perfectly fine. You just surprised me. That’s all.”

Spike smiled and said, “That’s good to hear. I’ve just finished all my work for Twilight for the morning and had a bit of spare time, so I thought I’d pop over to the boutique to see if you needed a hand with anything when I saw you over here talking to somepony. I hope I’m not interrupting anything?”

Rarity sighed, relieved that Spike didn't appear to have seen or heard any of the conversation that her and Emerald Cloud where talking about, before saying, “No, don’t be silly, Spikey-“ Rarity stopped for a second and started to remember what she learned yesterday about Spike. Getting another confused look from Spike, Rarity cleared her throat and said, “Of course, you’re not interrupting.” Rarity smiled at him and then turned to Emerald Cloud and continued to say, “Sorry. Let me introduce you. This is Emerald Cloud, a friend I met in Manehattan the other day and this is Sp-”

“So, you’re Spike,” Emerald Cloud said, cutting Rarity off as he smiled at Spike. “Rarity told me a lot about you when we met the other day and I must admit, I was intrigued. I’ve never met a dragon before and by the sounds of it, you are one hard working little dragon at that.”

Spike smiled pleasantly as he held out his claw and said, “Yep, that’s me. Spike the Dragon at your service. Pleasure to meet you, Emerald Cloud.”

As they shook each other’s hoof and claw, Spike laughed and said, “So what did Equestria’s number one fashion designer say about me? I hope it was all good.”

Rarity laughed out loud and said, “Oh, Spike, you litt- you flatterer, you. I may work hard, sure, but I wouldn’t say I’m the number one fashion designer.”

“I would,” Spike said happily, as he chuckled along.

Emerald Cloud joined in with a smile and said, “I’d have to agree with Spike on this one,” before continuing to say, “And don’t worry, Spike. Everything Rarity told me about you was nothing but good. In fact, I’d go as far as to say she couldn’t stop praising you and talking about how much you do to help her and your other friends.”

Rarity blushed slightly and said, “Well, yes, it’s true. Spike has been a great help to me over the years and I couldn’t ask for a greater friend,” as Rarity smiled at Spike she continued, “But, let’s not over do it. The last thing we need is for you to get an ego as big as Rainbow Dash.”

Spike sniggered and said, “Don’t worry. No pony could beat Rainbow when it comes to ego,” making himself and Rarity laugh out loud.

As they finished laughing Spiked asked, “So, do you need a hand at the boutique today Rarity?”

Rarity thought for a moment before saying, “Well, there are one or two things I could do with getting finished, but-”

As she said that, she glanced at Emerald Cloud and was about to continue when Emerald Cloud noticed and cut her off by saying, “Don’t worry about me, Rarity. The truth is I have some things to sort out myself, so why don’t we call it a day and I’ll catch you tomor-.

Rarity got a bit worried and cut Emerald Cloud off by saying, “Oh no, Emerald Cloud. I wasn’t implying that you were stopping me from doing my wor-“

Emerald Cloud chuckled and said, “I know, Rarity, but you do have some work to do and like I said, I also have things I must attend to, so it’s ok,” cutting Rarity off as he smiles at her.

As Rarity smiled apologetically at Emerald Cloud, she said, “Well, if you’re sure.”

Emerald Cloud nodded and said, “I’m sure,” before looking over at Spike, with a smile and saying, “It was really nice meeting you, Spike. I hope we get a chance to talk again before I have to leave Ponyville.”

Spike happily smiled back and with a little chuckle, said, “I’m sure we will. Ponyville isn’t very big, so chances are I’ll run into you at some point.”

Getting a laugh out of both Rarity and Emerald Cloud, the three parted ways after saying their goodbyes. Rarity and Spike made their way towards the Carousel Boutique as Emerald Cloud went on his way with a smile. Just as he went around the corner he saw a bucket of water against the wall, with a towel hung next to it, he stuck his hoof into the water to clean it and as he began to dry his hoof, the smile he wore was replaced with an angry look, as he said, “I can’t believe I let that filthy little thing touch me!” As he threw the towel to the floor he grinned and said, “No matter. It will all be worth it in the end,” as he walked off chuckling to himself.

As we join Rarity and Spike, they are just walking into the boutique after an unusual quiet walk to the shop. As Rarity walks into the shop, Spike follows behind, closing the door as he asks, “You sure everything's ok, Rarity?”

“Hmmm? Oh, why yes. Of course. Why do you ask?” Rarity answers as she trots over to her work station and sits at her sewing machine.

“Well, it’s just you seem, how do I say this? Unusually quiet today. I mean, we haven’t spoken since we left Emerald Cloud. Is something bothering you? Maybe I can help,” Spike replied with a hopeful smile.

“Is something bothering me? Is something bothering me?! How about, the fact that you’ve been keeping the secret that you’re only 3 years younger than me and running around like a kid with a school boy crush on me for years, and you’ve never told me!” Rarity thought to herself as she sat there starting to feel the anger rise. She snapped out of her thoughts at the realisation that she hadn’t said anything and gave Spike her best fake smile as she said, “No. Nothing's bothering me, Spike. I was just caught up in my thoughts of dress making. That is all, but thank you for worrying about me.”

Spike smiled happily at her and said, “If you’re sure,” after seeing Rarity nod her head, Spike said, “Well why don’t you get started on the work and I’ll make you a nice cup of coffee and then we really can get started," before he makes his way to the kitchen.

Rarity let out a sigh of relief as she saw him going into the other room and started her work shortly after Spike came back and placed her coffee on the table next to her and stood next to her as her pin cushion. As Rarity worked, she couldn’t help but notice how close Spike was to her and caught him glancing at her from time to time, as she thought to herself, “Has he always stood this close to me while I worked? Have I really never noticed the glances until now?” feeling a bit uncomfortable Rarity cleared her throat and said, “Spike, would you mind taking a step back?” As she said that, she saw a hint of pain in his eyes at her request as he did so and quickly said, “It’s just you’re standing in my light.”

Spike smiled at Rarity and said, “Oh, sorry, Rarity. I didn’t realise. Is this better?”

Rarity nodded her head and gave him a little smile back as she said, “Yes, that’s find dea- Spike.” Spike gave Rarity a funny look as she corrected herself. Not knowing why she had done that, Rarity quickly said, “Oh, that reminds me. I have yet to give you your gift,” as she carried on working to avoid Spike’s look. She then used her magic to bring out a basket full of gems and placed them on a table a few feet away.

Spike ran over with a smile and asked, “Are these all for me? And if so, why? I haven’t done anything to deserve them.”

Rarity chuckled at his questions, as she carried on working and said, “They are just a small token of my appreciation for that lovely lunch spread you put together yesterday. The food was delicious as always.”

Spike beamed with pride and said, “I’m glad you liked it, but I can’t accept all these gems, Rarity.”

“Nonsense. Of course you can. They are a gift and it would be rude to turn down a gift from a lady, Spike,” Rarity said with a little smile as she worked, knowing full well Spike wouldn’t be able to say no to her now she said that.

“Thank you, Rarity,” Spike said before he came running over and pulled her into a hug, surprising her and to both of their surprise, she instinctively pushed him away causing Spike to get worried as he asked, “I’m sorry. Did I hurt you?”

“Wha?! No, of course not! Don't be silly,” Rarity said in a panic and still a little shocked at herself for pushing him away. As she saw Spike looking at her, Rarity let out a fake laugh and smiled at Spike as she continued to say, “It’s just I’m working right now and I’ve worked up a bit of a sweat and wouldn’t want to make you dirty.”

Spike gave her a half-hearted smile and said, “Oh, yeah. I guess you’re right. Sorry. I guess I just got a bit over excited about the gems. We should probably get back to it.”

Rarity gave the same half-hearted smile back at Spike as she nodded and said, “It’s quite alright, Spike. I’m glad you like them.” Before they went back to work and the silence returned.

As they continued to work, Spike asked in a quiet, almost sad voice, “So, are you looking forward to your date with Emerald Cloud tomorrow?”

Rarity immediately stopped what she was doing and looked at Spike worryingly, as he pointed at her ear and continued to say, “He seems like a nice stallion. If that’s what’s been bothering you, don’t be. You have nothing to worry about. You’re great and there isn’t a stallion alive that wouldn’t like you. I’m sure it will work out for you,” as he gave her the best smile he could muster.

As Spike finished saying that, it dawned on Rarity, she still had the flower behind her ear, she had forgotten all about it when Spike turned up. Not only that, but if Spike knew about the dinner tomorrow night, it means he must have seen and heard everything.

“What? Date? No.” Rarity said as she laughed nervously before saying, “It’s not a date, Spike. It is simply two friends meeting up for dinner. I owe him that since I messed up our lunch today.” As Rarity pulls the flower out from behind her ear, she gets a little smile on her face as she looks at it and says, “Though, Emerald Cloud has been nothing but a gentlecolt and he does seem kind,” Rarity giggle slightly as she says, “If not a bit shy and nervous at times.”

Seeing Rarity smile and hearing her talk made Spike feel sick. He had seen her like this before. Like the time with Trenderhoof, he knew she was starting to like him and there was nothing he could do. He started to feel the anger growing inside of him and without thinking sarcastically said, “Who knows, maybe this time you’ve found your prince charming.”

Rarity, taken aback by Spike’s attitude and feeling her own anger starting to come back at how he was acting, shot back, “Well, yes. He is quite charming after all,” as she let out a fake giggle and grinned at Spike.

Spike, not missing a beat, shot back, “I’m so happy for you, Rarity. You’ve finally found a pony that can live up to your high standards, lucky you!” as he grins back at her with his own fake laugh and continued to say, “Your eyelids must be exhausted after all that fluttering!”

Rarity now stood up from her work bench shocked and used her magic to float the basket of gems in front of Spike and said, “I have no idea what’s gotten into you today, Spike, but I suggest you take your gems and go home before you say something you'll regret!”

Spike pushed the gems away and said, “What’s gotten into me?! That’s rich coming from you,” before continuing to say, “I changed my mind. I don’t want them after all.” As Rarity kept pushing them in his face and kept saying, “They're yours,” Spike kept pushing them away, and saying, “I don’t want them.” Each and every time he felt his anger growing, until he finally snapped and grabbed the basket and threw it to the floor, making the gems scatter all over the place as he screamed, “I said, I don’t want your stupid gems!”

Rarity was taken aback by his outburst, but not one to lose and too angry to think, shouted back, “Well, if this is how you are going to treat a gift that somepony gave you, you can forget about ever getting anything from me again!!!”

Now with both their anger at full, Spike shouted, “I never wanted anything from you to begin with!!!"

Rarity shouted, “Get out!”

As Spike started to angrily walk over to the door he said, “Don’t worry, I’m going! All the gems in Equestria wouldn’t make me stay!” As he swung open the door and walked through, he turned back around and shouted, “I’m Twilight’s assistant! Not yours!!!”

With one last scream of “OUTTTT!!!!” Rarity slammed the door, as Spike flew away. After a few moments of silence, Rarity’s legs gave out and she collapsed to the floor and began to cry her eyes out at what just happened, every now and then muttering Spikey to no one.

As for Spike he was still angry, but the more he flew away from the boutique, the less angry he became and as tears began to flow down his cheeks, all he could say was, “What have I done?”

Deciding to sit in a tree to calm down for a bit and trying to work out what he did wrong, Spike just happened to catch sight of Emerald Cloud with two other unicorns he’d never seen before, heading towards the outskirts of Ponyville. Knowing how dangerous it was for ponies to get to close to Everfree Forest and working out that Emerald Cloud and the others obviously didn’t know the dangers, he went to warn them.

Meanwhile at Carousel Boutique, after calming down a bit herself, Rarity was too exhausted from the fight she had with Spike to do anymore work or to do anything really. She locked up the shop, opting to leave the mess on the floor and just went and climbed into bed, still upset and crying from everything that had taken place.

Comments

[Spade_McTrowel]

Well... that escalated quickly.

[LoveandEdify]

10630888
Well... that meme's overused.

[jw278]

10630888
It did, didn't it I hope you're enjoying it so far & thanks for reading my story. Also thanks for leaving a comment

[jw278]

10631230
Yeah lol Hope you're enjoying this story so far Hopefully Chapter 3 should be out soonish(about halfway through edit stage), please look forward to it

[Magic135]

There's something about Emerald Cloud that I don't trust. Hope that would be explained next chapter. And I hope Spike and Rarity make up.

[jw278]

10631867
Have to wait & see But the next chapter has been half edited so shouldn't have to wait to long to find out what's to come