The young man sighed. He ran a hand over the smooth side of his head. Then both hands through the strip of green hair that was left. He missed the shaggy hair that used to fall around his ears already, and it had only been an hour. Still, he had needed to do something. He'd had the same hairstyle since he was fifteen.
Sighing again, he focused his attention on the rest of his features. Deep green eyes, an averaged sized nose, and a smile that wasn't quite even was what he was met with. He ran a finger along his earring. That was new, too. A silver dragon wound from the earlobe, around the cuff of his ear, and ended with its head resting where the top of his ear met his face. It shown brilliantly against his dusky skin.
With a third sigh, he shook his head. The haircut had been a mistake. He had thought it would make him look cool, but he didn't like the way it looked or felt. Running a hand through the strip of green again, he shrugged. Twila was a powerful soul-folk, but he knew that even if she could, she wouldn't grow his hair back. It's a good lesson for you, she would say.
Of course, his adoptive sister's friends would like it. Or at least, two of them would. The one that was most important to him, though, would hate it. And there wasn't anything he could do in the time before her party downstairs.
It wasn't supposed to be like Twila's friend Pinkie's parties. Those were normally full of loud music, punch, sweets, and dancing. The ones planned by her, though, were normally quieter affairs. As much as he loved Pinkie's parties, the others always seemed more important to him. At least there wasn't streamers and confetti everywhere for him to clean up later.
Someone knocked on the door downstairs, and he heard Twila groan. She constantly complained that it was a public library, and as such the public could come and go as they pleased during visiting hours. She had given up getting them to understand that ages ago, though. They had lived in the library for five years now, and very few people actually entered without knocking.
"Hi Twila," Pinkie's excited voice came from below. "I know this is Rarity's party and all, but I was thinking, and she never ever decorates. So, I have my party cannon, we could maybe decorate? I'll set it on small and low?" He imagined her mischievous grin as she tried to talk Twila into decorating the party.
"I don't know. I don't think Rarity would appreciate it." Twila sounded unsure, even as she said it. "She'll be here soon, maybe we could ask her then." Silence followed, and he knew Pinkie was giving Twila her best pouty face. The hyperactive girl was the only person who could bend Twila to do anything. "Well…maybe just one streamer and one piece of confetti?"
"I don't think so," a third voice said. His head snapped back up to the mirror. Wiping non-existent dirt from his face, he mentally rejoiced. If Pinkie had been allowed to start, it would have been a full scale Pinkie Party in less than five minutes. "I'd rather not have all of that hanging around. I told you all, this isn't a party, really. More like a tea. I just have some very important news to share."
"Awesome," a fourth voice said, "everyone's already here! AJ and 'Chy and I were just going to see if you needed help setting up, but if we're all here…"
"It's party time!" squealed Pinkie.
Making sure his Mohawk looked as good as it could and his earring was still in place, he nodded to himself and walked down the stairs. He heard Rarity explaining once again that it wasn't a party and then everyone heading into the kitchen.
He walked through the library part of the library and into the kitchen with the others. Twila and all five of her best friends were seated around the small table. Twila herself sat with her back straight, her straight purple hair fixed the same as always; down, the natural pink stripe contrasting nicely with her ebony skin, and nearly matching the pink in the star symbol on her cheek that signified her as a soul-folk. To her right, Isabelle Dash sat on the floor. Her back was leaned up against Twlia's seat. Her hands were folded behind her, absentmindedly running her dark fingers through her rainbow colored hair. Clearly visible was the rainbow colored lightning bolt coming from a cloud on the back of her neck, where the sky-folk's symbols appeared.
Next to Twila and Dash, Pinkie was seemingly bouncing in her seat. The mark of three bollons on her hand seemed to float as she drummed her fingers on the table and she nodded her head, her mass of curly pink hair about half a second behind the rest of her. Sharing a seat with her fellow earth-folk, Jack Apple sighed. The farmer's blonde hair was tied back in a ponytail. She kept looking at Pinkie every few seconds with a glare, but the other girl didn't seem to notice, even when the hand with the symbol of three red apples tightened into a fist.
Seated next to them was Chylene. The quiet girl seemed to notice the tension between Jack and Pinkie, even if Pinkie didn't herself. Her shoulders were hunched, allowing the three butterflies on the back of her neck to show, and her head down as she peaked at them from time to time from behind her long, softpink hair.
And next to Chylene was Rarity. Her beautifully coiled purple hair fell gracefully down her back. A small smile slipped onto his face as he looked at her. The three diamond mark on her cheek, the blue of her eyes, the dignified way she held herself, nearly kept him from looking away. It would have, too, had Twila not noticed him enter.
"There you are, Spike. Do you want some tea?"
He nodded and walked around the table to get the tea cup Twila offered him. He glanced at Rarity as he took a sip, to see her frowning at him.
"Yes, well, since we're all here, I had some very important news to share." She took a deep breath and let it out before continuing. "As you all know, my fashion line is growing and becoming more widespread." She paused and looked around. When no one replied, she nodded. "And more and more, I find myself having to go on trips to Camelot in order to meet with clients and, in some cases, the trips are extended.
Spike nodded, remembering how she and just returned from a month-long trip. "It is for that reason that I have decided to…" She paused, her smile falling. She looked around the table, at all the faces focused on her. "I'm moving to Camelot."
Barely stopping himself from spitting out his tea, Spike froze. She couldn't move. She just…couldn't. Then he wouldn't be able to see her anymore. Then…
"What?" Pinkie asked, standing from the seat so quickly she nearly uprooted Jack.
"Actually," Dash said, standing as well, "if we're talking about all this stuff, I've kinda been invited to join the Wonderbolts. I was trying to find a cool way to tell you guys but…yeah." Dash grinned, even as she rubbed the back of her neck. "'Course, I'll still have my home here, but training and stuff is all in Cloudsdale."
Spike backed up against the cabinets slowly, sliding down to the floor. The room was abuzz with talking now, and it sounded like someone was crying and someone was yelling, but he barely registered any of it. His head was spinning, his stomach had left his body, and he felt like lead was coursing through his veins. He knew it would happen eventually; they all had. They were young and still had their whole lives ahead of them. At least half were destined to move away from this little rinky-dink town.
Still, he took in a deep breath and let it out. Then again. He looked back up at the group to see both Rarity and Dash with their arms around Pinkie, who had tears streaming down her face. Twila looked as lost as he felt as she watched the three girls. He didn't see Jack or Chylene anywhere.
"Hey, Twi, where'd the other two go?"
Twila shook her head. "Chylene just ran out. I don't know…Jack tried calling her back, then chased after her."
Spike moved into one of the empty chairs. Pinkie had stopped crying now. Rarity held the other girls face in her hands, talking to her quietly. "It isn't like I'm moving very far away. A short train ride away. You can come visit me whenever you'd like. And," she added, before Pinkie could interrupt, "I'm not moving tomorrow. I have to find a shop and a place to live. I need to ensure I'll have clientele. I just wanted you to be aware of what was coming up."
"You're still leaving, though. I…you're one of my best friends, Rarity. And you're leaving me."
Rarity sighed. "Diane Pie, you listen to me. I am not, not, leaving you. I will come visit, you'll come visit, and we will write." Standing straight, she furrowed her brow. "I had no idea this would be so…" Giving up on finding the word, she shook her head. "I'm sorry. I thought it would be best if the news were known as far in advance as possible." Sitting in the last empty seat, she put her face in her hands. "I didn't mean for this to be so terrible for everyone."
"Hey. Hey Rare? And Dashie?" Rarity and Dash looked at Pinkie. She was being so timid, so quiet. "I just…I know you guys have to go. I don't expect you to stay here forever. I think it's really great that you're both getting what you've dreamed about for so long. I'm just going to miss you." A small, sad smile appeared on Pinkie's face. "I know it's silly, but I can't help it. You guys are going to so be very important someones now, and I can't help but think that I'll just be forgotten. You'll have new friends who aren't…me."
"Pinkie," Dash almost groaned. "How could we forget you?"
Silence settled over the five people gathered around the table. Though she wasn't making any noise, Pinkie was tapping her fingers on the table, her smile slowly growing with every beat. Rarity, Twilight, and Dash were looking at her, concerned, but unsure what to say. Spike sighed.
Rarity turned to face him. "And you. Don't think I didn't notice. What on earth have you done?"
Nervously running a hand through his hair, Spike offered a surprised shrug. "It's just a haircut. Don't you like it?"
Rarity shook her head. "No. Not at all." Scowling, she reached across the table and ran her hand through his hair. "I do hope you plan on letting it grow out?"
Spike nodded. His heartbeat picked up as she ran her hand through it again, a thoughtful look on her face. "I was just trying it out," he breathed, his voice barely above a whisper.
"And the earring?"
He shrugged.
She ran her hand through is hair one last time before pulling it away. "Are you okay with all of this?"
He swallowed, wanting to tell her no. That she couldn't go. She couldn't go and leave him. That he wouldn't know what to do if she didn't make his heart beat fast every day, if she wasn't there to make him smile just by walking into a room. He wanted to beg her to stay with him.
"I think it's great that you're expanding."
She smiled and grabbed his hand."Thank you, Spike."
It might have been his imagination, but he could have sworn he saw a flicker of sadness in the smile.
It hadn't been long before everyone decided to leave. Twila and Dash were going with Pinkie to Sugar Cube Corner, the bakery where Pinkie worked. No one knew where Jack or Chylene were, but the two girls would turn up eventually. Rarity decided to go back to the shop that doubled as her home. Spike walked with her.
"I hate that all went so horribly," she told him as they walked through the town market. "I had imagined it so much differently. Everyone congratulating me, or telling me they would miss me, but not what happened. Though I think Dash dropping her news like that as well…" Shaking her head, she smiled over at Spike. "You've been very quiet, darling. Is something wrong?"
"No. But does that look like AJ and Chy to you?" he asked, pointing to a bench not far away.
Rarity squinted into the sunlight, nodding. "Yes, it does. I…I should go talk to them."
The two girls looked up as Rarity and Spike approached. "Hi, Rarity." Chylene waved. "Sorry for running out like that."
"It's quite alright, darling. Are you okay?"
Chylene nodded. Wrapping one arm around herself, she shrugged."I was just surprised when you said you were moving. And then Dash said she was, and I was afraid of who else would have something like that to say." She bowed her head, her hair falling so that it was hard to see her face. "I just don't want to lose all my friends. It's so hard to talk to anyone, and if you girls all leave then I'll have…no one."
Rarity knelt, taking one of Chylene's hands. Putting her other hand under the girls chin, she raised her head to meet her eyes. "You are my best friend. Don't ever think I could just forget you. I would never just leave you."
Spike glanced at Jack. He was sure she would be upset with Rarity for calling Chylene her best friend, but Jack was smiling. "You'll be in Camelot, though. Our weekly spa appointments will be over. I won't be able to just come visit you at your house or help you with a large order or…just be with you."
"Don't you worry about that. The spa may have to change to monthly, but we will still go. And you can always come and visit." Rarity glanced up a Jack with a smile. "All of you girls will never find my door shut."
Chylene nodded. "I know. You're always so nice. But…what if we embarrass you in front of important Camelot people?" Rarity sighed. "You won't. You're my friends, and I love you just the way you are."
Chylene opened her mouth to say more, but at that moment, the clock tower in the middle of town chimed. "Oh my, I have to get to the shelter. My shift starts now." With that, she stood and ran down the road.
"That girl can sure run fast. She might not win a race on those wings, but on land…" Jack chuckled. "Ya know, Ah think she's worried ya might find people who are more outgoing than she is."
"Yeah, well, ain't like you're going to be around much. You'll be with all those hoity-toity high class people. It's not like this silly little town or anyone in it is going to be to important. You'll have to many orders to fill. To many of those weird parties where no one likes each other to go to. It ain't gonna be the same. And Dash leavin' too, that's just another kick in the teeth."
"Jack, please. How could you think I could forget you girls?"
Jack shook her head. "You're forgettin' I've lived in the city myself. Seen enough of that kinda thing. Ya know how many times my aunt and uncle have even written? After the first few months, they never wrote. Cause they were too busy." She sighed. "Ah ain't tellin' ya not to go. I'm real proud of ya, and Ah wanna see ya succeed, Rare." Clapping Rarity on the shoulder, Jack stood. "Ah better get back to the farm. Got some trees to tend to and the tomatoes should be about ready for pickin'."
Rarity watched Jack walk away without a word. "They all think I'm just going to throw them away," she said, mostly to herself. She and Spike walked in silence. It didn't take long before they turned down the small walkway that led to her house. "Would you like to come in for a moment?"
"Sure," Spike said as she opened the door. He followed her inside and into the kitchen.
She opened the door to the refrigerator and pulled out a pitcher. "Lemonade?" she asked.
He nodded and she poured them cups before sitting at her own small table. "So, you're moving." He cringed at the statement. She probably didn't want to talk about that.
"Yes." She sat in the seat beside of his. "Though now I'm not sure telling everyone right away was such a good idea." "It'll be fine. They'll get over it."
Her eyebrows rose. "I suppose they will, much like you already have." He furrowed his brow in confusion, looking up at her. She shook her head. "It seems you're ready for me to leave. Everyone else seems so…upset."
He blinked, unsure of where she could have gotten that thought from. "What? Rarity, that's…no. I don't want you to go. But complaining isn't going to get you to stay."
She didn't reply. He sighed, shaking his head. How she could think he wanted her to leave, when every fiber of his being was shouting at her to stay, he didn't know. "It's okay. I was just surprised when you didn't seem affected by what I had said." She smiled, but it seemed to waver, like it could fall at any moment.
"Rarity, I…" he trailed off. How did he put what he wanted to tell her in words? How did he tell her the little crush he had on her when he was fifteen had never actually went away? How did he tell her he wanted her to stay more than anything? Her eyes were on him now, waiting for him to finish what he was saying.
He moved quickly, putting his hands on the table and standing, leaning forward so that he was closer to her. She didn't have time to react before he pressed his lips to hers. His heart was threatening to burst from his chest as he waited for her to pull back and slap him. He'd seen her do it to guys who were to presumptuous before.
She didn't. Instead, he felt her lips move against his, pressing a little harder. Her soft hand brushed his cheek as the other ran down the back of his hair. Slowly, she pulled away. A look of confusion mixed with the smile spread across her face. "Spike?"
"I really don't want you to leave."
Cupping his cheek in her hand, she leaned forward and gave him a chaste kiss on the lips. "We shouldn't do this," she whispered.
He started no nod, but stopped. "Why shouldn't we?" Sitting back in his seat, he continued. "What's wrong with it?"
Rarity stared at the middle of the table, reciting a list almost as if it had been practiced. "I'm older than you, by several years. You're one of my closest friend's younger brother. You're…"
"Rarity. Those aren't reasons. I don't care how old you are. And Twi…if she knew you liked me too, she wouldn't stop us. There are no real reasons."
"I'm moving," she said, looking up at him. "I'm leaving our little town here. Camelot awaits." The last words had an almost bitter ring to them. "Don't think I haven't noticed your affections, or that I haven't returned them. We just aren't…a good fit."
"I think we could at least try," he said softly.
Rarity buried her face in her hands. "Spike, I…want to. I really do. But…there has been so much going on today already. Can we just…have our lemonade?"
A week had passed since Rarity and Dash had announced they would be moving. Spike had seen Rarity every day, but he could tell she wanted some space when he'd left her house, so he had never sought her out on his own. He knew she would come to him, if she were ever ready. He knew some of the things she said had made sense. He also knew he didn't care.
Despite looking forward to that day, he was surprised when he heard her and Twila talking downstairs when he woke that morning. He couldn't tell what they were saying, but he heard the voices well enough. He walked out of his room and onto the balcony overlooking the library to see the two girls sitting on the couch, facing the unlit fireplace on the opposite side of the room.
He could hear much better as he approached. His grumbling stomach was demanding to be fed, after all. He was about to greet them when he heard his name. He stopped, hoping to hear more about what they were saying.
"And he just kissed you? Just like that?" Twila said. "I'll talk to him. He shouldn't—"
"Actually, dear, I'm okay with it. That's what I wanted to talk to you about."
"Oh? O-oh. But he's…I mean, he's just a kid."
"He isn't much younger than you, darling."
"I'm just…that's six years between you, you know. And you're moving." Twila sighed. "He doesn't even know what he wants out of life. Can you believe he sent my brother a letter asking if he could join the Royal Guard? Spike! He hates fighting. And just last week he asked Jack if he could be a farmhand."
"He's trying to find himself. It must be so hard for him, not having a mark."
"I know," Twila said. "The Draconese people have never been marked. Did you know that, aside from Equestria, there are only three other peoples who receive marks?"
Rarity chuckled. "Yes, dear, we've discussed that before. Now…I do hate to be a hammer, but I would like to go back to the original point. I do have feelings for him. I have for the past year. I had thought he had gotten over me, though, and I wasn't going to bring it up. Until last week."
"And now you want my blessing?" Twila sighed, shaking her head. "Rarity, if you are serious, go for it. I just don't want his heart broken. Or yours." The two women leaned in a hugged, and Spike smiled.
Deciding it would be best not to be caught eavesdropping on two soul-folk, Spike chose that moment to yawn loudly.
"Morning, Twila. Hey, Rarity. I didn't know you were here."
Twila smiled a little too largely. "Hi, Spike. What do you say to me making breakfast this morning? Pancakes okay?" She was halfway to the kitchen by the time she had finished speaking.
"It's better than cereal, I guess," Spike said with a smile. He walked around to the front of the couch and sat beside Rarity, making sure to leave plenty of room between them. "So, are you staying for breakfast?"
Rarity frowned. "Spike." She stopped to gather her words before looking back at him.
"Is it really that hard to decide if you want pancakes or not?" he asked with a smile.
"It's just…oh, Spike, please. About our conversation last week." Again, she paused. "This shouldn't be so hard to just say." Sighing, she shook her head. "What I'm trying to say is, if you are willing, and you understand I am moving to Camelot, then…I'd like to give us a try."
Even though he was expecting it, his mouth still dropped open slightly. His heart thudded hard in his chest. "I…you…yeah!"
Rarity smiled. "So, pancakes for breakfast, is it?" She reached across the table and took his hand, lacing their fingers together.
"Yeah," he said. Their hands contrasted nicely against each other. His darker, hers pale. "Yeah," he repeated. He looked up at her face, at the smile that was nearly as wide as his. "What changed your mind?"
"Oh, I had time to think it over. There were several reasons to, and several reasons not to. The dealbreaker though," she said, leaning in and lowering the volume of her voice. "Want to know what it was?"
Spike was only able to nod, mesmerized by the situation. "This," she whispered. She closed what was left of the gap between them, pressing her lips to his. The frantic beating of his heart was the only thing that seemed to be moving with any urgency. Everything else was in slow motion. Her hand on his cheek. The soft tenderness of her moving lips. The gentle way he felt her smile.
"Do you guys want—Oh!"
The pair pulled away. Twila was staring at the ground. "Sorry. I didn't realize…"
Rarity cleared her throat. Her cheeks were tinged pink."Yes, that is quite alright. D-do we want what, darling?"
"I was going to ask if you want blueberries in your pancakes."
Rarity stood. "Yes, that would be lovely. I'll help you." She walked toward Twila, flashing Spike a smile as she walked past. Spike considered joining the girls in the kitchen, but when he heard giggling, he decided not to. Once the pancakes were finished, Twila called for him.
They sat around the table as they ate in silence. Rarity and Twila kept glancing at him. "Do I have something on my face?" he asked after catching Twila looking away for what had to have been the hundredth time.
The darker skinned girl grinned. "So…how are you going to tell everyone else? Another meeting? Or…"
Rarity and Spike looked at each other. "I dunno. I didn't even think about that, you know? Isn't Pinkie having a party tonight anyway?"
"Yes. I let her read Alice in Wonderland. She's fallen in love with the idea of having an Unbirthday. I don't know what I was thinking when I let her borrow that book."
The party was completely set up. Streamers of every color were strung everywhere. Cupcakes, fruit bowls, and punch sat on the snacks table. Dance music came from the record player. A few cushions were strewn around the room for when ponies would need breaks or want to sit and chat. Games were set up in various stations. The hostess had her best smile. Four of the guest were even there.
The only thing that was missing was a certain young Draconese man, a certain purple haired soulfolk.
"Wonder what's keepin' them? Rarity normally isn't this late."
"Oh, maybe we should check? Something could have happened…"
"Na, she's probably just fussing over her hair or something like that. She could have a smidgen of make-up out of place."
"Or maybe she was transported to a different universe." Everyone turned and looked at Pinkie. Never losing her smile, she shrugged. "It could happen."
"Why is Spike late, Twila." Chylene asked.
Her purple eyes widened. "Oh, um, he was helping Rarity," she said slowly. The smile she gave looked a little forced. Dash was about to point that fact out, when footsteps were heard coming down the stairs.
"I am terribly sorry we are late," Rarity said as she walked into the room. "I simply couldn't choose between a white or eggshell shirt." She grinned as she looked at her friends. Five different expressions met her, looking from her, to Spike, to their clasped hands.
Twila simply grinned at the pair, nodding slightly as if to encourage them. Pinkie was grinning one of her biggest grins and was bouncing as if dying to say something. Chylene looked a little confused, but had a small smile on her face anyway. Jack nodded, obviously bemused but not saying a word. Dash looked in a total state of confusion, as if she was unable to understand why their hands were intertwined.
Finally, Pinkie couldn't take it anymore. Words exploded from her mouth as if they had been held under high pressure.
"Ohmygosh I'm so happy for you guys. I can't believe you finally did it! When? Who asked whom? Have you gone on a date yet? Are—" Twila placing her hand on Pinkie's shoulder calmed the excited girl. "Sorry. I'm just really happy that you finally got together."
"Together? You guys are dating?" Dash asked, still perplexed. "I don't…you…he…but…" Dash groaned. "Since when?"
"Umm, yesterday," Spike said. "I asked her last week, but she said yes yesterday, so…" he trailed off, not fighing the smile forming on his face. "Umm…so…let's get this Unbirthday party underway."
"Oh no, this is totally a 'Congratulations Spike and Rarity' party now. I can celebrate our Unbirthdays later." Skipping over to the record player, Pinkie switched records and turned on one of the new faster paced romance songs. "Who's ready to dance?"
Spike pulled Rarity out to the dancing area of the room. He smiled at the pink tinge on her face. He had seen her with boyfriends before. He knew all the looks she could give guys. The pouty one when she wanted something. The flirty one when she wanted them to do things for her. The giddy one when she truly fancied a guy.
The look she was giving him was different than any he had ever seen. Her cheeks pink. He smile as genuine as any he had ever seen her give. Her blue eyes were sparkling, nearly reflecting the giggle she gave as he started dancing.
"You dance about as well as Twila, darling," she said, looking between him and her fellow soul-folk. "It's adorable."
Spike felt the heat rise to his face, glad that his darker skin didn't lend to blushing as well as Rarity's. "So, Twila is adorable?"
"Of course. In a dorky kind of way. Don't tell her I said that though. I would never want to offend her."
They danced a few songs, laughing and talking with each other. "Want some punch?" Spike asked after about the fifth song. "Grab a cushion and I'll get us some."
The room wasn't that big, but Spike felt that even if this wasn't really a date, he should treat it like one. So he got the punch, like some of the books he'd read said guys were supposed to do, and turned to take it to Rarity, see her talking to Jack. He watched for a moment as Jack talked, her expression going from curious to angry as she gestured. Rarity, for her part, still looked calm. Spike knew that didn't mean much, though. He had helped her in the shop enough to know she could off the best of airs only to rant about a customer the instant the door closed behind them.
Spike didn't seem to be the only one who had noticed, either. Dash walked over to the now arguing pair. They weren't loud, especially over the music, so Spike wasn't sure what was being said, but it looked as if Dash were trying to diffuse the situation. Chylene was playing pin the tail on the donkey with Pinkie and Twila, none of whom seemed to have noticed the other three.
Sitting the drinks down, Spike sighed. He walked over to the group, straining to hear what was being said. "He's only a kid. Ah don't know what you're thinkin', Rare. He's barely older than you're sister. Six years is a huge gap."
"You said. And I've said it isn't. Would you say the Cakes are too far apart in age?"
"Well, no, but that's different. And that ain't it. Ya know he needs someone less…" Jack gestured wildly. "Ah dunno…less frilly. He ain't the kind that goes for that stuff."
"What? Do you think he's more interested in the apple picking type? I don't understand what the problem is."
"Now wait just a minute. Ah'm just tryin' to wrap my head 'round this whole thing. Ah ain't gotta problem. Ah just don't understand why now, when he's been dyin' to get ya to see him for years now."
"Year ago he was just a kid. That's how I saw him. It's only within the last year that I've realized he's actually not a boy. When I noticed...other things about him that I had ignored. I had thought to tell you girls a different way, but he wanted to just walk in like that." The tension that had been building seemed to be going away. "I know it's hard to understand. I can't say I was comfortable when I realized what it was I felt every time he came around a few months ago. But there is nothing wrong with it."
Jack nodded. "Sorry Ah blew up at you. Ah just…It ain't…"
"You being older than him is kinda weird. And he isn't from Terra originally. He came from the Badlands. He can breathe fire and stuff. It isn't the most typical relationship." Dash shrugged. "But I mean, so long as you're both cool with it, I am. What about the Princess? Isn't she like…Spikes mom, basically."
Rarity visibly paled at that thought. "Princess…mother…"
"Actually," Spike said, causing the three girls to jump. "Princess Celeste isn't exactly my mom. I mean, she took me in at the request of my parents, who were living in the castle. They weren't supposed to be together or something, I don't really know. But Celeste took me in. She was great, too, but she had Twila to take care of at around the same time."
"I…Spike, how long were you there?" Rarity asked, taking his hand.
He shook his head. "Doesn't matter, does it?" He looked at Jack and Dash, smiling. "I appreciate the concern for me, for us, I really do. You just wanted to make sure everything was alright. I can't be upset for that." By that time, Twila had caught his eye. He could tell she wanted to intervene, but he shook his head slightly. Frowning, she turned back to the game. "In a way," he said, "you girls are all like my older sisters."
Jack and Dash smiled. "Still," Jack said, rubbing the back of her neck, "Ah'm sorry. Ah know Rare ain't gonna hurt you, and you ain't gonna hurt her."
They stood there for a moment, not saying a word, until Pinkie bounded over. "What are you silly fillies doing? This is a party!"
Spike was amazed at how time seemed to fly. He had started counting the days, telling Twila how long he and Rarity had been together every morning. They went on their first date, then a second and third. His job at Rose's Roses kept him from spending as much time as he would have liked with her, but it worked out well. They spent the evenings together three or four days a week.
At one month, Twila told Spike to stop informing her of the day count. Rarity went on a weeklong trip to Camelot while Spike stayed behind. She came back, saying there were plenty of places she could afford to rent, but no shops in the district she wanted in.
Her trips became more frequent, with Spike always staying in town. It wasn't that she hadn't asked him to come, but that he felt he needed to stay. He wasn't sure why he felt he needed to stay, just that he did.
At three months, Rarity took a two week trip to Camelot. Spike almost went with her then. He would have seen the Princess, he could have met up with some of his old contacts, and he wouldn't be without her for two weeks, but still he stayed. He felt that going with her would be betraying something, What, he didn't know.
Those two weeks felt like they took forever. Rarity wrote him a few times, and he wrote back, but it wasn't the same. Spike found himself missing holding her soft hand in his, the feel of her lips against his, the sound of her voice, the tinkle of her laugh. Two weeks shouldn't have made him feel like that. It was as if he was in one of those sappy romance stories Rarity loved to read. Still, when she finally returned, he stayed by her side the rest of the day. And the entirety of the next one.
She didn't take another trip for nearly two and a half months. When she did, it was only for three days. Stepping of the train, her smile said it all—she had accomplished her goal.
She ran into Spikes open arms on returning. "Oh, Spike, it's so wonderful. I have a shop. I have a flat. It is really happening."
Spike's smile froze on his face. "That's…great, Rarity."
She pulled away from him, her smile still on her face, but her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "You don't sound very happy. Is something wrong?"
"Of course not," Spike said, his voice full of happiness that was obviously false.
The others weren't there this time, since the trip had been so short. She took Spike's hand as they walked out of the train station, her luggage floating magically behind them. "Somethings bothering you. What is it?"
Spike shook his head. "You're moving."
"Well, yes dear, I am. Everyone's known that for six months."
"I thought you would stay."
Slowing to a stop, Rarity turned and looked at him. "Stay here? S-Spike, why would I stay here?"
He let go of her hand. "For us. So we can stay together. Why wouldn't I expect you to stay?"
Rarity took a minute to speak, and when she did, her voice was low. "I told you I was moving. Before…I thought…I knew we shouldn't have done this."
Rarity had made his heart beat fast before. He had thought it would explode out of his chest at times. Now, though, he felt his heart stop. "What?"
"I really…" He watched as the mask she wore in her shop, the one that showed only a neutral pleasantness, came up. "I really thought we had it. I guess I was wrong." She walked away, head down as if she were buffeted by fierce winds.
Spike wanted to run after her. He wanted to grab her and spin her around and kiss her. He knew that would do nothing. It wouldn't help anything. She was still leaving. So he stood there, in the middle of town, watching as she got further and further from him, until he couldn't see her anymore.
Slowly, he walked home. He took his time, kicking at pebbles in his path. What had he done wrong? So he wanted her to stay here, with him. So he wanted to be with her. Was there anything wrong with that?
By the time he made it back to the library, he wasn't sure what he wanted anymore. He was surprised to hear her voice in the kitchen, though. He moved toward the kitchen before stopping and shaking his head. No, it wouldn't due to see her, not right now. He quietly made his way up to his room.
He stared around at the pictures they had taken together over the last few months. One of their first date that Twila had taken. One where she had dragged him to the spa. On his nightstand was the one of them just before leaving for her birthday celebration.
It had been a simple date, really. Just a dinner and a stroll through town. Nothing they hadn't done dozens of times before. They were linked together, her head resting on his shoulder as they walked. "You're so good to me, Spike," she said. "You are a magnificent boyfriend." He smiled, unsure of what to say. It didn't matter, though. He just squeezed her hand tighter, letting her know he heard.
They walked aimlessly, until they were in front of her shop. "Oh, here already," she said. She sounded disappointed.
"That's okay, we always have tomorrow," he said. They were facing each other, his hand stroking down her face. "And forever."
She smiled, looking directly into his eyes. "You always say things like that."
"I only say what I mean. I never intend to leave your side."
She was silent for a moment, her smile softening. "Why don't you come inside for a moment? Twila isn't expecting you back yet, is she?"
"She's having another sleepover with Pinkie, actually," he said as he followed her inside. "They seem to be having a lot of those."
Rarity's eyes shimmered with excitement. "Yes, they do. But that is a mystery for another day." She walked through the shop and to the living quarters. "Would you like some tea? Water?"
"No," he said.
Suddenly, she turned. "Spike,' she said quietly, "I've had a lovely birthday. Twenty-seven is…interesting. Do you…ever feel that I—"
Spike sighed. "We've been over this. You're never going to be too old for me." He put his hands on her waist, drawing her to him. He leaned in, placing a small kiss on her lips."You're too beautiful." A kiss on her forehead. "You're too smart." A kiss on her cheek. "You're too generous." A kiss on her other cheek. "You're too compassionate." A kiss on her neck. "You're too good."
She ran her hand through his hair, which had grown out nicely from the Mohawk. "Spike," she whispered, taking his face in her hands, forcing him to look at her. She leaned in, and their lips met again. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her as close as he could as her hands traveled, up and down his back, through his hair, along his shoulders.
When they broke apart, he rested his forehead on hers. "I love you, Rarity."
She didn't answer. She looked in his eyes, and he looked in hers. Reaching down, she took his hand and lead him out of the kitchen, up the stairs, and too her bedroom.
That had been a month ago. And now she wanted to leave. She to go to Camelot and leave him behind. Maybe their break-up was for the best. He would just be something to tie her down. She couldn't be her best with him here, waiting for her to return.
It would never have worked in the first place. He wouldn't fit into her lifestyle there. He liked things to be simpler. He knew what it was like to live in Camelot. He had grown up there.
So he stayed in his room. He avoided her. He didn't go to her farewell party three days later. He didn't help her pack up her shop. He didn't go to any of the outings with her and the others. He didn't go when she finally left for Camelot.
He didn’t do much more than go to work and come back to his room during that time. And the time after. Until Twila knocked on his door a week later. "Spike," she asked, poking her head in. "What do you think you're doing, staying cooped up in here?"
Spike didn't answer, instead choosing to stare at the ceiling.
"Fine. Rarity wrote you. Here's the letter." Twila threw the letter onto the bed and turned to leave, but stopped. "You really hurt her, you know. Not showing up. It's like you don't even care."
"I don't," he said. "She wanted to leave. That's her thing. Whatever."
Twila sighed. She walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. "You know, she told me when you guys broke up. She hadn't meant to say what she did, but she felt like she couldn't take those words back. She misses you, a lot."
"She chose Camelot. She has Camelot."
Twila wrinkled her forehead in confusion. "What? Spike, she wanted you to go with her. She…she didn't tell you? She kept trying to get you to look at places with her. She…she really wanted to be with you."
"She never told me that."
"Did you ever give her the chance? Or did you brush off anything she said about Camelot? Because that's what it sounded like."
"I…What…Twila, what did I do?" The words were mumbled as he put his head in his hands. "I just wanted her to stay here, with me. And she…she…"
"Read your letter, Spike," Twila said. She stood and walked out of the room. "And maybe, open your mind a little more."
Spike picked up the letter gingerly, as if the slightest move could turn it to dust. He ripped open the seal and looked over the delicate hand writing. It was a short letter, but he read it several times anyway.
Spike, I'm doing well. My shop is in the perfect location. You would love it. And I know you would like the flat, too. It's rather close to the palace. My customers are pleased to see me here in Camelot, and I've gained a few more. I missed seeing you since I returned from my final visit of Camelot. I guess you were busy with work. I just wanted to let you know all was well.
With love, Rarity
After reading the letter for the final time, Spike sped down the stairs. "Twi…I need to go to Camelot."
"I'm sure you do. Train leaves in the morning a seven, I checked when I saw that letter."
Smiling, he grabbed her into a hug. "You're the best, you know that?"
"Yes. But hearing it is nice."
Going back up the stairs, Spike set to packing his bags. He had an early train to catch.
He hadn't sent back a reply. He would be there before the mail anyway. Camelot wasn't known for the excellent mail service for a reason.
He left the train, the small bookbag on his back holding what few clothes he had brought with him. He didn't know where her shop was. He didn't know where her flat was. He didn't know where she was.
But he knew he could find it. He walked along the streets aimlessly at first, looking at every shop and everyone passing him by. When nothing nearby seemed to match, he stopped and thought.
Rarity designed clothes. High class clothes. So of course her shop wouldn't be here near Joe's Donut shop. Turning and heading uptown, Spike sighed. He knew would find her. He just wished he had more to go on.
If he had listened more, he would have known.
If he had cared a bit more whenever she talked about Camelot, he would have known.
If he had been a better boyfriend, he would have known.
Instead, he was left to look shop by shop, passerbyer by passerbyer. It took him ten minutes to reach uptown on foot. He looked at all the storefronts, none claiming to be Carousel Boutique. He wondered if she had changed the name, but shook his head. He would have remembered that at least.
He hoped.
The shops all started to blur when he saw it. It was on the street corner, and looked almost like every other shop on the street. Except for the small carousel on the street corner. It wasn't large enough even for a child to ride, but it was nearly as tall as him. He ran to it, grinning, and pulled on the shop doors.
They wouldn't open.
He looked at the sign, which said the shop was closed for the day. Sighing, he looked around, thinking Rarity might be close.
She wasn't. He considered staying there, since she was probably just on a lunch break, but his own stomach growled. He made his way to a nearby café, pushing the door open.
He stopped just inside. There she was, eating lunch.
With a guy.
He considered leaving the café and going back home.
He considered marching over to the table and punching the guy in the face.
He did neither.
Instead, he calmly walked over to the table. The guy saw him and watched as he made his way over, saying something to Rarity.
She turned, her eyes widening, a grin breaking out on her face. She stood about the time he reached the table, throwing her arms around him. "Oh, Spike, I've missed you so much." He was surprised to feel wetness on his neck as she hugged him. She was crying. "I'm sorry—"
Whatever she was sorry about was cut off as he pressed his lips to hers. He pulled away from the short kiss, shaking his head. "I'm the one who should be sorry. I should never have been so selfish. I just wanted you to stay for me. I didn't want anything to change. I just…I said I'd walk to the ends of the earth for you, and then I couldn't even take a train to Camelot. I'm sorry." He wiped the tears from her face. "I'm here now, though."
The guy at the table cleared his throat, causing both Rarity and Spike to jump. "Oh, right. Spike, this is Francis. He's helped me so much. Francis, this is my…friend, Spike." She bit her lip, glancing at him.
"Seems to be more than a friend," Francis said. He stood, offering Spike his hand. "She's a good catch. You should hold onto her. If I didn't have my dear Fleur…" He winked.
"Oh no, we aren't…" Rarity trailed off, the pink on her cheeks saying more than her words could. "I mean, not anymore."
"It seems to me," Francis said, smirking, "we should finish our business plans later, milady. Goodday." He waved, placed a few bills on the table and walked away.
"I can't believe you're here," Rarity said, turning back to Spike.
"I am. And I don't plan on leaving, if that's okay with you."
"That's perfect with me," she said. "Here, let me show my shop. And my flat." * A few months later, Spike and Rarity were walking around Camelot. She had just finished a large order, and he had finally joined the guard. His training kept them apart some, but it was something they had learned to deal with. "You know," she said as they walked, "I'm really happy I gave us a chance."
"I'm glad you did, too," he said, squeezing her hand tighter. "I can't imagine my life any different than it is now."
"Really?" she asked, glancing up at him. "Because I thought maybe one other change would be welcome."
"Oh, and what's that?"
Her grin was nervous. "Well, have you ever thought about being a daddy?"
Spike stopped. "What?"
"I-I'm pregnant. We're going to have a baby," she said.
Slowly, a smile spread across his face. "A baby. I'm going to be a dad." He grabbed her into a hug and spun her around. "Oh my gosh…I'm going to be a dad."
"You are," she said, giggling. "Oh, Spike."
Sitting her down, he grinned. "We're going to be parents."
She leaned up and kissed him. "Yes. The best ever."
