> Rainbow Bouquets and Mayday Parades > by FamousLastWords > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > In My Head > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Faster, Spike! Faster!” A cyan Pegasus called out to the dragon flying above her. “But Rainbow, I’m trying my-“ “No excuses!” “Erg…” Soaring as fast as he could, Spike tucked his wings and twisted his body to the left, effectively rolling midair. He then quickly spread his wings once more to gain elevation. “There! I did it! A perfect barrel roll! Can I rest now?” Spike had been performing aerial feats all afternoon with Rainbow Dash, and he was worn out. “Good work, Spike. I knew you could do it! You can take a break now.” She patted the spot next to her on the cloud she was sitting on. It was Friday. The day that had been designated as flight training day for the previous four months since Spike had grown his wings. It wasn’t an easy change, and Rainbow Dash immediately jumped on the opportunity to teach the dragon how to fly. She would not only be able to help him use his new apendages, but improve her own coaching abilities as well. However, what started as rigorous training and exercise quickly evolved into enjoyable afternoons together. As the duo learned more about each other, their friendship grew much stronger. Unbeknownst to the Pegasus, Spike had been developing feelings for the athletic mare. Throughout the time they’ve spent together, he realized not only all the similarities they shared, but also their differences that served only to complement each other further. She was bold, brash and beautiful. He was easy-going, reserved, and had grown into quite a handsome specimen himself, roughly the size of a young stallion. It was a perfect match… to him at least. Either way, he was more than happy to have her friendship. “So, Rainbow? How’s my overall progress coming along? With flying, I mean.” Spike laid his back against the comfortable cloud surface that he and Rainbow were sharing. “Honestly? You’re doing awesome! I mean, you’ve been flying for a few months and you’re already WAY better than half the Pegasus ponies I know!” Her face was adorned with a proud smile. “You really think so?” “Definitely!” “Well, awesomeness is just a side effect of being a dragon,” he said with a snicker, earning one in return from his friend. “Sure, sure. So you’re just born with awesomeness, then?” “What can I say? It’s just part of the dragon job description. It's right up there with being a girl magnet. It’s a full-time job!” His mock seriousness caused them both to break out in laughter. “Oh, yeah? I’m sure you’re just beating ‘em off with sticks!” Their laughter finally died down, allowing normal conversation to resume. “Yea, I wish. I think most ponies are kind of afraid of me. I mean, I’m getting older, and adult dragons don’t exactly have the best reputation here in Equestria.” He let out a deep breath, before giving a slight smirk. “Maybe being a dragon isn’t always awesome.” “Well, for the record, Spike, I think you’re awesome. And if I think that, who cares what anyone else says!” She nudged his arm with her hoof, while giving him a wink. “If other mares can’t see that, they’re too lame for you anyway.” Spike cracked a smile. She always managed to cheer him up. “Thanks, Dash. But you’re my best friend. You have to say that,” he said, chuckling to himself. “True, but I actually mean it! Anyway, Spike… Are there any ponies you have your eyes on?” His face flushed red. This conversation just took a turn for the awkward. Should I tell her how I feel? Or is there too much at stake?! He mulled over his thoughts for a few seconds before responding. “Well, umm, maybe. Kinda… I don’t know. Why do you ask?” Wait… Why did I ask? It was Rainbow’s turn to question her thoughts. It was no great secret that Spike had grown into a very attractive young dragon. She’s never had an interest in romance before, though. “Eh, just curiosity I suppose.” She swatted a stray bead of sweat from her brow. “Well, it’s complicated. But, there is a mare I like, I guess. Romance isn’t exactly my area of expertise.” “Are we still talking about Rarity? ‘Kuz I feel obliged to as your friend to tell you it’s never gonna happen.” She turned and gave the young dragon a no-nonsense look. “Ha, don’t worry. That ship has sailed. It’s someone different.” He felt sweat trickling down from his forehead as his heart rate rose. “That’s good. I don’t want to see you get hurt. But about this new mare… Can you tell me who she is?” Rainbow’s eyes grew, showcasing her curiosity. “Umm, sorry, I don’t think I can tell you right now.” Her ears drooped with disappointment. “But I will someday, alright?” “Alright, that’s fair.” She perked back up, before taking on a serious face. “I don’t know a whole lot about love and stuff, Spike, but I will tell you one thing I know that could help you.” “What’s that?” “When you like someone, don’t wait. Tell them the first chance you get, or it’s gonna be too late.” The pair looked into each other’s eyes for a brief moment, before bursting into laughter once more. “Whoa! Did I actually here wisdom come out of your mouth?! Ha!” “Wow, I have no idea where that came from!” The two friends continued to laugh for a few minutes before it finally died down. “Well, it’s getting late. I should probably head home. You know how Twilight gets when I’m late.” The dragon stood up from the cloud surface, extending a claw to help Rainbow up as well. “Oh, trust me, I understand. Unhappy Twilight is scary. Well, I’ll see you later, Spike.” The two stared into each other’s eyes, slowly moving toward each other without thinking. Snapping back to reality, Spike darted down his gaze to his shuffling feet. “He-he, umm, well, bye Dash.” “Yea, uh, see you around, Spike.” Face blushing, she turned around and soared away at light speed, leaving Spike to return to his own home. > 2nd Sucks > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Twilight!” The unicorn in question jumped from her seat on the living room couch as her dragon assistant bulldozed through the front door. “Spike? What’s wrong?!” “I have a problem!” He flopped on the couch next to Twilight, attempting to catch his breath. He had been flying full speed the entire distance back to the library. “A problem?” Twilight was perplexed as to what could be wrong. Heavy panting, eyes wide with panic… this could be serious! “What is it, Spike? How can I help?” He began rubbing the back of his head. “Well, it’s uhh, kinda awkward to talk about…” A blush seared his cheeks. Oh Celestia… It couldn’t be THAT kind of problem could it? I thought Fluttershy already had the talk with him… No, I’m sure it’s completely innocent. Twilight was able to resume regular breathing after calming herself down. “… and, well, it involves Rainbow Dash.” “R-Rainbow Dash?” Twilight said with a quivering voice. “Yea… it’s a pretty serious situation, Twi.” Her thoughts went on a carnival ride. Oh no… Please don’t tell me that he… and Rainbow... Did they? Is that what they’ve been doing every Friday?! *gasp* What if she’s pregnant, and he’s coming to me for advice? What do I say?! Oh Spike… Twilight’s face was frozen in a look of disbelief, staring into the distance as her thoughts were commanding full attention from every part of her mind. With the sound of a dragon’s fingers snapping by her ear, she was able to return to the real world. “Okay, Spike. Be calm. I understand this is difficult, but I promise you and Rainbow will have my full support and help with whatever you need!” She leaned over and locked him in a tight hug. “Umm, thanks Twi. This crush I have on her is really taking a toll on me. I’m not even sure how to tell her!” “Crush?” She pulled away from the embrace. “Well yea, it started awhile back, and the more time we spent together, the more I liked her.” He shot her a quizzical look. “What did you think I was talking about?” “Umm, well, never mind that. But that’s great! Rainbow is wonderful mare.” She gave Spike a heartwarming smile, whilst taking her thoughts down from red alert. “I know! She’s everything I could ever want.” He let out a large sigh. “But that’s the problem! I don’t know how to approach someone with her… awesomeness! Like, when’s the right moment?” Twilight took a quick moment to glance over Spike. He had grown up. He was a handsome young drake, and he was falling in love. She was proud. “Spike, you’re pretty awesome yourself, so don’t for a second doubt yourself. Anybody would be fortunate to have you. But, I’m gonna give you some advice I learned once.” “What is it?” “If you keep waiting for the right moment to happen, it never will. You’re going to have to make it happen.” “Make it happen?” “Yes. If you keep waiting, it’s gonna be too late. And I’m sure you don’t want to have to see Rainbow with someone else, do you?” “No way!” Those words settled it. “Do you honestly think she’ll want to be with me? I mean, I am a dragon after all.” “True, you are a dragon. But you’re also Rainbow’s best friend. I can’t say what will happen, but I know you’ll live to regret it if you don’t try.” She gave him a sweet smile. Spike quickly got up and headed for the door. He knew what he had to. “Hey, Twilight? What time does the flower stand close?” * * * * * * Spike was browsing through the vast selection of floral gifts at Roseluck’s stand. He wasn’t sure if flowers were exactly Rainbow’s thing, but it seemed like a safe bet. “Do you need any help?” Roseluck questioned, a cheery grin upon her face. “Well, I suppose I do,” Spike replied, glancing from flower to flower. “I’m trying to pick out a bouquet for a very special mare. I’m just not sure what to choose!” “Well, flowers are definitely an excellent way to win over a mare! How about you tell me what makes her so special, and we can go from there.” “Alright, that sounds good.” What does make her special? There’s so much! “Well, for starters, she’s got a fiery personality that just, like, grows on you. But she also has a kind of natural charm that’s impossible to resist!” “Hmm…” Roseluck glanced around her stall for a moment before bringing out a fiery orange flower and a green one as well. “Well, I think this Marigold and Zinnia would perfectly match the fire and charm you love.” “Yea, those would be awesome!” Let’s see, what else do I like? “I also love her bright outlook on everything. No matter what’s going on, she always makes me smile and brings out the best in everything.” “Oh, that’s sweet, Spike.” She gave the young dragon a smile, and brought out a yellow flower this time. “This daffodil is just right!” “That will be great! But, you know,” he rubbed his chin in thought, “although she has a tough, proud exterior, she has a very sweet and vulnerable side to her as well. It’s very endearing.” The floral seller rummaged through her merchandise and set out an indigo shaded tulip and a delicate blue snapdragon. “I think these should do nicely!” “Thanks, Roseluck. But there’s also the simplest reason of all that I like her. She’s beautiful. She doesn’t have to wear makeup, or spend hours in the bathroom to enhance her appearance. She has a natural prettiness.” “Well in that case, this Violet is what you need!” She put the flower with the others that had been chosen for the bouquet. “Is that it, Spike?” “Actually, there’s one last flower I need. A rose!” Spike picked out a perfect, red rose and placed it with the other flowers. “Twilight once said that the rose represents true love and passion. And, to be honest, I believe I’m falling in love with Rainbow Dash!” “Well, Spike. Rainbow is one lucky mare.” She gave him a compassionate smile and a quick wink. Spike felt his cheeks burn at the compliment. “Thanks so much for all your help!” Spike handed over the appropriate amount of bits and wrapped up the special bouquet. “Wish me luck!” With that, Spike took a running start and jumped into the air. It was time to make the moment happen, and win the mare he loved! Hopefully… > Kiss Me Again > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The sun was starting to set in the horizon as Spike arrived at Rainbow Dash’s cloud home. It was the moment of truth. He began nervously pacing back and forth in front of her house, going over what he was going to say. Alright, she’ll open the door, I’ll hand her the flowers and confess my undying love for her, and we all have a happy ending! Spike threw his palm into his face. There’s no way it will be that easy! I’ll have to try a more subtle approach. After another minute or so of mental preparation, Spike finally felt he was ready. Okay, this is it. Spike firmly rapped on the front door of Rainbow’s cloud home, gently grasping the bouquet in his free hand. His legs instantly felt the desire to buckle beneath his body. A series of banging, crashing and other noises went on inside before a cyan blue pony peaked outside the door. “Whoa, who is- Hey! Spike! What you doing here?” She stepped outside, and walked up to Spike, beaming a large smile. Spike’s heart stopped for a moment, ceasing all his brain functionality. He was simply left there, unable to move or speak, looking at the mare in front of him. “Umm, you okay, Spike? Is something wrong?” Rainbow asked with concern. Her question caused Spike to return to his senses. Now or never! “I LOVE YOU!” …Crap! That was not as subtle as I hoped. Rainbow’s face was a blank stare, perfectly combining the look of being surprised and confused. Oh, no! What have I done?! I have to do something… But what? Oh, I almost forgot! The flowers! “Umm, I brought you these flowers!” He held out the bouquet to the cyan Pegasus. “Umm, Spike?” Her gaze traveled between the dragon and the flowers he was holding out. “Yea, sorry. I wasn’t really sure if you like flowers or anything, but it seemed like a good idea at the time…” “Spike?” “…and don’t worry. I can totally return the flowers if you don’t like them...” “Spike!” “…I think I have the receipt still, so umm, you know, it shouldn’t be a problem to go back and get a refund-“ “SPIKE!” The babbling dragon suddenly snapped out of his nervous ramble, noticing the Pegasus that was staring him right in the eyes. “Umm… yea, Rainbow?” He suddenly felt the bouquet swiftly removed from his claws, followed by a pair of wings and hooves wrapping around his back. He was then greeted with the feeling of a pony nuzzling his cheek. “Spike, I love the flowers!” Rainbow stepped back from the dragon, and eyed the bouquet. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, flowers aren’t really my thing, but I love these ones.” She gave him the most adorable smile she had. “R-Really? Like, you actually like them?” Spike questioned, with a hint of disbelief in his voice. “Yes, I really do. You know why? Because somepony, some dragon that I love gave them to me.” She quickly wrapped him in another hug. “That, and I’ve gotta admit, I’ve never seen a rainbow-colored flower bouquet before! That is super cool!” The realization struck like a bolt of lightning when Spike turned his gaze to the flower bouquet Rainbow was holding in her wing. The flowers he had picked out, one by one, made up the color of the rainbow. Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Talk about ironic. “Spike, this is probably, like, the sweetest, most awesome thing anyone’s ever done for me.” She gave him a tender smile, and nuzzled him once again. “Well, I told the flower pony that I was buying flowers for a very special mare that I cared a lot about, and that only something super special would do.” Spike noticed her cheeks growing a shade of crimson as he spoke. “So, I picked out a flower for everything I love about you. And, I guess, according to these flowers, I love everything that makes you, you.” He grinned sheepishly. “It’s kinda cheezy sounding when you say it out loud.” “Umm, Spike?” “Yes, Dash?” “That was the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard.” She stood up on her back legs and wrapped her wings behind his head, looking him right in the eye. “But, please, this would have been so much simpler and faster if you just asked me out.” She gave the dragon and playful smirk, and before he could respond, she pushed her lips right against his. Taken by surprise, Spike did the only thing he could think of. He gently laced his arms around her back, and kissed her back. Everything about the moment felt perfect. Both of the lovers’ thoughts were going full speed. Oh my gosh, this is so awesome! My best friend is now my boyfriend! Eeep! Rainbow jumped slightly, feeling a claw digging into her back. We’ll have to find a way to work on that… Geez, I can’t believe this is actually happening! Spike was in elation, feeling his lips pressed against the mare in his arms. …I wonder if it would be weird if I said her mane smells like candy… and soap. Yea, that’d probably be weird. After a few more seconds of gentle kissing, Spike felt her tongue push its way into his mouth, and entwine with his own. “Whoa, you move fast.” Spike chuckled slightly, breaking the kiss. “He-he, did you expect anything less?” She gave him a cocky grin. “Now, get in the house!” She thrust a hoof in the direction of the front door they were standing by. “Are you sure? I mean, it’s kinda late, and I don’t want Twi to-“ “Sorry, but you have no choice! Your kissing needs a lot of fine tuning, and you’re not going home until you get it right!” She gave him a quick wink before dragging him into her home. All Spike could do was smile as Rainbow dragged him to and fro. This was probably going to be his most fun training activity yet.