> Finally Realizing > by xXLadyErica99Xx > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1: He doesn't like me anymore? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Oh, Spikey! How can I ever repay you?" Rarity squealed, pinching Spike's cheeks. Spike sighed and gently pushed Rarity's hand away. "It's fine, Rare,” he said in a mellow voice, ”I do what I can." Rarity paused. She raised an eyebrow and put a hand on her chin. "Are you alright, Spikey-Wikey?" Spike was taken aback by Rarity’s question. "Yeah… I'm fine… Uh…" Spike paused for a moment. "Got anything else you need me to do?" Rarity snapped out of her thoughts. "Oh, but of course! Could you hang up some of my laundry out in the back? I forgot to do it this morning and I don't want to waste Celestia's bright sun today." Rarity said, a crooked smile on her face. "Yeah, sure!" Spike said, taking a glance outside. "If you need me, I'll be in my inspirational room." Rarity said, making her way there now. Spike opens the door to the backyard. "You mean your bedroom…" he mumbled under his breath. "What was that?" "Nothing…" Spike said, and closed the door. Rarity hummed in thought as she made her way to her room. "Something suspicious about that boy today…" Rarity said to herself. The fashionista laid down on her bed as she levitated some supplies: some papers, a pencil and a board to draw on. She took hold of the pencil in her hand and began to draw some designs. Her first one involved a lot of dull spikes, not to mention a lot of green and purple here and there. "Where's this coming from, Rarity?" she thought to herself, then went on to the next one. One after the other, green, lime, violet everywhere. "These are Spikey's colors. Why am I thinking about Spike?" Rarity's thoughts were playing with her again, aren't they? She gave out a long sigh, and stopped sketching. "Perhaps a bath could wash these antics away..." she said. Rarity tossed her glasses aside while rolling off of the bed. She casually undressed herself and slid on her favorite pink fluffy robe; the sensations of the robe brushing against her own fur sent a small shiver down her spine.She then looked into her dressers for a change of clothes, picking a long red tank top with a pleat attached on the middle of the neckline. Her bottoms were white skinny jeans that were also high waisted. Tying her violet hair into a simple and quick ponytail, she set the clothes on her bed and finally entered the washroom, starting the bath. After setting the perfect temperature, she opened the cabinet over the bath to pick out her favorite bubble bath. Her usual was vanilla, but lavender was perfect for today. She poured a cup and a half into the bath and it started to form bubbles. Turning off the tap, she undid her robe, letting it drop to the floor and then slowly sets herself into the bath. Rarity gave out a relaxing sigh, lowering herself into the water until muzzle level. Well, this is useless... It's not helping at all... She looked around, eyes half-lidded as if she was fatigued. Might as well enjoy a good bath... Downstairs, Spike enters the boutique while humming a little tune. He looked at the clock, reading that it was almost evening. Ascending the stairs to Rarity's room, he thought about making a little move while he's up there. But he forgot that he wasn't interested in her anymore. Clearly that was wrong, but he was getting tired of all the nicknames and being treated like the baby dragon he was a few years ago. Especially if it's coming from the mare of her dreams. With others, he'll cope with it... But... He wanted to be treated as more than a best friend by Rarity. He finally reached Rarity's door, and heard humming inside the washroom next to her bedroom. He knew he shouldn't disturb her while in the washroom, but she needs to be aware of Spike leaving for today. Spike hesitated, but knocked on the door anyway, stopping the humming from inside. "Yes?" Rarity said in an angelic voice. Spike swallowed. "Uh... I'm going home now, Rare... It's late and I think Twilight has something to do early in the morning tomorrow that she needs help with." "Oh, of course!" Spike heard splashing from inside and after a few seconds, the door opened to reveal something that Spike wasn't prepared to see at all. There, right in front of him... Was a tall alabaster creature, water droplets sliding down into her cleavage; the fur was ruffled, but not a lot. Her violet hair wasn't perfectly styled, but it was still breathtaking, the way they fall perfectly on her shoulders. A towel surrounded her, hugging tightly at her chest, making her bosoms more bulbous than they actually are. The fabric that embraced her was too short, revealing her long, luminous legs while a peeking cutie mark can be seen. A scent of lavender also lingered. "Are you alright, Spikey?" Rarity snapped the teen back to reality. "Huh...? Oh! Y-yeah... F-fine!" Spike stuttered, causing Rarity to giggle. "Wonderful! I do apologize for meeting you in such a state" "I-it's fine..." Spike hesitated to say. Rarity looked over his shoulder and pointed to her bed. "Would you mind getting my change of clothes? I don't want to drip all over my carpet..." Rarity said as Spike immediately made his way there. Rarity giggled once again, her cheeks slightly burning. She had to admit, coming out of the washroom looking like this in front of a teenager who has had a crush on her ever since the beginning of time? What was she thinking? "Got 'em!" Spike said, handing the neatly folded outfit to the alabaster beauty in front of him. "Thank you! Please excuse me for one moment." Rarity said while closing the door slowly. "You'll take longer than a moment, Rare..." Spike thought, which was rude of him, but can't help that it really was true. He made his way to Rarity's bed, sitting on the edge and running his hands on the covers. They were soft, red and silky feeling covers, which felt absolutely amazing to touch. No wonder Rarity has no trouble sleeping after a long day. Spike realized the place his in, causing his face to turn crimson. He decided to sit on the floor, now running his fingers through the carpet. "I see the carpet intrigues you as well..." Spike practically jumped up, looking behind him. He saw something unexpected of the fashionista. Her perfectly styled mane was now untouched, natural loose curls falling perfectly on her shoulders but still looking stunning. Her simple clothes made her look like she didn't do much but still had a breathtaking result. The top hugged her chest so perfectly, not revealing a lot but was still alluring. The bottom made her look taller than she already was, those lustrous legs looking impeccable. She didn't wear anything on her feet, revealing her perfectly pedicured violet toe nails. "J-just waiting for ya... You know... The usual." Spike managed to get out, as Rarity approaches him and sits down next to him. Spike was sure his face was burning, and the whole "I don't like her anymore!" situation is starting to prove that it's false. "Well, it's been a wonderful day and I do appreciate your help today, Spikey-Wikey..." Rarity said, a calming atmosphere surrounding the two. "I do what I can..." Spike said, his palms sweating. He looked down as silence overtook both of them. Rarity was the first to break the silence, saying, "I bet Twilight will be worried sick if you aren't home at this time of the evening." "Yeah..." Spike said, standing up. The tailor stands up as well, and faces the teenage dragon. She then gave Spike a long and meaningful hug. "Damn it! How am I going to decide that I don't love her anymore?! Now she gets all affectionate on me?! Celestia damn it, Rarity! But I know that not loving her is a lie! I'm just going to have to make her believe my obsession is done and gone." Spike thought throughout the whole hug. "Have a good night, Spike," she said after releasing their embrace. "I hope you have a wonderful rest of the evening." Spike gave out a heavy sigh, making his way to the door. He raised a hand and waved goodbye to Rarity, not looking back. "See ya soon..." He mumbled, making Rarity tilt her head to the side in confusion. "That'll show her that I don't love her anymore! Spike lowered his head, his eyes tightly closed as if to hold back tears. "But I still do..." > Chapter 2: A Confession Lead To... > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight had her arms crossed across her chest and tapping her foot when Spike entered the Library. "Spike! You knew you were suppose to come home early! I needed your help today," Twilight paused and gave out a heavy, frustrated sigh. "Thankfully, I was able to handle all the work on my own, but still…" Spike was well over thirty minutes late and it was twelve o'clock, last time she checked. "Well, sucks to be you, doesn't it, Twi!" Spike snapped back, changing Twilight's expression to a surprised one. Spike closes his eyes shut and exhales then starts to talk once again, "Sorry, Twilight... I just... had a, well it wasn’t a bad day at Rarity’s... Unusual day would describe it better." Twilight uncrossed her arms as her stern look softened. "Why, what happened?" she said, concerned about the teenager and knowing how his feelings for the mare of his dreams were out of control. "Nothing happened..." Spike said, covering everything that happened today in those two words. Twilight, on the other hand, put a hand on her hip, not believing him. "Spike... What happened?" "Well... You know how my feelings are getting stronger for her, right?" Spike started, as Twilight nodded. He continued, "I was just tired of getting called nicknames from her and my cheeks being squashed by her, ya know? "Mhm..." Twilight replied, already feeling bad for her number one assistant. "So, I decided in my head that I need to stop these feelings completely, and I decided on acting like I don't have them anymore..." Spike continued once again, rubbing the back of his neck. "Spike..." Twilight trailed off, not knowing what to say. "Yeah, I know... So, then what happened is I tried to prove it to her. That didn't go well and it broke my heart to more pieces. I actually acted as if I didn't care about her at all, and just did nothing else that the normal me would have done when saying goodbye to the most beautiful creature in Equestria!!" Spike yelled out the last part, panting angrily and taking a seat on the second step of the stairs. Twilight joins him, wrapping an arm around him and embracing him in a comforting hug. "I don't know what to do, Twi..." He said, almost in the process of weeping right then and there. Twilight exhaled, wresting her head on Spike's shoulder. "I don't know either, Spike... I wish I can help you, but I don't think books have the answer to your problem..." They just sat there for a couple more minutes, Twilight giving Spike a little time to think for himself. After more minutes passed, she looks at the clock and read that it was already half past twelve. Twilight released her embrace and prepared for bed, seeing as she now needs more sleep than what she originally needed. After getting into her PJs, she said goodnight to Spike, and told him to go to bed soon. Spike didn't know what to think of while being embraced by Twilight earlier, but he knew he had a lot to think of and getting his thoughts straight was one of them. After being told to go to bed soon, he buried his face in his hands, rubbing his temples. "How am I going to straighten this out?" he thought, deepening his face into his hands more. "I know! Maybe I can avoid her and let the feelings fade away?" He shook his head slightly, groaning. "Nooo, that won't work... Well, don't knock it 'till you try it... I'll try doing it, and if it doesn't work, I'll think of something else... Maybe, I don't know! Ugh, why does this have to be so difficult?!" After thinking to himself for longer than what he would have wanted, he went downstairs in the basement, and took his sleeping bag. He grabbed his pillow from his bed, and went back upstairs. He set down the sleeping bag next to Twilights bed, and prepared for a good night sleep, but he couldn't sleep at all. He looked up at the ceiling and surprisingly, his eyes started to droop down, until they closed completely. A certain tailor lies flat on her stomach on her bed, resting her chin on a hand while writing down things in her diary using her magic. She was wearing her pink robe and her mane was styled as if she hasn't brushed it at all, but it still looked tamed. "Hmmm... What to do, what to do..." She said to herself, tapping the side of her cheek with a finger from the hand she's resting on. She had her "I'm busy thinking about important things" face when she finally thought of something to get her Spikey-Wikey back. Her light blue aura surrounded the diary in front of her that was now tightly closed as well as letting go of the matching pencil. Rarity tosses to her right, supporting the side of her head with a hand and starts to talk to herself. “Now, I should probably and finally show him that I have the same feelings… Inviting him here tomorrow would be a good start.” Rarity paused as she remembered what he told her earlier tonight. She tossed on her back this time, now staring at the ceiling. “What if I send him a letter asking to come over once he’s done with his chores? Yes, perhaps that will work nicely!” She took a moment to toss to the left side, supporting her head with a hand again. “Oooohh, but what if he doesn’t accept the invite? Argh!! It’s all too much for a lady like moi to handle!” Rarity said to herself, feeling the familiar frustration she feels almost every night. She laid on her back once again. “I’m sure he’ll come… If I ask him to help me and it’s an urgent problem…. Yessss…. Yessss, it’ll all work out! I shall send him a letter first thing tomorrow and hope that it will work! For Luna’s sake…” Rarity finished, levitating the supplies on her nightstand so she couldn’t forget that that was the first thing to do tomorrow. With that, she lowered her sleeping mask until all you can see from across her room was a sleeping pony with the words “Sleeping Beauty” in cursive writing covering her eyes. “SPIKE!!!!!!!” Twilight screamed at the top of her lungs, which caused a sleeping dragon to immediately wake up from the sound and almost breaking the zipper on his sleeping bag. “Ahhhhhhhhhh!!!” Spike screamed back, trying to cover his chest, but suddenly realized he had nothing to cover in the first place. He looked over to the source of alarm, and saw a familiar figure in front of him, tapping their foot. “You overslept, you dumbie! Wake up, we’re almost going to be late!” Twilight started to ramble on. Spike wasn’t listening to the next words that came out of her mouth and took that time to look at the clock. “It’s only six o’clock in the fricken’ morning, Twi!” Spike broke the still rambling bookworm. She stopped and looked at him as if he’s gone completely insane… Even more. “Six o’clock too late! We’re supposed to be there at eight o’clock and we have to take an hour and thirty minute train ride there! This isn’t just something I can shrug off and be a lazy ass at!” Twilight yelled back, surprising Spike of the almost terrifying tone. “Alright, alright…” Spike replied, getting up from his comfortable sleeping bag and walking pass a huffing Twilight. She eyeballed him as if he wasn’t going to get ready at all. She watched him go downstairs to the basement and after a few minutes, a well dressed teenage dragon appeared at the top of the stairs. “Ready to go, miss impatient?” Spike said, causing Twilight to roll her eyes and glare at him even more. They stood there awkwardly for a few more seconds when finally, Spike broke the silence. “What?” He asked like he’s missing something from his fancy get up. All he was given was crossed arms, pursed lips and eyeballs looking down at his feet. He looked down as well, noticing the polka dotted socks he was wearing. There were multi-coloured polka dots and a solid light green for the toe. He wriggled his toes and looked up at a still angry Twilight. “What,” he asked again, rubbing the back of his neck. “These are my favorite pair…” “Change them, NOW.” Twilight said sternly, pointing to the stairs he’s behind, her arm straight as an arrow. “Fine… Just wanted to have some humor in this awkward atmosphere,” he said, walking back down to the basement. “And don’t put any other ‘favourite pairs’ you have!” Twilight shouted to the drake, earning a loud ‘Awwwwww…’ On the other side of town, Rarity dipped the tip of a quill in the ink bottle next to the letter. The letter itself looked almost done, the sentences covering about half of the page already. “Hmmmm…. What else? Oh!” Rarity started to scribble down more words till it filled the page completely. She put the quill back into the ink bottle and grabbed the envelope the letter was supposed to go inside of. She stopped herself quickly, remembering something she forgot to do. Levitating her vanilla scented perfume bottle, she spritzed some in the air and entered the letter into the aroma. Rarity took a quick sniff to see if it was the perfect amount and gave a quick nod to assure herself and no one else around her. She looked at the paper one last time, and finished it with a lip stain overlapping her signature. “There! That should do it,” she said to herself and finally sealed the envelope. She started downstairs, humming a sweet tune which filled her hallway. Once reaching the main floor, she saw a certain gray pegasus next to her mailbox. Quickly running out there to catch her, the mare was about to fall on Celestia knows what when Rarity stopped her with her magic. “Oh, thank you, Miss Rarity…” The mare said, scratching her blonde mane. Rarity gave her a smile, noticing the fallen mail around her vicinity and picked them up then returning them into the mailmare’s shoulder bag. “No need to thank me, Derpy,” she said, getting her mail from the derpy-eyed pegasus. “Hehe, needed to or else I would have spilled the rest of my deliveries…” Derpy said, giving her blue shoulder-bag a pat. “Yes, well… Um, is this all for me, dear?” Rarity asked, levitating at least six or seven letters with hearts on them. Derpy nods, pointing at them. “Those are your weekly love letters, miss Rarity… Didn’t you know that?” She asked, causing Rarity to slightly cringe. “I-I see… Hehe, well, thank you,” she said, her voice going a pitch higher when she talked. “Well, miss Rarity, I gotta go make other deliveries! See you tomorrow for your “love song” letters!” Derpy said, taking flight and almost dropping more of the envelopes from her overflowing bag. Rarity raised an eyebrow at what she said, but ignored it and gave the pegasus a quick wave before going to the post office. On her way there, she was given glances from stallions that passed by. ‘Course, she was used to all the staring, but there was something about today that was different for her. She took a look at the stallions looking at her. She noticed some that were beside a mare, who gave them a slap when they noticed the male was staring at the fashionista. Some were all alone, but still seemed like they had a very special somepony. To be honest, Rarity was tired of all this when she finally noticed that a very special dragon was meant for her. She doesn’t know when it started to bloom inside of her, all she knew was when she was brave enough to say it truthfully to herself that Spikey-Wikey and her were meant for eachother. Rarity gave out a sigh when she finally reached the post office, the journey here feeling like forever with noticing the stares from every other pony in Ponyville. She stood in front of the counter, waiting for somepony to greet her. She took a quick glance at the clock, noticing that it was quarter past eight. “Well, what can I do for ya, lil lady?” A male earth pony greeted her, getting her attention. He was an elder pony, still not retired, Rarity guessed. He had dark gray fur and an almost all white mane and tail. He gave Rarity a smile, waiting for her to respond. “Oh, yes! Um, may I request for a stamp?” Rarity said as sweetly as possible for no reason, earning a smile from the stallion. “‘Course ya can, care to give me moment?” He asked, earning a nod from the unicorn. He came back with one and placed it on the counter. “Here ya go! That’ll be 25 cents,” he said, earning the money and a sweet smile from the mare. “Thank you, have a wonderful rest of the day!” Rarity said, exiting and hearing a compliment from the stallion behind the counter. But it wasn’t a pick up line or any of the sorts. All it was was, “What a nice lil lady…” Once Spike and Twilight came back from their little errand, the teenage dragon slumped onto the nearest comfy thing he could find which was Twilight’s bed, which was also sadly upstairs. “Hey, get off my bed!” Twilight shouted at him, earning a groan from Spike. Something much worse got him off her bed. He suddenly felt as if he was flying, only to realize that he was being levitated a few feet from the library’s floor. “Alright, alright!!” Spike stuttered, his limbs going crazy as if trying to hold on to something near him. Next to his surprise, he was safely landed on the floor, but was still hurt by a hard book cover Twilight hit him on the head. “Now, get dressed, I’ll go see what’s in the mail today,” she said, taking a glance outside. “Looks like there’s some!” “Yeah, go ahead… I’ll go and get started on my chores.” Spike said, going down to the basement. Meanwhile, outside, Twilight opens the mailbox, discovering two letters inside and one package. She squealed in excitement as she enters back into the library, Spike looking at her weirdly from the start of the basement staircase. He just finished dressing himself up but decided to keep his shirt off because apparently to him, it was hot in the library. Twilight quickly noticed this and her face turned bright red. “Spike, put your shirt on!” She said, trying to avoid his gaze as she makes her way upstairs. “But it’s hot in here…” Spike protested, even wiping sweat off of his forehead. “At least put a sleevless on!” Twilight said, still shielding her eyes which only caused her face to go brighter. “Okay, I will… Just stop blushing, it’s weird…” Spike said, noting that they were step-siblings. He quickly ran back downstairs and grabbed a white sleeveless pull on shirt with a little fire logo on the bottom right of it. “Not my fault you took lessons with Rainbow Dash once your growth spurt started…” Twilight said, now upstairs and on her bed, flipping through the mail. The first letter was the bills, and the other was for Spike. “Spike, letter for you,” Twilight mumbled, not looking up from her last mail, which was the package. She levitated the envelope to the sweeping dragon, and started to unwrap the box in front of her, squealing in the process. “Thanks, I guess…” Spike said and stopped his sweeping to open his letter. He immediately realized who it was from, smelling the vanilla from the paper. He opened it up and read to himself. Dearest Spikey, I must ask for your help today at the boutique, and it’s urgent so please do come when you get the chance! Although, I don’t want to stop you from doing your chores at the library, so finish them first before coming. Also, ask permission from Twilight, because I have a feeling this problem of mine will take forever to solve… You might be over for a long while… Anywho, hope you come and help me, precious scales! ~♥ Yours ever, Rarity Spike blushed at the very end, reading ‘precious scales’. He'd never heard of that before. He looked at her signature, noting the swirls and curls that complete it and a dark red lip stain that overlapped it perfectly. He sniffed the vanilla again, noting that that was always how Rarity smelled like when she was near him. Sometimes he got so lucky by getting so close that her breasts would bulge and would press against his cheeks. Oh, how he would always cherish those-! Wait! No! This wasn’t how it was supposed to be! He decided to give up on her, so what was he thinking? This was harder than he thought, but he knew that already, so why this?! He gave out a sigh in real life and quickly went to the basement and put away the letter in his already-letter-filled drawer of the rest of the letters he got from her. He came back upstairs to a loud screeching Twilight. “What'd ya get, Twi?” He asked, as he continued sweeping. He got toppled over by a bear hug, which quickly ended. He looked up, rubbing his head, only to see a jumping and happy Twilight, holding a book near her chest. “That new?” Standing up, Spike picked the broom back up. “Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yeeeeeeeessssss!!!!” High pitched squealing filled the library once again, causing Spike to roll his eyes. He sighed as Twilight runs back upstairs and started to read the book. “Hey, do me a favour, Spike! Can you make me some of my favourite tea and if you only do it once and perfectly, you have the day off!” Twilight shouted from her bed. Spike dropped his broom slowly on the floor, and practically zoomed his way to the kitchen. There was a lot of banging and clanking sounds in there but he finally returned a few minutes later with a steaming hot pot and a matching tea cup. He gave it to the bookworm, and she gave it a taste test. She pursed her lips, and nods. “Conrats, Spike… You made it only once and got it perfect! New record from the times you had to make it three times 'till you got it just the right temperature. Now go and leave me be… You'll probably be ignored for the rest of the day by me so go have fun with your day off!” Twilight said, levitating Spike to the door. Opening it, he said goodbye to Twilight but not earning a response so he made his way to the boutique. Inside the Carousel Boutique was a waiting unicorn in her best and alluring outfit she could find. It wasn’t too alluring, but was still nonetheless. She prepared some tea last minute when she heard her doorbell go off. She felt her cheeks burning already and made her way to the door. She quickly looked at the nearest clock and read three o’clock in the afternoon. “Hmmm, they sure took quite some time at that errand they had to run…” Rarity said to herself before opening the front door. On the other side of the doorway was Spike, dressed so casually that even Rarity couldn’t believe it. She thought he’d be more… Properly dressed… “Oh, hello, Spike! I see you got my letter!” She started, letting Spike enter. He had his hands in his pocket, making his revealed well toned muscles slightly flex, causing Rarity's legs to feel like her special Green Lime Jelly. “Yeah, I did…” He responded in a mellow tone, taking a seat on a couch nearby. He lifted his leg and rested it on the other and opened up his arms, resting them on the back of the couch; he looked as if he was taking the whole spot to himself. “So, what do you need?” “Hmmm?” Rarity asked, feeling drool on her chin. She quickly wiped it off, and responded correctly. “Uh, I just needed to talk to you… That whole… ‘Needed help’ thing was just so I could get you here. W-would you like some tea, Spike?” “Yeah, sure… Whatever…” He answered, not giving a care at all, or at least it seemed like it to Rarity. She entered the kitchen and took a deep breath. She supported herself on her counters before quietly talking to herself. “A-alright… I… I could do this… Just need to tell him that I love him back… It's so easy! Anypony can do that, even you! You can do that, can’t you? Can’t you?!” Rarity covered her mouth as fast as she could in fear of screaming to herself. She levitated the teapot and two matching tea cups with saucers under them. When she entered, she spot Spike change positions from his head buried into his hands to sitting properly in the corner of her eye. She made it seem like she didn’t notice by placing the tea set onto the coffee table and sitting beside an open spot next to him while pouring herself and the teen some of the tea. She grabbed hers and took a sip from it, taste testing it. She was the first one to talk when she noticed Spike wasn’t reaching for his cup. “So… Spikey…” Rarity started, feeling a lump in her throat already. “Um… I-I just wanted you to know that I…” “Uh-huh…” Spike replied, making Rarity rather angry. She decided to try again, because she already promised herself that she could do this, whatever it takes. "I've been having feelings about something... And it's about you... I can either get a happy reaction from you or a dissapointed one, so..." Rarity trailed off, noticing that Spike seemed like he wasn't listening at all. "You can do this, Rarity! Don't give up now!" She thought to herself, thinking of other words or things to do to get his attention. A lightbulb lit up in her mind and she livitated a perfectly cut gem from a nearby chest and showed it to Spike. His eyes quickly dilated, the reflection of the gem in his emerald eyes. "Noooow, Spikey... If you listen to me, I will give you this gem..." Rarity said, but soon realized that Spike returned back to normal and didn't care about her bribe. "Puh-lease, we both know you're bribing me to listen to you..." Spike said, closing his eyes to ignore the perfect snack right in front of him and crossing his arms. Rarity glanced at his mucles and predicted correctly. They flexed once again, causing her cheeks to burn bright red. She shook her head, noticing that she was staring again, and quickly cleared her throat. She took a sip from her cup again as a distraction and let a couple of more silent minutes pass by. She decided that she was ready. She put the gem and her tea cup down on the coffee table, deciding for her other approach. Rarity scooted closer to Spike and made her move by pressing herself against his chest and looking up to him. Spike’s cheeks burned a bright red, encouraging Rarity to go further. “Spike, how ever did you get perfect and toned muscles?” Rarity said in the most seductive voice she could manage, making Spike’s face redder. “Uhh… R-Rainbow trained me…” He said, pushing her away a little bit. She then lightly dug her fingers on his chest, making creases on his sleeveless shirt and causing her outfit’s straps to loosely drop, exposing that she wasn’t wearing anything under it. “Who did you do this for, darling…? Anyone in particular...?” Rarity continued her seductive voice, which Spike thought was the most sexiest voice he has ever heard her do, but controlled himself and reached for the right strap and tried to slowly put it back up. But he was stopped by a white hand making him lower it even more. “Rarity, stop it!” He finally said, resulted in Rarity backing away from his ‘embrace’. “What is this all about?” Spike asked, his blushing lowering down to just red across his cheeks and nose. There was silence for a little while, until Rarity finally said something that she hadn’t even said to any of her previous coltfriends. “I-I love you.” “What?!” Spike asked, his eyes wide and backing away from her. Rarity lowered her head, letting some of her purple curls hide her already tearing up eyes. She heard a sigh from the other side of the couch, causing her tears to force it’s way out even more. “Rarity…” She heard Spike say, her arms beginning to wrap herself up and slowly rub her forearms. Spike noticed what she was doing. He hated seeing herself like this, and made a promise to hunt down the stallion that made her do this. But he realized that that ‘stallion’ was him. As much as he pained to see her like this, he had to make a decision. He has made his final decision. “I'm sorry, Rarity... I don’t love you anymore...” Rarity couldn’t hold it back anymore the moment she heard those words and started to wheeze, her crying noticable now. She did not find a rhythm to her breathing, she couldn’t sound graceful while doing this. All she could do was sob and try to stop it to appear strong. But she couldn’t. It hurts so badly. She was expecting something like that to come out of his mouth when she thought of the bad things that could happen today. She never imagined it to hit her like a sword piercing right through her chest. She started to feel the endless tears flow from her eyes, the convulsive gasps she made could be heard even more often before she started. She squealed in her spot of the couch, trying to comfort herself by rubbing her shoulders and wrapping herself into a tight ball, going as far as putting her feet up so she could appear more tighter. While she was doing this, Spike couldn’t bare to see anymore of the nightmare he’s seeing. He wanted terribly to help, but he was the reason she was being like this. His only choice was to stand up and make his way towards the door. He slowly opened it, hearing the sobbing in the next room get louder and louder. He almost turned back, wanting to hug her tightly then make her face him and kiss her passionately in addition to telling her that he was lying and that he loves her more than anything. Tears started to form in the corner of his eyes but stopped himself by exiting the boutique quickly. Last thing he heard when he fully closed the front door was the loudest weeping he ever heard a woman do. > Chapter 3: Things aren't the same anymore > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It’s been 3 days ever since she heard those words in her head, torturing her brain and making her forehead throb uncontrollably. It’s been ringing and echoing, silently suffering from the memory of remembering everything that happened. The voice he used, the body language, those footsteps she heard that fainted after a couple of seconds, which broke her heart even more. She’s been crying pretty much after that incident, and she was doing so right now. Rarity levitates more tissue to her eyes and dabs them, trying hard to not think about it. She decided to think about her family, which caused her eyes to widen. She completely forgot that Sweetie Belle was visiting for the weekend and tomorrow was Saturday. Her little sister can’t see her like this, or else Rarity will draw suspicion. So, she made a decision to get ready for Sweetie’s visit, which she also saw was a way to clear her mind of her dilemma. Rarity got up from her bed, quickly sniffling and brought her hand to her nose from the pain she felt. A sign that she’s been crying for hours today. She got up and noticed black stains on her sheets. “Damn mascara… Why did I even bother to put some on today if I knew I was going to cry for hours?” Rarity said to herself, levitating another tissue to her eyes and wiped away the tears vigorously. She then made her way to Sweetie’s room/Guest room. Rarity opened the door to the room and turned on the light. As she was making the weirdly messy and unmade bed, her thoughts circled around her sister. Her dear sweet sister who seems like a maniac to Rarity, but she had to love her no matter what. The good thing about siblings is most of the time, they return your love… Right when you say ‘I love you’, they won’t mind if you have a good relationship with them. But for some, it might take some time for them to say it back to you. That’s what happened to her… She took her time to actually admit that she loved her Spikey-Wikey but she took too long and now he’s moved on. Rarity chuckled to herself as she realized she was thinking about her dilemma instead of her sister and family. Levitating a few of Sweetie Belle’s stuffed toys in her magic, she laid them down in the middle of the ‘made’ bed. Rarity smiled to herself and sat down on a chair in front of the window. She looked down at her backyard, noticing the grass long and ready to cut. She made a mental note of that and just sat there for a few more minutes in silence. After a few more minutes of daydreaming, Rarity gave out a long sigh and brushed away strands of stray hair in front of her eyes. She stood up and gave the room a last look before going back to her own. Rarity took a seat on the edge of her bed and abstractedly opened her bedside drawer to reveal a box. Rarity picked it up and placed it on her lap, breathing in as if to prepare for what’s inside. Once she opened the lid, a heart shaped ruby that perfectly fit a gold outlining was resting inside. Rarity started to feel tears forming at the corners of her eyes as she remembered the memory for this specific object. Rarity gasped as she set eyes on what Spike was holding in his claws. She quickly made her way towards him, her eyes glimmering in delight. “Is that a fire ruby?” Rarity said, looking at the jewel from different angles. “Huh, that must be at least twenty carats! No inclusions, pristine facets…” “And totally delicious.” Spike interrupted, smiling at both Rarity and the ruby. “Uh, if you guys don’t mind…” Twilight said, while levitating some of the books she was organizing. “Oh, uh, of course! I-I just came by to see if you had any books on historical fashions…” Rarity said, nervously smiling before rethinking what Spike said. She look to him. “Did you say...‘Delicious’?” Rarity asked, confused about Spike’s statement. “Sure did! Next week's my birthday, and this is my birthday dinner.” Spike said, basically crushing Rarity’s future plans with the ruby. She lifted an arm to it as Spike walks away. “Start with this one.” Twilight interrupted, levitating a book to Rarity’s gaze and startling her. “Thanks, Twilight. I've got a feeling ruffled taffeta capes are going to make a huge comeback this season, and I want to be ahead of the game…” Rarity trails off as she sees Spike admire the ruby in his claws behind her shoulder. Rarity bit her lip, thinking that she might lose her chance on getting it. “I hope it's as tasty as it is beautiful, Spike. I've never seen anything quite so stunning before.” Rarity said, making her way to Spike as he puts the gem into the case and changing the tone of her voice to a sweet one. Spike looked up to her, picking up the ruby, “Gosh... You really like it, huh?” Rarity saw this as her window and made her move. “Like it? It's magnificent.” She flips her hair and looks straight into Spike’s eyes. She bites her lips and closed her eyes half-way, fluttering her eyelashes to add more to the effect. After a moment or two, she backs away and puts a hand to her chest, silently congratulating herself. She succeeded seducing to get her way once again! Spike sighed in awe and looked away from Rarity, blushing.“Then you should have it.” He took ahold of Rarity’s hand and placed the ruby on it, saying, “This beautiful gem was meant to be with you.” Rarity stared at the ruby, thinking about what just happened and how it was the sweetest thing anyone has done to her. She levitated the gem, smiling while doing so. “I don't know what to say... This is so thoughtful.” Rarity said, walking around Spike while he rocks back and forth on his feet. “Oh, my little Spikey-wikey!” She walks towards Spike and gave him a big kiss on his cheek, leaving a lip print. Spike faints in response while Rarity makes her way to the door, hopping now and then. “Thank you so much!” After closing the door, Rarity immediately thought of the things she was going to do to this fine jewel. She giggled and skipped all the way home. The room filled with sounds of sniffling and sobs as Rarity cried once again. Her vision blurred, seeing drops of her tears on the fire ruby. She wondered how a lady could cry this often without stopping while taking out the jewel from it’s box and gripping it tightly in her hands, slightly getting them damp because of the tears. “I’m such an idiot…” Rarity said in between sobs, digging her perfectly manicured purple nails on the surface of the jewel. She brought the ruby to her chest and continued to cry, not minding the salty tears that entered her mouth. “Sis…?” A voice quietly said, making Rarity stop her crying and looking directly towards her bedroom door. “Sweetie Belle?” Rarity sniffled, quickly putting back the fire ruby in the chest and wiping away her tears to leave no evidence. “A-are you okay?” Sweetie asked in both confusion and concern, walking towards where her big sister was sitting. “Ah, yes! O-of course!” Rarity said, trying to act cheery for her little sister. “W-what made you think I wasn’t alright, hm?” “Because when I came in, I heard you crying…” Sweetie said, sitting down beside Rarity. “Did you use the extra key in the flower bed where my Delphiniums are?” Rarity said sternly, and changed the subject. She remembered the last time Sweetie did this. She almost ruined a whole season’s worth of the lovely flowers and Rarity never got to show them off in front of her boutique. “Yeah… I-I didn’t ruin your Delphiniums this time!” Sweetie Belle added quickly, her voice cracking. “Well, thank you…” Rarity said, clearing her throat. Suddenly, she remembered something and looked to Sweetie. “Weren’t you supposed to arrive tomorrow morning?” She asked as Sweetie tried to avoid her sister’s gaze. “I miiight have sneaked out of the house…” Sweetie Belle said, drumming her fingers on her lap. “Sweetie Belle! You know how father and mother would react!” Rarity sighed, realizing that she was getting Sweetie even more nervous. “Why would you do this again? Was it the same reason as last time you were visiting?” Sweetie Belle hugged Rarity tightly, digging her face into her sister’s bulbous chest, which caused Rarity to turn red. “I just missed you so, so much, big sis! Oh, mom and dad wouldn’t let me go today because they said they wanted to take me here themselves, but I couldn’t help myself!” Sweetie Belle said, tightening her hug. “A-alright! I-I get it!” Rarity chuckled, hugging her sister back as tightly as how she was doing it, causing Sweetie to squeal a bit in Rarity’s arms. Once they released the hug, Rarity wondered something. “Sweetie, darling… Did you carry your bags by yourself?” She asked, earning a small nod from her little sister. Rarity sighed and smiled sweetly at her, receiving a smile back from Sweetie Belle. “I just really missed you…” Sweetie mumbled, lowering her head. It was raised back up by a hand and made her look directly at Rarity. Suddenly, she got kissed sweetly on her nose, making her giggle. “I’ve missed you, too, sweetheart…” Rarity said in a calming tone and they shared another sisterly hug. Rarity sighed and remembered herself crying just a little earlier. She chuckled to herself and heard her little sister ask, “What’s so funny?” “Oh, nothing… Just a funny memory, is all…” Rarity replied and her smile quickly turned into a frown. She patted Sweetie’s back, giving her the signal to stop hugging. “Now, Sweetie… What I’m going to do is call mother and father first thing in the morning and you unpack.” Rarity said as Sweetie Belle stands up. “You can go to sleep for now, we’ll discuss all of this tomorrow, alright?” “Mmh-hm!” Sweetie kissed Rarity’s cheek and made her way to the door. She stopped and looked back to her sister who was about to get ready for bed herself. “I love you, Rarity…” Sweetie Belle said sweetly, but got a different reaction from her big sis. “I-I love you, too, Sweetie… O-off to bed, now..” Rarity stuttered, trying to avoid her sister’s gaze. Once she heard her door creak to a close, she gave out a heavy sigh. “Celestian damnit…” Rarity said under her breath. “Why the hell do I have to suffer like this and feel like a total idiot…” She said to no one in particular and started to feel the familiar wetness in the corner of her eyes. Rarity stopped herself and stomped her way into the washroom, taking a nice, long, hot bath before fully retiring. "Twi, I'm leaving!" Spike shouted to the mare in the kitchen, still finishing her dinner. Spike was about to turn the door knob when magic took control of his claws. He looked behind his shoulder, seeing Twilight walk towards him. "You've said that for 3 days now... Where are you going and what are you doing?" Twilight asked, releasing Spike's claws and crossing her arms, waiting for an answer. "I take a walk at the park near us, clear my mind..." Spike said quietly, making Twilight raise an eyebrow. "If you do take walks, it takes you two hours to come home?" She said, making Spike feel uneasy. "Seriously, last I checked, it only takes about fifteen minutes to get here from the park near us." "Well, I walk really slow..." Spike said with slight cockiness in the tone of his voice. "Spike, you're a dragon, not a sloth... Or Rainbow Dash when she's really tired... You can easily beat me home when we go to Sweet Apple Acres..." Twilight reminded the teen, earning a sigh. "Can I just go for tonight? I promise I'll be home real soon." Spike said as he starts to do his puppy dog eyes. Twilight could not stand seeing her number one assistant sad, but the puppy dog eyes were worse. She tried to avoid them by looking at the bookshelves that surround them, but now she hears whimpering. She looks back at Spike, seeing a dragon who is now on his knees, begging like a poor man. Twilight sighed and rolled her eyes while opening the front door with her magic. "Go before I change my mind..." Twilight mumbled. She looked to Spike, who was still begging. "Go!" "Haha, alright!" Spike laughed, standing up and giving Twilight a quick hug before going outside and making his way to the park. "Be back at midnight!" Twilight yelled out to him, earning a smile and a nod. Once Twilight closed the door, he changed his route. He wasn't going to the park near the library. He was going to the Ponyville bar, and he practically rushed there. Spike took a moment to catch his breath when he reached to front of the building. He greeted the bodyguard beside the front doors and walked in. He breathed in, smelling the aroma of alcohol and cigars. It was a quiet night tonight, the classy songs coming from the piano completed the atmosphere. Spike made his way towards to counter in his usual spot from the las three nights. He asked the bartender for two shots of vodka, something that he starts the night with. He was given two shot classes filled with the liquor a few minutes later and grabbed hold of one while thanking the bartender. He chugged it down, letting the liquid go down his throat and ignoring the burning feeling in his stomach. Spike knows that he should not be drinking, but he's of age here in Ponyville for some reason so he thought of taking advantage of it when he's in need of one. He grabbed the second shot glass, but before he could chug it down, a mare sat beside him, ordering red wine. He suddenly remembered Rarity serving some red wine at a few of Pinkie's parties and said it was was her signature liquor. He shook his head to clear his thoughts of Rarity, which had been very hard ever since he first came to the bar and having a few drinks. "Hey, aren't you Spike?" The mare asked, making him look at her. When Spike laid eyes on her, he couldn't help but be reminded of the mare he's been trying to erase from his mind. She was like a spitting image of her! She had a darker violet mane than Rarity, as well as her fur being just a few shades away from Rarity's. Spike couldn't believe what he was seeing, even her eyes were azure! 'Who is this mare?' Spike wondered, as she chuckles. "I'm guessing you are Spike... You know it's rude to stare at a lady..." She said, as Spike adjusts himself. "Uh... Sorry, miss...?" "Clarity." She said, smiling and holding her hand out, expecting a handshake. Spike hesitated to shake her hand, but did so anyway while slightly blushing at the touch. "Nice to meet you, miss Clarity." Spike greeted confidently and smiled widely, earning one from her. "So, what's a fine mare like yourself doing here?" Spike asked, trying to communicate with the odd and uncanny mare. "Well, I usually come here often, but took a break for a month or something along those lines... Yes..." Clarity explained, taking a sip from her glass of wine while Spike continues to stare at her, wondering how she's so similar to Rarity but still listened to Clarity's explanation. Spike cleared his throat, "Oh? And why come tonight?" Clarity set the glass down and smirked. She looked directly at Spike, causing him to turn red at her face. "Just looking for a little fun..." Clarity whispered loud enough for only Spike, and possibly the bartender, to hear. Spike swallowed the unexpected lump in his throat and tried to look away, but didn't. She giggled, continuing her expression, noticing the teen's reaction. "Did you come here for the same reason, Spike?" She asked, changing the subject, catching Spike's attention and quickly shook his head. "I, uh... I'm here because I've been trying to clear my mind about something problematic lately." He said, fiddling with the empty shot glass with his claws. There was suddenly a hand on top of his claws, making him look at the source. Clarity was uncomfortably close to him, a worried look on her face. "Oh, Spike... Do tell me about it... I'm sure I can resolve it!" She promised, causing Spike to sigh and took his hand away from her's. "It's been three days, and I've been keeping those thoughts to myself... How's somebody going to resolve it when I've been trying to solve it myself for three days?" Spike complained, taking hold of his second shot glass and chugs it. He sighed, "I mean, if I can think about it for long enough, I can resolve it on my own!" "But having someone there for you can help the process go faster!" Clarity said, cupping Spike's cheeks and turned it to face her's. He stared at Clarity's ocean blue eyes, reminding him of Rarity. "Please, Spike... I don't want you to be pained by yourself. I want to share your pain..." Clarity whispered once again, but this time, only Spike heard it. He sighed and closed his eyes. Clarity released her grip and let Spike take in everything that just happened. "Hey, bartender!" Spike called, raising a claw at him. "Give me another couple shots... I have a feeling that I'm going to be here for longer than two hours." Twilight turned the page and read the contents in her head as silence continued to surround her. It was quickly broken by hoofsteps downstairs, making Twilight subconsciously blast her horn with magic. She slowly looked up from her book and got off her bed, trying not to make an echo to the sound downstairs. The steps suddenly stopped, halting Twilight in her tracks who was halfway to the bottom of the stairs. Once the steps continued, Twilight descended and reached the bottom, seeing a shadow of not a pony, but... "Spike?" Twilight called, making the shadow stop and look back. Twilight adjusted herself to see Spike descending the stairs to the basement. "Hi, Twi! What'cha doing, still up?" Spike laughed nervously, facing an angry Twilight. "W-what is it?" "It is 4 o'clock in the morning... And that's what you look like," Twilight paused, massaging her temples. "You ask me 'what'?" "What's wrong with me?" Spike looks down and sees his buttoned up shirt opened at the top and his belt undone as well as one sock missing from his foot, angering Spike; it was one of his favorite pairs, too. "Spike, what in Celestia's name did you do?!" Twilight practically yelled, catching Spike's attention. He could already feel the sweat from above his brow as he tried to explain, "T-this isn't what it looks like, Twi!" "Not what it looks like?! What do you want it to look like, huh, Spike?" Twilight asked sternly, crossing her arms. "Uh, I was just..." Spike stuttered, angering Twilight even more. "Don't make excuses, cause in this situation, there is no excuse." Twilight said, making Spike lower his head. He raised it and walked towards Twilight, looking straight into her eyes. "Can't you at least hear me out, Twi?" He asked as Twilight sighed and rolled her eyes. "Look, I just had a couple of drinks and I met this mare there..." "Are you sure I'm hearing you out, Spike? Cause this is exactly what I was thinking you did, so you don't have to explain it to me." Twilight interrupted, putting a hand on her hip. "Well, it was different after I got drunk," Spike said, crossing his arms as he continues. "Her name was Clarity and she had an uncanny similarity to Rarity. I told her my problem and she helped... I don't know how, but I somewhat feel a little bit better now." Spike explained, earning an eyebrow raise from Twilight. "N-not like that! I don't think she did... Um, t-that's not important! The point is, I'm home, I'm safe and all is good..." Twilight sighed, "Spike, you are missing the actual point here. You came home at 4 o'clock in the morning from the bar and met a mare while you were getting drunk there. You really sure I heard your story properly?" "I wasn't going to drink a lot tonight, I was just there to clear my mind... There was just a little bit of a distraction that got into my way while I was doing so." Spike said, rubbing the nape of his neck. "Well, you obviously weren't responsible enough to realize what was going to happen to you..." Twilight sighed disappointedly, going back upstairs. "Wh-where are you going?" Spike quickly asked, reaching his hand out as if to stop her from leaving. "Going back to bed, what do you think? I'm done... Alright? Done." Twilight said, not even bothering to stop or look over her shoulder. Spike cursed under his breath and kicked the shelf near him, making him curse again. He sighed and shut his eyes for a few seconds as if holding back tears. When Spike opened them back up, he yawned and looked at the clock. "4:36, huh?" He whispered to himself and went down to the basement, going straight to his bed. He got comfortable before recalling what happened at the bar tonight. He closed his eyes and hugged a pillow, burying his nose into it. Then, silence filled the library once again until morning. > Chapter 4: A New Day, A New Excuse > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Beems of sunlight shone through the window, lighting up the queen sized bed inside the bedroom. In the bed was Rarity, sleeping soundly with her eye mask still covering her eyes. She snores quietly as she turns from her position, making her uncomfortable and causing her to slowly sit up. She gives out a long sigh and stretches her arms up, letting out a slight moan. "So much to do," she mumbles to herself, lifting up her eye mask and accepting the sunlight. Rarity then lifted the covers and made her way to the washroom, getting ready for the day. Levitating two of her multiple makeup boxes, she opens one to reveal a variety of colourful eyeshadow. Opening the other one, there were little slots for make up brushes and eyeliner and such. She goes for her usual, everyday makeup, light blue eyeshadow and eyeliner. Rarity added a cat eye effect today, just for fun, while levitating a mascara brush to her eyelashes. Then, simultaneously, she puffs a hint of blush and left her lips a natural rose colour. Taking a last look of herself in the mirror, she smiles and puts away the makeup boxes, then going downstairs. Rarity begins to prepare breakfast, hearing footsteps upstairs, and soon on the stairs. She takes a moment to look over her shoulder to see her little sister rubbing her eyes, still looking sleepy. "Good morning, Sweetie," Rarity greeted, earning a soft smile from her. "Morning, sis," she replies and takes in a deep breath. "What's for breakfast?" "Well, since you're here, I decided to make us your favourite breakfast," Rarity said, flipping a few pancakes in the pan while levitating two plates and chocolate syrup to the dining table. A wide smile crept into Sweetie's lips, suddenly looking as awake as ever. "No... You don't mean," Sweetie was broken off with steaming stacks of chocolate chip pancakes with whipped cream on the top appearing on her plate. She looks up, seeing Rarity put on a sweet smile, handing her the chocolate syrup. "Now, not too much syrup, darling... We don't want you too energized for the day," Rarity said, putting the remaining pancakes on her plate and only a small amount of whipped cream. The two siblings ate their breakfast in silence for a short while before Sweetie spoke up with a full mouth. "So, Wawity... I fought we were fuppofed to call mom anf dad firft fing in fah mowing?" Sweetie reminded, causing Rarity to roll her eyes. "Please, Sweetie Belle, don't talk with your mouth full," Rarity said, taking a small portion from her pancake and popping it into her mouth, chewing ever so elegantly. Sweetie swallowed and apologized, before munching more. "To answer your question, darling... I highly doubt you wanted to start the weekend without breakfast. After eating, surely we'll call mother and father to tell them about what you did, I suppose they would already know you left because it's," Rarity paused to take a look at the clock. "Quarter to nine, and they're usually awake at exactly nine, if my instincts are correct and they haven't changed even after I moved out." "I guess so..." Sweetie said, eating more of the pancakes, being down to her last one after being served three. Rarity finished first, followed by Sweetie taking her last piece before pushing her plate to the middle of the table. Rarity levitated the plates and utensils to the sink and filled it up with water and suds, letting them soak in there for a while. The sisters went into the living room, Sweetie taking a seat on the couch and Rarity grabbing the phone then sitting beside her little sister. "Can I talk to them, Rarity?" Sweetie Belle asked as Rarity nodded, dialing the number and handing Sweetie the phone. Sweetie smiles as she hears someone pick up the phone on the other end. "Yep... I know, I know... No, she's here, she was in her room... Yeah, I have all of my suitcases. No, I didn't forget any, and it's only for the weekend, mom..." Rarity hears loud laughter through the phone, surprised the Sweetie Belle didn't even flinch. Rarity couldn't help but think about what was happening in her life. How could he? No... How could she... She was the one that took way too long to return back his feelings, now he's over her and she couldn't handle the fact. Why was I oblivious to all of the things he was doing for me? Rarity thought, cursing in her head about how she could be such an idiot. Then there was that day, where she just broke and couldn't handle it. She remembers it more than she wanted to. Her heart pounding when she took the seductive approach, her head practically spinning when she told her those three words. The pain she felt when he told her off, that pain that she still feels until now... What in Equestria can I do to prove that I actually and seriously love him? Rarity thought, but her thoughts were broken off by something poking her arm. She looks to see Sweetie Belle poking her with the source of the phone. "Eeyup, she's right here beside me." Sweetie said, handing Rarity the phone. She puts it up to her ear and hears her father over the other side. "Rarity, sweetheart! Why didn't you call us sooner, hun'? You could have called us last night, ya know?" He said, chuckling. "I'm sorry, father... I was a bit occupied before I knew Sweetie Belle was here." Rarity said, looking at her sister. "Occupied, huh? You mean that occupied?" He asks, chuckling over the phone, another voice telling him to stop humiliating his daughter. Rarity blushed at what her father said, knowing that there were a lot of possibilities as to what he was referring. He knew way too much, since he was the only one she could talk to during the weekends when she was a teen, her mother being too busy with work to look after her. "F-father, please! N-no, I was not any of that occupied." Rarity closed her eyes and sighed. "No, I was... I was w-working." "No you weren't," Sweetie butted in, grabbing a red throw pillow and resting it on her crossed legs, hugging it. "I saw you crying in your room, with the jewel Spike gave to you on his birthday." Rarity silently cursed, she really thought that she was quick enough to hide both her feelings and tears. Apparently, Sweetie Belle stood in the doorway a bit longer before speaking. "N-no, no! I wasn't crying, Sweetie Belle, what in Equestria are you talking about?" Rarity stuttered  before looking to Sweetie Belle and drawing an invisible zigzagging line across her neck with her free hand. Sweetie lowered her muzzle into the throw pillow, squeaking. "Now, father, I apologize... Like I said, I was a bit occupied with work before I knew she walked into my boutique. I didn't hear her walk in, despite the bell hovering on top of my door." Rarity said, narrowing her eyebrows on how she couldn't hear the bell. "Alright, alright, I believe ya. Well, other than that, is she alright? Is she sick or anything, because last night was cold!" Magnum asked, Sweetie agreeing with him with a nod. Apparently it was loud enough for Sweetie to hear. "You know what, why don't you ask Sweetie Belle? I'm sure she has more answers..." Rarity said as politely as she could and handed the phone to her sister. Rarity told Sweetie Belle that they were going to take a visit to the library soon, and went up to her room to change. After waking up just a few minutes earlier, Spike was already sweeping the floor in the kitchen. Twilight was still in her room upstairs, Spike guessing that she was reading that new book she got from the Princess. When he reached the fridge, the doorbell rang and Spike heard Twilight screaming at him to get it because she was too busy. Spike sighed and dropped the broom and dustpan on the floor carefully before going to the door and opening it to reveal someone he wasn't expecting to see. "Rarity? What are you doing here?" He asked, as he sees Sweetie Belle just beside her, smiling nervously. He wondered why she seemed nervous, but let both of them in anyway. What's Rarity planning? He thought before offering them a drink. Rarity seemed surprised about something, but he shook it off a got her water and Sweetie Belle some orange juice. "Uhh, what's up?" Spike said, leaning on the nearest wall, accidentally having eye contact with Rarity as a force of being nice and habit, making her blush and look away. He looked away as well as soon as he realized what he was doing. Don't like her anymore, don't like her anymore... Spike kept saying to himself. He lowered his head in sadness as his head filled with the hurtful memories of that day. "Um, we were just wondering if we could borrow a book for Sweetie Belle's project for school? Miss Cheerilee wants the crusaders to make a poster for the class about..." She looks to Sweetie and asks her what it was about, as if it was planned. "Recycling." Spike raised his head up. "Yeah, of course you can. I'll just ask Twilight where the books about it are." He zooms upstairs, not even startling the reading unicorn. "Twilight!" "What is it now, Spike?" Twilight said with no feeling and without looking up from her book. "R-Rarity is here! Along with Sweetie Belle, but Rarity's here!" Spike panicked, but suddenly a small slap from a magic source snapped him out of it. "Calm down, Spike... You won't get to impress her--" Twilight stopped, remembering his issue. "Nevermind, just, stay calm. I'll talk to her, you go help Sweetie Belle." They both walked downstairs to the living room, seeing the two unicorns whispering to each other. "Twilight!" Rarity greeted, standing up and giving her a hug. "Hey, Rare. Uh, can I talk to you for a minute, in the kitchen?" Twilight asked, already making her way there. "Of course," Rarity said, then looked back at Sweetie Belle, "Sweetie, help Spike find those recycling books." The two unicorns entered the kitchen, taking a seat on the dining table. Twilight spoke first. "Rarity, I am fully aware of what Spike and you are dealing with," Rarity nodded as Twilight continues. "I'm sorry for what he said, I don't even know what happened in full detail but that's for you two to only know. I just..." "What has he been saying about me, Twilight?" Rarity asked, cutting off Twilight. She narrowed her eyebrows, looking for one that didn't involve him being an ass and/or crying a river. Suddenly, she thought of one, but that wasn't something to tell Rarity. "Well?" Rarity was waiting, tapping her violet manicured fingers on the table. "Uh," It was now or never, she'll find out anyway. "Spike has been hanging out with this other mare named Clarity who is basically a spitting image of you!" Twilight blurted out, shutting her eyes tightly for Rarity's reaction. "I see, have you seen this 'Clarity' you speak of?" Rarity asked, not even showing any pain from what Twilight just said. "N-no, she hasn't been over yet." Twilight cleared her throat. "I wouldn't let her in anyway." "Why's that?" Rarity asked curiously, making Twilight wonder if Rarity really did have feelings for the teenage dragon she keeps in the library. "Well, because... You do love Spike, don't you?!" Twilight finally asked, Rarity was taken aback, putting a hand on her chest. "Why, of course I do!" Rarity protested. "What makes you think I don't?" "Well, the way you're acting at the moment. I was sorta expecting a bit of jealousy when I said that Clarity was hanging out with Spike, you know?" Twilight explained. "It's because of Spikey being in the other room and I don't want to burst out crying here... Back at the boutique, perhaps." Rarity said honestly, looking at the push in door that seperated the kitchen and the main room. "Right, right... But, still... Just a tad bit of jealousy? I mean, you're getting way to good at hiding you're feelings, Rarity." Twilight reminded her, exaggerating a few words for Rarity to understand. "Yes, well..." Rarity cleared her throat, hinting that she wanted this talk to be over before things get out of hand. Suddenly, as if on cue, Sweetie Belle took a peak inside the kitchen. "Uhh, Spike and I found a few books we could borrow, sis." She said, causing the unicorns to stand up and make their way to the door. "Some other time, Twilight... Here's the jealousy part: try and find this Clarity and tell me what Spikey and her have been doing. Is that better?" Rarity smiled sarcastically at Twilight who threw back the same smile and nodded. Inside the main room, Spike was descending the wooden ladder after putting a few books back into the shelves. "Did you and Rarity have a good talk in the kitchen, Twi? You took awfully long." Spike asked, dusting himself off. "Yeah, yeah... We did, um..." Twilight took a look at the clock, reading that it was almost nine. "Rarity, you and Sweetie Belle should go home, it's getting late." "You're right, Twilight." Rarity said, levitating the books Sweetie seemed to have trouble holding and made their way towards the door. She looked over her shoulder, giving a quick wink to Twilight before saying farewell. "We'll return these books as soon as Sweetie's done with her project!" With that, she closed the door. Twilight looked to Spike who was looking back at her. "Did she just wink at you?" "No, I think it was for you." Spike corrected, blushing. "Hey, Spike." "Yeah?" "You should invite Clarity for dinner tomorrow..." > Chapter 5: Aware Of Both Hurt & Love > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- As soon as the two unicorns walked into the kitchen to talk to each other, Spike assisted Sweetie Belle with the books she needed for her project. After providing the little filly with a book he quickly got from the third highest shelf titled, “Recycling: 101”, Spike let Sweetie Belle sit down while he looks for more. “So, Sweets… How’s life treating ya?” Spike casually asks as Sweetie opens the book to a random page and tilts her head in confusion. “Eh, it’s not that bad. I’m getting average marks that I think mom and dad are happy with. I don’t think Rarity will approve, though.” She replied, giggling at the end. “Hehe, I suppose she’s looking for more from you because she knows how much potential you have, Sweetie.” Spike told the white filly who was still flipping through the pages. He comes down from the ladder with a stack of a few books. “Thanks, Spike. You have lots of potential, too!” Sweetie complimented, trying to levitate the majority of the books Spike was holding but was clearly having trouble. Spike noticed this, quick to keep the books to himself until he puts them down on a table. “Ah, I think I’m good, Sweets. I got this! I’m a big boy now!” Spike joked, laughing with the filly and sitting beside her. “Sorry, I just wanted to show you how far I've gone in my lessons from Twilight.” Sweetie Belle explained, levitating one of the books from the pile into her hands and opening to a random page. “Well, with enough practice, you’d be able to levitate the majority of these books like Twi during Re-shelving Day.” Spike told her with confidence and smiled. “Gee, I hope so! I’d like to show Twilight how much I’m improving!” Sweetie Belle giggled, swaying her legs back and forth. “It’s awesome that you believe in yourself so much, Sweets… Wish I could do that.” Spike said, flipping through one of the books from the pile. “Well, you already do that. Don’t you still believe that Rarity will have the same feelings for you as you do for her? I mean, you still love her, right?” Sweetie Belle reminded Spike of his current situation. He stiffens up, lowering his head. “Yeah… Yeah, I still do…” Spike said quietly, letting out a soft sigh. “What’s wrong? Did I say something I wasn't supposed to?” Sweetie asked worryingly. Spike shook his head, subsiding what he said that day and continued to talk to Sweetie Belle. “Hey, how’s Rare by the way? Is she doing alright, I haven’t got the chance to see her in a while.” “Oh, I don’t think she’s alright at all… I've caught her acting strange at times, mostly being sad. Like, really sad, crying and talking to herself negatively. And I think that’s a huge problem. I-I’m worried about her, Spike.” Sweetie suddenly became quiet and seemed to be sad herself. “H-hey, Sweets... “ Spike tried to get her attention and made her look at him. “We’ll find out what’s bothering her. Don’t worry, okay?” Sweetie nodded and managed a small smile. She then flipped through the pages of another book and put the previous one back into the pile, actually reading some of the paragraphs. Spike, on the other hand, was losing his mind. He looked calm and collected on the outside, but on the inside, he was screaming. He wanted to break down and cry, ask himself how he could let something like that happen just because he was tired of all the nicknames and telling him he was cute in a little kid way. But he couldn't now, Sweetie was with him, as well as the two girls still in the kitchen. Most importantly, Rarity was here. She wouldn't want to see him like that, even though she’s had the dose of that herself at the boutique. “Damn, how could I let this happen?” Spike mumbled, thankful for not catching Sweetie’s attention. She seemed too into the book that Spike interrupted her and asked if she wanted to take that out. “Yeah, it seems like the perfect book for my project! I didn't know they recycled rainbows.” Sweetie said excitedly, making Spike tilt his head at the information randomly thrown at him. “Alright, I’ll put the rest away, then.” Spike told Sweetie Belle, earning a nod and starts to grab the books and climb up the ladder. After doing so, he climbs down and the two unicorns finally came out from the kitchen. “Did you and Rarity have a good talk in the kitchen, Twi? You took awfully long.” Spike asked, dusting himself off. He suddenly became nervous, seeing Rarity here again made it really awkward and dejecting. After saying goodbye to Rarity and Sweetie Belle, Twilight asked the most confusing request Spike has ever heard from her. Inviting Clarity over might be the worst mistake he might have said yes to. Outside of Carousel Boutique, Rarity was trying to find her keys, using her horn as a light. Sweetie Belle was behind her, waiting for her sister to get the right one while hugging the book to her chest. “Hey, sis, you got it yet?” She impatiently asked, hearing a grunt from her sister. “What do you think, Sweetie Belle?” Rarity asked sarcastically. “Uhhh… no.” Sweetie answered, looking away from her big sister’s gaze. Rarity sighs and after another try, she got the right key and opened the door to a dark living room. Deciding to light a few candles instead of turning on the lights, she took off her heels and left them beside the legs of the couch before crashing onto the couch. Sweetie Belle looked at her sister confusingly, wondering what got her so tired. “Are you okay, Rarity?” She asked, sitting beside Rarity who wasn't sitting in a lady like position at all. “Of course, yes…” Rarity said so simply and flatly that Sweetie was worried that someone took over her real big sister. “You sure? Because the big sister I know would have ranted about why she isn't sitting in a proper position and being fatigued.” Sweetie explained, putting the book on the coffee table. “I-I’m not in the mood, Sweetie Belle.” Rarity said, closing her eyes in frustration and massaging her temples. Sweetie decided to change the subject and tell her big sister the conversation she had with Spike earlier in the library. “So, Rarity… I uh, told Spike that you've been very sad lately.” “Mhm…” Rarity already knew that Spike knew she was sad, so that didn't really worry her. “He told me that he still hopes that you’d return his feelings for him and that he lo-” Sweetie Belle was cut off by Rarity, covering her mouth. “W-what did you say?!” Rarity was suddenly staring Sweetie in the eyes with her own, wide open and alert. “Heh pihll lufs ou.” Sweetie managed to say, before Rarity realizes that she couldn't understand anything her little sister was saying and removed her hand. “Say that again, please.” Rarity asked quickly. “He still loves you, Rarity.” Sweetie told her. Almost immediately, Rarity had tears in her eyes and was covering her mouth to prevent her from letting out unladylike sounds while crying, but couldn't and you could hear squeals, sniffling, whimpering. She was blubbering, almost sobbing, but she was completely aware they were tears of joy. Rarity hugged Sweetie Belle tightly for a long time, trying to thank her for the information she gave her. “Rarity, are you okay?” Sweetie Belle asked, earning a nod from the still wailing unicorn, her make-up running. “Oh, S-Sweetie Belle! I-I love yo-you sooooo muuuuuuucchhhh!” Rarity blubbered out, obviously happy. Sweetie Belle smiled softly, closing her eyes and let her big sis hug her little sis for as long as she wanted. They stayed like that for hours, with Rarity still shedding as much tears of joy she could that night and Sweetie Belle finally making her big sister very, very happy.